10 of the best opinion reads from this week

afr.com:

From PwC’s desperate split to Bunnings’ surprising next bet, why Chris Minns want to break Sydney’s selfish property foundations, and Kyiv’s optimistic atmosphere. Here are ten thoughtful opinion pieces from the past week.

If it works – and that’s a big if – PwC’s plan to split off its government consulting practice could send shockwaves through the local professional services sector. – James Thomson

After the pandemic boom, the hardware giant is tweaking the dials to find growth and productivity, with expansion in a few unexpected areas. – JamesThomson

The former premier won’t be going to jail, or even to court. But the wait she endured was criminal. – Michael Pelly

While George Tharenou acknowledges the risk the RBA hikes next week, his base case is the central bank lifts rates by 0.25 per cent in August, once it has had a chance to see June quarter CPI numbers. – James Thomson

The NSW premier may reshape the face of the city forever. Or he may spend years in a guerilla war that saps his political capital. – Aaron Patrick

A PwC partner made a mistake and was rightly sanctioned for it. But a private sector that behaved like the public sector would be a loss all round. – Nick Hossack

The consulting industry is feeling the pinch, as increasingly budget-conscious corporates and governments question the value of the advice they provide, and baulk at paying their huge fees. – Karen Maley

War is hell. People are dying and the horrors you see on TV and social media are real. But there is optimism in the air almost a week after Vladimir Putin’s authority was challenged by Wagner. – Misha Zelinksy

The firm’s problems may have been triggered by misuse of confidential tax information by a partner. But its response has showed much