Australia’s most decorated veteran walks free on bail on war crimes charges related to Afghan deaths – 17 April 2026
The article reports that a highly decorated Australian soldier Ben Roberts-Smith, accused of murdering Afghan civilians has been released on bail while awaiting trial, in a landmark and highly complex war crimes case that could take years to resolve. He faces five counts of war crime murder relating to the alleged killing of Afghan civilians during deployments in 2009 and 2012.
A repeat of Shield, First Guardian ‘almost impossible’ – 19 April 2026
Ongoing fallout from major investment scheme failures (Shield & First Guardian) shows: alleged misuse of around $1 billion in retirement savings; failures in trustee oversight and investors pursuing legal action over losses. Regulators and industry bodies are now pushing reforms to prevent similar misconduct.
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CA defends secrecy as Deloitte, PwC, EY and KPMG face misconduct scrutiny – 20 April 2026
This article reports that Australia’s Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is defending its decision to keep certain investigations into major consulting firms confidential, even as PwC, Deloitte, EY and KPMG face ongoing misconduct scrutiny. The ACCC argues that maintaining secrecy around investigations is necessary to protect the integrity of its enforcement work and encourage cooperation from firms.
NDIS infiltrated by organised crime gangs using intimidation and threats of violence against Australians – 21 April 2026
A parliamentary review found organised crime groups are infiltrating the NDIS disability support system, using: falsified claims and documents; intimidation of vulnerable participants; and kickbacks and laundering methods. The system is being exploited for fraudulent payments and improper billing at scale.
Fake document claims emerge in Corporate Travel Management’s $240 million UK overcharging scandal – 22 April 2026
Corporate Travel Management (CTM), an Australian travel company, has revealed that its UK arm may have used possibly fake or disputed “signed agreements” in relation to a major overcharging scandal worth about $240 million. The article reports a deepening financial and governance scandal in CTM’s UK business, where questionable agreements and accounting practices may have contributed to large-scale overcharging of clients, including government contracts.
Private secretary of billionaire Judith Neilson refused bail on $1.6m fraud charges – 23 April 2026
A former private secretary to billionaire philanthropist Judith Neilson has been charged with 68 counts of fraud involving about $1.6 million in alleged unauthorised spending on luxury items. Police allege she used a corporate credit card for personal purchases over several years, including jewellery, clothing, and a luxury Rolex. She has been refused bail and the case has been adjourned.
Coles, Woolworths shoppers may claim up to $5,000 over alleged pricing misconduct: ‘Customers lining up’ – 23 April 2026
The class action alleges the supermarkets engaged in “deceptive or misleading discounting”, where prices were allegedly increased before being marketed as discounts, making savings appear larger than they really were. It covers a period where customers may have been influenced by pricing campaigns that created the impression of genuine discounts when that may not have been the case. Legal representatives argue that affected shoppers could claim between roughly $2,000 and $5,000 per household, depending on spending and impact. More than 30,000 consumers have already registered interest in the potential class action.
City of Joondalup investigating misconduct allegations referred by the Corruption and Crime Commission – 23 April 2026
The article reports that Joondalup council is handling misconduct allegations referred by the state’s anti-corruption watchdog, with legal costs mounting and investigations continuing, but with limited public detail so far.
ASIC issues warning for four ‘finfluencers’ handing out financial advice – 24 April 2026
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has issued warnings to social media influencers accused of giving unlicensed or misleading financial advice. Allegations include promoting “guaranteed returns” and risky investments (including crypto) without proper licensing.
ASIC is investigating multiple individuals and their supervising financial firms as part of a wider enforcement push.
Two people arrested after $13m drug seizure on Hume Highway – 24 April 2026
A man and woman in their 20s have been charged with drug trafficking after the discovery of $13 million worth of methylamphetamine. The pair were arrested after their vehicle was intercepted on the Hume Highway in north-east Victoria. They have appeared at Wangaratta Magistrates Court and remain in custody.
