Advocating for Australian manufacturing has been a key focus for the AFC throughout 2024, and it remains a critical priority as we look ahead to 2025. Here’s a closer look at the work we’ve done to champion and strengthen Australia’s local manufacturing industry.
Victorian TCF Manufacturing: Future Jobs, Technology and Economic Growth Report Launch, in partnership with Epson.
The AFC released the Victorian TCF Manufacturing: Future Jobs, Technology and Economic Growth Report in partnership with Epson. This report marked an important step in recognising the need to support a resilient but declining sector.
In 2023, the Victorian Textile, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) manufacturing industry contributed over $930 million to the economy—a testament to its significant impact despite the challenges.
Women drive this industry, making up 53% of the TCF manufacturing workforce, compared to a national manufacturing sector average of just 28%. This makes TCF manufacturing the most diverse and female-represented subdivision in the sector.
Read the Report Recommendations Here
Manufacturing Roundtable with Honourable Minister Natalie Hutchins.
Following the report launch, we convened a manufacturing roundtable in Victoria, with Honourable Minister Natalie Hutchins, Minister for Jobs & Industry, Women, and First Nations & Treaty, in attendance. The event brought together leading AFC manufacturer members to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Australian manufacturing.
Member Manufacturers Forum
We organised a series of AFC Member Forums in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane allowing members to foster a two-way dialogue on advocacy and industry priorities. These forums are where we laid the groundwork for the Australian Manufacturing Strategy. Members spoke about advocacy and policy to create a thriving manufacturing strategy, the importance of education and training and what industry commitments are necessary to drive the industry forward.
NSW Parliament Event: TCF Manufacturing & Government Procurement in NSW
We held an event, hosted by Dr Sarah Kaine MLC at the New South Wales Parliament and roundtable, engaging directly with domestic manufacturers. The event was attended by the Hon. Minister Houssos MLC, Minister for Finance, Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement, and Minister for Natural Resources to address issues relating to government procurement and policy support.
AFC Submission into NSW Government Procurement Inquiry
The AFC made a submission for the inquiry on procurement practices of government agencies in NSW and its impact on social development, chaired by the Hon. Dr Sarah Kaine, MLC. We believe that prioritising local procurement can yield long-term economic benefits, such as job creation, increased taxable income, higher skilled occupations, reinvestment in technology and R&D, and overall industry growth.
Sustainable Fibre Symposium at the National Wool Museum
AFC, CEO, Jaana Quaintance-James was invited to speak and presented on the role of a connected local manufacturing ecosystem to support fibre innovation to scale, and the importance of reconnecting our local thriving cotton and wool industries.
Looking ahead to 2025
The AFC is committed to building on the momentum of 2024 and delivering initiatives that drive positive change for the Australian fashion and textile industry. This will include the creation of a National Manufacturing Strategy—stay tuned for more details!
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