{"id":"F2025L00853","name":"AUASB 2025-7 Amendments to AUASB Standards","slug":"auasb-2025-7-amendments-to-auasb-standards","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":106596,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2025L00853-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"Obtaining a Copy of this Standard","sectionType":"section","heading":"Obtaining a Copy of this Standard","content":"##### Obtaining a Copy of this Standard\n\nThis Standard is available on the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board website: www.auasb.gov.au","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"Contact Details","sectionType":"section","heading":"Contact Details","content":"##### Contact Details\n\n| Auditing and Assurance Standards BoardPhone: (03) 8080 7400E-mail: enquiries@auasb.gov.auPostal Address:PO Box 204, Collins Street WestMelbourne Victoria 8007AUSTRALIA |     |\n| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --- |","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"COPYRIGHT","sectionType":"section","heading":"COPYRIGHT","content":"##### COPYRIGHT\n\n© 2025 Commonwealth of Australia. The text, graphics and layout of this Standard are protected by Australian copyright law and the comparable law of other countries. Reproduction in unaltered form (retaining this notice) is permitted for personal and non‑commercial use.\n\nRequests and enquiries concerning reproduction and rights for commercial purposes should be addressed to the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (AUASB), PO Box 204, Collins Street West, Melbourne, Victoria 8007 or sent to enquiries@auasb.gov.au. Otherwise, no part of this Standard may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the AUASB except as permitted by law.\n\nISSN 1030-603X","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"CONTENTS","sectionType":"part","heading":"CONTENTS","content":"# CONTENTS\n\nPREFACE\n\nAUTHORITY STATEMENT\n\nCONFORMITY WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS ON AUDITING\n\nParagraphs\n\nApplication...............................................................1-2\n\nOperative Date..............................................................3\n\nIntroduction................................................................4\n\nObjective..................................................................5\n\nAmendments to AUASB Standards..............................................6\n\nAmendments to ASSA 5000...................................................7-14\n\nAmendments to ASA 102......................................................15","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"preface","sectionType":"part","heading":"preface","content":"##### Obtaining a Copy of this Standard\n\nThis Standard is available on the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board website: www.auasb.gov.au\n\n##### Contact Details\n\n| Auditing and Assurance Standards BoardPhone: (03) 8080 7400E-mail: enquiries@auasb.gov.auPostal Address:PO Box 204, Collins Street WestMelbourne Victoria 8007AUSTRALIA |     |\n| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --- |\n\n##### COPYRIGHT\n\n© 2025 Commonwealth of Australia. The text, graphics and layout of this Standard are protected by Australian copyright law and the comparable law of other countries. Reproduction in unaltered form (retaining this notice) is permitted for personal and non‑commercial use.\n\nRequests and enquiries concerning reproduction and rights for commercial purposes should be addressed to the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (AUASB), PO Box 204, Collins Street West, Melbourne, Victoria 8007 or sent to enquiries@auasb.gov.au. Otherwise, no part of this Standard may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the AUASB except as permitted by law.\n\nISSN 1030-603X\n\n# CONTENTS\n\nPREFACE\n\nAUTHORITY STATEMENT\n\nCONFORMITY WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS ON AUDITING\n\nParagraphs\n\nApplication...............................................................1-2\n\nOperative Date..............................................................3\n\nIntroduction................................................................4\n\nObjective..................................................................5\n\nAmendments to AUASB Standards..............................................6\n\nAmendments to ASSA 5000...................................................7-14\n\nAmendments to ASA 102......................................................15\n\n  \n\n# preface\n\n#### Reasons for Issuing AUASB 2025-7\n\nThe AUASB issues AUASB 2025-7 Amendments to AUASB Standards pursuant to the requirements of the legislative provisions and the Strategic Direction explained below.\n\nThe AUASB is a non-corporate Commonwealth entity of the Australian Government established under section 227A of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001. Under section 336 of the Corporations Act 2001, the AUASB may make Auditing Standards for the purposes of the corporations legislation. These Auditing Standards are legislative instruments under the Legislation Act 2003.\n\nUnder the Strategic Direction given to the AUASB by the Financial Reporting Council, the AUASB is required, inter alia, to develop auditing standards that have a clear public interest focus and are of the highest quality.\n\n#### Main Features\n\nThis Standard makes amendments to the requirements, application and other explanatory material and appendices of the following AUASB Standards:\n\nASSA 5000 General Requirements for Sustainability Assurance Engagements (Issued 28 January 2025 and amended to 23 May 2025)\n\nASA 102 Compliance with Ethical Requirements when Performing Audits, Reviews and Other Assurance Engagements (issued 16 December 2024 and amended to 9 July 2025)\n\nThe amendments arise from changes made by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited to APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) in relation to the use of external experts and sustainability assurance.\n\n  \n\n## AUTHORITY STATEMENT\n\nThe Auditing and Assurance Standards Board makes AUASB 2025-7 Amendments to AUASB Standards pursuant to section 227B of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 and section 336 of the Corporations Act 2001.\n\nDated: 9 July 2025 D Niven  \nChair - AUASB\n\n##### Conformity with International Standards on Auditing\n\nThis Standard makes amendments to Australian Standard on Sustainability Assurance ASSA 5000 General Requirements for Sustainability Assurance Engagements (ASSA 5000) and Auditing Standard ASA 102 Compliance with Ethical Requirements when Performing Audits, Reviews and Other Assurance Engagements (ASA 102).\n\nASSA 5000 conforms with International Standard on Sustainability Assurance ISSA 5000 General Requirements for Sustainability Assurance Engagements issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB).