Australia’s accreditation body for the textile, clothing and footwear sector is calling for Olympic and Paralympic uniforms at the Brisbane 2032 Games to be locally and ethically manufactured, arguing the event presents a significant opportunity for Australian manufacturing.
In a media release, Ethical Clothing Australia said it had launched a campaign urging that uniforms for athletes, volunteers and workers involved in the Games be produced in Australia under accredited ethical standards.
The campaign is supported by polling conducted by YouGov, which found 82 per cent of Australians believe Olympic uniforms should be manufactured locally. According to the same poll, 85 per cent agree that governments should use their purchasing power to support the Australian manufacturing industry.
National Manager Rachel Reilly said the Australian team uniforms for the Paris 2024 Olympics were made offshore, which she said did not align with public sentiment.
“More than 8 in 10 Australians see representing their country and supporting the local industry as important reasons why Olympic uniforms should be made here, and this view is shared across all demographics,” Reilly said.
She added that the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games were estimated to create up to $70 billion in economic opportunity and said steps should be taken to ensure those benefits are realised locally and ethically.
“It is estimated that the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games will create up to $70 billion in economic opportunity and we must take steps now to ensure this opportunity is realised locally and ethically,” she said.
Ethical Clothing Australia said Australia maintains a strong clothing and textile manufacturing base capable of producing a wide range of garments required for the 2032 Games. These include uniforms for athletes, volunteers and the workforce involved in delivering the event.
The organisation pointed to companies such as Buckle, which has produced belts locally for more than 100 years and has experience delivering Olympic uniforms.
Director Warren Sanders said the Games represented a significant opportunity for the sector.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore pride and investment in Australian manufacturing,” Sanders said.
“Local procurement for an event like this would benefit not only businesses like ours that already have this kind of experience but also the broader economy and our industry’s workforce.”
Ethical Clothing Australia also argued that engaging locally accredited manufacturers could reduce the risk of worker exploitation, both overseas and domestically.
“The global TCF sector has long been plagued by allegations of human rights abuses from modern slavery and precarious working environments through to wage theft and unsafe working conditions,” Reilly said.
“In Australia, the TCF industry is known to experience systematic exploitation, and widespread non-compliance with minimum legal standards.”
The campaign has the backing of the Timber, Furnishing and Textiles Union. TCF National Secretary Jenny Kruschel said the 2032 Games offered an opportunity for workers across the industry to showcase their skills.
“We know that there is already a wealth of talented people working in Australia’s textile, clothing, and footwear industry, and this campaign is all about creating real jobs where workers are treated with dignity and respect,” Kruschel said.
“When we make things locally, it helps businesses grow, creates good jobs, and puts money back into our communities, which is a win for everyone.”
