CEO Update: Three big legal changes & challenges in 2026

What do money laundering, planning reform and workers compensation have in common?

They are three of the most significant legislative changes on the horizon for 2026 and they will impact many of our clients not only professionally, but also potentially personally.

As we look forward to some precious holiday time with family and friends following a highly productive 2025, you’re no doubt casting half a mind to the year ahead. Here are three major legal developments in 2026 we are already focused on:

1. The Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 

This reform is so widespread that we will be providing clients with a more detailed update early in the new year.

In short, from 1 July 2026, all lawyers, accountants, real estate professionals and even jewellers/precious metal dealers will be brought into the anti-money laundering regime that already applies to banks, casinos and other financial services providers.

These changes will fundamentally impact client onboarding and interactions.

You can read more about the changes here. If you prefer a podcast style you can hear the head of AUSTRAC speaking about the changes at a recent panel session held at the firm.

2. Planning law reforms (again)

As our Environment & Planning team point out, no piece of legislation has likely faced as many amendments, updates and changes as the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. As the State Government seeks to improve the delivery of housing in the state, it's going through another major shake-up which you can read about here. These changes will reshape our local neighbourhoods.

Just one example: those long-idle construction sites or “holes in the ground” we’ve all walked past may soon disappear, with councils being given the power to issue complete work orders to address so-called “zombie consents” that are no doubt exacerbating our housing crisis.

3. Sweeping changes to workers compensation

Unfortunately, NSW businesses are set to face workers compensation premium increases of up to 36% in 2026.

A key driver is the sharp rise in psychological injury claims.

Our Insurance and Workplace Law & Culture teams have been closely following the legislative debates and developments. They will be running a seminar early in the new year to help clients navigate some big changes given that insurance for them is now going to be a significant ongoing cost that the changes are attempting to help reduce and manage.

While these are just three of the many legal challenges our clients will encounter in 2026, supporting you through them remains our top priority. That’s why we continue to invest in what truly sets our firm apart – our people and culture. You may recall we recently had superannuation and financial services specialist Lisa-Marie McKechnie join our team.

I’m also delighted to announce Stephanie Flegg, Andrew Yahl and Nina Israil have been promoted to Partner (effective 1 January 2026). You can read more about their appointment here along with our other staff promotions.

Finally, I wanted to take this opportunity on behalf of all of us here at Bartier Perry to wish you and your loved ones a safe and relaxing holiday break.

Thank you for your support in 2025.

We look forward to working and growing with you in 2026.

Author: Riana Steyn