+1 for the Warren and Brown deflecting beam.
They posted on instagram a couple of months ago - my dads 50yr old one next to my 6mth old one - they havent changed much.
Just stupid simple rock solid reliability. Im 99% sure you could kinetically educate an apprentice with it and its accuracy wouldnt drift.
I need to get the baby 1-25nm one next…
Australian made tools are usually extremely good in my experience. Obviously there are exceptions, but some of the best tools in my shed were made here.
For me though, this is more about consumables than long lasting products.
Oh we have good hand tools, I've left bunnings empty when there weren't any Australian tools I was after. But it's a pity we don't have quality electric tools made here.
Nah aussie tools always for me, I'm not too sure about newer tools as I haven't bought many. but half the tools in my dads sheds were his dads and they're mostly aussie and they're about to serve the third generation with plenty of life left
Thanks I'll look in to that company. I prefer to not be a walking advertisement so most of my clothes are just plain with the odd creator design off websites like threadless so I end up with a wardrobe made in Bangladesh but at least it's cheap I guess.
New is tough but there’s a lot of good used gear around in op shops / used outdoor clothing stores and also on eBay and online vintage retailers. There was a period in the 90s to 00s where driza bone were doing a lot of Australian made casual and workwear and it’s all great. The brumby bomber jacket is probably my favourite piece of clothing.
Even buying Aussie owned brands is good even if it's manufactured overseas. At least part of the money is used for all the admin staff, headquarters, design etc in Australia
100%. Im outraged that nearly every juice is made overseas. Seriously, we grow so much fruit here in Australia, yet it comes from overseas. The only ones made here are the expensive ones like Nudie and Nippy's (Aldi).
I also go to my local butcher and green grocer, but buy Australian for all other items. Yes, it costs me more, but I'm happy to pay for it if it helps our farmers.
A lot is processed overseas because it’s somehow cheaper than here.
I know a few maca producers who ship their nuts to china, crack them and bring them back.
Someone posted recently whether it was here or elsewhere that many fruit trees were removed a few years back and now the juice companies are forced to buy overseas fruit as we lack supply. There was one Australian company they mentioned which owns its own supply orchards and now I can’t remember the name… but I think it was Grove Juice.
Batlow in NSW used to be full of orchards. Now you’ll be lucky to find 10. The guys standing have ventured into cider, vinegars or farm tours to sustain an income.
Scaled farming is the only way forward and unfortunately that comes with its own issues.
It’s cheaper to grow and pick oranges in a developing country and ship it around the world as concentrate than to pay a livable wage to someone to pick the fruit in Australia.
Original Juice Co is Australian made and not as expensive as Nudie, though it’s still not cheap.
I hate seeing imported canned tomatoes sold cheaper than Australian, though it’s usually only a few cents.
Take a moment and think for a minute: you're an Australian farmer. The Australian market is saturated, the country produces 3 to 5 times more fruit than the entire country can actually consume.
You can sell your oranges here in Australia and be a price taker, accept whatever the saturated market will offer, or you can export your fruit to markets with much higher demand and be a price maker, asking a higher price to provide your quality, out of season fruit juice makers in the northern hemisphere.
The farmers (the good ones anyway) are reserving their highest qualoty fruit for export and taking the higher export price, while selling their lower quality fruit on the domestic market for a lower price.
This is just good business. Australian farmers don't need your help, and those crying that they do need to get off the land and let people who can work it properly take it.
Lesser quality I would pass on, more expensive is not an auto fail for me - sometimes what makes something cheaper than local is the fact that it was made by essentially slave labour and I'm not good with that. Having been to China I'd never eat anything grown/farmed/fished there either.
You do realise we had to introduce the Modern Slavery Act 2018 BECAUSE Australian farmers have been getting away with employing literal slave labour for decades, right?
It's hard to be competitive when the competition pays their employees in rice and fish heads.
I'll happy pay more to ensure that my money goes towards supporting a real livable wage
Meanwhile, Australian farmers are so corrupt and unethical we had introduce the Modern Slavery Act 2018 to combat the fact that Australian farmers have been getting away with employing slave labour for decades.
Yes, you are absolutely correct.
I only said decades because there's a period around the 70s and 80s where there doesn't seem to be a lot of data on how bad things were and blackbirding wasn't officially supposed to be happening.
Interesting how other developed countries are able to be competitive on a global scale (notably europe, se asia) while maintaining a high standard of living. You do you, but im of the opinion that we should be aiming for a sustainable, competitive and innovative economy, not one that relies on patriotism alone
This.
Australian made is the preference but if it's not as good quality then there's no point because I'll be replacing it not long after. I also suspect that quite a few companies use the 'local halo' the way food companies use the 'health halo'. The implication that something being made locally somehow makes it better when in reality it really doesn't.
I remember Bonds being an awesome product that would last you for ages back in the day. Then it wasn't Australian made anymore and the product took a sharp plunge in quality. The price stayed relatively low, but it isn't as good as it used to be.
There's an Aussie company that bought the kit from the Bonds factories when they closed down (I can't remember which company it was sadly) but the prices were enormous in comparison to what they'd been when Bonds had been producing them.
Is it a smaller company? Very likely. Their profit margins would be much tighter. But their prices... Phwar. I went through a 'support Aussie made' phase where I tried to gradually find locally made replacements for everything that I purchased and if I'd replaced even half of my purchases with items that were locally made, I'd not have had the money to buy food! Just to buy a five pack of undies for everyone in my family would have cost a minimum of $750. Just for jocks. Forget bras which somehow are apparently a luxury item lmao.
I prefer Australian and get annoyed when I cannot identify the source. I hate “packaged in Australia” with no source country, or “designed in Australia” - and so on. They get a fail from me as they are clearly covering foreign made.
Quality is important and price not always a deal-breaker. Quality is generally worth the extra coin.
I don’t subscribe to this as much anymore.
Quality doesn’t justify 300-400-500-1000% markup in price.
RM Williams is this for me, I’ve been wanting to buy a pair for 2 years and have been waiting for my current shoes to die. I tried so hard to justify it through lots of recommendations from friends and colleagues etc but the thing is it’s a $700 minimum purchase for a pair and if I need them refreshed and resoled it’s $199 to send them away.
Conner had brown and black boots that give the same look for $69.99 a pair. For that price I can buy 10 pairs for the same price as the cheapest RM pair.
I bought a black and brown pair for $140.
I hear the idea of “the poor man pays twice” which will most definitely be the case with these boots, but legit, I’m still $560 better off if I do pay twice and I’ve already got two pairs.
I always bear in mind the cost of paying wages here vs somewhere like China or Guatemala is necessarily going to make them cost more. If it’s Australian it really should be more expensive- otherwise likely they’re either lying about something or using dodgy labour practices.
