Testimonials

Bradley Murphy’s curriculum vitae is a powerful statement which identifies the man and what he stands for. His record of achievements bears testimony to his multiple skills, service and dedicated passion throughout his interesting diverse career, all of which have demanded very conscientious work. His commitment to the value of medical education has been rewarded with double fellowships of the RACGP and Professorial status (Adjunct Professor at three universities).

Brad’s impressive history of fellowship, leadership, teaching and service includes significant dedication to those key disciplines of rural medicine, indigenous health, emergency medicine, medical administration and paramedical co-operation.

His achievements in advancing the interest of our discipline has been acknowledged with

membership of the Order of Australia (OAM) and the Rose Hunt Award (RACGP). 

I have known Brad for seventeen years as we shared views on medical service and education and I can testify to his pleasant gentlemanly persona and excellent communication skills. He presents as a strong candidate for the position of president of the RACGP

Professor John MURTAGH, AM

 From Gove in the Northern Territory, I am awaiting the Prime Ministers important announcement with regard to Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians, and I think it would be a very important and historic step for one of our Royal Colleges to take on the country's first Indigenous President. Brad has my absolute support in his candidacy and I wish him all the best and I hope the College supports him to that position. Brad is a man who gets work done, he is a man of integrity and decency, and he is a man who can deliver so much to both the RACGP and more widely our country. I wish Brad the best and I hope the College makes the correct decision in choosing him to lead them.

Associate Professor Kris Rallah-Baker, MBBS FRANZO

Australia's first and only Indigenous Ophthalmologist and Past President of the Australian Indigenous Doctors' Association

 I am a Past President of the RACGP and I was co-opted back onto the board following my term as President, so I really do understand the demands and the requirements of the role of President and the skillset needed to be the RACGP President. I've known Brad since 2008 and I have had the opportunity of working really closely with him. I have seen him perform as a highly skilled board member, and I have seen first hand his effectiveness in advocacy and his passion for general practice. He knows how to work with and get the best out of a team. I think it is time for the members to elect Brad as President. I think it is time for an Aboriginal man to lead the largest medical college in Australia. I think it is time to have a leader who is committed to comprehensive generalist care and who can bring the learnings from the community controlled sector to strengthen our discipline. It is time for a President who knows how to run a successful general practice , delivering cradle to grave care for the whole scope of general practice. And it is time to have a leader who has taken the time to understand the RACGP , it's strengths and weaknesses, and who has taken the time to build relationships with Ministers, Department Heads and the broader primary care sector. Someone who understands the RACGP Governance and knows from day one how to get the best from the role. A President who can inspire us the be the best we can be. I encourage you to learn more about Brad and to accept this endorsement.

Dr Chris Mitchell, AM, 

FRACGP, FARGP, FAICD

Past President , RACGP  

I have known Brad Murphy since 2004/2005 when he was a medical student and was involved in the National Rural Health Network which he chaired in 2005. When we first met I was a member of the House of Representatives (Lingiari) with and was impressed by Brad’s commitment to achieving his objective and drive to becoming a medical practitioner, as a mature age student who had already had a career in the Australian Navy, commencing as a fifteen year old. What also impressed was his desire to improve the outcomes for medical students but most particularly for those with a desire to be involved in and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health as well as Rural and Remote Health more generally. Of course his understandings as a former serving member of the ADF gave him with important insights into the challenges and demands of Veteran’s Health.

Despite the rigors and demands of his medical training he found the time and inspiration to continue his interest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, was a member of the

Australian Indigenous Doctors Association and worked with Graham (Buzz) Bidstrup on the

establishment of the Jimmy Little Foundation. His engagement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health led him to visit and work in remote communities, but most importantly inspired him to found the RACGP’s National Faculty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health in 2010, whilst still studying to become a GP.

Brad has been a successful and innovative general practitioner and has used his knowledge and experience to continue in advocacy and leadership roles including as a Professor at the University of Queensland as well as at Central Queensland University.

Brad was given appropriate recognition when awarded an OAM in January of 2022.

