Tax. Be in it.

I’m just back from the 46th Western Australia State Convention at Bunker Bay.

The flight home provided the opportunity to reflect on some of the work being undertaken by National Council and our CEO in regard to membership participation in The Tax Institute’s activities.

It has become obvious to me that each state has its own particular way of operating, including in putting together their major state-based conventions. This year, WA did the double, not only hosting the national convention, but also running a state convention. A hard ask for any state.

It was inspirational to say the least.

The mood of the attendees was upbeat, their engagement and participation was high. The papers were well considered and presented with clarity.

Asking for a fancy dress dinner with a 1940s theme on top of all that would be trouble, you might think.

Not so in WA.

I was very impressed with the number of attendees who dressed up, and the trouble many of them took. More importantly, they all had fun, got involved and enjoyed being a part of the Institute, whether as an attendee, a speaker, an organising committee member or staff.

My experience at all such conferences, National Council meetings and working with Tax Institute staff and committees reinforces why the Institute is held, on any measure, to be the leading professional association in tax.

The reasons are simple. When you create an environment that provides opportunity for people to participate, to grow, to learn and to have fun, you have a great organisation.

We can’t stop there. The patterns of volunteering change as the demographics change. Your Institute is continuing to work on ensuring our members continue to actively participate in the Institute’s activities.

Now, can I ask one more thing? Please introduce a new member to the Institute to share what you already know to be the benefits of being part of Australia’s leading professional association in tax.

Thanks to everyone involved in organising the WA convention and the hospitality extended to me.

Stephen
Westaway

Stephen Westaway is President of the National Council at The Tax Institute.

The Tax Institute is Australia's leading professional association in tax. Its 13,000 members include tax agents, accountants and lawyers as well as tax practitioners in corporations, government and academia.

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