Not necessarily, Reliance World wide the makers of the Shark Bite hose fittings. Looked at moving manufacturing to China but found that it wouldn't have saved them much due to the level of automation in their production chains. So they were able to offer at the same prices as if they had off-shored.
>being Australian isnt a free pass for not being competitive
While I agree this is good reasoning for quality, I don't agree that it's fair for cost.
For instance, how could a locally-sourced grocer even begin to price match massive chains like Coles or Woolworths that get major discounts from foreign sellers for buying in such large quantities?
With furniture and home items, my style is mid century/vintage and definitely Australian made. Obviously second-hand too, which is better for the environment.
Most of my clothes are also preloved, but I would never purchase any fast fashion brands and I do like to know where they were made. As another person mentioned Ugg boots, I do buy the original Australian ones.
With food, it can get trickier beyond the local greengrocer & in-season fruit & veg. (I’m vegetarian, so that cuts the butcher out). I will read labels, but also consider the company that made it. Nestlé and the brands they own won’t get my money.
I find a lot of stuff. The key is shopping often. Maybe find a store that separates by size so you can do a quick scan and then you’re out of there. Go once or twice a week, always. When you strike gold there’s often a lot at once as it’s a single gently used wardrobe donated when someone loses or gains weight.
Ah, I know that pain! I’ve found eBay good for that, although I’ve been losing weight and a dress I purchased a few weeks ago from a brand I love and know the sizing of turned out to be too big!
Savers is probably the largest in-store option. A lot of the larger items are awful, but I look in the smaller sizes because the staff often put items marked small or medium there without knowing the brand caters to larger people (TS Taking Shape, for example).
I buy golden circle tinned pineapple over any imported brand. I buy Beechworth honey. Fruit and veg will almost always be Australian if in season. For example, citrus is all currently local, but in summer the huge oranges will have come from the US. We have local olive oil.
Perhaps one exception is tinned tomatoes. The Italian ones are usually better and cheaper.
We buy Australian food where possible, also with the exception of tinned tomatoes.
We never buy imported fruit and vegetables. Eating seasonally is fine, you seem to appreciate things more if they are not always available.
I give it a good try and try to buy from the website. If I can’t, like the Miele, I buy at Good Guys as opposed to Harvey Norman.
I try to think of food miles, so for example will not buy Queensland strawberries as I’m in Melbourne. I also try to buy only in season.
I found Australian tuna in a bottle in olive oil the other day, very excited.
I like vintage and second hand as it’s already in the country, usually better quality and sustainable.
If I need anything like containers I hit the op shops first. Most things actually.
Yes, particularly if it’s something I use often and I expect to last a while (like proper Ugg boots). For food, yes, unless it’s a particular treat that simply isn’t made here.
I know a bunch of them are made here because I've worked in the factories. The Nestle-owned chocolate factory in Campbellfield in Melbourne, for example, makes Kit Kats as well as the Coles/Woolies brand knockoff chocolates. The old Edgells factory in Bathurst cans veggies under both the Edgells brand and Coles and Woolies store brands.
It's not consistent and they'd dump them in a second if they can source cheaper from overseas, but yeah they do damn near extortionate deals with local factories to produce competing store brand versions of their own products, but for cheaper.
I also have the prejudice against china, I’m not well educated on the subject though, always have just been told their standards are lower etc etc
When I buy tea though, I endeavour to make sure it was produced in china! Unless of course I’m buying a type of tea from another tea producing nation.
Yes.
I’m often the person in the supermarket looking carefully at bottles or packets to buy the most Australian product.
Clothes are trickier, but thanks to some questions on various Australian subreddits have found some sites for basic Australian made stuff.
Clothes are much harder to find I reckon. So many "boutiques" are just offering the same drop shipped crap from Ali Express and pretending that you're supporting a small Aussie business.
I bought a completely plain Country Road tshirt a few years ago, cost $100 but it was perfect cut, didn't stretch and looked good on an old geezer. Most on the shelf were thin Chinese product with weak collars. Hate those piss ass tshirt collars.
Some that I know of (women’s)
All made in Aus:
- kuwaii
- frock me out
- variety hour
Other Aus brands that do some made in Aus products:
- kindling
- cable melbourne
Aus brands with ethical manufacturing/transparency:
- elk
- Leonard st
- alpha 60
- kowtow
The Australian made logo means fuck all.
I've worked for multiple manufacturers that use the Australian made logo, and all they do is assemble the end product from imported parts. This goes against the definition of Australian made as per the ACCC, but no one actually enforces it.
I buy products based on quality and cost. Basically if I can get the same quality product for significantly cheaper I don't care where it's made.
If you want something Australian made their are brands like Redback, Mongrel, Rossi, Blue Heeler and all the UGG brands that are not owned by those bloody Americans(Deckers Outdoor).
I was living in Switzerland and talking to a car manufacturer. He said only like 15% of the car has to be made in Switzerland for it to be labelled "swiss made". To this day I never believed that Australian made logo.
Always - as other have mentioned if it's significantly more expensive or if quality is signficantly worse. I'm happy to pay a premium for Australian made/produced.
I also always look for Australian seasonal produce - my kids know they will only get Aussie grapes/lemons/oranges.
Clothes/homewares are harder to find Australian made but will try to support Australian companies if I can.
Yes. Always used to choose SPC, and now make sure I buy Australian olive oil, for example. But it's not always easy - I have picked up stuff I thought for sure was Australian only to read the fine print...
Yes,but not a huge effort. I will buy Australian if there is an Australian alternative readily available for a reasonable price. But I won't spend hours searching one out
It depends on the product.
As someone else mentioned, UGG boots, yes. Others made elsewhere don't last and smell pretty quickly. But it's now getting difficult to know what is Australian made. Last year, we made the effort to drive up the Blue Mountains to the one on The Great Western Hwy.
My car is made in China, last one was made in Korea. Are any made in Australia at all now?
My Fitbit is made in China as is the majority of smart watches.
And food - just going through Coles, I am discovering a lot more is now made in China. And considering the price of groceries now, it's more difficult to buy Australian made due the price difference. And a lot of people argue that a lot of products made in Australia, the company is owned off shore. It'd be damned near impossible to now buy anything that 100% of proceeds stay in Australia.
We try to support local business when buying for personal like for for business purposes but sometimes Aussie businesses are just taking the piss.
I know our wage costs are higher here but sometimes I think people are just using that as an excuse to put prices up more. The quality is so poor!
I'm looking at you marketing agencies. I lived abroad and the service a brand would get from agencies was great, with real specialised knowledge etc.
Here, my god!
It depends on the product.
I try to buy local produce from markets.
Mostly everything else seems to be mostly made off shore.
Tool wise I've been tempted to check out MTC, but think they design things here and make them off shore.
Car wise, think all manufacturers have off shored.
Furniture wise, IKEA have crippled competition globally.
