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Hon Kevin Andrews MP

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service 03 April, 2006

Media Release

075/06

Office Of Workplace Services Investigating Sackings At Cowra Meatworks

There have been a number of media reports concerning the dismissal of employees by Cowra Abattoir Pty Ltd.

The Office of Workplace Services (OWS) is investigating this case and was onsite at Cowra this morning.

An OWS inspector spoke to the employer, the employees’ representatives and the relevant union, and is reviewing

documents provided by the employer.

As can be appreciated, the investigation is its infancy and OWS is still determining the facts. Once the OWS inspector

has reached a conclusion, he will inform the appropriate parties.

At this stage it appears that none of the unions involved or the ACTU had bothered to contact the OWS to ask for

assistance.

The OWS has initiated it own investigation and will continue to do so as occasions arise.

The beefed up OWS now has the ability to initiate its own prosecutions without a referral from an employee or

employer.

The OWS’s objective is to ensure the rights and obligations of workers and employers under the Workplace

Relations Act 1996 are understood and enforced fairly.

Employers and employees who would like more information on their rights and obligations should contact the

WorkChoices Infoline on 1300 363 264 or visit the OWS website at www.ows.gov.au

For further information contact:

Ian Hanke 0409 715 861