Record $300 million penalties for CFD misconduct – 12 June 2026
The Federal Court imposed record penalties of more than $300 million against Union Standard and associated CFD operators for systemic unconscionable conduct and other breaches affecting retail investors. ASIC described the conduct as “egregious”.
NDIS Scam pair David McWilliams, Laura Fullarton in court – 15 June 2026
The article reports that Gold Coast couple David McWilliams and Laura Fullarton, operators of ALAMMC Development, allegedly raised about $90 million from investors for NDIS housing projects but are accused by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) of diverting large amounts of the money to personal spending, including gambling, luxury travel, supercars, cryptocurrency and other lifestyle expenses.
ASIC permanently bans Abdullah Popal from financial services and credit – 15 June 2026
ASIC permanently banned former adviser Abdullah Popal after fraud convictions involving the transfer of nearly $90,000 from former clients’ bank accounts into his own accounts
KPMG barred from bidding for federal work for three months – 15 June 2026
KPMG Australia has been barred from bidding for new federal government contracts until 30 September 2026 while the government investigates allegations that confidential client information was improperly used to help win audit work. The firm has acknowledged failures in its handling of the matter, leading to senior leadership departures. Existing government contracts will continue, but the suspension represents a major blow to KPMG’s reputation and follows increased scrutiny of the consulting sector after the PwC tax leaks scandal.
Grill’d burger chain sued by ACCC over alleged greenwashing – 16 June 2026
The ACCC is suing Grill’d for alleged greenwashing, claiming its Tree Day Tuesday campaign overstated how many burger purchases resulted in tree-planting donations, potentially misleading customers about the environmental impact of their purchases.
ASIC launches criminal investigation into Zone RV as new allegations emerge – 17 June 2026
ASIC is investigating the collapse of Zone RV after liquidators alleged director David Biggar traded while insolvent and may have breached company laws. The company failed owing $42 million, leaving more than 100 customers millions of dollars out of pocket.
Fair Work Commission rejects Tennis Australia argument that it sacked no one – 17 June 2026
The Fair Work Commission ruled that Tennis Australia effectively dismissed two tennis officials when it cancelled their officiating memberships, rejecting the organisation’s claim that no one had been sacked. The Commission found the cancellations prevented the officials from working at Tennis Australia events, allowing their unfair dismissal claims to proceed. The decision is a setback for Tennis Australia and could have broader implications for the employment status and workplace rights of sports officials.
Former Star casino boss hit with six-year ban, $700k fine – 17 June 2026
Former Star Entertainment CEO Matt Bekier has been fined $700,000 and banned from managing corporations for six years after the Federal Court found he failed to properly address money-laundering and criminal-risk issues at the casino operator. Former chief legal and risk officer Paula Martin was also fined $400,000 and banned for seven years over governance and risk-management failures linked to the Star casino scandal.
Global ransomware group reportedly claim cyber attack that shut down Mackay Sugar mills – 18 June 2026
A ransomware group called The Gentlemen has claimed responsibility for a cyberattack that shut down two Mackay Sugar mills in Queensland for about a week. The claim has not been independently verified, but the incident disrupted harvesting operations and highlighted growing cyber risks to Australia’s agricultural sector.
HSBC’s Australia unit to pay $24.6 million fine over scam protection failures, court rules – 18 June 2026
The Federal Court ordered HSBC Australia to pay a $35 million penalty after ASIC found widespread failures in protecting customers from scams. The bank admitted inadequate controls, slow investigations, and poor responses to scam victims.
Six men charged over alleged plot to distribute hundreds of kilograms of illegally imported drugs – 18 June 2026
Six men have been charged over an alleged $100 million cocaine and methamphetamine importation syndicate after police seized 320kg of drugs in Queensland. Authorities say the drugs were smuggled into the country by sea and investigations are continuing.