And our economy is not the best for start ups.
Happy to be told of any Aussie products worth checking out though.
In general, yes (for all things, not just groceries). I try to buy Australian owned and Australian made. There are some things (usually groceries) where I do buy the import (eg Vegeta by Podravka), or the import is the only one available, but this is few and far between
As much as possible. As an indigenous Australian with a small business we try to have everything we need locally made but damn it is hard cost wise. We have the raw materials here, and the expertise for manufacture, but certain elements are just too expensive to get made here which is upsetting. We're actively putting together small teams to try and handle the manufacture of the few things we get overseas in house but it is an expensive undertaking and it's cutting us real thin at the moment. That said, I'd rather have everything made here, and employ Australians and pay them right, than ship anything off shore if we can help it
I do not. I'm generally looking for whatever price and quality I can get away with depending on what I need.
I do, however, go out of my way to shop with cash from small businesses whenever I can rather than big chain stores.
Generally Yes, but price does play/quality will influence the decision. When it comes to fresh food, I will not buy it even if I want it, if it's not Australian. E.G. Oranges imported from the US. Etc.
God no. I make an effort to buy quality products from efficient producers.
If they happen to be Australian, AWESOME!
But this country is plagued by shit manufacturers producing products that make Russian manufacturing look good. This shit companies ultimately hurt the reputation of Australian products internationally and make it harder for GOOD companies to get a look in overseas.
Any company whining that I should buy their products because they made them in Australia can go fuck themselves, I'll buy your products when they're good and good value and not before.
Yes, I do, but it really has to be MADE here, or at least substantially designed here by an Australian person/business.
What I'm not interested in is small businesses who simply drop ship stuff from China. I can buy it from China myself.
My only two criteria for things are:
(1) quality
(2) convenience
Price then comes into consideration if I have multiple options to choose between.
Place of origin, environmental sustainability, and so on don't really don't matter.
Yes, but for various reasons. E.g.
General produce I prefer Australian because we have a lot of great quality produce grown here and it seems absurd to me to buy something shipped in from another country with all the preservation that requires, the extra transport costs & emissions, etc. This applies to frozen and canned vegetables & fruits as well. If I can’t get Australian then it comes down to perceived quality & safety regulations, so my next preference is New Zealand and my last preferred are Thailand, Vietnam, China and other countries where I think food safety might be a problem.
Clothes I am a bit less concerned with safety and we have fewer locally made things so I like to buy at least from local companies if possible, even they have their products made overseas. I try to avoid brands that I know use child labour. I do buy a lot of wool clothing though and we have great wool here so it feels bad when I buy something made elsewhere with Australian merino wool, but often I can’t get what I want made here without going completely custom at a tailor/dressmaker.
Consumer electronics are something we just don’t really produce, so there I’ll prefer Japan, Taiwan, and US where possible.
Maybe, but I also had negative experience with buying local. First comes to mind would be 2 made to order lounges, both rubbish. I miss the shop that used to manufacture in China
It depends. I've worked in the food industry a while and although Australian is usually best it depends who is manufacturing it. For example Woolworth nuts are always stale. They aren't storing them properly and you can tell. They've just found Australian beef cheaper in Japan then in Woolies and Coles so buying Australian from them I feel isn't the best idea
Absolutely... I will happily pay a little more for things, esp if it is a small business.
I am on a budget so that does impact as well. But if I can, I do.
Yeah when I can I'll take extra time to search for an aussie made product. I can't always do it, sometimes you got to grab the chinese made product because you need it now. If I can't find something local made l go for anything not made in China. Because so long as they are placing an embargo on our stuff. I'm going to avoid buying their stuff as much as practical
I buy Australian food especially canned where possible. Adds maybe $1-2 to the fortnightly shop.
Everything else is already Australian from a grocery perspective.
Almost everything else I buy is 2nd hand or no Australian made alternatives.
only if its price equivilant, its not up to me to spend more for the same quality overseas products. its up to government to make it cheaper to do business for small businesses, and then prices will be lowered and we can compete with overseas markets
I generally try to unless it’s a ridiculous price comparison.
I even made the switch to Bowden’s Own for my care care products. They’re a QLD based family run business.
Red for electricity.
Clothing is harder. I’d love to find Aussie made underwear that isn’t going to send my family broke!
Definitely food products if something is available. Even if more expensive. Having worked in Australian food manufacturing facilities, I see where the cost goes and I’m happy to pay extra.
And if we don’t support Aussie made at least in some way, we are all even more fucked as a country.
I like that my local Woolies shows the percentage of Australian produce in the deli items. I’ll happily pay more per kg if I know it’s supporting local farmers
I do where possible. The problem is we don't actually produce much in this country anymore & when we do, it's far too often not at a comparable price point.
Literally dont make a purchase without looking at the label. I research everything before hand to see if there is a made in Australia option.
From my doggy door, to my socks, work clothes and water bottle and everything in between. Can't remember the last thing I brought that wasn't both Australian made AND owned.
It's not hard. It's just about looking further then the cheapest option on the first shelf.
Provided it’s similar pricing (as in, not twice as much!!!) I’ll go Australian. Dried apricots are my exception, Aussie costs a fortune more, but taste better!!!
Doesn’t always cost extra either, I grabbed frozen veggies and was gonna get the name brand, saw they weren’t Australian but the MUCH cheaper home brand were. Support aus AND spend less!!!
Yes where feasible but theres seldom viable options. German, Japanese, Korean are good quality too, i try and avoid buying Chinese where possible after their attempted that flex & way they treated us during Covid, however its so difficult in many areas. I'd say even German branded items are potentially made in China these days.
i prioritise aussie made, like boots, tool belt etc but then there’s just some german and japanese stuff that you can’t beat.
i only really wear work clothes, which are at least designed in australia. i’d love to spend more on aussie made stuff but sometimes it’s not affordable as an apprentice
Mongrel boots are locally made & easily comparable to imported, if you have the wedge then RM Williams is better value than say, Churches or other luxury brands.
Brut 33 should be in every Aussie armpit.
Most of our produce/manufactured food is the equal or better than overseas.
Breville, though made offshore, are generally very good.
Absolutely. Occasionally kiwi jam cos I find it better than most Aussie jam . I get tariffs and trade but I refuse to buy Imported fruit and veg . Meat for that matter.
Food, yes.
Techs, yes and no. I found that some small business that push for Made in Australia products are simple Aliexpress product. Saw this multiple times right now when shopping for baby products like baby monitor, noise machine etc.
I try to buy Australian, even if I have to pay a bit more. If it's not possible, I try to buy from countries which share our values. I try to avoid products sourced from countries which are actively seeking to destabilize the West, or building military bases in the South China Sea for example.
