Former Volunteer lawyer loses bid to reverse conviction – 29 September 2026
Former Queensland lawyer Robert Kerr failed to overturn his conviction for practising law without a current practising certificate. Although he was volunteering and unpaid, the court found that providing legal advice, drafting documents and preparing a “Legal Opinion” amounted to legal practice. His $4,000 fine was upheld.
NGV’s IT boss James Michael Hosking accused of $8m fraud – 29 September 2026
Former NGV IT executive James Michael Hosking faces seven theft charges and one misconduct-in-public-office charge over an alleged scheme involving the purchase and resale of about $8 million worth of mobile phones using NGV funds.
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Pledge to ‘wreck’ mayor aired at corruption hearing – 29 September 2026
A NSW ICAC hearing examined allegations involving former councillor Sharangan Maheswaran, including claims of spying and blackmail involving a former mayor and dealings connected to property developer Jean Nassif.
https://www.countrynews.com.au/national/pledge-to-wreck-mayor-aired-at-corruption-hearing/
Gold Coast developer jailed for misusing $2.3m in investor funds – 29 September 2026
Gold Coast developer Ian Omar Chester pleaded guilty to fraud after misusing approximately $2.3 million of investors’ money. He was sentenced to imprisonment for the offending.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-29/gold-coast-developer-jailed-for-fraud/107208288
Mum loses $13K to slick bank scam” – 30 September 2026
An Echuca woman lost almost $13,000 after a caller impersonating a bank fraud investigator convinced her to transfer money. The scammer had detailed personal information about her, making the deception appear legitimate.
https://www.riverineherald.com.au/news/mum-loses-13k-to-slick-bank-scam
Federal government announces new measures to tackle unscrupulous NDIS practices in remote communities – 30 September 2026
The federal government is responding to concerns about National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) providers offering gifts including food, alcohol and tobacco to residents in remote NT Aboriginal communities. The National Disability Insurance Agency will fund new positions in 17 remote communities across the NT to help residents understand the scheme. The scheme’s watchdog, the NDIS Commission, will also set up a special “consortium” of NT disability advocates to gather intel about providers in the bush.
Australia’s Metrics freezes some fund redemptions in sign of private credit market stress – 30 September 2026
Metrics Credit Partners has temporarily frozen redemptions from some funds after auditor KPMG declined to sign off on accounts for three listed funds. The dispute centres on the valuation of unlisted commercial property investments. The move has increased concerns about liquidity, asset valuations and governance in Australia’s rapidly growing private-credit sector, which is already facing increased regulatory scrutiny from ASIC.
Program:$10 million worth of cocaine replaced with flour in Fiji’s High Court – 30 September 2026
More than 32kg of cocaine worth over $10 million stored as evidence at Fiji’s Suva High Court has been replaced with flour. Police also recently reported 7kg of cocaine missing from the same court. The drugs were under police jurisdiction but stored in the court’s evidence facility. Investigators are focusing on people with access to the exhibits, with at least one person of interest identified. Fiji’s Chief Justice has called for those responsible to be jailed.
Luxury compound in Indonesian prison sparks corruption probe – 30 September 2026
Several prison officers in Indonesia have been suspended amid a corruption probe linked to luxury apartments found in a jail. Authorities found 10 luxury units during an inspection last week. The investigation is examining whether inmates had been staying in the units and paying officers for the privilege.
Pearson royalties manager charged over alleged $17.7m fraud – 1 October 2026
A former Pearson royalty’s manager has been charged with 17 fraud offences over allegations he siphoned approximately $17.7 million from the company between 2021 and 2024. He is on bail and is due back in court on 14 October.
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Report on Corrupt Procurement Practices of a Senior Officer at the Shire of East Pilbara – 1 October 2026
An investigation found that a senior employee at the Shire of East Pilbara failed to disclose existing relationships with contractors and used their position to favour companies in exchange for gifts and other benefits. The Commission formed an opinion of serious misconduct and recommended a review of the shire’s procurement procedures.
AFP finalises foreign bribery investigation into company following $9 million settlement – 2 October 2026
The Australian Federal Police has finalised its foreign bribery investigation into engineering company SMEC International Pty Ltd following an agreed $9 million settlement under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. The settlement does not involve an admission of liability by SMEC. nationaltribune.com.au/afp-finalises-foreign-bribery-investigation-into-company-following-9-million-settlement/
