"A document alerting the Government to possible kickbacks in AWB's Iraq contracts was sent to the Department of Foreign Affairs from Baghdad well over two years ago, according to new evidence submitted to the Cole inquiry into the oil-for-food scandal."

Smoking gun? Downer's department was told about kickbacks two years ago

""I did not know, my ministers did not know and on the information that I have been provided and the advice I have received from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade I do not believe that the department knew that AWB was involved in the payment of bribes," Mr Howard told the Nine Network."

We didn't know of kickbacks: PM - Business - Business - smh.com.au

ummm... ok... yeah right... you know I don't know what's worse - if he *did* know and is now completely dismissing it by some sleight of hand and wordsmithing (as seems the usual case), or if he *didn't* know that this was happening right under his nose!

By the way, I know that there are reasons why he may not have been made "officially aware" of the dealings going on, but as more and more information comes to hand about the dodgy stuff going on, our PM must be sitting in a dark room with the curtains drawn surrounded by midgets telling him how big, strong and powerful he is... a role he's been practising on other superpower leaders over the last few years!