Nina Gbor

Australia’s fashion future: the new national strategy to rebuild local manufacturing

Launched in March 2026, The National Manufacturing Strategy for Australian Fashion and Textiles 2026–2036 emerges in response to the reality that approximately 97 per cent of clothing and textile products consumed in Australia are manufactured offshore. Developed by the Australian Fashion Council (AFC) in partnership with R.M.Williams, it is the first national roadmap aiming to rebuild capability across the textile sector.

Economy

Australia’s fashion future: the new national strategy to rebuild local manufacturing

WHAT'S NEW

Melbourne fashion week hints at the potential of a circular fashion industry

The 2026 Melbourne Fashion Festival is on this week. This year’s event marks a major milestone as the festival celebrates its 30-year anniversary. It's one of the biggest fashion events in Australia, and it puts Australian design, talent, innovations, skills, trends, and workers in the international spotlight.

EXPLAINER

As holiday spending increases, so too does waste

In 2024, The Australia Institute found that Australia’s are likely to buy over $1 billion worth of unwanted gifts, much of which is likely to end up in landfill. There is no reason to think this year will be any different.

Climate Environment & Biodiversity Society & Inequality

As holiday spending increases, so too does waste