KPMG audit leak whistleblower exposes gaps in Australia’s corporate protection laws
A whistleblower who reported alleged KPMG audit leaks in 2025 says ASIC only acted after a senator raised the issue, highlighting weak protections.
In September 2025 a whistleblower sent ASIC a detailed email accusing KPMG of breaching corporations law by leaking audit information and refusing to acknowledge whistleblower status. The correspondence, copied to senior KPMG executives, described failed attempts to raise the issue internally and with KPMG International. ASIC did not launch an inquiry until Labor senator Deborah O'Neill raised the allegations under parliamentary privilege, after which the regulator announced a probe.
KPMG has since issued an apology and pledged to strengthen its whistleblower policy. ASIC chief Sarah Court and Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mullino have acknowledged gaps in current legislation, particularly for partnership entities, and are consulting on reforms that could broaden protections, allow anonymous disclosures, and introduce a bounty-style reward scheme. Greens senator Barbara Pocock also advocates for a dedicated Whistleblower Protection Authority to investigate complaints and compensate affected individuals.
Why it matters
The case shows how weak whistleblower safeguards can let corporate misconduct continue, prompting reforms that protect market integrity.
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