Motion (by Senator Forshaw) agreed to:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

(i) on 10 December 1997 the Grafton Meatworks, owned and operated by companies in the Gilbertson Group, closed down, resulting in 300 workers losing their jobs just prior to Christmas 1997,

(ii) the workers employed at the meatworks were owed approximately $3 million in annual leave, long service leave, redundancy payments and other entitlements,

(iii) since the closure, the New South Wales State Member for Clarence and the New South Wales Minister for Regional Devel opment and Rural Affairs, Mr Woods, has worked tirelessly to have the meatworks re-opened with a new buyer,

(iv) in the week beginning 22 March 1998, the meatworks was purchased by Ramsey Meats, and

(v) Mr Stuart Ramsey of Ramsey Meats has publicly acknowledged the support and assistance given by Mr Woods and the New South Wales Government in enabling him to purchase and re-open the meatworks, thus providing employment to many of the workers who had lost their jobs; and

(b) congratulates:

(i) Mr Ramsey for his decision to purchase the meatworks, thus demonstrating his faith in, and commitment to, the people of the Grafton district, and

(ii) Mr Woods and the New South Wales Government for their efforts and assistance in ensuring the sale and continued operation of the meatworks which is of vital importance to the people of the region and to Australia's meat export industry.