1. TOWNSVILLE - MEMBER CONSULTATION FORUM
21 March 2018
Summary

2. Overview of Session Rydges Southbank 23 Palmer Street
Townsville, Queensland
5.30pm
Board member:
Merran Kelsall
Registered: 21
Attended: 12
Divisional Council:
Opened by: Peta Shipley
Topics Discussed
Relevance, quality and costs of CPD offered
Communication and engagement with local members, and return on investment for regional members
The process to appoint the board, including different models for direct election and the role of the Nominations Committee
CPA Australia Advice and the professional standards scheme
Internal culture of CPA Australia, and transparency of organisational structure
Director terms, remuneration and skills mix
The new vision and strategy for CPA and how it will differ from the previous one
CPA Australia finances and future changes to fees and spending
Restoring brand perception with the public
Future of the accounting profession
Recruitment of the new CEO
Recent member retention rates
AGM resolutions, including required numbers for an EGM
Brand advertising

3. Summary of discussion
CPA members asked over 25 questions of the Board member in attendance, Merran Kelsall.
The main topics discussed by members in attendance were:
Continuing professional development – there were concerns about the relevance, cost and quality of the CPD provided by CPA Australia. Over time, the content has shifted from technical content, which has resulted in members going to alternative providers. CPD can be cancelled in Townsville if insufficient members sign up to the course. The diverse CPD needs of the member base were noted.
Communication and engagement with local members, and how more effort needs to be made to engage members in Townsville, well in advance of any activity. The value for regional members is not clear, as the brand is less recognised, there are fewer events to attend, and it is hard to access the services that are offered in capital cities.
The process to appoint the board and how the proposed Appointments Council and Nominations Committee would operate. Models of direct election were discussed, including selection from the Nominations Committee’s shortlist. Options to increase member input into the Board selection process were discussed.
The discussion also covered:
CPA Australia Advice and the resultant issues with the professional standards scheme, and lack of support from CPA Australia to resolve these issues
Internal culture of CPA Australia, and ensuring it has significantly changed from This includes transparency, and the publication of internal organisational charts
The current composition of the board, the number of Directors, the number of vacancies, remuneration and skills mix
The change in strategic vision for CPA Australia, and how the focus will move away from promoting individuals to having the member at the centre of the strategy
The current financial situation of CPA Australia, including the cost of previous advertising spend and subsequent impact on membership fees or spending on member services
The damage to the brand as a result of the events of 2017, and how this will be repaired
Future of the accounting profession, and how this should be incorporated into ongoing training requirements
Recruitment of the new CEO, and if this will be finalised before the AGM
Current retention rates of members, and if they are negatively impacted by the events of 2017
AGM resolutions, including required numbers for an EGM
Brand advertising, including sponsorship of the Australian Open and if this aligns with the accounting profession
Lack of visibility for members of what the Divisional and Branch councils do, or who they are

4. PHOTOS