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Media Release

SENATOR THE HON. CHRISTOPHER ELLISON

Minister for Justice and Customs

Manager of Government Business in the Senate Senator for Western Australia

E115 /0 5 15 September 2005

Joint Communiqué: Roundtable on Anti -Money Laundering and Counter -Terrorist Financing between the Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator Chris Ellison, and representatives of the Accountancy Sector

The Minister for Justice and Customs , Senator Chris Ellison, held discussions in Canberra this week with representatives of the Australian accounting profession, to explore issues related to proposed anti -money laundering (AML) and counter -terrorist financing (CTF) reforms and prepare for th e release of draft exposure legislation.

Senator Ellison met with representatives from CPA Australia, The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and the Nationa l Institute of Accountants .

The purpose of the meeting was to examine issues arising fo r the accountancy sector as a result of implementing the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF). The FATF’s Recommendations are the recognised international standard in measures to combat terrorist financing and mone y laundering.

The accounting bodies support the Government’s decision to implement the new AML/ CTF system in stages with the initial phase of AML reforms covering accountants only when they provide designated financial services. A second phase of proposed reforms would consider extending coverage to other accounting activities, but this would occur after consultations on the initial reforms had been co mpleted.

The profession is committed to working with the Government on detailed implementation issues and awaits the release of the draft exposure bill.

The meeting agreed that the new system should reflect a risk -based approach with in a regulatory framework which allows the flexible application of obligations.

This approach would see principles -based legislat ion establishing a broad framework for the new AML/CTF measures, with provision for flexibility through regulations and agreed AML Rules, developed in consultation between industry and AUSTRAC allowing modifications in particular circumstances on the basis of the level of risk.

The proposed AML system will exempt existing customers from identification requirements unless specific risk -triggers are met. These risk -triggers will be set out in the Rules which will be agreed between industry and AUSTRAC.

The m eeting agreed that new AML system should be developed with a view to avoiding unnecessary duplication of customer due diligence where multiple reporting entities are involved.

In line with the Government’s commitment to minimise regulatory impact on small business, the meeting also recognised that the new reforms should strike the right balance between regulation and flexible and workable options for small and medium enterprises.

Senator Ellison was encouraged by the accounting sector’s commitment and effor ts in developing workable proposals that will strengthen Australia’s AML and CTF systems and thanked all participants for their valuable contributions.

Media e nquiries: Brad Burke (02) 6277 7260/(0417) 749 711

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