KPMG Australia confirms its treatment of a whistleblower and investigation into their allegations fell short of the firm’s expectations, those of the whistleblower and the broader community.
The initial internal investigation, that did not substantiate the allegations raised by the whistleblower, was in hindsight not conducted with the necessary rigour required. Understandably this prompted further communications and allegations from the whistleblower, resulting in the appointment of an external legal firm, to review the internal investigation.
The external legal review supported the internal investigation. This outcome further escalated the whistleblower’s concerns with the process. The whistleblower again raised the matter with certain independent members of the KPMG Australia Board and others.
At this point, a Board Sub-Committee (led by the Deputy Chair and including three independent directors), appointed Allens to conduct a further external legal investigation, which remains ongoing. Now, with new evidence and an expanded scope, Allens are continuing to challenge the conclusions reached in prior investigations.
The Board has identified areas where KPMG has fallen short of the standards it expects in the handling of such important matters. The Board has confirmed shortcomings in the:
As a consequence:
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