Brad has been making quite a unique and outstanding contribution to the medical profession and particularly to general practice. I was for a time the Commonwealth Minister for Rural and Remote Health and Minister for Indigenous Health as well as Minister for Veteran’s Affairs and Minister for Defence Science and Personnel. During this period I had regular contact with Brad in his role as an advocate and can attest to the professionalism and respect with which he undertook this role. He clearly demonstrated that he was able to straddle the political divide and and avoid being partisan. Brad is a person for whom I have the utmost respect and admiration.

Warren Snowdon

Former Minister for Rural and Remote Health and Minister for Indigenous Health as well as Minister for Veteran’s Affairs and Minister for Defence Science and Personnel

Member for Lingiari (Retired)

It is a great pleasure to provide this testimonial for Brad, whom I have known for many years as a talented colleague, generous team member, change agent and friend. First this was as an enthusiastic and committed medical student, keen to the attract the broadest possible clinical experience and challenge the status quo. Then as a College registrar and Fellow, where Brad was always full of great ideas, with a palpable commitment to building the best and most inclusive RACGP possible. As a new President in 2010, I had the enormous honour of announcing our new Faculty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, built on the back of years of preparatory work undertaken by Brad (its inaugural Chair) and colleagues. Throughout the challenges put to the 2010-2012 College Councils, Brad was always strong, respectful, independent and informed. Brad has many qualities essential to the role of RACGP President. He owns and runs a practice and understands the intense sustainability challenges currently at play within our sector. He has a comprehensive understanding, and existing relationships, with many of the national stakeholders essential for the President to engage in achieving our Vision. He knows the College back to front, having undertaken many senior leadership positions at both state and national level. He is flexible and open to new approaches and is skilled in consensus building. Finally, he has demonstrated an extensive track record in understanding member’s perspectives and working effectively with diverse groups to effect change.

Professor Claire Jackson AM

MBBS (Uni of Qld) MD (UQ) MPH (UQ) CertHEcon (Monash) GradCert Management(QUT) FRACGP FAICD

Professor in General Practice and Primary Care Reform,Director, UQ/MRI Centre for Health System Reform and IntegrationUniversity of Queensland General Practice Clinical Unit

RACGP President 2010-12 

The President of a learned college is an honour, a privilege, and a call to service. The College President is a window into and a mirror on the profession. Adjunct Professor Brad Murphy is first and foremost an aboriginal man, a military man and a servant to medicine, paramedicine, and general practice. Brad has been born to service in the advancement of his culture and identity, and through that journey enriching those he connects with through his compassion, commitment, and humility. Brad is someone I have know for a long time and I can think of no-one better to lead this College.Dr Ewen McPhee AM

MBBS(Hons); FRACGP; FACRRM; DRANZCOG; AFRACMA; DipDerm; GCert Av Med; GAICD

Past President ACRRM and RDAA  

I have known Dr Brad Murphy since the establishment of his successful GP practice in my electorate. His original vision of engaging with the local community to improve health outcomes has been more than achieved. Dr Brad’s advocacy, especially for veteran and indigenous patients for improved resources and education has made a real difference to many lives. His passion for rural medicine is clearly demonstrated through his contribution at community level but also through political engagement. Dr Brad’s leadership in supervision has supported many General Practitioners to successfully navigate the public health system, and encouraged a love of rural and remote medicine – turning good doctors into great ones. Dr Brad’s rich and varied experiences have shaped a compassionate and capable medical practitioner, and a fine man.

Stephen Bennett, MP  

State Member for Burnett

Dr Brad Murphy is an inspiring leader who actively promotes healthcare for all. His tireless dedication to first nations people and veterans is extraordinary and admirable. Through my work at ABC I have had the pleasure of working with Dr Murphy as he has shared expertise, passion and advice across radio, online and television. Dr Brad is a natural communicator who genuinely makes real and positive change. 

Scott Lamond, ABC Wide Bay - Chief of Staff  

 Toby Jurss-LewisABC  

It is an honour to be asked to provide this testimonial for Dr Brad Murphy in his nomination for Presidency of the RACGP. I have known Brad for over 20 years, since he first joined our western Qld Visiting Ophthalmology Scheme as a medical student. This included clinical visits to remote towns such as Boulia, Birdsville and Bedourie where Brad was a valued team member , treating both indigenous and non-indigenous patients.

