When the IIA's leadership met in June, one phrase captured where our profession is heading: "connector and integrator." It's a small phrase with big implications - and it explains why membership with IIA-Australia has never been more valuable.
From one lane to the whole road
Most of us learned the Three Lines Model early: management owns and manages risk (the first line), oversight functions like risk management monitor it (the second line), and internal audit provides independent assurance that it's all working. It's a framework that has stood the test of time — and remarkably, it's as relevant today as when it was first proposed.
But here's what's changed: the people. In the past, a professional might spend an entire career in a single line. Today, careers traverse all three. It's increasingly normal to find leaders holding joint roles across internal audit and risk, or moving between assurance and governance as their organisations demand. That mobility isn't accidental - it reflects the depth of skill and the professional commitment that IIA-Australia members build over time. Simply put, we believe our members are in demand.
The rise of integrated assurance
The IIA's global research (Vision 2035) confirms the direction of travel: internal audit's role is expanding beyond the traditional third line into the broader governance, risk and compliance - or GRC - ecosystem. Importantly, this doesn't diminish the independence that makes internal audit valuable. In fact, global leaders flagged a genuine risk: over-emphasising independence has sometimes caused audit functions to isolate themselves. The future is about balance - protecting independence while contributing more broadly to the organisation.
IIA-Australia is, quietly, ahead of this curve. We already offer membership to the wider audit and risk profession, and we're actively expanding our learning and recognition pathways. Think of it as internal assurance - a natural evolution that the "IIA" name happens to suit rather well 🙂
A living, future-focused framework
The Global Internal Audit Standards are now reality and early sentiment has been strongly positive: practitioners find them clearer and more practical. Two Statements of Position - authoritative viewpoints on the Three Lines Model and on internal audit's role in enterprise risk management - will be published shortly.
Your voice shapes what comes next
Here's the part that matters most: none of this happens to the profession. It happens through it. You shape the future directly, via surveys and consultation. Right now, the Draft Anti-Corruption Topical Requirement is open for feedback - a chance to influence how the profession tackles one of the most serious risks organisations face.
Be part of it
This is a profession growing in influence, and IIA-Australia members are leading it. Renew your membership or join today - and have your say. Send your feedback on the Draft Anti-Corruption Topical Requirement to [email protected], and tell us which learning pathways you'd like us to build next.