Country of origin:

The ‘Australian Made’ campaign has called on the next Australian Government to support Country of Origin Labelling for food.

More than half of the respondents surveyed in recent research for Roy Morgan said that buying Australian-made had become more important to them in the last 12 months. Only 12% said they would not buy Australian products if they were more expensive.

“The research confirms that people are becoming more conscientious about buying local,” said Ian Harrison, Australian Made Campaign Chief Executive.

“They are aware of the benefits of buying Aussie products, and of the impact that their purchasing behaviour has on jobs, local business and future opportunities,” he said.

Mr Harrison wants a stronger focus on country of origin branding.

“The country of origin trademark – the Australian Made, Australian Grown logo – would help support manufacturers, farmers and processors producing genuine Aussie products,” Mr Harrison said.

“Country of origin is an asset we should be driving much, much harder.”

Mr Harrison said there is “enough public benefit” to justify a deeper strategic partnership between the campaign and the Australian Government.

The Australian Made Campaign has also called for steps to reduce the “unacceptable level of confusion among Australian consumers” about the Country of Origan labelling laws in Australia.

“It’s important that we build confidence in the system and add marketing value to the manufacturing, growing and processing of products in this country,” Mr Harrison said.

Mr Harrison said the Australian Made Campaign was lobbying the Australian Government to work with the campaign towards these goals.

“Jobs, better career opportunities and an improved future for all Australians will be the outcomes of such a partnership,” Mr Harrison said.