Leighton dismissal over Iraq bribery investigation
By Helen Wright05 July 2012
Australian contractor Leighton has fired a senior manager after an internal review of the Iraq projects undertaken by a subsidiary, Leighton Offshore, identified governance failures.
Leighton, which did not name the senior manager, said the failure related to the proper documentation of contractual arrangements.
In February, the contractor reported a possible breach of Australian laws relating to payments in Iraq. The company said it had contacted the Australian Federal Police (AFP) over a possible breach of its code of ethics relating to payments that may have been made by Leighton Offshore in connection with work to expand offshore loading facilities for Iraq's crude oil exports.
Leighton - a subsidiary of German contractor Hochtief, which itself is majority-owned by ACS - said it was co-operating fully with the AFP, which is conducting an investigation into the matter, adding that it was not yet known whether any illegal conduct had taken place, or whether there would be any adverse financial consequences for the company.
Leighton CEO Hamish Tyrwhitt said, "Leighton's values are integral to Leighton's approach to business. No deviation from those values will be tolerated and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken if necessary."
