Media Release: AFC Launches Australia’s First Clothing Smart Factory Feasibility Study with Three Leading Universities, Backed by Epson Australia and Investment NSW

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sydney, Australia: The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) has commissioned a landmark feasibility study to establish a first-of-its-kind Clothing Smart Factory in Australia, a nationally significant step towards rebuilding sovereign capability and creating a new generation of advanced fashion manufacturing. A Clothing Smart Factory is a next-generation, technology-enabled manufacturing facility designed to bring onshore garment production back for Australian brands. The purpose-built manufacturing incubator will allow brands to test ideas, conduct R&D, and run small production at a scale and cost that is currently unviable onshore.

The study is backed by global technology leader Epson, the AFC’s strategic print and projection partner supporting the digital textile printing capability, and supported by Investment NSW through its Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program. The study brings together a research consortium of three of Australia's leading universities, RMIT, Swinburne University of Technology and University of Technology Sydney and, combining deep expertise across advanced manufacturing, textile technology and the emerging skills needed to power the fashion industry's digital transformation.

The Smart Factory will investigate a Cut, Make and Trim (CMT) facility equipped with digital pattern making, digital textile printing, CNC cutting, automated production line machinery and advanced finishing technologies. The final study will deliver a blueprint to establish a smart factory in NSW, assessing market demand, technical requirements, workforce and skills, financial modelling and opportunities for government and industry co-investment.

The Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong MP, NSW Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, said: “The NSW Government is proud to support initiatives that keep fashion and textile manufacturing right here in New South Wales. A clothing smart factory has the potential to create skilled local jobs, strengthen our advanced manufacturing base and broaden our innovation ecosystem. This feasibility study is an important step in building the networks across academia and industry to enhance our manufacturing expertise and competitiveness in this sector.”

Sam Delgos, General Manager of the AFC, said  "Australia has extraordinary design talent, but for decades we've watched our clothing manufacturing capability move offshore. If we're serious about building a globally competitive fashion industry, we need the infrastructure to support it. This feasibility study is our blueprint; bringing together industry, government and Australia's leading universities to explore a new model for advanced, on-demand production. We’re building the case for long-term investment in sovereign manufacturing, future skills and local production"

Craig Heckenberg, Managing Director of Epson Australia and New Zealand, said: "Epson is once again proud to support the Australian Fashion Council on another important initiative. Digital textile printing is transforming how garments are designed and made, reducing waste and water use while enabling local, on-demand production. We are delighted we can bring our technology and expertise to a project that will reshape the future of Australian fashion manufacturing."

Dr Alice Payne, Professor and Dean, School of Fashion & Textiles, RMIT, said: "RMIT's School of Fashion and Textiles is proud to bring our expertise in design, enterprise and technology to this nationally significant project. Our staff work at the intersection of practice and research, as designers, technologists and industry leaders, and that experience is central to shaping a smart factory model that is genuinely viable for Australian brands. We're excited to partner with the AFC and our consortium partners to help build a funding model that is sustainable and scalable, and to ensure this facility reflects the ethical, sustainable and regenerative practice our industry needs for the future.”

Professor Blair Kuys, Executive Dean, School of Design and Architecture, Swinburne, said: "On-demand and hyper-personalised fashion represent a significant opportunity for Australia’s creative and manufacturing economies. Swinburne University of Technology is proud to be working with the Australian Fashion Council and the consortium university partners to contribute our expertise in artificial intelligent manufacturing and build on our recent investment in fashion technologies. This study is an important step towards supporting the future of advanced fashion manufacturing in Australia.”

Professor James Bennett, Dean, Faculty of Design & Society, UTS, said: “UTS is committed to supporting our world-leading creative industries grow and innovate through ethical and sustainable practices,  which is why we are proud to partner with RMIT and Swinburne Universities on this project. This is a significant milestone of the NSW Fashion Sector Strategy, and UTS will build upon our expertise to complete the Workforce Analysis.”

The initiative is directly aligned with the NSW Government's Fashion Sector Strategy, which signals strong appetite for investment in the sector and a priority for the state. The AFC's longer-term ambition is a scalable, replicable model that could underpin a national network of smart factories over the coming decade. Together with the AFC's work across Australian Fashion Week, Global Gateways export development, workforce capability and the National Manufacturing Strategy, the Clothing Smart Factory represents another pillar in rebuilding Australia's fashion ecosystem from design through to manufacturing and global market access.

