Dear members,

As EOFY and the upcoming lodgement period approach, many members are shifting into focus mode. With the last of the three-day weekends and short weeks now behind us, it’s very much a case of bunker down until August and our next breather.

Last week, we were pleased to welcome Ruth Owens, Inspector-General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman (IGTO), to the Brisbane office for the Meet the Ombudsman event. This well-attended and valuable opportunity brought together members and non-members to hear directly about the work of the Tax Ombudsman, ongoing efforts to improve fairness in the tax system, and, critically, avenues for raising concerns about tax administration. Ruth shared updates across several important areas:

• Registered Agent Phone Line
• Online Services for Agents
• GIC remission
• Payday Super
• First Nations review
• Deceased estates
• Family trusts
• ATO communications

I’ll continue to provide visibility of upcoming consultations and updates across these areas as they are received, particularly where they aim to improve interactions between practitioners and the ATO.

Turning to education, CA Program Term 3 enrolments opened on 12 May, with final enrolments closing on 20 July. It’s worth noting that a number of subjects close well before this date, so candidates are encouraged to check the timetables carefully. If you have candidates in your workplace or networks studying the program, now is an ideal time to remind them of these key deadlines.

Alongside enrolments, a range of support options is available to candidates:

• CA Essentials – Designed for those enrolling in their first subject, these sessions refresh the foundational knowledge needed to succeed.
• CA Study Masterclass – A series of interactive workshops held throughout the term to complement subject enrolment and provide additional study support.

Support works best when paired with good planning. The CA Program Journey Planner is an excellent tool to help candidates map the most suitable and efficient pathway through the program while managing study load and avoiding peak work periods. If you know someone currently studying, a quick reminder about this tool can make a meaningful difference.

For those considering entry to the CA Program - whether high school leavers, interns, clerks, undergraduates or graduates - the CA Program Pathways Navigator provides a personalised starting point based on prior education and work experience.

As always, if there is anything your professional body should know, please get in touch via (07) 3233 6509 or [email protected].

Warm regards,

Mark Doorly
Queensland Regional Manager