Tools and Practical Resources

Last Updated: 23 June 2026

The Law Society of South Australia has developed practical resources to assist legal practices in preparing for the introduction of AML/CTF obligations.

These resources are intended to support practices in understanding their obligations and planning for implementation ahead of the commencement date.

AUSTRAC has developed sector-specific guidance to assist newly captured reporting entities, including legal practices, in meeting their AML/CTF obligations. 

AML/CTF Regulation Check

Use this tool to determine whether your legal practice may fall within scope of the new AML/CTF reforms.

    

Click here to access the Regulation Check
       

AUSTRAC Resources

AUSTRAC has published a range of resources to support entities captured under the AML/CTF regime, including:

These resources are intended to assist reporting entities in understanding legislative requirements and regulatory expectations.

In addition, AUSTRAC has released AML/CTF starter kits for the legal profession. These starter kits are designed to provide practical, plain language guidance for eligible legal practices that are newly captured by the regime, or that are working through how the reforms apply to their work. They step through key obligations such as risk assessments, AML/CTF programs, customer due diligence, and record keeping, with examples tailored to legal services.

    

Click here to access the AUSTRAC resources

Charging clients for AML activities - QLS Resource

A Queensland Law Society resource outlining when AML/CTF related client due diligence and verification of identity costs may be charged to clients, including the treatment of disbursements, professional fees, fixed fees and general compliance overheads.

It covers the distinction between general AML compliance costs and matter specific CDD work.

     Click here to access the QLS resource 

AML/CTF Compliance Roadmap

The Society has developed an AML/CTF Compliance Roadmap to assist practices in understanding the steps involved in preparing for the reforms.

The roadmap is designed to help practices:

  • identify whether they are likely to be captured;
  • understand key compliance requirements; and
  • plan preparation activities ahead of commencement.
    

Click here to access the Compliance Roadmap
       

Interactive Implementation Timeline

An interactive AML/CTF implementation timeline is available to assist practices in understanding key milestones and preparation stages.

The timeline complements AUSTRAC guidance and highlights important dates and indicative preparation steps.

    

Click here to access the Implementation Timeline

Retainer agreements, termination of matters and tipping off

The Society has prepared guidance to assist legal practitioners to manage issues arising from AML/CTF obligations, including client intake, retainer agreements, termination of matters and tipping off provisions.

The guidance includes:

  • information about recent amendments to the South Australian Legal Practitioners Conduct Rules;
  • guidance on managing circumstances where a practice cannot accept or continue to act;
  • template termination wording for clients; and
  • a general client notice that legal practices can use to inform clients about upcoming AML/CTF obligations.

This guidance may assist practices to review their client intake, retainer and matter management processes, particularly where AML/CTF information is required, a client does not provide requested information, or a suspicious matter report may need to be lodged.

    

Click here to access the Guidance

Privacy Resources

From 1 July 2026, legal practices that provide designated services under the AML/CTF Act may be captured by the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), even where the practice would otherwise rely on the small business exemption. The following resources can assist practices in understanding and meeting these obligations.

The Law Society of South Australia has produced an AML/CTF Privacy Policy Template for sole and small legal practices. The template is intended for South Australian law practices that are small business operators and become subject to the Privacy Act because they provide designated services under the AML/CTF regime. It provides a starting point only and must be customised to reflect the practice’s actual services, systems, workflows, service providers and AML/CTF program.

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has also published privacy guidance for reporting entities under the AML/CTF Act. The guidance explains how the Privacy Act applies to AML/CTF related activities, including the collection, handling and security of personal information, and when copies of identity documents should be destroyed.

    

Click here to access the Law Society's Privacy Policy Template

Click here to access the OAIC Guidance