\n\nASA 102 has been made for Australian legislative purposes and accordingly there is no equivalent International Standard on Auditing issued by the IAASB.","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"Reasons for Issuing AUASB 2025-7","sectionType":"subdivision","heading":"Reasons for Issuing AUASB 2025-7","content":"#### Reasons for Issuing AUASB 2025-7\n\nThe AUASB issues AUASB 2025-7 Amendments to AUASB Standards pursuant to the requirements of the legislative provisions and the Strategic Direction explained below.\n\nThe AUASB is a non-corporate Commonwealth entity of the Australian Government established under section 227A of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001. Under section 336 of the Corporations Act 2001, the AUASB may make Auditing Standards for the purposes of the corporations legislation. These Auditing Standards are legislative instruments under the Legislation Act 2003.\n\nUnder the Strategic Direction given to the AUASB by the Financial Reporting Council, the AUASB is required, inter alia, to develop auditing standards that have a clear public interest focus and are of the highest quality.","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"Main Features","sectionType":"subdivision","heading":"Main Features","content":"#### Main Features\n\nThis Standard makes amendments to the requirements, application and other explanatory material and appendices of the following AUASB Standards:\n\nASSA 5000 General Requirements for Sustainability Assurance Engagements (Issued 28 January 2025 and amended to 23 May 2025)\n\nASA 102 Compliance with Ethical Requirements when Performing Audits, Reviews and Other Assurance Engagements (issued 16 December 2024 and amended to 9 July 2025)\n\nThe amendments arise from changes made by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited to APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) in relation to the use of external experts and sustainability assurance.\n\n  \n\n## AUTHORITY STATEMENT\n\nThe Auditing and Assurance Standards Board makes AUASB 2025-7 Amendments to AUASB Standards pursuant to section 227B of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 and section 336 of the Corporations Act 2001.\n\nDated: 9 July 2025 D Niven  \nChair - AUASB\n\n##### Conformity with International Standards on Auditing\n\nThis Standard makes amendments to Australian Standard on Sustainability Assurance ASSA 5000 General Requirements for Sustainability Assurance Engagements (ASSA 5000) and Auditing Standard ASA 102 Compliance with Ethical Requirements when Performing Audits, Reviews and Other Assurance Engagements (ASA 102).\n\nASSA 5000 conforms with International Standard on Sustainability Assurance ISSA 5000 General Requirements for Sustainability Assurance Engagements issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB).\n\nASA 102 has been made for Australian legislative purposes and accordingly there is no equivalent International Standard on Auditing issued by the IAASB.","sortOrder":6},{"sectionNumber":"AUTHORITY STATEMENT","sectionType":"part","heading":"AUTHORITY STATEMENT","content":"## AUTHORITY STATEMENT\n\nThe Auditing and Assurance Standards Board makes AUASB 2025-7 Amendments to AUASB Standards pursuant to section 227B of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 and section 336 of the Corporations Act 2001.","sortOrder":7},{"sectionNumber":"Conformity with International Standards ","sectionType":"section","heading":"Conformity with International Standards on Auditing","content":"##### Conformity with International Standards on Auditing\n\nThis Standard makes amendments to Australian Standard on Sustainability Assurance ASSA 5000 General Requirements for Sustainability Assurance Engagements (ASSA 5000) and Auditing Standard ASA 102 Compliance with Ethical Requirements when Performing Audits, Reviews and Other Assurance Engagements (ASA 102).\n\nASSA 5000 conforms with International Standard on Sustainability Assurance ISSA 5000 General Requirements for Sustainability Assurance Engagements issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB).\n\nASA 102 has been made for Australian legislative purposes and accordingly there is no equivalent International Standard on Auditing issued by the IAASB.","sortOrder":8},{"sectionNumber":"AUASB 2025-7","sectionType":"part","heading":"AUASB 2025-7","content":"## AUASB 2025-7\n\n### Amendments to AUASB Standards\n\n##### Application\n\n1.  This Standard applies:\n    1.  as outlined in paragraphs Aus 0.1 and Aus 0.2 of Australian Standard on Sustainability Assurance ASSA 5000 General Requirements for Sustainability Assurance Engagements (ASSA 5000); and\n    2.  as outlined in paragraph 1 of Auditing Standard ASA 102 Compliance with Ethical Requirements when Performing Audits, Reviews and Other Assurance Engagements (ASA 102).\n\n##### Operative Date\n\n1.  The amendments made by this standard are operative as follows:\n    1.  For ASSA 5000 – as outlined in paragraph Aus 0.3 of ASSA 5000; and\n    2.  For ASA 102 – as outlined in paragraph 2 of ASA 102, except that any later effective dates and any transitional provisions in APES 110 (as defined in subparagraph 5(d) of ASA 102 as amended by this Standard) apply.\n\n##### Introduction\n\n1.  This standard amends ASSA 5000 and ASA 102.\n\n##### Objective\n\n1.  The objective of this standard is to make amendments to ASSA 5000 and ASA 102 for changes made by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited to APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) in relation to the use of external experts and sustainability assurance.\n\n##### Amendments to AUASB Standards\n\n1.  This standard uses underlining, striking out and other typographical material to identify the amendments, in order to make the amendments more understandable. However, the amendments made by this standard do not include that underlining, striking out or other typographical material. Amended paragraphs are shown with deleted text struck through and new text underlined.\n\n###### Amendments to ASSA 5000\n\n1.  The section on ‘Conformity with International Standards on Sustainability Assurance’ in ASSA 5000 is amended as follows:\n\nConformity with International Standards on Sustainability Assurance\n\n…\n\nThe following paragraphs and definitions are additional to or have been amended from ISSA 5000:\n\n  \n\n| Paragraph             | Summary of Change                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |\n| --------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |\n| Aus 6.1               | Replaces ISSA 5000 introductory paragraph 6 to refer to ‘the provisions of the CodeAPES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) (November 2018 incorporating all amendments to June 2024)’ (which is defined in paragraph Aus 18.1) instead of ‘the provisions of the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) (IESBA Code) related to sustainability assurance engagements’. |\n| Aus 18.1              | Introduces the definition of ‘the Code’ being different versions of ‘APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards)(November 2018 incorporating all amendments to June 2024)’ depending upon the engagement and reporting period (see also Aus 18.3 below).