I attended the AMA National Conference on 29-31 July, at which a motion calling for a Royal Commission was presented to about 160 voting delegates.

On this occasion it was defeated — not because the need for remedy was believed without merit but because it was perceived not to be the most productive way forwards.

But why is anyone talking about a Royal Commission; what is it that requires remediation? I would put it like this.

In Australia’s system of medical regulation, the protection of the public is given primacy over any other consideration, including the presumption of innocence.