Australia

AUSTRAC CEO Speech on Money Laundering and Legal Profession's Role

AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas delivered a speech on March 12, 2026, detailing the mechanics and harm of money laundering. The speech emphasized the legal profession's role in preventing these activities, which cost Australia over $80 billion annually.

AUSTRAC CEO Speech on Gambling Financial Crime Risks

AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas delivered a speech on March 12, 2026, addressing the significant financial crime risks within Australia's gambling sector. The speech highlighted the evolving threats of money laundering and terrorism financing, emphasizing the need for robust Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) controls.

AUSTRAC Guidance on Compulsory Examination Powers

AUSTRAC has published new guidance on its compulsory examination powers, introduced by the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Act 2024. The guidance clarifies the scope and application of these powers, which require individuals to attend examinations and provide documents.

AUSTRAC Operation Taipan: Money Laundering Investigation Analysis

AUSTRAC has published an analysis of Operation Taipan, a significant money laundering investigation that led to the dismantling of a criminal syndicate depositing $62 million through ATMs. The operation highlighted the effectiveness of the Fintel Alliance public-private partnership in combating financial crime.

OAIC Highlights Improved Transparency in Government Automated Decision-Making

The Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has released a report highlighting opportunities for government agencies to improve transparency in automated decision-making (ADM). The report follows a review of 23 agencies and identifies a significant gap in public disclosure of ADM use, with only 17% of agencies disclosing it.

Cambridge Analytica Payment Program Registration Deadline

Eligible Australian Facebook users impacted by the Cambridge Analytica matter must register for a payment program by December 31, 2025. The program, established by Meta Platforms as part of an enforceable undertaking with the Australian Information Commissioner, offers payments to over 300,000 affected individuals.

OAIC Statement on Bunnings Facial Recognition Technology Decision

The Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) issued a statement regarding the Administrative Review Tribunal's decision on Bunnings' use of facial recognition technology (FRT). The Tribunal affirmed findings that Bunnings contravened privacy principles by failing to provide adequate notice and conduct a formal risk assessment for its FRT system.

Privacy Commissioner Statement on Bunnings Facial Recognition Decision

The Australian Privacy Commissioner has issued a statement regarding the Administrative Review Tribunal's decision on Bunnings' use of facial recognition technology. The statement clarifies that while the Tribunal allowed Bunnings to use the technology for specific crime prevention purposes, significant privacy safeguards and notification requirements remain crucial.

Reserve Bank of Australia Monetary Policy Board Appointment

The Reserve Bank of Australia announced the appointment of Professor Bruce Preston to its Monetary Policy Board. This notice also acknowledges the contributions of Alison Watkins, whose term concludes on February 28, 2026.

Reserve Bank of Australia Increases Cash Rate to 3.85%

The Reserve Bank of Australia's Monetary Policy Board has increased the cash rate target by 25 basis points to 3.85%. This decision was made due to rising inflation and capacity pressures, with inflation expected to remain above target for some time.