Australian Government Continues $51M KPMG Contracts Amid Scandal

Government data released in July 2026 shows accounting firm KPMG holds active Commonwealth contracts worth about AU$51.4 million across multiple Australian Public Service agencies, including the Department of Finance, Defence, Home Affairs, Services Australia and the APS Commission. A temporary ban on new KPMG deals was imposed after parliamentary inquiries revealed the firm had breached ethical standards, shared confidential information to aid clients, misused Optus data in an unsuccessful Telstra audit bid, and mishandled internal whistle‑blower complaints. Former CEO Andrew Yates resigned amid the fallout and long‑time partner John Sams was appointed as the new chief executive. Senior KPMG leaders, including the chairman and several audit partners, were also removed, and seven staff members received penalties ranging from warnings to fines. The Greens have accused the Labor government of “hopelessly addicted” to KPMG and urged compliance with the Commonwealth Supplier Code of Conduct.