Chair's Report - February 2026

Dear Colleagues

Since the last Chair's Report, I have met twice with the NSW Minister for Health and have developed a constructive and respectful working relationship with the Secretary for Health. These discussions have centred on several key advocacy priorities for NSW surgeons.

A significant focus has been the temporary cessation of the RACS interface with CHASM by the NSW Government, pending development of a new audit framework to be administered by the Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC). The Committee's position has been consistent and unequivocal: any successor system must continue to review deaths in both Public and Private hospitals, retain independent peer review as its cornerstone, and preserve meaningful surgical oversight.

We have formally requested reinstatement of CHASM until the new system is fully operational to ensure continuity of audit, professional standards, and public confidence. There will be RACS involvement in the governance and design of the new framework. In the meantime, you can email to ask for any outstanding forms or to ensure that you are compliant for CPD.

Discussions with the Minister have also addressed cross-border parental leave, including recognition of prior service for interstate trainees and Post Fellowship Education and Training (PFET) Fellows. This is an issue of fairness, workforce sustainability, and retention of surgical talent. Minister Park indicated that he would look to champion this nationally, which would represent a very positive outcome for trainees across jurisdictions.

There is an upcoming vote by the Australian Orthopaedic Association (AOA) to pursue independent Australian Medical Council (AMC) accreditation outside of RACS. This represents a significant moment for the College and for surgical education nationally.

While we respect the autonomy of individual specialties to determine their preferred accreditation pathway, the NSW Committee firmly believes that there is enduring strength in remaining united within a single surgical College. A cohesive College provides shared standards, collective advocacy power, and a unified voice in training, professional standards, and patient safety. Fragmentation risks dilution of influence at a time when strong surgical representation in national policy and accreditation discussions is more important than ever. Our preference remains to work constructively toward solutions that maintain alignment, collegiality, and the long-term integrity of surgical training across all specialties.

Finally, it has been an absolute honour to serve as Chair of RACS NSW for the past two years. I sincerely thank the members of the NSW Committee and the NSW Office staff for their dedication, professionalism, and unwavering support throughout my term.

I congratulate Dr Danette Wright on her appointment as incoming Chair of RACS NSW and wish her every success in the role.