Tom Seymour appeared relaxed and confident. Sitting on his own in a meeting room in Brisbane, wearing a dark jacket and no tie, the PwC Australia chief executive was about to explain to partners how the firm was dealing with what has become known as the tax leaks scandal.

To the 900 partners tuning in to the webcast, from meeting rooms, client sites and offices around the country, Seymour did not appear panicked about the controversy engulfing the firm.