MEDIA STATEMENT

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) is deeply disappointed by the serious allegations involving KPMG Australia and the handling of confidential client information.

As indicated in a statement issued on 29 May, CA ANZ's independent Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) is actively investigating this matter as it relates to possible action under CA ANZ’s By-Laws.

At the same time, CEO Ainslie van Onselen has exercised powers under CA ANZ's regulations to direct targeted reviews of KPMG Australia and other major Australian firms, over and above the regular cycle of Quality Practice Reviews for firms. These reviews will examine how confidential client information is handled and how ethical culture is promoted.

CA ANZ's appearance before the Parliamentary Joint Committee

CA ANZ has been invited to appear before the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services on 19 June, focused on whistleblower allegations and KPMG Australia.

Representing CA ANZ at the hearing is CEO Ainslie van Onselen, General Counsel and Group Executive of Corporate Assurance Vanessa Chapman, CA ANZ Board Chair Sarah Petersen FCA, and Disciplinary Tribunal Chair Grace Kelly.

At the hearing CA ANZ will expand on evidence provided to the Committee, including the handling of anonymous email inquiries regarding the PCC complaints process. Other than a reference to Academic Integrity issues already under investigation, these emails did not include details of allegations regarding the handling of confidential information, that became public on 24 March 2026.

A reminder of Chartered Accountants’ ethical obligations

CA ANZ reminds members of their ethical obligation to abide by the five fundamental principles outlined in the relevant Code of Ethics being either the Australian Professional and Ethical Standards Board's APES 110 – Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants or the NZICA Code of Ethics.

The guiding ethical principles for members – Integrity, Objectivity, Professional Competence and Due Care, Confidentiality and Professional Behaviour – are detailed in CA ANZ’s online Ethics Hub.

In relation to confidentiality APES110 is clear, members must “respect the right of your current, past or prospective clients and employers to have all information kept secure, private and confidential. The only exceptions are if there is a legal or professional duty or right to disclose confidential information, or disclosure is authorised by your client or employer.”

Members experiencing ethical dilemmas can receive counselling and support from our CA Advisory Group (CAAG), comprised of experienced senior Chartered Accountants. The service is free and all discussions are confidential.

Where individuals have information relevant to matters before the PCC, we encourage them to make contact.

Supporting whistleblowers

Whistleblowers play a vital role in exposing misconduct and breaches of the ethical behaviour required by our members.

In our Going Further Roadmap, published in June 2024, CA ANZ called for a harmonised Australian national framework and practical reforms for whistleblowers. This included application to partnerships and targeted amendments to the Corporations Act to enable audit team members to share protected disclosures within the audit team with confidence, and without affecting whistleblower protections.

CA ANZ has long advocated for reform in this area. At its appearance before the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services in October 2023, CEO Ainslie van Onselen made clear the organisation had already called for change.

"We have recommended that enhanced whistleblower protections be introduced for the partnership model,” Ms van Onselen told the Committee.

“There is a gap there, we believe, and we are very much proponents of that regulatory reform to enable those whistleblower protections.”

Accordingly, CA ANZ welcomes the Assistant Treasurer’s recent announcement of a review into tax and corporate whistleblowing and will contribute constructively to that process.