KPMG scored $1.2m audit while selling rival products
KPMG audited rival supply chain products while selling its own, raising conflict of interest concerns.
The Attorney-General's department hired KPMG for a $1.2 million audit of supply chain and modern slavery risk assessment tools. KPMG's role was to review and comment on products available in the market, including those from competitors.
The problem: KPMG itself sells supply chain analysis tools, giving it an interest in the audit's findings. Fair Supply's chief executive, Kim Randle, told the AGD this was inappropriate.
She warned KPMG should not be allowed to review products from direct competitors. It should not comment on them or recommend them either.
Internal emails show the AGD acknowledged conflicts of interest before the audit started in September 2025. They also set up privacy safeguards.
KPMG says it followed all contract terms and privacy rules. The AGD confirmed the risks were managed in line with controls they identified in their own risk assessment.
- $1.2 million
- Audit contract value
- September 2025
- Audit start date
- January 19
- Conflict raised date
Why it mattersWhen a company audits market options and also sells similar products, questions arise. People wonder if the advice is fair and if government buying rules are strong enough.
AustraliaThis affects how Australian government departments award contracts and whether their processes adequately manage conflicts of interest when consulting firms advise on rivals' products.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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