PwC Australia chief executive Tom Seymour resigns in wake of tax policy leak
The chief executive of PwC Australia has resigned in response to a leak of confidential Treasury information on tax policy, a scandal that sparked a broader examination into the government’s use of consultants.
Tom Seymour, whose resignation is effective immediately, was one of dozens of partners who received emails about confidential information obtained by former PwC adviser Peter-John Collins.
The Tax Practitioners Board deregistered Collins last year after finding that he shared the confidential information obtained through consultations with Treasury.
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Seymour had repeatedly apologised for the breach and recently told a Senate inquiry into the government’s use of consultants that the firm’s internal processes had been improved after the breach.
“These findings have disappointed many of you in the parliament, as well as our regulators, clients, our partners and staff and the general public,” Seymour said in his submission to the inquiry.
“Personally and on behalf of my partners, I apologise unreservedly for what occurred.”
But the apology was not enough to secure his position. After discussions with PwC’s board of partners on Monday, Seymour’s resignation was announced in a short statement.
“We agreed with Tom that this is in the best interests of the firm and our stakeholders,” the PwC statement said.
Tracey Kennair, the chair of PwC Australia’s board of partners, said the firm needed to immediately rebuild trust with government and the public.
“The independent review previously announced, in addition to the changes already made, will help us meet this objective.”
The acting chief executive, Kristin Stubbins, said the
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