Investigate and support ethical practices in Queensland garment manufacturing
This project explored the challenges and opportunities surrounding ethical accreditation in South-East Queensland’s (SEQ) textile, clothing, and footwear (TCF) manufacturing sector. Ethical accreditation in Australia is voluntary, and with 87% of SEQ’s TCF businesses classified as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), this study focuses on understanding the barriers and enablers of implementing ethical standards among these businesses. The research was conducted in 2024 and involved surveys and interviews with both accredited and non-accredited TCF manufacturers in SEQ. The objectives were to assess the level of knowledge about ethical accreditation, its impact on business growth, and the barriers to its widespread adoption.
The findings reveal a complex landscape where businesses are aware of the benefits of ethical accreditation but face significant challenges, including knowledge gaps, the costs and time associated with the accreditation process, and resistance to external audits. Government policies that support accredited businesses highlight the need for targeted incentives and mechanisms to address these barriers. An outcome of this project was a report offering recommendations to support SEQ’s TCF industry as a leader in ethical manufacturing, contributing to sustainability goals while improving worker protection and driving the growth of local, ethical production.
Project team
Related research
- Ferrero-Regis, Tiziana, Mellick, Zoe, & Coneybeer, Justine (2024) Stitching a future: Ethical labour and growth in the Queensland fashion and clothing industry. QUT Centre for Justice, Brisbane, Qld
