We held our 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday 28 October 2026. Thank you to everyone who attended the AGM, participated in the Director election and contributed to or engaged with DSPANZ during 2026.
The past 12 months have proven to be a busy period for DSPANZ, our members and the Business Software Sector - implementing payday super, navigating Budget changes and contributing industry expertise to government consultations, regulatory discussions and digital transformation initiatives across Australia and New Zealand.
President's Report
Chris Denney reflected on DSPANZ's achievements and initiatives over the past year - we have continued to develop stronger engagement across government and a sharper focus on our members' needs, with DSPANZ’s voice being heard through the policy and advocacy work we undertake.
Chris also touched on the progress that has been made with the DSPANZ renewal programme and how that will lead to a more sustainable and responsive DSPANZ in the years to come.
He extended his very sincere thanks to the DSPANZ team for their support of our members and the day-to-day running of DSPANZ and to the outgoing Board for their efforts over the past 12 months in leading our Working Groups and representing DSPANZ externally.
A full copy of the President's Report can be found in our Annual Report.
Treasurer's Report
Belinda Stewart presented the Financial Report, noting that DSPANZ maintained a stable and sustainable financial position across 2025–26, delivering a modest surplus while continuing to invest in government engagement, member representation and the association’s renewal programme.
The Board noted that further investment is planned in the year ahead as DSPANZ will recruit to build internal capability to better support DSPANZ operations.
A full copy of the Financial Report can be found in our Annual Report.
A Big Thank You
Chris Denney will conclude his Board term at the end of 2026, after six years as a Director (the last two years as President).
Belinda Stewart will conclude her Board term at the end of 2026 after four years as Director.
Matthew Prouse and Charles Gillman stepped down as Directors in April 2026 as part of changes to the Board structure (reducing the Board from 9 to 7 Directors).
Mike Behling stepped down from his role as Secretary - ending his involvement in DSPANZ/ABSIA that commenced in 2014. Matthew Prouse has taken on Secretary responsibilities.
DSPANZ thanks Chris, Belinda, Matthew, Charles and Mike for the time, experience and contribution they have made to DSPANZ, our members and the broader business software community.
Looking Ahead
Thank you to everyone who put their hand up to nominate this year. We received an exceptionally strong field of candidates and are
excited about the opportunities ahead.
We welcome Simeon Duncan and returning Director Erin Adams to the Board in 2027.
Once again, we want to give a massive thank you to everyone who connected and contributed to DSPANZ across the past year.
We look forward to continuing to represent our members and the interests of Digital Service Providers (DSPs) across Australia and New Zealand.
For an overview of our activities, member engagement and ongoing work with government over the past year, read our 2025–26 Annual Report.