Media Releases
Storm Over Procurement Loopholes
A storm is brewing over government procurement policies within the furnishing sector, with Members of Australia’s peak industry body, the Australasian Furnishing Association (AFA), pushing for reform. It seems that the AFA may have ‘hit a nerve’, with the issue...
AFA ANNOUNCES Australian Contemporary Emerging Design Award Winners
MEDIA RELEASE 14 January 2020 AFA ANNOUNCES Australian Contemporary Emerging design AWARD WINNERSThe Australasian Furnishing Association (AFA) has announced the 2019 Australian Contemporary Emerging Design Awards (ACE). The focus for the 2019 Awards for Australian...
Last Chance To Enter International Pinnacle Awards 2019
Entries into the 2019 ACE Awards© have been granted direct entry into the 2019 USA International Society of Furniture Designers (ISFD) Pinnacle Awards® (*criteria applies). Judged by a panel of International adjudicators, including AFA CEO, Patrizia Torelli, the...
Warning on Toppling Furniture following the Death of another Child
NSW Fair Trading and other consumer affairs agencies across the country have launched a campaign to ensure parents and carers know how to protect their children and prevent a serious accident from toppling furniture and TVs. NSW Fair Trading Commissioner, Rod Stowe,...
Focus on furnishing industry standards now at critical point
Standards are applied to protect buyers, consumers and users. They are used to demonstrate a commitment to the community’s expectation of a safe and sustainable Australia and are recognised as a value-add to Australia’s economic efficiency, trade and international...
Consumers to benefit from increased penalties under Australian Consumer Law
Federal Parliament has increased maximum financial penalties under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). In its final report on the ACL Review, Consumer Affairs Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) recommended penalties for a breach of the ACL be raised from $1.1 million...
Steinhoff write-offs pass $US14 billion as accounts crisis deepens
What does this mean for its Australian operations and the furniture retail market in general? READ MORE
Biosecurity and Illegal Logging Free Service
Did you know, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has a free service available to confidentially report information about suspected breaches of Australian biosecurity laws? Redline allows callers to report matters that may not be detected, reported or...
IKEA recall of children’s furniture still on the minds of young families
In recent times the headlines have read ‘IKEA Re-announces recall of MALM and other models of chests and dressers due to serious tip-over hazard; 8th child fatality reported; consumers urged to choose between refund or repair. These headlines have been related to US...
Importers Beware – YOU are legally responsible for the goods YOU import
Are you aware that your business is responsible for any product that you import, manufacture, sell, supply or distribute? This means that you can be held liable for any defect or other condition that renders the product unsafe and results in injury, death or damage....
ACCC investigates possible azo dye risks associated with exposure to furniture
Recent activity in relation to health concern related to hazardous azo dyes in clothing and bed linen has prompted investigation about possible similar links to textiles and leather in furniture. Coupled with these concerns is the potential exposure to chemicals such as formaldehyde from bonded leather on imported furniture.
AFA AND ASA ANNOUNCE NEW NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR APPRENTICESHIP AND TRAINING SUPPORT
The peak body representing employers in the Furnishing industry, the Australasian Furnishing Association (AFA) has announced a national alliance with Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) to assist its nationwide membership to build workplace capability using the...
Four baby cots recalled in one month
The Australasian Furnishing Association is alarmed to learn that four separate baby cots have been recalled the ACCC in just one month. Even more alarming is the fact that all three were sold online. ‘With the impending launch of Amazon into Australia, we’re concerned...
Australian Furniture Association Global Recognition
The AFA also trades as the Australasian Furnishing Association. The additional name, the Australasian Furnishing Association, and slightly modified logo, reflect the transformational change the AFA embarked on to proactively cement its position as Australia's peak...
Warning – Toppling furniture kills another child
The Australasian Furnishing Association (AFA) is continuing to push for stronger legislation since the announcement of IKEA’s alert re toppling furniture and subsequent child deaths. This issue is not exclusive to the IKEA incident, and the AFA is aware of a number of...
AFA Announces Inaugural Head of Education Network Group
The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Simona Jobbagy as Chair of the Australian Furniture Community of Practice Network (AFCoPN). Simona is a dedicated professional who has worked in Vocational Education and Training...
Bunk Beds Under Scrutiny Just Before Christmas Orders Close
In recent weeks Harvey Norman has led the way in announcing updated testing requirements in relation to the supply and sale of Bunk Beds in all of its Harvey Norman, Domayne and Joyce Mayne Stores. The retail giant has determined that compliance with the CPN needs to...
AFA Media Release: Jo Pearson to head Australian International Furniture Exhibition Coverage
The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) is delighted to announce that international broadcaster, journalist and media communications strategist, Jo Pearson will head up the coverage of the upcoming Australian Furniture Industry Awards and National Furniture...
Media Release: Master Back on Deck
The Australian Furniture Association is pleased to announce the appointment of industry personality Mr Graeme Cock, as the Chair of the AFA’s Masters Committee. Graeme began his career with Fler, before forming his own manufacturing firm, Module Company. Mr Cock...
AFA Media Release: …Move over Milan
'Just when the pangs of jealousy were setting in after Milan Design Week, the Australian Furniture Association has announced the introduction of the Australian International Furniture Exhibition, at Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building from July 11 to 13.’ The Age 25...