TFIA welcomes new approach to small businesses

TFIA CEO, Richard Evans, said, “The hard working small business owners in the TFC sector have grown tired of the abuse and intimidation the current system established over the last six years, and we welcome a new approach to the small business sector, which is the engine room of the Australian economy.”

The TCF sector employs 40,000 Australian’s and has over 5,000 small businesses with less than $2 Million annual revenue. The industry is subject to three regulatory instruments and overseen by four regulators.

“The TCF small businesses operate under constant fear of intimidatory Union practices since the legislation changed to deem every independent contractor as an employee,” Evans said. “We would welcome discussion with the Coalition on the issue of protection from aggressive Union tactics to influence and denigrate TCF small businesses.”

In the recent TFIA election manifesto, the Council recommended a newly elected government establish a strategic plan for the TCF sector. The Council has called for a new dialogue about the TCF sector and challenges both leading parties to commit to a sustainable supply channel within the TCF industry.

“The Coalition has suggested there will be a new approach to government procurement and we seek further confirmation this will extend to apparel and textiles,” Evans said. “We ask the Coalition to provide leadership and commit to a review of government procurement with the view to allowing TCF small businesses access to the large government need for apparel and textiles.”

“Governments in the past have talked big when it comes to small business,” Evans said. “Unfortunately they never seem to walk to the talk, and we welcome the Coalition’s direction and hope their plan can be effective for the TCF industry. If they are successful on 7 September we will welcome an early call.”

The Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia (TFIA)