News from the Council
Key highlights from recent meetings of the Business Registry Strategic Advisory Council.
May 2023
Deputy Registrar Karen Foat welcomed all new and existing council members to the first meeting of 2023.
Members were advised the key focus areas for ABRS continue to be:
- delivering business registry services while supporting the Modernising Business Registers Program (MBR)
- director ID
- strengthening the integrity of registry systems
- maximising the value or our registry data.
The deadline of 30 November 2022 for Corporations Act directors to obtain a director ID has now passed. ABRS and ASIC are now focusing on help and support activities for those directors yet to apply.
Members were provided an update on the Modernising Business Registers program, with the current independent review of the program expected to be completed by 30 June 2023.
Council members reported on the challenging economic conditions currently experienced by small business operators throughout Australia.
The council was also given an update on the BRSAC Industry Working Group, and a presentation from the Department of Government Services (Victoria) on the success of the current data partnership with ABRS to underpin their government grants program.
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.