INTHEBLACK July/August 2023 - Magazine - Page 12
F E AT U R E
Benefits
of wisdom
Each year, Australia celebrates the rich culture and history of
First Nations during NAIDOC Week. Ahead of the 2023
celebration, we asked two accountants what this year’s
theme means to them and the profession.
Words Susan Muldowney
READ
CPA Australia’s
response to the
Uluru Statement
from the Heart
EXPLORE
CPA Australia’s
Innovate
Reconciliation
Action Plan
12 INTHEBLACK July/August 2023
The theme of this year’s NAIDOC Week,
celebrated on 2 July to 9 July, has been chosen
to reflect the significant cultural contribution
made by older members of the community.
“‘For Our Elders’ represents an
acknowledgement of the Elders both
present and past, who have shaped the
way for our generation to be courageous
in our pursuit of reconciliation,” says
Shane Miller ASA, a Jagera man.
Miller is a graduate accountant at Twin
Towns Clubs & Resorts in Tweed Heads, located
on the New South Wales–Queensland border.
Miller is also the deputy chair of the
CPA Australia Indigenous Advisory Group.
As an accountant, he says, “‘For Our Elders’
is a call for Indigenous accountants and
networks like the Indigenous Advisory
Group to take action, do our part to boost
Indigenous representation in the accounting
profession and provide community support.”
Katina Law FCPA, a Worrorra Walmajarri
woman, is mindful of the struggles that
Elders have endured. “They have fought for
equality and, as an accountant, I continue
the fight for financial independence
and economic participation for all
Indigenous Australians,” Law says.
In 2015, Law co-founded IPS Management
Consultants – Australia’s largest independent
majority First Nations-owned consultancy. She
also became the first Indigenous female chair
of an ASX-listed company in Australia in 2017.
Miller also takes great pride in carrying
the torch. “Serving as the deputy chair of
CPA Australia’s Indigenous Advisory Group
allows me to act as part of the change and
see that the steps taken by Elders past
and present are continued,” he explains.
RECONCILIATION JOURNEY
To Miller, reconciliation is at the heart
of this year’s theme. “Our Elders have
courageously paved the way for the
opportunities and progression of Indigenous
reconciliation. Their sacrifices, resilience
and perseverance have paved the path
for us to continue to walk,” he says.
“Accountants are at the forefront of
modern and contemporary business. I believe
it is our duty to follow in the footsteps of
our Indigenous Elders and pass on our
