Are these genuinely made in Australia? Shoppers petition for new label to identify homegrown products
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Australians take pride in supporting local businesses and products.
The 'Australian Made' logo has long been a symbol of national pride, assuring shoppers that they are purchasing goods produced on Aussie soil.
However, a mum sparked a conversation that could lead to a significant shift in how people view and choose the products they buy.
Brisbane mum Alli Lark called for a new label that should specifically indicate 'Australian Owned' products.
It's a distinction that might seem subtle, but it has profound implications for the Australian economy and consumer awareness.
While the current logo is helpful, it only tells a part of the story about where the shoppers' money is going.
The logo, consisting of a green triangle with a kangaroo, should signify that a product has been substantially grown or produced in The Land Down Under.
'To be honest, I was always under the impression that the little green triangle with the kangaroo, I thought it was both made and owned,' Ms Lark pointed out.
'But that doesn't necessarily mean it is Australian-owned. It might be based here but not owned by Australians.'
Some of the country's products, while manufactured in Australia, are owned by foreign entities.
Tim Tams was recently acquired by a private American firm, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts.
Swiss conglomerate Nestle owns Uncle Tobys, and Bundaberg Rum is under the control of Diageo, the British company behind Johnnie Walker.
Research conducted by Pure Profile indicated that Australian consumers have been increasingly concerned about a product's 'country of ownership'.
About 73 per cent of respondents want ownership information to be included on all food labels.
This growing consciousness reflected the consumers' need for transparency and to see if they have been contributing to the Australian economy.
The survey also revealed that 30 per cent of shoppers increased their support for Australian brands and products over the past two years.
About 67 per cent of these shoppers have been buying Australian-made goods.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) allowed businesses to label their products as 'Australian Owned'.
However, according to Norco Chief Executive Michael Hampson, there still needs to be more clarity among consumers.
'I would like the government to seriously consider the benefits of country-of-ownership labelling in order to remove the confusion and deception in the marketplace,' Mr Hampson stated.
'Ensure that 100 per cent Australian beneficial ownership is clear for consumers so that they can make fully informed choices.'
The difference between 'authentically Australian' brands and foreign-owned companies using the 'Australian Made' label is significant.
When a business is 100 per cent Australian, the profits remain within the country and support local jobs and the economy.
Alli Lark suggested that products should have two distinct stamps.
One stamp should show if a product is made in Australia, while a new one should indicate if a product is created and owned by Australians.
This visual cue could be a boon for busy shoppers who want to identify products that support the Australian economy in every way.
Would you prefer to see an 'Australian Owned' label on products? How important is it for you to know that your purchase supports fellow Aussies? Share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments below.
The 'Australian Made' logo has long been a symbol of national pride, assuring shoppers that they are purchasing goods produced on Aussie soil.
However, a mum sparked a conversation that could lead to a significant shift in how people view and choose the products they buy.
Brisbane mum Alli Lark called for a new label that should specifically indicate 'Australian Owned' products.
It's a distinction that might seem subtle, but it has profound implications for the Australian economy and consumer awareness.
While the current logo is helpful, it only tells a part of the story about where the shoppers' money is going.
The 'Australian Made' logo should identify products produced in The Land Down Under. Image Credit: Australian Manufacturing Forum
The logo, consisting of a green triangle with a kangaroo, should signify that a product has been substantially grown or produced in The Land Down Under.
'To be honest, I was always under the impression that the little green triangle with the kangaroo, I thought it was both made and owned,' Ms Lark pointed out.
'But that doesn't necessarily mean it is Australian-owned. It might be based here but not owned by Australians.'
Some of the country's products, while manufactured in Australia, are owned by foreign entities.
Tim Tams was recently acquired by a private American firm, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts.
Swiss conglomerate Nestle owns Uncle Tobys, and Bundaberg Rum is under the control of Diageo, the British company behind Johnnie Walker.
Research conducted by Pure Profile indicated that Australian consumers have been increasingly concerned about a product's 'country of ownership'.
About 73 per cent of respondents want ownership information to be included on all food labels.
This growing consciousness reflected the consumers' need for transparency and to see if they have been contributing to the Australian economy.
The survey also revealed that 30 per cent of shoppers increased their support for Australian brands and products over the past two years.
About 67 per cent of these shoppers have been buying Australian-made goods.
This trend underscored the importance of clear labelling and the potential impact of an 'Australian Owned' label on consumer behaviour.The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) allowed businesses to label their products as 'Australian Owned'.
However, according to Norco Chief Executive Michael Hampson, there still needs to be more clarity among consumers.
'I would like the government to seriously consider the benefits of country-of-ownership labelling in order to remove the confusion and deception in the marketplace,' Mr Hampson stated.
'Ensure that 100 per cent Australian beneficial ownership is clear for consumers so that they can make fully informed choices.'
The difference between 'authentically Australian' brands and foreign-owned companies using the 'Australian Made' label is significant.
When a business is 100 per cent Australian, the profits remain within the country and support local jobs and the economy.
Alli Lark suggested that products should have two distinct stamps.
One stamp should show if a product is made in Australia, while a new one should indicate if a product is created and owned by Australians.
This visual cue could be a boon for busy shoppers who want to identify products that support the Australian economy in every way.
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