TCF council in search of industry advocate

The hunt is on for a ‘supplier advocate’ for the textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) industry. As reported on ragtrader.com.au, the appointment of an industry advocate was raised during an inaugural meeting of the TCF Industries Innovation Council last month.

The council was established as part of the Federal Government’s $401 million package for the industry, announced in the 2009 Budget.

The government is expected to invest $8.2 million over four years to support an industry supplier advocate program. The advocate’s role will focus largely on promoting contestable government procurement opportunities, as well as ensuring industry makes effective use of existing government programs such as Enterprise Connect, Austrade and the Industry Capability Network.

The council is expected to advise government on the introduction of a voluntary ethical quality mark, voluntary national sizing standard and a national human measurement database. The 18-member council, which includes representatives from retailers Cue and Kmart, will meet again in November.

Industry minister Senator Kim Carr said he was working with the council on developing key roles for the advocate.

“Priority will [be] on contestable government procurement opportuntieis and and identified capability and capacity in the TCF industries,” Carr said.