Clague proposes global role for Oz

MELBOURNE: Victoria headquartered jeans brand Clague has called for Australia to take a leading role in the global market of the future. Speaking after entering a submission to the federal government's TCF Review, Clague founder Norman Clegg said Australia could play a role as "the new stable force in the development of sourcing strategies of large US and European customers", particularly as new conditions effected change in the roles played by different countries.

"[Around] 3000 garment factories have left Guangdong area [China] for Cambodia and Vietnam in the past four years; they have fled [...] rising costs, regulation and the increasing interference in their affairs by local interest groups - some call it organised crime." However with many operations in Cambodia and Vietnam failing due to lack of infrastructure and skills, "channels of trust" in global TCF manufacturing were endangered, he said.

Australia's larger TCF businesses and universities should drive an initiative to utilise the skills of Australian trained graduates in pattern making, design and sourcing, Clegg said, adding proximity to China gave Australia a clear advantage. "Australia is to all intents in the same time zone as Asia, and represents the western English tongue on this side of the planet. The flying time and ability to operate in these areas in much easier for Australians than it is for [European and US businesses]."

Australia's future role as a global facilitator would be particularly useful with regard to ethical manufacturing.
"Australia must be able to take a percentage of the world market, giving value in providing design, samples and ensuring the deliveries take place under a real compliance situation that is not cosmetic."

Clegg, a denim expert with 20 years of international manufacturing experience including senior roles at Levi's and Tommy Hilfiger, said Australia's small domestic market meant a global role was key to its future. "The growth must be in Europe and the US. Our skilled personnel can be given tasks that create Australia as a world powerhouse-shopping destination for all brands." At the time of writing industry was awaiting the Federal Government's report on the TCF Review, submitted by TCF Review chief Professor Roy Green at the end of August.

By Belinda Smart