PwC Australia removes eight partners following internal investigation into tax leak scandal

Eight senior personnel at PwC have been named and removed from the firm’s partnership in the fallout of the tax leaks scandal.

The embattled consultancy firm said on Monday the action was a result of its investigation into the handling of confidential government information.

“The investigation identified a number of specific examples where professional standards were breached with respect to misuse of confidential information or other matters reviewed by the ATO [tax office],” PwC Australia said in a statement.

“Accountability is critical to improving our culture and based on our investigation to date, it is clear that the conduct of a number of partners fell short of what was expected of them.”

PwC is subject to multiple investigations, including a criminal probe, after its now-former international tax chief Peter Collins used confidential information and documents obtained through government contracts for the firm’s commercial gain.

Twelve partners have now been forced out as a result of the scandal. Some are accused by PwC of misusing confidential information, while it is alleged others did not properly exercise their expected leadership or governance responsibilities.

PwC in early June disclosed to a parliamentary committee the names of four former partners it alleged were responsible for confidentiality breaches.

This post was originally published on this site