Nick Minchin (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance and Administration) Share this | Hansard source

Just on the first note that Senator Evans made, I refer him to the statement by Commissioner Cole in which he makes it clear that he sees no need for an extension of his terms of reference with regard to the government’s role at this point, but he will come to us if he feels that is necessary and, of course, we would consider it. We have already granted his request to extend his terms of reference to enable him to investigate BHP’s role in this whole matter.

In relation to the matter specifically raised in his question, I note that in June 2003 the US Wheat Associates made allegations but provided absolutely no evidence. The US General Accounting Office issued reports in May 2002 and April 2004 about problems with the oil for food program conducted by the UN but did not name AWB in its report. We are satisfied that the government took all appropriate action in relation to allegations made in that period.