Membership Fees Refund Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the principles governing the refund of RACGP membership fees for renewing and new members.

2. Application

This policy applies to all members of the RACGP in relation to membership fees only and is to be read in conjunction with the RACGP Constitution.

This policy complies with applicable Australian Consumer Law.

3. Basis for Refund

Membership fees are non-refundable after the cooling-off period expires. The cooling-off period runs for 20 business days after the date of application or renewal.

After the cooling-off period, the RACGP may, at its sole discretion, consider refunds for cessation of membership in exceptional circumstances such as serious illness, disability, financial hardship, or death.

Overpayment can be reversed or credited upon the RACGP being satisfied as to the amount of overpayment and does not require consideration under this policy as a refund request (including membership category changes).

4. Eligibility

All refund requests must be made in writing, outlining the reason and, where relevant, providing any supporting documentation.

Refunds will not be granted where a member ceases to be eligible for membership in the relevant category, for example

• A resolution of the Board under clause 27 of the Constitution expelling them.
• Suspension from medical practice by any medical or professional authority recognised by the Board of the RACGP;
• Removal from the register of any medical or professional authority recognised by the Board of the RACGP; or
• Voluntary resignation without an application for refund, and evidence of extenuating circumstances (e.g., serious illness, disability, financial hardship, or other exceptional cases assessed by the RACGP)

5. Applying for a Refund

Refund requests must be submitted by using the 'Membership refund request form'.

The applicant must provide the reason for the membership cancellation and exceptional circumstances, giving rise to the refund request, along with relevant supporting evidence.

The RACGP reserves the right to refuse a refund if the applicant does not provide sufficient information to verify eligibility to process the request.

All personal information provided will be managed in accordance with RACGP’s Privacy Policy.

6. Calculation of Refund

Pro-rata refunds are calculated on the unused portion of the membership term and may be approved at RACGP’s discretion, ensuring decisions are fair, transparent, and consistently applied.

7. Payment of Refunds

The RACGP will use its best endeavours to pay any approved refund within 20 business days of receiving a valid application - excluding holidays and the RACGP’s mandatory shutdown periods.

Refunds will be processed via the original payment method or the nominated bank account provided by the applicant.

8. Amendment of this Policy

The Chief Financial & Corporate Services Officer (CFCSO) may, without the consent of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), make minor amendments to this policy at any time.

If the CFCSO makes minor amendments, they must advise the CEO as soon as practical.

If the CFCSO makes minor amendments, they must advise the CEO as soon as practical.

9. Responsibilities

CEO	Responsible for the approval of this policy and amendments. May authorise exceptions to any part of this Policy.
CFCSO	Responsible for Minor Amendments.

 

10. Glossary

Major Amendment	An amendment that materially changes the operation of the policy which is not otherwise a minor amendment
Minor Amendment	An amendment to style, to correct grammatical mistakes, change overall formatting, make updates that do not materially change meaning, or any other amendment, which in the opinion of the Censor-in-Chief, does not materially alter the operation of the policy.

 

11. Related documents, legislation and policies

RACGP Constitution

12. Policy review and currency

This policy will be reviewed every 3 years from the last approval date or when there is a significant change in its intent. This policy remains valid and applicable, notwithstanding whether it is overdue for review..