To ensure consistency with other Australian jurisdictions and compliance with s292 of the Legal Profession Act 2007, all Queensland Principal Practising Certificates will now carry an authorisation for the receipt of trust money from 1 July 2025.
This authorisation will be included on all Principal Practising Certificates issued during the 2025-26 renewals period and will read:
The holder of this unrestricted principal practising certificate is
- Entitled to engage in legal practice including as a principal of a law practice which is covered by professional indemnity insurance which complies with the Act; and
- Authorised to receive trust money.
While this addition to the certificate does not change the current position that all principals are authorised to receive trust money, it will make the process of opening a trust account easier with a financial institution.
There will be no opportunity to opt out of the authorisation during the 2025-26 renewals period. Practitioners may apply after the issue of the practising certificate to remove the authorisation (see s65 Legal Profession Act 2007).
Please note, the removal of the authorisation will disqualify Principals from the handling of all trust money, including transit money.
If you have any questions, or need more information, contact QLS Records and Member Services on 1300 367 757 or via email at records@qls.com.au.
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