Australia has now emerged as the leading consumer of fashion per capita, surpassing the United States, according to a recent report from the Australia Institute think tank.
The report reveals that the average Australian purchases approximately 56 new clothing items annually, spending about $13 per item. This surge in consumption underscores the pressing need for a shift towards more sustainable fashion practices.
In response, the Australian government introduced the Seamless Clothing Stewardship scheme, spearheaded by Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek in 2023. The scheme became operational on July 1, 2024. Under this voluntary program, brands are required to contribute $0.04 for each new garment sold, or $0.03 for garments meeting specific sustainability criteria. The goal of this eco-modulated levy is to encourage the use of sustainable materials and extend the lifespan of clothing.
However, Grace Forrest, Founding Director of Walk Free, highlights critical gaps in the scheme. In an article for The Australian, Forrest emphasized that while the scheme is a step towards environmental sustainability, it falls short in addressing human rights concerns. “France’s proposed tax on the fashion industry, for instance, highlights the sector’s environmental damage but fails to protect workers and improve their conditions,” Forrest noted.
Forrest argues that the Seamless scheme’s focus on environmental sustainability should be complemented by stronger measures to safeguard human rights. The initiative, she points out, does not address the exploitation and poor working conditions that are pervasive in the fashion industry. “Modern slavery, including forced labour and debt bondage, is a significant risk throughout the supply chain—from cotton picking to fabric dyeing and garment assembly,” Forrest said.
Globally, an estimated 50 million people are trapped in modern slavery, with 28 million in forced labour. The fashion industry remains one of the worst offenders in this regard. Forrest advocates for a holistic approach to sustainability that includes both environmental protection and ethical production practices. “My hope is that ethical production becomes the standard in Australia’s fashion industry,” she stated. “Businesses should absorb the costs necessary to ensure that workers in their supply chains receive fair wages. Consumers should not have to choose between affordable clothing and protecting human rights.”
Walk Free and other advocates are calling for Australian legislation to align with the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). This directive mandates that companies proactively identify and address modern slavery risks within their supply chains. Forrest asserts that businesses must be held accountable for both their operations and their supply chains to ensure that consumers are not forced to compromise on human rights for the sake of affordability.
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