1. BENDIGO - MEMBER CONSULTATION FORUM
5 March 2018
Summary

2. Opened by: Clare Lezaja
Overview of Session
All Season Bendigo,
McIvor Hwy, Bendigo
5.30pm
Board member:
Peter Wilson
Registered: 10
Attended:
Divisional Council:
Opened by: Clare Lezaja
Topics Discussed
Return on investment that members receive from their membership
Damage to the brand as a result of the events of 2017, and how this can be repaired
The impact of centralising delivery of member services, and reduction in Bendigo budget and autonomy
Resources provides by CPA Australia are not comprehensive, and difficult to find
Brand marketing and growth
Required changes to the constitution
CPA Australia Advice
Transparency by CPA, focussing on the financial account and ongoing changes
Engagement with universities and accreditation of the CPA program
Board engagement with members

3. Summary of discussion
CPA members asked over 20 questions of the Board chair, Peter Wilson. Members also addressed each others’ concerns and questions.
The main concerns expressed by members in attendance were:
The return that members get for their annual fees. Given the recent brand damage, costly professional development and changes to the professional standard scheme, members felt they did not get the return they had previously
Damage to the brand as a result of the events of 2017, how this can be repaired, and the timeframe that it will take to rebuild the credibility of the brand
The negative impact of the centralisation of member services and reduction of local budgets. The Bendigo branch feel this has left them with insufficient resources to deliver the services that members want, and it is difficult for the branch to communicate directly with local members
The resources provided by CPA Australia to members can be difficult to local on the website
The discussion also covered:
Required changes to the constitution – ensuring the proposed changes minimise the risk of the events of 2017 being repeated
Brand marketing and growth – ensuring that growth is sustainable and academic rigour is maintained
CPA Australia Advice – the upcoming review and forward plan
Transparency by CPA – ensuring the financial accounts are transparent, and that ongoing changes in governance are clearly communicated
Engagement with universities and accreditation of the CPA program
Board engagement – highlighting how engagement between the board and members has improved significantly over the last few months

4. PHOTOS