The announcement that Toyota will phase out manufacturing in Australia is a critical reminder that consumers must consider the consequences of their buying decisions.
That’s the view of Australian Made Chief Executive, Ian Harrison, who said business decisions such as Toyota’s have ripple effects that flow throughout the Australian economy.
Australia’s automotive industry is by no means the only industry in distress.
As such, Harrison commented that there is an urgent role for Australians to both buy Australian made goods, and for companies to educate consumers about the consequences of buying imported products when there are locally made alternatives available.
“Consumers have a clear preference for buying Australian made products and Australian grown produce – that doesn’t always translate into actual buying for all sorts of reasons, including price,” Harrison told Dynamic Business. “But that is the clearly measured intention of consumers, therefore, if your products do qualify, it makes real commercial sense to promote the fact to consumers that your products are genuine Aussie products.”
“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,” Harrison said. “[But] 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.”
The Australian Made Campaign is the organisation that administers the green-and-gold Australian Made, Australian Grown logo, Australia’s registered certification trademark for genuine Australian products and produce. It is a not-for-profit organisation.
