The Professional Development Specialists Legal CPD for Lawyers, CPD for Accountants & Business Executives

As TEN celebrates its 50th year of delivering high-quality professional education, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the exceptional individuals who have helped shape our story. Few embody our legacy quite like Evelyn Young, an accredited family law specialist, a passionate presenter, and a proud second-generation TEN contributor. 

A Legacy Begins at the Pool 

For Evelyn, her relationship with TEN started long before she presented a single session. In fact, her earliest memories of TEN involve tagging along to conferences with her mum, Susan Young, a respected tax lawyer and long-time TEN presenter. While her mother delivered complex taxation seminars, Evelyn was happily checking out the hotel pools, unknowingly absorbing the world of professional education from the sidelines. 

“It was great,” Evelyn said. “She did the work, and I got to hang out at the hotel pool.” 

But those poolside beginnings eventually evolved into a professional relationship that would help launch Evelyn’s legal career — and keep her connected to TEN ever since. 

A Family Connection Runs Deep 

It was through TEN that Evelyn landed her very first job in family law. A conversation between her mother and TEN’s Eleanore Kostiuk (a familiar name to many long-time TEN contributors) revealed that Forte Family Lawyers was looking for someone. Evelyn jumped at the chance, and soon found herself beginning what would become a lifelong journey in family law. 

Since then, Evelyn has worked with firms including Forte and Mitchell Family Law, before establishing her own family law practice - Lighthouse Family Lawyers operating across Melbourne and Tasmania. 

“I sort of fell into family law, but I’m so glad I did,” she says. “It’s all I’ve ever done, and I really enjoy it.” 

Becoming a TEN Presenter (Despite an “Atrocious” Start) 

Evelyn’s debut as a TEN presenter came unexpectedly. When at Forte, she had watched Jacky Campbell present for TEN. And then one day “I think someone got sick and they needed a fill-in, so was asked to step in.” she recalls.  

The experience was a trial by fire! “My first session was atrocious, so sorry about that”, she laughed.  “I think it was meant to be a two-hour session and I wrapped up in an hour and a half,” she laughs, but it sparked a relationship that has endured for over a decade. 

What keeps her coming back? 

“There’s something really rewarding about presenting,” Evelyn reflects. “Each topic gives me a chance to do a deep dive into the topic and keep my knowledge fresh. And it’s nice professionally — I think being trusted to present adds to your own credibility as a lawyer.” 

TEN: Like Family 

When asked what sets TEN apart, Evelyn doesn’t hesitate. 

“It really feels like a family. There’s Rob, who’s always been there, Eleanore, Jenna, Susanna. You’re just surrounded by familiar, supportive people.” 

She also appreciates the thoughtfulness behind the content: “There’s a real effort to make the topics relevant and responsive. If something needs adjusting, they’re open to that. It’s very collaborative.” 

“When I was with Forte, we had a Lawyers lunch every week where we would do a CPD event. The CPD event was always watching one of the DVDs from TEN. It was just really clear that it was quality content. 

Even in the whirlwind of early motherhood, TEN remained part of Evelyn’s life. “Two weeks after having my second child, I did a webinar — from the bedroom, next to the cot. It just wouldn’t have been possible without the flexibility of webinars.” 

The Accidental Trailblazer 

Despite her mother’s attempts to talk her out of pursuing law — “She told me it was too stressful!” Evelyn now finds herself following closely in her mum’s footsteps. Just not into tax. “Definitely not tax,” she laughs. “I did one tax subject at uni and that was enough for me.” 

Today, Evelyn balances running her own firm, parenting three young children, and continuing to contribute to the TEN community. She’s presented at webinars and conferences around the country,  and though she jokingly begs us to “stop giving her the ethics topics,” she’s always up for the challenge. 

If her mother were here for this interview, what would she say? 

“She’d absolutely take credit for all my success,” Evelyn smiles.  

Celebrating 50 Years of TEN 

Evelyn Young represents the very best of what TEN stands for, knowledge, generosity, authenticity, and connection across generations. As we mark 50 years of continuing professional development, we’re proud to honour contributors like Evelyn, who make our work meaningful and our legacy lasting. 

The SMSF audit landscape has always demanded due diligence—but in the wake of high-profile cases like ASIC v Caddick [2021] FCA 1443, the stakes are even higher. As digital manipulation becomes more sophisticated and fund documentation appears increasingly professional, auditors must sharpen their scrutiny and update their processes accordingly.

