Updated: February 2026
Disclaimer: This article is general information only. It is not legal, financial or compliance advice. HeadStart Docs™ provides free compliance documents, not legal services. We do not guarantee the accuracy of information provided. Always seek advice specific to your circumstances from a qualified professional.
Where to find the AUSTRAC LPP Form(Answer: It's not in the kit)
Quick Answer
If you're searching for the Legal Professional Privilege (LPP) Form in the AUSTRAC Starter Program Kit for lawyers, it's not there. As of February 2026, AUSTRAC has not included an LPP Form in the official starter kit.
Many lawyers searching for "AUSTRAC LPP Form download" or "AML LPP form" expect to find it in the free starter kit. This article explains what the LPP Form is, when you need it and what you should do in the meantime.
What is the LPP Form?
The Legal Professional Privilege (LPP) Form is a document you submit to AUSTRAC when you are claiming privilege in relation to a suspicious matter. It is required in two situations:
- When claiming LPP in response to an AUSTRAC notice
- When privilege is the reason for withholding certain details in a Suspicious Matter Report (SMR)
Important: The LPP Form is submitted in addition to an SMR, not instead of it. Filing an LPP Form does not exempt you from your SMR reporting obligations.
When do you need the LPP Form?
If you are claiming legal professional privilege in connection with a suspicious matter, strict deadlines apply:
24 Hours
For terrorism financing matters
Critical deadline: Cannot be extended
5 Business Days
For other ML/TF/PF matters
Standard LPP Form deadline
What IS in the AUSTRAC Starter Kit for lawyers?
While the LPP Form is not included, the AUSTRAC Starter Kit for legal professionals does contain approximately 50 documents across these categories:
- Policy Document: Core AML/CTF program policy
- Process Document: Step-by-step compliance procedures
- Risk Assessment: ML/TF risk assessment framework
- CDD Forms: Customer identification forms for individuals, companies and trusts
- Personnel Forms: Staff due diligence and role documentation
- Effectiveness Testing: Periodic compliance testing forms
- LPP Form: Not included
What should you do now?
Until AUSTRAC releases an official LPP Form, you should:
- Monitor AUSTRAC for updates: Check the AUSTRAC website regularly for LPP Form release announcements
- Develop internal LPP triage protocols: Establish a process for identifying when privilege applies and documenting your assessment
- Document your privilege assessment process: Keep records of how you determined privilege applied (or did not apply) to a particular matter
- Seek legal advice: If you are uncertain whether privilege applies to a suspicious matter, obtain independent advice before deciding not to report
- File SMRs on time: Remember that privilege does not automatically exempt you from SMR obligations. When in doubt, report
Key Takeaway
The AUSTRAC Starter Kit for lawyers does not include an LPP Form. Until one is released, focus on developing internal protocols for assessing privilege claims and documenting your decision-making process. Always prioritise filing your SMR within the required timeframe.
Read our complete Tranche 2 Guide
Key dates, affected sectors, obligations and how to prepare
Disclaimer: This article is general information only. It is not legal, financial or compliance advice. HeadStart Docs™ provides free compliance documents, not legal services.
We do not guarantee the accuracy of information provided. Obligations may apply depending on your designated services. Always confirm your specific requirements with a qualified adviser.
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