Whilst the Elections Policy defines a candidate as a person who has submitted a valid nomination, any election conduct is covered by the Elections Policy. If any RACGP member declares their candidature for an election or is campaigning for election as an upcoming candidate, then their campaigning conduct is covered by the Elections Policy. 

The campaigning rule to step down from RACGP positions is formally required by the Elections Policy once candidates are announced, however should any RACGP member be campaigning as aforementioned, Conflict of Interest Policy provisions apply as the person is now running for office and that would have to be addressed.

In addressing this, any upcoming candidate that holds a role with the RACGP and that is campaigning must discuss with either the Returning Officer, Company Secretary or Chair of the Board how their campaign activities may impact their current roles/positions held with the RACGP, addressing this conflict of interest and expected behaviours in holding these dual commitments.

An overview of the role of the President are outlined under ‘The role of the President – what’s involved’ at the top of this page. More detailed requirements are also available in the President position description. We encourage all prospective candidates to read both before submitting a nomination.

Only current Fellows of the RACGP can be nominated for the role of President. 

Nominations must be supported by two eligible RACGP Fellows or Members. These supporters must be listed on the nomination form to be valid.

To nominate, candidates must:

• complete a President nomination form
• have form signed by two eligible supporters, and
• and countersign the form.

To meet constitutional obligations, candidates must also provide: 

• a signed consent to act as a Director of the RACGP (to be conditional until successful election) 
• Director Identification Number.  
• confirm that they: 
  • meet the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC) requirements for Responsible Persons  
  • are not on the ASIC register of banned and disqualified persons 
  • have no restrictions, conditions or addenda on their medical registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulations Agency (Aphra).  

To help members make an informed choice, candidates may wish to supply the following supporting materials. These must be provided before the nomination is assessed as valid.

For distribution with ballot materials and publication on the RACGP website:

• a statement (up to 2,000 words)
• a colour photograph of yourself (min 600 x 600 pixels, jpg format).

For publication on the RACGP website:

• a curriculum vitae (up to 2,000 words; no home address)
• a video (up to five minutes, including transcript).

Nominations and supporting candidate materials must be lodged with the Returning Officer by Monday 20 July 2026, 4.00 pm(AEST)via email or mail.

Submissions received after the closing time will not be accepted.

Email to: elections@racgp.org.au

Mail to:
Mr Gavin Ryan (RACGP Returning Officer)
OGL Group
10–12 Gwynne Street, Cremorne, VIC, 3121

Eligible voters are Fellows, Members and Registrar Associates of the RACGP. 

The voting period for the RACGP President election is from Tuesday 11 August 2026, 12.00 pm (AEST) until Friday 21 August 2026, 12.00 pm (AEST). 

Eligible voters will receive an email from the Returning Officer at OGL Group sent from elections@racgp.org.au. The email will include details to access your unique voting link to submit your vote in the election. During the voting period, you may receive reminder emails from the Returning Officer if you have not submitted your vote. 

Any questions about the voting process can be directed to the Returning Officer at elections@racgp.org.au.  

All ballots are determined on a standard preferential voting basis.

This video explains the voting process at the RACGP in further detail.

How the voting process works:

• All first‑preference votes are counted. If one candidate receives more than half of the total votes, they are elected.
• If no one has a majority, the candidate with the fewest votes is removed.
• Votes for the removed candidate are reassigned to the next preferred candidate listed on the ballot.
• The count continues in rounds, with the lowest‑polling candidate removed each time and their votes redistributed.
• This process repeats until one candidate holds more than half of the remaining votes.
• That candidate is then declared elected.

OGL Group has been appointed as the Returning Officer for the RACGP in 2026.  

The Returning Officer is responsible for the administration of all Ballot and must work with the RACGP to ensure the integrity, accuracy, and transparency of the election process.  

The RACGP is responsible for ensuring the Returning Officer’s powers and duties are clearly defined, understood and sufficient to administer all aspects of the elections.  

Candidates, along with all RACGP members, have access to a GP support program through Telus Health as part of their membership benefits.  

Telus Health can be reached 24/7 on 1300 361 008 as required by candidates. Any contact with the GP support services is dealt with under the strictest confidence by Telus Health.