Significant work has been done by the Queensland Law Society on Tranche 2 of AML/CTF, according to the QLS Annual Report 2024-25.
The report was tabled in the Queensland Parliament last month.
CEO Matt Dunn said in his report that QLS had advocated for a Tranche 2 scheme that was “targeted, effective and workable”.
“There does remain concern about the impact these reforms will have on access to justice, especially in regional Queensland,” Matt said.
“Unfortunately, this does not appear to have been a consideration in the current reforms and needs further thought and exploration.”
Matt said externally, there had been “momentous shifts in the world around us”.
“Internationally, financial markets, trade relationships, old alliances and our place in the world has been challenged,” he said in the report presented to Attorney-General Deb Frecklington.
“More concerningly, the trend is escalating internationally where Governments are targeting the judiciary and legal profession for political purposes.
“It was distressing to see attempts made to dominate or diminish some of our sister bodies in other countries over the year, especially in countries where we all thought the separation of powers was enshrined.”
QLS President Genevieve Dee said in the report that 2024-25 marked the final year of the Strategic Plan.
“The new 2025-29 Strategic Plan crafted by Council and senior management builds on this foundation,” she stated.
“I look forward to watching how the Society and its members respond to the new strategic plan and the initiatives that will ensure the continued growth of the profession.”
Throughout 2024-25, QLS held workshops and surveyed the membership, legal stakeholders, staff and council in planning for the new plan.
“This year’s legal landscape has been notably shaped by technology with the rapid proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI), both globally and within the legal profession, as well as consultation with AML (anti-money laundering scheme), rolling out roadshows for the new seller disclosure regime and a deep reflection on best practice guidelines, to support the sustainability of all practices,” the report stated.
On 10 December 2024, council approved the Strategic Plan 2025-29. On 8 May 2025, it approved revisions to reflect the State Government’s new Objectives for the Community.
On 19 June 2025, council approved the first operating plan of the new Strategic Plan, which represents the first year of the Society’s first four-year Corporate Plan.
QLS remains focused on delivering its strategies while managing emerging risks. Key areas of focus will include council governance, technology enhancement and regulatory standards.
The new QLS Strategic Plan 2025–2029 and Operating Plan 2025-26 are available at www.qls.com.au.
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