[Jonathan Leane]

Is ‘Australian Made’ a giant scam?​

We all love to be patriotic and support Australia, but what does it actually mean when a product is labelled as "Australian made"? You'd be forgiven for thinking this was a silly question.

"Australian made" just means that the product has been manufactured in Australia, right?

Well, no.

Is it a scam? Image source: The Seniors Discount Club. ​

According to the AMCL (the managers of the familiar green and gold kangaroo logo we're all so familiar with), "A product can be described as 'Australian made' or 'made in Australia' if it underwent its last substantial transformation in Australia.

That means that a product doesn't need to be entirely, or even majority made in Australia to be technically considered ‘Australian made’ (and thus, be entitled to use the Australian made logo).

The AMCL cites the following example on its website:

“A business buys imported plastic pellets and wire. Through an injection moulding process, the pellets are melted and formed into a bucket. The wire is cut and bent to form a handle. The end product (the bucket) is fundamentally different to all the imported ingredients. The product has been substantially transformed in Australia.”

Image source: Australianmade.com.au.​

In the above example, none of the materials in the ‘Australian made’ bucket are actually made in Australia, but the product is still legally considered to be Australian made because the plastic and wire was ‘transformed’ in Australia.

Just to be crystal clear on this point: As bizarre as it may sound, there is no requirement for a percentage of the ingredients or components to come from Australia when determining whether a product is Australian made. Nor is there any requirement that a certain proportion of the cost of manufacturing the product is incurred in Australia (there was previously a requirement that at least 50% of the manufacturing cost had to be incurred in Australia, but this was removed in 2017).

There are likely thousands of ‘Australian made’ products out there that contain zero Australian materials (some of which we're probably paying a premium for to 'be patriotic'). Do you think the definition of ‘Australian made’ needs to be changed?

 

[Maddison Dwyer]

I'm still so shocked about this definition, I genuinely had no idea it changed in 2017? I'm all about supporting Australian made but I wonder to what extent? Can't wait to see what everyone has to say about this, I'm very much on the fence!

 

[Robbo128]

Most labelling laws in Australia are a joke, thought up and proclaimed by idiots who have absolutely NO consideration of what information the consumer wants to make informed decisions when purchasing products

 

[Yonga]

Is ‘Australian Made’ a giant scam?​

We all love to be patriotic and support Australia, but what does it actually mean when a product is labelled as "Australian made"? You'd be forgiven for thinking this was a silly question.

"Australian made" just means that the product has been manufactured in Australia, right?

Well, no.

View attachment 1640
Is it a scam? Image source: The Seniors Discount Club. ​

According to the AMCL (the managers of the familiar green and gold kangaroo logo we're all so familiar with), "A product can be described as 'Australian made' or 'made in Australia' if it underwent its last substantial transformation in Australia.

That means that a product doesn't need to be entirely, or even majority made in Australia to be technically considered ‘Australian made’ (and thus, be entitled to use the Australian made logo).

The AMCL cites the following example on its website:

“A business buys imported plastic pellets and wire. Through an injection moulding process, the pellets are melted and formed into a bucket. The wire is cut and bent to form a handle. The end product (the bucket) is fundamentally different to all the imported ingredients. The product has been substantially transformed in Australia.”

Image source: Australianmade.com.au.​

In the above example, none of the materials in the ‘Australian made’ bucket are actually made in Australia, but the product is still legally considered to be Australian made because the plastic and wire was ‘transformed’ in Australia.

Just to be crystal clear on this point: As bizarre as it may sound, there is no requirement for a percentage of the ingredients or components to come from Australia when determining whether a product is Australian made. Nor is there any requirement that a certain proportion of the cost of manufacturing the product is incurred in Australia (there was previously a requirement that at least 50% of the manufacturing cost had to be incurred in Australia, but this was removed in 2017).

There are likely thousands of ‘Australian made’ products out there that contain zero Australian materials (some of which we're probably paying a premium for to 'be patriotic'). Do you think the definition of ‘Australian made’ needs to be changed?

 

[Yonga]

OMG. I always try to buy Australian made but we are being conned. I am disgusted with the higherarchy that makes these rules.

 

[MummaG]

Is ‘Australian Made’ a giant scam?​

We all love to be patriotic and support Australia, but what does it actually mean when a product is labelled as "Australian made"? You'd be forgiven for thinking this was a silly question.

"Australian made" just means that the product has been manufactured in Australia, right?

Well, no.

