The Law Society of Tasmania Annual Report 2024-2025 by taslawsociety

Your Society

The Law Society of Tasmania provides professional services, resources, support and benefits to its members and the legal profession in general.

The Law Society of Tasmania has two major functions. The first is as a regulator of the legal profession of the State of Tasmania. The second is to provide services to its members to assist in maintaining high standards of practice in the Tasmanian legal profession.

The services offered to Law Society of Tasmania Members are designed to assist the provision of timely and effective delivery of legal services. Hence, the Soicety has focussed on areas such as education, indemnity insurance and risk management. The Society also provides a counselling service to members and a range of other personal and practice related benefits.

Opening of the Legal Year - St David’s Cathedral, Hobart 31 January 2025

2024/2025 Council Members

Vice President

Amelia Higgs*

William Justo * President

Luke Taylor * Treasurer

2024/2025 Council Members

* Indicates membership of the Executive Committee

Imogen Cook *

Philippa Monk

Helen Bassett

Samuel Claessens

Rohan Foon

Juanita O’Keefe

Renee Spencer *

Robert Hegarty

Julia Higgins *

Callum Purcell *

Amanda Thompson

Olivia Jenkins

Jason Dobel

Committees 2024/2025

The Law Society Council

2024/2025

President

W Justo

Vice-President

A Higgs

Hon Treasurer

L Taylor

Council

W Justo* (S), A Higgs* (S), L Taylor* (S), J Higgins* (S), A Thompson (S), C Purcell* (NW), I Cook* (S), S Claessens (N), H Bassett (NW), O Jenkins (NW), R Foon (N), R Hegarty (N), P Monk (S), J O’Keefe (S), J Dolbel (NW), R Spencer* (S)

(*Executive Committee Member)

Executive Director

L O Rheinberger

Deputy Executive Director

F Beattie

Law Council of Australia Director

R Foon

Committees 2024/2025

Northern Regional Committee

P J Lebski [ Chair and Secretary]

Southern Regional Committee

W Justo [Chair]

North-West Regional Committee

A Mihal [Chair and Secretary]

Criminal Law Committee

P Monk [Chair], J Crotty, C Graves, C Scott, C Purcell, P Slipper, J Oxley, R Mainwaring, J Detheridge, L Brett, M Matimba, J Sabapathy, S Cronin, D Loganathan, R Lancaster

Litigation Committee

L Taylor [Chair], A Buckley, K Child, P Dordhain, A Kendall, V D Murray, S Royston, D Cocker, B Cassidy, F Brimfield, G McDonald, D Palmer, A Williams

Property & Commercial Law Committee

A Logan [Chair], A Bobbi, Z Donnellan, R Jorgensen, W Justo, A Kostezky, S Perraton, S Thomas-Wilson, G Holgate, S Law, J Rowbottom, C Wootton, A Goss, C Hawkins, R Manning

Employment, Diversity & Inclusion Committee

E Creak [Chair], S Buscemi, C Green, A Morton, M Thomas-Richards, V Dawkins, N Luttrell, R Mathews, H Rheinberger, S Wright, E Brett, M Fernando, H Farquhar, A Higgs, S Manning, L Pasanen, H Pill, A Wells

Estate & Succession Law Committee

K Martin [Chair], S Llewellyn, R Jorgensen, V D Murray, M Penno, A Wiss, J French, K McLagan

Pro Bono Referral Service

M Fernando [Chair], J Hutchinson, P Slipper, A Pelham, P Rowe, S Keegan, K Starkey, H Bassett

Family Law Committee

M Ryan [Chair], L Connelly, J Fawkner, C Graves, C Griffith, M Scolyer, J Henshaw, S Rofe, A Hope, T McConnon, Z Dwyer, S Watson, D Harper, C White

Wellbeing Committee

C Scott [Chair], A Eaton, A Lyudenko, S Rofe, E White, P Foster, T Glynn, S Holloway, J Lyndon, S Kuruvitaaratchy, T Pilkington, S Campbell, S Gates, R Irwin, C Mackie, J Standaloft

Committees 2024/2025

Southern Early Career Lawyers Committee

Z Dwyer and M Scolyer [Co-Presidents], K Barwick [Secretary] and [Treasurer], J Miller [Social Media Officer], A Hope and H Crack [CPD Officers]

Northern Early Career Lawyers Committee

L Benjamin [President], C Bailey [Vice-President], M Peters [Secretary], E Hindle [Treasurer], S Barker and C Dornauf [Social Coordinators], A Cone and S Tryambake [CPD Co-ordinators]

North-West Early Career Lawyers Committee

C Tregurtha [President], K Keane (Vice-President], E Arnold [Secretary], M Sheehy [Treasurer], S Vincent [CPD Co-ordinator],

The Society’s Nominees on Other Bodies

Board of Legal Education

J Higgins, A Mills, L Rheinberger [Secretary]

Law Council of Australia – Legal Practice Section

Australian Law Management Group – Executive Committee

F Beattie

Law Council of Australia – Equal Opportunity Committee

C Green

Law Council of Australia – Legal Practice Section

Australian Property Law Group – National Committee

A Bobbi

Law Council of Australia - Finance and Risk Committee

R Foon

Law Council of Australia – National Criminal Law Committee

P Morgan, K Baumeler [alternate], F McCracken

Law Council of Australia – National Elder and Succession Law Committee

K Martin

Law Council of Australia – National Electronic Conveyancing System Committee

A Bobbi

Law Council of Australia – Professional Ethics Committee

M O’Farrell SC, P Jackson SC (part year)

Law Council of Australia – Young Lawyers Committee

Z Dwyer

Tasmania Legal Aid

P Morgan,

Council of Law Reporting

S Thompson

Law Foundation of Tasmania

W Justo [Chair], J Higgins, L Rheinberger [Secretary]

Centre for Legal Studies

S Terry, A Smith, A Thompson, L Rheinberger [Secretary]

Solicitors’ Trust

P Kuzis, A Walker

The Society’s Nominees on Other Bodies

University of Tasmania Law Faculty Teaching and Learning Committee

S Gates

Legal Profession Board of Tasmania

G Jones, A Mihal

Launceston Magistrates Court Users Group

J Oxley

Hobart Magistrates Court Users Group

C Graves

Associated Bodies

Family Law Practitioners’ Association of Tasmania

S Hunt [Chair], A Scott [Vice-Chair North-West], K Starkey [Vice-Chair South], S Harris [Secretary], H Bassett [Treasurer], R Van Meer, C Jacobs, M Whittle, S Warren, A Grant, S Rofe, T Freeman

Tasmanian Women Lawyers

L Sundram [President], C Graves [Vice-President], L King-Roberts [Secretary], L Fox [Treasurer], A Robinson-Herbert [Australian Women Lawyers Director], K Heap, A Hogan, S Standen

President’s Report

I present the Law Society of Tasmania annual report for the 2024/2025 year, which is our opportunity to inform the profession and other stakeholders of the activities of the Society.

