Message from the President

It has been a little while since I have provided an update, but rest assured that we have been busy, and are about to get a lot busier in May.

Leaders Lunch Forums will be taking place in the week starting 12 May – two in Hobart, one each in Launceston and Devonport, followed by the North West profession dinner and a meeting of the Law Council on the Saturday morning. These meetings are very important for communication our ideas but, more importantly, to get direct feedback from firms and practitioners as to their stress points; what they need and how we may be able to assist. It also provides a forum for those attending to share their challenges and solutions with each other. I am looking forward to catching up with as many of you as possible during those sessions – when previously held they have been extremely useful.

In addition to the above, we have been keeping a very close eye on the upcoming Anti Money Laundering regime set to begin next July. Details are still being tightly guarded by the Federal Government but safe to say that they will impose a substantial challenge and impost upon the profession. We will share what we learn as soon as we have further detail, but at present we can only assume that it may substantially mirror the UK and New Zealand experience. We, together with the other Societies and Law Council of Australia, will make representations which hopefully may help in escaping the worst excesses seen in those jurisdictions.

As always, I and the other members of Council always welcome your comments, queries and feedback on any matter affecting the profession. Please don’t be strangers.

Regards,

Will Justo
President of the Law Society of Tasmania 2024-2025