Latest
KWM is dead, long live Mallesons. But can the law firm escape its past?
KWM’s China divorce finally takes effect next week. The newly independent Mallesons could take Australian law by storm, or could find itself playing catch-up.
Luke Sayers’ wife accuses the AFL of colluding to clear his name
In new filings, Cate Sayers alleges the league didn’t check any of her husband’s claims, including that a lewd photo posted online was taken for a doctor.
Whistleblower allegations spark parliamentary probe into KPMG Australia
Evidence about allegations of wrongdoing related to the handling of confidential client information has been shared with a powerful parliamentary committee.
KPMG allegedly misused Lendlease data to win audit work
The firm said two separate law firms had already examined the allegations but were “unable to substantiate any claims of wrongdoing”.
KPMG’s alleged dirty deeds at odds with CEO’s sermons
Perhaps Andrew Yates can use these latest claims as an “opportunity to learn” how to walk the talk on ethical standards.
Data Trackers
What’s next for consulting in 2026
The best-read stories of last year and a lookahead to the coming trends. Plus: our annual corporate jargon Eye-roll awards.
‘Promoted outwards’: The year’s most indigestible jargon
Artificial intelligence has made the world of corporate guff even more horrific. Here are the worst words of 2025 – we hope to never see any of them again.
Professional Moves
Roll up, roll up! Horizon Nexus heads north for PKF carve-out
PKF Brisbane’s five equity partners, led by managing partner Liam Murphy, have agreed to divorce from the global network.
KPMG picks ex-Australia boss as next global chief
Gary Wingrove beat UK boss Jon Holt in a two-man race to lead the 276,000-person big four accounting firm internationally.
Allens appoints new managing partner in biggest change in a decade
The major law firm’s board selected Sydney-based Marc Kemp to succeed Richard Spurio in the top job from July.
This Month
The future of consulting: Fewer staff, but same deliverables
Delivering a project with less than a quarter of the people - if you use AI agents. Plus: Hackers expose McKinsey’s IT flaws and a new tax leaks fine for PwC.
Top judge heads towards 1300-day judgment milestone
Justice Bernard Murphy hasn’t filed a decision since early December, but still reckons he will finalise his outstanding cases by his June 30 retirement.
This law firm is paying staff $30 a week to forgo WFH
The temporary fuel relief program aims to help offset the rising cost of travelling to the office, as fuel prices soar in response to the Middle East conflict.
EY staffer fined for using mobile phone during two accounting exams
The junior accountant was fined almost $6000 and his was membership suspended until 2027 for repeatedly using a mobile phone during exams - then lying about it.
Personalisation is no longer a ‘nice to have’ – it’s the new battleground
With inflation showing no signs of going away any time soon, Australians are getting pickier about what they pay for, and what they get back in return.
Sponsored
by HSBC
PwC deploys AI to slash consulting delivery times
The big four consultancy is expanding its use of artificial intelligence to supercharge efficiency and ward off competition from a host of industry newcomers.
Fake cases, made up quotes land underworld law firm in AI trouble
A solicitor employed by Sydney gangland lawyer and pro-boxer Ahmed Dib has been lashed for the suspected use of artificial intelligence in court documents.
OK, Boomer: New law grads say AI’s no problem for them
“AI native” lawyers don’t share their elders’ fears of a job apocalypse, as law firms hire big to hedge against tech shocks and a brain-drain to overseas.
Meet the go-to lawyer for Perth’s elite for the past 50 years
Martin Bennett sleeps four hours a night, has an eidetic memory and plenty of stories. “’If I was in deep doo-doo, I’d want Martin,” says a former colleague.
PwC US boss says partners who resist AI have no place at the firm
Paul Griggs says the firm will start to offer alternatives to the traditional model of billing clients based on the number of hours worked by its army of staff.
Slaters calls in ex-Daniel Andrews operative for reputation fix
Georgia Brumby’s former job must be one of the few that would make managing Slaters’ all-staff email scandal last year seem easy in comparison.
Chartered Accountants paying thousands to ‘teach themselves’ revolt
Last week’s exam blow-up has led to questions from accountants-in-training about what, exactly, they’re paying for. Plus: the Luke Sayers saga continues.
Court operations in peril as transcription giant enters administration
VIQ Solutions produces the recordings and transcripts that are essential to the day-to-day work of Australia’s busiest courts, including the Federal Court.
Roll up, roll up! Horizon Nexus heads north for PKF carve-out
PKF Brisbane’s five equity partners, led by managing partner Liam Murphy, have agreed to divorce from the global network.
The High Court, the booty shorts, and one eclectic judgment
At last, Australia’s legal system has a binding precedent on the origins of Katy Perry’s musical career. Plus: White shoe firm’s courtroom disaster.
Luke Sayers’ wife wants a jury to hear her claims against him
The former president of Carlton Football Club is locked in a legal battle with his spouse, who is accusing him of defaming her and invading her privacy.
Chartered Accountants ANZ blames exam issues on testing company
Problems with the online test monitoring systems operated by Janison Education Group disrupted two major accounting and NAPLAN tests over 48 hours.
KPMG taps India’s Coforge for EA outsourcing to save $17m annually
The move marks the largest example of executive assistants roles at big four firms being sent overseas,
Luke Sayers alleges estranged wife stole information given to AFL
The former Carlton president, in defending himself against a defamation action, says a photo posted on his X account last year was taken for medical purposes.
Sydney designer Katie Perry wins against Katy Perry
The High Court says the Hunters Hill designer can keep using her trademark in a ruling with big consequences for Australian brands.
