Govt knew of AWB payments: Rudd.

Govt knew of AWB payments: Rudd. :

"'What did [Trade Minister] Mark Vaile do in response to that cable?' he said.

'What did [Foreign Affairs] Alexander Downer do in response to that cable given that it went to his office as well.

'What did John Howard do in response to that cable - it went to his office as well.'"


If people knew about this 300 million dollar scandal and failed to act, then I have 2 questions. Why did they fail to act and why was this money being paid to Saddam Hussein's regime? The Iraqis have paid dearly for us having a bad case of myopia in more ways than one, but their ex leader is safe, well and still alive. Our decision making has put far too many Iraqis in touch with their maker and certain people knew we were making payments to a regime certain people later said was terrible. Doesn't look good to me. If we didn't know where the money was going, how bad are our accountants and is it time to get new ones?