Although there are further Reports to be presented by me, it is important that at this time I acknowledge the assistance I have received from many people during the course of the past two years. It has been a most demanding period. It would have been impossible to have undertaken this complex investigation and also to continue to have discharged, as was my responsibility, my ongoing statutory duties as Auditor-General, without the assistance of many persons.

I owe a very great debt of gratitude to my three Departmental colleagues who have been with me throughout the entire period of this Investigation. Simon O'Neill, Simon Marsh and Ian McGlen have made a commitment that only myself and those working with me can really appreciate. The contribution that they have made cannot, in my view, be adequately expressed in a brief acknowledgment of this type. I take this opportunity to publically acknowledge my appreciation for their loyalty and unstinting efforts. This has involved working ten and often many more hours per day, six to seven days per week over most of the two year period of this Investigation. For this commitment they have received no more than their public service entitlements, and certainly no overtime payments. No Auditor-General could have asked for more than has been given by these three officers. I must add that this commitment has at all times been undertaken without the slightest hesitation, and their cheerfulness and often wise counsel during some very difficult periods has been an inspiration to me. Sacrifices have been made, not only by them, but also by their families (and I also include here my own family) and I herewith record my appreciation for their support and understanding.

Mr Ian Weston joined the full time team as a legal adviser soon after the commencement of the Investigation and undertook responsibility for one of the major areas of the Report. In addition, he has provided me with general advice on many matters arising during the course of the Investigation. His commitment has, like that of my Departmental colleagues, involved long hours and I record my appreciation to him.

All consultants who have assisted me in legal, banking, accounting, auditing and other matters have made a significant contribution, and I express my appreciation to them. During 1992 Peter Calaby and Barbara Thorpe joined the Investigation. Barbara has since returned to the Australian Securities Commission. They have both made a material contribution.

No report could have been prepared without the secretarial support provided by Beth Arnold, Mary Carapetis and Wendy Warren. Wendy has now left to look after her family. I wish to record my appreciation for the excellent and dedicated assistance that, not only myself, but all who have assisted me on this Investigation have received from them. They, like all others, have worked very long and hard and always with a cheerful and helpful attitude.

To my Departmental colleagues and, in particular my Deputy, Mr Kevin Bockmann, I pay tribute to their and his preparedness to accommodate the difficulties associated with the demands of this Investigation.

Finally, I also extend my thanks to State Print and their staff for their contribution in the production of this Report.