Briefs
Exports eased
NATIONAL: The Australian Government has relaxed trade requirements with Fiji just days after the country's textile, clothing and footwear industry announced possible job losses. Fiji had reported more than 300 jobs lost as a result of a 20 per cent minimum wage rate and projected between 800 to 1000 jobs more in the next six months. Australia has agreed to reduce the local content requirements for all garments (excluding wool and wool-blend fabrics) exported here under the SPARTECA-TCF Scheme. From earlier this week, the Minimum Local Area Content requirement under the scheme will be reduced from 35 percent to 25 percent, meaning all garments which meet the 25 percent local content requirement can be exported duty-free to Australia.
Tee-ing off
BRISBANE: The annual Queensland menswear charity golf day is happening again. Staged on July 7 at Brisbane's Virginia Golf Club, organisers have this year decided to declare Guide Dogs Queensland as the recipient of takings from the day. Hole sponsorships are still available and priced from $220. Individual player registrations are priced from $80 and include golf, lunch and dinner. For more: Drewe Freeburn on 0413 333 654
Fine wool
NATIONAL: Australian wool is set to get a boost on the international stage after an Indian suiting company began manufacturing a limited edition of Super 240s suit length manufactured from the world's first bale of wool of 11.6 micron. The suiting manufacturer, who snapped up the bale at a global auction in Australia in June, outbid competitors from Italy to snare the bail - produced by New South Wales company Hillcreston Pinehill Partnership. It is understood it is the finest ever to be offered at auction.
Oscar's last word
MELBOURNE: Menswear designer Oscar Calvo has decided to close down his retail store after two years at the site. The OC Oscar Calvo boutique, on Melbourne's Johnston Street, will close its doors by the end of February with the designer citing rising costs as the reason behind the closure. It is understood the Oscar Calvo label will continue to sell online and retain the wholesale arm of the business. The company was founded in 2004, just prior to Calvo becoming a Victorian finalist in the Mercedes-Benz Start Up Awards in 2005.