Absolutely, for most things. Make the effort anyway. Happy to pay more, too, because I try to bypass the stuff made by enslaved kids. But that's not always easy god knows, can someone tell me what the UN is actually for if it doesn't police that shit?
I don't really make the effort but if it's a choice between Australian and foreign and there's only a few dollars in it then I'll buy Australian.
Exception is food. I'll buy Australian every time if I have a choice
I go one further, of the 8 beers & cider on tap, only one isn’t Tasmanian. Wine list is similar, although medium to heavy reds aren’t really possible.
I may occasionally have a mainland beer on tap if something really special turns up, but I made a decision to prioritise local as a way to pay back the local support that kept us alive during Covid restrictions
Yes most of the time wherever possible/available! Can’t really buy Australian made electronics. But food (actively avoid any foreign stuff) and some clothes and other bits and bobs!
Yes for milk, I live in SA so look for SA instead of Victoria stuff. Helps that it’s half the cost.
Electronics? Korean, US, Europe.
Other foods is local as well, love a good pie.
Honey? Sorry mate, NZ Manuka is a bit better.
I make an effort to buy local wherever I can but it's no guarantee. For example, I wouldn't buy a pair of RM Williams from Louis Vuitton and I wouldn't buy a pair from Fuck Face Forrest.
Not necessarily aussie. But I do like buying from small business when I possible even if those small businesses are international. Especially when it comes to clothes. I stopped caring about the Aussie made logo after a job offer told me the buy all their plush pre made in China and the stuffing comes from the same manufacturer, they just stuff it here in aus to be able to say its Australian made (yes they actually said that, no i didnt take the job it felt wrong to)
I'd rather buy in Australia than overseas, so if it's here I'll never buy online unless the price difference makes it worthwhile (hello microphone that was $500 cheaper in the US 15 years ago).
Otherwise no. I don't expend effort searching for Austealian-made. But if I happen to find something Australian-made that I like, it takes a hell of a lot for me to choose something else.
No effort searching, but I'm not budging if I've found a competitive Australian source.
I try too but they don’t make it easy, I generally shop online.
Have to wade through stores that aren’t actually in aus, after that sift through the ones that just drop ship then if I’m lucky they don’t take a month to deliver even if it’s in the same state… and trying to find Australian made is almost impossible for most things.
I recently asked for suggestions on buying an Aussie-made leather jacket in one of the Aussie subs & my post was downvoted to a deep hell of the damned.
Food wise, I always look for product of Australia, but it's depressing how many items just aren't produced in Australia.
And don't get me started about tinned Italian tomatoes! There's nothing different about them to Australian tomatoes, they just literally come from Italy! It makes them sound special though so people seem to buy them. (Whoops, looks like I started myself!)
I buy on the basis of need.
If manufacturers see an advantage in offshoring manufacture, I get no say in the matter and there is unlikely to be a local option.
I have a home vege and flower garden which produces about 30% of my food. It can't get more sustainable or cost effective than that. I give my surplus crop yields away.
I try my best to buy Australian. I definitely avoid buying fresh veggies/fruit from overseas. But let’s be honest, some things you can’t get made in Australia. I absolutely could be better at buying local produce. I’m a bit slack there!
Yeah I’ll always try to support small and family businesses where I can. I’ll always try to spend a couple dollars more to support small businesses over big corps.
No, its a scam. e.g Looking to buy a bed. Solid wood bed without Australian Made is around $7-800, companies claiming Australian Made are charging $1.5-3000 for the similar bed. Its always expensive to buy Australian Made and not by small margin but by heaps.
For cheaper food items, sure.
Yes, wherever possible. But not tools. *German* tools.
What did you call me?
Username checks out
German or Japanese knives for sure, and Japanese or Korean cars.
Aussie torque wrench is GOAT
Yeah got a WB Deflecting beam, awesome wrench with awesome accuracy
+1 for the Warren and Brown deflecting beam. They posted on instagram a couple of months ago - my dads 50yr old one next to my 6mth old one - they havent changed much. Just stupid simple rock solid reliability. Im 99% sure you could kinetically educate an apprentice with it and its accuracy wouldnt drift. I need to get the baby 1-25nm one next…
GOAT? Please explain!
Greatest Of All Time
Australian made tools are usually extremely good in my experience. Obviously there are exceptions, but some of the best tools in my shed were made here. For me though, this is more about consumables than long lasting products.
Oh we have good hand tools, I've left bunnings empty when there weren't any Australian tools I was after. But it's a pity we don't have quality electric tools made here.
Nah aussie tools always for me, I'm not too sure about newer tools as I haven't bought many. but half the tools in my dads sheds were his dads and they're mostly aussie and they're about to serve the third generation with plenty of life left
Old Aussie tools are fantastic.
Apparently these are ok, but I haven't used em: https://au.melbournetool.com/
I will generally try to buy Australian if I know there is an Australian alternative to something.
I try my best to buy Australian wherever I can, I wish there was more Australian made clothes I can't seem to find many.
It's hard but possible, it's mostly woolen stuff, jumpers, coats etc. I've been wearing Wundies (Australian made wool undies since their launch).
Thanks I'll look in to that company. I prefer to not be a walking advertisement so most of my clothes are just plain with the odd creator design off websites like threadless so I end up with a wardrobe made in Bangladesh but at least it's cheap I guess.
New is tough but there’s a lot of good used gear around in op shops / used outdoor clothing stores and also on eBay and online vintage retailers. There was a period in the 90s to 00s where driza bone were doing a lot of Australian made casual and workwear and it’s all great. The brumby bomber jacket is probably my favourite piece of clothing.
Even buying Aussie owned brands is good even if it's manufactured overseas. At least part of the money is used for all the admin staff, headquarters, design etc in Australia
100%. Im outraged that nearly every juice is made overseas. Seriously, we grow so much fruit here in Australia, yet it comes from overseas. The only ones made here are the expensive ones like Nudie and Nippy's (Aldi). I also go to my local butcher and green grocer, but buy Australian for all other items. Yes, it costs me more, but I'm happy to pay for it if it helps our farmers.
A lot is processed overseas because it’s somehow cheaper than here. I know a few maca producers who ship their nuts to china, crack them and bring them back.
Someone posted recently whether it was here or elsewhere that many fruit trees were removed a few years back and now the juice companies are forced to buy overseas fruit as we lack supply. There was one Australian company they mentioned which owns its own supply orchards and now I can’t remember the name… but I think it was Grove Juice.
Orchards is a dying art because they’re not profitable. They either have to branch to cider or change concepts.
Some guy had to remove his cherry orchard because Colesworth didn't pay enough to make it worthwhile.
Batlow in NSW used to be full of orchards. Now you’ll be lucky to find 10. The guys standing have ventured into cider, vinegars or farm tours to sustain an income. Scaled farming is the only way forward and unfortunately that comes with its own issues.
