Overview
- Mike Baird told the formal inquiry on Friday, June 19, 2026 that KPMG’s response to a whistleblower complaint “lacked urgency,” adding public weight to the investigation.
- Baird confirmed he resigned from his role as an independent director at KPMG last year because he was unhappy with the pace and progress of the firm’s internal review.
- His comments were reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, WAtoday and the Australian Financial Review and were delivered as the inquiry gathers sworn evidence about how KPMG handled the original complaint.
- The testimony increases pressure on KPMG’s board and risks further reputational harm for the firm while regulators weigh whether governance or whistleblower protections need tightening.
- The case began with allegations from a former executive and has already triggered a formal public inquiry that will use testimony like Baird’s to assess board oversight, internal review processes and the firm's treatment of staff who raise concerns.