EY’s boss said the tax leaks scandal at rival big four consulting firm PwC was “deeply disturbing”, but was criticised by frustrated senators investigating the industry for failing to disclose his firm’s partnership deed and partner pay rates.

In another fiery day of public hearings at the Senate inquiry into consultants, EY Oceania chief executive David Larocca said the firm would welcome having to deal with fewer regulators but was against any forced separation of the firm into independent auditing and consulting firms.