Accounting is sometimes referred to as ‘the science of business’, so it’s right that CA ANZ’s approach to impactful advocacy is embedded in robust data, rigorous research and evidence-led insight. This approach is central to CA ANZ’s advocacy work, ensuring that our efforts are grounded in fact and deliver real value to our members and stakeholders.

The profession is essential to strong, sustainable economies and our more than 140,000 members are woven throughout the global economy, contributing expertise grounded in ethics, precision and the public interest. This means that CA ANZ is uniquely positioned to offer governments on both sides of the Tasman something invaluable: trusted advice backed by real-world insights.

This is especially important for ministers grappling with complex issues and tight budgets. Our role is to advocate with purpose through robust data, policy analysis and ‘feedback from the frontline’ – the lived experience of our members as they implement, interpret and navigate government regulation.

Candid conversations

But part of impactful advocacy is also respectfully asking the tough questions, presenting alternative views and sometimes building strong coalitions with like-minded organisations to amplify our shared expertise.

Our shared response last year to the Tax Agent Services (Code of Professional Conduct) Determination 2024 made under the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 is a great example of this in action. It’s this kind of thoughtful, principled advocacy that drew me to the profession. And the same evidence-led approach shaped our pre-budget submission, which you can read on our website. We’ve focused on implementable and impactful recommendations to lift productivity and deliver greater value for taxpayer dollars.

Keeping an open dialogue with policymakers about all our policy priorities helps ensure our members’ voices are heard. Since joining CA ANZ in July last year, I’ve met with parliamentarians from across the political spectrum and I can confidently say: our voice – your voice – is appreciated and respected.

Accounting for skill shortages

I’ve also heard from CA ANZ councils how critical it is that we focus on fortifying the profession’s talent pipeline, especially in regional areas. As a result, we are stepping up our efforts to urge governments to address the accounting skills shortage and invest in the talent pipeline for broad economic benefits by:

• Reducing student contributions to university accounting degrees, so they are more affordable and accessible
• Keeping accounting, audit and finance-related roles on Australia’s Occupation Shortage List
• Recognising accounting traineeships on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List
• Supporting employers to deliver structured, on-the-job training in accounting, alongside formal learning.

As Peter Vial FCA, group executive, New Zealand and the Pacific, highlights in his New Zealand advocacy update, impactful advocacy is often a marathon, not a sprint. Following years of long, patient engagement, accounting has been reinstated as a stand-alone subject in New Zealand high schools – a win that will spark interest in rewarding accounting careers and help strengthen our future talent pipeline.

It’s also a reminder that advocacy isn’t just about today’s policy settings, it can shape the profession for years to come. Over time, we’re hoping to replicate New Zealand’s success with Australian states.

Finally, thank you for being integral to our advocacy conversations. Your expertise underpins the credibility of our work and the better policy outcomes CA ANZ is seeking for business, communities and the economy.