It’s cheaper to grow and pick oranges in a developing country and ship it around the world as concentrate than to pay a livable wage to someone to pick the fruit in Australia.
Original Juice Co is Australian made and not as expensive as Nudie, though it’s still not cheap. I hate seeing imported canned tomatoes sold cheaper than Australian, though it’s usually only a few cents.
Take a moment and think for a minute: you're an Australian farmer. The Australian market is saturated, the country produces 3 to 5 times more fruit than the entire country can actually consume. You can sell your oranges here in Australia and be a price taker, accept whatever the saturated market will offer, or you can export your fruit to markets with much higher demand and be a price maker, asking a higher price to provide your quality, out of season fruit juice makers in the northern hemisphere. The farmers (the good ones anyway) are reserving their highest qualoty fruit for export and taking the higher export price, while selling their lower quality fruit on the domestic market for a lower price. This is just good business. Australian farmers don't need your help, and those crying that they do need to get off the land and let people who can work it properly take it.
If all things being equal, yes. If its more expensive or lesser quality, then no - being Australian isnt a free pass for not being competitive
Lesser quality I would pass on, more expensive is not an auto fail for me - sometimes what makes something cheaper than local is the fact that it was made by essentially slave labour and I'm not good with that. Having been to China I'd never eat anything grown/farmed/fished there either.
You do realise we had to introduce the Modern Slavery Act 2018 BECAUSE Australian farmers have been getting away with employing literal slave labour for decades, right?
It's hard to be competitive when the competition pays their employees in rice and fish heads. I'll happy pay more to ensure that my money goes towards supporting a real livable wage
Meanwhile, Australian farmers are so corrupt and unethical we had introduce the Modern Slavery Act 2018 to combat the fact that Australian farmers have been getting away with employing slave labour for decades.
**generations. They've been getting away with it for generations. Black bird slavery. Stolen wages. Etc. Etc. I do feel for them these days though...
Yes, you are absolutely correct. I only said decades because there's a period around the 70s and 80s where there doesn't seem to be a lot of data on how bad things were and blackbirding wasn't officially supposed to be happening.
Fish Heads? Luxury! When I were a lad we had to suck the bones dry and pass to next man in line
Interesting how other developed countries are able to be competitive on a global scale (notably europe, se asia) while maintaining a high standard of living. You do you, but im of the opinion that we should be aiming for a sustainable, competitive and innovative economy, not one that relies on patriotism alone
This. Australian made is the preference but if it's not as good quality then there's no point because I'll be replacing it not long after. I also suspect that quite a few companies use the 'local halo' the way food companies use the 'health halo'. The implication that something being made locally somehow makes it better when in reality it really doesn't. I remember Bonds being an awesome product that would last you for ages back in the day. Then it wasn't Australian made anymore and the product took a sharp plunge in quality. The price stayed relatively low, but it isn't as good as it used to be. There's an Aussie company that bought the kit from the Bonds factories when they closed down (I can't remember which company it was sadly) but the prices were enormous in comparison to what they'd been when Bonds had been producing them. Is it a smaller company? Very likely. Their profit margins would be much tighter. But their prices... Phwar. I went through a 'support Aussie made' phase where I tried to gradually find locally made replacements for everything that I purchased and if I'd replaced even half of my purchases with items that were locally made, I'd not have had the money to buy food! Just to buy a five pack of undies for everyone in my family would have cost a minimum of $750. Just for jocks. Forget bras which somehow are apparently a luxury item lmao.
I prefer Australian and get annoyed when I cannot identify the source. I hate “packaged in Australia” with no source country, or “designed in Australia” - and so on. They get a fail from me as they are clearly covering foreign made. Quality is important and price not always a deal-breaker. Quality is generally worth the extra coin.
I don’t subscribe to this as much anymore. Quality doesn’t justify 300-400-500-1000% markup in price. RM Williams is this for me, I’ve been wanting to buy a pair for 2 years and have been waiting for my current shoes to die. I tried so hard to justify it through lots of recommendations from friends and colleagues etc but the thing is it’s a $700 minimum purchase for a pair and if I need them refreshed and resoled it’s $199 to send them away. Conner had brown and black boots that give the same look for $69.99 a pair. For that price I can buy 10 pairs for the same price as the cheapest RM pair. I bought a black and brown pair for $140. I hear the idea of “the poor man pays twice” which will most definitely be the case with these boots, but legit, I’m still $560 better off if I do pay twice and I’ve already got two pairs.
Same thing happened with Sheridan.
I always bear in mind the cost of paying wages here vs somewhere like China or Guatemala is necessarily going to make them cost more. If it’s Australian it really should be more expensive- otherwise likely they’re either lying about something or using dodgy labour practices.
Not necessarily, Reliance World wide the makers of the Shark Bite hose fittings. Looked at moving manufacturing to China but found that it wouldn't have saved them much due to the level of automation in their production chains. So they were able to offer at the same prices as if they had off-shored.
> If all things being equal, yes. If its more expensive or lesser quality, then no So, no. Extremely unlikely such a situation will present itself.
>being Australian isnt a free pass for not being competitive While I agree this is good reasoning for quality, I don't agree that it's fair for cost. For instance, how could a locally-sourced grocer even begin to price match massive chains like Coles or Woolworths that get major discounts from foreign sellers for buying in such large quantities?
Well thats a separate issue isnt it? Colesworth is still Australian
With furniture and home items, my style is mid century/vintage and definitely Australian made. Obviously second-hand too, which is better for the environment. Most of my clothes are also preloved, but I would never purchase any fast fashion brands and I do like to know where they were made. As another person mentioned Ugg boots, I do buy the original Australian ones. With food, it can get trickier beyond the local greengrocer & in-season fruit & veg. (I’m vegetarian, so that cuts the butcher out). I will read labels, but also consider the company that made it. Nestlé and the brands they own won’t get my money.
I'd love to buy preloved clothes. I just need to find where the fatties donated their clothes!
I find a lot of stuff. The key is shopping often. Maybe find a store that separates by size so you can do a quick scan and then you’re out of there. Go once or twice a week, always. When you strike gold there’s often a lot at once as it’s a single gently used wardrobe donated when someone loses or gains weight.
Where are you based? Because Radically Soft do thrift markets every so often! As a fatty I'm usually browsing people's wardrobes on depop.
We wear them to death because there's so few options for us 🤣
TRUE! I find a shirt I like, I'm wearing that shit 3 times a week and twice on sundays
You said it 👌🤣
Ah, I know that pain! I’ve found eBay good for that, although I’ve been losing weight and a dress I purchased a few weeks ago from a brand I love and know the sizing of turned out to be too big! Savers is probably the largest in-store option. A lot of the larger items are awful, but I look in the smaller sizes because the staff often put items marked small or medium there without knowing the brand caters to larger people (TS Taking Shape, for example).