Brad was at all times keen, enthusiastic, and caring with a great desire to learn about clinical and people management. He had an innate ability to engage patients at a personal level, which later enabled him to work so successfully as a general practitioner. As someone who has worked for many years in indigenous eye health, I regularly receive calls or emails from Brad advocating on behalf of indigenous patients and communities. Brad is a natural leader with an ability to bring people with him. My memories of Brad over many years are coloured with empathy, professionalism and the highest of ethical standards. As a past Federal President of the AMA, I believe he has the skills and personal attributes to lead the RACGP in challenging times.

Dr Bill Glasson AO

MBBS (UQ) FRANZCO, FRACS, FRACGP, DipAppSc (Opt) GAICD

Terrace Eye Centre, Brisbane

Director, Avant Mutual Pty Ltd

Director, Queensland Ocular Oncology Service.

Associate Professor, University of Queensland Faculty of Medicine

 As both a Fellow of the RACGP and RACMA I am very keen to see both organisations lead in the medical community and healthcare more broadly in terms of safety, quality and patient centric care. College leadership in bringing our organisation together and engaging with our membership, the profession more generally and our community most importantly will be critical over the next years. Ensuring that the Voice of our First Nations peoples are heard in addressing the inequities of health outcomes is a pressing priority. I have worked closely with Brad Murphy and he demonstrates as core to his being the consultative engaging and empathic leadership we need at this time. He is the right person for our College at this challenging time . 

Dr Luis Prado, FRACGP, FRACMA

Chair, RACMA Indigenous Health Working Group

Chief Medical Officer and Executive Director, Academic and Medical Services  Epworth Healthcare

I write in support of Professor Brad Murphy’s submission to be considered for

the position of President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

(RACGP).

Brad is proud Kamilaroi man who grew up in Gunnedah, NSW and worked in

many parts of Australia before moving to Bundaberg to manage his Ashfield

Medical Practice.

Awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his service to community health in the

2022 Australia Day Honours List, Brad’s career is strewn with acknowledgement

of his outstanding service to people and country across multiple areas of

interest. In 2016 he was named Indigenous Doctor of the Year.

In particular and among others, Brad’s service has been publicly recognised

through award of the prestigious RACGP Rose- Hunt Medal in 2020 and in the

same year, the coveted ‘Tingira Stonehaven Medal’ which is awarded annually

by the Navy Tingira Australia Association to the Tingira Boy or Boys who

perform above and beyond their call of duty". This award has its origin in

historical Australian Naval tradition; when former Australian Governor-General,

Lord Stonehaven presented the silver shield onboard HMAS Tingira in the 1920s

to the most outstanding recruit intake.

A graduate of James Cook University, Brad joined the Royal Australian Navy

(RAN) aged 15, and became an RAN Leading Seaman medic of some repute

before moving on to become an intensive care paramedic in several ambulance

services including the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS).

My personal experience and view of Brad reflects a man of abundant moral

courage, conviction and willpower. It is clear to me that his inordinate

dedication, enthusiasm and willingness to help others has stood him in great

stead as he navigated some unconventional pathways to become a most

successful GP who has made and continues to make a real difference to those

whom he touches as patients and friends. His passion to help others is palpable!

As Chair of the Prime Minister’s Advisory Council on Veterans Mental Health, I

had the privilege of experiencing and benefitting from Brad’s expertise as a

Council member for a number of years. Brad brought to our Council an

enormous amount of practical experience in working with both the general

public and military veteran community. His support in many areas particularly

around support to Military Veterans and First Nations people was incalculable

and I valued his contribution in Council greatly. I am aware of others in the

Department of Veterans Affairs and associated support organisations who held

and continue to hold, similar views on Brad’s contribution to some difficult

challenges around delivering mental health and wellbeing support to our

military veterans.

Despite his extremely busy and challenging medical professional life Brad

recently agreed to become National President of the Tingira Australia

Association (TAA). TAA is a National Association representing up to some

13,000 former young RAN Junior Recruits who joined the RAN as young boys

aged between 15 and 16 ½ years old between 1960 and 1984. The function of

the Tingira Australia Association is to keep the current generation of ‘Tingira

Boys’ ‘Spirits’ alive through the re-uniting of class and shipmates at a true social

and friendship level.

