KPMG Admits Staff Leaked Optus Data to Telstra Bid Team

KPMG admitted that staff who audited Optus shared unredacted confidential information with colleagues bidding for Telstra’s audit contract. Chair Martin Sheppard told the parliamentary joint committee in Canberra on Friday that the material crossed an ethical divider and should not have moved.

Sheppard’s statement followed earlier testimony from Senator Deborah O’Neill, who read the whistleblower’s account under parliamentary privilege on 24 March.

KPMG had initially said the allegations were unsubstantiated but later confirmed partners leaked Lendlease information and that another partner suggested colleagues examine Dexus data. Former chief executive Andrew Yates said the Optus confirmation prompted his resignation in May.

He told the inquiry there was evidence supporting some of the whistleblower’s claims that could have been found earlier and that he felt he needed to take accountability.

4 million under the firm’s partnership agreement. Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand is investigating Yates and 11 others over the scandal. Lendlease chief executive Tony Lombardo said KPMG and Yates told him in May 2025 that leak allegations had been investigated and dismissed.

KPMG held Lendlease’s audit contract for 68 years. Lombardo said the company will seek a new auditor and will pursue reimbursement from KPMG for the associated costs. Julian McPherson, KPMG’s former head of audit, told the committee he authorised a search of the whistleblower’s computer on 30 May 2024 after the individual raised concerns and warned of retaliation.

McPherson said he first contacted human resources, then the legal team. Additional computer searches occurred on 21 and 26 November 2024. Yates said those searches uncovered evidence that had not previously been raised.