Fairfax Media last week published apologies regarding allegations against Clarence Valley’s 2013 ambassador, Wal King, who was the CEO of Leighton Holdings until December 2010. Fairfax Media published stories in October 2013 alleging Mr King “participated in, serious corporate misconduct involving bribery and corruption” during his tenure, the apology, in part, stated. “We now accept that any such allegations against Mr King are false. “We unreservedly withdraw the allegations and apologise to Mr King.” Clarence Valley Council’s website states that “the honour of Ambassador for the Clarence Valley recognises the success of former residents that have made significant achievements in their chosen paths. “Wal was born and educated in the Clarence Valley and graduated from the University of New South Wales in 1966 with a Bachelor of Engineering Degree and a Master of Engineering Science Degree in 1968. “He began his career with Leighton in 1968 working on major construction projects all over Australia and quickly moved into management, becoming a Director of Leighton Holdings Limited in 1975 and being appointed CEO of Leighton Holdings in February 1987, until his retirement on 31 December 2010.” Mr King told The Australian that he “can now concentrate on [his] business interests without the distraction of what was a baseless and highly defamatory attack on [his] reputation”. Fairfax Media will, reportedly, pay damages and Mr King’s costs, as a result of defamation proceedings he took against the media company.