Updated: January 2026
AUSTRAC Starter Kit Now Available
The official AUSTRAC starter kit for legal professionals is now available with 51 documents. Download the free kit
AUSTRAC starter program kit for lawyers: What's included & how to use it
AUSTRAC released their official starter program kit for legal professionals in January 2026. This guide explains what's included, what's not covered, and how to get started with your AML/CTF program.
Which legal services are in scope?
Under Tranche 2, legal professionals become reporting entities when providing certain designated services:
- Establishing trusts and power of attorney arrangements
- Conveyancing and property settlements (QLD and ACT)
- Managing client money or assets
- Assisting with mergers and acquisitions
- Organising debt financing
Note: Legal Professional Privilege (LPP) is preserved under the reforms, but the AUSTRAC starter kit does not include an LPP Form.Learn more about the LPP Form
What's in the AUSTRAC kit for lawyers?
The Legal Professionals starter kit contains 51 documents across the following categories:
Policy Document(1 documents)
Core AML/CTF program policy outlining your compliance framework
- • Policy Document
Process Document(1 documents)
Step-by-step procedures for implementing your AML/CTF program
- • Process Document
Risk Assessment(1 documents)
Framework for assessing ML/TF risks in your business
- • Risk Assessment
Customer Forms(15 documents)
CDD, onboarding, verification and ongoing monitoring forms
- • Initial CDD Form - Individual/Sole Trader
- • Initial CDD Form - Body Corporate/Partnership
- • Initial CDD Form - Trust
- • Enhanced CDD Form
- • Onboarding Form - Individual/Sole Trader
- + 10 more documents
Personnel Forms(5 documents)
Staff due diligence, roles and responsibilities documentation
- • AML/CTF Roles Form
- • Assign Responsibilities Form
- • Personnel Due Diligence Form
- • Personnel DD - Compliance Officer
- • Personnel DD - Sole Practitioner
Program Maintenance(10 documents)
Effectiveness testing, annual reviews and compliance checks
- • Maintain Your AML/CTF Program
- • Annual Report to Governing Body
- • Independent Evaluation Response
- • Periodic Effectiveness Testing Summary
- • Client Onboarding Effectiveness Check
- + 5 more documents
Guidance Material(4 documents)
How-to guides, examples and getting started documentation
- • Customise Guide
- • Getting Started
- • Document Library
- • Examples of Dealing with Clients
Download the Free AUSTRAC Kit
Access all 51 documents in the official Legal Professionals starter kit.
Download Free KitWhat the kit doesn't include
While the AUSTRAC starter kit provides a solid foundation, it doesn't include several components that many practices need:
Sanctions Screening
No PEP or sanctions list checking capability
Training Records
No training management or completion tracking
Digital Workflows
Static Word documents require manual processing
Ongoing Updates
One-time download with no regulatory updates
Size limitation: AUSTRAC designed these kits for businesses with 15 or fewer personnel. Larger practices may need more comprehensive solutions.
Next steps
Interactive tools
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.
Need a lawyer to review your AML/CTF program? HeadStart Counsel offers fixed-fee tailoring from $1,800+GST. Separate entity and engagement.