NSW Fashion Sector Strategy sparks call for federally legislated response

The newly launched NSW Fashion Sector Strategy aims to support and develop the fashion industry through various initiatives and greater investment. As an RMIT expert explains, this announcement is a positive step in the right direction but more needs to be done at a national level.

Dr Harriette Richards, Senior Lecturer, School of Fashion and Textiles

"The new NSW Fashion Sector Strategy is a welcome addition to the local fashion economy. It recognises the pressure Australian fashion faces in response to the increasing costs of sustainable and ethical production, and the acceleration of ultra-fast fashion.

"The Australian fashion industry is worth $27 billion dollars. It is a primary employer of women and has a reputation for producing high-quality raw materials and innovative design. However, Australians are also the largest per capita consumers of fashion items and send over 220,000 tonnes of clothing to landfill every year.

"Not only does the local industry need support, but we also need strong regulatory measures to ensure that fashion is produced ethically and that textile waste is managed sustainably.

"France and the European Union are pioneering legislation to combat fashion and textile waste, increase extended producer responsibility and protect their local fashion industries. In contrast, Australia has so far relied on voluntary schemes or ineffective legislation to support this sector and the over 550,000 people it employs.

"Australia needs a consolidated approach towards legislation in the Australian fashion industry, including penalties for modern slavery in supply chains, taxes on ultra-fast fashion and regulation that supports circular economy business models."

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NSW Fashion Sector Strategy sparks call for federally legislated response