Australian Regulatory Updates

The Attorney-General's Department has gazetted a formal designation of a Territory Central Authority for the ACT, effective 1 October 2026.

The Public and Educational Lending Rights (Better Income for Authors) Act 2026 commenced on 1 October 2026, confirmed by a Commencement Proclamation.

ASIC Corporations (Amendment) Instrument 2026/772 was registered and came into force on 1 October 2026. Details of what it changes are in the full text.

APVMA instrument F2026L01345 varied Schedule 20 food residue limits, was in force 1-6 October 2026, and has now been repealed.

A Defence Force instrument revoked the 2020 Chief Judge Advocate appointment under the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982, effective 1 October 2026.

The Federal Register of Legislation published a notice on 1 October 2026 confirming the renewal of Petroleum Retention Lease WA-19-R.

The Federal Register of Legislation published a gazette notice on 1 October 2026 recording the renewal of offshore petroleum retention lease WA-21-R.

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources published a gazette notice on 1 October 2026 confirming renewal of Petroleum Retention Lease WA-23-R.

The Defence (Individual Benefits) Determination (No. 11) 2026 covers a payment to Defence personnel in place of rent allowance. No impact on small business.

A new official notice declares Norfolk Island Airport a security controlled airport and establishes its airside area, registered 1 October 2026.

The Assistant Treasurer has appointed new members to the Tax Practitioners Board under the Tax Agent Services Act 2009, registered 1 October 2026.

The federal government has varied the workers' compensation licence held by Wilson Parking Australia 1992 Pty Ltd, registered 1 October 2026.

WorkSafe Victoria successfully appealed sentences against three construction companies fined over a Footscray townhouse fall incident. Fines were doubled on app

SafeWork NSW ran unannounced abattoir inspections in late September 2026 and is running its largest-ever compliance program throughout October 2026.

ASIC's RG 180 covers auditor registration under the Corporations Act 2001. A new competency standard applies from 1 October 2026, replacing the 2016 version.

A federal determination grants Plum Grove Logistics access rights at Geraldton port terminal for bulk wheat, registered 27 June 2025 and running to 30 September

The federal government has set a Total Allowable Catch for Tropical Rock Lobster (Kaiar) in the Torres Strait fishery for 2025. Key details inside.

A formal determination governs bulk wheat access at CHSB Bulk Terminal Pty Ltd in Geelong from 17 December 2025 until 30 September 2026.

The total allowable catch for Tropical Rock Lobster (Kaiar) in the Torres Strait fishery has been amended, registered 13 February 2026, ceasing 30 September 202

The Poisons Standard June 2026 sets Australia's scheduling rules for medicines, poisons and controlled drugs, in force from 28 May 2026 to 30 September 2026.