KPMG contracts frozen as firm referred to anti-corruption watchdog
Today’s briefing covers a federal freeze on KPMG contracts, the closure of Lincraft’s physical stores, and significant service delays at VicRoads. It also includes updates on a high-profile inquest and local government financial challenges.
The federal government has placed a three-month freeze on new contracts with consulting firm KPMG. This decision follows a scandal regarding the treatment of a whistleblower. Additionally, the Greens political party has referred the firm to the national anti-corruption watchdog for further investigation.
Long-standing retailer Lincraft has announced it will close all its remaining physical stores. After more than 80 years of selling fabric and craft supplies in person, the company plans to move its entire business online.
VicRoads chief executive Giles Thompson has issued an apology after a week of technological glitches. The issues, caused by a network-wide upgrade, prevented motorists from registering new vehicles or booking driving tests at the Victorian agency.
A court investigating the death of wellness influencer Stacey Warnecke has heard that emergency services were delayed. Testimony indicated that a "birth keeper" present during a freebirth—a birth intended to occur without medical professionals—refused to call for help for several minutes.
Residents in Albury, New South Wales, may face a council rate increase of up to 42% over the next two years. Local councillors have voted to seek community feedback on the plan, which is intended to address a significant financial shortfall for the council.
The mother of Josh Warneke, who was murdered in Broome, has criticized the Western Australia Police. Ingrid Bishop stated that a poor internal culture and "fundamental systemic failures" led to a flawed investigation into her son's death.
In other legal news, former physical education teacher William Gilfillan was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison for sexual offences committed at a Gippsland school in the 1980s. In Tasmania, Premier Jeremy Rockliff confirmed that legal fees for former minister Jane Howlett have reached $405,000.
Explore more stories in the app, including the final NRL game at Leichhardt Oval and highlights from the World Cup, such as Cabo Verde finding a player on LinkedIn and a duck in a jersey stealing hearts in Mexico.