Traitors
Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2010 10:22 pm
THE federal Labor minister and right-wing powerbroker Mark Arbib is one of the US embassy's valued confidential contacts, providing inside information and commentary on the workings of the government and the ALP.
Secret embassy cables obtained by WikiLeaks and made available exclusively to this website reveal that Senator Arbib has been in regular contact with US embassy officers. His candid comments are incorporated in reports to Washington with requests that his identity as a ''protected'' source be guarded.
Embassy cables refer to Senator Arbib as a strong supporter of Australia's alliance with the US. They identify him as a valuable source of information on Labor politics, including the former prime minister Kevin Rudd's hopes to forestall an eventual leadership challenge by his deputy, Julia Gillard.
''He understands the importance of supporting a vibrant relationship with the US while not being too deferential. We have found him personable, confident and articulate,'' says an embassy profile written in July 2009. ''He has met with us repeatedly throughout his political rise.''
Other Labor politicians reported as regular contacts include the former minister Bob McMullan and Michael Danby, a serving MP.
http://www.smh.com.au/technology/techno ... rom=smh_sb