The study is expected to be completed in late 2026, ahead of an AFC industry launch event.

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Download imagery here.
For further information:
Prue-ellen Thomas, Head of Marketing and Communications, AFC
pthomas@ausfashioncouncil.com +61 439 882 788

 

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.

ABOUT EPSON AND THE MONNA LISA PRINTER:
Epson is a technology innovation and engineering company whose philosophy of efficient, compact, and precise innovation enriches lives and helps create a better world. The company uses technology and engineering ability to implement real-world solutions in precision innovation, industrial & robotics, office & home printing, and visual & lifestyle. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of more than JPY 1.4 trillion.

Epson is very much at the heart of onshore garment production with solutions such as its Monna Lisa direct-to-fabric series of digital printers that enable print on demand manufacturing that minimises waste, reduces energy use and shortens supply chains – all key goals for an industry striving to meet both environmental and creative challenges. Featuring water-based pigment inks and precision print technology, the Monna Lisa series also enables sustainable on demand manufacturing, reducing waste, uses less water and helps brands become faster and more agile to changing trends while making local production more cost effective.

Australian Fashion in Focus at the 2026 Global Sourcing Expo

The AFC is pleased to announce that Executive Chair Marianne Perkovic will deliver the opening address at the 2026 Global Sourcing Expo in Sydney on Tuesday 16 June.

Her address, Making the Future: Australia's Fashion Industry in a Changing Global Supply Chain, comes at a pivotal moment for the sector. Australian fashion is at an inflection point. Global sourcing networks are evolving rapidly, local manufacturing ambitions are growing, and the decisions made over the next 12 months about where we source, how we build, and who we partner with,  will shape the industry for the decade ahead.

Marianne will offer a view from the front, covering three areas the AFC believes are critical for members and the wider industry to engage with right now: the current state of Australian fashion, and where the opportunities and pressures sit heading into the second half of 2026; the Federal Government's National Manufacturing Strategy, and what it means in practical terms for designers, brands, manufacturers and retailers across the value chain; and the case for why Australia's relationships with its global supply partners have never been more strategically important — not in tension with local manufacturing ambitions, but as part of the same story.

In a first for the event, the Global Sourcing Expo and the AFC are partnering to pilot a showcase of three Australian manufacturers on the fair floor. It's a small but deliberate step to bring local capability into the same conversation as international supply, and give buyers a direct line to onshore partners alongside the global suppliers they've come to source from.

Across the three days, Patty Huntington will again host a program of insightful industry discussions, including a session on Made in Australia: The Reshoring Movement Gaining Momentum.

The Global Sourcing Expo runs 16–18 June 2026 at ICC Sydney and brings together international manufacturers, suppliers and Australian trade buyers across apparel, footwear, accessories, textiles and homewares. Entry is free for trade visitors.

The AFC encourages members to attend the opening address and to use the three days that follow to connect, compare and build the partnerships that will define what comes next for Australian fashion.

Register to attend at globalsourcingexpo.com.au

AFW2026: Meet the Makers, presented by EPSON

Australian Fashion Week has long been the industry's most important week of the year. This year, we used it to do something different, bring the supply chain into the room.

On the rooftop of the Museum of Contemporary Art, the AFC hosted Meet the Makers. a curated matchmaking event presented by Epson and MC'd by Glen Rollason, Founder of RB Patterns. 11 of Australia's leading manufacturers gathered under one roof, giving brands a rare opportunity to discover the capabilities, craftsmanship and capacity sitting right in their own backyard.

For too long, local manufacturing has felt out of reach for many Australian brands, not because the capability isn't there, but because the connections haven't been. Meet the Makers was built to change that. By creating a structured, face-to-face environment during the industry's most concentrated week of the year, we brought the right people into the same room at the right time.

None of this would have been possible without the eleven manufacturers who brought the event to life: EPSON, Citizen Wolf, ABMT, J&M Fashions, Knovus, Marlene Dawn, MTK Australia, RB Patterns, Silver Fleece, Tech Style Studio and Waverley Mills.

Each showcased what they do best and in doing so, opened the door to a new wave of Australian-made partnerships.

The calibre of brands in attendance reflected the broad appetite for local production across the industry. Joining the event were brands spanning from enterprise to SMB, including CUE, THE ICONIC, Alemais, BY JOHNNY, MARCS, Injury, Haluminous, LuluJaru, West 14th and more.  

