The prime minister, John Howard, has gone to new lengths to reassure the United States over concern about the Iraq wheat scandal.
Mr Howard has written an article for The Wall Street Journal newspaper promising serious consequences for any minister found to have known of the kickbacks.
And he says that includes him.
Mr Howard writes that the Australian government acted quickly in setting up the Cole Inquiry and was serious about prosecuting those responsible.
Some U-S wheat-industry leaders and key senators have expressed concern over the former Australian Wheat Board's conduct in Iraq.
But the Prime Minister has also accused international competitors of trying to hurt Australia's reputation to win some advantage from the scandal.