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Big four consultants

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KPMG has been thrown into turmoil after allegations from a whistleblower.

KPMG hit with de facto ban on new government contracts

The consulting giant has effectively been banned from new federal government work while the Department of Finance reviews its suitability as a contractor.

  • Colin Kruger

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The Victorian and NSW governments have sought assurances about the firm’s lucrative work.

NSW and Victorian governments put embattled firm KPMG on notice

The NSW government demanded assurance from KPMG that people under investigation as part of a whistleblower scandal are not working on government contracts, while Victoria said it was reviewing contracts with the firm.

  • Millie Muroi, Colin Kruger, Nigel Gladstone and Kieran Rooney
111 Eagle Street and the Riverside Centre in Brisbane’s CBD host two of the so-called big four consulting firms – Deloitte and EY.

Former department head’s firm lands major work in consulting cash splash

A two-part investigation into government consultant and contractor use also found $25 million awarded to “big four” firms despite the LNP’s tough election stance.

  • Matt Dennien
Stephanie Arezzi was part of Deloitte Australia’s Vacationer program in late 2023. In February, she started as a graduate data analyst with the Big Four accounting firm’s artificial intelligence and data stream.

Thirty thousand people applied for Stephanie’s finance job. Two ‘soft skills’ sealed the deal

Securing a graduate role at a big four consulting firm can set you up for life. But as competition among hungry contenders intensifies, you need more than a university transcript up your sleeve.

  • Bronte Gossling
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher and Treasurer Jim Chalmers have previously said they would make savings from consultant cuts.

Labor vowed to crack down on consultants, but spending is going up

The federal government had $637 million in active consulting contracts in the last six months, compared to $514 million in the half year before that.

  • Olivia Ireland and Brittany Busch
Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee President Andrew Liveris (left) and Queensland Sport Minister Tim Mander at Tuesday’s business lunch.

Brisbane 2032 could bring a $70 billion windfall: Deloitte

Greater Brisbane alone stands to enjoy a $39.5 billion economic boost from the Olympics, but only if they act as a catalyst for reform, a new report says.

  • Cameron Atfield
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Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki in the budget lock-up.

‘Scare campaign ends today’: Public service to grow 2.24 per cent

Queensland’s public service will grow by 2.2 per cent, Treasurer David Janetzki revealed on Tuesday as the first LNP state budget since 2014 confirmed consultancy services would be brought in-house.

  • Cameron Atfield
Employers have been scrambling to understand generative artificial intelligence since ChatGPT was released in 2022.

‘Tell me what you can build’: AI boom turns into gold rush for consultants

While the tech industry is looking for ways to make money off artificial intelligence, consultants like McKinsey and KPMG have already started cashing in.

  • Tripp Mickle
PwC plans to exit staff as part of its reviews following its tax leak scandal have hit a road bump.

PwC tolerated poor behaviour, gave CEO too much power, review finds

PwC Australia oversaw a culture that fostered a “whatever it takes” approach and created a chief executive role that was unaccountable to the board, a new report has found.

  • Sarah Danckert and Natassia Chrysanthos
During a Senate inquiry hearing into consultancy firms, Deloitte Australia CEO Adam Powick acknowledged his annual salary was seven times that of the Prime Minister.

I’m a consultant, but I support a $3 billion spend on the public service

You can’t replace consultants overnight, and if the government strips back their numbers it’s going to need to pay public servants better salaries.

  • Christopher Pyne