Indigenous initiatives
CPA Australia's global acknowledgement of indigenous peoples
As an educational body, CPA Australia is proud to honour First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians, Educators and Lore Keepers of the world's oldest living cultures. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and extend this respect to all First Nations peoples globally.
How CPA Australia supports Indigenous people
We support Indigenous communities by creating opportunities, pursuing excellence, and achieving together. We do this by advocating for sustainable development, cultural preservation, and economic participation. Our current Indigenous initiatives include increasing and supporting Indigenous participation in the accounting profession, as well as promoting financial wellbeing and the value of accounting within Indigenous communities.
Growing Indigenous representation in accounting and finance
Indigenous scholarships program
CPA Australia is committed to supporting Indigenous members on their CPA journey through various scholarships, including:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarships: up to five (5) scholarships annually for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Māori scholarships: up to two (2) scholarships annually for applicants of Māori descent being either students having completed two years of a CPA Australia accredited degree course or a business professional working in accounting or finance with a completed CPA Australia accredited bachelor’s degree.
- Pacific scholarships: up to two (2) scholarships annually to candidates of Pacific descent, based either in New Zealand or the wider Pacific region. Applicants must have completed a minimum two years of study of a CPA Australia accredited degree course.
Partnerships and collaborations
In addition to our Indigenous Scholarships Program, CPA Australia actively seeks partnerships with the education sector to increase Indigenous participation in accounting and finance pathways. These collaborations aim to support First Nations students and professionals to thrive and create lasting impact in their communities through the profession.
We work alongside universities, training providers and community-led initiatives to strengthen opportunities for Indigenous peoples in the field of accounting, finance and business.
What our Indigenous members say
Learn more about the stories of some current CPA Australia members that have been featured in our INTHEBLACK digital magazine.
Expanding the pipeline of Indigenous accountants
article·Published onSusan MuldowneyVisit INTHEBLACKElevating First Nations representation in the aerospace industry
article·Published onChristopher NiescheVisit INTHEBLACKTane Huata ASA on his biggest career moments
article·Published onBelinda ParkesVisit INTHEBLACK
Connect with Indigenous members
Need to learn more?
If you'd like to learn more about the different Indigenous intiatives that we're currently engaged in, please contact us.