KPMG zviždač odbio se preseliti u Australiju, strahujući od navodnog maltretiranja

A whistleblower at KPMG Australia reportedly refused to relocate to the country in part due to claims of bullying by a senior executive, according to newly released documents reviewed by a parliamentary committee. The individual, who has not been publicly named, was working for KPMG outside Australia and had initially agreed to return under the firm's relocation policies. However, he cited concerns over alleged misconduct by Kim Lawry, a high-ranking audit partner and board member at the firm. Lawry, who held a prominent position within KPMG until recently, was accused by the whistleblower of engaging in bullying and defamatory behavior. In internal communications dated 2024, the whistleblower stated that he had brought these concerns to multiple colleagues and higher-ups within the organization. He also claimed that he faced retaliation for refusing to move to Australia and for voicing his concerns about the conduct of certain partners. The whistleblower detailed a range of grievances beyond the alleged bullying, including disputes over taxation, superannuation, pay raises, weekend work, travel, and bonuses. These issues were tied to the broader issue of relocation, which KPMG Australia had previously discussed before implementing a strict policy requiring all employees to reside in the country permanently or on a long-term basis. This policy shift occurred in June 2024, following ongoing discussions with the whistleblower. In a communication to the whistleblower in July 2024, a KPMG executive reiterated the firm's stance, stating that remote work from abroad was not permitted under the new policy. The message emphasized that this rule applied to all teams within the company. The whistleblower had already expressed dissatisfaction with the firm prior to this directive. In response to the growing controversy, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) issued a letter to approximately 2,900 registered company auditors, urging them to uphold professional standards amid concerns about public trust in the auditing profession. The move reflects the escalating scrutiny surrounding KPMG following the whistleblower revelations. The whistleblower specifically highlighted Lawry's influence and the potential consequences of addressing her conduct. He noted that Lawry held a key role in securing the Westpac audit contract, valued at around $34 million annually. According to the whistleblower, he was advised against pursuing investigations into Lawry's actions due to fears that such inquiries could jeopardize the contract. Despite the whistleblower's efforts, KPMG secured the Westpac audit contract. However, the fallout from the scandal has impacted the firm significantly. Lawry resigned from the KPMG board and partnership last week after Westpac requested her removal from the audit contract to eliminate any distractions. Meanwhile, Martin Sheppard, the chairman of KPMG, defended the firm during a recent public hearing but stepped down shortly afterward. Westpac has not yet announced plans to switch auditors, despite the ongoing challenges facing KPMG. The situation continues to unfold, with regulatory bodies and internal stakeholders monitoring developments closely.