Freddy Ortega

Member’s name: Freddy Ortega ASA
Date of Hearing: 13 May 2026
Division: New South Wales
Tribunal: Disciplinary

On 13 May 2026 the Disciplinary Tribunal found Mr Freddy Ortega breached CPA Australia’s 11 May 2022 Constitution (“the Constitution”) in that he had, pursuant to Article 36(a) of the Constitution, “committed, participated in or been involved with an Adverse Event” as defined in:

Complaint 1
Article 76(d)(ii) of the Constitution as having “engaged in conduct, which is derogatory to, or not in the best interests of, the Company or its Members” in relation to an employment application.

Background
At all material times the Member held the CPA Australia Membership Status of Associate (ASA).

The Member applied for and obtained a voluntary Board Director position that advertised for an individual holding the CPA or CA designation.  The Member was not of CPA status, he was an ASA.

It was also noted, that under the heading, “Certification” on his CV, the Member listed two CPA Australia courses, that were not completed at the time. The member alluded to being a CPA Australia member, however did not state his Membership Status or designation of Associate (ASA).

CPA Australia submitted to the Tribunal that Mr Ortega failed to clearly disclose his Membership Status and the incomplete status of certain courses, and that the information included in his application materials may have created a misleading impression. It was alleged that this conduct was derogatory to, or not in the best interests of, CPA Australia and its members.

Decision
The Member attended the Disciplinary Tribunal Hearing and denied the Complaint.

The Disciplinary Tribunal considered the evidence before it and found the Complaint sustained.

Penalty and Costs
The Disciplinary Tribunal considered the personal circumstances of the member, his genuine contrition, acknowledgement of his conduct, his lack of prior disciplinary matters and his further career prospects. The Tribunal also acknowledged that the conduct fell at the lower end of seriousness and there was no ongoing risk to public protection. However, in imposing the penalties the Tribunal found the member’s behaviour was not in the best interests of CPA Australia or its Members, and imposed the following penalties:

Complaint 1:

• A severe reprimand
• The Member must successfully complete the CPA Australia “Ethics in Focus” course or its equivalent, within in 6 months. A failure to do so, to result in a suspension of Mr Ortega’s membership until evidence of completion is provided.

The Member was ordered to pay CPA Australia’s costs of $12,418.50.