Update from the CPA Australia Board 12 February 2025

President’s Message

CPA Australia is poised for a busy and productive year ahead. The Board is united in its commitment to deliver outstanding value to our members, extend the limitless reach of the CPA designation, enhance our external engagement and thought leadership in areas such as ethics, AI, ESG and sustainability, and ensure our education and training programs empower our members to excel in a dynamic professional landscape. 

In 2025 we are thrilled to celebrate significant milestones: 70 years in Hong Kong, 60 years in the Northern Territory, and 20 years since the launch of our London and Auckland offices. We eagerly anticipate commemorating these achievements and honouring the members who have been instrumental in building our organisation and expanding our global network. 

Visit to India by CPA Australia delegation

CPA Australia was honoured to participate in the World Forum of Accountants (WFOA) conference held this January in New Delhi, India. Hosted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), this landmark event attracted more than 7000 registrants from around the globe to explore the theme, ‘Accountability Meets Innovation (AI): For a Sustainable Planet.’ I was delighted to deliver a keynote address on ESG and the crucial role of accountants in driving sustainable economies for the future, while our CEO, Chris Freeland AM, contributed to a dynamic panel discussion on the future of accounting and navigating tomorrow’s financial landscape. 

CPA Australia also partnered with the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) to host a Global Summit on ‘Accelerating Value Creation for Sustainable Growth in India.’ This event brought together key industry leaders, policymakers and experts to explore innovative strategies for cross-border investments, robust governance, and an evolving financial landscape. 

At the summit Chris Freeland AM led an insightful CxO Roundtable entitled ‘Resilient Leadership for Responsible Governance: Fostering Global Trust Through Transparency in Financial Reporting,’ and I had the honour of delivering a keynote address on ‘Emerging Cross Border Trends, Local Issues and Solutions Ahead.’ Additionally, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ASSOCHAM and jointly released the ‘Business Technology Report 2024.’ 

In New Delhi and Mumbai, we had the distinct pleasure of attending CPA Australia Member Recognition Ceremonies to celebrate local member milestones. Over 245 members advanced to CPA status and 17 members achieved FCPA status. Additionally, we celebrated members who achieved 10 and 20 years of membership and awarded several Certificates of Excellence. We extend our warmest congratulations to all these members on their outstanding achievements. 

2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM)

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of CPA Australia will be held on Wednesday 14 May 2025 at 5:30pm (AEST) at the office of CPA Australia Ltd, Level 20, 28 Freshwater Place, Southbank, Melbourne.

The AGM will be a hybrid event with members able to attend either in person at our Melbourne office or online via webcast. Members who attend the AGM online will be able to participate in the meeting and ask questions via text or phone through the online portal.
The notice of meeting for the AGM will be dispatched to members as soon as possible, but at least 21 days before the AGM, as required under S249H of the Corporations Act 2001(Cth) and the CPA Australia Constitution.

We encourage you to update your contact preferences to receive your notice of meeting and other communications by email. This is the most timely and reliable method of communication, and it is significantly more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.

More details about the AGM are available on the website. For further information, contact [email protected]

2025 Global Mentoring Program – Applications Open

Applications for the 2025 Global Mentoring Program are open until 7 March. The mentoring program offers invaluable opportunities for learning and skill development, enriches professional growth and helps members build connections. The program fosters positive experiences for both mentors and mentees and gives participants the opportunity to be matched with members from across the globe, allowing for a truly international exchange of knowledge and experiences. For further information, please visit the dedicated mentoring program page on our website.

CPA Australia in the media

CPA Australia is leading the conversation in the media and raising awareness on key policy issues. Our policy experts have been quoted widely in mainstream media and online industry publications during January on a range of topical issues in Australia. These include expressing caution on the proposed merger of the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB), the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (AUASB) and the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) into one overarching body, advocating for reconsideration of changes to taxation policy, welcoming overdue reforms to superannuation service standards and outlining CPA Australia’s concerns with the sharp increase in the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR) that will impact the financial advice sector. 

In addition, CEO Chris Freeland published an article in Accountants Daily on 16 January in response to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report, in which he refuted the contention that jobs for accountants, auditors and bookkeepers will decline over the next five years due to the introduction of new technologies, instead presenting reasons that advances in automation technology, including artificial intelligence, will create opportunities for the accounting profession. 

Vale Rob O’Connor KC FCPA

On behalf of CPA Australia, I would like to pay tribute to the memory of Rob O’Connor, who passed away on 12 January 2025. Rob served the legal and accounting professions with great honour and distinction for more than 55 years. He joined CPA Australia in 1968 and served on the Western Australia Divisional Council from 1979 to 1985, including as Divisional President from 1983-1984. He was elevated to FCPA status as a 50-year member in 2008 and contributed to various CPA Australia Western Australia and national committees. Rob had a distinguished career in the Australian Taxation Office and as a solicitor, partner, barrister and King’s Counsel. He will be remembered as a person with an analytical mind and a compassionate heart. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues. 

Sincerely, 

Dale Pinto FCPA
John Curtin Distinguished Professor 
Global President and Chair 
On behalf of CPA Australia’s Board of Directors