The conversation around ‘Right to Repair’ is gaining real momentum in Australia—and furniture manufacturers can no longer afford to sit it out.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ recent National Press Club address confirmed that the federal government is preparing to expand ‘Right to Repair’ protections—highlighting links to productivity, cost-of-living relief, and smarter regulation.
For the Australian furniture industry, this signals more than a regulatory tweak. It’s a wake-up call: businesses must assess their designs, supply chains, and aftersales service models now.
More than ever, consumers expect their furniture to be repairable, sustainable, and supported. If access to spare parts, repair instructions, or third-party servicing becomes a legal requirement, how ready is your business?
The Australian Repair Network has urged the government to:
- Extend Right to Repair beyond vehicles—into homewares, furniture, electronics, and more
- Align with international product standards like the EU’s eco-design regulations
- Support independent repairers by enabling access to parts and tools
- Create an enforceable national roadmap for reform
The Australian Furniture Association and Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council supports furniture makers who lean into this shift as they will gain the competitive edge. Repairability = reputation, customer loyalty, and circular economy leadership.
The takeaway? If you manufacture furniture in Australia, the time to prepare is now. Not and AFA or AFISC Associate Member? Visit US HERE