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Two Former EY Employees Charged Over Alleged Access to PM's Bank Data

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Two Former EY Employees Charged with Accessing Prime Minister Albanese’s Bank Details

Two former employees of professional services firm Ernst and Young (EY) have been charged with privacy offences after allegedly accessing the personal banking information of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese while working on secondment at the Commonwealth Bank.

The Charges

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) reported that the Commonwealth Bank identified irregular activity and notified authorities. The two individuals charged are:

  • Paul Issa, aged 21, a former EY graduate on secondment at Commonwealth Bank. He faces charges of accessing restricted data without authorization and distributing personal data. He faces an additional charge of using a carriage service to publish personal data in a manner a reasonable person would regard as menacing or harassing.

  • Phillip Issa, aged 25. He is charged with facilitating unauthorized access to restricted data and knowingly accessing restricted data.

According to court documents, the alleged access to the Prime Minister's bank account occurred on May 6, 2026, using a computer at the defendants' home in Marrickville.

Court Appearances

Both men appeared at Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. They were granted bail and are scheduled to appear again at Newtown Local Court on August 25, 2026.

Corporate Responses

  • Commonwealth Bank: A spokesperson stated it was not appropriate to comment on individual contractor matters.

  • Ernst and Young: Declined to comment on the ongoing legal proceedings but confirmed that the two former employees were terminated after an investigation.

  • The Prime Minister's office: Declined to comment on the matter.

Official Statements

Treasurer Jim Chalmers expressed concern about the breach, stating it was concerning for any Australian's personal details, not just the Prime Minister's.

"It's concerning for any Australian's personal details, not just the Prime Minister's." — Treasurer Jim Chalmers

Background Context

According to the Prime Minister's register of interests, he holds a savings account and a jointly owned mortgage with the Commonwealth Bank.

This incident adds to a series of controversies involving Australia's "Big 4" professional services firms:

  • 2023 — PwC: Sold its government advisory business following the sharing of confidential tax policy details.
  • KPMG: Faced a parliamentary inquiry into the leaking of client information.
  • Deloitte: Partially refunded a government contract due to errors arising from the use of artificial intelligence.