Forced-out PwC partner threatens defamation action over tax leaks link
PwC Australia faces the prospect of a bruising defamation battle with partner Richard Gregg after a court ruled the consulting giant failed to follow proper process in an attempt to fire him.
NSW Supreme Court Justice David Hammerschlag on Friday found PwC had not properly detailed the allegations used to force Mr Gregg out and that he was not given a fair opportunity to deal with a complaint against him.
The finding opens the way for a hefty payout for Mr Gregg.
PwC partner Richard Gregg and his lawyer, Rebekah Giles, outside court last month. Peter Rae
Mr Gregg’s lawyer, Rebekah Giles, sent a concerns notice on July 19 that puts PwC on the clock to respond with an offer to make amends within 28 days.
If PwC does not, Mr Gregg is free to file a defamation action against the firm on the basis public statements made on May 29 and July 3 authored by then-acting chief executive Kristin Stubbins allegedly implied he was involved in improperly sharing confidential government tax information, which triggered the PwC tax leaks scandal.
During the case Mr Gregg launched against the firm to prevent his forced retirement, PwC acknowledged he was not involved in the tax leaks scandal.
As part of the fallout of the PwC tax leaks scandal, the firm named Mr Gregg, a research and development incentive tax specialist, as one of eight partners who had left or were in the process of being removed from the firm’s partnership.
The firm’s attempted removal of Mr Gregg stems from conduct in 2021, including an issue he had previously been disciplined for. However, after the scandal exploded, the PwC management recommended to the board of partners that Mr Gregg should be forced to retire.
Mr Gregg launched the NSW Supreme Court action last
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