The Treasury options paper on reform of the audit, consulting and accounting sectors is light on detail and urgency. Does Labor really want change?

The government has unveiled wide-ranging plans to crack down on major accounting firms by giving ASIC the power to police and fine firms for the first time.

The Treasury options paper on reform of the audit, consulting and accounting sectors is light on detail and urgency. Does Labor really want change?

Treasury will now consult on its proposals. Heightened regulation brought upon the sector by bad actors at the two big four firms is the most likely outcome.

Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino says reform is “real priority for the government”, but concedes there is “no particular timeline” for new rules.