As part of my President’s Priority to support the legal profession navigate regulatory hurdles, we are continuing to prepare for the commencement of the anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing (AML/CTF) reforms. To strengthen our collective role in combating these criminal activities, the Law Society of NSW continues its active engagement with AUSTRAC.

We have recently contributed to multiple rounds of AUSTRAC consultations in partnership with the Law Council of Australia, including on the exposure drafts of the AML/CTF Rules, in relation to the development of Tranche 2 guidance, and starter programs for small businesses, including law firms.

The Rules will define the scope of the amended AML/CTF Act, including the obligations of reporting entities, suspicious matter reporting, tipping off provisions and exemptions. The guidance and starter programs will provide details on how reporting entities are to comply with their AML/CTF obligations.

AUSTRAC expects to finalise the Rules this month, and we understand that Core Guidance will be published this October. The starter programs are due for release in December.

AUSTRAC has also released Regulatory Expectations and Priorities for 2025-2026, which include preparing Tranche 2 entities for the AML/CTF reforms, managing risks, and AUSTRAC expectations from reporting entities on Day 1 – 1 July 2026.

With less than eight months before legal practices are required to enrol with AUSTRAC, we remain focused on equipping the profession with timely guidance and support.

Our dedicated AML/CTF Hub continues to be updated regularly with new resources, including links to AUSTRAC’s webinars designed to help Tranche 2 entities prepare for their AML/CTF obligations. You can also register here.

AML/CTF will be a strong focus of a new event for which I’m pleased to be providing an early preview today.

The Law Society of NSW’s Annual Conference will be held just weeks before the end of the CPD year, on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, at the impressive new ILUMINA event venue in the heart of Sydney. Alongside key mandatory CPD sessions, the Conference will offer a valuable opportunity for practitioners to meet their obligations and engage with experts at the peak of the CPD season. Keep an eye out for further details.

As part of our ongoing commitment to upskilling the profession, I’m also pleased to announce the launch of the full programs for our three segmented legal conferences, each tailored to the evolving challenges and opportunities in different sectors of practice:

• Government Solicitors Conference – Wednesday 3 September
  Unpacking the changing responsibilities of public sector lawyers, the program includes sessions on AI and administrative decision-making, defamation and public discourse, vicarious trauma, and more.
• In-House Lawyers Conference – Tuesday 9 September
  With a bold and practical agenda, this full-day event focuses on leadership, ethics, and innovation, including sessions on cybersecurity, regulatory engagement, and ethical challenges unique to in-house counsel.
• Rural Issues Conference – Friday 24 October
  Bringing together practitioners from across regional and remote communities, the program includes a timely AML/CTF compliance session featuring AUSTRAC staff, along with panels on psychological safety, family law reform, and workforce sustainability.