Events

The Homeworkers Code of Practice (HWCP) Committee, the joint industry-union body which administers the voluntary ‘No Sweat Shop label’ Accreditation system, has appointed a new National Program Co-ordinator, Emer Diviney.

With a solid background both within the fashion industry and the corporate social responsibility sector and having served on the HWCP Committee for the last four years, Ms Diviney is a perfect fit for the position charged with the task of providing Australian clothing workers with a better deal and promoting ethical Australian clothing businesses to consumers.

Ms Diviney said the Australian clothing and fashion industry can expect a number of exciting announcements in early 2010 starting with a relaunch of the No Sweat Shop label as ‘Ethical Clothing Australia’.

“The new name and the completely different look and feel of the new label will set the stage for a positive and reinvigorated approach to helping designers and businesses ensure they have ethical supply chains and that they can make the most of the growing consumer interest in quality garments made ethically in Australia,” Ms Diviney said.

Changes to the fee structure have also been announced and Ms Diviney said with annual fees starting at $300 for start-up businesses, Accreditation will be more accessible for small to medium sized designers and manufacturers.

The various changes follow a considerable period of industry consultation and in-depth market research.

“Over the course of the year the program team have been engaging with various industry players and listening to what would work better, and I’m confident we’ve now got a good balance of having strong and credible standards along with a labelling system that research indicates consumers will respond positively to,” Ms Diviney said.

Having been involved in the industry from various perspectives, Ms Diviney said she is looking forward to taking a hands-on approach with working with businesses seeking to utilise the Code’s Accreditation system.

“The Code is a good example of what can be achieved when the industry comes together with a common objective, and I’m really looking forward to building on the good work that’s been done and encouraging businesses to embrace the advantages of ethical manufacturing,” Ms Diviney said.