Statement by Solid Energy re article in today’s Sunday Times
Dr Don Elder, Chief Executive Officer of Solid Energy has today confirmed that the company was not aware of any of the
content or information published today in the Sunday Star Times. The first the company knew about the alleged activities
of Thompson and Clark Investigations Ltd and the meetings with a person they now know to be Robert Gilchrist, was when
it was approached by Nicky Hager, the author, on Friday afternoon.
Don Elder says he confirms what the company said then to the Sunday Star Times:
In May last year, Solid Energy issued a clear directive to its security providers, Thompson and Clark Investigations Ltd
(TCIL) that they were not to use paid informants in any work they undertake for Solid Energy.
TCIL confirmed to the company that they would comply with this directive
On Friday we asked TCIL to reconfirm that they continue to abide by this directive in their work for Solid Energy, which
TCIL have done. Gavin Clark of TCIL said in writing:
TCIL represents a broad range of clients and does use a variety of sources including paid for informants for
information regarding activities by activists within the radical scenes. By chance TCIL may indirectly obtain
information from sources which pertain to groups opposed to Solid Energy. I can advise you that this has not occurred
and if this were to be the case TCIL would not act upon this information as it directly breeches your specific
instruction to us.
Finally, Solid Energy is not aware of anything that would indicate that TCIL (or any other person or organisation
working for Solid Energy) have not complied with the company’s directive.
ends