Alexander Downer (Mayo, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

The fact is that at least some people in AWB Ltd, on the conclusions of the Cole commission report, may have broken the law. That of course is a matter to be investigated. Charges may or may not be brought; we will just have to wait and see. But AWB Ltd comprehensively misled the United Nations and the Australian government, particularly the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The honourable member is right to ask the question. Their behaviour was disgraceful. We condemn their behaviour in the strongest terms. So vigilant has the government been that it set up a royal commission to examine what AWB Ltd may or may not have done, and the government has very successfully got to the bottom of this matter.

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