The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM; the College) acknowledges proceedings lodged in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia by a small number of individuals who continue to feel affected by alleged racial discrimination in the College's Fellowship Clinical Examination (OSCE).
The action arises from a 2017 complaint received by the College from a group of trainees in the FACEM Training Program alleging racial discrimination in the College's 2016.2 Fellowship Clinical Examination (OSCE). The College responded immediately to the complaint by convening an Expert Advisory Group on Discrimination (the EAG) to examine the complaint and provide recommendations to the ACEM Board. The Final Report of the EAG was delivered in October 2017 and considered by the ACEM Board. The resultant EAG Action Plan, along with the EAG Final Report may be found on the ACEM website.
Since that time the College has delivered on all actions outlined in the EAG Action Plan in response to the allegations contained in the original complaint. Unfortunately, a small number of individuals remain dissatisfied with the College's response and, following proceedings conducted through the Australian Human Rights Commission, which failed to resolve matters to their satisfaction, have launched legal proceedings in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia against the College.
The action alleges unlawful discrimination under section 46PO of the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986, and seeks a range of orders from the Court.
The College is extremely disappointed that we have not been able to find a resolution to this point and regrets the distress this has had on the individuals involved. The College confirms that it does not condone discrimination of any sort and, while acknowledging the rights of the individuals to pursue this path, the College will defend the allegations and welcomes the opportunity for its robust response to the allegations and its actions through the EAG Action Plan to be tested independently.
Background
ACEM is the peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and New Zealand, responsible for training emergency physicians and advancement of professional standards. www.acem.org.au
