KPMG partners may face consulting inquiry spotlight over ABS work

KPMG staff accused of rigging a $600,000 review of the statistic bureau's IT systems ahead of the 2021 census may be called to appear before a parliamentary inquiry into contractor spending.

The inquiry is expected to examine claims made by former KPMG associate director James Eldridge that throw a light on potential conflicts of interest when the public sector uses consulting firms to produce "independent" reports to inform funding decisions.