Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the world’s first storytellers and keepers of knowledge, trade, and systems of sustainability, trust and reciprocity that have existed for millennia. Through our Reflect RAP and commitment to fostering an inclusive profession, CA ANZ acknowledges the deep legacy and the ongoing connection to Country, Culture, and Community of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Our vision is for a profession where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ knowledge, voices, and leadership are visible and central. Reconciliation is about walking together to create opportunities, open doors and ensure the profession reflects the communities we serve.

CA ANZ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Member Panel

The CA ANZ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Member Panel are at the heart of this journey. The Panel takes a representative role, raises the profile of Indigenous Chartered Accountants and provides insight and leadership to inspire future generations to see themselves in the profession.

How the Panel are driving change

The Panel is championing advocacy, pathways, community, and thought leadership to open doors and strengthen representation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the profession; from influencing policy to supporting scholarships and growing networks.

Advocacy

CA ANZ works alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members and partners to ensure their voices shape the profession and drive meaningful change.

• CA ANZ advocacy submissions have been directly shaped by the Panel, including:
  • Positioning Australia’s Financial Reporting System for the Future, led by Chair Josh Duke FCA.
  • Foundation Skills Study 2025 Consultation, led by Chair Josh Duke FCA.
  • ATO Vulnerability Framework, led by Panel member Sarah Hyland CA.
  • Economic self-determination inquiry to the Joint Standing Committee, developed in collaboration with the Panel.
• Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Māori members participated in focused workshops that informed CA ANZ strategic review and identified First Nations and Māori partnerships as one of 14 strategic initiatives in our five-year plan.
• Collaborated to establish the Accounting for Indigenous Perspectives Special Interest Group (SIG) within peak academic organisation Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand (AFAANZ). The focus of the SIG is on embedding Indigenous perspectives into academic and professional discourse.
• CA ANZ participated as peak sponsor at the World Indigenous Business Summit in partnership with Ngā Kaitatau Māori o Aotearoa, where CA ANZ Life Member Sir Rob McLeod FCA delivered a keynote and Panel members Josh Duke FCA and Ben Eisikovich CA represented members.
• Indigenous businesses, start-ups, and founders were showcased at CA Catalyst events, bringing visibility and investment to community-led innovation.
• The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Member Panel contributed to the CA ANZ Inclusive Language and Communications Guide, a key member resource.
• Cultural capability was strengthened across CA ANZ through the co-creation of a bespoke Acknowledgement of Country with First Nations consultants Modern Custodian.

Pathways

The Panel is paving the way for more First Nations students and emerging leaders to see themselves in accounting. By championing supported pathways, CA ANZ is collaborating with the Panel to make entry into the profession clearer, more accessible, and deeply connected to Community.

• Four annual scholarships, valued at A$10,000 each, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to pursue the Chartered Accountant designation.
• One-on-one mentoring and tailored support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander provisional members as they progress through the CA Program.
• Partnerships with leading universities and schools to open doors early, including:
  • National Indigenous Business Summer Schools in QLD, WA and VIC (annually).
  • Charles Darwin University Indigenous Pre-Accounting Enabling Program annually.
  • Engaged 20 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 11–12 students in collaboration with University of Queensland.
  • Featured guest speaker Jolene Elliott CA inspiring 17 students to see accounting as a pathway to leadership, influence, and community impact at Griffith University.
  • Koorie Aspirations Day in Victoria, hosted by Deakin University and the NIKERI Institute, with support from Panel member Deanne Firth FCA.
• Networking events connecting students and employers; where culture, career, and community meet.

Community

We are working with the Panel to create spaces and opportunities that strengthen connections, elevate voices, and showcase Indigenous excellence across the profession.

• A dedicated yarning space on MyCA enables Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members, provisional members, and allies to connect.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members are guiding the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to ensure actions reflect lived experiences.
• Indigenous businesses, start-ups, and founders are showcased at CA Catalyst events, bringing visibility and investment to community-led innovation.
• Collaboration with the Māori & Pasifika Special Interest Group fosters trans-Tasman initiatives to strengthen Indigenous representation in accounting.
• The establishment of the CA ANZ Australia and New Zealand Indigenous Peoples (ANZIP) Employee Action Group in 2025 further embeds Indigenous perspectives into workplace culture and initiatives.

Thought leadership

• Jolene Elliott CA GAICD was the 2025 Indigenous Accountant of the Year winner at the annual Australian Accounting Awards.
• Two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members were recognised as 2024 Young CA Award winners. Kedeisha Kartinyeri CA and Baringa Barambah Meeanjinu CA exemplify what it means to be difference makers, honoured for their contributions to both the profession and the community.
• Amie Prentice FCA and Josh Duke FCA, also panel members, talk about Why Accounting lacks First Nations representation in Acuity magazine during NAIDOC Week 2025. 
• Amie Prentice FCA, Josh Duke FCA, Jolene Elliott CA GAICD and Ben Eisikovich CA were profiled in Acuity magazine during National Reconciliation Week 2025, sharing their perspectives on Bridging Now to Next: the future of reconciliation.
• Panel member Ben Eisikovich CA and Holly Johnson co-hosted the free virtual event “Empowering Indigenous Strengths in the Workplace” alongside Emily Vaka’uta FCA and Aaron Karena CA, in 2025 drawing 1,501 registrations, 832 participants, and a NPS of 53 (a score above 50 is considered excellent), reflecting strong engagement and recognition of Indigenous knowledge across borders.
• Events amplify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and knowledge, such as We Can’t Be What We Can’t See and a Referendum discussion with, featuring Deanne Firth FCA, Kedeisha Kartinyeri CA and 2024 CA ANZ President Tinashe Kamangira FCA.

Shaping what's ahead

We are proud of the foundations we’ve built in collaboration with the Panel and we know this is only the beginning. Reconciliation is a journey we lead alongside our communities, members, and allies. The path forward is about deepening relationships, opening more doors, and ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives are woven into every part of the profession; from classrooms to boardrooms.

We invite our members and allies to be part of this journey: to mentor, to listen, to learn, and to celebrate the leadership and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Together, we can shape a profession that reflects the strength, diversity, and aspirations of the communities it serves.