Many lenders now require BAS statements to accompany low doc loans.  Up until very recently, low LVR loans generally avoided this requirement, however Westpac and RAMs have just announced that all Low Doc applications with them now require BAS statements.  We can assume that other lenders may well follow that lead.

There are still some lenders who don't require BAS statements in some circumstances, however as lenders try to diminish their risk, this will become more and more the norm.

For us as brokers, it simply highlights the importance of gaining a thorough understanding of the clients situation and documentary evidence prior to proceeding with a loan application.  The onus rests with us to make sure that our clients can prove their income and serviceability to the lender.  As a broker, we also have a duty of care to our clients to ensure that they don't borrow more than they can afford, and this means understanding as much as possible about the clients financial situation and their documentation so that we can ascertain their true borrowing capacity.