Hi balletshoes. I hope you don't mind asking you that when you said that you received a negative assessment, does it state in the letter that it is a negative assessment?
The reason I'm asking is that 2 to 3 years ago some of my CPA friends received an assessment from CPAA that for the purpose of satisfying the core curriculum criteria they were required to study 3 more subjects (tax, corp. finance & acctng theory). However, it was also stated in the assessment letter that their Bachelor Degree is comparable to Aus tertiary qualifications.
I'm not sure if CPAA has changed its policy since then but what I am saying is you migth still get a positive assessment despite the required subject.
Perhaps you might want to look into an appeal as an option.
God bless.