Legal Insights
AML/CTF series: What should law firms do with existing clients and matters on 1 July 2026?
With the passing of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Act 2024 (Cth) (Act), law firms will soon be subject to the expanded anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) regime. The Act captures firms of all sizes, from sole practitioners handling conveyancing to large commercial practices with trust accounts, with core obligations for law firms and conveyancers commencing on 1 July 2026.
New Division 296 Tax – Changes to Key Aspects
New Division 296 Tax – A win for the industry
Controversial taxation bill has been watered down – tax of unrealised gains has been scrapped.
Harwood Andrews Principal Lawyer Daniel Fullerton Recognised as LIV Accredited Specialist
Harwood Andrews congratulates Daniel Fullerton, Principal Lawyer in our Disputes team, on his recognition as a Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation Law.
This prestigious accreditation reflects Daniel’s expertise and experience in commercial litigation and adds to our team of LIV-accredited specialists, reinforcing our commitment to excellence for our clients.
![Roberts [2025] FCA 957 Court allows SMSF management despite bankruptcy](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62940022bdc06b31c5ba0c30/1761775922008-GOHH9FIAQMV9Y4KFMV8W/unsplash-image-EqZNSrk-foE.jpg)
Roberts [2025] FCA 957 Court allows SMSF management despite bankruptcy
In the case of Roberts ([2025] FCA 957) an application to the Federal Court to exercise its discretion to grant leave to a bankrupt individual to manage a self-managed superfund.
![Stamp duty imposed on acquisition of units in Hybrid Unit Trust – Ramifications of Victory International Pty Ltd v Commissioner of State Revenue [2025] VSC 484](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62940022bdc06b31c5ba0c30/1761775246553-MLP35XCQEP222BP4GBHH/unsplash-image-YkXbHOGI8ZY.jpg)
Stamp duty imposed on acquisition of units in Hybrid Unit Trust – Ramifications of Victory International Pty Ltd v Commissioner of State Revenue [2025] VSC 484
Landholder duty issues for Hybrid Unit Trusts highlighted by Victory International Pty Ltd v Commissioner of State Revenue [2025] VSC 484
Changes to the First Home Guarantee Scheme: What does it mean for first homebuyers
From 1 October 2025, changes to the Home Guarantee scheme will come into effect for Australians looking to purchase their first home. The scheme will allow all first home owners eligible under the scheme to purchase a property with a 5% deposit with no income eligibility requirements and increased price caps on the value of property.
Real Estate and Property Development businesses subject to Anti-Money Laundering
Criminals have long used real estate as a way of laundering or concealing funds – not only can they get that trophy house, a real estate purchase allows a large amount of money to be laundered in a single transaction.
When does our law firm need to do customer due diligence for AML/CTF?
One of the biggest shifts for law firms under Tranche 2 of the anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) regime will be undertaking customer due diligence (CDD) before acting.
What does an AML/CTF program look like for a small to mid-sized law firm?
Every law firm that provides a “designated service” must establish and maintain an anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) program. Think of it as the rulebook your firm writes for itself, setting out how your firm identifies, assesses and manages AML/CTF risk.
What exactly counts as a “designated service” for law firms (and what doesn’t)?
It is important for law firms to obtain clarity on what services are captured by the anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) regime.
Will law firms actually be captured by AML/CTF Tranche 2 - and when?
For years, Australian law firms have heard rumblings about anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) rules extending to the legal profession. With the passing of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Act 2024 (Cth) (Act), those rules are finally here.
What does an AML/CTF Program look like for an accounting practice?
Every practice providing designated services must develop an AML/CTF program. Think of it as your playbook for managing money-laundering risk.
What does an AML/CTF risk assessment look like for an accounting firm
The risk assessment is the cornerstone of your AML/CTF obligations.
Anti-money laundering - what is a “Designated Service” for accountants (and what isn’t)?
The AML/CTF regime uses a ‘designated services’ model for regulation. This means that regardless of branding or occupation, if a business provides one or more Designated Services as set out in the Act, they are regulated under the regime.
Will my accounting practice be captured by Anti Money Laundering regulation - and when?
Internationally, the professions - accountants and lawyers, have been consistently characterised as “gatekeepers” and “professional enablers” of crime and corruption – remember the Panama Papers?
With the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Act 2024 to providers of certain professional services, these ‘Tranche 2” entities – including many accounting practices – will become regulated by Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering regime from 1 July 2026.
Harwood Andrews Agribusiness Practice Ranked In Doyles Guide, Victoria 2025
Harwood Andrews is delighted to have been identified by clients and peers for expertise and abilities for Victoria in the 2025 Doyles Guide.
Harwood Andrews Wills And Estates Practice Ranked In Doyles Guide, Victoria 2025
Harwood Andrews is delighted to have been identified by clients and peers for expertise and abilities for Victoria in the 2025 Doyles Guide.
Broad Powers, Unintended Consequences: Trustee's Authority to Remove Appointor Upheld
Appropriately considering the successive control of discretionary trusts, at both a trustee and an appointor level, is a critical component in succession planning. The recent Queensland Court of Appeal decision of Staley v Hill Family Holdings Pty Ltd highlighted this, after broad variation powers resulted in the removal of an appointor by a trustee which could have been avoided had the succession of the trust been properly addressed.
When love ends but bills don’t: What is Interim Spousal Maintenance?
After a relationship breakdown, one of the most pressing concerns for a separated person is often how they are going to be able to financially support themselves going forward. This is particularly so if it is now down to them alone to meet their bills and living expenses which were previously shared with or paid by their former partner.
Upcoming changes to the Retirement Villages Act 1986 (Vic)
A review has been conducted of the Retirement Villages Act 1986 (Vic) (Retirement Villages Act) based on community feedback that the current legislation does not provide adequate protection for retirement village residents. The new laws offer greater safeguards and regulation of many aspects of retirement villages and residence contracts for retirement villages. The changes are extensive, however we have detailed below some of the significant changes.