• Iconic partnership to develop Australia’s first-ever industry-led National Manufacturing Strategy for the fashion and textile industry
• Every $1 million invested in local fashion and textile production could generate $1.2 million in economic returns through job creation and reduced import dependencies
• Nationwide industry consultation launching in six locations to design comprehensive framework for targeted industry support
• All TCF manufacturers and industry stakeholders invited to contribute to shaping the future of Australian-made fashion and textiles

Tuesday, 6th May, 2025, Sydney, Australia: The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) and R.M. Williams have today announced a landmark partnership to develop Australia’s first-ever National Manufacturing Strategy for the fashion and textile industry. This strategic collaboration will mobilise a nationwide effort to rebuild and future-proof the sector, unlock Australian-made capability and enable a globally competitive industry powered by innovation, advanced technology and next-generation skills. 

With 97 per cent of Australia’s $28 billion fashion industry produced offshore, this landmark initiative comes at a pivotal time, as growing trade uncertainty and fragile global supply chains underscore the need to diversify production and strengthen sovereign capability in apparel and footwear manufacturing. 

The strategy will address three interconnected challenges: safeguarding the industry’s $7.2 billion export contribution in an unpredictable global landscape; tackling a deepening skills crisis and widespread technical shortages, with the median age of skilled manufacturing workers now 57; and preserving a vital source of women's economic participation, with the industry employing 500,000 Australians - 77 per cent of whom are women. 

Research commissioned by the Australian Fashion Council estimated that for every $1 million invested in returning production to Australia could generate approximately $1.2 million in economic returns through job creation, technology, strengthened local supply chains, and reduced import dependencies, further strengthening the business case for strategic reinvestment in domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Jaana Quaintance-James, CEO of the AFC, said: “We’re incredibly proud to partner with R.M. Williams - an iconic brand that proves Australian manufacturing isn’t just possible; it’s profitable, scalable, and vital to our future. Our sector is at a critical tipping point. Through deep industry consultation, we’ve identified an urgent need for a National Manufacturing Strategy - one that safeguards jobs, restores technical capability, and strengthens our global competitiveness. Rebuilding local manufacturing will deliver far-reaching economic and community benefits - from job creation and skills development to regional growth and greater participation for women. This is about securing Australia’s fashion and textile future in an increasingly uncertain global market both economically, socially, and sustainably.”

Tara Moses, Chief Operating Office at R.M. Williams adds: “We’re honoured to step into this role at a time when local manufacturing is facing both challenges and opportunities. By partnering with the AFC, we hope to tackle systemic factors which limit growth and capability and inspire other Australian brands to produce locally. We believe that quality products made by skilled Australian hands will always be valued, and we’re excited to contribute to the AFC’s vision for a National Manufacturing Strategy that supports jobs, skills, and sustainability.”

The National Manufacturing Strategy will take shape through six structured industry consultation sessions conducted across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and online starting Monday, 5th May 2025 in Adelaide. 

These sessions will bring together manufacturers, brands and educators to map capabilities, identify critical gaps and develop targeted recommendations for both industry and governments. Following industry consultation, the AFC and R.M. Williams will engage with key stakeholders to implement the strategy, which will be released in late 2025.

The AFC invites all Australian textile, clothing, and footwear manufacturers and industry stakeholders to join this historic initiative. To ensure the National Manufacturing Strategy represents the diverse needs of businesses across the sector, the AFC is calling on all industry participants to register their interest: here.

-ends- 

For further information and imagery:

Elizabeth Anderson

Head of Policy and Communications, AFC

eanderson@ausfashioncouncil.com +61 424 991 231

____

ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN FASHION COUNCIL:

The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) is a not-for-profit and the peak body for the Australian fashion and textile industry, representing the sector for over 70 years. AFC members are Australian founded or majority owned businesses involved in producing fabric, clothing, footwear or accessories, including individuals that contribute creatively and economically to the Australian fashion and textile industry. The AFC champion and advocate for a prosperous and creative Australian fashion and textiles industry, with the purpose of building a vibrant, inclusive ecosystem for our member community through education, collaboration and innovation.