Procurement Benefits for Accredited Businesses

The Victorian Government made changes to their Procurement Policy in 2018 and mandated that all state government buyers must procure locally manufactured uniforms and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

This includes the requirement that Australian manufacturers of Textile, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) goods applying for tenders must be accredited, or in the process of seeking accreditation by Ethical Clothing Australia and maintain their accreditation throughout the term of contract with the Victorian Government. This policy change has been a significant support to the local industry and local jobs, with a higher demand placed on Australian manufacturers. 

• Verify that your business is ethical to government or corporate procurement professionals.
• Set yourself apart from your competition with our reputable and recognisable trade mark.
• Eligible to be included on the Victorian Government’s Ethical Supplier Register.
• Expand your opportunities to bid for tenders.
• Demonstrate your dedication to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) or Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) frameworks.
• Mitigate against legal and reputational risks.
• Boost public relations opportunities with government or corporate clients.

In an ever-evolving legislative landscape, both locally and globally, the private sector is now, more than ever, under scrutiny for their commitment to preventing human rights abuses. It is not only regulators, but also consumers and investors who are demanding more ethical practices and transparency in supply chains.

Businesses acting now aren’t just doing the right thing: they’re also gaining a competitive advantage. By purchasing from accredited manufacturers, companies can use the certification for:

• Modern Slavery Act (Cth) reporting obligations.
• Alignment with United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP’s)
• Alignment with UN Global Compact’s 10 Principles, particularly Principles 3-6.
• Supports Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and other responsible business practice initiatives.
• Supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8; to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
• Supports reporting with other international laws and standards private entities may be captured under which require reporting on modern slavery risks and mitigation strategies.

The private sector have a unique opportunity to contribute to positive, systemic change and play a role in ending exploitation in the garment industry, and prioritising procurement from Ethical Clothing Australia accredited businesses supports the private sector to do this.

Learn more about private sector procurement, contact us here.