Wake-up call may be too late

The announcement by Toyota that it will cease manufacturing cars in Australia by 2017 is another critical reminder that Australians must think about the consequences of their buying decisions before they make them.

“The exodus of the Australian automotive industry will result in massive transformation and job displacement across our manufacturing and support industries,” said Australian Made Chief Executive, Ian Harrison.

“The loss will impact generations to come across the entire community.”

The automotive industry is not the only industry under pressure. In today’s high cost business environment, there are companies across all sectors making daily decisions about where to invest their future operations. The dismantling of the auto industry simply exacerbates the impact on the community.

Mr Harrison says that there is an urgent role for all Australians moving forward; and it is to think more about the consequences of buying imported products when there are great Australian alternatives available.

“When all is said and done, it comes back to the consumers – be they individuals, businesses or government – as to where and how they spend their money,” Mr Harrison said.

“Every dollar spent on locally made and grown products will have a direct impact on the livelihoods of our manufacturers, food processors and growers, and on the standard of living of the wider community.

“Toyota’s decision is yet another wake-up call, but we are getting dangerously late,” Mr Harrison said.

The Australian Made Campaign is the not-for-profit organisation that administers the green-and-gold Australian Made, Australian Grown logo, Australia’s registered certification trade mark for genuine Australian products and produce.

Consumers seeking locally made and grown products should look for the Australian Made, Australian Grown kangaroo logo when shopping, or visit the online product directory at www.australianmade.com.au.