The result was exactly what the event was designed to deliver. The room was alive with energy from the moment it opened, with brands eager to understand what Australian manufacturers are truly capable of. From fabric and pattern making to full garment production and digital printing, the range of expertise on display was a powerful reminder of the depth of skill that still exists.


A special thank you to our partner EPSON, whose support made Meet the Makers possible. Events like this are only possible with partners who are genuinely invested in the future of the Australian fashion industry, and Epson's commitment to local manufacturing is a reflection of exactly that.

Future Makers: Tara Moses, Chief Operating Officer of R.M.Williams

From discovering her passion for manufacturing at just 12 years old to over 25 years in leadership, Tara Moses, COO of R.M.Williams, has built a career grounded in impact, resilience, and innovation. She reflects on the experiences, pivotal career moments, and mentors who have shaped her approach, and shares the lessons that continue to guide her leadership in the evolving Australian fashion and textiles industry.

1. What was your first start in the industry and can you share your career journey?
I started my career journey when I was 12 years old and went to a "Women in Science and Engineering" Event at the University. I remember clearly listening to the woman explaining her job as an Industrial Engineer. I loved that she was helping to make factories better for the workers through ergonomics and efficiency. I was hooked from then on with manufacturing!

2. Was there a pivotal moment in your career that led you or pushed you to where you are today?
There are so many pivotal moments and they generally solidify in job changes within an organisation and moving from one company to another. I have been driven by making things better, by capitalising on the potential in any space.

3. Are there any mentors or influential figures who played a key role in your leadership style?
One influential mentor for me was a Chief Marketing Officer, Mary. I was able to observe her in many executive meetings and ask her questions on her mindset and approach. One particular thing resonates with me today. I noticed she was always engaged in the topics regardless if marketing was impacted or involved.

She asked curious questions and was genuinely interested. I told her this observation in one of our sessions and she said "Tara, I hold a "C-Level" position and that is my job to know, learn and engage in all aspects of the business and I feel everyday that I'm doing that". It was and is a good example of a great leader.

4. What has been the biggest challenge you have faced on your pathway, and how did you overcome it?
I am grateful that I've had over 25 years of experience to know that my biggest challenges and barriers have come from my own internal limitations and expectations of myself and others. I have at times not seen my gifts and stayed small, I have not communicated clearly and created tensions for myself and others.

5. Our industry is 77% female, however this is not the case at executive level. Do you believe the Australian fashion industry has evolved over the years, particularly in its support for women leaders? What can we all do to help change this statistic?
At R.M.Williams,  67% of the executive leadership is female and I'm so honoured to be a part of this diverse group. I have seen and experienced outside of R.M. amazing female leaders and executives. Australia is not lacking in fantastic female leaders! We all need to support, encourage, seek out, and promote female leaders. In a fashion industry where most employees are female and most customers are also female the more women that are at the table, the better.

6. What's one piece of advice you’d share with someone aiming to follow in your footsteps?
My advice, the thing I whisper to my younger self, is to build strength. The strength needed to be out in front where the wind hits hard, the strength to make the tough decisions, the strength to realise you might be causing the problem, the strength to have the hard conversations, the strength to speak up, the strength to think BIG, and the strength to carry forward no matter what. 

 

Find more about R.M.Williams here

 

BlockTexx And Asia Pacific Fibers Collaborate To Bring A Circular Future For The Global Textile Industry Closer To Reality

BlockTexx, an Australian clean-tech leader in textile resource recovery, has partnered with integrated polyester manufacturer Asia Pacific Fibers to accelerate the commercialisation of Textile-to-Textile recycled polyester filament yarns. This collaboration signals an important step for the industry: the move from small-scale innovation toward reliable, scalable circular inputs that can integrate directly into existing global supply chains.

The road to sustainability is a massive challenge for the fashion and textile industry with less than 1% of the global fibre market sourced from pre- and post-consumer recycled textiles. Global fibre production reached 124 million tonnes in 2023 and is projected to rise to 160 million tonnes by 2030 (Textile Exchange Materials Market Report 2024).

Polyester and cotton remain the most widely produced fibres, accounting for 77% of global fibre production. When blended these fabrics become harder to recycle and reuse as they must first go through a separation process.

BlockTexx uses its S.O.F.T.™ (separation of fibre technology) process to extract high value raw materials from post-consumer unwanted blended textiles and clothing to create PolyTexx® and CellTexx® for remanufacture into new products including fibre, fabric and trims.

