ADF chief denies conflict of interest over frigate party
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The head of the Defence Force has rejected suggestions there was conflict of interest when a Navy frigate was used to host a sponsorship party involving a company he had shares in.
It has emerged that HMAS Sydney was used for the official launch of the Sydney Kings 2006 basketball season, which was sponsored by the failed fuel-pill company FirePower.
Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston has confirmed he and other senior military officials had shares in the company, but says he had nothing to do with the decision to use the frigate for the party.
The Defence Minister has ordered a full briefing into the function, but Air Chief Marshal Houston says there are legitimate explanations for the frigate's use.
"We have a public events of significance program," he said.
"It's very good for Defence to get out into the community.
"I think it's a really long bow to suggest that I have a conflict of interest because something was organised at the lower end of the Defence Force."
