1. CANBERRA - MEMBER CONSULTATION FORUM
26 March 2018
Summary

2. Overview of Session QT Canberra, 1 London Circuit, Canberra 5:30pm
Board members:
Peter Wilson, Robyn Erskine & Caroline Spencer
Registered: 75
Attended: 33
Divisional Council:
Opened by: Steve Wearn
Topics Discussed
Process to appoint the board, including models of direct election, and the composition of the board
Development of the new CPA Australia strategy
Former CEO and board, and potential legal recourse
Election models for the Divisional Councils
CPD, including recent announcement of free CDP
Annual General Meeting
Communication between members, Divisional Council and board
Brand marketing
Services for the local ACT division, and engagement with regional members
Membership fees
Connection between current CPA Australia employees and the former CEO and board
CPA Australia website
Contents of the annual report
CPA Program

3. Summary of discussion
CPA members asked 30 questions of the Board members in attendance, Caroline Spencer, Robyn Erskine & Peter Wilson. Members also addressed each others’ concerns and questions.
The main topics of discussion were:
The process to appoint the board – the discussion covered the firm that contributes to shortlisting, and the shortlisting process through the proposed Nominations Committee. Models of direct election, the tenure of board members, the composition of the board and the inclusion of non-members were all discussed.
Development of the new CPA Australia strategy – the role of the board and staff in developing the strategy, consideration of technology, how younger members will be attracted and retained, and the international focus of the organisation
Former CEO and board and potential legal recourse – the poor behaviours of the former CEO, potential to take legal action against the former CEO and board, and consideration of life memberships
Election models for the Divisional Councils – ensuring positions on the Divisional Council are attractive to members, and considering alternative options for voting, such as compulsory voting
The discussion also covered:
CPD – concerns around the digital delivery approach of the free CDP, as this removes the potential for networking. Members who have already paid for CDP that will now be free questioned how this will be managed. Members who send multiple people to the same CDP event, or were from small firms, asked if discounts could be applied.
Annual General Meeting – digital streaming and potential resolutions to be raised
Membership fees – potential to have part payments throughout the year, or offer discounts
Communication between members, Divisional Council and board – ensuring issues can be communicated quickly and easily, and ensuring the Divisional Councils are fully engaged with members
Brand marketing – positive feedback on the Australia Open campaign
Services for the local ACT division – there are fewer services and events in Canberra compared to other states. Regional members are not properly engaged or supported.
Connection between current CPA Australia employees and the former CEO and board
CPA Australia website – improving usability
Contents of the annual report – the inclusion of KPIs to assess performance
CPA Program – upcoming review, including supplementary exams

4. PHOTO