THE HON. GREG COMBET MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
017/2010
Combat uniforms made in Australia
Contrary to some media reports this morning, combat uniforms worn by
Australian Soldiers are manufactured in Australia.
No Australian troops are currently deployed, or in training, wearing combat
uniforms made from Chinese fabric.
A tender was won late last year by a local clothing manufacturer from
Bendigo, Australian Defence Apparel (ADA) to provide camouflage uniforms
under an interim arrangement.
This is great news for the Bendigo economy and provides great support for
local manufacturing and jobs.
ADA will be sourcing the fabric used to make these uniforms from Bruck
Textiles in Wangaratta for the contracted period.
There was never a requirement to use Chinese fabric on combat clothing.
Under the contract ADA put forward an option to supply additional uniforms if
required. For these uniforms ADA said they would source the fabric from a
Chinese company.
This option has not been exercised by the Department of Defence and it will
not be exercised.
The combat clothing that Australian troops will be supplied with is required to
meet exacting specifications. All fabric used in uniforms is rigorously tested
before use.
The Government is committed to giving Australian products a fair go, as long
as local industry is competitive on schedule, cost and capability.
Last year, the Government spent over $6 billion in Australia on the acquisition
and sustainment of defence materiel.
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):
02 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