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |\n| Aus 18.2              | Replaces the definition of ‘Engagement team’ to prohibit the use of internal auditors to provide direct assistance in a sustainability assurance engagement.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |\n| Aus 18.3              | Replaces the definition of ‘Relevant ethical requirements’ to refer to ‘the Code’ (see Aus 18.1 above). The definition also includes specific reference to the requirements of Chapter 2M of the Corporations Act 2001.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |\n| Aus 18.4              | Explains the different terms used in the Corporations Act 2001 and AUASB Standards.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |\n| Aus 42.1 and Aus 42.2 | These paragraphs prohibit the use of internal auditors to provide direct assistance in a sustainability assurance engagement.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |\n| Aus A29.1             | Prohibits the use of internal auditors to provide direct assistance in a sustainability assurance engagement.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |\n| Throughout            | Replaced ‘the IESBA Code’ with ‘the Code’ (see also Aus 18.1 above).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |\n| A61                   | Amended to clarify that the provisions referred to in the third sentence may apply in the context of an audit of the financial report rather than assurance over sustainability information given that the current APES 110 applies instead of Part 5 of the IESBA Code.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |\n| Appendix 3            | The illustrative assurance reports have been amended consistent with the definition of ‘the Code’ in paragraph Aus 18.1.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |\n\n…\n\nExcept for applying the provisions of existing APES 110 instead of Part 5 of the IESBA Code (until such time as ASSA 5000 may be further amended to apply the provisions of a revised APES 110 that may include Part 5 of the IESBA Code), cCompliance with this Standard on Sustainability Assurance enables compliance with ISSA 5000.\n\n1.  Paragraph Aus 6.1(a) is amended to read as follows:\n\nThe members of the engagement team and the engagement quality reviewer (for those engagements where one has been appointed) are subject to the applicable requirements of the Code APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) issued by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited (November 2018 incorporating all amendments to June 2024) and applicable legislative or other requirements, or professional requirements, or requirements in law or regulation, that are at least as demanding; and (Ref: Para. A6–A7)\n\n1.  Paragraph Aus 18.1 is amended as follows:\n\nThe definition of ‘the Code’ is ‘APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) issued by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited (November 2018 incorporating all amendments to June 2024)’.\n\nThe definition of ‘the Code’ refers to the following applicable version of APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) issued by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited in November 2018 (APES 110):\n\n(a) APES 110 incorporating all amendments to June 2024 for:\n\n(i) Information presented in a sustainability report under Chapter 2M of the Corporations Act 2001 - For periods beginning 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025 and as at the end of that period;\n\n(ii) All other engagements - As at 31 December 2025 and for periods ending on that date, except where the period commenced before 1 January 2025;\n\n(b) APES 110 incorporating all amendments to July 2025 for:\n\n(i) Information presented in a sustainability report under Chapter 2M of the Corporations Act 2001 - For periods beginning on or after 1 January 2026 and as at the end of that period;\n\n(ii) For all other engagements - As at a specific date on or after 1 January 2026 and for periods ending on that date, except where the period commenced before 1 January 2025,\n\nexcept that any later effective dates and any transitional provisions in APES 110 continue to apply. Early adoption is permitted and encouraged.\n\n1.  Amend the first part of the third sentence of application paragraph A61 as follows:\n\nThe Code may specifically addresses various matters that may affect or influence the practitioner’s independence where the practitioner also audits or reviews an entity’s financial report, including:\n\n…\n\n1.  In Illustration 1 in Appendix 3: Illustrations of Assurance Reports on Sustainability information in Appendix 3 of ASSA 5000 amend the third paragraph under the heading Basis for Opinion as follows:\n\nWe are independent of the Company in accordance with the applicable requirements of APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) issued by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited (November 2018 incorporating all amendments to \\[insert’ June 2024’ or ‘July 2025’, as applicable\\]June 2024) (the Code), as applicable to sustainability assurance engagements of public interest entities, together with the ethical requirements that are relevant to assurance engagements of public interest entities in \\[title/identification of requirements, name of appropriate authority and jurisdiction\\]. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements and the Code.\n\n1.  In Illustration 2 in Appendix 3: Illustrations of Assurance Reports on Sustainability information in Appendix 3 of ASSA 5000 amend the third paragraph under the heading Basis for Opinion as follows:\n\nWe are independent of the Company in accordance with the applicable requirements of APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) issued by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited (November 2018 incorporating all amendments to \\[insert June 2024 or July 2025, as applicable\\]June 2024) (the Code), together with the ethical requirements in \\[title/identification of requirements, name of appropriate authority and jurisdiction\\]. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements and the Code.\n\n1.  