This consultation is closed
The government made an election commitment to implement a public beneficial ownership register. This will improve transparency of corporate structures by showing who ultimately owns, controls, or receives profits from companies.
The first stage of reform is new law focusing on listed companies.
The reforms propose amending the Corporations Act 2001 to:
- increase the disclosure of ownership information for listed companies
- broaden the Australian Securities and Investment Commission’s regulatory enforcement powers.
The exposure draft was informed by previous consultation. This consultation will help finalise the new law.
Legislation
New law put forward to enhance the beneficial ownership information disclosure requirements for listed entities in the Corporations Act 2001 passed Parliament and will take effect on 4 December 2026.
The government released its response to Parliamentary Committee recommendations on 19 February 2026. The government agreed with part of one recommendation but not the rest.
Consultation forums
If you have any questions or would like to engage with us in a live forum, please attend one of our online information sessions:
- Tuesday 26 November 2024, 10 am – 11 am (registration closes at 4 pm, Monday 25 November)
- Thursday 28 November 2024, 10 am – 11 am (registration closes at 4 pm, Wednesday 27 November 2024)
To register, please email beneficialownership@treasury.gov.au with your preferred date and time.
