On 30 October, following an ASIC investigation, former financial adviser Mr Warren Scott Acworth appeared before Brisbane Magistrates Court charged with 27 offences, namely:

• 16 counts of making false or misleading statements contrary to sections 1041E(1) and s1311(1) of the Corporations Act with each offence carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and/or a fine varying between $810,000 and $945,000;
• six counts of making a statement that was false contrary to section 64 of the ASIC Act (Cth) with each offence carrying a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of $21,000; and
• five counts of to fraud contrary to section 408C(1)(e) of the Criminal Code (Qld) with maximum penalties varying between 14 and 20 years’ imprisonment. 

Between December 2015 and May 2018, Mr Acworth worked as an adviser with Macquarie Equities Limited.

The matter will return to the Brisbane Magistrates Court on 29 January 2021. Mr Acworth has been placed on bail with condition that he does not leave Australia without informing the CDPP 21 days prior to intended travel.

The matter is being prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions following a referral from ASIC.

Editor's note 1:

On 29 January 2021, the matter was adjourned to 26 February 2021.

Editor's note 2:

On 26 February 2021, the matter was adjourned and listed for mention on 9 April 2021.

Editor's note 3:

The matter has been listed for further mention on 2 July 2021.

Editor's note 4:

The matter has been adjourned for mention until 3 September 2021.

Editor's note 5:

The matter has been adjourned for mention until 1 October 2021.

Editor's note 6:

The matter has been adjourned for mention until 29 October 2021.

Editor's note 7:

The matter has been administratively adjourned for mention on 12 November 2021.

Editor's note 8:

The matter has been adjourned for mention until 7 January 2022.

Editor's note 9:

The matter has been adjourned for mention until 18 February 2022.

Editor's note 10:

The matter has been adjourned for mention until 4 March 2022.

Editor's note 11:

The matter has been adjourned for mention until 18 March 2022.

Editor's note 12:

The matter has been adjourned for mention on 1 April 2022.

Editor's note 13:

The matter has been adjourned for mention on 6 May 2022.

Editor's note 14:

The matter has been adjourned for mention on 3 June 2022.

Editor's note 15:

The matter has been adjourned for mention on 15 July 2022.

Editor's note 16:

The matter has been adjourned for mention on 2 September 2022.

Editor's note 17:

The matter has been adjourned for mention on 30 September 2022.

Editor's note 18:

The matter has been adjourned for a committal hearing on 29 and 30 March 2023.

Editor's note 19:

The committal hearing commenced on 29 March 2023, and has been adjourned for further hearing on 15 August 2023.

Editor's note 20:

The committal hearing has been adjourned for further hearing on 22 November 2023.

Editor's note 21: 

The committal hearing, which commenced on 29 March 2023, has been administratively adjourned for further hearing on 23 April 2024.