Australian manufacturing is being promoted as a key economic driver ahead of Australian Made Week 2026, with Australian Made Campaign Ltd appointing Andy Lee as ambassador.
The week-long campaign, scheduled for 18 to 24 May, comes as the Australian Made logo marks its 40th year, with organisers highlighting its role in supporting domestic manufacturing, jobs and economic activity.
Lee, one of Australia’s most recognised comedians, an iconic radio, podcast and TV host, and an award-winning children’s book writer, said backing locally manufactured goods can have broad economic benefits.
“Choosing to buy locally made goods is a simple habit, but it creates a big impact, from generating and supporting local jobs to boosting local economies,” he said in the statement.
He added that he has been a long-time supporter of Australian businesses and manufacturing capability. “I’m a huge advocate for Australian businesses, innovators and entrepreneurs – we have such an immense pool of talented and hard-working people on home soil who we need to support and celebrate,” Lee said.
According to figures cited by Australian Made from Roy Morgan Research, 87 per cent of surveyed Australians consider buying locally made products important, while 56 per cent report they “often” or “always” purchase Australian-made goods. The data also indicates near-universal recognition of the Australian Made logo among adults.
Australian Made chief executive Ben Lazzaro said Lee’s profile and advocacy aligned with the campaign’s focus on manufacturing and production.
“Andy has been a long-time champion for Australian-made, both here and overseas – passionately supporting and spruiking the best of Aussie manufacturing and production,” he said.
Lazzaro said the 2026 campaign would also mark the logo’s 40-year milestone, with activities planned to promote certified businesses and their products.
“During Australian Made Week, we’ll be highlighting the stories of some of the people behind the 4,500 businesses that consider their Australian Made certification as a badge of honour,” he said.
The campaign will encourage consumers to “swap their shop” by choosing Australian-made options across a range of categories, from everyday goods to larger purchases, as part of a broader effort to support domestic manufacturing and production.