I have the privilege of being the Patron of the TAA and therefore have a clear

understanding of the work and results the National President and his National

Executive deliver. Once again I have been nothing other than extremely

impressed by the renewed thinking and enthusiasm Brad has brought to this

important national position. Unhindered by red tape and process, Brad has set

about perfecting and realising his well developed and compassionate leadership

style in leading the TAA to support its membership. I have been extremely

impressed with the results. The TAA has grown significantly under his

leadership and I commend him for the excellent work he is doing in developing a

future Strategic Plan and Vision and leading the TAA toward that future.

In all that he does Brad Murphy brings a level of enthusiasm, passion and

professionalism rarely seen in many areas of endeavour. He is not prone to idle

time and does not abide unnecessary administration well. He is an unassuming

professional man looking to deliver the best result possible and I commend him

to you as a potential President of the RACGPs. I have no doubt he would deliver.

RH Crane

Vice Admiral AO, RAN (ret’d) 

Former Chief of Navy

I first met Brad Murphy when we were 17 year old sailors serving in the Royal Australian Navy, from the first time we met, I knew that Brad had that something special , he was intelligent, academically gifted and a leader, Brad would freely give up his scarce free time to assist those that were having difficulties with their academic studies, uniform maintenance, drill and Naval service knowledge. I was one of those that he helped.

Following  discharge from the Navy my Family and I relocated to the city of Bundaberg where we reunited with now Dr Brad or the Rock Doc as we like to call him. Over the last five years I have witnessed once again what I had seen as a young 17 year old,  however, Brad's assistance to others has grown exponentially. His election to the position of National President of the Tingira Australia Association has seen this veteran organisation reinvigorated with additional members joining the association. Dr Murphy's knowledge of the Veteran Affairs system has greatly assisted many Veterans and their families not only amongst our local veteran community but throughout the state of Queensland and Nationally. He is well regarded within our local veteran and wider community, He took the initiative in establishing the Anzac Day Bush Dawn service which allowed Veterans with injuries both physical and physiological to attend a cultural sensitive dawn service,

Doc Murphy has built a wonderful Practice - Ashfield Country Practice. At ACP veterans can receive medical consultation in a stress free environment enabling better outcomes for both Veterans and their families. Over the last five years I’ve witnessed Dr Murphy and his staff's dedication to the training of the next generation of young Trainee Doctors' providing this training in a regional city with his encouragement for the trainee`s of future Country General Practitioners.

Doctor Murphy`s other great passion within Medicine is the care, support and education of members of the Indigenous community, and I have witnessed the positive impact with our community,  I too have learned and been educated regarding the first Nation culture and their plight, for which I am truly grateful.

In closing,

To the members of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, I wish you well with the upcoming elections within RACGP. I encourage you to consider Dr Murphy for the position of President, I feel confident that your College will benefit from his passion and dedication to Medicine

CPOMTP Max Francis, RAN Rtd. - Patient of Ashfield Country Practice

Dr Brad Murphy OAM has been a valued, engaging, and influential leader of the Bundaberg community through his General Practice which has grown exponentially over the past 10 years. The excellence of which, has conferred upon him many awards and titles including the Order of Australia Medal, Adjunct Professor (CQU and UQ), Hon Adj Associate Professor (Bond University), Co-Deputy Chair RACGP QLD, Founding Chair (2010- 2016) and Provost, RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, National President Tingira Australia Association.

The veteran community of Bundaberg also hold Dr Murphy in high esteem as he services a very large proportion of members of this Sub-Branch due to his extensive knowledge of the Department of Veteran Affairs which provides my members with best practice and better health outcomes.

Dr Murphy, a First Nation descendant himself, takes great satisfaction in his efforts to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. His engagement in this often neglected space, has been relentless, and has been accepted, appreciated, respected, and cherished by the entire First Nation community of the Bundaberg Region.

I recommend him without reservation and wish him abundant success in the future.

Graham Crowden, JP(Qual)

President,  RSLA (QLD Branch) Bundaberg Sub Branch Inc.

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