Opinion: PwC appears to have an unusual definition of integrity

When PwC consultants decided to share confidential government tax policy with other clients, they shredded their promises, mocked their values and landed PwC in the crosshairs of the federal police.

Breaking promises always has consequences. But it rarely lands the promiser at the top of the news cycle. PwC is there because some people inside the company chose to risk reputation for short-term gains.

An unnamed executive is quoted in emails to colleagues saying: “Because it was provided to us on a confidential basis, I ask that you don’t circulate it beyond us or discuss it outside PwC – it would really put PwC Australia and me in a real bind.”

A bind is an understatement for the conflagration currently engulfing the firm’s Australian branch, with tentacles reaching worldwide.

Labor senator Deborah O’Neill said: “This is a disgraceful breach of trust, a sickening example of a lack of integrity, and reveals a toxic culture of unprofessional practice at PwC that stretches across the globe”.

Funny O’Neill should mention integrity.