Yesterday
Sportsbet accuses Deloitte of negligence, misleading audit work
The bookmaker claims the firm signed off on “materially understated” gambling fees and other underpayments at a company it acquired for $313 million in 2018.
- Max Mason
This Month
- Exclusive
- Big four consultants
Big four consultants’ ‘land and expand’ strategy hammered by scandals
The big four consulting firms secured about $90 million worth of contract extensions from Canberra last financial year, down from a record $252 million the year before.
- Ronald Mizen
One consulting firm has more Olympians than the others
In the hyper-competitive world of big four consulting in Australia, one firm stands out in a completely unofficial ranking of which has more Olympic athletes at the Paris Games.
- Euan Black
- Exclusive
- Big four consultants
Big four’s river of gold from taxpayers slashed 50pc
The Department of Defence recorded the biggest fall in spending as Labor cuts the public service’s reliance on outside advice.
- Ronald Mizen
- Analysis
- Government Observed
Five projects to fix Australia’s productivity woes
The answer to the nation’s sagging productivity is staring us in the face says former NSW minister Victor Dominello.
- Tom Burton
July
- Exclusive
- Leadership lessons
The top skills leaders need to succeed this decade
Knowing how to get the most out of hybrid working and generative AI are among the skills that leaders need today. The future will call for much more.
- Euan Black
Scyne to cut 90 jobs amid crunch on Canberra work
Those affected have had a tumultuous year, in which they were obligated to move to the start-up after the firesale only to find themselves unemployed again now.
- Edmund Tadros
Consulting downturn shrinks Deloitte revenue by $70m
Deloitte’s revenue suffered a sharp reversal in 2023-24, with revenue in all sectors either flat or shrinking.
- Maxim Shanahan
Deloitte 1, Jim Chalmers 0
Deloitte is sceptical of the government’s Future Made in Australia policy. Did that lead Jim Chalmers to slap down its economic forecasting too?
- Updated
- Myriam Robin
Luxury brands roll out huge discounts as Chinese rein in spending
The sales are being offered primarily by aspirational brands such as Versace and Burberry, as China’s once-voracious middle-class consumers become more frugal.
- Annachiara Biondi and Thomas Hale
- Exclusive
- Business IT
ASX cuts back on overpaid tech contractors who were ‘taking the p---’
The company’s tech boss is reducing reliance on contractors and consultants after insiders blew the whistle on temporary staff.
- Paul Smith
Consultants face decade-low growth slump
Annual growth in the sector is forecast to fall to its lowest level – apart from the short-lived pandemic slump – since 2015.
- Edmund Tadros
June
Telstra hires Deloitte to audit books, replacing EY after 25 years
The telecoms giant said changing auditors was “good governance” and wants to use Deloitte’s digital technology to reduce costs.
- Jenny Wiggins and Edmund Tadros
KPMG launches radical overhaul, cuts 200 senior jobs
KPMG Australia will overhaul its consulting business to focus on tech-related advisory and software installation as part of an $80 million cost-cutting exercise that will include cutting about 200 roles at the firm.
- Edmund Tadros
What Senate inquiry said about big four, now trying to ‘rebuild trust’
The big four consultancies have welcomed the Senate’s final report into the sector, which largely avoided direct criticism of individuals and firms.
- Maxim Shanahan
Inquiry calls for strict new rules for big four consulting firms
Parliamentary approval of contracts and a review of laws governing partnerships are among the final recommendations of a Senate inquiry into outsourcing.
- Edmund Tadros and Maxim Shanahan
The rare bright spot in a difficult consulting market
The Australian arm of Alvarez & Marsal has expanded to 54 managing directors and 300 staff since its launch and is now generating “tens of millions” in local revenue.
- Edmund Tadros
Lawyers to the fore as courts tighten screws on privilege claims
Claiming legal privilege for post-cyberattack reports is now almost impossible, lawyers say, as courts take a more critical view of “woolly” claims.
- Maxim Shanahan
New unit to replace outside consultants in NSW
NSW will follow the federal government in setting up an in-house consulting unit to reduce spending on the major firms.
- Maxim Shanahan
Consulting firms soften partner intakes despite rise in exits
The latest partner promotions and appointments at EY, Deloitte and PwC reflect the major downturn in advisory work.
- Maxim Shanahan and Edmund Tadros
