Austrade media release

Monday, 3 August 2009

Austrade today strongly refuted claims in today’s Sydney Morning Herald and Age newspapers regarding its dealings with former staff member Mr John Finnin.

“The claim that Austrade ‘tipped off’ Mr Finnin is grossly inaccurate and unfair,” Mr Peter O’Byrne, Chief Executive Officer of Austrade said.

The facts are:

• In late August 2004 Austrade received allegations from within the organisation about Mr Finnin. 
• The matters were of sufficient seriousness that the Chief Executive Officer and Australian Federal Police (AFP) were immediately notified.
• The matter was formally referred to the AFP in September 2004.
• Austrade assisted the AFP’s investigation and provided all information requested.
• Mr Finnin was not made aware of the allegations or the investigation 
• AFP completed the investigation and advised Austrade on 14th February 2005 in writing that no evidence of offences was established, and that the AFP intended to take no further action in relation to this matter.
• On 16th February the CEO met with Mr Finnin whilst he was in Australia.  He advised Mr Finnin that an investigation had been concluded and addressed the implications of Mr Finnin’s ongoing employment with Austrade. He reconfirmed to Mr Finnin that Austrade expected the highest standards of its officials. 
• No further allegations were received by Austrade regarding Mr Finnin while employed by Austrade. At no time was Austrade contacted by international law enforcement authorities.
• Mr Finnin resigned from Austrade in July 2006 to take up a position with Firepower.

Mr O’Byrne added that claims that Austrade paid grants to Firepower after Mr Finnin joined the company are wrong. The relevant registered Australian company TPS Firepower Pty Ltd received Export Market Development grants between May 2003 and December 2005 – before Mr Finnin joined the company.

“At all times we have pursued this matter diligently with the advice of legal counsel and of the appropriate authorities such as the Australian Federal Police,” Mr O’Byrne said.

ENDS

Media contact

Leanne Joyce
Group Manager, Communications
Tel: +61 2 9390 2789
Mob: +61 419 577 751
 

For further news and information from the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) visit www.austrade.gov.au//mediacentre.

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