Fellows: Have Your Say on Proposed Changes to the Constitution

Home | News | Governance | Fellows: Have Your Say on Proposed Changes to the Constitution

Fellows: Have Your Say on Proposed Changes to the Constitution

Monday 3 August 2026

Dear Fellows,

The ŷ��AV Board welcomes feedback from all Fellows on the proposed Constitution changes. We value your input to ensure we strive for continual improvement and refinement of our Constitution.

Proposed changes

The key proposed changes to the Constitution are:

Retired Fellow eligibility requirements

Retired fellows will only need to be retired in the practice of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) but can still practice in other fields. Currently, a retired fellow must be retired from all areas of medical practice.

New Subspecialist membership class

The introduction of a Subspecialist, together with a Retired Subspecialist, class of membership that holds the same rights and privileges as Fellows. A practitioner would choose to practice as either a Fellow or Subspecialist.

Director eligibility

This would enable the removal of a director or Councillor upon being charged with an indictable offence and would ensure alignment with current policies, safeguard the reputation and proactive risk management of the College.

Gender neutral language

To align the Constitution with the AMC standards, through more inclusive gender-neutral language.

Frequently asked questions

Eligibility requirements of a Retired Fellow

Why is the College proposing changes to the eligibility requirements for a Retired Fellow?

These changes are intended to address a gap affecting members who retire from obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) but continue practising in other areas of medicine and wish to retain their Fŷ��AV designation.

Will a fee be introduced for Retired Fellows following this change?

No, the College will continue to provide Retired Fellows with fee-free membership.

Creation of the new Subspecialist membership class

Why is the new Subspecialist Class being introduced?

The changes will strengthen and broaden the membership categories of ŷ��AV and allow a practitioner to register as a member as either a Fellow or Subspecialist.

Can I still use my Fŷ��AV post-nominal even if my membership has been changed to Subspecialists?

Yes, Subspecialists who are also a Fellow can still use their Fŷ��AV.

Will I be paying two separate fees if I am both Fŷ��AV and a Subspecialist?

No, only one membership fee will be payable.

Do I need to apply for this membership?

If you are a current member, you do not need to apply.

Will this change cause the membership fee structure to change?

No, the fee structure will remain unchanged.

Amendment to the Director Eligibility Requirements

What is the reason for adding the additional Director Eligibility Requirement?

This amendment would enable the removal of a Director or Councillor upon being charged with an indictable offence.

What would happen if a Councillor or Director is charged with an indictable offence while in office?

The office of a Councillor or Director will become vacant upon being charged with an indictable offence.

Use of gender-neutral language

Why is the College suggesting introducing Gender Neutral Language into the Constitution?

There are several references in the current Constitution to “He/She” or “His/Her”, the College is proposing this is replaced with “they” or “their” instead. This is to ensure alignment with AMC accreditation standards requiring inclusive communication with diverse populations. To view these changes, please refer to the in Integrate.

Will the College remove the use of terminology associated with those assigned female at birth?

No, the College will continue to use the terms associated with those assigned female at birth such as woman/she/her/female.

Have your say

We encourage you to by 5.00pm AEST on Friday 28 August 2026.

For further information on the proposed changes, please refer to the below documents in Integrate Resources:

Next steps

The proposed Constitution changes were approved in principle by the ŷ��AV Board and Council at the July 2026 Board and Council meetings. The Board and Council will consider feedback provided by Fellows at their September meetings before formal approval at the Annual General Meeting in October.