The Medical Insurance Group of Australia (Miga), a major provider of indemnity insurance to healthcare professionals, has announced a change in board leadership following concerns about public commentary on the Gaza conflict.
Dr. Stephen Parnis, a prominent emergency physician and former Australian Medical Association vice-president, has stepped down as chair of Miga’s board. He will continue to serve as a director.
In an email to Miga’s membership, Parnis explained his decision.
“I have exercised my right as an individual to comment on matters in the public domain based on my own views and conscience,” he said, as reported by The Guardian. “At no time have I purported to represent these interests on behalf of Miga and its members; however, I consider it prudent to step down from my role as chair of the board.”
He added that Miga is reviewing its social media policy to ensure it aligns with governance standards and current expectations for those representing the organisation.
Parnis, who joined Miga’s board in 2019, has been active on social media, particularly regarding the conflict in Gaza.
He has expressed opposition to Israel’s military actions and support for Palestinian civilians, as well as opinions on other social and political issues.
In an article published by Croakey last October, Parnis wrote that he had “seen the personal attacks, the financial and social persecution of those whose careful assessments have led them to speak out for the reduction of harm and violence in Israel and Palestine.”
He has also commented on alleged antisemitism and other topics, including voluntary assisted dying and vaccination policy.
His online statements have drawn both support and criticism, with some users issuing threats and abusive messages in response to his views on Gaza.
Parnis’s resignation has prompted a coordinated response from some Miga members, who have launched a letter-writing campaign seeking clarification from the board.
The campaign’s letter stated: “It raises significant concerns if Dr Parnis has been asked to step down specifically for expressing his views, especially considering his exemplary advocacy during a critical humanitarian crisis. This situation prompts questions about whether … Miga will support its members who are targeted by vexatious complaints.”
Miga has not commented directly on the circumstances of Parnis’s resignation.
In a statement to The Guardian, the organisation said: “We support, represent, and advocate for all of our members – regardless of race or culture, religion, age, gender or sexuality – to ensure they can practise safely and confidently and deliver quality care to the community. As a broad and diverse member organisation, Miga respects the rights of all of our members to hold and express personal and differing views.”
This development occurs against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical and regulatory risk for insurers.
Clyde & Co’s Corporate Risk Radar report found that 58% of surveyed executives view geopolitical tensions as a significant business risk.
“The world is moving from a globalized model to a more regionalized one,” said Ben Knowles, chair of Clyde & Co’s Global Arbitration Group. “That change brings structural challenges for cross-border insurance arrangements and policy alignment.”
