Concerns about potential cartel behaviour among Australian surgeons has been referred to the Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council for further investigation.

In September, Fairfax Media revealed claims that overseas-trained surgeons were facing anti-competitive behaviour that reached into the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons - a powerful group that largely controls the supply of surgeons in Australia and, allegedly, the level of competition and fees they can charge.

NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner said after discussing the issue at the Council of Australian Governments' meeting of health ministers last month, concerns about unprofessional behaviour had been referred to the ministers' advisory council.

The council is made up of state and territory health department secretaries and chief executives, and it has a Victorian-based committee that works on workforce issues, including ideas for strategic reform.