Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand welcome the passing in the Tasmanian
Parliament, of the Professional Standards Amendment Bill 2016.
The passing of this Bill will align Tasmanian legislation with the rest of the nation, by
ensuring members of professional associations will be on a level playing field with their
interstate counterparts.
“After many years of dialogue and advocacy it is great to see that the Tasmanian
Government has recognised the need for reform, and the Bill, introduced by Dr Goodwin in
September 2016, has passed smoothly through both houses of the Tasmanian Parliament”
said Mr Rob Ward AM, Head of Leadership and Advocacy.
Mr Ward also said, “Professional standards legislation was introduced nationally in the
wake of the HIH collapse in 2001. However, an anomaly saw the Tasmanian Act out of
step with the rest of the nation in that Section 27 (c) required the professional association
to agree to increase the cap on liability if requested by a member, whereas interstate the
association had the right to accept or refuse the cap.
This anomaly meant that CA ANZ did not apply for a scheme in Tasmania.
A Professional Standard Scheme protects Tasmanian consumers because members of
professional bodies who have a scheme are held to a higher standard of professional
practice.”
Stuart Roberts
