The Australian Made Campaign (AMCL) has welcomed the federal government’s commitment to supporting local manufacturers, following Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recent call for Australians to prioritise locally made products.
Reports indicating that the upcoming federal budget will have an ‘Australian made’ focus further underscore the importance of strengthening the nation’s sovereign manufacturing capability, AMCL said in a news release.
Australian Made Chief Executive Ben Lazzaro said a coordinated approach to ‘buy local’ initiatives – spanning consumers, businesses, and all levels of government – would provide vital support to domestic manufacturers and bolster the economy.
“Improving government and business local procurement policies can benefit all Australians,” Lazzaro said.
“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 refocusing on Australian-made suppliers has the potential to have an enormous impact.”
There are approximately 4,500 businesses licensed to carry the Australian Made logo, collectively supporting around 40,000 jobs and generating an estimated annual revenue of $8 billion.
Lazzaro emphasised that reinvesting in local industry through sustainable purchasing policies would deliver long-term benefits.
“There is an Australian option in almost all product categories, from buses, furniture, and health products to building materials, industrial products and office consumables,” he said.
“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.”
Lazzaro also highlighted the reputation of Australian manufacturers for producing high-quality products that meet stringent national standards and offer strong value for money over their lifecycle.
Recent research by Roy Morgan found that more than four in five Australian businesses prioritise buying locally made goods wherever possible.
The survey, which included business decision-makers across various industries, cited value for money and product quality as key drivers of this preference.
Businesses interested in applying for the Australian Made, Australian Grown logo can visit www.australianmade.com.au/apply, while those seeking Australian-made suppliers can explore www.australianmade.com.au/products, the world’s largest online directory of genuine Australian-made products.
