John Howard (Bennelong, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

The answer to the first part of the question is yes. The answer to the second part of the question is that I have seen reports of a report by the Office of Workplace Services. I have also seen a press statement released today by the Office of Workplace Services which states ‘that, despite media reports today to the contrary, the investigation into Cowra Abattoir Pty Ltd is yet to be finalised’. Now that the member for Perth, with his customary searching analysis, has raised the question of the Cowra Abattoir, let me say something about this company and let me say something about the campaign that is being waged by the Leader of the Opposition and the Labor Party, who apparently believe it is better for potentially 200 people to lose their jobs entirely because a firm goes out of business than it is for a firm to adjust its workforce down, retain the majority of them and keep the business going.

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