Australia’s forests are vast, vital, and increasingly in the spotlight as policymakers, industry, and communities debate how best to manage these critical resources. The Australian Furniture Association agrees that responsible forest management is not just an...
Furniture businesses are being reminded that how products are described matters just as much as what is being sold. Recent enforcement action by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission against a furniture retailer highlights a broader compliance issue for...
By Richard Thompson, Archer Thompson Lawyers The general protections provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) are designed to protect individuals from unfair treatment and discrimination in the workplace. Understanding these provisions and how they protect your...
Australian furniture brands and manufacturers are operating in an environment of increasing scrutiny around ethical sourcing, timber legality, and supply chain transparency. Expectations from regulators, customers, and global markets continue to rise and as your...
The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) and the Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council (AFISC) have once again prepared a joint 2026–27 Pre-Budget submission to the Australian Government, seeking targeted government investment to accelerate the delivery...
As we start 2026, the ACCC’s Toppling Furniture Mandatory Information Standard remains in force (applicable from 4 May 2025) and continues to be a core compliance requirement for Australian furniture suppliers. This Standard requires that suppliers of toppling...
The Grow. Promote. Protect. Forum 2026 is set to bring together leaders from Australia’s furnishing, forestry, materials, and manufacturing sectors to drive a more sustainable and resilient industry. Hosted by the Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship...
By Richard Thompson, Archer Thompson Lawyers From 1 July 2026, employers will be required to pay Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contributions in close connection with each pay event under reforms commonly described as Payday Super. This is a material shift away from...
In today’s volatile logistics environment, freight costs and service reliability can change quickly, often beyond your direct control. To help members navigate this complexity, the Australian Furniture Association is partnering with Nexus Point Inc to deliver an...
Australian furniture makers operate in a competitive and evolving landscape. With sustainability expectations rising, local procurement priorities shifting, and new technologies reshaping production lines, finding new growth avenues is more important than ever. One...
Australia’s furniture sector is experiencing growing challenges as fast furniture – low-cost, mass-produced items designed for short-term use, becomes increasingly common. These products prioritize speed, trends, and price over durability, sustainability, and...
By Boaz Shiponi, Managing Director, Nexus Point If you felt the squeeze on international freight in the lead-up to Christmas 2025, you were not alone. For the Australian furniture sector, where bulky and high-value items rely on predictable scheduling and competitive...
As 2025 comes to a close, the Australian Furniture Association (AFA) celebrates a year of progress, innovation, and collaboration across the furniture industry. From sustainability milestones to safety initiatives and member support, it’s been a year of tangible...
We’re pleased to congratulate our valued partner, Simplex Waste Solutions, which recently ranked #41 at the 2025 Smart50 Awards — a celebration of the fastest‑growing businesses in Australia. Why Simplex stands out Founded in 2021 by Lauren Abbott and Shelley Barbuto,...
The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) and the Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council (AFISC) strongly support the aims of the Fair Gas Prices campaign, which calls for affordable and transparent gas pricing to protect Australian manufacturing as...
The Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council (AFISC) has brought together a distinguished group of experts to form its inaugural Industry Advisory Group, known as AFISC Champions. This marks a major step forward in advancing transparency, safer materials,...
Australia’s defence sector is undergoing significant transformation, creating new opportunities for innovative and capable manufacturers. Recent industry discussions have highlighted what primes, investors and large-scale customers look for when partnering with small...
By Marcus Downie, Australian Furniture Association Furniture supply chains are complex beasts. If you are a local manufacturer, you might source your timber through a wholesaler or distributor. But where does that timber originate? How confident are you that it...
The furniture, fittings and equipment (FF&E) industry has always cared about good design, comfort and safety. But in the last few years, the list of expectations has exploded. Manufacturers are now being asked to prove that their products are safe, responsibly...
The Australian furniture and built environment industries are invited to participate in two complimentary back-to-back workshops hosted by Global GreenTag International on Monday, 17 November, at Novotel Melbourne on Collins. These sessions provide a unique...
Source AFA legal partner Archer Thompson Lawyers Employment law is a critical area for furniture industry businesses. In particular, the issue of unfair dismissal can carry serious risks for both employers and employees. Our partner, Archer Thompson Lawyers, recently...
