Usman Siddiqui

Member's name: Mr Usman Siddiqui
Date of Hearing: 16 June 2020
Division: New South Wales
Tribunal: Disciplinary Tribunal

On 16 June 2020 the Disciplinary Tribunal found that Mr Siddiqui breached:

1. Article 39(a)(ii)A of 22 May 2018 Constitution (“the Constitution”) in that he breached:
   1. Section 150.1 of APES 110 by failing to comply with the obligation of Professional Behaviour which “imposes an obligation on all Members to comply with relevant laws and regulations and avoid any action or omission that the Member knows or should know may discredit the profession”
   2. Section 150.2 of APES 110 by failing to comply with the obligation of Professional Behaviour which requires that “in marketing and promoting themselves and their work, Members shall not bring the profession into disrepute. Members shall be honest and truthful and not (a) Make exaggerated claims for the services they are able to offer, the qualifications they possess, or experience they have gained”
   3. Section 110.2 of APES 110 by failing to comply with the obligation of Integrity which requires that “a Member shall not knowingly be associated with reports, returns, communications or other information where the Member believes that the information: (a) Contains a materially false or misleading statement; (b) Contains statements or information furnished recklessly; or (c) Omits or obscures information required to be included where such omission or obscurity would be misleading.”
2. Article 39(a)(ii)A of the Constitution, in that he breached:
   1. By-Law 5.2(a)(ii) and 5.2(b)(ii) of the 1 April 2019 By-Laws, by failing to ‘provide a satisfactory explanation with respect to the matters referred to in the Complaint’ to CPA Australia.

Mr Siddiqui did not attend the Disciplinary Tribunal Hearing and a denial of the Complaints were entered on his behalf.

Penalty and costs

The Disciplinary Tribunal found the Complaints sustained and imposed the following penalties for each of the Complaints:

• forfeiture of Membership, not eligible for readmission for a period of 15 years
• a fine of $30,000.

Mr Siddiqui was ordered to pay CPA Australia's costs of $2458.