We’re excited to announce that the AFC have launched the Victorian TCF Manufacturing Report: Future Jobs, Technology and Economic Growth. In partnership with Epson Australia, we have commissioned RMIT to, for the first-time, to quantify the current and future value of the Victorian TCF manufacturing sector.

The Report identifies five key areas to drive productivity, innovation and higher wage growth. Recommendations include: 

• Adding TCF manufacturing as a priority within the Made in Victoria statement;
• Strengthening government procurement policies to increase local content in uniforms, workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE) contracts; 
• Developing a revitalised TCF skills and training program to full workforce skill gaps; 
• Co-investment in advanced technology and jobs of the future for a sustainable, circular clothing economy; and
• Developing a national TCF manufacturing strategy, with Victoria at the forefront.

The current state of the Victorian TCF manufacturing industry presents a resilient sector in decline. To prevent further decline, “It’s imperative to the future of Victoria’s, and more-broadly Australia’s, textiles, clothing and footwear manufacturing industry that we collectively invest in and preference local. This sector is ours to lose. By implementing these very practical and achievable recommendations we can revive the industry, retain sovereign capability in Australia in TCF manufacturing and empower Australian brands to start, remain or even return on-shore,” Australian Fashion Council CEO, Jaana Quaintance-James said.

The Hon. Natalie Hutchins MP, Minister for Jobs & Industry, Women, and First Nations & Treaty, attended in support, stating that, “Transitioning to advanced manufacturing by adopting new technologies and upskilling will make our industries more efficient and resilient and better to meet market demands”

The report also highlights cost efficiencies and reduced waste that can be achieved should a smart-factory model be rolled out. Smart-factories utilise advanced technologies including digital sampling, digital printing and laser cutting to reduce waste and production lead times. At the launch of the report, a coat was made utilising this concept, made in collaboration with Ngali, RB Patterns, Epson and Select Textiles, and gifted to the Hon. Natalie Hutchins MP. 

Together, implementation of these recommendations is not just practical but symbolic. They send a message across our country —one that resonates with consumers, the industry, and brands alike: choose Australian.

Read the report HERE.