In Illustration 3 in Appendix 3: Illustrations of Assurance Reports on Sustainability information in Appendix 3 of ASSA 5000 amend the fourth paragraph under the heading Basis for Reasonable Assurance Opinion and/or Limited Assurance Conclusion as follows:\n\nWe are independent of the Company in accordance with the applicable requirements of APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) issued by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited (November 2018 incorporating all amendments to \\[insert ‘June 2024’ or ‘July 2025’, as applicable\\]June 2024) (the Code), together with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our assurance engagement of the Information RA and Information LA in \\[title/identification of requirements, name of appropriate authority and jurisdiction\\], and we have fulfilled our other responsibilities in accordance with these requirements and the Code.\n\n1.  In Illustration 4 in Appendix 3: Illustrations of Assurance Reports on Sustainability information in Appendix 3 of ASSA 5000 amend the fifth paragraph under the heading Basis for Qualified Conclusion as follows:\n\nWe are independent of the Company in accordance with the applicable requirements of APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) issued by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited (November 2018 incorporating all amendments to \\[insert ‘June 2024’ or ‘July 2025’, as applicable\\]June 2024) (the Code), together with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our assurance engagements of the Sustainability Information in \\[title/identification of requirements, name of appropriate authority and jurisdiction\\]. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements and the Code.\n\n###### Amendments to ASA 102\n\n1.  Existing paragraph 5(d) is amended to read as follows:\n\nRelevant ethical requirements means ethical requirements that apply to the auditor, assurance practitioner, engagement quality reviewer and firm. In Australia, these include the applicable requirements of APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards), issued by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited (APESB) (November 2018 incorporating all amendments to JanuaryJuly 2025), the applicable provisions of the Corporations Act 2001 and other applicable law or regulation.","sortOrder":9},{"sectionNumber":"Amendments to AUASB Standards","sectionType":"division","heading":"Amendments to AUASB Standards","content":"## AUASB 2025-7\n\n### Amendments to AUASB Standards\n\n##### Application\n\n1.  This Standard applies:\n    1.  as outlined in paragraphs Aus 0.1 and Aus 0.2 of Australian Standard on Sustainability Assurance ASSA 5000 General Requirements for Sustainability Assurance Engagements (ASSA 5000); and\n    2.  as outlined in paragraph 1 of Auditing Standard ASA 102 Compliance with Ethical Requirements when Performing Audits, Reviews and Other Assurance Engagements (ASA 102).\n\n##### Operative Date\n\n1.  The amendments made by this standard are operative as follows:\n    1.  For ASSA 5000 – as outlined in paragraph Aus 0.3 of ASSA 5000; and\n    2.  For ASA 102 – as outlined in paragraph 2 of ASA 102, except that any later effective dates and any transitional provisions in APES 110 (as defined in subparagraph 5(d) of ASA 102 as amended by this Standard) apply.\n\n##### Introduction\n\n1.  This standard amends ASSA 5000 and ASA 102.\n\n##### Objective\n\n1.  The objective of this standard is to make amendments to ASSA 5000 and ASA 102 for changes made by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited to APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) in relation to the use of external experts and sustainability assurance.\n\n##### Amendments to AUASB Standards\n\n1.  This standard uses underlining, striking out and other typographical material to identify the amendments, in order to make the amendments more understandable. However, the amendments made by this standard do not include that underlining, striking out or other typographical material. Amended paragraphs are shown with deleted text struck through and new text underlined.\n\n###### Amendments to ASSA 5000\n\n1.  The section on ‘Conformity with International Standards on Sustainability Assurance’ in ASSA 5000 is amended as follows:\n\nConformity with International Standards on Sustainability Assurance\n\n…\n\nThe following paragraphs and definitions are additional to or have been amended from ISSA 5000:\n\n  \n\n| Paragraph             | Summary of Change                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |\n| --------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |\n| Aus 6.1               | Replaces ISSA 5000 introductory paragraph 6 to refer to ‘the provisions of the CodeAPES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) (November 2018 incorporating all amendments to June 2024)’ (which is defined in paragraph Aus 18.1) instead of ‘the provisions of the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) (IESBA Code) related to sustainability assurance engagements’. |\n| Aus 18.1              | Introduces the definition of ‘the Code’ being different versions of ‘APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards)(November 2018 incorporating all amendments to June 2024)’ depending upon the engagement and reporting period (see also Aus 18.3 below).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |\n| Aus 18.2              | Replaces the definition of ‘Engagement team’ to prohibit the use of internal auditors to provide direct assistance in a sustainability assurance engagement.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |\n| Aus 18.3              | Replaces the definition of ‘Relevant ethical requirements’ to refer to ‘the Code’ (see Aus 18.1 above). The definition also includes specific reference to the requirements of Chapter 2M of the Corporations Act 2001.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |\n| Aus 18.4              | Explains the different terms used in the Corporations Act 2001 and AUASB Standards.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |\n| Aus 42.1 and Aus 42.2 | These paragraphs prohibit the use of internal auditors to provide direct assistance in a sustainability assurance engagement.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |\n| Aus A29.1             | Prohibits the use of internal auditors to provide direct assistance in a sustainability assurance engagement.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |\n| Throughout            | Replaced ‘the IESBA Code’ with ‘the Code’ (see also Aus 18.1 above).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |\n| A61                   | Amended to clarify that the provisions referred to in the third sentence may apply in the context of an audit of the financial report rather than assurance over sustainability information given that the current APES 110 applies instead of Part 5 of the IESBA Code.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |\n| Appendix 3            | The illustrative assurance reports have been amended consistent with the definition of ‘the Code’ in paragraph Aus 18.1.