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Guides · Updated 24 Sept 2026

Law societies, the Law Council and AML/CTF: what the profession expects

The Law Council of Australia and the state law societies were closely involved in the Tranche 2 reforms, particularly on privilege. Their position now is simple: the law applies, comply with it.

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What the profession has done

The Law Council and state societies publish guidance on designated services, enrolment, programs, client due diligence and privilege, with CPD sessions and templates. Check your society's website; material is updated as AUSTRAC releases rules and guidance.

Conduct

Failing to comply with the law of the profession can be a conduct matter. A practitioner providing designated services with no program and no identification should expect the society to take an interest.

CPD

AML/CTF training for your staff can usually count towards CPD. Keep the record; it serves both purposes.

Questions people ask

Will the society audit our AML compliance?
Trust account examinations and practice reviews may ask whether a program and client identification are in place. AUSTRAC is the regulator; the society is interested in conduct.

Sources

Official AUSTRAC guidance this page was checked against. The date is when we captured the page; AUSTRAC may have updated it since.

This guide is general information for solicitors, conveyancers, settlement agents, not legal advice. Check AUSTRAC's current guidance for your situation.

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Law societies, the Law Council and AML/CTF: what the profession expects · PracticeAML