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 […]
As more people become aware of their environmental impact, they’re looking to the brands they support to be transparent and truthful about their sustainability efforts. But with the rise of “greenwashing”—where businesses exaggerate or mislead about their environmental credentials—there’s been growing concern about how much consumers can trust these claims. To combat this, the Australian […]
Safetrac’s inaugural Compliance Corner podcast delves into one of the most critical compliance challenges facing Australian workplaces today: psychosocial health and workplace hazards. Hosted by Safetrac CEO Deborah Coram and co-host Craig Pattenden, the episode features Dr. Anna Cody, Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner, who provides expert insights into the Respect@Work laws, positive duty obligations, and […]
Embarking on an ESG journey—whether you’re starting fresh or reviewing your existing strategy—requires a structured approach to ensure long-term success. ESG is no longer just a corporate buzzword; it’s a fundamental aspect of business resilience, stakeholder trust, and regulatory compliance. But where do you begin, or if you’ve already begun, how do you refine your […]
Compliance training isn’t just a box-ticking exercise—it’s the cornerstone of a resilient and responsible workplace. Whether you’re managing a corporate office, a manufacturing plant, or a retail store, delivering the right training ensures your team operates safely, ethically, and in line with regulatory requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the compliance courses your business should consider, […]
