Category: Australian News

As the fallout over KPMG’s multiple scandals continues, the Greens can reveal that the government holds numerous active audit contracts with the Big 4 firm. 

According to the government’s own AusTender portal, the federal government holds dozens of active audit contracts worth $27.4 million with KPMG across various departments:

• The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO), the national auditor, has multiple active audit contracts with KPMG to the value of over $6.428m.
• The CSIRO has a $4.9m internal audit contract with KPMG.
• The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has multiple active audit contracts with KPMG to the value of $2.1m.
• The Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) has an internal auditing contract worth $1.748m with KPMG.
• The ATO has a contract of $680,000 with KPMG, more than three times the value it originally was quoted.

KPMG has been accused of and admitted to multiple misdemeanours, including sharing confidential client information to rig audit tenders, auditors using AI to cheat on internal exams, breaching audit independence, and “falling short” on the whistleblower’s concerns raised. 

The Greens are calling on Labor to ban KPMG from all government contracting work. In 2025, the Australian Greens introduced a bill that would allow the Commonwealth to ban dodgy contractors, such as PwC and KPMG, from entering into government contracts in order to deter unethical conduct. Both Labor and the Coalition refused to support the bill.

Greens Senator Barbara Pocock, spokesperson for finance and public sector:

“It’s clear that KPMG’s rot spans far and wide in government. Repeated scandals show they are unfit for government work yet Labor has given them millions of dollars in contracts.

“Why would the government hire a firm that’s been accused of sharing confidential client information, to audit its books?

“Labor must immediately ban KPMG and stop these corrupt firms from milking taxpayers of millions of dollars while abusing the system for their gain.

“If the NSW government can call for a ban on KPMG, why can’t the federal government? 

“The government must stop allowing the Big 4 to self-regulate. Labor needs to put an end to their special treatment – on tax, public reporting, professional liability and whistleblower protections – and regulate the Big 4 like other large Australian firms.

“The latest KPMG scandals show the Big 4 consultancy firms making a mockery of the parliament yet again. They have made millions of dollars from government work and abused the system. Labor needs to read the room and ban KPMG.

“Their ethics fail every pub test.

“The government needs to stop feigning outrage and expressing ‘deep concern’ at corrupt practices and instead introduce the legislative and structural reforms that enforce transparency and public accountability. Enough is enough.” 

It’s unacceptable that the logging assessment bilateral agreement between the Tasmanian and federal governments will be progressed ahead of the relevant environmental standards being finalised, the Greens say.

“This is simply the next chapter in an ongoing collusion between Labor and the Liberals to lock in destruction of Tasmania’s precious forests,” Australian Greens Forests spokesperson and Senator for Tasmania Nick McKim said.

“We have not even seen some of the environmental standards in draft form, and the ones we have seen are grossly inadequate.

“Governments should be protecting native forests, not conspiring to destroy them.

“Native forest logging should end, and it should end now.

“Tasmania’s Forest Practices Authority has an appalling track record of rubber-stamping forest destruction, and simply can’t be trusted to assess impacts from logging.”

Healthcare advocates and medical professionals are urging politicians to vote against changes to abortion laws that would reduce abortion access.

Greens spokesperson for Health Dr Amanda Cohn, a former regional GP and abortion care provider, said the proposed changes to abortion laws would have a devastating impact on women in regional areas, which have already been identified as ‘abortion deserts’.

The Abortion Law Reform Amendment (Sex Selection Prohibition) Bill 2025 is currently being debated in the NSW upper house.

“This bill is not really about sex-selective abortions, which the evidence shows is not happening in NSW,” Dr Cohn said. “Anti abortion campaigners are lobbying politicians to incrementally erode abortion rights.”

If the bill was successful, health practitioners could face criminal penalties of up to five years imprisonment for a poorly defined offence.

“Health professionals have told me they will not continue to provide abortion care if the laws are successful, as the uncertainty and risks are too great,” she said. “Practitioners shouldn’t be put in a position of being expected to doubt, interrogate, and police their patients.”

“This will have a devastating impact on regional communities where there is already limited access to abortion care. Sydney University research found that only three public hospitals across NSW provide routine abortion services, meaning most communities rely on private providers who are under no obligation to provide care.”

“Debating sex-selective abortions is a common tactic for anti-abortion campaigners to position themselves as on the side of women and girls and incrementally restrict abortion access,” Dr Cohn said.

The bill is opposed by key expert bodies and advocates for women’s rights and women’s health including Family Planning Australia, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association, the Australian Medical Association (NSW), Women’s Health NSW, the Women’s Electoral Lobby, and Fair Agenda.

The bill was debated in the Legislative Council on 3 June 2026 and is likely to be debated again when Parliament next sits.

Dr Cohn encourages community members to contact their local state MP to advocate for upholding abortion rights in NSW.

Her full contribution to debate on the bill can be read here.

The NSW Government has announced a new three year funding cycle for the Saving Our Species program, while leaving critical natural areas vulnerable to continued logging, broadscale clearing and destruction under the failed biodiversity offsets system.

Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment and solicitor Sue Higginson said:

“The increase in allocated spending for the Saving Our Species Program for the next three years is obviously a very welcomed announcement, and direct investment in frontline services and boots on the ground at a landscape scale is a move that has been called on for decades,”

“Unfortunately, it’s not the ambition and vision nature needs right now. If the Minns Labor Government are serious about protecting the environment, stopping the extinction crisis and repairing nature, they would fix the failed biodiversity offsets system, fix our land clearing laws, end native forest logging, and expand our National Park system to 30% of land and water by 2030,”

“Investment in managing our landscapes is a defense position, our natural world needs bold and positive action that stops the harm and builds resilience – not just repairing harm,”

“I look forward to more detail from the Minister about how and where this money will be spent, and what in fact will be saved.” Ms Higginson said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will welcome the Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, to Australia on Saturday 6 June 2026 for the annual Australia–New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting.

The leaders will discuss economic resilience and measures the two countries can take to boost prosperity, including in the context of the fuel crisis.

The leaders will also look for opportunities to strengthen our Single Economic Market, deepen defence and security cooperation, and enhance cooperation in the Pacific region.

The last Australia–New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting was held in Queenstown, New Zealand in August 2025. This meeting will take place in Noosa, Queensland.

This will be Prime Minister Luxon’s third official visit to Australia. Most recently, Prime Minister Luxon travelled to Canberra in August 2024 for the Australia–New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting.

Prime Minister Albanese

“Australia has no closer friend, neighbour and ally than New Zealand. Our relationship is built on a rich shared history and generations of cooperation.

“This year we are celebrating 75 years of our Alliance under the ANZUS Treaty. Our Alliance is more important than ever in the face of global uncertainty.

“As new challenges emerge, Australia and New Zealand will continue to work together to safeguard the economic prosperity and national security of both countries and the Pacific region.”

Australian Defence Force personnel will train Ukrainian soldiers in Poland as part of Australia’s ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion.

From mid-2026, the ADF will partner with the Norwegian-led multinational Operation Legio to train Ukrainian personnel in Poland, continuing the support provided under Australia’s Operation Kudu. 

Since January 2023, Operation Kudu has worked with the United Kingdom-led multinational training mission, Operation Interflex. This effort will now evolve under Operation Legio to deliver training closer to Ukraine’s borders and better meet Ukraine’s operational requirements. 

Through Operation Kudu, the ADF has trained more than 3,650 Armed Forces of Ukraine personnel in basic infantry tactics, leadership and military skills. 

Australia continues to support Ukraine as an operational partner to NATO’s Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine initiative. This support has included deployments of an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to Germany and Poland, as well as participation in the Coalition of the Willing and the Drone Capability Coalition for Ukraine.

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Australia has provided more than $1.7 billion in support for Ukraine, including $1.5 billion in military assistance.

Australia remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression.

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

“Australia is continuing to adapt our contributions to Ukraine to ensure our support remains practical, relevant, and aligned with their most urgent needs. 

“I am proud of the high quality training delivered by ADF personnel under Operation Kudu, and I thank the United Kingdom for their leadership under Operation Interflex.”

Australia has today imposed further Magnitsky-style human rights sanctions against three additional Israeli individuals and four additional entities in response to escalating settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

Today’s measures designate individuals and entities for targeted financial sanctions, and declare the individuals for travel bans.

Australia has coordinated with partners including New Zealand in imposing these measures.

They build on sanctions Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom previously imposed, which included Israeli Ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich. For the first time, designated entities now include farming outposts that serve as hubs for settler violence.

Australia is steadfast in its commitment to the two-state solution as the only pathway to enduring peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law, threaten the viability of a two-state solution, and are a major obstacle to peace.

Following the horrors of Hamas’ attack on 7 October 2023 and subsequent devastating conflict in Gaza, maintaining momentum towards a two-state solution remains more important than ever.

The Israeli Government must uphold its obligations under international law. The Australian Government and international partners continue to call on Israel to take urgent action to end settler violence, ensure accountability for perpetrators and stop extremist, violent and expansionist rhetoric.

Settler violence is used to displace Palestinians and perpetuate the settlement enterprise, through destruction of property, displacement of families, beatings, sexual assault, and torture, resulting in serious injuries and deaths.

The individuals and entities sanctioned today have undermined Israel’s own security and its standing in the world and harmed the interests of the Israeli people. Australia’s imposition of sanctions against them reflects our commitment to Israel and Palestine’s security and future.

For further information on Australia’s sanctions settings, please visit the Australia and sanctions page on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.

The Albanese Government is providing $5 million to support the global response to the Ebola outbreak and help prevent the spread of the disease.

This reflects Australia’s commitment to global health security and preventing outbreaks from becoming wider crises.

The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, is affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, and neighbouring countries are on alert.

The virus is spreading rapidly, and limited access to testing facilities means the true number of cases is unknown.

Australia’s funding, directed through the International Federation of the Red Cross and the World Health Organization (WHO), will provide vital medical care and supplies, water and sanitation services, support outbreak surveillance and preparedness, and strengthen local health systems.

