The Furnishing Industry Action Agenda will promote long-term, sustainable competitive advantages for the industry by identifying what actions can be taken to boost innovation, productivity and exports. The Australian furnishing industry is a significant contributor to the nation s economy. Employment grew by over 9 per cent, now reaching 70,000 people, or 7.3 per cent of total manufacturing employment. Those positive results underscore a strong industry performance. However, the situation is not perfect.
Imports continue to increase.
Australian producers must improve their competitiveness just to maintain their share of the domestic market. Our local manufacturers need to draw on their ingenuity and entrepreneurial ability and explore new ways of doing business. Australia has many advantages. We have unique timbers. We have a skilled workforce, and we have talented designers capable of producing furnishings of international quality.