There are plenty of reasons to be critical of Sol Trujillo's performance as chief executive of Telstra. Race is not one of them.

Kevin Rudd was foolish to take a cheap shot - saying "adios" - when Trujillo left. And Trujillo is milking it as evidence that Australia is racist.

But come on, Sol. You came to Australia and took up the prize job in Australia's telecommunications industry. After four years you are leaving with $30 million of cash and bonuses. And you want us to believe you are a victim of racism?

Trujillo has his critics. Let's recount some of the reasons.

When he started, the Telstra share price was about $5. After four years it is about 40 per cent lower and hovering a little above $3. You decide whether that is worth $30 million, but since the board offered, you can't blame Trujillo for accepting.