Federal government has contracts worth more than $650m with embattled KPMG

KPMG is facing claims it misused confidential client information and then mistreated an internal whistleblower. (ABC News: Maren Preuss)

New parliamentary library data reveals the federal government has 297 contracts with KPMG, worth a total value of $653 million.

It comes as KPMG is embroiled in an audit scandal and is being investigated by ASIC.

More than 30 witnesses, including a number of top former and current leaders from KPMG, clients, regulators and industry bodies, will be appearing before a parliamentary committee hearing next Friday.

It has been revealed the federal government has almost 300 active contracts with scandal-embroiled KPMG, for a total value of $653 million, according to data from the parliamentary library.

KPMG is being investigated by the corporate watchdog ASIC over claims it misused confidential client information and then mistreated an internal whistleblower.

In 2024, a whistleblower raised concerns with the firm's senior leadership that confidential board papers from construction giant Lendlease were used to pitch for and win audit contracts from other firms including Westpac and Dexus.

The Reserve Bank is distancing itself from KPMG with Governor Michele Bullock confirming the bank will re-tender its whistleblower hotline service.

An internal investigation did not substantiate the claims, with a further investigation by another external legal firm also supporting the original outcome.

However, after the whistleblower raised further complaints with the board, a different external law firm, Allens, was appointed to look into the claims, which is ongoing.

It uncovered secondary instances of inappropriate document sharing.

The scandal was publicly revealed by Labor senator Deborah O'Neill in March under parliamentary privilege.

In late May, KPMG chief executive Andrew Yates and audit partner Julian McPherson resigned, with KPMG admitting the investigations "fell short of the firm's expectations" and apologising to the whistleblower.

Deborah O'Neill publicly revealed the scandal under parliamentary privilege. (ABC News: John Gunn)

In early June, under questioning at Senate estimates, ASIC revealed it had begun a formal investigation into KPMG and revealed two of three registered auditors it was looking into: Eileen Hoggett and audit partner Paul Rogers.

Next Friday will be a day of reckoning for a stream of senior KPMG former and current leaders, who will be among 30 witnesses grilled by senators, which will also include the firm's clients, regulators and industry bodies.

Eileen Hoggett was demoted within the com