The AFC recently launched the Victorian TCF Manufacturing Report and convened a manufacturing roundtable in Victoria, with Honourable Minister Natalie Hutchins in attendance. The event brought together leading AFC manufacturer members to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Australian manufacturing.

Earlier this month, the AFC and Epson Australia launched Victorian TCF Manufacturing: Future Jobs, Technology and Economic Growth, a landmark study into the state of local manufacturing in Victoria. The report identified a resilient sector in a state of decline, with immediate opportunities to grow the industry again through strengthened government procurement, investment in technology and innovation, and strategies to address the growing skills shortage.

Following the report launch at Vince Clothing’s manufacturing facility in Brunswick, Melbourne, the AFC convened an industry roundtable with Hon. Natalie Hutchins, Minister for Jobs & Industry, Women, and First Nations & Treaty. In attendance were representatives from Epson, Stewart & Heaton, ABMT, Vince Clothing, Sample Room, TopKnit Fabrics Australia, MTK Australia, Workwear Group and Flickers Australia.

During the session, Hon. Natalie Hutchins listened to the industry's on-ground challenges and opportunities, as well as their requests to the Victorian Government. Discussions focused on implementing mandatory procurement policies for the inclusion of local content in TCF contracts, financial support for manufacturers to deliver on the job training programs, investing in innovation in manufacturing practices, and the importance of consumer awareness of buying local. 

The discussion focused on the five key recommendations from the Victorian TCF Manufacturing report:

1. Include TCF manufacturing as a priority sector in the Made in Victoria 2030 policy 
2. Mandatory government procurement policies to increase local content in uniforms, workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE) contracts 
3. Develop a revitalised TCF skills and training program to fill workforce skills gaps 
4. Co-invest in advanced technology and jobs of the future for a sustainable, circular clothing economy
5. Develop a national TCF manufacturing strategy led by the Victorian Government and industry

Summary of key points raised in the roundtable discussion

Julia Van Der Sommen, Director of Sample Room 

We need to shift training from schools to on-the-job programs, as TCF manufacturers have the capacity to upskill workers. However, in small businesses, every role is crucial and time is limited. The industry requires government incentives and support to help TCF manufacturers employ and train staff effectively [Links to Recommendation 3] 

Julian Collins, Group Commercial Manager at ABMT 

We advocate for orders rather than handouts, stressing that a commitment to local content in government procurement fosters investment in jobs, technology, and advanced machinery. Designing government uniforms with local procurement in mind requires early input from local industry experts to ensure the garments are commercially viable and suitable for future recyclability. Additionally, the government should support the transition to lower-impact electricity sources, as this poses a significant cost challenge for small businesses. [Links to Recommendation 2 and 4]

Simon Stewart, Managing Director at Stewart and Heaton 

The conversation around local TCF manufacturing needs to move beyond cost concerns to highlight the long-term environmental and social benefits of keeping production local. Implementing mandatory procurement policies that set minimum local content in government contracts is crucial, with the Australian Defence uniforms serving as a strong example for other departments. Additionally, increasing the Treasury budget to support higher-value local contracts will drive growth. We're not looking to return to the past—TCF manufacturing is a niche industry, and we should celebrate the value it brings today. [Links to Recommendation 2]

Stephen Morris-Moody, Managing Director at MTK Australia

We should focus on the long-term environmental and social benefits of local TCF manufacturing rather than just its costs. Mandatory local content in government contracts and using Australian Defence uniforms as a model for other departments can drive this change. Increasing the Treasury budget for higher-value local contracts is also crucial. Celebrating and advancing our niche TCF industry, rather than reverting to old practices, is key to its future success. [Links to Recommendation 2]

Outcome 

The manufacturing roundtable provided a valuable opportunity for the Victorian government to hear first hand about the opportunities to support our resilient manufacturing sector. The collaborative efforts of industry leaders and policymakers will be crucial in driving positive change and securing a thriving future for TCF manufacturing in Victoria and nationally. Australian manufacturing. The AFC continues to advocate for TCF manufacturing with Minister Hutchins and the Jobs and Industry department and will be engaging with the NSW government to apply the report’s insights to the NSW TCF manufacturing sector.