CPA Australia acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
At CPA Australia, we value diversity equality and inclusion. As Australia's largest accounting designation are committed to leading positive social change, and our Reconciliation Action Plan actively reflects this commitment to greater social responsibility and reconciliation between Australia’s First Peoples and the broader Australian community.
CPA Australia’s position has been developed with the support and guidance of our Indigenous Advisory Group, which is supported in full by the CPA Board and Executive Leadership Team.
The Uluru Statement from the Heart is a critical step to formally embracing our shared history and walking together towards a better future for all Australians.
Our response to the Uluru Statement from the Heart
CPA Australia welcomes the Uluru Statement from the Heart and offers thanks to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for their gracious invitation to walk with them and all Australians towards a better future.
We willingly join Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on this trek as true and respectful partners for progress to strengthen relationships across all communities through Voice, Treaty, and Truth.
CPA Australia is privileged to base our operations on the lands and waters that have been cared for by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for 60,000 years and is home to the oldest continuing culture on earth.
Accounting professionals are at the forefront of business and finance decisions across the country. We are committed to encouraging Indigenous involvement and representation in the profession.
We support a transparent process for truth-telling and finding genuine agreement between governments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We support processes that enable safe, open, and meaningful dialogue.
In the spirit of meaningful reconciliation, CPA Australia looks forward to working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, governments, members of the accounting profession, our employees, and all Australians to find a shared voice and help build a strong, united nation.
"I take great pride in CPA Australia pledging our support for an important statement empowering Voice, Treaty, and truth. In the spirit of our Reconciliation journey at CPA Australia we are grateful for the opportunity and invitation to walk in a movement of all Australian people for a better future."
"I am excited to see the progress being made by CPA Australia as we continue on our reconciliation journey. This response to the Uluru Statement of the Heart demonstrates support for the First Nations people of Australia. The thought leadership provided by CPA Australia and our members will make an impactful contribution to positive change."
Our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2022 - 2024
Our Innovate RAP focuses on:
- developing and strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- engaging employees and stakeholders in reconciliation, developing and piloting innovative strategies to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Our Innovate RAP aims to:
- Deliver education and career pathway initiatives that build the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the accounting profession.
- Promote the value that accounting and financial wellbeing can create for communities.
- Raise awareness and educate employees and members on reconciliation.
Download our Reconciliation Action Plan as a PDF document.
Recent highlights
2022
In February, members and employees came together for a virtual national event that officially launched our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The launch was hosted by Andrew Hunter, and included guest speakers President and Chair Merran Kelsall, member and Wiradjuri Elder Aunty Irene Morris, member and Bidjara man Dean Morrison, and RAP Executive Sponsor Rowena Buddee. The General Manager from Reconciliation Australia, who officially endorsed our RAP, Peter Morrison, also spoke at the event.

Key focusses
The Innovate RAP is the second iteration of our reconciliation journey. It represents our ongoing progress towards reconciliation and our growing understanding of what our organisation’s greatest sphere of influence is: our members and the broader accounting profession.
The three key focusses of this RAP are:
- Build the number of First Nations people in the accounting profession.
- Promote the value of accounting for Australian Indigenous communities.
- Continue to build awareness, education and capability with members and employees.
Key initiatives
Following the official launch, work commenced on some key initiatives.
Stakeholder engagement
One of the most significant initiatives has been the creation of an Indigenous Advisory Group (IAG), which is made up of CPA Australia Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members.
Understanding our current representation
We also implemented a voluntary identification tool in our Members Profile page for us to understand our current representation.
Indigenous Scholarships Program
Our Indigenous Scholarships Program offers five CPA Australia Scholarships every year. Since the introduction of the program in 2021, several scholarships have been awarded.
Previous years
As an active socially responsible designation, CPA Australia is committed to reconciliation. Read about our previous initiatives.
Stories from our Indigenous members
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