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |\n\n…\n\nExcept for applying the provisions of existing APES 110 instead of Part 5 of the IESBA Code (until such time as ASSA 5000 may be further amended to apply the provisions of a revised APES 110 that may include Part 5 of the IESBA Code), cCompliance with this Standard on Sustainability Assurance enables compliance with ISSA 5000.\n\n1.  Paragraph Aus 6.1(a) is amended to read as follows:\n\nThe members of the engagement team and the engagement quality reviewer (for those engagements where one has been appointed) are subject to the applicable requirements of the Code APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) issued by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited (November 2018 incorporating all amendments to June 2024) and applicable legislative or other requirements, or professional requirements, or requirements in law or regulation, that are at least as demanding; and (Ref: Para. A6–A7)\n\n1.  Paragraph Aus 18.1 is amended as follows:\n\nThe definition of ‘the Code’ is ‘APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) issued by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited (November 2018 incorporating all amendments to June 2024)’.\n\nThe definition of ‘the Code’ refers to the following applicable version of APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) issued by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited in November 2018 (APES 110):\n\n(a) APES 110 incorporating all amendments to June 2024 for:\n\n(i) Information presented in a sustainability report under Chapter 2M of the Corporations Act 2001 - For periods beginning 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025 and as at the end of that period;\n\n(ii) All other engagements - As at 31 December 2025 and for periods ending on that date, except where the period commenced before 1 January 2025;\n\n(b) APES 110 incorporating all amendments to July 2025 for:\n\n(i) Information presented in a sustainability report under Chapter 2M of the Corporations Act 2001 - For periods beginning on or after 1 January 2026 and as at the end of that period;\n\n(ii) For all other engagements - As at a specific date on or after 1 January 2026 and for periods ending on that date, except where the period commenced before 1 January 2025,\n\nexcept that any later effective dates and any transitional provisions in APES 110 continue to apply. Early adoption is permitted and encouraged.\n\n1.  Amend the first part of the third sentence of application paragraph A61 as follows:\n\nThe Code may specifically addresses various matters that may affect or influence the practitioner’s independence where the practitioner also audits or reviews an entity’s financial report, including:\n\n…\n\n1.  In Illustration 1 in Appendix 3: Illustrations of Assurance Reports on Sustainability information in Appendix 3 of ASSA 5000 amend the third paragraph under the heading Basis for Opinion as follows:\n\nWe are independent of the Company in accordance with the applicable requirements of APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) issued by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited (November 2018 incorporating all amendments to \\[insert’ June 2024’ or ‘July 2025’, as applicable\\]June 2024) (the Code), as applicable to sustainability assurance engagements of public interest entities, together with the ethical requirements that are relevant to assurance engagements of public interest entities in \\[title/identification of requirements, name of appropriate authority and jurisdiction\\]. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements and the Code.\n\n1.  In Illustration 2 in Appendix 3: Illustrations of Assurance Reports on Sustainability information in Appendix 3 of ASSA 5000 amend the third paragraph under the heading Basis for Opinion as follows:\n\nWe are independent of the Company in accordance with the applicable requirements of APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) issued by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited (November 2018 incorporating all amendments to \\[insert June 2024 or July 2025, as applicable\\]June 2024) (the Code), together with the ethical requirements in \\[title/identification of requirements, name of appropriate authority and jurisdiction\\]. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements and the Code.\n\n1.  In Illustration 3 in Appendix 3: Illustrations of Assurance Reports on Sustainability information in Appendix 3 of ASSA 5000 amend the fourth paragraph under the heading Basis for Reasonable Assurance Opinion and/or Limited Assurance Conclusion as follows:\n\nWe are independent of the Company in accordance with the applicable requirements of APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) issued by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited (November 2018 incorporating all amendments to \\[insert ‘June 2024’ or ‘July 2025’, as applicable\\]June 2024) (the Code), together with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our assurance engagement of the Information RA and Information LA in \\[title/identification of requirements, name of appropriate authority and jurisdiction\\], and we have fulfilled our other responsibilities in accordance with these requirements and the Code.\n\n1.  In Illustration 4 in Appendix 3: Illustrations of Assurance Reports on Sustainability information in Appendix 3 of ASSA 5000 amend the fifth paragraph under the heading Basis for Qualified Conclusion as follows:\n\nWe are independent of the Company in accordance with the applicable requirements of APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) issued by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited (November 2018 incorporating all amendments to \\[insert ‘June 2024’ or ‘July 2025’, as applicable\\]June 2024) (the Code), together with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our assurance engagements of the Sustainability Information in \\[title/identification of requirements, name of appropriate authority and jurisdiction\\]. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements and the Code.\n\n###### Amendments to ASA 102\n\n1.  Existing paragraph 5(d) is amended to read as follows:\n\nRelevant ethical requirements means ethical requirements that apply to the auditor, assurance practitioner, engagement quality reviewer and firm. In Australia, these include the applicable requirements of APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards), issued by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited (APESB) (November 2018 incorporating all amendments to JanuaryJuly 2025), the applicable provisions of the Corporations Act 2001 and other applicable law or regulation.","sortOrder":10},{"sectionNumber":"Application","sectionType":"section","heading":"Application","content":"##### Application\n\n1.  