AWB Inquiry update
Having adjourned on 27 April to prepare his report for delivery by 30 June, Commissioner Cole sat again on 12 May to hear further evidence.
Felicity Jane Johnston was examined by video link (and intermittent audio) to the Austrade office in the Australian Embassy in Washington, with her referring to a CD containing the documents. Ms Johnston worked for the UN's Office of Legal Affairs in approving AWB's contracts and liaised with the Australian Mission in respect of contractual queries. She also investigated third-country complaints about "inland transportation costs". Her evidence diverges with that of Australian public servants at the Mission (in particular Bronte Moules who was re-examined today) and DFAT.
The Commissioner indicated he could not conclude the hearings until the result of the Federal Court decision about claims for legal privilege were decided.
Counsel assisting said he had requested a statement from Mr Ayyash of Alia (the trucking company) but had not yet received it.
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