US$60 million has also been released from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund to respond to urgent humanitarian needs in the DRC, Uganda and neighbouring countries. Australia is a longstanding donor to the Fund, contributing $11 million each year.

The Albanese Government is also supporting urgent work to develop a vaccine for the virus through our contribution to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“This funding reflects Australia’s commitment to global health security in an increasingly connected world.

“We are acting to support the responders and local communities that are on the frontline and prevent the further spread of Ebola.

“Strong international partnerships are critical to managing health threats like Ebola and reducing their wider impacts.”

International Development Minister Dr Anne Aly:

“When crises unfold, speed matters. Australia’s support for the World Health Organization and the Red Cross helps ensure assistance can reach people quickly.

“Australia’s funding will help to save lives, contain the virus and reduce the risk of it spreading further.

Our funding plays an important role in the coordinated international response, keeping the global community – including Australians – safe.”

Alcoa’s Exemption Order – which allows the company to continue mining without EPA approval – will be revoked this month to update the conditions they can operate under. The change follows multiple suspected breaches and a record federal ‘fine’ for illegal clearing.

Despite this, Alcoa will not be forced to stop work. The Cook Labor Government has indicated it will issue a new Exemption Order as soon as the existing one is revoked, ensuring there is no interruption to Alcoa’s clearing operations.

The Cook Labor Government has not clarified what the trigger was for reviewing the Mining Management Plan and revoking the Exemption Order, but it comes on the back of increasing scrutiny and community pressure. 

Since December 2025, Jess Beckerling MLC has submitted three reports of suspected breaches to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER). 

The DWER response to these reports has been wholly inadequate and deeply concerning, with Ms Beckerling now waiting for documents related to the investigations to be released under FOI. 

It is clear the government is under unprecedented and increasing pressure over the American mining company’s actions. 

The Greens (WA) Environment spokesperson Jess Beckerling MLC said the announcement was proof that exposing Alcoa’s bad behaviour was having the desired effect on the Cook Labor Government.

“Of course Alcoa’s Exemption Order must be revoked, but the Cook Labor Government should not be even considering issuing a new one. 

“Alcoa is continuing to clear ancient jarrah forests, push black cockatoos to the brink of extinction and threaten our drinking water all while under EPA assessment, making an absolute mockery of our nature laws.

“While the EPA assesses Alcoa’s impacts on our Jarrah forests, there should be zero clearing yet the Cook Labor Government continues to bend over backwards to exempt their mining and clearing operations while they wait for approval.

“I have been appalled by the investigations into the suspected breaches I reported. In every case there remain serious questions to be answered, and I am awaiting documents under FOI laws concerning the first suspected breach. 

“In the case of the Hollowbutt Jarrah tree, the investigation shows DWER engaged a consultant who had found there had in fact been a breach. Yet, DWER decided to engage a second consultant who used a different methodology to conveniently conclude there had been no breach.

“This whole process has confirmed what we already knew: that the Cook Labor Government prioritises Alcoa’s interests over the community’s. This must change and I have no doubt that Alcoa’s social licence is nearing its expiry date.

“A fourteen day feedback period has just been opened, providing for anyone to contact the Environment Minister to have their say about Alcoa’s exemption order being revoked. 

“I expect thousands of people will make it very clear that Alcoa must stop clearing while their exemption order is revoked. 

“The Cook Government needs to take this opportunity to actually listen to the public who want Alcoa to be reined in and the forests and our water to be protected.”

Following reporting by the Sydney Morning Herald, the NSW Parliament has today passed a motion recognising the State harm caused to two very young children and their families more than 15 years ago, and acknowledged the significant public good served by their mothers. The Attorney general has received an application for an ex gratia payment to recognise these issues, and the Parliament called for that application to be considered urgently.

A non-publication order means pseudonyms should be used in any publication. Jacqui* and her daughter Julia*, and Rachel* and her daughter Rose*.

Greens MP and spokesperson for justice and solicitor Sue Higginson said:

“Jacqui and Rachel, and their strong independent, now adult daughters, have achieved something extraordinary in the face of a justice system that failed to hear them when it mattered most,”

“These mothers did everything that the system asks victim survivors and families to do. They reported, they cooperated with police, they prepared their very young children for court, they pursued complaints, they gave evidence to the Royal Commission, and they helped drive reforms that now protect other children,”

“Their daughters were three years old when they were abused in a government-regulated childcare centre. The criminal case was discontinued because these very young children were considered unable to provide sufficient detail, but it has now been revealed that NSW Police did not seize or investigate electronic devices, and did not obtain video from the childcare centre,”

“That information was not given to these families at the time. It only came to light this year because of parliamentary questions and correspondence, and is the final piece of information that demands a proper response from the State,”

“The Attorney General has the application for an ex gratia payment. The Parliament has now recognised the public good served by these mothers and the harm caused by State systems. That application should be treated with urgency, and the 15 years of work by these women finally recognised,”

“The Government cannot undo what happened to Jacqui, Rachel, Julia and Rose. It can and should acknowledge the failures, and make an ex gratia payment that recognises the harm caused and the contribution these families have made to justice reform,” Ms Higginson said.