In a statement yesterday, Mansfield said, It has become evident to me recently that the bond of trust necessary for the Board to operate effectively has been ruptured. Deputy chairman, John Ralph, has been appointed interim chairman while the firm searches for a replacement for Mansfield.

The departure has caused a major furor in Australia, and is likely to send ripples through government as well as business circles.

This article is based on material originally published by ComputerWire