1. NEWCASTLE - MEMBER CONSULTATION FORUM
14 March 2018
Summary

2. Overview of Session
Crowne Plaza Newcastle, Cnr Merewether St & Wharf Rd, Newcastle
5.30pm
Board member:
Robyn Erskine, Helen Lorigan
Registered: 26
Attended: 16
Divisional Council:
Opened by: Shabnam Amirbeaggi
Topics Discussed
Director remuneration
The impact of centralising delivery of member services, and reduction in Newcastle budget and autonomy
Connection between the Newcastle branch and the NSW Divisional Council
Different direct election models for Board appointment
Potential legal action against the former CEO and Board
Damage to the brand as a result of the events of 2017, and the timeline for repair
Continuing professional development
Effectiveness of CPA Australia’s advocacy work
Appointment of a new CEO
Quality of graduates from the CPA program
Growth of CPA Australia
CPA program – outsourcing of exams

3. Summary of discussion
CPA members asked over 35 questions of the Board members, Robyn Erskine, Helen Lorigan.
The main concerns expressed by members in attendance were:
The remuneration of Board Directors. This included the salaries paid, the use of a pool to determine Director salary, the benchmarking process, and previous CPA Australia practices for determining Director salary.
The reduction in Newcastle branch budget, and low level of resources to support local activity. This has been as a result of centralising delivery of member services, which has lead to a reduction in local autonomy, and less tailored services.
The decreased connection between the Newcastle branch and the NSW Divisional Council in recent years. There are currently no Newcastle branch members on the NSW Divisional Council.
Different models for the direct election of Board members, including the proposed Appointments Council and Nominations Committee
The actions of the previous board, and the termination payment to the former CEO. The likelihood of successful legal action in relation to these activities was discussed.
The discussion also covered:
Damage to the brand as a result of the events of 2017, and the timeline for repair.
The high cost of continuing professional development (CPD). Detail on the recent board announcement regarding free CDP was discussed.
The effectiveness of recent advocacy work conducted by CPA Australia, especially in relation to financial planning regulation
Appointment of a new CEO, and the timeframes for this.
The quality of recent graduates from the CPA program, with some concerns quality has reduced, potentially driven by the increase in international members. The outsourcing of exams was discussed.
The focus on growth of CPA Australia membership numbers at the cost of providing quality to the existing member base.

4. PHOTOS