I have been honoured to have been chosen to undertake the presidency for a second time. It was a very different term from the previous occasion, due in large part to the electoral cycle and our politicians being preoccupied by matters not relating to the administration of justice. I thank all for their support and, in particular, the contribution of Council, committee members and the staff of the Law Society – we could not function without them – thank you.

The Society granted 920 practising certificates as well as granting 288 associate memberships, representing an increase in both over the previous year. This is pleasing, but for reasons below, there is still work to be done.

Attraction and Retention

Our number one priority for the year, and likely upcoming years, has been the attraction and retention of practitioners. Whilst the profession is growing, there has been a hollowing out in the numbers of senior “middle-year” lawyers. This puts pressure on the dwindling ranks of senior lawyers and has a tendency to make the profession less attractive for early career lawyers, seeing many leave the private profession.

The Society has recognised this and engaged with Red Jelly Advertising to develop an advertising and marketing campaign. The focus of that campaign is essentially two-fold.

Firstly, to attract lawyers from interstate, both sea changers and those wishing to return home. It is hoped that there will be enough of these to take pressure off the middle and senior ranks to allow early career practitioners to wish to enter and remain in the profession, as well as provide support, mentoring and another perspective to early career lawyers.

Secondly, is to encourage school leavers to study law and consider a career in our local profession. Red Jelly is currently undertaking the requisite research to put together a campaign this will involve attracting experienced professionals to our regional areas to practice in “high need” areas of practice (for instance: Criminal Law on the NorthWest coast) as well as every other area of practice throughout the State. To be clear though, this is a profession wide undertaking – the Society will make the opportunities and advertise the local profession to our target markets, but it is up to all of us to take advantage of that, by employers of choice, both in our recruiting and in our employment policies. This is a long-term project, but I am heartened that my likely successors as well as all of Council, are whole heartedly in support of continuing this crucial work.

In addition to the above, the Society is continuing to engage with the Tasmania University Law Society, the Law School and various colleges around the State and that will continue in future years.

Stakeholder Engagement

The Law Society has continued to attend regular meetings with the Attorney-General, Department of Justice, Director of Tasmania Legal Aid and other key Stakeholders. That has enabled us to put forward our views on various matters to all interested stakeholders, particularly in the “Justice Forum” working group. Through this, we have put forward views regarding Legal Aid funding (which continues to be critically inadequate to say the least), the new Burnie Court complex and proposed legislation such as the Bail Bill. The group is aware of the major issues faced by the profession and the community in access to justice and in particular criminal court delays and funding for that sector. We will continue our representations in that respect.

Anti Money Laundering

The countdown for the new anti-money laundering regime is now on and we have been in constant consultation with the Law Council of Australia in that regard. It is clear that we will be facing a challenge in compliance, but the Law Society will provide CPD and other resources in support to ensure that no members are left behind and that they understand their obligations, and are provided the tools with which to work in this new environment.

Reconciliation Commitment

The Society has been working on a Reconciliation Commitment Plan over the last 6 months. A reconciliation commitment differs from a reconciliation action plan and is designed for smaller organisations such as the Society, who may have difficulty committing the time and resources required for a RAP. I would like to thank all the members of that working group and the folk at Reconciliation Tasmania for their hard work. The plan should be completed by the end of the year.

Appointments and Retirements

Over the last year, we have seen several elevations and retirements in the profession. Once again, I congratulate Chief Justice Chris Shanahan on his appointment as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court,

Judge Kate Cuthbertson as Judge of the Supreme Court and Leigh Mackey as Magistrate.

I also pay tribute to Chief Justice Alan Blow who retired after many years of service to the Supreme Court of Tasmania and to our profession.

Continuing Professional Development

In the relevant period, the Society provided ninety nine hours of CPD to the profession. I would like to acknowledge the hard work of Law Society staff, not just for the quantity of CPD, but its quality. I thank the profession also for supporting their local CPD provider.

Leaders Forums

In May the Society facilitated statewide Leaders Forums. The forums provided an opportunity for our profession’s leaders to connect with others involved in law firm practice management, to discuss issues and provide feedback to the Society. Issues included recruitment, retention, possible future initiatives and wellbeing. Again, I thank all of those who made the time to attend these important events.

Conclusion

Once again, I thank you for your support this year. I wish my Vice President and likely successor, Amelia Higgs, all the very best for the year ahead. I will continue to support The Society in any capacity required.

I wish you all the best.

William

Justo

PRESIDENT

Treasurer’s Report

On behalf of the Law Society of Tasmania, I present the Society’s annual financial statements for the financial year ending 30 June 2025.

The Society’s net loss for the financial year was $118,784, with revenue of $2,751,575, but expenses of $2,870,359. Revenue increased by $77,733 on the previous year, but expenses were up by $292,143 this year.

This is attributable to a number of costs being incurred which were more expensive than budgeted. Some of these costs included:

• IT and associated expenses – substantial increased costs were incurred in relation to the Society’s IT requirements. Computer expenses were $56,301 higher than budgeted, attributable to a necessary change in the Society’s digital forms platform (used for supporting Online PII/Firm Renewal, PC and Associate Membership Applications, New PC and Associate Applications, Public-Facing Lawyer/Law Firm Register, and Other Web-Based Forms). A

change in the technology used on the provider end, with no migration pathway being provided to clients including the Society, meant that there was no choice but to incur this expense.

• Salaries and superannuation expenses increased.