This Standard applies:\n    1.  as outlined in paragraphs Aus 0.1 and Aus 0.2 of Australian Standard on Sustainability Assurance ASSA 5000 General Requirements for Sustainability Assurance Engagements (ASSA 5000); and\n    2.  as outlined in paragraph 1 of Auditing Standard ASA 102 Compliance with Ethical Requirements when Performing Audits, Reviews and Other Assurance Engagements (ASA 102).","sortOrder":11},{"sectionNumber":"Operative Date","sectionType":"section","heading":"Operative Date","content":"##### Operative Date\n\n1.  The amendments made by this standard are operative as follows:\n    1.  For ASSA 5000 – as outlined in paragraph Aus 0.3 of ASSA 5000; and\n    2.  For ASA 102 – as outlined in paragraph 2 of ASA 102, except that any later effective dates and any transitional provisions in APES 110 (as defined in subparagraph 5(d) of ASA 102 as amended by this Standard) apply.","sortOrder":12},{"sectionNumber":"Introduction","sectionType":"section","heading":"Introduction","content":"##### Introduction\n\n1.  This standard amends ASSA 5000 and ASA 102.","sortOrder":13},{"sectionNumber":"Objective","sectionType":"section","heading":"Objective","content":"##### Objective\n\n1.  The objective of this standard is to make amendments to ASSA 5000 and ASA 102 for changes made by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited to APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) in relation to the use of external experts and sustainability assurance.","sortOrder":14},{"sectionNumber":"Amendments to ASSA 5000","sectionType":"section","heading":"Amendments to ASSA 5000","content":"###### Amendments to ASSA 5000\n\n1.  The section on ‘Conformity with International Standards on Sustainability Assurance’ in ASSA 5000 is amended as follows:\n\nConformity with International Standards on Sustainability Assurance\n\n…\n\nThe following paragraphs and definitions are additional to or have been amended from ISSA 5000:\n\n  \n\n| Paragraph             | Summary of Change                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |\n| --------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |\n| Aus 6.1               | Replaces ISSA 5000 introductory paragraph 6 to refer to ‘the provisions of the CodeAPES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) (November 2018 incorporating all amendments to June 2024)’ (which is defined in paragraph Aus 18.1) instead of ‘the provisions of the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) (IESBA Code) related to sustainability assurance engagements’. |\n| Aus 18.1              | Introduces the definition of ‘the Code’ being different versions of ‘APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards)(November 2018 incorporating all amendments to June 2024)’ depending upon the engagement and reporting period (see also Aus 18.3 below).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |\n| Aus 18.2              | Replaces the definition of ‘Engagement team’ to prohibit the use of internal auditors to provide direct assistance in a sustainability assurance engagement.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |\n| Aus 18.3              | Replaces the definition of ‘Relevant ethical requirements’ to refer to ‘the Code’ (see Aus 18.1 above). The definition also includes specific reference to the requirements of Chapter 2M of the Corporations Act 2001.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |\n| Aus 18.4              | Explains the different terms used in the Corporations Act 2001 and AUASB Standards.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |\n| Aus 42.1 and Aus 42.2 | These paragraphs prohibit the use of internal auditors to provide direct assistance in a sustainability assurance engagement.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |\n| Aus A29.1             | Prohibits the use of internal auditors to provide direct assistance in a sustainability assurance engagement.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |\n| Throughout            | Replaced ‘the IESBA Code’ with ‘the Code’ (see also Aus 18.1 above).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |\n| A61                   | Amended to clarify that the provisions referred to in the third sentence may apply in the context of an audit of the financial report rather than assurance over sustainability information given that the current APES 110 applies instead of Part 5 of the IESBA Code.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |\n| Appendix 3            | The illustrative assurance reports have been amended consistent with the definition of ‘the Code’ in paragraph Aus 18.1.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |\n\n…\n\nExcept for applying the provisions of existing APES 110 instead of Part 5 of the IESBA Code (until such time as ASSA 5000 may be further amended to apply the provisions of a revised APES 110 that may include Part 5 of the IESBA Code), cCompliance with this Standard on Sustainability Assurance enables compliance with ISSA 5000.\n\n1.  Paragraph Aus 6.1(a) is amended to read as follows:\n\nThe members of the engagement team and the engagement quality reviewer (for those engagements where one has been appointed) are subject to the applicable requirements of the Code APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) issued by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited (November 2018 incorporating all amendments to June 2024) and applicable legislative or other requirements, or professional requirements, or requirements in law or regulation, that are at least as demanding; and (Ref: Para. A6–A7)\n\n1.  Paragraph Aus 18.1 is amended as follows:\n\nThe definition of ‘the Code’ is ‘APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) issued by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited (November 2018 incorporating all amendments to June 2024)’.\n\nThe definition of ‘the Code’ refers to the following applicable version of APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) issued by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited in November 2018 (APES 110):\n\n(a) APES 110 incorporating all amendments to June 2024 for:\n\n(i) Information presented in a sustainability report under Chapter 2M of the Corporations Act 2001 - For periods beginning 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025 and as at the end of that period;\n\n(ii) All other engagements - As at 31 December 2025 and for periods ending on that date, except where the period commenced before 1 January 2025;\n\n(b) APES 110 incorporating all amendments to July 2025 for:\n\n(i) Information presented in a sustainability report under Chapter 2M of the Corporations Act 2001 - For periods beginning on or after 1 January 2026 and as at the end of that period;\n\n(ii) For all other engagements - As at a specific date on or after 1 January 2026 and for periods ending on that date, except where the period commenced before 1 January 2025,\n\nexcept that any later effective dates and any transitional provisions in APES 110 continue to apply. Early adoption is permitted and encouraged.