View attachment 1640
Is it a scam? Image source: The Seniors Discount Club. ​

According to the AMCL (the managers of the familiar green and gold kangaroo logo we're all so familiar with), "A product can be described as 'Australian made' or 'made in Australia' if it underwent its last substantial transformation in Australia.

That means that a product doesn't need to be entirely, or even majority made in Australia to be technically considered ‘Australian made’ (and thus, be entitled to use the Australian made logo).

The AMCL cites the following example on its website:

“A business buys imported plastic pellets and wire. Through an injection moulding process, the pellets are melted and formed into a bucket. The wire is cut and bent to form a handle. The end product (the bucket) is fundamentally different to all the imported ingredients. The product has been substantially transformed in Australia.”

Image source: Australianmade.com.au.​

In the above example, none of the materials in the ‘Australian made’ bucket are actually made in Australia, but the product is still legally considered to be Australian made because the plastic and wire was ‘transformed’ in Australia.

Just to be crystal clear on this point: As bizarre as it may sound, there is no requirement for a percentage of the ingredients or components to come from Australia when determining whether a product is Australian made. Nor is there any requirement that a certain proportion of the cost of manufacturing the product is incurred in Australia (there was previously a requirement that at least 50% of the manufacturing cost had to be incurred in Australia, but this was removed in 2017).

There are likely thousands of ‘Australian made’ products out there that contain zero Australian materials (some of which we're probably paying a premium for to 'be patriotic'). Do you think the definition of ‘Australian made’ needs to be changed?

I can honestly say I have never checked the tags on Australian made products, so I have no idea if it is the same as food labelling eg: 'Made in Australia from imported ingredients.' If not than maybe they need to start so we can make an informed choice.

 

[Barginbird55]

I think this labelling is a huge scam.Why do ” the powers that be “ think we shoppers are stupid. Change the laws which are ambiguous.

 

[springburn]

The fact is that we trade with numerous countries. Some things we import and some we export. Using the example of the bucket, put very simply - where was it actually made? Answer - Australia. Presumably it was made by an Australian business, employing local workers. Therefore by purchasing the end product - the bucket - you have bought an Australian made product. The country or countries of origin of the component parts is really of no consequence. Look around your home and you will be lucky to find anything that is manufactured using parts sourced entirely in Australia. I don't think we are being conned, some components are simply not available in Australia

 

[Diane D]

Is ‘Australian Made’ a giant scam?​

We all love to be patriotic and support Australia, but what does it actually mean when a product is labelled as "Australian made"? You'd be forgiven for thinking this was a silly question.

"Australian made" just means that the product has been manufactured in Australia, right?

Well, no.

View attachment 1640
Is it a scam? Image source: The Seniors Discount Club. ​

According to the AMCL (the managers of the familiar green and gold kangaroo logo we're all so familiar with), "A product can be described as 'Australian made' or 'made in Australia' if it underwent its last substantial transformation in Australia.

That means that a product doesn't need to be entirely, or even majority made in Australia to be technically considered ‘Australian made’ (and thus, be entitled to use the Australian made logo).

The AMCL cites the following example on its website:

“A business buys imported plastic pellets and wire. Through an injection moulding process, the pellets are melted and formed into a bucket. The wire is cut and bent to form a handle. The end product (the bucket) is fundamentally different to all the imported ingredients. The product has been substantially transformed in Australia.”

Image source: Australianmade.com.au.​

In the above example, none of the materials in the ‘Australian made’ bucket are actually made in Australia, but the product is still legally considered to be Australian made because the plastic and wire was ‘transformed’ in Australia.

Just to be crystal clear on this point: As bizarre as it may sound, there is no requirement for a percentage of the ingredients or components to come from Australia when determining whether a product is Australian made. Nor is there any requirement that a certain proportion of the cost of manufacturing the product is incurred in Australia (there was previously a requirement that at least 50% of the manufacturing cost had to be incurred in Australia, but this was removed in 2017).

There are likely thousands of ‘Australian made’ products out there that contain zero Australian materials (some of which we're probably paying a premium for to 'be patriotic'). Do you think the definition of ‘Australian made’ needs to be changed?

how so disappointing, thank goodness at least part of the process occurs here in Australia BUT that is not good enough!!

 

[Diane D]

The fact is that we trade with numerous countries. Some things we import and some we export. Using the example of the bucket, put very simply - where was it actually made? Answer - Australia. Presumably it was made by an Australian business, employing local workers. Therefore by purchasing the end product - the bucket - you have bought an Australian made product. The country or countries of origin of the component parts is really of no consequence. Look around your home and you will be lucky to find anything that is manufactured using parts sourced entirely in Australia. I don't think we are being conned, some components are simply not available in Australia

Well that obviously needs to change!!

