PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) announced the retirement of its former Australia CEO, who resigned last week, and an independent probe into a breach of classified government tax information.
PwC Australia said Monday that partner Tom Seymour will retire on Sept. 30.
PwC could not reach Seymour for comment. He didn’t respond to Reuters’ LinkedIn request for comment.
Another former PwC partner was banned by Australia’s tax practitioners board for disclosing government tax plans with colleagues, local media reported. PwC confirmed the “unauthorised sharing of confidential tax policy information” but did not name the individuals.
Seymour then told the Australian Financial Review that he was one of the partners that received the sensitive material. PwC confirmed the information to Reuters.
The federal government, a key client of PwC, strongly rebuked the allegations, with some lawmakers pushing for PwC to be removed from government contracts.
Australia’s tax practitioners board banned another former PwC partner for disclosing government tax plans with colleagues, local media reported. PwC confirmed the “unauthorised sharing of confidential tax policy information” but did not name the individuals.
Seymour then told the Australian Financial Review that he was one of the partners that received the sensitive material. PwC confirmed the information to Reuters.
The federal government, a key client of PwC, strongly rebuked the allegations, with some lawmakers pushing for PwC to be removed from government contracts.
PwC said former Telstra and Optus CEO Ziggy Switkowski would independently examine the information leak and report his findings and recommendations in September.
“We are committed to learning from our mistakes and ensuring that we embrace the high standards of governance, culture and accountability that our people, clients and external stakeholders rightly expect,” acting CEO Kristin Stubbins said.
Switkowski will have all the people and information he needs to review thoroughly. We eagerly await his report and will act on its suggestions.”
PwC stated that included if the study suggests “exiting” more employees and partners.
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