Reconciliation
CPA Australia acknowledges and pays respect to the past and present Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
At CPA Australia, we value diversity equality and inclusion. As Australia's largest accounting designation are committed to leading positive social change, and our Reconciliation Action Plan actively reflects this commitment to greater social responsibility and reconciliation between Australia’s First Peoples and the broader Australian community.
Next steps for CPA Australia’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
Since commencing our reconciliation journey in 2019, CPA Australia has made significant strides in advancing reconciliation and embedding Indigenous initiatives into our operations. With the successful completion of our first Innovate RAP (2022–2024), we are now preparing to launch a second Innovate RAP for 2025–2027.
This next phase will focus on deeper integration of reconciliation efforts into core business operations and divisional activities. Engagement at the divisional level will be essential in driving awareness, participation and accountability across the organisation.
Key progress highlights
Completion of Innovate RAP (2022–2024)
Over the past two years, CPA Australia has strengthened our commitment to reconciliation through meaningful collaboration with Indigenous stakeholders and community organisations. Our efforts have led to greater awareness among employees and members about the importance of reconciliation and tangible actions to support Indigenous inclusion.
Highlights include:
- Joint creation of an Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand Special Interest Group (SIG) on reconciliation.
- Successful Financial Wellness Week with First Nations Foundation in Townsville.
- Launch of a global First Nations member connect group to foster inclusion.
- Updated Acknowledgement of Country guidelines shared across divisions.
- Partnerships with the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation and First Nations Foundation for mentorship and business support programs.
- UNSW pre-business program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
- Collaboration with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand to explore TAFE pathways for Aboriginal students.
- Member awareness through Indigenous celebrations nationally.
Indigenous initiatives for 2025
The key areas of focus for our Indigenous initiatives in 2025 are:
- Representation: Increasing and supporting Indigenous participation in the accounting profession.
- Awareness: Strengthening internal and external confidence in reconciliation efforts.
- Community impact: Promoting financial wellbeing and the value of accounting within Indigenous communities.
Focus for the 2025–2027 Innovate RAP
As we move forward, our second Innovate RAP will prioritise:
- Strategic integration: Embedding reconciliation into divisional engagement plans and core business activities.
- Member-facing initiatives: Expanding initiatives that directly impact members, communities, and the profession.
- Pathway to a Stretch RAP: Strengthening our reconciliation efforts to ensure readiness for a future Stretch RAP.
Key actions for 2025
- Launching the second Innovate RAP with a strong emphasis on divisional delivery and measurable outcomes.
- Promoting the CPA Australia Scholarships for Indigenous peoples.
- Exploring partnerships and program opportunities to promote financial wellbeing.
- Increasing the pipelines of First Nations peoples in accounting and finance.
- Exploring opportunities to promote the value of accounting and financial literacy to First Nations communities.
Our ongoing commitment to reconciliation is underpinned by the guidance of the Indigenous Advisory Group (IAG) and the refreshed RAP Working Group. By embedding Indigenous initiatives into our core business functions, CPA Australia continues to drive meaningful and lasting impact for members and the broader community.
Recent highlights
2024
Our Indigenous Advisory Group (IAG) met on the 19th of March for its first-ever in-person gathering in Melbourne, and to mark the official completion of our ‘Innovate’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The IAG are active champions and influencers across the membership and community.
Our President and Chair Dale Pinto FCPA, board member Anthony Wright and ELT joined the IAG, and employees involved in the delivery of our RAP initiatives for a shared luncheon, where Dale Pinto FCPA reaffirmed our commitment to Reconciliation on behalf of CPA Australia and marked the occasion with the reveal of a commemorative artwork by Holly Mataka, Manager, Indigenous Initiatives.
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Key focuses
In 2024, our focus is on driving reconciliation within our business, integrating Indigenous initiatives and celebrations into our standard practices. We are committed to engaging both internally and externally to craft the next phase of CPA Australia’s reconciliation journey and Indigenous engagement strategy.
Our key objectives include:
- Growing and supporting Indigenous representation in the accounting profession through partnerships and alternate pathways.
- Creating opportunities to highlight the value that accounting and financial well-being bring to Indigenous communities.
- Building awareness, confidence, and capability for reconciliation at CPA Australia, ensuring that reconciliation is a core part of our organisational culture.
Key initiatives
To discover more about how we are achieving our key initiatives, read more about our current focus areas:
1
Increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the accounting profession through education and career pathways
2
Promote the value that accounting creates for First Nations communities and self-determination
3
Continue to build our organisational capability through employee and member awareness and greater understanding through education
4
Work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the spirit of the Uluru Statement from the Heart
CPA Australia Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2022 – 2024
Download our 2022 – 2024 Reconciliation Action Plan as a PDF document.
Download our Reconciliation Action Plan as a PDF document.
Previous years
As an active socially responsible designation, CPA Australia is committed to reconciliation. Read about our previous initiatives.
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