The chase for Skase is over

The chase for Skase is over. My condolences go to his family who have remained by his side through a terrible ordeal. Leaving the legalities to one side I can understand why, despite their grief, they are bitter towards the Australian authorities. Even on the day of Skase's death there were reports that his ill-health was just an excuse to beat off extradition or deportation. There can't be anything worse than trying to nurse a terminally sick person and knowing that half of Australia think you are not telling the truth. Over the last ten years the Bulletin has closely followed the Skase case and naturally we have been the first port of call for the Australian media who have come down in force over the last decade. Their first question was “is he really sick?” Even on Sunday night, just hours after his death, some sections of the Australian media were asking “is he really dead, have you seen the body.” I can understand that there is much bitterness against Skase in Australia especially as thousands of people lost their savings with the collapse of his business empire. He was Australia's most wanted man. Skase died a recluse in a rented house knowing that if his health improved he would be extradited or deported. There have been no winners in this case, only losers, whether it be the shareholders who lost money, the Australian government or the Skase family. The time has come to close the book. The Australian authorities have tried unsuccessfully to get their man over the last ten years. Prime Minister John Howard must have the necessary political courage to admit that the Skase chase is over. To continue would be just persecution of a cruel and wicked kind.