2023-06-02
The Victorian Greens have urged the Victorian Labor Government to freeze any future contracts with PwC, saying that fundamental conflicts of interest are hurting Victoria and profiting a wealthy few.
Earlier today, as part of the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee’s (PAEC) inquiry into the state budget, Deputy Leader of the Victorian Greens Ellen Sandell asked the Premier whether he would rule out any future contracts with PwC.
This comes after recent reports of appalling and dishonest behaviour by the consulting giant, as part of the federal tax scandal.
The Premier refused, raising serious concerns about the Government’s commitment to improving Victoria’s integrity standards.
Federal Government agencies and AustralianSuper have recently announced they will pause or freeze contracts with PwC due to their behaviour, yet the Victorian Labor Government refuses to do the same.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell MP:
“It is disturbing that the Victorian Labor Government is refusing to pause contracts with PwC.
“Given the appalling and dishonest behaviour of PwC in the federal tax scandal, Victorians should expect the Government to act, not just rely on assurances from PwC, who clearly can’t be trusted right now.
“This is a company that has been given huge amounts of Victorian taxpayer dollars to design projects like the Suburban Rail Loop – how can we be sure they aren’t passing on this information to benefit their other clients?
“There are fundamental conflicts of interest here but the Labor Government keeps burying their heads in the sand.
“The boys’ club of revolving doors between government and consultancies must end – the Premier should make the right decision in the public interest and freeze all contracts with PwC.”