TRANSCRIPT - DOORSTOP INTERVIEW

Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices, Sydney

11:40am, Monday 15 December 2003

Senator Robert Hill

Well there was very good news overnight. You know we were thrilled when we heard from the Americans that they'd confirmed his identity. They were good enough to let us know before they made any public statements. It's a great blow for the insurgents, it's a reward for the coalition that has obviously been suffering considerable casualties and I think a great morale boost for the Iraqi people. They really know that he's now gone forever and they can go about their future with much greater confidence.

Journalist

Were there any Australian personnel involved with the capture?

Senator Hill

No, not that I know of, I don't think so.

ENDS