• Property costs were $29,358 higher than budgeted – I note here that the Society’s Hobart and Launceston premises are both heritage sites, and maintenance and repair can be costly.

• Event expenses were higher than budgeted by $18,962.

There were also some unbudgeted expenses including travel and accommodation, advertising, consultants’ fees for projects approved after the budget was prepared, and legal fees.

Although the Society incurred a loss for the year, much of the increased expenditure in the period just concluded will improve the Society’s efficiency with some of its functions going forward, and in some instances, funds spent on certain matters now will mean that future costs on those things are either lowered or abrogated altogether. The Society remains in a strong financial position overall.

It has been my privilege to serve as the Society’s Treasurer for the past year, and I express my sincere gratitude to the following for greatly assisting me in the performance of my role:

• Mr Luke Rheinberger, Executive Director, Law Society of Tasmania

• Mr John Zuleta, Office & Accounts Administrator, Law Society of Tasmania

• Mr Bruno Palermo CA, Collins SBA

• Ms Francesca Beattie, Deputy Director, Law Society of Tasmania

• Amal Cutler, Shelley Harwood, Shelley Riseley, and Amanda Wesley, Law Society of Tasmania staff

Luke Taylor TREASURER

Legal Profession Dinner, Hobart Grand Chancellor Hotel

31 January 2025

Criminal Law Committee

The Criminal Law Committee regularly met throughout the 2024-2025 year to discuss a range of matters affecting the practice of criminal law across the State. As chair of the Committee, I would like to thank each member for their continued contributions. A major issue facing the criminal law profession is the lack of lawyers practising in this area, which has flow on effects for the wellbeing of those who currently practice. This is an issue that requires significant investment from the profession as a whole. In this regard, the Criminal Law Committee is particularly concerned about the dearth of lawyers on the North West Coast. The Committee continues to advocate for the profession through communication with the Courts and other stakeholders, particularly on issues related to the mental health of criminal practitioners, and the difficulties practitioners face appearing across multiple jurisdictions.

The Committee has consulted on and provided feedback on a number of pieces of legislation throughout the year, including appearing at the Legislative Council to provide a briefing to members of the Senate on Reids Law. There has been a big change in the Supreme Court

jurisdiction, with the Court taking over the listing of trials from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The Committee recognises the significant work that the DPP have put in to prepare the trial grids, which is a complex and difficult task. To assist with this change, members of the Committee have attended meetings with The Honourable Associate Justice Michael Daly, Supreme Court of Tasmania, and will continue to provide feedback to the Court during the transition and advocate for members of the profession. Additionally, information sessions for the profession about the Criminal Court Mandated List have been flagged for the second half of 2025.

In the continuing professional development (CPD) space, the Committee had a successful Criminal Law Conference in February 2025 and would like to reiterate it’s thanks to the members of the profession and judiciary who contributed their time and expertise to delivering such a beneficial program. Based on discussions with the Courts, this conference will, going forwards, move to a mid-winter time in the Society’s CPD program. The profession is encouraged to continue to share their legal expertise by being involved in the CPD seminar program, and through the submission of informative articles to the Society’s Law Letter Journal. Thank you to all who have contributed over the past 12 months.

The Committee is looking forward to the 2025-2026 year, and welcomes feedback and input from the profession. If there are matters you would like us to address, please do not hesitate to get in contact with any member.

Pip Monk CHAIR

Employment, Diversity and Inclusion Committee

In the last Committee year, the Employment, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee considered matters including the draft Tasmanian Clerkship Program Guidelines, Flexible Working Arrangements, the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, the Right to Disconnect, the Equitable Briefing Policy, and Sexual Harassment and Bullying.

The incoming Committee wishes to acknowledge and thank the outgoing Committee members for their significant contributions to the EDI Committee’s progress and initiatives:

• Harriet Farquhar (past Chair)

• Henry Pill;

• Lily Pasanen.

This year saw multiple new members join the Committee, who bring with them new perspectives. The current Committee members are:

• Sebastian Buscemi – Odin Lawyers

• Craig Green – Dobson Mitchell Allport

• Adrienne Morton – Crown Solicitor’s Office

• Meghan Thomas-Richards – Hall Payne Lawyers

• Verity Dawkins – State Litigation Office

• Nicola Luttrell – Edge Legal

• Rebecca Mathews – Office of the AntiDiscrimination Commissioner

• Holly Rheinberger – Edge Legal

• Sarah Wright – Derwent and Tamar Chambers

• Emily Brett – Legal Profession Board of Tasmania

• Manoj Fernando – Dobson Mitchell Allport

This year’s Committee is committed to advancing inclusion within the Tasmanian legal profession. Central to its efforts is the principle of intersectionality – a concept that recognises how individuals may encounter overlapping forms of discrimination or disadvantage due to multiple facets of their identity, such as race, gender, disability, sexual orientation and more. Emphasising intersectionality is crucial, as it acknowledges that people are not defined by just one characteristic and that the challenges they encounter can be intensified when several aspects of their identity intersect. To this end, the Committee is working with the Office of the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner to deliver to the legal profession a three-part series on intersectionality, diversity and inclusion.

A major milestone in the 2024-2025 committee year was the successful Employment Law Conference held in August 2024. The event featured Dr Robin Banks who spoke on racism, ageism and disability discrimination. The conference welcomed to Tasmania, Imogen Szumer, Maurice Blackburn, Erin Hawthorne, Seyfarth Shaw, Kate Sweatman, Kingston Reid, and Alistair Marshall, Professional Services Business Development. And welcomed back by popular demand, Peter Sise, Clayton Utz. The Committee looks forward to the 2025 Employment Conference which will bring keynote speaker, the National Race Discrimination Commissioner Giri Sivaraman, who will speak on the national antiracism framework. And Pia Saturno, the Acting Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, who will provide their insights into the role lawyers play in navigating anti-discrimination obligations within employment law.

Looking forward, the Committee remains committed to continuous improvement in the employment, inclusion and diversity space. In the coming year, we plan to further develop resources for firms and legal practitioners and support ongoing education around best practices for inclusion.

Emily Creak CHAIR

Property and Commercial Law Committee

The past year has been marked by continuing changes in conveyancing practice. The Recorder’s Directions issued in February 2024 have substantially prepared Tasmanian lawyers for the foundation requirements of participation in PEXA as well as forthcoming Anti-Money Laundering/ Counter Terrorism Financing legislation.