 

[Nevada]

Is ‘Australian Made’ a giant scam?​

We all love to be patriotic and support Australia, but what does it actually mean when a product is labelled as "Australian made"? You'd be forgiven for thinking this was a silly question.

"Australian made" just means that the product has been manufactured in Australia, right?

Well, no.

View attachment 1640
Is it a scam? Image source: The Seniors Discount Club. ​

According to the AMCL (the managers of the familiar green and gold kangaroo logo we're all so familiar with), "A product can be described as 'Australian made' or 'made in Australia' if it underwent its last substantial transformation in Australia.

That means that a product doesn't need to be entirely, or even majority made in Australia to be technically considered ‘Australian made’ (and thus, be entitled to use the Australian made logo).

The AMCL cites the following example on its website:

“A business buys imported plastic pellets and wire. Through an injection moulding process, the pellets are melted and formed into a bucket. The wire is cut and bent to form a handle. The end product (the bucket) is fundamentally different to all the imported ingredients. The product has been substantially transformed in Australia.”

Image source: Australianmade.com.au.​

In the above example, none of the materials in the ‘Australian made’ bucket are actually made in Australia, but the product is still legally considered to be Australian made because the plastic and wire was ‘transformed’ in Australia.

Just to be crystal clear on this point: As bizarre as it may sound, there is no requirement for a percentage of the ingredients or components to come from Australia when determining whether a product is Australian made. Nor is there any requirement that a certain proportion of the cost of manufacturing the product is incurred in Australia (there was previously a requirement that at least 50% of the manufacturing cost had to be incurred in Australia, but this was removed in 2017).

There are likely thousands of ‘Australian made’ products out there that contain zero Australian materials (some of which we're probably paying a premium for to 'be patriotic'). Do you think the definition of ‘Australian made’ needs to be changed?

Let’s face it . We need manufacturing back in Australia. Not things that that have the ingredients that are made overseas . We have plenty of raw materials here to manufacture most things .

 

[Heathert]

I guess it is actually “made” in Australia which is good in that it’s work for people here but it is a bit misleading!

 

[BJM]

Is ‘Australian Made’ a giant scam?​

We all love to be patriotic and support Australia, but what does it actually mean when a product is labelled as "Australian made"? You'd be forgiven for thinking this was a silly question.

"Australian made" just means that the product has been manufactured in Australia, right?

Well, no.

View attachment 1640
Is it a scam? Image source: The Seniors Discount Club. ​

According to the AMCL (the managers of the familiar green and gold kangaroo logo we're all so familiar with), "A product can be described as 'Australian made' or 'made in Australia' if it underwent its last substantial transformation in Australia.

That means that a product doesn't need to be entirely, or even majority made in Australia to be technically considered ‘Australian made’ (and thus, be entitled to use the Australian made logo).

The AMCL cites the following example on its website:

“A business buys imported plastic pellets and wire. Through an injection moulding process, the pellets are melted and formed into a bucket. The wire is cut and bent to form a handle. The end product (the bucket) is fundamentally different to all the imported ingredients. The product has been substantially transformed in Australia.”

Image source: Australianmade.com.au.​

In the above example, none of the materials in the ‘Australian made’ bucket are actually made in Australia, but the product is still legally considered to be Australian made because the plastic and wire was ‘transformed’ in Australia.

Just to be crystal clear on this point: As bizarre as it may sound, there is no requirement for a percentage of the ingredients or components to come from Australia when determining whether a product is Australian made. Nor is there any requirement that a certain proportion of the cost of manufacturing the product is incurred in Australia (there was previously a requirement that at least 50% of the manufacturing cost had to be incurred in Australia, but this was removed in 2017).

There are likely thousands of ‘Australian made’ products out there that contain zero Australian materials (some of which we're probably paying a premium for to 'be patriotic'). Do you think the definition of ‘Australian made’ needs to be changed?

 

[BJM]

Yes it needs to be changed. So what is the definition of “Product of Australia”

 

[goodmorning]

The fact is that we trade with numerous countries. Some things we import and some we export. Using the example of the bucket, put very simply - where was it actually made? Answer - Australia. Presumably it was made by an Australian business, employing local workers. Therefore by purchasing the end product - the bucket - you have bought an Australian made product. The country or countries of origin of the component parts is really of no consequence. Look around your home and you will be lucky to find anything that is manufactured using parts sourced entirely in Australia. I don't think we are being conned, some components are simply not available in Australia

well said

 

[Ricci]

If things were totally Australian made the price would be prohibitive. I would love to buy Australian made exclusively but the reality is that my pension wouldn't stretch that far, so the best I can do is buy stuff that has at least an Australian component.