\n\n1.  Amend the first part of the third sentence of application paragraph A61 as follows:\n\nThe Code may specifically addresses various matters that may affect or influence the practitioner’s independence where the practitioner also audits or reviews an entity’s financial report, including:\n\n…\n\n1.  In Illustration 1 in Appendix 3: Illustrations of Assurance Reports on Sustainability information in Appendix 3 of ASSA 5000 amend the third paragraph under the heading Basis for Opinion as follows:\n\nWe are independent of the Company in accordance with the applicable requirements of APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) issued by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited (November 2018 incorporating all amendments to \\[insert’ June 2024’ or ‘July 2025’, as applicable\\]June 2024) (the Code), as applicable to sustainability assurance engagements of public interest entities, together with the ethical requirements that are relevant to assurance engagements of public interest entities in \\[title/identification of requirements, name of appropriate authority and jurisdiction\\]. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements and the Code.\n\n1.  In Illustration 2 in Appendix 3: Illustrations of Assurance Reports on Sustainability information in Appendix 3 of ASSA 5000 amend the third paragraph under the heading Basis for Opinion as follows:\n\nWe are independent of the Company in accordance with the applicable requirements of APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) issued by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited (November 2018 incorporating all amendments to \\[insert June 2024 or July 2025, as applicable\\]June 2024) (the Code), together with the ethical requirements in \\[title/identification of requirements, name of appropriate authority and jurisdiction\\]. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements and the Code.\n\n1.  In Illustration 3 in Appendix 3: Illustrations of Assurance Reports on Sustainability information in Appendix 3 of ASSA 5000 amend the fourth paragraph under the heading Basis for Reasonable Assurance Opinion and/or Limited Assurance Conclusion as follows:\n\nWe are independent of the Company in accordance with the applicable requirements of APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) issued by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited (November 2018 incorporating all amendments to \\[insert ‘June 2024’ or ‘July 2025’, as applicable\\]June 2024) (the Code), together with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our assurance engagement of the Information RA and Information LA in \\[title/identification of requirements, name of appropriate authority and jurisdiction\\], and we have fulfilled our other responsibilities in accordance with these requirements and the Code.\n\n1.  In Illustration 4 in Appendix 3: Illustrations of Assurance Reports on Sustainability information in Appendix 3 of ASSA 5000 amend the fifth paragraph under the heading Basis for Qualified Conclusion as follows:\n\nWe are independent of the Company in accordance with the applicable requirements of APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) issued by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited (November 2018 incorporating all amendments to \\[insert ‘June 2024’ or ‘July 2025’, as applicable\\]June 2024) (the Code), together with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our assurance engagements of the Sustainability Information in \\[title/identification of requirements, name of appropriate authority and jurisdiction\\]. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements and the Code.","sortOrder":16},{"sectionNumber":"Amendments to ASA 102","sectionType":"section","heading":"Amendments to ASA 102","content":"###### Amendments to ASA 102\n\n1.  Existing paragraph 5(d) is amended to read as follows:\n\nRelevant ethical requirements means ethical requirements that apply to the auditor, assurance practitioner, engagement quality reviewer and firm. In Australia, these include the applicable requirements of APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards), issued by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board Limited (APESB) (November 2018 incorporating all amendments to JanuaryJuly 2025), the applicable provisions of the Corporations Act 2001 and other applicable law or regulation.","sortOrder":17}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation remains focused on its original purpose of updating auditing standards to reflect changes in the professional ethics code (APES 110). While it introduces version-specific applicability dates and prohibits internal auditor assistance, these are technical amendments consistent with the document's stated objective of aligning standards with updated ethical requirements."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple version-dependent effective dates for APES 110 (June 2024 vs July 2025 versions) depending on reporting periods and engagement types","Cross-references to two separate underlying standards (ASSA 5000 and ASA 102) and external document APES 110","Nested conditional logic for determining which version of 'the Code' applies based on: (a) whether the engagement is under Chapter 2M of the Corporations Act, (b) the reporting period start date, and (c) transitional provisions","Amendments to four separate illustrative assurance report templates in Appendix 3 with variable insertion points","Integration of legislative references (Corporations Act 2001, ASIC Act 2001) with professional standards","Strikethrough and underline formatting used to indicate changes, though the document notes these are not part of the actual legal text"],"plain_english_summary":"This updates two Australian auditing standards to reference the local APES 110 Code of Ethics (including amendments through July 2025) for sustainability assurance and ethical requirements, and bans internal auditors from providing direct assistance on sustainability assurance engagements. It affects auditors and assurance practitioners handling climate/ESG reporting and companies required to have sustainability information assured. The change aligns standards with Australia’s professional ethics, strengthens independence, and clarifies which version of the code applies for reporting periods from 2025–2026."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"These amendments do not expand the AUASB standards' subject‑matter scope beyond their original purpose. They align existing AUASB standards with amendments to APES 110 (the national Code of Ethics) and clarify application timing, independence requirements, and report wording. The most material operational change is a narrower set of permitted roles for internal auditors in sustainability assurance (a limitation within the pre‑existing remit of independence rules), but this is an adjustment to application rather than an expansion of the standards' scope."