AFC Submission Into NSW Government Procurement Inquiry

The AFC were invited to make 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 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. Our NSW sector is valued at $9.7 billion and employs 174,000 workers, so the potential is enormous!

Imagine the impact if government uniform contracts prioritised local manufacturers—long-term, high-volume contracts can drive innovation and capacity building. There are also positive social and environmental impacts for the NSW community such as better labour conditions, circular economy practice and end-of-life solutions, as well as upskilling the industry workforce. 

READ OUR AFC SUBMISSION TO THE NSW PARLIAMENT INQUIRY HERE

AFC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NSW GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT POLICIES

  1. Set Local Content Targets
  1. Compensate Higher-Cost Bids with Broader Benefits
  1. Develop Environmental and Social Frameworks
  1. Increase Transparency and Support for SMEs

BENEFITS FOR INDUSTRY

  1. Labour Conditions: Engaging with local manufacturers increases visibility over the supply chain, reducing the risk of labour exploitation. Accreditation requirements should be achievable for local manufacturers without creating barriers to entry.
  2. End-of-Life Clothing Solutions: Investing in circular economy practices and transitioning to sustainable materials, such as Australian-grown wool and cotton, can reduce the environmental impact of uniforms.
  3. Upskilling the Industry: Long-term government contracts can provide the confidence needed for local manufacturers to invest in staff training, new machinery, and overall capability building.

CASE STUDIES HIGHLIGHTING SUCCESS AND POTENTIAL

The Social Outfit and Workwear Group Collaboration

Citizen Wolf and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

The AFC urges the NSW government to implement these recommendations to reinvigorate local clothing manufacturing, create a network of NSW TCF suppliers, and develop a comprehensive procurement policy that benefits the entire state.

NEXT STEPS:

  1. Fund a comprehensive report to quantify the NSW TCF manufacturing industry.
  2. Establish a procurement policy for uniforms and protective equipment with local content targets.
  3. Increase transparency and support measures for SMEs in procurement processes.
  4. Implement environmental and social frameworks specific to TCF sourcing.
  5. Encourage industry participation and build awareness of Australian manufacturing capabilities.

These steps will ensure the NSW government supports a vibrant, sustainable, and economically beneficial TCF industry.

READ OUR AFC SUBMISSION TO THE NSW PARLIAMENT INQUIRY HERE