Statement attributed to Dr Astha Tomar, President, RANZCP

I agreed to participate in what I understood to be a discussion on gender, racism and leadership in medicine. At the time I accepted the invitation, my understanding was that this would be a panel discussion held in conjunction with a dinner event, with registration fees covering venue and catering costs. I acknowledge I made an error in not reading information about the dinner that stipulated it was intended to raise funds for the candidate concerned. 

When it became clear to me that the event also included a political fundraising component, I immediately recognised that this created governance, reputational and perception risks in relation to my role as President of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP). I promptly raised these concerns with the organisers, withdrew my participation, ensured the event was cancelled, and informed the Board. 

I recognise that, as advertised, the proposed event could have created a perception of partisan political involvement that is inconsistent with the independence and political neutrality expected of the Office of President and of the College more broadly. Once this became apparent, I acted promptly to address the matter.

In the interests of transparency and good governance, I informed the Board once the decision was made to cancel the event.

The RANZCP has a long-standing commitment to maintaining political independence while engaging constructively with governments and policymakers of all persuasions in the interests of patients, communities and the profession. I fully support that principle and recognise that members rightly expect the College and its office holders to uphold it.

In relation to concerns raised regarding potential conflicts of interest, I consider it important that actual, potential and perceived conflicts are identified and appropriately managed in accordance with established governance processes. The concerns raised in relation to this event were taken seriously, and the event did not proceed.

The Victorian Branch Chair has appropriately declared his personal connection to an election candidate in April 2026, as required.

I understand why some members have expressed concern and appreciate that maintaining trust in the independence and integrity of the College is of fundamental importance.

Note: The Australian has amended their full online story on the matter to include that Victorian Branch Chair Dr Simon Stafrace has declared his personal connection to the candidate in April 2026.