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Tuesday, 10 February 2004
Page: 24297

(Question No. 2717)


Mr McClelland asked the Minister representing the Minister for Justice and Customs, upon notice, on 4 November 2003:

(1)  What role, if any, does the Reserve Bank of Australia have in setting standards for financial institutions to identify fraud and/or money laundering activities.

(2)  To what extent do any other agencies have a role in setting such standards.


Mr Ruddock —The Minister for Justice and Customs has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question:

(1)  As advised by the Treasurer in response to a Question on Notice (Question No. 2211) asked by Mr McClelland on 12 August 2003, the Reserve Bank of Australia is not responsible for setting standards that financial institutions should follow in order to identify fraud and/or money laundering activities.

(2)  The Financial Transaction Reports Act 1988 outlines reporting and other obligations for financial institutions to counter money laundering. The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) has a key role in ensuring compliance with the obligations contained in the legislation. AUSTRAC shares information with a number of partner agencies. Further information on the role of AUSTRAC is presented in the Annual Report.