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AEMO Board Appointments

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has announced the appointment of Luke Menzel and Josef Tadich as non-executive directors to its Board. These appointments are effective February 24, 2026, and are for a four-year term.

Renewables Supply Over Half of Quarterly Energy Needs

Australia's National Electricity Market (NEM) saw renewables supply over half of its energy needs for the first time in the December 2025 quarter, leading to a significant drop in wholesale electricity prices. This milestone was driven by record renewable generation and increased battery storage output.

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 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 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.

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.

RBA Update on BECS Decommissioning Recommendations

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has released an update on industry progress regarding the decommissioning of the Bulk Electronic Clearing System (BECS). While acknowledging industry efforts, the RBA notes that risks persist due to a lack of consensus on the future of account-to-account payments.

Payments System Board Discusses Cash Distribution and Regulatory Framework

The Reserve Bank of Australia's Payments System Board met in March 2026 to discuss cash distribution, merchant card costs, payments system resilience, and account-to-account payments. The Board is considering a new regulatory framework for cash distribution services and potential amendments to card payment regulations, with a conclusions paper expected by end-March.