Mr V. Ravishankar - CEO of Asia Pacific Fibers said the partnership with BlockTexx further reflects the company’s belief in the promise of a sustainable future.

“Our flagship product Re-petitive, made from PolyTexx® rPET exemplifies our commitment to sustainability, offering our value chain partners a truly circular solution that minimises water usage, chemical pollution, and landfill waste.” Mr. V. Ravishankar said.

“By closing the loop on end of life textiles, we empower our customers and brands to meet their environmental goals while maintaining uncompromising standards in design and performance.”

Through its end-to-end ecosystem for unwanted textiles and clothing, BlockTexx is actively driving a global movement towards a more circular economy for its partners and customers.

Graham Ross, Co-founder of BlockTexx said, “BlockTexx’s mission has been to develop low emissions technology to deliver commercial scale recycled products that are price comparative to virgin products.”

“We value the technical development expertise of the team at Asia Pacific Fibers and we appreciate their commitment to being an industry driver of Textile-to-Textile products. We are delighted to showcase these fabrics in Europe in October.”

Re-petitive yarns are available in raw white, dope dyed and with inherent functional features such as stretch, moisture management, anti-UV, anti-microbial, anti-dust mite and biodegradability. Made from 100% recycled polymers, the yarns can be curated to include 10% to 50% textile-waste content, depending on customer requirements. They are certified under OEKO-TEX, GRS and RCS standards as part of sustainability compliance.

Blocktexx and Asia Pacific Fibers will work together to develop a variety of commercially ready filament yarns and co-market these products to the global fashion and textile industry.

Blocktexx is actively working with global fashion and textile brands but excited to make Textile 2 Textile product available to Australian fashion and retail brands. Contact di@blocktexx.com for an introduction to Re-petitive yarns.

Occupation Shortage Skills Survey Highlights Critical Gaps in Fashion and Textile Workforce

Earlier this month, we surveyed a sample of brands and manufacturers for the Jobs and Skills Australia Occupation Shortage List

We had a total of 32 brands and manufacturers respond on how skills shortages are impacting their business. Many businesses reported ongoing difficulty in finding qualified applicants for roles such as sewing machinists, patternmakers and senior executives. Critically, some positions have remained vacant for nearly a decade, highlighting the long-term impact of underinvestment in training and education. Full results below:

 

Feedback from survey respondents

“We’ve been searching for experienced sample sewing machinists and fabric cutters with over 10 years of experience but have struggled to find even candidates with 5 years' experience. We haven’t successfully filled these roles since 2016, highlighting a serious gap in the workforce.”

“There is a major lack of manufacturing training in Australia, preventing the transfer of current knowledge and hands-on skills to the next generation. Without proper training, we risk losing the capability to manufacture locally and will become increasingly reliant on offshore production.”

“We need more VET (Vocational Education and Training) programs focused on patternmaking and sewing, with strong on-the-job components like internships. Currently, bachelor programs do not produce skilled patternmakers or sample machinists and if we’re not careful about the courses we offer, these vital skills could disappear.”

Where to from here?

We used these findings to advocate for our sector by contributing them to Jobs and Skills Occupation Shortage Analysis. We ran our own survey to ensure the fashion and textile industry was accurately represented, as it’s often underrepresented in broader government research.

Looking ahead, these insights will also inform AFC’s ongoing policy work and future skills development initiatives.

Media Release: Landmark Partnership Australian Fashion Council And R.M. Williams Unite To Rebuild Australia’s Fashion And Textile Manufacturing Sector

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.

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For further information and imagery:

Elizabeth Anderson

Head of Policy and Communications, AFC

eanderson@ausfashioncouncil.com +61 424 991 231

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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.

AFC 2025 Federal Election Platform

The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) has launched its 2025 Federal Election Platform, calling on all political parties to commit to strategic investment in Australia's fashion and textile sector. This commitment is essential to unlock growth potential, support local jobs, strengthen manufacturing capability, and secure our industry's future.

READ OUR SUMMARY FEDERAL ELECTION PLATFORM HERE. 

READ OUR FULL FEDERAL ELECTION PLATFORM HERE.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Australia's fashion and textile sector contributes $28 billion to the economy, exports over $7.2 billion annually (more than wine and beer combined), and employs 500,000 people (more than mining and utilities combined) – with women making up 77% of our workforce. Despite these contributions, we face significant challenges from market pressures, skills shortages, and global competition.

