Australian engineer Robert Pether released from Iraqi prison

“I spoke with Robert Pether this morning. I expressed to him our relief that he had been released and my hope that he recovers, but most importantly, I wished him well for his reunion with the family and for his recovery in the future.”

Wong said the government had made 280 separate representations “at all levels” since his detention.

The Iraqi government had insisted that Pether or the company must pay a $US12 million fine.

“I’ve made it clear that the Australian government doesn’t make monetary contributions in relation to alleged offences, but what we do do is make sustained advocacy a part of how we engage on these issues, and that’s what we’ve done,” Wong said.

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