Aust, launches bribery probe

Press, 27 August 1977, Page 9

Aust, launches bribery probe

NZPA Canberra Allegations that overseas companies have bribed Australian Treasury officials with money and gifts are being investigated by the Australian Federal Government.

The investigation began last week when the Opposition spokesman on minerals and energy, Mr Paul Keating, queried the Treasurer (Mr Phil Lynch) about reports that a Treasury officer in the foreign investment division had received moneys from a Japanese company in late 1975.

Reports yesterday, however, say that up to 20 Treasury officials have received gifts ranging from cars and television sets to shares from overseas companies. The Japanese Embassy confirmed that it was making enquiries about a gift [ scheme involving Australian [officials.

The head of the foreign [ investment division in the [Treasury (Mr Roy Dean) I said it was normal for 'officers to receive gifts and ithere were public service procedures to look after the 'gifts.

[ Mr Dean said the inI vestigation underway was not being carried out on a large scale. Up to 20 members of the Treasury Department may

be involved in the gift payments, the “Canberra Times” has reported.

The Treasurer’s Office said that replies to Mr Keating's questions on notice were pending. However, a date for the answer could not be given at this stage. Mr Keating’s office says it cannot comment until Mr Lynch gives his reply. The allegations involve middle-ranking Treasury officials in the foreign investment division.

Mr Keating asked if the Department of Overseas Trade had received representations from Japanese [sources about an official in the Treasury division receiving moneys in late 1975.