ASIC says KPMG actions ‘egregious and serious breach of trust’ – 19 June 2026
KPMG is facing intense scrutiny after senior executives appeared before a parliamentary inquiry over allegations of misconduct involving confidential client information and the treatment of a whistleblower. The scandal has damaged the firm’s reputation, prompted leadership changes, and raised broader concerns about governance and ethics within Australia’s major consulting firms.
https://www.afr.com/companies/professional-services/kpmg-s-day-of-reckoning-arrives-20260618-p6084x
Former Metigy CEO David Fairfull sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment – 19 June 2026
Former Metigy CEO David Fairfull has been sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to misleading investors and dishonestly using company funds for personal gain. Between 2018 and 2021, Fairfull raised more than $39 million from investors by making false claims about Metigy’s financial performance and later diverted $7.7 million of company funds to purchase residential property.
Victorian phone and seatbelt camera privacy concerns raised by new report – 22 June 2026
A report by the Victorian Auditor-General has raised privacy concerns over the state’s AI-powered mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras, finding the Department of Justice and Community Safety did not adequately assess privacy risks before expanding the program. The audit also found weaknesses in oversight of the external contractor operating the system and recommended stronger privacy protections and governance, while acknowledging the cameras play an important role in improving road safety.
Gold coast man David McWiliams hit with 13 NDIS Fraud charges – 22 June 2026
A Gold Coast property developer has been charged with 13 fraud offences after allegedly misusing more than $10 million of investor funds intended for NDIS housing projects. ASIC alleges the money was spent on luxury cars, cryptocurrency, overseas investments and property instead of disability accommodation.
Meta Pauses Employee-Tracking Program Following Internal Data Leak – 22 June 2026
Meta has paused its controversial employee-tracking program after an internal security breach exposed sensitive staff data collected through the initiative. The program, designed to train AI by recording employees’ keystrokes, mouse movements and screen activity, faced strong privacy concerns from staff before the breach. Although Meta says there is no evidence the data was misused, it has suspended the program while it investigates the incident.
Illegal cigarettes selling in dairies but no packaging prosecutions in a year – 22 June 2026
A Radio NZ investigation has found that illegal cigarettes are being openly sold in some New Zealand dairies, yet the Ministry of Health has not prosecuted anyone for breaches of tobacco packaging laws in the past year. Reporters were able to purchase illicit cigarettes for as little as NZ$13 a packet, with authorities acknowledging enforcement challenges as the black market grows. Health advocates say stronger enforcement is needed to curb the illegal tobacco trade and protect public health.
Best way to combat AI cyber threats is with AI, Five Eyes security agencies say – 23 June 2026
The Five Eyes intelligence alliance has warned that governments and businesses must act urgently to strengthen cybersecurity as artificial intelligence rapidly increases the speed, scale and sophistication of cyberattacks. The agencies said AI is already being exploited by malicious actors but can also be used to improve cyber defences, urging organisations to treat cyber risk as a business-wide issue and adopt stronger security measures before threats escalate further.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-23/five-eyes-security-agencies-say-act-swiftly-on-ai/106828686
Robodebt victims share in millions as Australia’s largest-ever class action settlement approved – 23 June 2026
The Federal Court has approved Australia’s largest class action settlement, allowing around 125,000 Robodebt victims to share $475 million in compensation. The increased payout follows findings from the Royal Commission, which exposed the unlawful nature of the scheme and misconduct by some officials. The Robodebt program, which operated between 2015 and 2019, wrongly raised debts against welfare recipients using income averaging and has since cost taxpayers more than $2.4 billion.
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/robotdebt-victims-class-action-settlement-approved/sd5arll0g
Daughter of fugitive property developer Jean Nassif pleads guilty to submitting false contracts – 24 June 2026
Ashlyn Nassif, daughter of fugitive developer Jean Nassif, has pleaded guilty to submitting false contracts to help secure a $150 million Westpac loan for a Sydney apartment development. A more serious fraud charge was withdrawn, with sentencing to take place after disputed facts are determined in September.
PwC reassured Finance over NACC probe, data breaches – 24 June 2026
Documents released under FOI reveal that PwC told the Department of Finance it remains under investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the Australian Federal Police and the Tax Practitioners Board over the tax leaks scandal. The firm is attempting to rebuild trust with government while multiple investigations continue.
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Whistleblow Laws overhaul: SA ICAC tables sweeping reforms – 25 June 2026
South Australia’s Independent Commission Against Corruption has recommended 61 reforms to strengthen whistleblower protections, including creating an independent body to receive corruption disclosures, expanding legal protections and improving support for people reporting misconduct.
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