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple cross‑references across two standards (ASSA 5000 and ASA 102) and to an external standard (APES 110).","Aus 18.1 defines 'the Code' with two separate effective‑date buckets (different rules for sustainability reports under Chapter 2M vs other engagements) creating date‑dependent application rules.","Several repeated prohibitions and definition changes (Aus 18.2; Aus 42.1; Aus 42.2; Aus A29.1) increase the places a user must check to confirm the rule on internal auditors.","Appendix 3 changes to illustrative reports require practitioners to edit standard wording to insert the correct APES 110 version, increasing administrative detail.","Reliance on APES 110 transitional provisions and 'any later effective dates' adds conditional logic and an external dependency to determine actual application timing.","Amendments affect ethical, independence and reporting requirements simultaneously, so behaviour changes span policy, resourcing and client engagements.","Publication contains a typographical/inconsistent date string (\"JanuaryJuly 2025\") increasing interpretation risk and the need to confirm the intended date with APESB/AUASB guidance."],"plain_english_summary":"**What this instrument does (mechanics)\n\n- Updates two AUASB standards — ASSA 5000 (sustainability assurance) and ASA 102 (ethical requirements for audits/reviews/assurance) — to reflect changes made by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board (APESB) to APES 110 (the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants). (See Objective and Amendments sections.)\n\n- Replaces references to the IESBA/IESA international ethics wording with a defined Australian \"Code\" (APES 110) and specifies which version of APES 110 applies depending on the engagement type and reporting period. (See Aus 18.1.)\n\n- Prohibits internal auditors from providing \"direct assistance\" in sustainability assurance engagements. This prohibition is added in several places (definitions and application guidance). (See Aus 18.2; Aus 42.1 and Aus 42.2; Aus A29.1.)\n\n- Amends illustrative assurance-report wording in Appendix 3 so the independence paragraph cites APES 110 (with the appropriate date/version insert) rather than the IESBA Code. (Appendix 3 amendments.)\n\n- Updates ASA 102 paragraph 5(d) to identify the applicable APES 110 version (the text as published references APES 110 \"November 2018 incorporating all amendments to January/July 2025\"). That paragraph also continues to point to the Corporations Act and other laws as relevant ethical requirements. (See Amendments to ASA 102, para 5(d).)\n\n- Leaves operative dates tied to the existing timing paragraphs in each standard and preserves any transitional provisions or later effective dates written into APES 110 itself. Early adoption of the APES 110 changes is explicitly permitted. (See Operative Date and Aus 18.1.)\n\n\nWho is affected and what they must do\n\n- Assurance practitioners, audit firms and engagement quality reviewers: must apply the specified APES 110 requirements identified as \"the Code\" for the relevant engagement/reporting period instead of (or until replaced) the international Part 5 wording. They must update policies and working papers to reflect which APES 110 version applies and follow the new prohibition on internal auditors giving direct assistance in sustainability assurance engagements. (Aus 18.1; Aus 18.2; Aus 42.1/42.2; Aus A29.1; ASA 102 para 5(d).)\n\n- Companies obtaining sustainability assurance (clients): may no longer be able to use their internal audit teams to provide direct assistance on sustainability assurance engagements — they may need to engage external practitioners or change how internal staff participate. (Aus 18.2; Aus 42.1/42.2; Aus A29.1.)\n\n- Practitioners preparing assurance reports: must use the updated template language in Appendix 3 to describe independence in terms of APES 110 (with the correct version date inserted). (Appendix 3 amendments.)\n\n\nWhy this matters (stated purpose and practical effects)\n\n- Stated purpose: the AUASB says the changes are to align AUASB standards with APES 110 amendments concerning the use of external experts and sustainability assurance. (Objective.)\n\n- Concrete effects and trade-offs to consider:\n  - Compliance and administrative cost: firms must track which APES 110 version applies for each engagement, update manuals, change report wording, and ensure staff compliance. (Aus 18.1; Appendix 3.)\n  - Operational substitution: banning direct assistance by internal auditors in sustainability assurance may raise engagement costs for clients (they may need to hire external practitioners) and reduce convenient use of internal resources; firms may instead use external experts or reassign internal personnel to non‑direct assistance roles. (Aus 18.2; Aus 42.1/42.2; Aus A29.1.)\n  - Market effects: demand for independent sustainability assurance specialists or external experts could increase; audit firms may reconfigure teams to avoid conflicts with the Code. (Implied by the internal‑assistance prohibition and the move to apply APES 110.)\n  - Implementation risk: staggered effective dates and reliance on APES 110 transitional provisions create timing complexity; practitioners must monitor APESB releases to know which amendments apply when. (Aus 18.1; Operative Date.)\n  - Scope and discretion: these are standard‑setting changes (not enforcement rules); application hinges on professional judgement about independence and whether a particular activity counts as \"direct assistance.\" That judgement, and how strictly firms interpret \"direct assistance,\" will drive day‑to‑day impact. (Definitions and guidance changes throughout ASSA 5000.)\n\n\nConcrete citations (key provisions): Aus 18.1 (definition and dated versions of \"the Code\"); Aus 18.2, Aus 42.1, Aus 42.2, Aus A29.1 (prohibition on internal auditors providing direct assistance); Appendix 3 (assurance report wording); ASA 102 para 5(d) (definition of \"relevant ethical requirements\")."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/auasb-2025-7-amendments-to-auasb-standards","history":"/api/acts/auasb-2025-7-amendments-to-auasb-standards/history","analysis":"/api/acts/auasb-2025-7-amendments-to-auasb-standards/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/auasb-2025-7-amendments-to-auasb-standards/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/auasb-2025-7-amendments-to-auasb-standards/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/auasb-2025-7-amendments-to-auasb-standards/documents"}}