| 1899 |
August |
Mr J Fenton submits a request on behalf of his sister, seeking to sit the Incorporated Institute of Accountants, Victoria (IIAV) examinations. |
| 1899 |
September |
The IIAV Council calls a special meeting of members to vote on the question. Six councillors speak in favour of the admission of women to examinations and membership, and one against.
No is the resounding vote, 69 to 26. |
| 1900 |
September |
Miss Fenton applies to sit for the IIAV October examinations. The matter is deferred to 18 October meeting, making it too late for consideration.
|
| 1902 |
Federal Institute of Accountants |
“As far as can be ascertained, one lady had the temerity to apply for admission as a member during 1902, but the minutes show that the Secretary was instructed to inform her that ‘under no circumstances could the application be considered’.”
|
| 1906 |
March |
Miss Garbutt of Ballarat seeks membership of IIAV. It is decided that in light of the 1899 vote, that an application from a woman cannot be accepted. |
| 1908 |
June |
Mr Peart submits a membership request on behalf of his daughter. The matter is twice deferred and rejected on the same grounds as Miss Garbutt’s. |
| 1911 |
February |
Miss Creaton applies for membership. This is rejected on same grounds as the 1899 vote, however it opens the debate and gives rise to the second referendum of the IIAV, on the matter of women being admitted to membership.
|
| 1912 |
February, Western Australia |
The Institute of Accountants and Auditors in Western Australia (IAAWA) passes a motion at its AGM, allowing women to be admitted as members.
The motion “provoked considerable discussion and was eventually passed by a large majority: - That it is desirable that the articles and by-laws of the institute should be so amended as to allow ladies to site for the examinations of the institute, and to be admitted as members when duly qualified”. |
| 1912 |
May, Victoria |
A motion is passed regarding the admission of women. It is defeated 101 to 202.
|
| 1912 |
October |
Miss Mary Addison Hamilton, Addie, sits the IAAWA exams. |
| 1914 |
September |
The Student’s Society – those studying to sit the IIAV exams – votes to accept women members.
Miss Irene Dorothy Bourn passes the IIAV bookkeepers examination, the other three candidates fail.
|
| 1915 |
March |
Miss Evelyn Maud West is admitted to examinations and exempted from the preliminary exam. |
| 1915 |
August |
Miss Irene Dorothy Bourn is admitted to examinations and exempted from the preliminary exam. |
| 1915 |
October |
Addie Hamilton sits for the IAAWA* examinations, gaining second place.
The West Australian reports that the IAAWA: “…welcomes Miss Hamilton as a member…she being the first lady to gain that distinction in this state”, then mentions she won the prize for the best essay on The History of an executor and trustee under a will.”
|
| 1916 |
February |
Due to the shortage of skilled personnel arising through enlistments in the armed services, the IIAV Council votes to permit women to sit for the examinations. The vote carries unanimously, with the condition that women who pass the exams are still ineligible for membership. |
| 1916 |
December |
Miss Evelyn Maud West and Miss Irene Dorothy Bourn pass the final examination. Of the 246 female candidates who sit the examination, only 143 pass. |
| 1917 |
February |
The Herald reports “Miss I D Bourn can claim to be the first woman licensed auditor under the Companies Act, as she has just passed the Companies Auditors Board examinations... Miss Bourn in October last obtained the premium position at the final examination of the IIAV”. |
1918
|
July |
The IIAV AGM gives notice regarding the “Admission of women: It is felt that this question should again be submitted to the members, and in doing so the Council wishes it to be understood that it has its unanimous approval”.
The vote to allow female members carries, 152 to 111.
|
| 1918 |
October |
Miss Mary Emma Humble, Miss Evelyn Maud West and Miss Irene Dorothy Bourn are admitted as licentiates.
|