Cole inquiry gets more time to report

Tuesday, 7 March, 2006 - 21:00
THE inquiry into bribes paid to Saddam Hussein’s regime by wheat exporter AWB will be extended by at least two months, as the Howard Government continues to dodge accusations it knew about the kickbacks earlier than it claims. Commissioner Terence Cole was meant to hand over his report by March 31 but Prime Minister John Howard said he understood the commissioner needed at least another couple of months. Mr Cole has not asked for an extension in the reach of the inquiry, despite calls for a broader terms of reference covering the government’s role in the scandal.