KPMG Australia faces whistleblower claims of bullying over relocation refusal

A whistleblower who triggered a scandal at KPMG Australia declined to move back to the country, saying he was subjected to bullying by senior audit partner and board member Kim Lawry. The whistleblower’s emails, released by the Parliamentary Joint Committee, detail accusations of bullying, defamation and retaliation for raising concerns, as well as complaints about taxation, superannuation, pay rises, weekend work, travel and bonuses.

KPMG responded that investigations found no evidence of bullying, stating “KPMG has not been able to substantiate the allegation.” The firm added that its policy, changed in June 2024, now requires all partners and employees to live in Australia and does not allow permanent remote work from other countries.

The dispute highlights tensions over KPMG’s relocation requirements and internal culture, with parliamentary scrutiny bringing the emails to public view.