The former, whilst being operational in Tasmania for standard transactions, has not yet had the uptake expected due to the continued use of certificates of title for settlements. The Land Titles Office is currently undertaking steps to remove all certificates of title from circulation; members of the Committee and others in the profession are consulting with the Land Titles Office on these reforms which will hopefully be implemented in the near future. The removal of certificates of title will allow PEXA to be used to its full advantages by the profession.

The Committee has updated the standard particulars and conditions of sale by auction and is working with the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania to finalise this document. The changes are aimed at allowing these documents to be prepared in a simpler manner and use the Standard Contract for Sale as the form of contract for the successful bidder.

The Committee has continued to organise and run a number of bespoke CPD events throughout the year as well as its successful annual conference. This conference takes a large amount of time and effort to pull together, and I thank Francesca Beattie for the work she undertooke to ensure its success.

Earlier this year the Committee welcomed a number of new members, who I am sure will provide a great contribution to the Committee during their tenure. I would particularly like to thank Francesca Beattie, who supports the Committee and its work in many ways (seen and unseen) and the staff of the Law Society for their support.

Antony Logan CHAIR

Wellbeing Committee

I would firstly thank and acknowledge the work and contribution of the past year’s outgoing members of the Wellbeing Committee, including chair Simon Gates who led the committee through its set up and Jade Standaloft, Rebecca Irwin, and Sarah Campbell.

The Wellbeing Committee was delighted to welcome new members Paul Foster, Shadhini Kuruvutaaratchy, Sarah Holloway, Tom Glynn and Tom Pilkington this year. Our new members join returning members Alexandra Eaton, Anastasia Lyudenko, Emma White, Jessica Lyndon and Sally Rofe.

The Wellbeing Committee has continued working on increasing awareness of wellbeing, and providing support and resources for legal practitioners in this area. I encourage all legal practitioners to have a look at the resources provided on the Society website and let us know if

there are resources or topics that you would like to see addressed. Or, also let us know if you have any wellbeing initiatives that you would like to share.

The Wellbeing Committee is also continuing to work on improving the provision of psychology and counselling services. We hope to fill the need for additional supports and enhanced services through face to face sessions with providers that understand the realities of working as a lawyer.

The Wellbeing Committee has implemented new exit survey questions for legal practitioners which has resulted in more detailed and meaningful responses. With the benefit of the exit survey responses, the Committee has determined to focus on providing resources to support those legal practitioners who are supervisors of early career lawyers, with a view to ensuring that these new lawyers feel properly supported and supervised as they gain skills, knowledge and experience. As part of this project the Committee is looking into ensuring there are resources to assist with the set up and achievement of successful supervision. We hope to build a better understanding across the legal profession of the different experience that we all have and find ways to improve retention of early career lawyers.

I would also like to thank the dedicated and supportive Society staff for their work with the Committee and in particular Luke Rheinberger, Shelley Riseley, Shelley Harwood and Amal Cutler.

Catherine Scott CHAIR

Estate and Succession Law Committee

The Estate and Succession Committee of the Law Society for the reporting period comprised the following members:

• Kimberley Martin (Chair)

• Alison Wiss

• Victor-David Murray

• Megan Penno

• Shelby Llewellyn

• Jacinta French (retired April 2025)

• Ron Jorgensen (commenced May 2025)

It has been another demanding year for the Committee, shaped by significant legislative and policy developments at both State and Commonwealth levels. These reforms have had direct implications for practitioners working in this area. In response, the Committee has engaged actively with government departments and key stakeholders, prepared a number of submissions on proposed Tasmanian and federal legislation, and consistently advocated for improvements in legislation, policy, and practice. In addition, it has kept the profession well-informed by providing

regular updates on these developments and on the Committee’s own work. A detailed outline of these activities follows below.

Law Reform

The Committee has made submissions to (and continues to liaise with) government and other stakeholders on the following law reform matters:

• Perpetuities Act 1992 (Tas) – the Committee met with the Department of Justice to discuss potential legislative reform concerning the current perpetuity period;

• Electronic signatures and remote witnessing for Wills, Powers of Attorney (including Enduring Powers of Attorney), Instruments Appointing Enduring Guardians, Deeds and other estate, trust and company documents – the Committee continued to advocate to the Department of Justice for reform in this area as a result of changes to similar legislation in other Australian jurisdictions;

• Eligibility of a former de facto under the Testator’s Family Maintenance Act 1912 (Tas) – the Committee continued to advocate to the Department of Justice for potential legislative reform in the area as a result of the case GFR v SRP [2024] TASFC 2 and legislation in other Australian jurisdictions;

• Current separation of Enduring Power of Attorney Register (with Land Titles Office) and Instruments Appointing Enduring Guardians /Advanced Care Directive Register (with TASCAT) – the Committee continued to advocate to the Department of Justice for searchable register of Instruments Appointing Enduring Guardians, and a review of the current separation of the Registers to determine whether they should be managed by the same body;

• Duty exemption applications for transfer of

motor vehicles where a person dies intestate – the Committee continued to advocate to the Department of Justice about extending the existing exemptions to permit statutory declarations for stamp duty exemptions on motor vehicles in intestacy situations, consistent with the current position where a Will exists but no grant is obtained;

• National Register of Enduring Powers of Attorney – the Committee continued to liaise with the Law Council of Australia’s National Elder Law and Succession Committee about this proposal.

These matters remain under active consideration, and the Committee continues to ensure that the profession’s perspectives are represented throughout.

Issues in Practice

The Committee has made submissions to (and continues to liaise with) government and other stakeholders on the following practice issues:

• The Supreme Court of Tasmania – members of the Committee met with the Honourable Chief Justice, Chris Shanahan, to raise concerns, shared by many in the profession, regarding delays in the Registry’s issuing of grants. We discussed common errors that contribute to these delays, as well as His Honour’s proposals for additional resources and the introduction of electronic lodgement reform. These discussions have been constructive, and we anticipate ongoing collaboration to implement changes that will improve efficiency and provide greater clarity for practitioners.

