Australian Made Week is underway, urging shoppers and businesses to seek out and buy Australian products bearing the “trusted” green-and-gold kangaroo logo.
Australian Made Week 2022 follows on from the huge success of last year’s inaugural campaign that was said to have prompted more than 70% of Aussies to increase their efforts to prioritise local product purchases. The same Roy Morgan survey found that nearly three-quarters (74%) of participants are concerned about the number of products sold in Australia that are made overseas.
Australian Made Chief Executive Ben Lazzaro says Australian Made Week is a great time to draw attention to the benefits of buying local.
“The pandemic has really opened many people’s eyes to the importance of locally made products and how we can all play our part, including businesses, by prioritising Aussie products to help strengthen the economy,” he says.
“Roy Morgan research shows that 93% of Australians believe it is important to build up local manufacturing to protect Australians from problems with the supply of products made overseas.
“When you buy Australian made, you have a direct economic impact on the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of Australians throughout the supply chain.
“Australian Made Week is also a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on the interesting and inspiring people behind the 4200-plus businesses that consider their Australian made certification as a badge of honour.”
Cook, lawyer, TV presenter, author, and Australian Made Week Ambassador Adam Liaw says it’s more important than ever to support Australian businesses and, in turn, help the economy move forward.
“Covid reminded all of us that we need to think and buy local – and move away from reliance on imported goods. If we’re going to have manufacturing self-sufficiency and reliable supply chains, ensuring we can obtain products we want, when we want them,” he says.
“We are absolutely spoilt for choice in Australia as we have the best products in the world, manufactured and grown to the highest standards right here in our own backyard.
“Buying Australian made comes with a feel-good factor as you’re making a socially, economically, and environmentally responsible choice with far-reaching benefits.
“I’m encouraging people to get involved in Australian Made Week by asking when they’re making purchases – whether it’s flowers, woks or socks – to go for Australian made or grown and make buying local a regular shopping habit for the other 51 weeks of the year.”