With targeted support, our sector could grow to $38 billion over the next decade, creating more high-value jobs, securing women's economic security, strengthening domestic manufacturing capability, expanding export opportunities, and establishing our place as a global leader in sustainable and innovative fashion.

 

OUR KEY PRIORITIES

The AFC has outlined strategic priorities across four key areas:

GROW THE FASHION AND TEXTILES SECTOR

INVEST IN ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

ADDRESS SKILLS GAPS AND WORKFORCE NEEDS

LEAD SUSTAINABLE TRANSFORMATION

 

TAKE ACTION NOW
With your support we can drive real change and secure the economic future of Australia's Fashion & Textile industry.

NSW Inquiry: Procurement Recommendations Could Lead to a Bright Future for Local TCF Manufacturing

The AFC welcomes the NSW Government's report on procurement practices, which highlights the untapped potential of local TCF manufacturing to drive economic growth and job creation.

The report identifies several critical areas where changes in government procurement policies could revolutionise the Australian fashion and textile industry, boosting local businesses and creating more job opportunities.

"The findings are a clear indication that supporting local TCF manufacturing is not just an option but a necessity to ensure the sustainability and resilience of our industry. By prioritising local content, we can empower women with job opportunities, leverage the multiplier effect of local manufacturing to drive ethical supply chains and accelerate the adoption of technology into advanced manufacturing. This is our opportunity to position Australia as a leader in innovative and sustainable products on the global stage, focusing on quality and innovation rather than competing solely on the lowest price.

"Government procurement plays a huge role in creating economic stability for manufacturers, giving them the fiscal headroom to invest in more staff, more training, and advanced equipment, which in turn drives innovation through research and development. It's crucial for the government to signal to the rest of the community that procurement decisions are no longer just about the cheapest option. This shift in focus will attract investment, foster innovation, and support the development of advanced manufacturing capabilities that can truly make Australia competitive globally," - Jaana Quaintance-James, CEO of the Australian Fashion Council.

To truly unlock the potential of the Australian fashion sector, the AFC urges the NSW Government to take bold steps in adopting these recommendations, particularly those that enhance opportunities for small businesses, support First Nations enterprises, and drive sustainability. By embracing these changes, the government can create a thriving ecosystem that fosters innovation, creates jobs, and supports local manufacturers.

Summary of Report Key Findings:

  1. Support for Local Content: There is broad support among stakeholders for prioritising local content in procurement to boost the local economy and create jobs.
  2. Modern Slavery Concerns: Current procurement practices lack transparency, leading to potential labour exploitation, especially in high-risk industries like cleaning and security.
  3. Lack of environmental and Sustainability Standards: There are currently no goals to meet or achieve any Environmental or Social sustainability standards across procurement practices.
  4. Compliance Gaps: Post-award compliance checks are infrequent, risking non-compliance with labour standards and contract obligations.
  5. Small Business Access: Small businesses face barriers in participating in procurement processes due to a lack of capacity and complex tender requirements.

Summary of Recommendations for the Australian TCF Manufacturing Industry:

To promote the advancement of local manufacturing and job creation in Australia, the AFC support prioritising the following five recommendations from the report:

  1. Prioritise Local Content in Procurement (Recommendation 1):
    • Support local innovation by breaking down tenders into smaller parts, enabling small businesses to participate.
    • This approach would directly benefit local manufacturers and support small businesses to scale up, increasing job opportunities and economic growth.
  2. Mandate Modern Slavery Clauses (Recommendation 3):
    • Include modern slavery clauses in all procurement contracts to ensure ethical supply chain practices.
    • This recommendation aligns with ethical business practices and promotes fair labour standards, helping to protect workers in high-risk industries.
  3. Establish a Jobs First Commission (Recommendation 9):
    • Implement measures to monitor and enforce local content requirements, ensuring systematic compliance checks.
    • A dedicated body like the Jobs First Commission will drive accountability in supporting local industries and increasing employment opportunities.
  4. Support for Aboriginal and Diverse Enterprises (Recommendation 14):
    • Provide training, support, and skill development for Aboriginal businesses to help them succeed in government procurement.
    • Increasing diversity in the supply chain not only supports job creation but also fosters social inclusion and economic development within disadvantaged communities.
  5. Incentivise Sustainability and Circular Economy Practices (Recommendation 18):
    • Introduce requirements for government tenders to focus on product stewardship and the circular economy.
    • Emphasising sustainability in procurement encourages innovation and positions NSW as a leader in environmentally responsible manufacturing.

