Australian regulator sues retailer’s ex-CEO for misleading market over alleged office romance – 21 September 2026
ASIC has launched legal action against former Super Retail Group CEO Anthony Heraghty, alleging he failed to properly disclose a relationship with a senior executive and made misleading statements to the board and market. ASIC is seeking penalties and disqualification orders.
$190 million clawed back, billions more identified in ATO phoenixing crackdown – 21 September 2026
The ATO says its Phoenix Taskforce recovered $190 million in cash during the last financial year and identified more than $3.26 billion in liabilities associated with illegal phoenix activity, where businesses are deliberately closed and restarted to avoid debts.
Investor fears private credit mass exodus as ASIC cracks whip on lending standard – 23 September 2026
ASIC commissioner Simone Constant has fired a shot across the bow of Australian private credit, warning the clock is ticking on poor lending practices. Meanwhile, a private credit investor has told the ABC a contagion or run on funds in the industry remains “possible” should more investors worry about retrieving their money from funds.
KPMG still claiming privilege over 74 documents, ASIC says – 22 September 2026
KPMG is still claiming legal professional privilege over 74 documents that ASIC says it has not yet received, despite the parliamentary inquiry examining alleged misconduct at the firm. The documents include 68 of 1,579 independent-director materials and six engagement documents. KPMG says it is not withholding the information and is negotiating arrangements to provide relevant material to ASIC confidentially while maintaining privilege. ASIC is investigating allegations including the misuse of Lendlease and Optus confidential information, but says its inquiries are still ongoing.
Auditor-general airs concerns about AI-powered Medicare fraud – 23 September 2026
The Australian National Audit Office identified concerns that AI-powered billing software could be used to inflate Medicare claims. It identified eight potential fraud cases worth $5.2 million, highlighting an emerging integrity risk.
https://www.themandarin.com.au/320673-auditor-general-airs-concerns-about-ai-powered-medicare-fraud/
Quest Apartment Hotels tells customers to replace passports and licences after security breach – 23 September 2026
Quest Apartments and Hotels has revealed that a major data breach affected almost 2 million customers. Further investigation found that, in addition to names and contact details, passport and driver’s licence numbers, credit card numbers including CVVs, and other personal information were exposed. Quest is advising affected customers to contact the relevant authorities about replacing or flagging documents. However, the Australian Passport Office says Australian passports remain safe to use, even if the passport number was compromised.
Epworth HealthCare review triggered by Four Corners allegations backs private provider’s governance – 23 September 2026
An independent review into Epworth HealthCare’s governance, commissioned after allegations about gynaecologist Simon Gordon, found its clinical governance framework was “robust” and “detailed”, with no significant gaps identified. However, it made 21 recommendations, all accepted by Epworth, including stronger multidisciplinary review of procedures that could affect fertility, better handling of patient complaints, clearer understanding of the role of regulators such as AHPRA, and improved surgical data monitoring.
RBA pay dispute escalates to Fair Work Commission – 24 September 2026
The RBA’s pay dispute with staff has escalated to the Fair Work Commission, after negotiations over a new enterprise agreement stalled. The union is seeking higher pay increases and wants work-from-home arrangements formally protected in the agreement. The dispute could now move into formal mediation/conciliation through the Commission.
KPMG audit scandal expands into Westpac C-suite – 25 September 2026
The KPMG scandal is now drawing scrutiny around Westpac’s senior leadership, after former Westpac CFO and former KPMG partner Michael Rowland had a dinner with a senior KPMG figure during the period when KPMG was pursuing Westpac’s audit contract. The article examines questions about relationships between KPMG and Westpac executives and whether confidential client information was involved in the audit tender process. The matter is part of wider parliamentary and regulatory investigations into KPMG’s handling of confidential information.
Students accuse top college of deceptive conduct in class action over unaccredited degree – 25 September 2026
Students are suing the International College of Management Sydney (ICMS), alleging they were misled into believing its Bachelor of Property degree was professionally accredited by the Australian Property Institute when it was not. Some graduates say the lack of accreditation has limited their careers and forced them to undertake further study. ICMS says the accreditation claim on its website was an administrative error, denies the allegations and will defend the class action. About 10 students have joined so far, with more expected.
IBAC charges senior National Gallery of Victoria employee over alleged $8 million phone scheme – 24 September 2026
A former senior NGV employee has been charged by IBAC over an alleged scheme involving the unauthorised purchase of around $8 million worth of mobile phones over six years, which were allegedly sold for personal financial benefit. The NGV reported the matter to IBAC and Victoria Police in September 2025 and subsequently dismissed the employee. He faces seven theft charges and one charge of misconduct in public office and is due to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 20 October 2026.
IBAC granted ‘follow the dollar’ powers on final sitting day of Victorian parliament – 24 September 2026
Victoria has passed legislation giving IBAC greater powers to investigate financial trails and pursue third parties connected to corruption and misconduct. The changes are intended to help investigators follow money beyond the public sector.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-24/victoria-ibac-granted-follow-the-money-powers/107192998