The Committee also established a dedicated sub-committee to work with the Supreme Court and develop solutions to recurring challenges.

• The Guardianship and Administration Amendment Act 2023 (Tas) – the Committee has maintained a strong working relationship with TASCAT, particularly around the recent reforms that shift from the ‘best interests’ model to the ‘will and preference’ model, alongside the revised definition of impaired decision-making

capacity. We provided practitioners with updates on compliance issues relating to enduring guardianship instruments and, in collaboration with TASCAT, delivered a well-received seminar titled “A New Dawn or New Lingo: The Latest Reforms to the Guardianship and Administration Act 1995”, which provided valuable clarification on these changes.

• Issues with the banking industry – through participation in the Law Council of Australia’s work with the Australian Banking Association, as well as direct engagement with individual banks, the Committee addressed restrictive policies concerning enduring powers of attorney. While further work is required, these discussions have already contributed to a more pragmatic and client-focused approach.

• Issues with the Australian Tax Office (ATO) –Taxation matters have remained a strong focus this year. The Committee lodged a submission on the ATO’s draft ruling concerning so-called “double death taxes”, highlighting the serious issues it posed for both practitioners and beneficiaries. We also engaged directly with the ATO in relation to its conflict-of-interest policy on certifications, making sure the concerns of the profession were clearly and firmly conveyed.

• Public Trustee – The Committee has monitored developments and continued to liaise with the Department of Premier and Cabinet surrounding the proposed restructure of the Public Trustee and will continue to keep the profession informed as this matter evolves.

• Law Council of Australia – at a national level, the Committee provided feedback to the Law Council of Australia on its draft pro forma granny flat arrangement. This is an increasingly relevant issue given demographic change and the financial and legal complexities of intergenerational living arrangements.

Professional Development

The annual Estate and Succession Law Conference was held in August 2024. As always the Committee thanks the local and interstate speakers who gave their time to help make this another successful

intensive professional development event. Topics included dementia in practice, discussion on complex estate administration and social media, and ethics in this field of the legal profession. A new initiative was the drafting workshop held the day after the Conference. This was well-attended and given the enthusiasm from the attendees, it was a morning that could have extended to an all-day event. The Committee looks forward to the 2025 Estate and Succession Law Conference at which we have the privilege of hosting the Honourable Associate Justice Michael Daly who will provide insights into recent Tasmanian estate and succession cases. His Honour will be joined by several interstate and local presenters who will deliver on topics such as the impact of ending de facto relationships on estates; the rise of Aquamation; the complexities of granny flat arrangements; and forensic document analysis and accounting.

The committee is most grateful to Amal Cutler and Francesca Beattie of the Law Society for their assistance with these events.

Acknowledgements

The Committee is grateful to the staff of the Law Society, particularly Francesca Beattie, Shelley Riseley, and Amal Cutler for their assistance in preparation of agendas, minutes and correspondence and for their assistance with organisation of CPD Seminars.

The Committee thanks Committee member, Jacinta French who stepped down from the Committee in 2025 after many years of service. Jacinta’s work has been invaluable and has been a key component of the success and progress of the Committee.

Kimberley Martin CHAIR

Pro-Bono Committee

During the 2024–2025 legal year, the Pro Bono Committee continued its important work in promoting access to justice and supporting legal practitioners engaged in volunteer legal services across Tasmania. The Committee’s activities were guided by a commitment to ensuring that vulnerable individuals and communities are able to access legal assistance, particularly in areas where traditional legal services are limited or unavailable.

I commenced as Committee Chair in May 2025, along with fellow Committee member: Jane Hutchison; Alicia Pelham; Peter Rowe; and Peter Slipper. The majority of the work undertaken during the reporting period was led by the previous members of the Committee: Kirsten Starkey (Chair); Shamitaa Keegan, Peter Slipper, Alicia Pelham; Jane Hutchison; and Helen Bassett. Their dedication and leadership were instrumental in progressing several key initiatives and

maintaining the Committee’s strong engagement with the legal profession and community stakeholders.

One of the Committee’s core responsibilities is oversight of the Pro Bono Referral Service, which continues to provide vital legal assistance to individuals and organisations experiencing hardship. Eligible organisations include not-for-profit and community groups whose purpose is primarily charitable and who can demonstrate financial need, in addition to meeting other eligibility criteria. We observe that the demand for the Referral Service has continued to grow.

The Committee remains deeply appreciative of the pro bono work undertaken by Law Society members as part of their broader professional responsibility. This work delivers much-needed assistance to vulnerable members of our community who are facing legal challenges and would otherwise be unable to access representation. The Committee is always keen to expand the pool of practitioners and firms willing to contribute to the Referral Service, and encourages interested members to contact the Law Society for further information.

Throughout the year, the Committee worked closely with community legal centres, the Law Society, and other partners to improve coordination of pro bono efforts. The Committee also engaged in policy discussions with the Law Society regarding the development of clearer guidelines for pro bono reporting and recognition, with the aim of improving visibility and support for practitioners undertaking this work. Despite these achievements, the Committee faced several challenges during the year. Demand for pro bono services continues to exceed available practitioner hours, particularly in regional and remote areas. Resource limitations, including administrative support have also impacted the Committee’s ability to scale its initiatives. These challenges will remain a focus in the coming year as the Committee seeks to expand its reach and improve sustainability.

Looking ahead, the Committee intends to continue exploring digital solutions to improve client intake processes and enhance the efficiency of pro bono service delivery. The Committee also hopes to advocate for formal recognition of pro bono contributions within professional development frameworks and to strengthen its engagement with early career lawyers, encouraging broader participation in pro bono work across the profession.

The Committee is grateful to the staff of the Law Society for their support with the organisation of seminars and committee events, and in particularly to Luke Rheinberger and Shelley Riseley, for their invaluable assistance in preparing Committee agendas, minutes, and correspondence.

Special thanks are extended to the former members of the Committee who served during the reporting period. Their dedication and service have been instrumental in advancing the Committee’s mission and laying the foundation for future initiatives.

