TCF Review to spark debate

MELBOURNE: The findings of Professor Roy Green's review of the TCF industry, unveiled at lunch time today, look set to kick start "robust" debate between Government and key industry stakeholders. Unveiling the results - laid out in a document titled "Building Innovative Capability" and numbering some 135 pages - Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, said they signified an "optimistic" future industry with a focus on innovation.

Highlights of the review's recommendations included adjusting the current funding assistance package to include more firms across more sectors of the industry in the eligibility criteria, a TCF Innovation Council and an Australian made, ethical branding initiative.

Professor Green pointed out that "the guiding theme of the review is to build a collaborative approach", in which a new innovation council would play a key role.

The review also recommended that a funding injection of $80 million be added to the Government's structural adjustment package to 2015, bringing the total package to $250 million.

However, the Textile Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia (TCFUA), said while it welcomed the review,  the recommendations had also raised concerns in four key areas: the amount of funding being made available, the decision not to freeze current tariffs, the lack of emphasis on keeping jobs in Australia, and the lack of funding available for unemployed TCF workers.

Senator Carr emphasised the Government would "weigh up the recommendations with great care" and in consultation with industry, before taking policy action.

For more detailed coverage of industry reaction to the TCF Review's findings, see Ragtrader's October 3 print edition.