 

[JudyM196010]

I think it's disgusting that Australian made isn't really all made in Australia. Recently on a trip to North Queensland we bought some aboriginal art, thinking we were supporting the local community. Unfortunately we discovered they were made in China

 

[Topher]

Is ‘Australian Made’ a giant scam?​

We all love to be patriotic and support Australia, but what does it actually mean when a product is labelled as "Australian made"? You'd be forgiven for thinking this was a silly question.

"Australian made" just means that the product has been manufactured in Australia, right?

Well, no.

View attachment 1640
Is it a scam? Image source: The Seniors Discount Club. ​

According to the AMCL (the managers of the familiar green and gold kangaroo logo we're all so familiar with), "A product can be described as 'Australian made' or 'made in Australia' if it underwent its last substantial transformation in Australia.

That means that a product doesn't need to be entirely, or even majority made in Australia to be technically considered ‘Australian made’ (and thus, be entitled to use the Australian made logo).

The AMCL cites the following example on its website:

“A business buys imported plastic pellets and wire. Through an injection moulding process, the pellets are melted and formed into a bucket. The wire is cut and bent to form a handle. The end product (the bucket) is fundamentally different to all the imported ingredients. The product has been substantially transformed in Australia.”

Image source: Australianmade.com.au.​

In the above example, none of the materials in the ‘Australian made’ bucket are actually made in Australia, but the product is still legally considered to be Australian made because the plastic and wire was ‘transformed’ in Australia.

Just to be crystal clear on this point: As bizarre as it may sound, there is no requirement for a percentage of the ingredients or components to come from Australia when determining whether a product is Australian made. Nor is there any requirement that a certain proportion of the cost of manufacturing the product is incurred in Australia (there was previously a requirement that at least 50% of the manufacturing cost had to be incurred in Australia, but this was removed in 2017).

There are likely thousands of ‘Australian made’ products out there that contain zero Australian materials (some of which we're probably paying a premium for to 'be patriotic'). Do you think the definition of ‘Australian made’ needs to be changed?

 

[Pat T]

Is ‘Australian Made’ a giant scam?​

We all love to be patriotic and support Australia, but what does it actually mean when a product is labelled as "Australian made"? You'd be forgiven for thinking this was a silly question.

"Australian made" just means that the product has been manufactured in Australia, right?

Well, no.

View attachment 1640
Is it a scam? Image source: The Seniors Discount Club. ​

According to the AMCL (the managers of the familiar green and gold kangaroo logo we're all so familiar with), "A product can be described as 'Australian made' or 'made in Australia' if it underwent its last substantial transformation in Australia.

That means that a product doesn't need to be entirely, or even majority made in Australia to be technically considered ‘Australian made’ (and thus, be entitled to use the Australian made logo).

The AMCL cites the following example on its website:

“A business buys imported plastic pellets and wire. Through an injection moulding process, the pellets are melted and formed into a bucket. The wire is cut and bent to form a handle. The end product (the bucket) is fundamentally different to all the imported ingredients. The product has been substantially transformed in Australia.”

Image source: Australianmade.com.au.​

In the above example, none of the materials in the ‘Australian made’ bucket are actually made in Australia, but the product is still legally considered to be Australian made because the plastic and wire was ‘transformed’ in Australia.

Just to be crystal clear on this point: As bizarre as it may sound, there is no requirement for a percentage of the ingredients or components to come from Australia when determining whether a product is Australian made. Nor is there any requirement that a certain proportion of the cost of manufacturing the product is incurred in Australia (there was previously a requirement that at least 50% of the manufacturing cost had to be incurred in Australia, but this was removed in 2017).

There are likely thousands of ‘Australian made’ products out there that contain zero Australian materials (some of which we're probably paying a premium for to 'be patriotic'). Do you think the definition of ‘Australian made’ needs to be changed?

Can we copy this info and paste it on our FB?

 

[Topher]

Thanks to the ACCC and "Choice", amongst other protagonists, new labelling laws requires the logo to contain the percentage of Australian content in an article's manufacture.
Words such as "Made in Australia from contents sourced in {this country} " and "Manufactured in Australia from 80% local materials" are regular on labels.