Pocock reveals former TPB CEO complaints to Senate
Greens Senator Barbara Pocock raises allegations of misconduct, bullying and interference in investigations into PwC Australia by tax regulators
The Australian Greens have revealed that the former secretary of the Tax Practitioners Board lodged a formal complaint against staff of the TPB and the Australian Taxation Office about conduct related to investigations into PwC Australia.
Greens Senator Barbara Pocock referred to the complaints made by former TPB secretary Michael O’Neill during two sets of hearings in Senate estimates.
Pocock first attempted to table the document unredacted when the Australian Public Service Commission but that was unsuccessful because the document was deemed to contain information that was sensitive and ought to be protected.
Key Allegations in the Complaint
- APS Code of Conduct: Concerns regarding the actions, behavior, and code of conduct adherence of Australian Public Service (APS) officers and officials.
- TPB Independence: Questions over the operational independence of the TPB during the handling of the PwC matter and former partner Peter John Collins.
- PwC and Collins Investigations: Specific conduct and decisions tied to the TPB's regulatory probes into PwC Australia.
- Parliamentary Testimony: Issues surrounding evidence provided at parliamentary hearings and formal responses to questions on notice.
- Handling of Questions on Notice: Allegations that a February 2024 question on notice response regarding rules for appointing the TPB CEO and secretary did not properly reflect O'Neill's direct perspective or instructions.
The document was handed directly to ATO Commissioner Rob Heferen and TPB Chair Peter de Cure during the hearings. Further details and ongoing parliamentary scrutiny can be followed via The Mandarin or updates from the Australian Greens.
Greens Senator Barbara Pocock raised a formal complaint made by former Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) secretary Michael O’Neill during Senate estimates hearings involving the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the TPB.
- Tabling Attempts: Pocock first attempted to table the document unredacted through the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC), which was blocked because the material was deemed sensitive and protected. She later raised the contents directly during Senate estimates sessions with ATO Commissioner Rob Heferen and TPB Chair Peter de Cure.
- Agency Response: Heferen declined to discuss the contents or outcome of the complaint, noting he was bound by privacy and public service laws protecting the document.
Former PwC partner banned for integrity breach
