Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability are key issues in the current business environment. According to Martin and Steele (2010 p.13)*, "The two principal professional associations in Australia - CPA Australia (the CPA) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (the Institute) have indicated their awareness of the significance of issues of sustainability reporting and development of appropriate skill sets in word and in deed. The commitment of both organisations to sustainability principles has been shown by their adoption of, and support for, sustainability-focused reporting approaches and by their opting to take up membership of the Accounting for Sustainability Forum."

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Discuss the stance and initiatives of the Australian accounting profession on corporate social responsibility and sustainability. In your view, what role can the accounting profession play in this context? Using at least two academic research articles to support your background research on social responsibility accounting