1. BRISBANE - MEMBER CONSULTATION FORUM
21 March 2018
Summary

2. Overview of Session
Stamford Plaza Brisbane, Cnr Edward St and Margaret St, Brisbane
5.30pm
Board members:
Peter Wilson & Robyn Erskine
Registered:
152
Attended: 84
Divisional Council:
Opened by: Melissa Georgiou
Topics Discussed
Board appointment process, including models of direct election
The future strategy for CPA Australia
The strategy and ongoing support provided to Public Practitioners
CPA program
Proposed constitutional changes
Communication between CPA Australia and members
Role and term of the Board Chair
Professional standards scheme
Continuing Professional Development
Future of the accounting profession
Independent review recommendations
Termination payment made to the former CEO
International recognition for CPA Australia designation

3. Summary of discussion
CPA members asked over 25 questions of the Board members in attendance, Peter Wilson and Robyn Erskine.
The main topics discussed were:
Board appointment process, including models of direct election. The functions of the Nomination Committee and Appointments Council were considered, along with the role of the Divisional Council in the process. It was emphasised that the Divisional Council elections need to be robust, and there needs to be trust in the board, to ensure the process works well. The proposed Appointments Council was compared to alternative direct election approaches.
The future strategy for CPA Australia, how it needs to change to reflect the requirements of the members, and the need to include member feedback in the strategy. The global focus of the brand and the growth in membership numbers were discussed. There will be a review of the strategy every three years.
The place of Public Practitioners within CPA Australia was discussed, with concerns they are not seen as important to the organisation. The level of support provided to public practitioners from other member organisations was compared unfavourably with CPA Australia. The overall strategy, ongoing support and resources provided to public practitioners was discussed. The forthcoming media campaign by CPA was seen positively.
Ensuring that the Board and new CEO have a positive relationship, and continue to provide members with reassurance that the events of 2017 will not be repeated. Communication will members should be open and transparent.
The discussion also covered:
Ensuring graduates from the CPA program are high quality, and the program is attractive to students. Concerns were raised about the quality of the teaching and of some graduates.
Proposed constitutional changes, which are aimed at preventing the events of 2017 from happening again
Communication between CPA Australia and members, including the content of INTHEBLACK and ensuring it provides value to members
Engaging regional members, and using digital technology to support this
The proposed 2-3 year term of the President, and associated workload. There were concerns that the role of Board Chair and President should be separated.
Professional standards scheme, application to CPA Australia members and connection with financial planning
Continuing Professional Development, and ensuring it is relevant. The recent announcement of free CDP was discussed and supported as meeting Member needs.
Future of the accounting profession, given the trends towards outsourcing and artificial intelligence, and how CPA Australia will support members through this change
The implementation of recommendations from the Independent Review Panel, and timeframe and KPIs for delivery
Cost of consultants hired to support the current changes at CPA Australia
The advice provided to CPA Australia on the likely success of legal action in relation in the termination payment made to the former CEO
the importance of the current and future International recognition for the CPA Australia designation, with a focus on China and Asia more generally.

4. PHOTOS