Mrs GASH (3:55 PM) —It is almost two years to the day since I rose in the House to urge members and senators to consider carefully the labelling of origin of manufacture, especially the products used in offices and homes. At that time I referred specifically to paper products, which are particularly close to my heart as we have the only specialty paper manufacturer in Australia—Australian Paper's Shoalhaven Mill in Bomaderry.

At that time I told parliament that it was a case not of advocating an inferior product just because it was Australian but of making your own judgment, because you will find in most cases that Australia can do it better. It is because we have pride and confidence in our ability as a nation of manufacturers, producers, marketeers and sellers that the labelling of our home-grown produce is so important. Even in my electorate of Gilmore where we have a paper mill, for example, there is still the case where imported paper is sold in local stores and supermarkets. Labelling of these products is the only way local residents who want to buy Australian made products can do so.

In my electorate I recently had the honour of launching Nowra Copy, a locally manufactured recycled copy paper sold exclusively by the Shoalhaven Paper Company. This company is just one example of the excellence found in our own communities. Established by Mr Mal Starkey and his family and staff, the Shoalhaven Paper Company set up shop with the idea of using local products, equipment and workers from the Bomaderry Paper Mill to produce a fully home-grown product in Nowra Copy.

There is an example of how a demand for such a product by local consumers who want to buy Australian, combined with dedication, persistence and principles, can result in such an important initiative. Already a number of local schools and businesses, including the Defence Force personnel at HMAS Albatross, have expressed a firm interest in or have signed contracts to use Nowra Copy.

The `Made in Australia' and `Product of Australia' labels are the most important recognition of not only local products but also local business and local employment. In speaking today, I speak for the residents of Gilmore and for all Australians who like to buy Australian products and who, in doing so, know that what they are buying is actually made here, therefore providing jobs for local people and investment for our future—not just packed here using overseas products, processes and staff.

It was this government which has moved to further protect the `Made in Australia' and `Product of Australia' labelling to protect Australian jobs. The member for Melbourne spoke very forcefully about the issue, but I remind him that actions speak louder than words. It is vital that this House recognises the importance of labelling to industry and consumers and that we do more than pay lip-service to the idea of Australian made products. The recent display of Australian paper and paper packaging in parliament is one example of how we can help showcase the best of what we have to offer.

The Shoalhaven Mill also produces the watermark of parliament which I use on my stationery and which I urge all members and senators to consider using for security and recognition of our unique correspondence. Not only do we need to protect these important labels from false representation on imported products but also we must make sure that industry and consumers are fully aware of the definition of the `Made in Australia' label.

In Gilmore there are a large number of exporters of all sorts of products, many of them in family businesses which are pushing the boundaries into world markets. Everything from abalone and fresh fish to flowers, water purifiers and surf wear is on display. It is not just our consumers and industry who need to be made aware of the importance of these labels, for `Made in Australia' and `Product of Australia' stand for first-class quality, competitive prices and cutting-edge technology. Protecting the identity associated with these labels allows Australian innovators, business people and their staff to research and develop new ideas, new products and new technologies in the knowledge that they will be supported by product protection through these labels in the marketplace.

Unfortunately, in some cases, it has been—until the introduction of the government's legislation—relatively easy to market goods in this country as Australian made, with scant regard to what it really means. I endorse a recent petition by the Shoalhaven paper mill's Paper Action Community Team calling on the government to ensure all imports to Australia do carry country of origin labels, for not only are we faced with the situation that some imported products are not labelled but also we are combating fraudulent advertising of country of origin. I am delighted that there is provision in the government's legislation for these very serious matters to be investigated.

I urge all members of the House to ensure that their communities, both industry and consumers, are aware of the importance of Australian made products for our industry, economy and employment. I applaud the former Minister for Customs and Consumer Affairs, Minister Truss, on his efforts in presenting this legislation to the parliament. But, most importantly, as members of this House, we must educate ourselves and our staff to ensure that we buy only Australian goods and products where possible and preferably from Gilmore businesses.