The Australian Government’s proposed scams prevention framework, a national reform intended to reduce scam activity across the economy by introducing new obligations for selected high-risk sectors. It has been reviewed by the Auctioneer and Valuation Association of Australia (AVAA) following requests from AVAA members to assess the impact on the sector, with the preliminary advice being that the auction and valuation sector is not currently designated for coverage, and there are no immediate concerns or new compliance obligations arising from the exposure draft legislation.
The Australian Government’s initial focus remains squarely on telecommunications, banking and major digital platforms, where scam activity is most concentrated and where large-scale consumer harm has been demonstrated. For auctioneers and valuers, everyday operations continue as normal, with no requirements to change existing practices or introduce additional reporting mechanisms.
Nonetheless, because the draft framework has been designed to expand over time as scam methods evolve, AVAA members were right to ask how any future coverage might apply. In response, AVAA is actively engaged with The Treasury to ensure the sector’s risk profile is accurately understood and properly reflected in ongoing policy development. This includes highlighting the strong consumer-protection settings already in place across the profession—such as trust-account management, ethical obligations, transparent sale processes and state-based regulatory controls, and demonstrating that most scams involving auctions occur outside legitimate auction environments, typically through impersonation or misuse of unrelated digital platforms.
Through this engagement, AVAA is advocating for a proportionate, evidence-based approach that recognises the distinct operating model of auction and valuation businesses. Should the Government ever consider extending the proposed framework to the sector, AVAA’s position is that any obligations must be aligned with actual, demonstrated risk, not assumed risk or measures designed for unrelated industries like banks or telecommunications providers.
Members can be assured that AVAA will continue to monitor developments closely, represent the sector’s interests constructively and provide ongoing updates. Your questions have helped ensure that the Association remains ahead of the policy process, reinforcing our commitment to supporting a strong, informed and well-protected profession.
Policy advocacy on this matter is being undertaken by the AVAA Government Affairs Committee, reflecting a commitment to member-driven policy advocacy. If you have any questions on this matter, please send an email to advocacy@avaa.com.au or telephone 1300 928 165.
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