Pre-election wishlist aims high
NATIONAL:Industry leaders have called for a sweeping review of the textile, clothing and footwear sector in the lead up to the Australian Federal election.
With polling day set for November 24, key representatives throughout the nation have demanded far-reaching changes on education, IR reform, ethical supply, retail diversity and funding assistance for emerging designers.
Keith Cowlishaw, head of school at the fashion and textiles faculty of Melbourne's RMIT University, said future education policies needed to go further than those currently operating, with an increased emphasis on higher qualifications and doctorate level research.
"[There needs to be ] a recognition by all [parties] that the introduction of more professionals with higher level qualifications into the industry can only be of benefit and assist further growth." Government should consider direct support for companies to fund owner operators or employees to undertake higher degrees, he said.
Meanwhile Victorian state secretary for the Textile Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia (TCFUA) Michele O'Neil called for a repeal of the Howard Government's Work Choices industrial relations (IR) regime and its replacement by "a fair administration that recognises the rights of workers."
The Strategic Investment Program (SIP) – which provides reimbursement grants to promote investment and innovation in TCF companies - also needed review to allow greater access by small and medium enterprises, she said. The prevention of outworker exploitation (for which the Australian Labor Party pledged $4 million earlier this year) should also be a continuing concern for either party, she added.
Emer Diviney, research and policy coordinator for anti-poverty charity the Brotherhood of St Laurence – which recently released the "Ethical Threads" report on corporate and social responsibility in the TCF sector – called for Government support for an industry forum to improve conditions for workers, including those employed by overseas suppliers. Government also needed to "walk the talk" to ensure ethical procurement, she said.
"We recommend a review of purchasing policies. These should include clauses that require Government clothing suppliers to demonstrate a process for monitoring and improving the conditions under which goods are produced both locally and overseas."
Procurement was also an issue for peak TCF industry body the Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia (TFIA), which called for greater recognition of Australian-made content in Government procurement tenders.
The fashion retail landscape would also benefit from a more progressive approach, said Australian Centre for Retail Studies (ACRS) program director Andrew Cavanagh.
"A retail leasing framework that would put independent retailers on a more even footing with the big players – possibly in the form of tax breaks – would be welcome. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) should also be given more teeth to prevent major players from "trampling the opposition," he said.
"At the moment the ACCC is self-funded which means it has to choose its targets carefully – in other words it has to be fairly sure it's going to win before it takes a case on, which means it doesn't always have as much power as it should."
The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) cited improved funding support and recognition for emerging designers under creative arts and non-industry policies as a key concern, a view echoed by trade fair Fashion Exposed – which in recent weeks has placed increased focus on the promotion of emerging homegrown talent. Marie Kinsella, managing director of fair organiser Australian Exhibitions and Conferences, said current funding for new designers did not go far enough.
"There should be funding support from Government for designing and manufacturing in Australia in this highly competitive market. This leads to more jobs and with support and education driven by Government also allows us to manufacture ethically, in terms of both labour and the environment," said Marie Kinsella, managing director of fair organiser Australian Exhibitions and Conferences (AEC).
Representatives from both major parties - the Liberal Party of Australia and the ALP - were unavailable for comment as Ragtrader went to press.
By Belinda Smart