Australian Made backs Government's ‘Team Australia’ approach

The Australian Made Campaign (AMCL) has welcomed the government’s commitment to champion Aussie manufacturers, following the Prime Minister’s recent comments urging Australians to ‘buy local’. Reports that the next federal budget is set to have an ‘Australian made’ focus are also encouraging, highlighting the importance of Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capability.

Australian Made Chief Executive Ben Lazzaro said a strategic approach to ‘buy local’ initiatives, incorporating consumers, businesses and all levels of government is needed, as it will provide much need support for Australian manufacturers and help bolster the local economy.

“Improving government and business local procurement policies can benefit all Australians,” said Lazzaro. “It can help strengthen the local economy and enhance the reputation and resilience of businesses, all the while creating local jobs, promoting innovation, and reducing the environmental impacts associated with long-distance transportation.

Given that federal government contracts were estimated to be valued at $100 billion last financial year, a refocussing on Australian-made suppliers has the potential to have an enormous impact.”

There are around 4,500 businesses with products licensed to carry the Australian Made logo across a wide range of goods. These logo users represent approximately 40,000 jobs and generate a combined annual revenue of around $8 billion.

Lazzaro said, “Reinvesting in local industry and local jobs through sustainable purchasing policies that prioritise genuine Aussie products for significant projects, supply contracts, and everyday consumables is one that will ultimately benefit all Australians.

“There is an Australian option in almost all product categories, from buses, furniture, and health products to building materials, industrial products and office consumables. Let’s take advantage of the unique skills available in our workforce to help build our infrastructure, equip our schools, and construct new building projects.

“Local manufacturers are known for producing high-quality, premium products that meet Australia’s stringent manufacturing and safety standards. Additionally, these products offer demonstrable value for money over their product lifecycle.”

Recent research from Roy Morgan found Australian businesses are also prioritising locally made products, with more than four in five stating they buy Australian-made goods wherever possible. The research surveyed business decision-makers from a cross-section of Australian industries and found the key drivers behind the ‘Australian first’ attitude were down to value for money and a preference for high-quality products.

It’s never been more important for local manufacturers to market their products with prominent Australian Made branding. To apply to use the Australian Made, Australian Grown logo on locally made products, visit www.australianmade.com.au/apply.

For businesses seeking to identify potential Australian product suppliers, visit www.australianmade.com.au/products —the world’s largest online directory of genuine Australian-made products.