Albanese Government Orders KPMG Review by Sept. 30 as Leak, Whistleblower Claims Deepen
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 24
Albanese Government Orders KPMG Review by Sept. 30 as Leak, Whistleblower Claims Deepen
1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 24
Summary
Ian Watt will lead a government probe into KPMG Australia’s “ethical soundness,” examining its culture, governance and whether it properly disclosed and handled leaked client information and whistleblower complaints.
Friday’s parliamentary evidence intensified scrutiny after questioning KPMG management and hearing that independent board directors received direct advice from the firm’s chair.
KPMG has responded by naming an independent chair, adding more independent directors and launching reviews of its policies, audit conduct and whistleblower failings.
The shake-up already includes the exits of the chair, two partners, the CEO and the former head of audit, while corporate and accounting regulators are also investigating partners.
The review is due by Sept. 30, the same date the government’s ban on new KPMG contracts is scheduled to expire, making its findings central to the firm’s public-sector future.