The Medical Board of Australia’s proposed new code of conduct seems “Orwellian” and threatens doctors’ freedom of speech, Emeritus Professor John Murtagh says.

Professor Murtagh, recognised as the author of Australia’s most influential general practice textbook, has warned the draft new code released by the board last year would pose unnecessary restrictions on doctors’ rights to practice as they see fit.

In a written submission to the board, the GP and academic has also questioned whether a code of conduct for doctors is even necessary, calling it an encumbrance rather than a support for the profession.

“A problem of the code is the endorsement of harmful cultural beliefs and other practices which may conflict with the appropriate accepted medical practice or conscience of the practitioner,” he writes.