News from the Council

Key highlights from recent meetings of the Business Registry Strategic Advisory Council.

October 2022

On behalf of the Registrar, the Chief Service Delivery Officer welcomed Karen Foat to her first meeting in her role as the new acting Deputy Registrar.

Members were given an update on the significant work undertaken in relation to ABNs and data integrity, focusing on the importance of data and analytics and how it informs decision making for government and businesses.

To date, over 1 million director IDs have been issued with the 30 November deadline for applications fast approaching. This is a significant step in combatting illegal phoenix behaviour and protecting the economy and businesses from its impacts.

Insights into ABRS priorities and the recent changes to the MBR program were provided to the council.

Summaries were provided from the recently held ABR data workshops and an update from the BRSAC Industry working group.

The next meeting will be held on 22 May 2023.

June 2022

On behalf of the Registrar, the Chief Service Delivery Officer welcomed new and existing Council members to the June meeting.

The Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) has progressed significantly as a business, helping to level the playing field for honest businesses. The early value of director ID data in supporting ATO compliance activities was highlighted, as well as actions taken and the controls in place to ensure illegal activity is identified and prevented as part of Operation Protego.

Members were provided a general update on the digital identity program’s adoption and a view of changes being explored and on the horizon. The potential for registry data to support and drive value for the business community outside of a regulatory or compliance lens was also discussed.

The next meeting will be held on 24 October 2022.

April 2022

The Registrar welcomed new and existing Council members to the first meeting for 2022.

The first key milestone for the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) was achieved, with director identification number (director ID) officially going live in November 2021 following a successful public beta. Initial onboarding has seen over 400,000 directors successfully receive their director ID, due in part to the continued support of stakeholder promotion through their organisational channels.

The Companies Register release is currently in the design and build phase and scheduled for release in September 2023. The ATO continues to work closely with stakeholders to take a client-centred approach and engage intermediaries early where possible in co-design.
Other discussions included:

• An Australian Bureau of Statistics working group update around ANZSIC codes
• registry fee reforms that were announced in the 2022-23 Budget
• streamlining business registration nationally through the “Tell us once” initiative led by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
• continued impacts and challenges for businesses and their agents due to COVID-19 and natural disasters.

The next meeting will be held on 27 June 2022.