Former PwC Australia acting CEO Kristin Stubbins’ surprise appearance at a parliamentary inquiry last week was mostly about the lifelong auditor wanting to make clear that the firm’s tax leaks scandal had nothing to do with the audit and assurance arm she once led.

Ms Stubbins also wanted to reinforce the message already expressed by the current top auditor at the firm – Sue Horlin – that the firm should rebuild its public trust by emulating the “best practice” of PwC’s audit and assurance division.