The world 'deserves the truth' behind PwC scandal

People have a right to know which PwC consultants leaked confidential government information to help the firm's clients dodge taxes, a Labor senator says.

Former PwC Tax partner Peter-John Collins was at the centre of the revelations when they came to light in January 2023.

In July of that year, eight partners including the firm's then-CEO were named and let go for professional or governance breaches.

A senate committee report on Wednesday has urged the consulting giant to name all the partners and personnel involved in the tax leak scandal, which risked $180 million per year of taxes.

Labor senator Deborah O’Neill
Deborah O’Neill wants PwC to name everyone involved in the scandal.

Committee member Deborah O'Neill said those engaged in government contracts should provide value for taxpayer dollars.

"There hasn't been any accountability," the Labor senator told ABC Radio on Thursday.

"Trying to rip off your own fellow Australians, it's extraordinary what PwC and Peter-John Collins have attempted to do.

"This is no place for you to come in and land your business, expand your reach, and just grossly draw profit and provide what we've know have been incredibly questionable services."

Senator O'Neill said PwC's new CEO, Kevin Burrowes, had been asked to provide this information to the committee, but claimed the names were protected under legal, professional privilege and that the relevant document was in London with PwC's international holding entity.

PwC Australia CEO Kevin Burrowes (file image)
PwC Australia CEO Kevin Burrowes says the identities are protected.

The committee has also asked the UK's Financial Reporting Council for assistance.

"What happened in Australia didn't stop at our borders," Senator O'Neill said.

"(Mr Collins) didn't do it on his own here, and he involved an international network of this multi-national conglomerate that is PwC.

"We deserve the truth, but internationally other countries also deserve to know who it is that's floating around in this ecosystem."

The committee made 11 other recommendations to address broader integrity issues in the consulting industry by suggesting the Department of Finance improve training for officials who undertake procurements, review guidance on conflicts of interest and develop a register for these breaches.

The Greens have urged the government to go further and ban companies from making political donations a year before applying for a government tender, a year after it is completed and during that application process.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the federal government was working through the report and had already wound down the use of contractors in the public service.

"We've got to make the system much better, much tighter. We've done a heap of work on that front, but we acknowledge that there's more to do as well," he told ABC News.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store