Australia's specialist medical colleges will speak with one unified voice on healthcare policy under major governance reforms designed to accelerate responses to workforce shortages and access barriers.
The transformation comes at a critical time for Australian healthcare, with the system facing ongoing workforce pressures and access challenges that require coordinated responses across all medical specialities.
"Our previous structure was a historical legacy. We are building a voice for specialist doctors, including GPs, that is responsive, accessible and can respond to challenges in real time," said A/Prof Sanjay Jeganathan, Chair of the Board and President of the Council of Presidents of Medical Colleges. "This unanimous decision shows we are united and ready to help shape urgent healthcare reform with a clear, strong voice."
CPMC CEO Jodie Long said the changes will enable more agile decision-making and clearer communication with government, health departments, and other stakeholders, positioning the peak body as more transparent, responsive, and strategically focussed in its advocacy role.
The changes, approved at a Special General Meeting on 17 July, replace CPMC's traditional single-council structure with a model featuring a Representative College Council of Presidents and a separate Board of Directors. This moves away from the previous 16-member council that functioned as both representative body and board.
The reforms reflect CPMC's commitment to better listening to members and stakeholders, empowering the organisation to respond quickly to the changing nature of Australia's healthcare system.
Under the new structure, the Representative College Council will ensure all member colleges maintain their voice in organisational direction, whilst the separate Board will provide focussed strategic leadership and enhanced accountability.
About us:
The Council of Presidents of Medical Colleges (CPMC) is the peak body for Australia's specialist medical colleges. https://cpmc.edu.au/our-governance
