AWB 'set up' sham Iraq deal

The Australian: AWB 'set up' sham Iraq deal :

"JOHN Howard has ordered an independent inquiry into the Australian involvement in the Iraqi oil-for-food scandal as fresh allegations emerged yesterday that AWB officials played an intimate role in setting up the sham Jordanian trucking company used to funnel millions of dollars in bribes to Saddam Hussein."

That was surprise and shock news for us and our other grain suppliers are understandably upset. It is far better for us to get to the bottom of this. Mr. Howard was initially like the rest of us and went into denial and disbelief. Now more serious and detailed information has come to the fore I have to give him credit for the fact he is prepared to change his mind and take the matter very seriously. It is serious. It needs careful analysis and it's in our country's interests to get to the bottom of it. The truth never hurt anyone. It's the covering up which skews issues and outcomes.