TFIA: Government contracts begin at home
The TFIA said in its submission that the "bottom-line mentality" from federal government decision-makers showed a lack of understanding of the capabilities of the textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) sector.
TFIA executive director Ashley Van Krieken stated: "Our members are becoming increasingly concerned at the lack of acknowledgement and opportunities provided to products with Australian content by government."
The submission urged government to address its undue focus on end unit cost rather than a life-cycle view that took into account the total supply chain.
"The TCF sector is a global sector and Australian companies have invested and grown to become the most innovative in the world, yet they are seeing their world-class product replaced by imports, which time and time again fail to perform - causing cost over-runs, delivery problems and quality assurance issues," said Van Krieken.
The submission, made ahead of the Victorian election on November 25, will be made in writing to the Victorian government and opposition officials.
In addition to the government contract issue, the TFIA submission to the State of Manufacturing in Australia Review advocated improvements in the taxation environment, increased flexibility in training and education and reduced red tape.
Another bugbear of the TFIA was the inconsistency among departments and significant bureaucracy that hampered the tender process.
Van Krieken brought home the need to ensure that governments had the necessary flexibility to assist TCF growth.
"This must include the ability for companies to access training programs that allow workers to up-skill in line with technological developments," he said.