TFIA to seek industry views
The Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia (TFIA) has moved quickly to respond to the Federal Government's TCF Review.
Following the government's announcement of the review, as first reported in Ragtrader last month, the council has devised a series of workshops to canvass opinion on the future needs and direction of the industry.
Scheduled April 23 and 24, input from the sessions will be provided directly to the Federal Government in a submission designed to help shape government thinking on how to develop the industry.
In an open letter to industry TFIA executive director Jo Kellock urged representatives from all sectors to attend the workshops.
"This review and the issues that it seeks to address will affect all in the TCF supply chain, from clothing and textile manufacturers to designers and retailers to technology providers and training organisations," she said.
"We would invite you to participate in the sessions to ensure that your needs are heard and that the TCF industries in Australia can continue to flourish and grow in an optimal environment."
Areas of discussion at the workshops are expected to include the changing nature of the sector, its performance and prospects; the ability of the industry to take advantage of innovation to build on its existing strengths, as well as the industry's use of and access to government programs.
Other topics will include the current skills shortage and future skills needs of the industry; the appropriateness and effectiveness of TCF-specific assistance and trade measures; other issues affecting competitiveness such as regulation, R&D and collaboration and environmental challenges; and finally the effectiveness of existing structural adjustment funding assistance.
With the workshops to be held at TFIA headquarters in Collingwood, Melbourne, Wednesday April 23 would offer sessions on the industrial textiles sector, the clothing uniform sector, the consumer clothing sector, research, development and technology and the design sector.
Thursday April 24 would offer sessions on the household textile sector, education, training and skills development and the retail sector.
As reported in Ragtrader, Professor Roy Green has been appointed to undertake the TCF review and will be supported by a reference group drawn from industry and union groups and the research and education community.
Green, also the Dean of Macquarie School of Management, said the TCF industries represented a major manufacturing sector and a "significant" part of the Australian economy.
"At present these industries are experiencing considerable global and domestic pressures - a commitment to innovation and increased productivity will be necessary to secure their long-term future," he said.
Green is due to report back to the government in August.
By Belinda Smart