Message from the President

Dear fellow member

As I reflect on 2023, I feel a strong sense of gratitude for all we have achieved together – and anticipation for the many exciting changes ahead. In 2024 we have much to look forward to with the pace of change in internal audit and the wider landscape creating opportunities and challenges that we all need to embrace. I am thrilled to be working with all of you to grow the IIA-Australia footprint and the sphere of influence of our profession into 2024 and beyond.

Cost of living pressures, global unrest and instability in the business landscape have made 2023 a challenging year for many. It is at times like this when the role of internal audit becomes ever more important. Our insights and expertise can help create stability and certainty in an evolving landscape.

But looking ahead, we have many important milestones scheduled for 2024 that will shine a light on the value of our profession.

Firstly, we have the launch of the new Global Internal Audit Standards early in Q1. This will be the first revision since 2017 (and the first full revamp in decades). So much has changed since then, and the new Global IA Standards will help ensure our focus is aligned with the challenges of our new environment.

Secondly, locally, we will be launching the Code of Conduct. The Code will be mandatory for all members and will also be promoted as best practice to anyone working in internal audit and aligned professions. In an environment where trust in government, corporations and professional standards is being tested constantly, these initiatives are an important step in ensuring that the professionalism and independence of our members is recognised and protected.

Another major focus for next year will be the extension of our service offering to Line 2 Governance, Risk and Control professionals. This aligns with our strategic objective of partnering with Risk professionals in Line 2 roles as they progress through their career. This initiative will be the culmination of many hundreds of hours of work by our members and the IIA-Australia team. We are thrilled to be in the final stages of planning, with a forecast launch date of mid-2024. We will keep you up to date of developments over the coming months.

I thank our immediate past CEO, Peter Jones, for the dedication he showed to IIA-Australia in his ten years at the helm. His foresight and steady leadership meant we could withstand the turbulence of the past few years and are in an ideal position to grow and serve IIA-Australia’s members and the wider community into the future.

On behalf of the board, our CEO Trish Hyde and the team at IIA-Australia, I thank you for your ongoing support.

I wish you a safe and happy festive season and I look forward to great things in 2024.

Ross Tilly
President
IIA-Australia