KPMG Australia Chief Admits to 'Indefensible' Actions Amid Allegations of Client Data Leaks

The head of KPMG's Australian business unit, John Sams, has acknowledged major failings and indefensible actions by the firm during a parliamentary hearing on alleged client data leaks. Sams, who took over as CEO after his predecessor stepped down amid similar allegations, did not attempt to defend KPMG's past behavior. Among the allegations, Eileen Hoggett, former COO of KPMG Australia, is said to have printed confidential documents for a client and allowed another employee to view them. Hoggett was expelled from the firm after an email suggesting such actions was discovered in July. Deborah O'Neill, chair of Australia's Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services, stated that many more whistleblowers have come forward with allegations against KPMG.