Council and committee vacancies

There are currently no vacancies for  members of the NSW Medical Council.  

Role of the Council 

The Council’s main responsibility is to protect the public by regulating the medical profession. The Council does this by working in partnership with Health Care Complaints Commission to manage complaints about the health, performance and conduct of registered practitioners in NSW. For further information refer to the Council website and annual reports www.hpca.nsw.gov.au 

Health professional councils are independent statutory bodies established under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (NSW) (the Law).  There are 15 health professional councils in NSW. 

The Governor of NSW appoints members recommended by the Minister for Health.

Responsibilities of the Council president, deputy president and members 

Members of the Council:

  • actively contribute to the effective governance and oversight of the Council and its role in the regulation of registered medical professionals in NSW
  • have oversight for the efficient and responsible expenditure of public funds in accordance with relevant legislation and government policy and guidelines, and
  • are accountable for their performance.

The president is responsible for leading the Medcial Council and ensuring members work together as a cohesive team. The deputy president also provides leadership to the Council and may also represent a Council from time to time if the President is not available.

Term of appointment

Council members are appointed for a term of up to three years and are eligible for reappointment for a maximum period of nine years.

Availability and expectations of members

Applicants should be aware of the significant workload required of Council members.

Members are expected to attend bimonthly full Council meetings and monthly case committee meetings, depending upon the complaint volume of the Council. Members of the Council's executive also  meet monthly. 

On occasion, members may attend community meetings or events or participate in working groups on behalf of the Medical  Council  to strengthen the Council’s interaction with the profession and the community it serves.

Making an application 

Applications can only be made when there are Medical Council member vacancies announced, including on this web page. Applicants are required to complete the Council Appointment - Expression of Interest form and submit it with:

  • a brief statement addressing each of the selection criteria
  • an up to date curriculum vitae, and
  • the names and details of two referees.

Applications should not exceed ten pages.

Skills and experience  

Applications should include a brief covering letter or statement addressing each of the following selection criteria

  1. High level of professional expertise in one or more of the following areas: a registered practitioner in the medical profession, current involvement in tertiary education, law, governance, ethics, research, community engagement/representation, consumer rights in health.
  2. The capacity to actively participate as a member of Council in the regulation of registered health practitioners to protect the public including evidence of integrity, independence, impartiality, good judgement and social awareness.
  3. High level of oral, written and interpersonal communication skills including influencing and negotiating.
  4. Demonstrated experience or capacity to work collaboratively and productively as a member of Council.

Selection process

Assessment of applications and CVs is based on merit. Recommendations are then made to the Minister to consider for nomination by the Governor for appointment. The skills mix, needs and demographic balance of the Council is also taken into account when selecting nominees.

Applications that are incomplete or do not address the criteria will not be considered.

Referee reports

Applicants must nominate two referees, including their positions and contact details. Referees should be able to discuss the applicant’s skills, qualifications and fit with responsibilities of a Council member.

Probity checks for short listed applicants

Short listed applicants will be subject to relevant probity checks and a national police check as part of the selection process.

Applicants who are NSW Government sector employees

NSW Government sector employees (including NSW Health employees) may be appointed to a Council. Applicants should seek their employer’s support for their nomination and provide contact information for their employer on the Expression of Interest form.

In accordance with the NSW Government Boards and Committees Guidelines, Section 8.3, public sector employees who undertake work for the Council during their normal work hours are not paid an annual fee unless they obtain an exemption.

Standards of conduct

  • On appointment members must sign the Council Member Code of Conduct declaration and adhere to the Code at all times.
  • Members must adhere to standards and principles of conduct applicable to the public sector to ensure that public confidence and trust is maintained in the health professions and the Council.  All members need to clearly understand their public duty and legal responsibilities and must act for the proper purpose without exceeding their powers.
  • Members must disclose in advance any financial or other interests that may be in conflict with their role as a Council member and must manage any conflicts in accordance with public sector standards. This includes registering the interest and abstaining from decisions that relate to the interest of the member. Members are required to sign the Financial Interest Declaration form annually.

Further information on the standards of conduct expected of NSW Government board and committee members can be found in the NSW Government Boards and Committees Guidelines, section 7.

Suitable applicants

Applicants that are found suitable for appointment and are not appointed, may be considered for future vacancies.

Unsuccessful applicants

Applicants not successful are notified at the end of the process.

Protecting personal information and privacy 

The Health Professional Councils Authority (HPCA) complies with NSW Government privacy legislation and policies.

If appointed to the Council, the following information will be made available to the public on a NSW Government website, the council annual report and may be included in media releases issued by the Minister for Health, the Council or the HPCA:

  • first name and surname
  • the term of appointment
  • the position held, for example, Member/President

Remuneration

Remuneration is paid to Council members in accordance with the NSW Government Boards and Committees Guidelines (Premiers Memorandum 2013_06). Rates are set by the Public Service Commission and approved by the Minister for Health.

Council members who undertake additional work for the Council (such as hearings or interviews) are paid on a sessional basis.

Reimbursement of expenses (including out of pocket travelling expenses) is paid in line with NSW Government policy. Travelling time is not remunerated.

Member remuneration includes superannuation (SGC), which is paid through the NSW Ministry of Health payroll system to a complying fund of the member's choice.

 

HPCA Council

Member

Medical

$15,000