“Perhaps Australia will not accept that Skase is dying”

The Spanish government yesterday announced that it has decided to suspend deportation proceedings against the Andratx-based former Australian tycoon Christopher Skase following an independent review of his medical condition. The Australian government have been fighting to get Skase returned to Australia since 1991 in connection with the $AU1.5 billion collapse of his Qintex business empire. According to the Australian government, he is wanted for questioning in connection with over 60 criminal charges, nearly double the initial charges brought against Skase when he defeated an extradition attempt in Palma in 1994. However, the decision by the Spanish has come as a severe blow for the Australian government and a “bitter-sweet” result for the Skase family. Sources for the Skase family said yesterday “maybe now Australia will believe the Spanish medical system and stop accusing them of lying. Christopher was rushed back into hospital this morning - perhaps now Australia will accept the fact that he is dying and leave him and Pixie (his wife) to get on with dealing with what they've got to do.”