Consumers urged to buy Australian in wake of COVID-19

Australians are looking to do their bit to fast-track the country’s recovery from COVID-19, by buying Australian made and supporting local manufacturers. While this will enable manufacturers to expand their markets, it presents a challenge for consumers, who may struggle to ensure that they are buying genuine Australian products.

Ben Lazzaro, Australian Made Chief Executive, believes that the ‘made in Australia’ claim has never been more powerful, as it conveys to consumers that the products are made to high manufacturing and safety standards, with inputs sourced from Australia’s clean green environment. “It also makes a compelling statement about generating local jobs and economic activity,” Lazzaro said.

In the current COVID-19 and bushfire-effected retail environment, products that carry ‘made in Australia’ branding are viewed in a positive light. As a result, ‘buy local’ campaigns have gained momentum, along with the emergence of new brands, retailers, social media groups and e-commerce platforms that seek to promote all things connected with Australia. However, Lazzaro warns that the ‘Australian Made’ claim is often conflated with the ‘Australian Owned’ claim.

“While both claims resonate with some shoppers, they mean very different things and are not interchangeable. Add the ‘Designed in Australia’ claim into the mix, along with myriad Aussie marks and symbols, and it’s easy to see how consumers can quickly become overwhelmed and confused, or in some cases intentionally misled. Intentional or not, all such claims are policed by the ACCC,” Lazzaro said.

Lazzaro said that the Australian Made logo provides a solution for consumers and businesses as it is underpinned by a third-party accreditation system administered by the Australian Made Campaign (AMCL). The logo can only be used on products which meet the criteria set out in the Australian Consumer Law and the Australian Made Logo Code of Practice.

Image credit: Australian Made