By adopting these strategies, the future of Australian manufacturing can be brighter than ever, providing a more resilient and competitive landscape for businesses and communities across the country.

Read the report in full here

 

AFC MEMBER BRAND & MANUFACTURERS FORUM

AFC Members are invited to this session, where we will unpack the Victorian TCF manufacturing report findings and recommendations, and workshop industry priorities. This forum will be an opportunity for brands and manufacturers to collaborate, voice challenges and plan next steps for our manufacturing industry to be better supported, evolve and thrive.

WHEN: Wednesday, 23 October, 2024
TIME: 11.00am - 1.00pm
LOCATION: Epiphany Room, GPT Space&Co, 376-390 Collins Street, Melbourne
AFC Members can RSVP HERE

AFC’s Federal Budget Submission 2025-26

The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) has submitted its 2025-26 Federal Budget submission, urging the government to invest into Australia’s fashion and textile sector. This investment is critical to unlocking growth, supporting local jobs, and future-proofing the industry.

READ THE FULL SUBMISSION HERE.

OUR KEY RECOMMENDATIONS

The AFC has outlined strategic priorities across four key areas:

WHY THIS MATTERS

Australia’s fashion industry contributes $27.2 billion to the economy, exports over $7.2 billion annually, and employs 500,000 people – more than mining and utilities combined. Yet, we face supply chain pressures, skills shortages, and global competition.

These recommendations will help strengthen our industry, secure local jobs, and position Australia as a leader in ethical, sustainable, and innovative fashion.

TAKE ACTION

The new AFC Strategy: Shaping the Future of Australian Fashion and Textiles

Dear Australian Fashion Community,

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with you. At the AFC, we’ve been hard at work crafting a new strategy—it’s one that directly addresses the challenges our industry is facing today, shaped by your voices, your concerns, and your passion.

Last month, we gathered with many of you in Sydney for our first-ever Member Forums to discuss the future of the Australian fashion industry. These sessions were a powerful reminder of what makes our industry so special: our willingness to come together, share openly, and work collaboratively towards common goals. The feedback from these forums played a crucial role in refining the AFC's new strategy, ensuring it is aligned with the needs of the industry.

Key challenges identified during the forums include the complexities of accessing export markets, the high costs associated with local manufacturing, and the urgent need to address skills gaps within the industry. Members also highlighted the importance of sustainability, expressing a desire for more circularity infrastructure and greater industry collaboration to drive meaningful change.

The AFC's Strategic Agenda

The Member forums helped us refine our mission for our members:
To champion and advocate for a prosperous, innovative and creative Australian fashion and textiles industry. Our purpose is to build a vibrant and inclusive ecosystem for our community through education, collaboration and innovation.

And the strategic priorities the AFC needs to deliver on this mission:

REPRESENTATION:
Cultivate a member community that represents the full breadth of the Australian fashion and textile industries and activate projects such as an industry-level strategy for First Nations Fashion and evolving the AFC Directory and Hub to better meet your needs and connect you with your peers.

ENGAGEMENT & ADVOCACY:
Create value for our members by fostering community and collaboration and advocating for their interests with all stakeholders. This means more member engagement events such as ongoing member forums, anAustralian Fashion Conference in 2025, government advocacy and Strategic Partner programs which deliver value to you.

IMPACT:
Support our members to be successful through initiatives that deliver positive commercial outcomes in four key impact areas:

The AFC’s approach underscores its commitment to supporting the fashion industry through advocacy, education, and strategic partnerships.

This isn’t just a plan on paper—it’s a commitment to action. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and work alongside you, secure funding to tackle the above programs, advocate for better industry support, create new educational pathways, and build the infrastructure we need for a more sustainable future. But we can’t do it alone. Our strength lies in our community, and we need your continued engagement and support to make this vision a reality.

If you’re not yet a member, now is the time to join the AFC. There’s an energy and momentum building in our industry that you won’t want to miss. As a member, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of Australian fashion, access exclusive resources, and connect with a network of passionate professionals who, like you, are dedicated to making a difference.

Together, we can overcome the challenges we face and build an Australian fashion industry that is not only resilient but also thriving. I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.

Warm regards,

Jaana Quaintance-James
CEO, Australian Fashion Council

Advocating for Local Manufacturing: 2024 Wrap Up

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.

Read more here

 

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.

Read more here.

 

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. 

Read more here.

 

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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