Peter Saunders

Member’s name: Peter Saunders
Date of Hearing:18 November 2021
Division: New South Wales
Tribunal: Disciplinary Tribunal

On 18 November 2021 the Disciplinary Tribunal found that Mr Peter Saunders breached CPA Australia’s 14 May 2019 Constitution:

Volume 1

Complaint 1:

• Article 39(a)(ii)(A), by breaching By-Law 9.8(a) of the 29 May 2020 By-Laws, by failing to hold a current enforceable policy of professional indemnity insurance which complies with By-Law 9.8(c) at a time when he held a Public Practice Certificate; and
• Article 39(a)(ii)(A), by breaching By-Law 9.8(e) of the 29 May 2020 By-Laws, by failing to provide to CPA Australia an original certificate of currency of the policy of insurance required under By-Law 9.8(a).

Complaint 2:

• Article 39(a)(ii)(A), by breaching By-Law 5.2(a)(ii) and/or 5.2(b)(ii) of the 29 May 2020 By-Laws, by failing to “provide a satisfactory explanation with respect to the matters referred to in the Complaint” to CPA Australia.

Volume 2

Complaint 1:

• Article 39(a)(ii)F, in that he had “been the subject of an adverse finding that has not been overturned on appeal in relation to the Member's conduct, competence or recognition by any Court, professional body, statutory or other regulatory authority in any jurisdiction” in respect of a decision of the Tax Practitioners Board dated 27 May 2021.
• Article 39(a)(ii)A, by breaching By-Law 5.2(a)(ii) and/or 5.2(b)(ii) of the 29 May 2020 By-Laws, by failing to “provide a satisfactory explanation with respect to the matters referred to in the Complaint” to CPA Australia.

Complaint 2:

Mr Saunders 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:

Volume 1

Complaint 1:

• forfeiture of membership

Complaint 2:

• a severe reprimand
• a fine of $1000.

Volume 2

Complaint 1:

• forfeiture of membership

Complaint 2:

• a severe reprimand
• a fine of $1000.

As the Complaints were sustained, Mr Saunders was ordered to pay a contribution to costs of $2,856.25.