Kia ora koutou and hello.

As I look around the globe and meet members, my resounding impression is that institutions of all types face unprecedented challenges in providing certainty and continuity. As I said at CA ANZ’s flagship Audit and Accounting Conference, political, social and regulatory landscapes are changing, and our profession is not immune. 

We must be adaptable to change, but we must also continue to protect and grow the reputation, ethics, relationships and frameworks of the accounting profession and the CA designation. 

Every member will be encouraged to see this reflected in CA ANZ’s new FY2026–2030 strategy, which was launched in late May and is now available on the CA ANZ website. You have also been sent an email from CEO Ainslie van Onselen explaining the process underpinning the strategy development and what it means for the future of CA ANZ.

The new strategy sustains the high-level strategic intent of the previous five-year strategy, while investing in new initiatives to enable us to respond to a rapidly changing global environment. A significant feature is CA ANZ’s aim to help members harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and to use AI to enhance our educational programs.

Close to my heart, the strategy builds on the amazing work to attract the next generation of talent to the profession. Through the ‘four Ps of attraction’ – perceptions, pathways, policies and pipeline – we will tap into a broader and more diverse pool of talent.

The strategy will unleash members’ ability to deliver on new reporting frameworks and legislative requirements, particularly in sustainability reporting. New tools, resources, thought leadership and credentials will enable this.

Of course, the new strategy supports our always-on education, and bold and visible advocacy, particularly in the core areas of taxation, assurance and reporting, superannuation, financial advice, business reform, skills and migration, and diversity, equity and inclusion. 

Strengthening trust in the profession, by upholding professional and ethics standards, backed by our conduct and disciplinary framework, remains a key focus. It makes me proud to see our advocates and membership body leading the biggest conversations in these areas. 

At an operational level, the strategy will make it easier for members to engage with CA ANZ through a new website, CPD subscription process and mobile app.

Preparing a strategy of this scale is no mean feat. But now the real work begins, in building the initiatives that will achieve our strategic aspirations. Please check out your email and My CA communications, and visit the website or reach out to your regional manager for more information.

The most enjoyable part of my role is meeting you all. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve caught up with members in Launceston in Tasmania, Cairns in Queensland and Masterton in the Wairarapa. I’m looking forward to connecting with those in Sydney, Adelaide, Christchurch, Whanganui, Brisbane, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia in the coming months. 

I’m here to represent your voice, inside and outside our wonderful organisation, so I look forward to your thoughts and feedback on the strategy, and more.