Australia’s anti-money laundering regulator, AUSTRAC, will roll out website changes from 30 March as part of a staged uplift tied to implementing the country’s AML/CTF (Anti-Money Laundering/Counter-Terrorism Financing) reforms.

The update comes as new AML reform requirements begin for existing reporting entities, while tranche two businesses can also start enrolling and registering with AUSTRAC.

According to AUSTRAC, the refreshed site is intended to improve usability and make guidance easier to access as the reforms progress. Changes include a redesigned look and feel, a clearer menu structure, improved search and filtering tools, and an enhanced contact and support section aimed at making self-service easier.

For existing reporting entities, the regulator said the changes should make it easier to locate information on compliance obligations, AML/CTF programmes, regulatory expectations, and key implementation dates.

For new tranche two entities, the website will offer a more guided onboarding experience, including help to determine whether a business is regulated, identify the relevant industry category and follow enrolment steps.

The website changes come ahead of the 31 March commencement of key elements of Australia’s reformed AML/CTF regime.

Speaking at the Regulating the Game event last week, AUSTRAC Chief Executive Officer, Brendan Thomas, said gambling remains “at the frontline” of AML regulation, warning that the agency continues to see systemic weaknesses across the sector, including poor transaction monitoring and failures in suspicious matter reporting.

Thomas said AUSTRAC’s message to industry was that “preparation is expected, perfection is not”, but warned that where risks remain unmanaged, regulatory action will follow.

“We do not expect perfection on day one. But we do expect sustained effort, strong leadership, and genuine progress in reducing money laundering risk,” he continued.

“The core principles of identifying, mitigating, and managing risk remain unchanged.

“We expect you to continue operating your existing controls, to develop and document clear implementation plans where gaps exist, and to manage ML/TF risk actively throughout the transition. If your controls are effective, maintain them. If they are not, fix them – now.

“Implementation plans must be credible. They must identify gaps, explain why they exist, set realistic timelines, and assign accountability. 

“They must be endorsed by senior management and the board. That endorsement matters. It signals ownership.

“AUSTRAC will take a proportionate approach where businesses demonstrate genuine effort. But where risks remain unmanaged, regulatory action will follow.”

The reforms stem from the AML/CTF Amendment Bill 2024, passed by Parliament back on 29 November 2024, and are designed to modernise the regime, close regulatory gaps and bring Australia closer to Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards.

 

 

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