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Australia and China held the 8th bilateral High Level Talks on the Pacific on 25 June 2025.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs (the Minister) has by legislative instrument designated persons and entities for targeted financial sanctions and declared persons for travel bans (together, 'listed') in accordance with item 6A of regulation 6 (the Russia Criteria) of the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011 (the Regulations).

On 19 May, AUSTRAC released ‘the second public consultation on new AML/CTF Rules’. Among the proposed changes include the requirement for reporting entities regulated by AUSTRAC to develop, maintain and comply with policies to ensure that they do not contravene targeted financial sanctions obligations, including asset freezing, in the provision of their designated services.

The Australian Government has directed the departure of all Australian officials and dependents and suspended operations at our Embassy in Tehran, based on advice about the deteriorating security environment in Iran.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs (the Minister) has by legislative instrument designated 60 vessels as sanctioned vessels for Russia (‘listed’) in accordance with regulation 8 of the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011 (the Regulations).

Australians in conflict-affected areas should shelter in place, monitor Smartraveller, and follow the advice of local authorities.

Australia and China held bilateral Senior Officials’ Talks in Canberra on 13 June.

In accordance with regulation 6A(4) of the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011, the Minister for Foreign Affairs has designated two individuals for targeted financial sanctions and declared them for travel bans.

The Australian Sanctions Office (ASO) has released 10 new guidance and advisory notes to assist the regulated community understand their sanctions obligations.

Alongside the OECD 2025 Ministerial Council Meeting held in Paris, Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Honourable Don Farrell and UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, met on 3 June 2025, for the second meeting of the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement Joint Committee.