Manoj Fernando CHAIR

Litigation Committee

The Litigation Committee is currently comprised of Luke Taylor (Chair), Andrew Buckley, VictorDavid Murray, Pierre Dordhain, Scott Royston, Alex Kendall and Kym Child, and this year we welcomed new members Fabian Brimfield, Brett Cassidy and David Cocker. I wish to sincerely thank the Committee members who concluded their appointments this year for their dedicated contribution to the committee’s work - David Palmer, Aysha Williams and Gabrielle McDonald.

The current make up of the Committee represents a broad range of specialisation from within the profession, which assists with fulfilling the committee’s purpose of providing specialist advice to the Society on civil litigation issues in Tasmania.

As it always has done, over the past year the Committee has offered input on proposed legislative reforms and policy issues, and undertaken substantial project work on developments in practice, ensuring the interests of

litigation practitioners and the profession generally are well represented. The critical advisory role ensures that the Society can present strong and considered positions to government and other stakeholders when called upon. As I have noted previously, I am immensely proud of the committee’s ability to quickly and professionally deal with issues and queries which arise in relation to those matters, often at very short notice.

The Committee’s project work over the past year has included continued efforts in relation to the scale of costs in the Supreme Court, Supreme Court practice generally, and also the production of a standard costs agreement. In my last report, I noted that the committee had endorsed the idea of establishing a Supreme Court “users group”, and that will be a project to be picked up in the later part of this year and beyond.

I encourage all civil litigation practitioners to attend the 2025 Litigation Convention to be held in St Helens on 7-9 November 2025. Amal Cutler and the CPD team from the Society have outdone themselves again in putting the fantastic program together, with presenters including the Honourable Justice Robert Beech-Jones, High Court of Australia, the Honourable Chief Justice Chris Shanahan, Supreme Court of Tasmania, and the Honourable Justice Kate Cuthbertson, Supreme Court of Tasmania. Topics include appellate advocacy, reflections on a career in the law from Philip Jackson SC, Michael O’Farrell SC and Ken Read SC, and AI tools to supercharge your practice. It will be a terrific experience for everyone that attends.

Luke Taylor CHAIR

Family Law Commitee

The 2024-2025 Committee consisted of:

• Linda Connelly – Dobson Mitchell Allport

• Julie Fawkner – Tasmania Legal Aid

• Caroline Graves – Michael Kirby Chambers

• Charlotte Griffith – Simmons Wolfhagen

• Meghan Scolyer – Murdoch Clarke

• Jade Henshaw – Womens Legal Service

• Sally Rofe – Wallace Wilkinson & Webster

• Aimee Hope – Dobson Mitchell Allport

• Tyne McConnon – Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service

We are again fortunate to have a Committee made up of senior practitioners experienced in the family law, as well as early career lawyers who provide a valuable perspective from a position of starting out in this profession. This affords us a variety of useful insights into this area of the law.

The Committee is pleased to also continue its partnership with the Family Law Practitioners Association of Tasmanian (FLPAT) to advocate for our members on matters relating to family law

and child protection. Our Committee continues to consult with Tasmania Legal Aid to improve delivery of services to our clients and necessary matters that are peripheral to that.

The Committee this year focussed on matters including: the Legal Aid Private Practitioners 2024 Census Report; the impact of new family violence legislation; and delays in trials and availability of counsel.

Speaking of the FCFCOA, the Committee will be pleased to again deliver it’s very successful halfday advocacy workshop which focuses on crossexamination for early career lawyers. The waitlist from the last time this was offered has allowed us to fill this next iteration. We are ever grateful to Judge Taglieri and Judge Turnbull for giving their time to participate in these mock hearings. They are joined by Michael Trezise to deliver a product that has proven to be very informative for early career advocates in family law.

This year, the Committee has worked with the CPD team of the Society to deliver another session on interim hearings in the FCFCOA. And, again we thank Judge Taglieri for her time in delivering this practical session full of beneficial tips for use in practice. The Committee looks forward to hearing from Michael Trezise when he presents on Family Law and Superannuation Splitting 101.

On behalf of our Committee, I thank our judicial officers for their support and guidance provided to practitioners in the local family law jurisdiction. We remain very fortunate in Tasmania to benefit from their commitment to the practise of law and for their hands on work with practitioners.

Mary Anne Ryan CHAIR

Southern Early Career Lawyers Committee

On behalf of the Southern Early Career Lawyers Committee (SECL), we are delighted to share highlights from another vibrant and rewarding year. Our committee has remained focused on creating opportunities for early career lawyers to connect, learn, and grow - whether through professional development, networking, or simply enjoying each other’s company at our signature social events.

We are continually encouraged by the profession’s strong support of our activities. These events thrive because of the energy and enthusiasm of our members and colleagues, and we are grateful for the role they play in helping to strengthen connections within the early career legal community.

The year began with a very successful and fullhouse at our annual Quiz Night at Shambles Brewery in July. The event drew a full house and plenty of healthy competition. Guests battled it out over brain-teasers and bonus rounds.

The 2024 Golden Gavel took place in September at The Grand Poobah, The night was filled with humour, quick wit, and outstanding

performances. We extend our sincere thanks to our judging panel: Pip Monk, Principal of Monk Lawyers; Trevor McKenna, Barrister, Derwent & Tamar Chambers, and Ali Sawyer, Senior Associate, Simmons Wolfhagen. Sydney Lee, Lawyer, Ogilvie Jennings went on to proudly represent Tasmania at the National Golden Gavel in Victoria in November.

The Committee ended its year in April 2025 with another popular annual event - the Easter Long Lunch at Overland Brewery, which once again proved to be a standout event. The relaxed setting and lively atmosphere provided the perfect backdrop for lawyers at all stages of practice to come together and recharge. These events are a fantastic reminder that collaboration and camaraderie are at the heart of the early career lawyer experience.

Beyond social events, SECL has continued to build initiatives that focus on supporting and retaining early career lawyers in the profession. This year we continued to deepen our collaboration with the Centre for Legal Studies, hosting several pizza and networking evenings, and worked closely with other regional early career lawyer committees to explore the development of a statewide mentorship program.

In the 2024-2025 Committee year, we hosted 3 CPD sessions which were well attended. And we look forward to working with the Society to bring even more early career lawyer focused CPD events to the profession. Given the amazing turn out at all of events this year, the committee is looking forward to hosting a Christmas event for the early career lawyers. The committee extends heartfelt thanks to all members and friends of SECL for their ongoing support, and we warmly invite early career lawyers in the South to consider joining the committee as we move into another exciting year.

