Sample Witness Statement
No.** of ****
Natalie Jones
COMPLAINANT
and
Jars Pty Ltd
FIRST NAMED RESPONDENT
John Smith
SECOND NAMED RESPONDENT
Natalie Jones states –
1. My name is Natalie Jones. My address is 15 River Street, Dandenong. I am
unemployed.
2. I have a certificate in glass blowing and manufacture (awarded 1985) and an
Advanced Diploma in glass blowing and glass manufacture (awarded 1987). Both
were awarded by RMIT.
3. I began working at the first Respondent’s factory at 33 Creek Road, Dandenong,
on 3 January 1990. The factory manufactures glass bottles for peanut butter,
jams and other products. I worked as a machinist. I continued working in that
factory as a machinist until 16 February 2000.
4. The Manager of the factory was John Smith. In the time I have worked with the
first Respondent, neither John Smith nor any other Manager has found fault with
my work. John Smith has on many occasions said that I was an excellent worker.
5. From March to September 1997 and again from April to October 1999 I acted as
a leading hand in the factory. On each occasion John Smith asked me to act in
that position, and explained that it was because I was such a good worker and
because of my good relationships with the other staff and management. He twice
told me that I could not be promoted at that time to the position on a permanent
basis because the board of directors were at that time unwilling to create new
permanent positions, because of prevailing uncertain financial circumstances.
6. On 1 February 2000 I saw on the notice board in the factory an advertisement for
two leading hand positions. The advertisement required applicants to apply in
writing and to include a short statement of their experience. The closing date for
applications was 15 February 2000.
7. On 8 February 2000 I applied for one of the leading hand positions. My
application was addressed and given to John Smith, the factory Manager. It