AMA calls urgent probe as chief quits Equestrian SA job
NINE SA Australian Medical Association members are seeking an independent investigation into its CEO, who last week resigned as chairman of besieged Equestrian SA, The Advertiser can reveal.
PROMINENT members of South Australia’s peak medical body have called for an urgent meeting to probe the actions of its chief executive.
The Advertiser can reveal nine high-profile SA Australian Medical Association `members are seeking an independent expert investigation into CEO Joe Hooper, who last week resigned as chairman of besieged Equestrian SA.
Equestrian SA is investigating allegations of bullying by staff members and the unauthorised release of member’s personal information in a possible breach of the privacy act.
In a letter to the AMA (SA) board, council and president Dr William Tam, nine prominent AMA members have sought an “independent expert investigation” of Mr Hooper’s connections to ESA and whether they conflicted with his work at AMA (SA).
Specifically, they seek clarifications around whether ESA meetings were held or hosted from AMA (SA) offices and if ESA “had access to resources” of the organisation that promotes and advances ethical behaviour by the medical profession.
“The reputation of AMA SA is critical to its function in advocacy at high level for the community and profession,” the letter states.
“To remain a credible leader it must be seen to be entirely scrupulous in every respect, ethically, administratively and in caring for staff.”
Dr Tam on Wednesday night confirmed the AMA was aware of Mr Hooper’s involvement with ESA and that this included meetings being held at AMA premises.
The group has also requested that the “structure and governance” of AMA (SA) be examined. The Advertiser has been told that any investigation will seek to focus on four main issues around governance, the constitution, conflicts of interests and legal documentation.
The letter is signed by eight former AMA (SA) presidents including Peter Ford, Andrew Lavender, Patricia Montanaro and Rodney Pearce, and a former long-term treasurer. In a letter to Dr David Walsh, Council Chair of AMA (SA), Dr Tam says that prior to receipt of the letter his board was already “well progressed in the process of examining many of these matters”. He adds: “ … it will be essential that this matter is handled in a manner which is robust, transparent and fair.”
The urgent meeting will be held on Monday. Mr Hooper did not return calls.