I have come across a lot of venues lately that don’t have an updated Compliance Program (or have one at all for that matter), and with the current AUSTRAC focus on casinos, now is not the time to ignore the legal obligations under the AML/CTF Act. AUSTRAC have already turned their gaze to other similar gaming venues across Australia, and the repercussions may be severe for any venue not up to date!
Helping venues navigate and understand their AML/CTF compliance requirements is a key focus of mine, as the Safety & Compliance Advisor for DWS Hospitality Specialists. I am here to assist your venue with updating Compliance Plans, staff training (face to face or virtually), independent reviews of your programs and processes, as well as helping with AUSTRAC audits or requests for information.
NOW really is the time to book your independent review and staff training for your AML/CTF compliance, before the end of year. The AUSTRAC annual report is due by March 31 2023 for the 2022 reporting year. Don’t risk multi-million-dollar fines, potential jail terms and negative media due to non-compliance. I’m more than happy to have a no-obligation chat with you if you have any questions regarding your compliance status.
Here’s a recent client testimonial;
“In February this year, the Logan City Rec & Sporting Club engaged DWS Hospitality Specialists to conduct and external review of the club’s anti-Money Laundering & Counter Terrorism Finance (AML/CTF) Policy. Michelle Pitman was my primary contact.
AML/CTF obligations for businesses such as ours are typified by complex AUSTRAC terminology, guidelines, and paperwork. Imparting a basic understanding of these laws to frontline staff, is – in my view – the most difficult task for the Compliance Officer.Michelle’s understanding of this, and the time she put into preparing training materials for staff – has been one of the best outcomes of this independent review. Knowing that our compliance is both effective and able to withstand scrutiny from the regulator is also a comfort to Club Management and the Board.
Stephen Ryan, General Manager, Logan City Rec & Sporting Club
I highly recommend DWS and Michelle Pitman when considering who might conduct your next compliance and safety review.
I also send a regular newsletter out with updates on not only AML/CTF matters, but a range of compliance issues that venues need to be aware of and comply with, so feel welcome to share my details with someone you know that may need to keep up to date!
Michelle Pitman
Work Health Safety & Compliance Advisor
DWS Hospitality Specialists
M: 0401 014 619
E: michelle@dws.net.au