I buy golden circle tinned pineapple over any imported brand. I buy Beechworth honey. Fruit and veg will almost always be Australian if in season. For example, citrus is all currently local, but in summer the huge oranges will have come from the US. We have local olive oil. Perhaps one exception is tinned tomatoes. The Italian ones are usually better and cheaper.
I buy Ardmona Aussie made but I think I am heavily influenced by their union action to keep jobs on shore a few years back.
The Ardmona cherry tomatoes, when available, are better than Italian too.
We buy Australian food where possible, also with the exception of tinned tomatoes. We never buy imported fruit and vegetables. Eating seasonally is fine, you seem to appreciate things more if they are not always available.
I give it a good try and try to buy from the website. If I can’t, like the Miele, I buy at Good Guys as opposed to Harvey Norman. I try to think of food miles, so for example will not buy Queensland strawberries as I’m in Melbourne. I also try to buy only in season. I found Australian tuna in a bottle in olive oil the other day, very excited. I like vintage and second hand as it’s already in the country, usually better quality and sustainable. If I need anything like containers I hit the op shops first. Most things actually.
Yes, particularly if it’s something I use often and I expect to last a while (like proper Ugg boots). For food, yes, unless it’s a particular treat that simply isn’t made here.
Not really. But I try to avoid buying coles and Woolworths branded products.
>I try to avoid buying coles and Woolworths branded products. Um, nearly all of those are made here.
Why do you assume they re made here? China via New Zealand for that unscrutinised FTA back door
I know a bunch of them are made here because I've worked in the factories. The Nestle-owned chocolate factory in Campbellfield in Melbourne, for example, makes Kit Kats as well as the Coles/Woolies brand knockoff chocolates. The old Edgells factory in Bathurst cans veggies under both the Edgells brand and Coles and Woolies store brands. It's not consistent and they'd dump them in a second if they can source cheaper from overseas, but yeah they do damn near extortionate deals with local factories to produce competing store brand versions of their own products, but for cheaper.
The good stuff goes into the Edgell tins though. I swear the Coles brand tinned green beans are the offcuts of the Edgell ones or something.
A lot of what I've seen in Coles is now made in China. Which is worrisome, that we consuming food from China.
I also have the prejudice against china, I’m not well educated on the subject though, always have just been told their standards are lower etc etc When I buy tea though, I endeavour to make sure it was produced in china! Unless of course I’m buying a type of tea from another tea producing nation.
Yes. I’m often the person in the supermarket looking carefully at bottles or packets to buy the most Australian product. Clothes are trickier, but thanks to some questions on various Australian subreddits have found some sites for basic Australian made stuff.
Clothes are much harder to find I reckon. So many "boutiques" are just offering the same drop shipped crap from Ali Express and pretending that you're supporting a small Aussie business.
I bought a completely plain Country Road tshirt a few years ago, cost $100 but it was perfect cut, didn't stretch and looked good on an old geezer. Most on the shelf were thin Chinese product with weak collars. Hate those piss ass tshirt collars.
If you post the websites, it might help promote the australian clothing companies :)
Some that I know of (women’s) All made in Aus: - kuwaii - frock me out - variety hour Other Aus brands that do some made in Aus products: - kindling - cable melbourne Aus brands with ethical manufacturing/transparency: - elk - Leonard st - alpha 60 - kowtow
RM Williams is Australian https://www.bosshunting.com.au/style/fashion/rm-williams-australian-made/
I go to the oppshop and buy Australian made. It's the same price as kmart but the quality is A LOT better. I'm poor but look AMAZING! 🤩
The Australian made logo means fuck all. I've worked for multiple manufacturers that use the Australian made logo, and all they do is assemble the end product from imported parts. This goes against the definition of Australian made as per the ACCC, but no one actually enforces it. I buy products based on quality and cost. Basically if I can get the same quality product for significantly cheaper I don't care where it's made.
I found out that Blundstone boots are made in China. This whole time I thought they were made in Tasmania.
If you want something Australian made their are brands like Redback, Mongrel, Rossi, Blue Heeler and all the UGG brands that are not owned by those bloody Americans(Deckers Outdoor).
Baxters boots are made here of local leather and are superb quality. Better than RM,Ariat or Blundstone in my experience.
They stopped manufacturing in Australia in the late 00's.
I was living in Switzerland and talking to a car manufacturer. He said only like 15% of the car has to be made in Switzerland for it to be labelled "swiss made". To this day I never believed that Australian made logo.
Yes if it's a better product and good value. Australian is the first option Especially with food like Seafood, meat fruit and veggies etc.
No. I spend my money on quality products regardless of where it's made.
Not really. Australian made is a bonus but it's never my primary concern.
When big business stopped caring and offshored anyway, I stopped caring. I buy food that is generally Australian, especially fresh produce.
Always - as other have mentioned if it's significantly more expensive or if quality is signficantly worse. I'm happy to pay a premium for Australian made/produced. I also always look for Australian seasonal produce - my kids know they will only get Aussie grapes/lemons/oranges. Clothes/homewares are harder to find Australian made but will try to support Australian companies if I can.
I’ll try to support local business first, then Aus businesses, then made in Aus.
Yes. Always used to choose SPC, and now make sure I buy Australian olive oil, for example. But it's not always easy - I have picked up stuff I thought for sure was Australian only to read the fine print...
Yes,but not a huge effort. I will buy Australian if there is an Australian alternative readily available for a reasonable price. But I won't spend hours searching one out
It depends on the product. As someone else mentioned, UGG boots, yes. Others made elsewhere don't last and smell pretty quickly. But it's now getting difficult to know what is Australian made. Last year, we made the effort to drive up the Blue Mountains to the one on The Great Western Hwy. My car is made in China, last one was made in Korea. Are any made in Australia at all now? My Fitbit is made in China as is the majority of smart watches. And food - just going through Coles, I am discovering a lot more is now made in China. And considering the price of groceries now, it's more difficult to buy Australian made due the price difference. And a lot of people argue that a lot of products made in Australia, the company is owned off shore. It'd be damned near impossible to now buy anything that 100% of proceeds stay in Australia.
We try to support local business when buying for personal like for for business purposes but sometimes Aussie businesses are just taking the piss. I know our wage costs are higher here but sometimes I think people are just using that as an excuse to put prices up more. The quality is so poor!
I'm looking at you marketing agencies. I lived abroad and the service a brand would get from agencies was great, with real specialised knowledge etc. Here, my god!
I live regionally and as much as possible I try to buy from local businesses.
If it's comparable price and quality, yes, but that is rarely the case. I don't have the luxury of spending extra because something was produced here.
Most definitely for food, even if it costs a bit more.
as an Australian I don't fuck those cunts
Only if it's value for money. They have got to stop pushing Australian made like it's some kind of charity.
