New research reveals Victoria's fashion manufacturing industry has reached a critical point in its evolution.
The report, commissioned by the Australian Fashion Council and Epson Australia, will detail for the first time the current and potential value of the almost $1 billion industry.
But the research, conducted by RMIT University, also shows Victorian textile, clothing and footwear manufacturing has shed 18% of its value in the past five years.
Despite the downturn, key policy interventions, industry and government can together inject an additional $225m into the Victorian economy and create a further 1,500 jobs.
This would be particularly beneficial for women in the sector with a survey showing over half of businesses have more than a 60% female workforce compared to 28% in Australian manufacturing, generally.
In contrast, without preferencing and investing in the sector, on its current trajectory $98 million of value will be lost by 2030, along with 700 jobs.
The research suggests the sector can be transformed into a female-led manufacturing powerhouse, with Victoria at the forefront.
Associate Professor Jenny Underwood, lead researcher
"Our research found a steady decline in Australia's textile, clothing and footwear manufacturing over the past five years.
"Without government intervention, we're set to lose up to 700 more jobs by 2030, with Australia relying even more on imports.
"But with the right investment there's promise for a turnaround, as the industry is resilient and adaptable.
"While the shift towards digital technology usually means fewer jobs, we found this is the opposite for the textile industry.
"Technological investment can lead to better, higher value jobs, lifting the overall wages for the sector.
"Survey respondents identified strong consumer demand for locally made products and government procurement support as the most important factors for the industry's future success.
"Victoria's textile, clothing and footwear industry will play a key role in the transition to a circular clothing economy by making manufacturing more efficient, reducing waste and increasing local production."
Associate Professor Jenny Underwood is Associate Dean Research and Innovation in RMIT's School of Fashion and Textiles. She is internationally recognised as a leading expert in fashion and textiles technology, particularly in 3D seamless knitting.
The report is available at ausfashioncouncil.com.
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