Fed: PM accused of destroying independence of AWB inquiry

AAP General News (Australia)
04-27-2006
Fed: PM accused of destroying independence of AWB inquiry

Lawyers for Australia's wheat marketer have accused JOHN HOWARD of destroying the independence
of the Cole inquiry into AWB kickbacks to Iraq .. by making a series of accusations against
their clients.

Shortly after the inquiry resumed today following a two-week break .. barrister TERRY
FORREST QC handed Commissioner TERENCE COLE a written complaint about claims the prime
minister made earlier this month.

Mr FORREST told Mr Cole his clients want to publicly vent their displeasure at the PM'S comments.

In his submission .. Mr FORREST stops short of accusing Mr HOWARD of being in contempt
of the inquiry .. but says the he has clearly prejudged Mr COLE'S findings.

Mr COLE says he'll consider Mr FORREST'S submission.







At a news conference following his high-profile appearance at the inquiry on April
13 .. Mr HOWARD accused AWB executives of having plainly deceived his government and the
United Nations over the kickbacks scandal.

This week .. he repeated his accusations in an article for the US-based newspaper The
Wall Street Journal.

AAP RTV bt/hn/jv/bart

KEYWORD: AWB HOWARD (SYDNEY)

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