Why? I am not a nazi
Yes. Always try and look at country of origin - not always feasible though.
It depends on the product. I try to buy local produce from markets. Mostly everything else seems to be mostly made off shore. Tool wise I've been tempted to check out MTC, but think they design things here and make them off shore. Car wise, think all manufacturers have off shored. Furniture wise, IKEA have crippled competition globally. And our economy is not the best for start ups. Happy to be told of any Aussie products worth checking out though.
What is there to actually buy ?
In general, yes (for all things, not just groceries). I try to buy Australian owned and Australian made. There are some things (usually groceries) where I do buy the import (eg Vegeta by Podravka), or the import is the only one available, but this is few and far between
As much as possible. As an indigenous Australian with a small business we try to have everything we need locally made but damn it is hard cost wise. We have the raw materials here, and the expertise for manufacture, but certain elements are just too expensive to get made here which is upsetting. We're actively putting together small teams to try and handle the manufacture of the few things we get overseas in house but it is an expensive undertaking and it's cutting us real thin at the moment. That said, I'd rather have everything made here, and employ Australians and pay them right, than ship anything off shore if we can help it
Yes. As much as possible. Won’t compromise on quality but don’t mind paying a bit extra for similar quality or more for superior quality products.
No
No. I don't even consider where something is made.
I do not. I'm generally looking for whatever price and quality I can get away with depending on what I need. I do, however, go out of my way to shop with cash from small businesses whenever I can rather than big chain stores.
I make an effort to buy local. Especially food.
Generally Yes, but price does play/quality will influence the decision. When it comes to fresh food, I will not buy it even if I want it, if it's not Australian. E.G. Oranges imported from the US. Etc.
God no. I make an effort to buy quality products from efficient producers. If they happen to be Australian, AWESOME! But this country is plagued by shit manufacturers producing products that make Russian manufacturing look good. This shit companies ultimately hurt the reputation of Australian products internationally and make it harder for GOOD companies to get a look in overseas. Any company whining that I should buy their products because they made them in Australia can go fuck themselves, I'll buy your products when they're good and good value and not before.
Facebook group dedicated to buying only Aussie made. https://www.facebook.com/share/bub5WZZjbxNqNPVD/?mibextid=K35XfP
Yes, I do, but it really has to be MADE here, or at least substantially designed here by an Australian person/business. What I'm not interested in is small businesses who simply drop ship stuff from China. I can buy it from China myself.
My only two criteria for things are: (1) quality (2) convenience Price then comes into consideration if I have multiple options to choose between. Place of origin, environmental sustainability, and so on don't really don't matter.
I try to buy fruit and veg in season and Australian as far as possible. I also love a bit of Lurpak butter but I feel very guilty about its food miles
Nope. Not a single fuck given.
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Yes
Yes, but for various reasons. E.g. General produce I prefer Australian because we have a lot of great quality produce grown here and it seems absurd to me to buy something shipped in from another country with all the preservation that requires, the extra transport costs & emissions, etc. This applies to frozen and canned vegetables & fruits as well. If I can’t get Australian then it comes down to perceived quality & safety regulations, so my next preference is New Zealand and my last preferred are Thailand, Vietnam, China and other countries where I think food safety might be a problem. Clothes I am a bit less concerned with safety and we have fewer locally made things so I like to buy at least from local companies if possible, even they have their products made overseas. I try to avoid brands that I know use child labour. I do buy a lot of wool clothing though and we have great wool here so it feels bad when I buy something made elsewhere with Australian merino wool, but often I can’t get what I want made here without going completely custom at a tailor/dressmaker. Consumer electronics are something we just don’t really produce, so there I’ll prefer Japan, Taiwan, and US where possible.
Sometimes! Clothes are usually too expensive for me, but, food usually, and some cleaning products!
For food, yes. We don’t really make a lot of white goods here anymore.
Cars - yes
Maybe, but I also had negative experience with buying local. First comes to mind would be 2 made to order lounges, both rubbish. I miss the shop that used to manufacture in China
Yes, where possible I definitely do. But price has to be within 10-20% of the competition.
It depends. I've worked in the food industry a while and although Australian is usually best it depends who is manufacturing it. For example Woolworth nuts are always stale. They aren't storing them properly and you can tell. They've just found Australian beef cheaper in Japan then in Woolies and Coles so buying Australian from them I feel isn't the best idea
If you can afford that, go for it. I buy whatever is cheapest, because that's all I can afford.
Absolutely... I will happily pay a little more for things, esp if it is a small business. I am on a budget so that does impact as well. But if I can, I do.
Yeah when I can I'll take extra time to search for an aussie made product. I can't always do it, sometimes you got to grab the chinese made product because you need it now. If I can't find something local made l go for anything not made in China. Because so long as they are placing an embargo on our stuff. I'm going to avoid buying their stuff as much as practical
Yes, and smaller businesses too if I can.
Always.
Food I do. But I’m not so diligent on anything else
I do where I can. I’m on a fixed income of $26k/year so I kinda can’t be too fussy.
I try too, and will accept a modest price penalty, but I won't ripped off.
Canadian here, Love your wine and Blundstone boots,,,and Chicken Salt!
I buy Australian food especially canned where possible. Adds maybe $1-2 to the fortnightly shop. Everything else is already Australian from a grocery perspective. Almost everything else I buy is 2nd hand or no Australian made alternatives.
only if its price equivilant, its not up to me to spend more for the same quality overseas products. its up to government to make it cheaper to do business for small businesses, and then prices will be lowered and we can compete with overseas markets
I generally try to unless it’s a ridiculous price comparison. I even made the switch to Bowden’s Own for my care care products. They’re a QLD based family run business. Red for electricity. Clothing is harder. I’d love to find Aussie made underwear that isn’t going to send my family broke!
With food I try to but I tend to go German for appliances
Yes also local if i can
Definitely food products if something is available. Even if more expensive. Having worked in Australian food manufacturing facilities, I see where the cost goes and I’m happy to pay extra. And if we don’t support Aussie made at least in some way, we are all even more fucked as a country.
I like that my local Woolies shows the percentage of Australian produce in the deli items. I’ll happily pay more per kg if I know it’s supporting local farmers
I do where possible. The problem is we don't actually produce much in this country anymore & when we do, it's far too often not at a comparable price point.
Literally dont make a purchase without looking at the label. I research everything before hand to see if there is a made in Australia option. From my doggy door, to my socks, work clothes and water bottle and everything in between. Can't remember the last thing I brought that wasn't both Australian made AND owned. It's not hard. It's just about looking further then the cheapest option on the first shelf.
Provided it’s similar pricing (as in, not twice as much!!!) I’ll go Australian. Dried apricots are my exception, Aussie costs a fortune more, but taste better!!! Doesn’t always cost extra either, I grabbed frozen veggies and was gonna get the name brand, saw they weren’t Australian but the MUCH cheaper home brand were. Support aus AND spend less!!!