Jessica Miller and Sydney Lee CO-PRESIDENTS

Northern Early Career Lawyers Committee

On behalf of the present Northern Early Career Lawyers Committee (NECL), I wish to acknowledge and extend my thanks to the outgoing Committee for their leadership and commitment to providing professional development, networking opportunities and social events to the early career lawyers in Northern Tasmania.

The NECL has started this Committee year strong, building on from the previous Committee year. In May, a couple of Committee members, along with other legal practitioners in the North, volunteered their time to speak to school students at the Law Society of Tasmania booth at the Co-Op Schools Career Expo. The interest received from the students about starting a career in the legal profession was extensive. The participation from members of the legal profession at the event was well received and highlighted the importance of discussing the career opportunities the law can provide.

Our annual Mid-Year Long Lunch, held in July 2025 at Mud Bar Launceston, was a huge success. Our guest speaker for the event was Nick Terracall from Terracall and Associates who spoke to the early career lawyers

about tips and tricks of starting your own business and starting out in the legal profession. The NECL extends their sincere thanks to Nick for volunteering his time to speak at our event. Our Mid-Year Long Lunch was well enjoyed by those in attendance and extended into the night.

The NECL has several exciting social events scheduled. Starting with our annual Meet the Profession in September 2025 at Staffordshire House, where members of the legal profession in Northern Tasmania welcome our newly admitted cohort of practitioners to the profession. Whether they are just starting out their legal career or new to Northern Tasmania, the NECL is excited to welcome the new practitioners at our highly regarded event.

The NECL’s focus for CPDs this Committee year is to assist early career lawyers to develop skills to navigate their chosen area of law. The NECL hosted its first CPD of the Committee year in August 2025. This CPD, which used on guiding early career lawyers with negotiation and mediation skills, was presented by Naomi Bryant, Legal Practitioner and NMAS Accredited Mediator. Attendance at the event, in-person and livestreamed, was positive and the CPD was well received. The NECL sincerely thanks Naomi for volunteering her time and knowledge to present the CPD.

The NECL has two highly awaited upcoming CPD events scheduled, with Julia Higgins, Partner, Bishops Barristers and Solicitors, to discuss file management, wellbeing tips and avoiding early burnout in early career lawyers in October 2025. And Magistrate Evan Hughes, Magistrates Court of Tasmania will discuss pleas in mitigation, advocacy, ethics and obligations in February 2026.

The focus of the NECL for the remainder of its year is to organise an event that facilitates connections and conversations between early career lawyers and senior members of the profession. Further, the NECL aims to host an open discussion about mental health and wellbeing for early career lawyers and promote participation in a sporting event with a focus on positive physical health and team bonding among early career lawyers.

I would like to conclude by again thanking the previous NECL, in particular previous President, Louis Benjamin, who generously assisted with the Social Coordinator role at the start of this Committee year and has been present as a general member to offer support and guidance to the current Committee. I extend my appreciation to the current Committee of the Executive, Grace Burden, Tasmania Legal Aid, Vice President; Rebecca Von Samorzewski, Douglas and Collins, Secretary and CPD Coordinator; Kevin Toman, Treasurer, Tasmania Legal Aid; and Jolene Ogle, Lighthouse Family Law, and Marjana Lima, Rae & Partners, Social Coordinators. And thank our General Committee Members for their efforts to start the committee year strong and I look forward to the remainder of the Committee year.

Courtney Bailey PRESIDENT

North-West Early Career Lawyers Committee

I begin by thanking every person who has contributed to the North-West Early Career Lawyers (NWECL) Committee throughout the past year.

In particular, I would like to acknowledge the contributions that Elizabeth Arnold, previously of Tasmania legal Aid, made as our Secretary throughout the past year and I wish her all the best as she transitions from the north-west to a role in private practice in her native Hobart. Further, I thank Sidney Vincent, Department of Justice, who took on the role of CPD Coordinator, new employment, and now motherhood as well. We look forward to Sidney hopefully rejoining us following her maternity leave.

Joining me as our Executive for this Committee year are Kristie Kean, McVeity Dean Lawyers, as

Vice-President, Mitchell Sheehy, Tasmania Police, Western Prosecution Service as Treasurer, and Claire Willis, Tasmania Police, Western Prosecution Service as Secretary.

This year has been another successful year for the North-West Early Career Lawyer Committee. We again started the year by hosting students from the Tasmanian Legal Practice Course on a trip to the north-west coast which was well attended and enjoyed by students completing the course. This event involves significant planning and would not be possible without the contribution and support of all involved, including the Law Society. I would like to thank in particular the members of the speakers panel as well as all persons who engaged with students at this event. Planning has commenced for next year’s event and we hope to see some fresh faces again joining us on the coast.

For the balance of this year, we hope to hold a further iteration of our annual trivia night with information to be circulated once a venue is secured. We also hope to recommence holding more regular CPD activities in the coming year as well. If you have any ideas or wish to present a CPD, please feel free to contact me to discuss.

If you are a practitioner that is less than 10 years post-admission and based in, or visiting, the northwest coast, you are welcome to join us for our meetings and social dinners. Please contact me if you would like further information.

Once again, thank you to all who contribute to and are involved with the NWECL.

Callum Tregurtha PRESIDENT

2025 Admissions, Supreme Court of Tasmania, Hobart 8 August 2025

The Private Legal Profession in Tasmania as

The Private Legal Profession in Tasmania

Law Society of Tasmania

Financial Statements

30 June 2025

THE LAW SOCIETY OF TASMANIA

ABN 79 607 763 856

STATEMENT BY HONORARY TREASURER FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

The Society is not a reporting entity and this special purpose financial report is prepared in accordance with the accounting policies outlined in Note 1 to the financial statements.

In my opinion the Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income, Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Cash Flows, Statement of Changes in Equity and the Notes to the Financial Statements:

1. Present fairly the financial position of the Law Society of Tasmania as at 30 June 2025 and its performance for the year on that date; and

2. At the date of this statement, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Society will be able to pay its debts as and when they fall due.

