David

If you're serious about the truth of these matters - I know Banjo would prefer to rely on his personal 'involvement' and memory - you might like to look at a submission to the Senate Committee by a range of senior members of the Canberra Press Gallery.

They objected with great dignity and passion to the Howard Government's campaign of censorship and misinformation (lies to you) about these matters during the 2001 election campaign. The relevant Government Ministers were Howard, Reith and Ruddock, an unholy trinity of cheats and liars.

Reith was later rewarded with a well-paid sinecure for his skillful lying extended to the waterfront. Howard got another, undeserved term of office (two actually) and Ruddock ( a badge-wearing member of Amnesty International) - well he continues to haunt the Parliament, now as a nondescript Member of the Opposition. No doubt we'll hear from him, hand on heart, when he thinks the Rudd Government is telling porkies.

http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/Committee/maritime_incident_ctte/submissions/sub13.pdf

Frank that is right and all the libs could do to avoid facing their dishonesty was the usual stuff about the economy and call the oppositin socialists.

They got what they deserved at the polls.