By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
Australia has surpassed the United States as the world's leading consumer of fashion per capita, according to a report by the Australia Institute think tank. On average, Australians purchase 56 new clothing items each year, spending approximately $13 per item.
Grace Forrest, Founding Director of Walk Free, emphasizes the need for greater action to address human rights in the fashion industry. To promote a more sustainable fashion future, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek launched the Seamless Clothing Stewardship scheme in 2023, which became operational on July 1 of this year. This voluntary program requires brands to contribute $0.04 for each new garment placed on the market or $0.03 for garments meeting specific sustainability criteria. These eco modulated levy payments are intended to encourage the use of sustainable materials and extend the lifespan of clothing.
While Forrest acknowledges the positive impact of measures like France's proposed tax on the fashion industry, she points out their limitations. "France’s proposed tax highlights the industry’s significant environmental impact and dissuades its low price attractiveness. However, such a levy not only unfairly burdens consumers but also fails to proactively protect the people making these products," she stated in The Australian.
Forrest also notes that the Seamless Clothing Stewardship scheme is a promising step towards promoting environmental sustainability in the fashion industry but needs to go further in addressing human rights. "The initiative does not mention the protection of human rights, so it is impossible to expect that it will help people who have been exploited in making these clothes or improve business practices and increase wages," she added.
Sustainability in fashion must encompass both environmental impacts and the treatment of people involved in production. "The fast fashion industry is built on environmental harm and poor working conditions. Modern slavery, including forced labor and debt bondage, is a significant risk at every stage of the supply chain from cotton picking to fabric dyeing to sewing labels," Forrest explained.
Globally, 50 million people live in modern slavery, with 28 million in forced labor, making fashion one of the worst offending industries. Forrest envisions a future where ethical production becomes the norm in Australia’s fashion industry, not the exception. "Businesses could, and should, absorb the cost to ensure that workers in the supply chains of big Aussie brands earn a living wage. None of us should be able to buy something that robbed another human being of their most basic human rights," she stated.
Walk Free, along with other advocates, is pushing for Australian legislation to align with the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive ,which requires companies to proactively identify and address modern slavery risks. Businesses must be held accountable for their operations and their supply chains, ensuring consumers do not have to choose between affordable clothing and protecting human rights.
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