Invisible Ink for DFAT

My my they have an aversion to pen and paper (or even keyboard and finger) in Canberra.

DFAT approval - but not in writing
The Age
BHP executive John Prescott was against sending a "humanitarian shipment" of wheat to Iraq as he felt, quite rightly, that this smacked of bribery.
But Mr Prescott changed his mind and allowed the shipment after approval was given by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on the condition that it was a donation and not contingent on repayment or provision of future oil rights.
Mr Harley said DFAT approved the plan but refused to provide its imprimatur in writing, because it wanted to be distanced from the deal.

No really?