The Australian Fashion Council is developing a National Manufacturing Strategy for Fashion & Textiles, in partnership with R.M.Williams, to help rebuild and future-proof Australia’s local textile, clothing and footwear manufacturing capability.
The Strategy was informed by extensive national consultation with more than 300 industry participants across 14 sessions, including brands, manufacturers, educators, fibre producers, supply-chain experts, technology partners and First Nations businesses. Together, industry contributed over 1,000 initiatives and votes on strategic priorities to provide a strong, evidence-led foundation for the Strategy.
Final industry input is now being sought by industry to confirm the priorities that will shape the final Strategy, and ensure it delivers practical outcomes, meaningful support and lasting impact for Australian fashion and textiles.
CONSULTATION INSIGHTS PAPER
We are pleased to share the Consultation Insights Paper, which brings together the common themes, shared challenges and priority actions raised consistently across the national consultations.
We’re asking you to take a few minutes to:
- Review the Consultation Insights Paper
- Complete a short survey to confirm whether the findings and priorities reflect your business reality by 31 January 2026
- Organisations with relevant experience, capability and a commitment to play an active role in advancing the Strategy are asked to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to join the Industry Advisory Group.
Your feedback at this stage will directly shape the final National Manufacturing Strategy ahead of its release in March 2026 with government and industry at Parliament House in Canberra.
Australia’s fashion and textile industry contributes >$28B annually, employs almost 500,000 (77% whom are women) and generates $7.2B in exports (more than wine & beer combined). Yet only 3% are manufactured locally leaving the sector vulnerable to trade shocks, global uncertainty and unable to promote Australian Made.
However, AFC research revealed that Victoria’s clothing and textile manufacturing industry is stabilising after decades of decline.
These green shoots, together with Federal policies such as A Future Made in Australia, local-first procurement policies, and an industry ready for growth, provided strong evidence for a National Manufacturing Strategy to rebuild and future-proof local capability.
The AFC has partnered RM Williams as its brand ambassador for local manufacturing and partner for co-delivering the National Manufacturing Strategy. This collaboration unites R.M.Williams’ heritage of quality craftsmanship with AFC’s mission to foster a thriving, resilient fashion and textile industry through sustainable, onshore production.
The National Manufacturing Strategy aims to reinvigorate Australia’s clothing and textile manufacturing potential and demonstrate the sector’s future viability to both government and industry.
Its core objective is to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the future of the industry, one that attracts government and private sector investment, supports a sustainable local supply chain, and embraces technology to ensure global competitiveness.
The National Manufacturing Strategy draws on insights from a national consultation with over 300 participants across 14 sessions. Brands, manufacturers, educators, fibre producers, supply-chain experts, technology partners, and First Nations businesses contributed more than 1,000 initiatives and votes, providing a strong, evidence-based foundation for the Strategy.
What is the National Manufacturing Strategy?
The National Manufacturing Strategy aims to reinvigorate Australia’s clothing and textile manufacturing potential and demonstrate the sector’s future viability to both government and industry. Its core objective is to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the future of the industry, one that attracts government and private sector investment, supports a sustainable local supply chain, and embraces technology to ensure global competitiveness.
Have the industry consultations concluded?
Yes. The consultation phase has concluded following 14 national sessions with more than 300 industry participants, including brands, manufacturers, educators, fibre producers, supply-chain experts, technology partners and First Nations businesses.
Can I still contribute to the Strategy?
Yes. Final industry input is now being sought to validate the findings from the consultation phase. Industry is invited to review the Consultation Insights Paper and complete a short survey to confirm whether the priorities reflect current business realities.
Do I need to be an AFC member to provide feedback?
No. You do not need to be an AFC member. Anyone working in or connected to Australia’s fashion and textile manufacturing sector is encouraged to provide feedback.
How will my feedback be used?
Feedback gathered through the survey will directly inform the final National Manufacturing Strategy, ensuring it delivers practical outcomes, meaningful support and long-term impact for Australian fashion and textiles.
What happens next?
With ongoing government engagement underway, the final Strategy will be launched nationally at Parliament House in March 2026. The priorities confirmed now will help shape the future of local manufacturing for years to come.
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