On 15 December 2025, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) published an announcement releasing the first sustainability reporting educational modules to assist smaller companies and report preparers in understanding and applying the foundational concepts behind the new sustainability reporting requirements.
Educational modules
ASIC, in partnership with the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB), has released the first three of eight modules to build capability for Australia’s new sustainability reporting regime under the Corporations Act 2001 and AASB S2 Climate-related Disclosures. The initial modules cover:
- Module 1: how to engage with the materials and the basics of the new sustainability reporting requirements;
- Module 2: introduction to climate change; and
- Module 3: climate-related physical risks.
A timely reminder of the timeframes
Sustainability reporting obligations are being phased in. The first cohort of reporting entities must prepare sustainability reports for financial years commencing on or after 1 January 2025. The second and third cohorts follow for financial years commencing on or after 1 July 2026 and 1 July 2027 respectively. ASIC indicates it will take a pragmatic and proportionate approach to supervision and enforcement as the regime phases in, focusing on guidance and capacity building.
Next steps
ASIC will publish Modules 4 and 5 by the end of December 2025, and Modules 6–8 in Q1 2026 (with all eight offered in an interactive format in Q1 2026). ASIC will also run supporting workshops, with details expected in early 2026.