Bendigo and Adelaide Bank probe flags money laundering, terrorism financing control gaps – 25 November 2025
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank commissioned Deloitte to investigate “suspicious activity indicative of money laundering” at one of its branches. What Deloitte uncovered, however, was far broader: systemic deficiencies in the bank’s anti money laundering (AML) and counter terrorism financing (CTF) controls. The issues were not isolated, but extended across multiple aspects of the bank’s operations
Banned SMSF auditor charged with continuing to act whilst disqualified and falsifying documents – 26 November 2025
(ASIC) has charged Kristian John Convery — a permanently disqualified self managed super fund (SMSF) auditor, with proceeding to act as an SMSF auditor for multiple entities despite his ban. The charges allege that between June 2024 and January 2025, Convery audited four tax agents and 56 entities, even though his disqualification was effective from 15 May 2024. In addition, ASIC claims that between July 2024 and January 2025 he created false documents — including a letter and 47 SMSF audit reports — intending for them to be accepted as genuine or used to obtain a benefit.
Operation Topaz investigators uncover $25m owed to ATO amid worker exploitation probe – 26 November 2025
Authorities, including Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) and Department of Home Affairs — conducted a compliance crackdown in the agricultural and labour-hire sector in the Gatton region of Southeast Queensland. Audits of over 50 taxpayers across seven locations resulted in more than A$25 million in liabilities being raised — representing unpaid taxes, pay-as-you-go withholding and superannuation obligations. As a result, 8 compliance notices were issued to 7 employers. For 67 workers under those employers, FWO recovered nearly A$24,000 in under-payments. Some employers were fined (with nearly A$18,000 in total infringement fines) for breaching record-keeping and payslip-provision requirements.
AFL umpire Michael Pell faces more corruption charges over Brownlow Medal betting scandal – 26 November 2025
Michael Pell, a former umpire in the Australian Football League (AFL), has been hit with additional corruption charges related to alleged illegal betting on the Brownlow Medal count for the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Previously Pell faced six offences; the new charges add two more counts alleging he engaged in conduct intended to corrupt betting outcomes by leaking confidential information. Pell — who resigned from umpiring in 2022 — denies the allegations. He is scheduled to appear in court on December 4, 2025, according to the recent filings.
ASIC takes action over developer David McWilliams alleged spending of frozen assets – 27 November 2025
A Gold Coast property developer under investigation for allegedly misusing investor funds has been accused of continuing to spend frozen assets. Corporate regulator ASIC alleges David McWilliams and wife Laura Fullarton have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in funds set aside for investors. ASIC’s investigation into Mr McWilliams and Ms Fullarton continues, but no charges have been laid.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-27/david-mcwilliams-asic-ndis-developer/106058612
Beer giant Asahi not engaging with ransomware hackers – 27 November 2025
Asahi, the maker of Asahi Super Dry beer, was hit by a ransomware attack on September 29, 2025. The attack severely disrupted internal systems, forcing the company to suspend order-processing, shipments, distribution and other operations across much of its Japanese business. The attack is described by Asahi as “sophisticated and cunning.” Hacker group — Qilin — is believed to have claimed responsibility, though Asahi has not confirmed any ransom demand or paid anything.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/beer-giant-asahi-not-engaging-ransomware-hackers-5493016
Premier David Crisafulli reacts to Troy Thompson resignation – 28 November 2025
The Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) released a report into former Troy Thompson, ex Mayor of Townsville, finding he made multiple false or misleading claims during his 2024 election campaign. Specifically, the CCC concluded Thompson misrepresented his military service (claiming service with elite units when he had only served briefly in Army reserves), falsely claimed to hold university degrees, and falsely portrayed himself as a cancer survivor. The report also found Thompson released confidential council documents to an external adviser — despite the adviser having no formal role — and did so repeatedly while mayor, raising serious concerns about misuse of sensitive information.
