Peter Edwards

Member’s name: Peter Edwards
Date of Hearing: 20 September 2022
Division: Western Australia
Tribunal: Disciplinary Tribunal

On 20 September 2022, the Disciplinary Tribunal found that Mr Peter Edwards breached:

1. Article 39(a)(ii)C of the 14 May 2019 Constitution, in that he “failed to observe a proper standard of professional care, skill or competence” with respect to the audits performed by him for 2020 and 2021 for a school.
2. Article 39(a)(ii)A of the 28 April 2014 Constitution (and as subsequently amended), in that he “breached this Constitution (or the constitution of the Company in force immediately before the Amending Date), By-Laws, Code of Professional Conduct or the Applicable Regulations”, by failing to comply with the APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (APES 110) by failing to exercise independence as an auditor.
3. Article 39(a)(ii)A of the 14 May 2019 Constitution (and as subsequently amended), in that he “breached this Constitution (or the constitution of the Company in force immediately before the Amending Date), By-Laws, Code of Professional Conduct or the Applicable Regulations” by failing to hold a Public Practice Certificate when carrying out Public Accounting Services in accordance with By-Law 9.1 of the 1 April 2019 By-Laws (and as subsequently amended).

Mr Edwards attended the Disciplinary Tribunal Hearing and denied Complaints 1 and 2 and admitted Complaint 3.

Penalty and Costs:

The Disciplinary Tribunal found Complaints 1 and 3 sustained and imposed the following penalties:

Complaint 1:

• A severe reprimand.

Complaint 3:

• Mr Edwards to sign an undertaking by 31 October 2022, to not provide public accounting services to the extent a Public Practice Certificate is required.
• Mr Edwards to provide evidence to the satisfaction of the GMPC, of his resignation as a registered company auditor (RCA) with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) by 31 October 2022.
• A severe reprimand.
• A Fine in the amount of $2000.

The Disciplinary Tribunal imposed a contribution to CPA Australia’s costs of $2389.70.