First scalp at AWB
The AWB kickbacks to Iraq have claimed their first scalp in CEO Andrew Lindberg, whose resignation was announced today. That was always inevitable from the first day he floundered about in the witness box over his evidence, and given all the crooked dealings that have come out in the Cole Inquiry. I expect he will just be the first of many at AWB, probably including its Board, and possibly some in DFAT. Whether the list of heads to roll includes any Ministers remains to be seen.
The evidence this week and last certainly suggests there were enough bells ringing that diligent officials in DFAT, Trade and wherever should have figured something wasn’t quite right. Whether they missed the signs through incompetence or simply did not want to find a problem is something still to be probed by the Inquiry.
The evidence this week and last certainly suggests there were enough bells ringing that diligent officials in DFAT, Trade and wherever should have figured something wasn’t quite right. Whether they missed the signs through incompetence or simply did not want to find a problem is something still to be probed by the Inquiry.