Honorary Treasurer

Date: 1 October 2025

T THE LAW SOCIETY OF TASMANIA ABN 79 607 763 856

STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME F FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

T THE LAW SOCIETY OF TASMANIA ABN 79 607 763 856

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 JUNE 2025

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

for

T THE LAW SOCIETY OF TASMANIA ABN 79 607 763 856

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

(118,784)

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

T THE LAW SOCIETY OF TASMANIA ABN 79 607 763 856

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025 N Note 2

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

T THE LAW SOCIETY OF TASMANIA

ABN 79 607 763 856

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

1 SUMMARY OF MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICY INFORMATION CONT

(e)

P Property, Plant and Equipment

Land and Buildings

Land and buildings are carried at their fair value less depreciation (excluding land content). The fair value of land and buildings have been determined by reference to independent valuations as at 30 June 2025. The property at 28 Murray Street, Hobart was deemed to have a market value of $3,250,000 by independent property valuers Opteon, while the Staffordshire House at 54A - 56 Charles Street, Launceston was deemed to have a market value of $1,050,000 by Opteon Property Group.

These revaluations take no account of potential capital gains tax.

Plant and Equipment

Plant and equipment and leasehold improvements are brought to account at cost less any accumulated depreciation. The carrying amount of fixed assets is reviewed annually to ensure it is not in excess of the recoverable amount of these assets. The recoverable amount is assessed on the basis of expected net cash flows which will be received from the assets employment and subsequent disposal.

Depreciation and Amortisation

The Society adopts the straight-line method of depreciating buildings and leasehold improvements and amortising intangible assets over the asset’s useful life to the Society commencing from the time the asset is held ready for use.

Motor vehicles are depreciated using the diminishing value method over the asset’s useful life to the Society commencing from the time the asset is held ready for use.

Plant and equipment are depreciated using a combination of both the straight-line and diminishing value methods.

The depreciation rates used for each class of depreciable assets are:

T THE LAW SOCIETY OF TASMANIA

ABN 79 607 763 856

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

1 SUMMARY OF MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICY INFORMATION CONT

(e) P Property, Plant and Equipment

Land and Buildings

These revaluations take no account of potential capital gains tax.

Plant and Equipment

Depreciation and Amortisation

Motor vehicles are depreciated using the diminishing value method over the asset’s useful life to the Society commencing from the time the asset is held ready for use.

Plant and equipment are depreciated using a combination of both the straight-line and diminishing value methods.

The depreciation rates used for each class of depreciable assets are:

T THE LAW SOCIETY OF TASMANIA

ABN 79 607 763 856

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

1 SUMMARY OF MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICY INFORMATION CONT

(f) I Impairment of Assets

At the end of each reporting period, the Society reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have been impaired. If such an indication exists, an impairment test is carried out on the asset by comparing the recoverable amount of the asset, being the higher of the asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use, to the asset’s carrying amount. Any excess of the asset’s carrying amount over its recoverable amount is recognised in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.

(g) P Provisions of Employment Entitlements

Provision is made for the entity’s liability for employee entitlements arising from services rendered by employees to the end of the reporting period. Employee provisions have been measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liability is settled.

(

(h) P Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the entity has a legal or constructive obligation, as a result of past events, for which it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will result, and that outflow can be reliably measured. Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation at the end of the reporting period.

(i) G Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Revenue, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of the amount of GST receivable or payable. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the ATO is included with other receivables or payables in the balance sheet.

Cash flows are presented on a gross basis. The GST component of cash flows arising or financing activities which are recoverable from, or payable to, the ATO are presented as operating cash flows included in receipts from customers or payments to suppliers.

T THE LAW SOCIETY OF TASMANIA

ABN 79 607 763 856

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

1 SUMMARY OF MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICY INFORMATION CONT

(j) A Accounts Payable and Other Payables

Accounts payable and other payables represent the liability outstanding at the end of the reporting period for goods and services received by the Society during the reporting period that remain unpaid. The balance is recognised as a current liability with the amounts normally paid within 30 days of recognition of the liability.

( (k) P Prescribed Interest

The Society holds the prescribed interest paid to the Society in accordance with s355 of the Legal Profession Act 2007 in a separate bank account The Society recognises the bank account and a corresponding liability, which represents monies to be paid to the Solicitor’s Trust on its balance sheet.

(l) C Comparative Information

Where necessary, comparative figures have been re-classified and re-positioned for consistency with current period disclosures.

T THE LAW SOCIETY OF TASMANIA ABN 79 607 763 856

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

2 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

3 RECEIVABLES

4 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

T THE LAW SOCIETY OF TASMANIA

ABN 79 607 763 856

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

4 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT CONT

5 PAYABLES

6 PROVISIONS

7 OTHER LIABILITIES

T THE LAW SOCIETY OF TASMANIA

ABN 79 607 763 856

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

8. CASH FLOW INFORMATION

9 REVENUE

10 EXPENSES

T THE LAW SOCIETY OF TASMANIA

ABN 79 607 763 856

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

To the Council Members of the Law Society of Tasmania

O Opinion

We have audited the financial report of the Law Society of Tasmania (the Society), which comprises the statement of financial position as at 30 June 2025, the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes to the financial statements, including a statement of material accounting policies, and statement by Honorary Treasurer.

In our opinion, the accompanying financial report presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Society as at 30 June 2025 and its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards.

B Basis for Opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report section of our report. We are independent of the Society in accordance with the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

O Other Information

The Honorary Treasurer is responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Entity’s annual report for the year ended 30 June 2025, but does not include the financial report and our auditor’s report thereon.

Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and accordingly we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial report or our knowledge obtained in the audit o r otherwise appears to be materially misstated.

If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Responsibilities of Management and Those Charged with Governance for the Financial Report

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial report, management is responsible for assessing the Society’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the Society or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Society’s financial reporting process.

A Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high l evel of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial report.

As part of an audit in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards, we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:

• Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis fo r our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

• Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Society’s internal control.

• Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management.

• Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Society’s a bility to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial report or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our op inion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Society to cease to continue as a going concern.

• Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial report, including the disclosures, and whether the financial report represents the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

WISE LORD & FERGUSON

REBECCA MEREDITH Partner

Date: 1 October 2025

Annual Report

2024/2025