Australian Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders

Acknowledgement of Country

CPA Australia acknowledges and pays respect to the past and present Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

CPA Australia’s commitment to Reconciliation

Since beginning our reconciliation journey in 2019, CPA Australia has made significant strides in advancing reconciliation and embedding Indigenous initiatives into our operations. This started with our first REFLECT RAP, and also includes the successful completion our second RAP in 2024. We are committed to leading positive social change, and our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) actively reflects this commitment to greater social responsibility and reconciliation between Australia’s First Peoples and the broader Australian community.

Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (2025-2027)

We are currently in the final draft stages of our next Reconciliation Action Plan with Reconciliation Australia, and are set to launch in the second half of 2025. This next phase of our reconciliation journey will focus on deeper integration of reconciliation efforts into core business operations and divisional activities. Engagement at the divisional level will be essential in driving awareness, participation and accountability across the organisation.

Our second Innovate RAP (2025-2027) will prioritise:
- Strengthening career pathways: We will create clear and supported pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to enter and thrive in the accounting profession.
- Supporting financial literacy and business: We will leverage member expertise to deliver financial literacy and business support in Indigenous communities.
- Embedding into business: We will embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander initiatives into CPA Australia’s divisional strategies and operations.
Some of the key activities planned for 2025 to commence the second Innovate RAP include:
- launching the second Innovate RAP with a strong emphasis on divisional delivery and measurable outcomes
- promoting the CPA Australia Scholarships for Indigenous peoples
- exploring partnerships and program opportunities to promote financial wellbeing
- increasing the pipelines of First Nations peoples in accounting and finance
- exploring opportunities to promote the value of accounting and financial literacy to First Nations communities.

Some key RAP initiatives

We have focused on some key initiatives including our response to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, the creation of an Indigenous Advisory Group, and the promotion of accounting by sharing the stories of Indigenous role models.

Go to initiatives

What is the Indigenous Advisory Group?

The Indigenous Advisory Group (IAG) is made up of CPA Australia Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members who advise, support and guide our initiatives, while also ensuring that the voices of our Australian Indigenous members are central to our reconciliation journey. The IAG are active champions and influencers across the membership and community.

Interested in joining the IAG?

If you’d like to be part of the IAG and help to guide CPA Australia’s Indigenous initiatives, please email [email protected]

Stories from our Indigenous members

Want to learn more or get involved?

If you have any questions, ideas, or want to get involved, please contact the Indigenous Strategy and Engagement Manager Holly Mataka or Inclusion and Diversity Lead Morgan McAllister.

Australian Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders

Acknowledgement of Country

CPA Australia’s commitment to Reconciliation

Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (2025-2027)

What will the RAP prioritise?

What key initiatives are planned for 2025?

Some key RAP initiatives

What is the Indigenous Advisory Group?

Interested in joining the IAG?

Stories from our Indigenous members

Alex Graham FCPA on giving back to his community

Dean Morrison CPA: drawing inspiration from community

Dr Kerry Bodle CPA: The essential academic

Paul Coonan CPA: Reconciliation through community engagement

Professor Keitha Dunstan FCPA: Trailblazing in a man's world

Want to learn more or get involved?