politics
KPMG Partners Leaked Client Data to Win Audit Contracts, Inquiry Hears
The Guardian reported that at least three KPMG partners shared confidential Lendlease and Optus information with colleagues pursuing audits at Westpac, Dexus and Telstra. The firm mishandled a 2024 whistleblower complaint, prompting resignations of its former CEO and audit head after a parliamentary inquiry.
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KPMG Australia partners leaked confidential client information to colleagues applying for audit contracts at other major companies, a parliamentary inquiry heard. At least three partners were involved in sharing details from Lendlease and Optus with staff seeking work at Westpac, Dexus and Telstra.
A whistleblower first raised concerns in an email on 30 May 2024 to Julian McPherson, then head of audit.
The message alleged partners pursued revenue growth at all costs along with other workplace issues. KPMG denied the whistleblower a pay rise, withdrew client work and threatened dismissal. The firm never offered to pay for legal advice on his rights.
KPMG management searched the whistleblower's computer in November 2024 for evidence. Former CEO Andrew Yates did not inform the executive team and awaited an internal investigation that found no wrongdoing. In April 2025 independent board members received details of specific allegations tied to named companies.
Yates informed Lendlease of a leak claim in May 2025 but stated investigations found no evidence. KPMG substantiated the allegations and contacted clients only after Senator Deborah O'Neill raised them in parliament in March 2026.
Yates and McPherson later resigned, acknowledging they mishandled the complaints. KPMG engaged Ashurst and Allens to investigate. Neither firm interviewed the whistleblower. Ashurst examined employment issues in February 2025 and advised on the internal probe in June 2025.
Allens concluded in December 2025 that it found no evidence. KPMG later said the investigations lacked rigor and asked Allens to review again in March 2026. The whistleblower contacted KPMG International general counsel Anne Collins.
