Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr, has congratulated a Gold Coast sportswear manufacturer for showing that innovative Australian clothing companies can compete on the world stage.
Senator Carr was visiting KooGa, which supplies apparel to clubs and associations around the globe.
KooGa began as a rugby specialist, but it is diversifying to other codes.
“I am a proud supporter of Australian-made products, and I raised the issue of using locally sourced gear with my AFL club, the Western Bulldogs,” Kim Carr said.
“I am happy to say that KooGa is now supplying the players’ kit for the Bulldogs and is in discussions with other AFL teams.”
The Government is supporting innovation in the textile and clothing industries through the $112.5 million Clothing and Household Textiles Building Innovative Capability Program and the $35 million Textile, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) Strategic Capability Program.
These programs form part of the TCF Innovation Package, announced in last year’s Budget and extended to $406 million this year.
“Some people say Australia can’t compete in textiles, clothing and footwear against low-cost producers in other parts of the world. KooGa proves them wrong,” Carr said.
“Innovative firms can keep costs down by increasing their efficiency and productivity and reducing their demand for energy and materials. They can also compete on originality, quality and reliability, not just price.”