AIMS

The Special Interest Groups (SIGs) of AFAANZ provide a valuable service to members through the recognition and facilitation of the special interests of members. The mission of the Public Sector and Not-for-Profit (PSNFPA) is to provide services to members that enhance the interaction among those with common specialist interests to assist in the fulfilment of the mission of AFAANZ.

Members of the PSNFPA comprise experienced and well-published academics, early and mid-career academics and higher degree research students. Members include those with interests in all aspects of accounting, accountability, auditing, governance, and performance management in public and not-for-profit sectors.

The aims of the public sector and not-for-profit accounting (PSNFPA) Special Interest Group are:

  •  To facilitate research by its members into public sector and not-for-profit accounting via peer review of research grants applications.

  • To provide services to members that enhance interaction among those with public sector and not-for-profit interests through face-to-face meetings, e-mails, electronic publications and other activities.

  • To provide research development and academic support to members through peer review of their working papers for journal submissions.

  • To help establish links with academics, practitioners and institutions, locally and internationally, with similar interests.

  • To assist the AFAANZ annual doctoral colloquium initiative by encouraging public sector and not-for-profit HDR students to attend the AFAANZ colloquium.

  • To do all such things as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the above aims.

AFAANZ 2025 Public Sector & Not-for-Profit SIG 6 Symposium
Theme: Maximizing Impact: Strategies for Ensuring Public Sector and NFP Research Influences Policy and Achieves High-Quality Publication

 

Sofitel Brisbane Central, Queensland, Australia
Sunday, 6 July 2025
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Face-to-Face Event)

Join us at the AFAANZ 2025 Conference in Brisbane for the Public Sector and Not-for-Profit Special Interest Group (SIG 6) Symposium. This year’s theme focuses on how researchers can enhance the visibility, academic rigor, and real-world relevance of their work in the public sector and not-for-profit (NFP) domain.

This event is designed for scholars at all career stages who are keen to understand how their work can achieve both high-quality publication outcomes and policy influence.

Expert Panel Discussion (Morning Session)

Gain insights from leading scholars and standard-setters on navigating the challenges of publishing in top-tier journals and shaping accounting standards through impactful research.

Confirmed Panel Members:

  • Emeritus Professor James Guthrie
    Macquarie University
    A globally influential scholar in public-sector and social accounting, Professor Guthrie has authored over 250 journal articles and 60 book chapters, presented at more than 400 conferences, and co-edited 22 books on public sector management. He is joint founding editor of Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal and a founding member of CSEAR. His work—cited over 42,000 times—has shaped public sector reform, university governance, and international policy through contributions to OECD and Parliamentary inquiries.

 

 

  • Professor Charl de Villiers
    Professor of Accounting, The University of Auckland
    An internationally recognised expert in sustainability accounting and integrated reporting, Professor de Villiers has published over 120 peer-reviewed articles in journals such as Accounting, Organizations and Society and Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal. His research has been cited over 15,000 times (h-index 60+), placing him among the top 100 accounting scholars globally. He is editor-in-chief of Meditari Accountancy Research, deputy editor of Accounting & Finance, and a guest associate editor of British Accounting Review.

 

  • Maggie Man
    Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB)
    Maggie leads the AASB’s Not-for-Profit Financial Reporting Framework project and brings hands-on regulatory experience from her previous roles at the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and the Australian Taxation Office. Her insights bridge the gap between compliance, policy priorities, and research application.

 

 

Research Presentations & Panel Feedback (Second Half)

Selected SIG 6 members will present their current studies or research proposals. The expert panel will provide constructive feedback on how to strengthen these projects for greater academic contribution and policy relevance.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to the future of public sector and NFP research.

Call for Abstracts

We invite submissions for a panel discussion and research exchange focused on ensuring that public sector and not-for-profit (NFP) research effectively addresses the needs of standard setters and has real-world impact. This event will explore how research can be designed to align with the priorities of standard setters, address practical challenges faced by organizations, and contribute to meaningful policy and regulatory developments.

We welcome abstracts that focus on research that:

  • Directly responds to calls or identified needs from standard setters
  • Examines the impact of existing standards, regulations, or reporting frameworks on public sector and NFP entities
  • Engages with real-world case studies, organisations, or industry collaborations to inform policy and practice
  • Uses innovative methodologies to generate actionable insights for standard setters and regulators
  • Demonstrates successful knowledge translation strategies that bridge academic research and practical application

Submission Details

Interested persons are invited to submit an abstract of up to 250 words to Dr. Ushi Ghoorah at ushi.gh@westernsydney.edu.au by 21 May 2025. Successful applicants will be notified by 26 May 2025 and will be required to submit a one-page summary of their study/research project by 18 June 2025.

We look forward to receiving contributions that showcase how research can effectively inform standard-setting and drive real-world change in the public sector and NFP space.

 

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