Mr Lindberg stepped down as a third whistleblower stepped up to tell the Cole inquiry that senior managers within AWB sanctioned payments of $300 million in kickbacks to Saddam Hussein.
Former AWB executive, Nigel Officer, admitted to the inquiry that the wheat contracts sent to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) and the United Nations did not provide the full picture.
He says they did not mention trucking fees imposed by the Iraqi Grains Board because AWB knew it was what he called a 'grey area' that might contravene UN sanctions.
Asked if it was a deliberate decision not to reveal details to DFAT or the UN, Nigel Officer said, "...it was not a deliberate decision not to advise them."
"Just to leave them uninformed?" asked Commissioner Terence Cole
"Correct", Mr Officer said.
"That was the decision that was taken?" asked Counsel Assisting the Commission, John Agius SC.
"That was the decision taken, yes." Mr Officer replied.
"Whose decision?" Mr Agius asked.
"That was a collective corporate decision." Mr Officer said.
Email evidence
The inquiry was also shown an email from an AWB executive, dated April 2000, which referred to a planned meeting between AWB executives and the Prime Minister's Parliamentary Secretary at the time, Bill Heffernan - and to a later meeting with Mark Vaile, now the Deputy Prime Minister.
The AWB executive proposed discussing trade opportunities in Iraq and the company's arrangement with the Iraqi Grains Board.
First scalp claimed
Meanwhile, one of AWB's first executives to give evidence at the inquiry has become its first casualty.
Managing Director, Andrew Lindberg, resigned in what AWB’s Board says is the best interests of the company.