Climate change and health: an update on the RACP controversy, and other news
As previously reported at Croakey, a recent media statement on climate change from the Royal Australasian College of Physicians generated
www.croakey.orgHere’s a concise update on the latest news about the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP).
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A major infighting story dominated headlines in early 2026, highlighting leadership disputes and governance tensions within the RACP. The coverage depicted rival factions vying for control of the college’s presidency and board, leading to highly charged meetings and regulatory scrutiny. This has raised questions about the college’s ability to focus on training and accreditation, with members expressing concern about distractions from core mission and standards.[1]
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Separate, older regulatory and accreditation context remains relevant. In 2024–2025, the Australian Medical Council (AMC) accreditation processes signaled that the RACP’s education and training programs substantially met accreditation standards, with a four-year accreditation period granted subject to ongoing monitoring. This background helps situate the current governance debates within an established framework of program quality, even as internal leadership questions continue to unfold.[4][6]
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The RACP maintains a public-facing communications and events presence. The college posts news and events outlining its training, member services, and broader activities across 33 specialties in Australia and New Zealand, which remains a core channel for member updates and governance notices. This suggests the organization continues to operate various programs and initiatives despite internal disagreements.[9][10]
Illustration: The governance turmoil is often summarized as a struggle over leadership and direction at a historically established college, with ongoing debates about constitutional changes, board governance, and member votes shaping the current landscape.[1]
Notes:
- The coverage referenced above reflects reporting on internal disputes and regulatory scrutiny as of 2026. If you’d like, I can pull the latest public statements from the RACP’s site or provide a brief timeline of key events and outcomes as they become available.[10][9][1]
Citations:
- Reporting on internal disputes and governance dynamics at the RACP.[1]
- AMC accreditation status and monitoring for RACP programs.[6][4]
- RACP News and events pages for official updates and programs.[9][10]