Two former EY employees face criminal charges for allegedly accessing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's personal banking records while seconded to Commonwealth Bank of Australia. The Australian Federal Police charged the 21-year-old and 25-year-old men with unauthorized access to restricted data and related offenses. Both individuals were graduate trainees working on a technology project at CBA.

The incident raises fresh questions about data security protocols at major consultancies. The men had received training on data privacy from both firms before the alleged breach occurred. EY declined to comment, while CBA stated it would not discuss individual contractor matters. This marks another controversy involving Big Four firms in Australia, following KPMG departures over whistleblower allegations and PwC's management overhaul after a tax partner leaked government information.

Australia's professional services sector faces mounting pressure over data handling practices. The case highlights risks when consulting firms place junior staff at client sites with access to sensitive systems. Both men were released on bail and appeared in Sydney court Tuesday. Authorities continue investigating potential broader implications for financial sector cybersecurity standards.