Australian branding mooted

MELBOURNE:Investment in Australian branding to underpin the higher price of locally produced clothing has been mooted as a possible submission to the Government's TCF review.

The idea emerged from a workshop and group discussion on the wants and needs of the consumer clothing sector on April 23.

Attendees included representatives from the fashion retail sector as well as Tommy Clarke, project officer of the Homeworkers Code of Practice.

While furnishing export opportunities for Australian product, Australian branding for local product should also be associated with environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing practices, Clarke said.

Other ideas raised during the discussion included industry clustering for short run manufacturers wishing to operate onshore, increased focus on innovation, sizing rationalisation, and investment in training and new technologies.

Organised by the Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia (TFIA), the workshop was just one of a two day series – from April 23 to 24 – dealing with all sectors of the TCF industry and designed to canvass industry views and needs.

TFIA head Jo Kellock said she was "extremely pleased" with the turn out at the workshops, adding the TFIA was still encouraging submissions to the review.

"In particular we're looking for case studies or examples of innovation as the review is making an evidence-based determination," she said.

The Government will complete its TCF review on August 31.