The total value of Australian Commonwealth government contracts awarded to KPMG nearly doubled to A$58.7 million in the 2025–26 financial year, up from approximately A$32 million the previous year, according to newly released figures compiled by the Parliamentary Library from government procurement records.
The increase comes despite a scandal involving the misuse of confidential client information, which prompted leadership departures, regulatory scrutiny and restrictions on KPMG’s ability to bid for new government work.
According to figures published on 6 October, more than 30 contracts worth over A$20 million were executed with KPMG after the scandal became public on 24 March 2026.
The figures are based on AusTender contract and amendment values as recorded on 23 July 2026. They represent the value of contracts awarded, rather than necessarily the amounts paid to KPMG during the financial year.
KPMG Accounts for More Than Half of Big Four Contract Awards
The data show that the four largest audit firms received approximately A$109.5 million in Commonwealth contract awards during 2025–26, across 250 contracts.
KPMG accounted for approximately 54% of that value, significantly exceeding the amounts awarded to its competitors.
KPMG’s major government clients include the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, Services Australia, the Department of Defence, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and the Bureau of Meteorology.
The findings emerge as the Australian government faces wider scrutiny over its reliance on external consultants. Commonwealth consulting contract awards exceeded A$860 million in 2025–26, compared with A$788 million in 2021–22.
Procurement Restrictions Remain in Place
On 16 June 2026, the Australian Department of Finance announced that KPMG had agreed to stop bidding for new Commonwealth work while an independent review examined the firm’s governance, culture, ethics and integrity arrangements.
The restrictions were initially scheduled to expire on 30 September but were subsequently extended to 31 October 2026.
However, the Department of Finance’s procurement guidance provides several exceptions.
Existing contracts can continue, including extensions permitted under their original terms. The restrictions also exclude proposals submitted before 16 June and certain ongoing software licensing arrangements.
Consequently, contracts awarded after the scandal became public in March do not necessarily represent breaches of the restrictions, which only took effect in June.
The procurement figures do not establish how much of the A$58.7 million relates to contracts permitted under these exceptions.
Independent Review
The Department of Finance commissioned an independent review led by former senior public servant Dr Ian Watt to examine KPMG’s governance and ethical frameworks.
The review deadline was extended to 9 October to accommodate findings from other investigations into the firm.
KPMG has separately announced significant governance reforms, including plans for a new Integrity Office and additional whistleblower protections.
This is part of Big4News’ continuing coverage of the KPMG Australia Audit Leak Scandal.
KPMG Australia Audit Leaks Scandal
The KPMG Australia audit-leaks scandal, which erupted publicly in March 2026, has developed from a whistleblower’s contested allegations into an established pattern of misconduct, investigative failure and governance weakness. It represents one of the most serious integrity crises to hit the Big Four in Australia since the PwC tax leaks affair.
About Claudine Cassar
I’m a corporate anthropologist and former Deloitte equity partner. I sold my technology business to Deloitte in 2016 and led the Malta Consulting team for five years. I am the founder and editor of Big4News, which provides independent, clear analysis of PwC, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG — free from corporate spin.
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