Statement from the Board 5 March 2021

This week Robyn Erskine FCPA advised the CPA Australia Board that she was resigning from her position as Director effective 4 March 2021.

Ms Erskine’s advice to the Board came after she became aware of and disclosed to the Board the payment for a related party transaction for the sum of $11,000 between CPA Australia and a business in which she is a partner. Whilst the transaction was on arm’s length commercial terms and for a proper purpose, the transaction involved a related party and had inadvertently not been disclosed to the Board.

The contracted services related to the updating of education manuals and materials. Ms Erskine was not personally involved in the procurement of the work by CPA Australia nor in the completion of the work.

Ms Erskine supports the governance requirements of CPA Australia and takes her responsibilities as a director extremely seriously. Consequently, to ensure the highest standards and accountability she offered her resignation to the Board. Ms Erskine also advised the $11,000 will be repaid to CPA Australia.

The Board accepts and supports Ms Erskine’s decision. CPA Australia has strengthened its processes to enhance identification of related party transactions.

Ms Erskine has made an extensive contribution to CPA Australia through numerous voluntary roles over many years including on Victorian Divisional Council. She has been a Director of CPA Australia’s Board since October 2017.

We thank Ms Erskine and wish her well for her future.

The details of the related party transaction will be disclosed in the 2020 Integrated Annual Report which will be available to members in April.

The Board will discuss this Director vacancy with the Appointments Council and update members in future communications.

Merran Kelsall FCPA

President and Chairman
On behalf of CPA Australia's Board of Directors