Key Facts:
- Anti-Dumping Commission to receive new powers to address sudden import surges threatening Australian jobs
- Reform comes amid global oversupply and trade uncertainty, particularly affecting products diverted from US markets
- Function will transfer from Productivity Commission to ADC, which already handles unfair trade practices
- Changes result from years of collaboration between TFTU, AWU, AMWU, ACTU and industry partners
- Reform aims to protect Australian manufacturing, particularly in timber, furniture, textiles and footwear sectors
Media Release- 28-08-25
The Timber Furnishing and Textiles Union (TFTU) welcomes today's announcement that the Anti-Dumping Commission (ADC) will now be equipped to tackle sudden import surges that threaten Australian jobs.
This vital reform strengthens Australia's trade defence system just when it is most needed — as products are diverted from the US market, chronic global oversupply continues, and trade uncertainty deepens.
"This move sends a clear signal that the Australian Government has the backs of Australian industry and Australian workers," said Travis Wacey, who represents the TFTU in the Government's International Trade Remedies Forum.
"In an uncertain global environment, we must be ready to respond to sudden import surges that could wipe out entire industries and workforces. Australia's manufacturing sector has shown resilience through globalisation and COVID, but we need government to defend our global trade rights to meet the challenges of today's unprecedented conditions. This is a strong start."
The reform expands on the ADC's current functions of remedying unfair international trade practices and supporting Australia's economy.
The function will be transferred from the Productivity Commission who have only rarely conducted safeguard investigations on behalf of Australian industries in the past.
The TFTU has worked for years with the Australian Workers' Union (AWU), the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU), the ACTU, and a broad coalition of industry partners to secure this change.
Representing workers across timber, pulp and paper, building products, furniture, textiles, clothing and footwear, the TFTU emphasised that fair trade is core union business.
"Our industries are in the firing line in this age of trade uncertainty — with global furniture, paper, timber, textiles, clothing and footwear suppliers to the US already eyeing new markets, including Australia, which may lead to disruptive and intermittent import surges" Mr Wacey said.
"Today's announcement is essential to defending Australia's sovereign and critical manufacturing capabilities, and it marks a core plank of good industry policy."
Travis Wacey: 0427900556
