I am deeply honoured to be the President of Governance Institute of Australia for 2019.
This is a significant time to take on the role of President of Governance Institute.
In 2018 governance hit the headlines as the royal commission into banking exposed stark examples of misconduct, failed ethics and poor corporate culture stemming from a failure of leadership, governance and accountability. The APRA report highlighted that in an environment of continued financial success, two critical voices had become harder to hear — the ‘voice of risk’ (particularly operational, compliance and conduct risks) and the ‘voice of the customer’. This damaged the reputation of that entire sector, which we saw reflected in Governance Institute’s 2018 Ethics Index.
Looking ahead in 2019 and the recent opening hearing of the aged care royal commission, it is clear that anything less than full transparency from the aged care sectors’ leaders carries that same reputational risk. Commissioner Tracey said that the commission would be ‘gravely concerned’ if any provider instructed their staff not help or give evidence to the royal commission.
Against this climate where the role of governance is front and centre, it is clear that the voice of governance needs to be heard. The stated mission of Governance Institute is ‘to be the leader in the promotion and application of the practice of whole of organisation governance to drive responsible performance for the benefit of organisations and the wider community’ and it exists to support you with the best education, training, events advocacy and resources.
As I reflect back on my involvement with Governance Institute what has always impressed me is the practical and relevant education and resources that helped me perform my role. My deeper involvement over the years has convinced me there is no better organisation to promote the role of governance and assist professionals working in the area.
Active membership provides practical insights
Active membership is what makes a peak body effective. It is what enables the organisation to influence professional growth and leadership. An active membership empowers Governance Institute in influencing policy meaningfully and with ‘practice insight’. It drives effective advocacy on the critical issues that affect how we perform our roles within our organisations as company secretaries, as members of boards, as executives, managers, and professionals with an impact on how governance and risk management standards and principles are upheld.
I call on each of you to work with me, the CEO the Board, our state councils, national committees, and the wonderful team that runs Governance Institute day in and day out to strengthen our mission and good influence.
There has never been a more important time for this influence to be brought to bear.
I call on each of you to work with me, the CEO the Board, our state councils, national committees, and the wonderful team that runs Governance Institute day in and day out to strengthen our mission and good influence. I seek your active participation as members, subscribers and customers. I seek a meaningful dialogue with each one of you to deliver an insightful, innovative and ultimately sustainable program. To further build and cement our place as Australia’s premier peak body delivering whole-of-organisation governance. I will be undertaking a tour of the states in February with CEO Megan Motto and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible.
I want to thank Warren Baillie and the Board of 2018 for the bold and effective leadership that laid the path to lead us to future success. I look forward to working with the Board of 2019 with the able support of my Vice Presidents John Mazengarb and Andrew Leake, Past President Warren Baillie, Chief Executive Officer Megan Motto and the team at Governance Institute.