Embattled consultancy PwC among first referred to new national anti-corruption commission

Embattled consultancy firm PwC has been formally referred to the anti-corruption watchdog amid an expected flood of tip-offs as the body gets to work.

Embattled consultancy giant PwC has been referred to the federal anti-corruption watchdog over revelations it misused confidential government tax plans to drum up businesses.

Greens senator Barbara Pococok made the formal referral to the National Anti-Corruption Commission, which opened its doors for operation on Saturday, to shed light on the scandal beyond the current federal police investigation.

“The PwC tax leaks scandal has been airing in public for the past five months and so far we know too little about who was at fault, who benefited and what consequences there will be,’ she said.

The Senator said government agencies, including the Australian Taxation Office, the Tax Practitioners Board, and the Australian Federal Police all had questions to answer.

The tax scandal has embroiled the consultancy giant. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Greens senator Barbara Pocock made the formal referral. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“This is a matter that goes right to the heart of integrity in government and frankly there are so many unanswered questions … While we welcome the AFP investigation to prosecute appropriate criminal charges, there are wider issues that need to be addressed to ensure that our systems of government are not open to corruption.

“These issues can only be properly examined by an independent body with the authority to compel witnesses.”

The minor party has indicated the matter won’t be the last it refers to the watchdog. Last week, the Greens unveiled a wish list that included the robodebt scandal, Scott Morrison’s secret ministries and Stuart Robert’s dealings with consulting firm Synergy 360.

Mr Robert, who resigned from parliament in May, has denied allegations he used his position as a MP and minister to help the consultancy owned by his friends to win government contracts.

When asked on Sunday if the NACC should investigate the matter, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said everyone should abide by the law, but took aim at Labor for using the allegations to run a “smear campaign” weeks out from the Fadden by-election.

“Nobody’s above the law. And if there are credible allegations or suggestions, then they should be properly investigated by the police or by the integrity commission,” he told Sky News.

Mr Dutton. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“If people have information, instead of trawling it for political purposes through the press, they should refer it to the proper authority, in this case, the integrity commission.”

Anyone, including the public and politicians, can submit a tip-off. The NACC can also choose to launch an investigation itself if it suspects “serious and systemic” corruption.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus have stressed they will not be directing the NACC to investigate anything, given its independence from government.

Mr Dutton has previously backed senator Linda Reynolds’ call for the federal government’s settlement with Brittany Higgins to be probed.

A spokeswoman for the Liberal senator confirmed she would be making a formal referral but declined to say if it would happen immediately.

Ms Higgins settled a civil claim with the Commonwealth in December after the former political staffer alleged she had been raped at Parliament House. Ms Higgins has denied reports the payout totalled $3m.

Senator Reynolds will be referring Ms Higgins payout to the NACC. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

One Nation senator Pauline Hanson and United Australia Party senator Ralph Babet agreed they would like to see the compensation payment investigated.

But others within the parliament, including crossbenchers that campaigned heavily for the establishment of the commission, have said they will not be rushing to make referrals to the new body.

Independent MP Helen Haines argued recent revelations, such as the release of NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption report into Gladys Berejiklian, underscored the importance of the watchdog’s rules applying “equally irrespective of seniority or rank”.

“This day did not come by accident, it is the result of hard work by many people over many years – members of parliament from across the political spectrum and civil society, and I am proud to be one of them,” the Indi MP said.

“This achievement belongs to everyone who demanded better from their politicians.

“Recent revelations reinforce why it was so important to fight for a strong, independent NACC with retrospective powers and broad jurisdiction which can cover contractors to the Federal Government as well as politicians and public servants.”