In Session 9 of our program, Beware Fraudulent Documentation – It’s Getting Harder to Identify, SMSF audit expert Sharlene Anderson (Consultant, Veritas Audit) delves into how auditors can respond to the increasing risks of deception in fund documentation. This is an essential SMSF Audit CPD topic that addresses not just technical audit processes, but auditor liability and professional judgment.

The Caddick Case – A Cautionary Tale

The Melissa Caddick case exposed how fraudulent documentation can circulate undetected for years—until it’s too late. Auditors were thrust into the spotlight for failing to identify false reports, sparking important questions around the level of verification required. This session explores the specific audit steps that could have mitigated risk and potentially prevented negligence claims.

What You’ll Learn in This SMSF Audit CPD Session:

• Audit Vulnerabilities Exposed by the Caddick Case: Understand how SMSF auditors became targets of scrutiny, and what audit safeguards might have altered the outcome.
   
• Digital Deception – The New Normal: Discover how today’s technology makes it easier to falsify seemingly legitimate documents—and why traditional checks may not be enough.
   
• What to Question in Trustee and Advisor Documentation: Gain insight into what red flags auditors should look for when reviewing documents sourced directly from trustees or their advisors.
   
• Verifying Asset Existence and Market Valuations: Learn the audit processes that go beyond paper to confirm whether assets truly exist, and whether their values stack up.
   
• Auditing Digital and Emerging Assets: From unlisted unit trusts to digital investments, this session outlines how to audit these complex assets without falling into the same traps.
   
• Audit Independence Under Pressure: Explore how over-reliance on a single referral source (e.g., one accounting firm) could raise independence concerns—and how to stay within professional standards.
   
• PI Insurance: Are You Covered?: An honest look at the limitations of professional indemnity insurance when it comes to legal action arising from failed audits.
   
• Audit Expectations vs. Fee Pressures: With the ATO expecting more rigour in audits, and fee competition on the rise, auditors must balance compliance expectations with commercial realities.
   

Find out more about The 13th Annual SMSF Audit Conference

As the superannuation landscape continues to shift, staying on top of legislative, procedural, and compliance changes is essential for SMSF auditors. The days of static super rules are long gone – with frequent updates to caps, contribution limits, and regulatory interpretations, SMSF audits require constant vigilance and up-to-date expertise.

This session forms part of your SMSF Audit CPD and has been designed to help auditors stay compliant, competent, and informed. In Super Shifts: What’s Changed and What Auditors Need to Know, expert Shirley Schaefer, Partner – Superannuation at BDO (Adelaide), unpacks the most recent developments affecting audit practices, while also offering a timely refresher on key historical changes that still impact audit obligations today.

Key Topics in This SMSF Audit CPD Session:

🔹 Changes to Caps and Thresholds

A review of the latest indexing and contribution cap changes, with practical implications for verifying compliance during SMSF audits.

🔹 Downsizer Contributions – Evolving Rules and Audit Triggers

An update on the refined eligibility rules and practical guidance on the audit checks necessary to verify downsizer contributions.

🔹 Non-Arm’s Length Expenses (NALE) – Still Raising Red Flags

With NALE rules under scrutiny, auditors must understand how these impact fund earnings and how to identify potential breaches during audit procedures.

🔹 Work Test and Contribution Eligibility

The revised work test rules are often misunderstood – this session will clarify how they affect contributions and how auditors should approach testing for compliance.

🔹 SuperStream – Still a Problem Area?

Despite being in place for some time, SuperStream rollovers and contribution data standards still present issues. The session will revisit the essentials and provide insight into lingering practical concerns.

🔹 Division 296 – The $3 Million Cap in Sight

A look at the current status of the proposed additional tax for members with super balances over $3 million – and what SMSF auditors should keep an eye on moving forward.

🔹 Recent Case Law – Auditor Accountability in Focus

Notable legal cases including Islam v ASIC [2024] and Murphy v ASIC [2025] have reinforced expectations around auditor conduct. Shirley will dissect the key takeaways and the compliance standards they reinforce.

🔹 Emerging Developments

The session will conclude with an overview of further updates and trends that may soon affect SMSF auditors, helping professionals future-proof their approach.

Whether you're looking to refresh your knowledge or ensure you’re aligned with the most recent regulatory movements, this SMSF Audit CPD session is designed to support audit readiness in a shifting environment.

Register Now

Join us at our upcoming conference and secure your place in this essential SMSF Audit CPD session with Shirley Schaefer. Stay informed, meet your CPD obligations, and gain valuable insights into the evolving super landscape.

👉 Register here to attend or read the full program.