History of the Medical Council

"An Act to regulate the practice of medicine in this Colony" was passed on 27 November 1837. The Hobart Gazette dated Friday, 8 December 1837 reported the enactment of legislation creating the Court of Examiners, now The Medical Council of Tasmania, which was established to regulate the profession and practice of medicine.

The Act stated that the Court of Examiners shall consist of seven members, one of whom shall be the President.

The First Court of Examiners was comprised of Dr John Arthur (President), Drs Edward Bedford, James McBraine, Robert Officer, William Seccombe, Adam Turnbull and John Learmouth.

Past and present Presidents

1837		Dr J Arthur		1896		Dr R S Bright		1983		Dr A W O Young
1839		Dr R Officer		1901		Dr W D Butler		1987		Prof. J F Correy
1841		Dr J F Clarke		1901		Dr E L Crowther		1996		Dr J C Morris
1844		Dr J Robertson		1931		Dr D H E Lines		1999		Dr M J H Hodgson
1847		Dr J M McDonald		1945		Dr W W Giblin
1848		Dr N Dawson		1951		Dr W E Crowther
1853		Dr R Officer		1954		Dr C Craig
1871		Dr H Smart		1966		Dr B Hiller
1881		Dr H Butler		1969		Dr T Giblin
1885		Dr T C Smart		1973		Dr R Wall

Past and present Secretaries/Registrars

1908		Dr E J Crouch
1919		Dr E T MacGowan
1932		Dr W L Crowther
1952		Dr H N Butler (Actg)
1952		Dr B M Hiller
1966		Dr A McL Millar
1975		Mr R D Farmer
1979		Mr G F Leamon
1988		Mr J C McKean
1989		Mr I R McIntosh
1999		Mrs A McLean-Aherne

Charter, Aims and Objectives

The way in which the Medical Council undertakes its functions is governed by the Medical Practitioners Registration Act 1996 (the Act) and at the direction of the Minister for Health and Human Services. In determining its priorities and organising and conducting its functions, the Medical Council is guided by input from our clients, the medical practitioners and the public of Tasmania. The Medical Council aims to undertake its functions with: integrity, trust and respect; accuracy and rigour; and honest and open communication.

There are 11 members of Council (appointed by the Governor at the recommendation of the Minister for Health & Human Services), consisting of 9 medical practitioners, 1 legal practitioner and 1 community representative.

Medical Practitioners Registration Act 1996 (the Act)

Functions of Council

The Medical Council has the following functions:

• to administer the scheme of registration under Part 3;
• to supervise the practice of medicine in this State;
• to examine complaints and, as necessary, refer them to the Tribunal for inquiry;
• to prosecute offences against this Act;
• to monitor standard and provision of medical services in this State;
• to monitor standards of medical education and training;
• to advise the Minister on matters relating to this Act;
• such other functions as may be imposed on the Council by this or any other Act or as may be prescribed.

Powers of Council

The Council has power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done in connection with the performance of its functions and, in particular, has power to:

• share information with medical registration authorities, the Australian Medical Council and other relevant bodies; and
• publish and distribute information concerning this Act to registered medical practitioners and other interested person; and
• support medical education and training; and
• conduct assessments; and
• provide counselling services for registered medical practitioners; and
• do anything incidental to any of its powers.

Objectives of Council

The Council must perform its functions and exercise its powers under this Act so as to –

• ensure that medical services provided to the public are of the highest possible standards; and
• ensure that persons practise medicine according to the highest professional standards; and
• guard against unsafe, incompetent and unethical medical practices.

Legal representation

The Medical Council engages the professional services of Jackson, Tremayne & Fay for general solicitor work.  In addition to Mr Philip Jackson, Barrister as Counsel assisting the Medical Complaints Tribunal.

Current Members of the Medical Council of Tasmania

Members of Council:

Dr Konrad Blackman MB BS, Medical Practitioner, Hobart (recently resigned)

Dr Michael Hodgson AM, FANZCA, FRCA Anaesthetist, Hobart (President)

Dr Fiona Joske FRACGP, General Practitioner, Longford

Dr Gary Kode FRACS, Plastic Surgeon, Launceston

Ms Leigh Mackey LLB, Legal Practitioner, Hobart

Dr Alfonso Messieh MB BS, General Practitioner, Burnie

Dr Philip Moore FRACS, ENT Surgeon, Hobart

Dr John O'Sullivan FRACGP, General Practitioner, Devonport

Ms Dee Potter BHM, Community Representative, Launceston

Dr Kim Rooney FRACP, Physician, Launceston

Dr Peter Sexton MB BS PhD, State Director Medicare Australia, Hobart

Members of the Secretariat:

Mrs Cynthia Butler LLB (Hons), Part-time Legal Officer

Mrs Susan Collins, Full-time Registry Officer

Mr Matthew Healy,  Masters of Health & Medical Law, Part-time Investigator/Health Officer

Mrs Annette McLean-Aherne, Registrar/Chief Executive Officer

Ms Amanda Penwright, Full-time Receptionist and Administrative Assistant

Mrs Therese Webber, Full-time Registry Officer

Mrs Sharon Whybrow, Full-time Personal Assistant

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