The PwC scandal intensifies as Labor senator Deborah O’Neill emphasizes the need for greater transparency and rejects PwC’s plan to share only a summary of key recommendations. According to O’Neill, the Australian people deserve to know every senior executive who can access confidential government information about tax policies. Internal PwC emails, totaling 144 pages, have been redacted, making it uncertain how many individuals received and acted upon the confidential information and whether the company still employs them. PwC has announced Ziggy Switkowski as the investigator responsible for examining the company’s operations and culture, with his report expected by September. However, O’Neill criticizes the limited disclosure and accuses the proposed internal review of perpetuating a cover-up.

On another front, the Greens have sought independent legal advice suggesting that the Australian federal police should investigate PwC’s actions. Sydney lawyer Brent Fisse, whose advice has been highlighted by Greens senator Barbara Pocock, recommends a full investigation into the potential application of criminal codes and the Proceeds of Crime Act. While the PwC Australia partnership is not subject to corporate criminal liability, the Commonwealth can impose informal or contractual remedies on the company. Pocock asserts that the AFP should commence criminal investigations immediately and proposes that the future national anti-corruption commission examine the scandal.

During upcoming Senate hearings, Pocock and O’Neill plan to gather further information regarding the extent of the misuse of confidential information and identify those involved. O’Neill expresses concern about the possibility of individuals involved in the scandal remaining at PwC and continuing such practices. She believes that the matter cannot be ignored, and both the Commonwealth government and major corporations inside and outside Australia will have to reassess their relationship with PwC.

Liberal senator Andrew Bragg strongly condemns PwC’s misuse of confidential government information, deeming it unethical and outrageous. He questions whether stronger regulators and enforcement agencies could have prevented such a scandal, suggesting the need to expand the federal inquiry into the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC). Bragg emphasizes the importance of examining how accounting laws, standards, and ethical frameworks have been enforced and understanding why ASIC has yet to secure broader prosecutions successfully. PwC’s acting chief executive, Kristin Stubbins, assures Switkowski’s investigation will be thorough, with access to all necessary information and individuals. The company expresses its commitment to learning from its mistakes and upholding high standards of governance, culture, and accountability as expected by its stakeholders.