The second episode of Compliance Corner explores the crucial role of leadership in creating and sustaining a culture of compliance. Hosts Deborah Coram and Craig Pattenden chat with NEXTDC’s Head of Organisational Development & Learning, Belinda Barron and Head of Risk and Compliance Malashini Veerappan. Together the powerful connection between leadership, compliance and culture is […]
In the past financial year, Australia’s regulatory landscape has seen major shifts in privacy, data, and cybersecurity laws. With more changes just around the corner, it’s vital for businesses to understand what’s already in effect and what’s coming next. Below, we break down the key reforms to the Privacy Act, Consumer Data Right, and Cyber […]
As ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) reporting becomes a regulatory imperative in Australia, businesses are under increasing pressure to provide transparent, accurate and auditable disclosures. But with rising expectations come new complexities – especially for finance leaders tasked with aligning non-financial data with existing financial reporting practices. For CFOs, compliance managers and financial controllers, it’s […]
In 2023–24, AUSTRAC received more than 380,000 suspicious matter reports – a sharp increase from the previous year that reflects the rising complexity and scale of financial crime in Australia. Behind each report is a frontline employee who spotted something unusual, raised the alarm and helped protect their organisation from potential criminal exploitation. In Australia, […]
New AML regulations: What businesses must do now As Australia sharpens its regulatory lens on financial crime, new anti money laundering (AML) reforms are reshaping the obligations of businesses across multiple sectors. between 2023-2024 alone, AUSTRAC received over 380,000 suspicious matter reports an all-time high that reflects both increased awareness and rising criminal sophistication. As […]
Between the 2023–2024 financial year, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) reported 381,758 suspicious matter reports – a 20% increase from the previous year. This surge highlights the growing complexity and reach of financial crime risks. Behind each report is a business blindsided by fraud, a community impacted by corruption, or a vulnerable […]
The fight against modern slavery is accelerating. As awareness grows and pressure mounts, it’s clear that compliance is no longer optional—it’s essential. Forced labour, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation continue to affect millions worldwide, often hidden deep within the complex web of global supply chains. In Australia, 2024 marked a turning point. With […]
Greenwashing enforcement · Deceptive conduct · Penalties for price gouging Over the past year, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has stepped up its efforts to protect consumers and hold businesses accountable. Three key areas have seen major movement: greenwashing enforcement, deceptive conduct, and stronger penalties for price gouging. These changes reflect a broader […]
Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) laws are about to undergo their most significant update since their inception. The long-awaited Tranche 2 reforms are finally moving forward, and in December 2024, the government introduced these changes through the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Act 2024. These reforms, commencing from 31 March 2026, […]
The Fair Work Act supports Australia’s Right to Disconnect, ensuring employees can refuse unreasonable work-related communications outside normal hours to promote work-life balance. This amendment helps set clear boundaries between professional and personal time, reducing burnout and improving wellbeing. It also gives the Fair Work Commission the power to resolve disputes if they arise. From […]
ESG considerations took center stage in 2024, changing how companies worldwide, including in Australia, disclose climate-related risks. What was once voluntary or investor-driven is now a regulated, strategic priority, gaining momentum into 2025. This year saw the maturing of ESG and climate-related financial disclosure into something more than a reporting exercise — it became a […]
As we reflect on the past year, few topics have reshaped the workplace landscape more profoundly than the Respect@Work reforms and the evolving framework around psychosocial hazards. These legislative and regulatory changes mark a significant shift in how businesses are expected to manage workplace culture, mental health risks, and sexual harassment—transforming what was once considered […]
