"PwC boots eight partners over tax leak scandal", 3 July 2023

Eight PwC partners will exit the consulting giant over their involvement in the tax leak scandal as the result of an internal investigation.

The eight individuals who are being “exited” from the partnership, or in the process of being removed, are Peter Konidaris, Eddy Moussa, Richard Gregg, Pete Calleja, Sean Gregory, Peter van Dongen, Wayne Plummer and former chief executive Tom Seymour.

In a statement, the company said the internal investigation found “specific examples” where the individuals breached professional standards and a “failure of leadership and governance”, either at the time of the confidentiality breach or while matters were being investigated by the Tax Practitioners Board or Australian Taxation Office.

“It is clear that the conduct of a number of partners fell short of what was expected of them. They are now being held accountable for their misconduct,” PwC acting chief executive Kristin Stubbins said.

The internal investigation conducted by PwC is separate to an independent review led by former NBN co-chairman Ziggy Switkowski.

PwC’s announcement will mean Seymour, who was chief executive of the firm’s Australian operations for three years from May 2020, will have his partnership exit date – originally slated for September 30 – pushed forward.

“While we cannot change the past, we can control our actions today and in the future. Moving forward, the PwC Australia management team will continue to take all appropriate steps to improve the firm’s culture and standards,” Stubbins said.

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