These extraordinary events – triggered by the discovery of a newborn concealed in an airport rubbish bin – became known inside the Australian department of Foreign Affairs and Trade [ DFAT] as early as October 4. One of the women caught up in the affair was a staff member of the department in transit, though not on duty at the time. Through her, word of what had happened reached the head of DFAT, Frances Adamson, via an overnight message on October 3.