Modernising Business Registers program

Program Update

On 28 August 2023, the Assistant Treasurer released the findings of the independent review into the Modernising Business Registers (MBR) program, and the government’s response.

Following consideration of the review’s findings, the government announced it will stop the MBR program and consider options to stabilise and uplift the existing business registers.

We will work with Treasury and the ATO to implement the government’s decision and plan the way forward for the modernisation of business registers.

What’s already changed

In 2021 the director ID requirement was introduced with a new ABRS website and online service to apply for a director ID.

On 15 April 2021, ASIC registry staff moved to the ATO in a Machinery of Government administrative change to assist the Registrar.

What’s not changing

For now, how you register, search and get extracts of the registers, and interact with us remains the same.

Background

In 2020, as part of its Digital Business Plan, the government announced the full implementation of the Modernising Business Registers (MBR) program to:

• establish Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS)
• streamline how you register, view, and maintain your business information with government.

On 9 February 2023, the Australian Government announced an independent review of the MBR program.