KPMG Australia CEO Andrew Yates and Senior Partner Resign Following Internal Whistleblower Review

Andrew Yates resigned as CEO of KPMG Australia on Friday. Julian McPherson, a senior partner at the firm, also resigned with immediate effect the same day. Martin Sheppard, chairman of KPMG Australia, accepted both resignations.

He cited their ultimate responsibility for the whistleblower complaint and the subsequent investigation. KPMG Australia stated that its treatment of the whistleblower complaint and the investigation fell short of the firm’s expectations, those of the whistleblower, and the broader community.

An initial internal investigation did not substantiate the allegations and was not conducted with the necessary rigour required, the firm said.

The whistleblower scandal became public in March when Labor MP Deborah O’Neill raised the allegations in a Senate speech. Her speech cited misuse of confidential information and corruption of ASX audit tender processes. Weeks before the resignations were announced, a forensic risk services director at KPMG Australia posted advice on LinkedIn about upholding whistleblower protections in disciplinary investigations.

The director stated that clear protocols integrating whistleblower obligations into every stage of such investigations should be established. The director also stated that protocols should separate whistleblower details from disciplinary investigations and create escalation points to manage confidentiality and fairness.

The director further stated that structural separation using independent investigators or oversight panels could reduce bias and conflicts.

Julie Bishop resigned as chancellor of the Australian National University in early May, seven months before the end of her term. On Saturday she was seen stocking up at the Mecca store in Double Bay and later hailing a cab. The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission is monitoring influencers posting content that glorifies poker machines.