Google denies link to PwC Australia scandal

Google has shut down claims that information, which PwC Australia purportedly leaked to the tech giant, had any impact on its compliance with Australian tax-avoidance laws.

A spokesperson for Google stated: "While it is disappointing to learn that PwC had inappropriately shared information, it had no bearing on our compliance with the Multinational Anti-Avoidance Law. The changes we made to our tax structure in Australia were done both after the new law was passed and after engaging directly with the Australian Tax Office."

In a recent development, PwC Australia has again come under scrutiny for allegedly providing Google with confidential materials regarding the start date of a new tax law gleaned from Australian government tax briefings.

The revelation, brought forward by two anonymous sources familiar with the matter, is the first instance that a business has been associated with the national scandal stemming from the actions of former PwC partner Peter Collins. He is now accused of breaching confidentiality agreements with the government from 2013-2018.

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The partner in question had previously advised the Australian government on anti-tax avoidance laws. The man purportedly leaked confidential information with co-workers concerning the government's tax plans. The information was eventually used to attract business from multinational corporations, reports claim.

One of the sources alleged that another PwC employee confirmed the likely start date of the anti-tax avoidance law to a Google staff member. At the time, companies had asked the government to delay the planned implementation of the law.

Until today, PwC has refrained from publicly identifying other parties in relation to the scandal.