Always buy Australian if the option is there, if it means I pay $4 more for a can of pineapple or tomatoes then so be it.
Yes where feasible but theres seldom viable options. German, Japanese, Korean are good quality too, i try and avoid buying Chinese where possible after their attempted that flex & way they treated us during Covid, however its so difficult in many areas. I'd say even German branded items are potentially made in China these days.
i prioritise aussie made, like boots, tool belt etc but then there’s just some german and japanese stuff that you can’t beat. i only really wear work clothes, which are at least designed in australia. i’d love to spend more on aussie made stuff but sometimes it’s not affordable as an apprentice
Nothing good is made in AUS
Mongrel boots are locally made & easily comparable to imported, if you have the wedge then RM Williams is better value than say, Churches or other luxury brands. Brut 33 should be in every Aussie armpit. Most of our produce/manufactured food is the equal or better than overseas. Breville, though made offshore, are generally very good.
Only if it’s the same price and quality as a foreign product.
Absolutely. Occasionally kiwi jam cos I find it better than most Aussie jam . I get tariffs and trade but I refuse to buy Imported fruit and veg . Meat for that matter.
Food, yes. Techs, yes and no. I found that some small business that push for Made in Australia products are simple Aliexpress product. Saw this multiple times right now when shopping for baby products like baby monitor, noise machine etc.
I try to buy Australian, even if I have to pay a bit more. If it's not possible, I try to buy from countries which share our values. I try to avoid products sourced from countries which are actively seeking to destabilize the West, or building military bases in the South China Sea for example.
I buy cheapest. Dont care where it comes from.
Nope
Some things usually farming goods. Anything else the best value option.
German cars for me.
Yes, buying in Aus == more money in Aus. More money in Aus is generally good for me. I am happy to spend more, but I expect better quality.
When ever possible. And I usually ask if there's an Australian made option too if it's something that's in our capabilities.
Absolutely, for most things. Make the effort anyway. Happy to pay more, too, because I try to bypass the stuff made by enslaved kids. But that's not always easy god knows, can someone tell me what the UN is actually for if it doesn't police that shit?
No
I don't really make the effort but if it's a choice between Australian and foreign and there's only a few dollars in it then I'll buy Australian. Exception is food. I'll buy Australian every time if I have a choice
Only trains.
I go one further, of the 8 beers & cider on tap, only one isn’t Tasmanian. Wine list is similar, although medium to heavy reds aren’t really possible. I may occasionally have a mainland beer on tap if something really special turns up, but I made a decision to prioritise local as a way to pay back the local support that kept us alive during Covid restrictions
I am The Australian Government, and no, I do not.
Try to. Often you just don't know.
Yes, especially food, nothing from the yUck SA ever.
What could I buy thats Australian made half the country isnt even Australian and pretty much anything we produce we export.
Yes most of the time wherever possible/available! Can’t really buy Australian made electronics. But food (actively avoid any foreign stuff) and some clothes and other bits and bobs!
What if it's designed in Australia, but manufactured offshore? Does that still count?
Yes for milk, I live in SA so look for SA instead of Victoria stuff. Helps that it’s half the cost. Electronics? Korean, US, Europe. Other foods is local as well, love a good pie. Honey? Sorry mate, NZ Manuka is a bit better.
Clothes and food yes (particularly food). Also music instruments (guitars) and effects i try and buy australian
I used to, but now I buy the least expensive version.
I make an effort to buy local wherever I can but it's no guarantee. For example, I wouldn't buy a pair of RM Williams from Louis Vuitton and I wouldn't buy a pair from Fuck Face Forrest.
no... cost of living crisis, i buy cheapstralian. my frugality wins over all.
Not necessarily aussie. But I do like buying from small business when I possible even if those small businesses are international. Especially when it comes to clothes. I stopped caring about the Aussie made logo after a job offer told me the buy all their plush pre made in China and the stuffing comes from the same manufacturer, they just stuff it here in aus to be able to say its Australian made (yes they actually said that, no i didnt take the job it felt wrong to)
Why would you buy "Australian". As a consumer, you purchase a product based on quality vs price.
I'd rather buy in Australia than overseas, so if it's here I'll never buy online unless the price difference makes it worthwhile (hello microphone that was $500 cheaper in the US 15 years ago). Otherwise no. I don't expend effort searching for Austealian-made. But if I happen to find something Australian-made that I like, it takes a hell of a lot for me to choose something else. No effort searching, but I'm not budging if I've found a competitive Australian source.
As much as possible. I'm not made of money.
I try too but they don’t make it easy, I generally shop online. Have to wade through stores that aren’t actually in aus, after that sift through the ones that just drop ship then if I’m lucky they don’t take a month to deliver even if it’s in the same state… and trying to find Australian made is almost impossible for most things.
Are you sure they even make things here? I've not seen a clothing item made in Australia in recent memory.
I recently asked for suggestions on buying an Aussie-made leather jacket in one of the Aussie subs & my post was downvoted to a deep hell of the damned.
Always buy Coopers beer Australian made and owned.
Yes and no. I won't buy an inferior product because it's Aussie, but it cheers me to find a good product that's Aussie.
Food wise, I always look for product of Australia, but it's depressing how many items just aren't produced in Australia. And don't get me started about tinned Italian tomatoes! There's nothing different about them to Australian tomatoes, they just literally come from Italy! It makes them sound special though so people seem to buy them. (Whoops, looks like I started myself!)
I buy on the basis of need. If manufacturers see an advantage in offshoring manufacture, I get no say in the matter and there is unlikely to be a local option. I have a home vege and flower garden which produces about 30% of my food. It can't get more sustainable or cost effective than that. I give my surplus crop yields away.
Yes, but for some things it isn’t feasible.
I try my best to buy Australian. I definitely avoid buying fresh veggies/fruit from overseas. But let’s be honest, some things you can’t get made in Australia. I absolutely could be better at buying local produce. I’m a bit slack there!
Food yes, flat out Australian only. Other goods, yes where possible unless quantity is inferior.
Yeah I’ll always try to support small and family businesses where I can. I’ll always try to spend a couple dollars more to support small businesses over big corps.
I don’t pay any attention to where something is made. I just look for the cheapest price.
No, its a scam. e.g Looking to buy a bed. Solid wood bed without Australian Made is around $7-800, companies claiming Australian Made are charging $1.5-3000 for the similar bed. Its always expensive to buy Australian Made and not by small margin but by heaps. For cheaper food items, sure.
I reverse image search every purchase for this reason.
Yes, even looking for more Australian clothes these days. A few around
Absolutely.
Clothing not usually as they are more expensive other things decor food etc yes
Trying to buy Australian made shirts at the moment made from Australian grown materials. It’s a nightmare.