THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL
MEMBER FOR ISAACS
THE HON DAVID FEENEY MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR JUSTICE
MEMBER FOR BATMAN
SENATOR CHRIS KETTER
CHAIR, ECONOMICS REFERENCES COMMITTEE
SENATOR FOR QUEENSLAND
WORRYING REVELATIONS ON FOREIGN BRIBERY
Revelations from today's Senate Economics Committee inquiry raise serious concerns about the ability of Australian law enforcement agencies to act swiftly on allegations of foreign bribery.
Stephen Sasse, a former senior executive of Leighton Holdings, gave testimony that the company was paying bribes to gain lucrative overseas contracts.
Mr Sasse testified that he was forced out of the company after raising concerns with the board.
He emphasised that the response of Australian law enforcement agencies had been underwhelming, and noted the low rate of successful prosecutions in the area of foreign bribery.
Today's evidence indicates that improvements can be made, including possible changes to legislation and ensuring better coordination between AFP and ASIC on foreign bribery matters.
Labor is examining this issue closely and considers it to be a high priority for reform.
FRIDAY, 22 APRIL 2016
