Oil-for-Food Inquiry to make findings on Government

Commissioner of the oil-for-food inquiry, Terence Cole, says he will make findings about the role of the Federal Government in connection with AWB wheat contracts with Iraq.

Commissioner Cole says he does not need a widening of his terms of reference to examine the actions of the Commonwealth unless evidence suggests Australian Government employees have broken the law.

Commissioner Cole will ask the Federal Government to widen the terms of reference to cover the activity of BHP Billiton and Tigris Petroleum, who have been mentioned in evidence.

He has also delivered a stinging rebuke to criticism by US senators pointing out that he has been appointed because of his legal integrity, skills and independence.

Commissioner Cole says he is adhering to the oath he swore as a judge of Australian courts.
ABC Australia