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

I would refer the honourable member to Colonel Kelly’s statement indeed and to other statements in relation to Colonel Kelly’s statement that were issued, and I urge him to sit and try to reconcile them all. Actually, that is the job of Commissioner Cole. As I have often said, the member for Griffith will not be happy with the Cole commission until he himself takes over from Commissioner Cole as its head.

In relation to instructions to Michael Thawley, from my recollection—I think the Minister for Trade would share my recollection—we thought Australian companies, including AWB Ltd, should be dealt with fairly and according to due process. That is my recollection. No matter how hard the opposition tries to beat this up, it has to face up to the fact that the government have set up an independent inquiry to examine the issue, and we look forward to it producing its report.

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