choose Australia first campaign

The Australian Furniture Association’s choose Australia first campaign was initiated in 2020 as the shift in consumer sentiment – wanting, more than ever to confidently buy Australian, grew. Now, with the introduction of the Commonwealth government’s push to...

First Dedicated Course in Circular Economy Practices Launches

The Australian Furniture Association has been involved in the launch of the very first accredited Course in Circular Economy Practices. AFA CEO, Patrizia Torelli, was appointed Chair of the working group who contributed to the development of the course in Circular...

Beware the ‘Artful Dodgers’!

The AFA CEO, Patrizia Torelli, represented the Australian Furniture industry in a Panel discussion with over 300 Retailers at the Sustainable Retail Go Conference 2024, Hosted by the National Online Retailers Association. The Topic: The critical role of collaboration...

Illegal Logging Prohibition Regulation Review

Public consultation on the Illegal Logging Prohibition Regulation 2012 has been concluded by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and the Australian Furniture Association contributed to the consultation process on behalf of the furnishing...

Helping all Queenslanders get ‘Back to Work’

The ‘Back to Work’ program provides financial and non-financial support to Queensland employers and job seekers who are facing disadvantages. Employers have access to two support payments: •Youth Boost ($20,000): To hire a jobseeker aged 15-24 who was...

Tips for protecting your brand with a registered trade mark

The AFA has received some advice from the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training on protecting your brand. Tip 1: Use IP Australia’s TM Checker before investing significantly in your brand to: search for existing trademarks similar to your name, phrase...

ATO Tips to avoid paying interest on BAS

The AFA has received some advice from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) about sharing tips to help your business meet its tax obligations to avoid paying unnecessary interest (currently 11.38%) and penalties. Set up a separate bank account for pay-as-you-go (PAYG)...

QLD Small Business Month

The AFA reminds QLD AFA members to reach out to the Department during Queensland Small Business Month (QSBM) this May.  QSBM will celebrate the 482,000 small businesses operating across our state. QSBM recognises it takes considerable dedication to run a business...

In Oak We Trust

The AFA will be watching this closely over the coming months to as the Australian timber supply chain is preparing for life after native hardwoods, with manufacturers now importing boatloads of 40-foot containers of American hardwoods to keep up with record demand. ...

Slowing tech investment upsets growth goal.

AFA CEO, Patrizia Torelli, has been monitoring the “Tech Investment” conversation for some time and wants to bring this conversation to the attention of AFA our partners and members. The Australian Financial Review reports on this phenomenon, and the AFA...

AFA’s VOICE is getting louder.

The Australian Furniture Association welcomes its newest Members and Business Service Partners. They join the growing voice of the industry and leaders who enjoy business services, networking, and stakeholder opportunities to grow, promote and protect Australia’s...

When is an Employer Responsible For The Actions of its Employees?

Vicarious liability occurs when an employer becomes liable for negligent acts or omissions by their employee ‘in the course of employment’, regardless of whether the employer permitted the employee’s actions. Employers must ensure their employees always act safely and...

Expression of Interest – Supply of Furniture Manufacturing Services

The AFA has received a client request for expressions of interest from Australian companies to supply services to a niche furniture design company in NSW. Suppliers MUST meet the criteria below. Services Required: CNC cutting of shelving in hardwood Min. machine...

4 Ways the Future will be Sustainable

The Australian Furniture Association announces four recommendations for sustainable government procurement of furniture. Furniture accounts for 8.5 million tonnes of office furniture waste annually. The Australian National Audit Office found that between 1 July 2017...

Shape Queensland’s workforce: Participate in our insights survey

The AFA encourage our members to support the Queensland government in their short survey to help support employers, industries, and communities to meet workforce needs through initiatives, programs and support addressing current and emerging workforce priorities.  To...

Sustainable government procurement of furniture

The Australian Furniture Association announces four recommendations for sustainable government procurement of furniture.Furniture accounts for 8.5 million tonnes of office furniture waste annually. In 2021-22, Government spending in Australia accounted for 26.8% per...