Back the wool industry – WoolProducers Australia CEO Jo Hall.
PRIME Minister Anthony Albanese would be “putting his money where his mouth is” if he applied his ‘Future Made in Australia’ to emulate the New Zealand Government’s decision to increase NZ wool use in government buildings, according to WoolProducers Australia.
The peak wool grower body has called on Australia’s political parties to commit to implementing a policy mirroring the progressive move by the New Zealand Government to prioritise the use of wool in government buildings.
WoolProducers’ call follows the New Zealand Cabinet’s agreement to amend its Government Procurement Rules, effective July 1, 2025.
Under the New Zealand regulations, government agencies subject to the procurement rules will be expected to utilise woollen fibres where practical and appropriate in government-owned buildings for new construction projects valued at NZ$9 million or more, and for refurbishments exceeding NZ$100,000. Potential applications for strong wool include flooring, insulation, acoustic panels, and furnishings.
A WoolProducers statement today said while acknowledging that New Zealand agencies will assess the practicality and appropriateness of using wool based on factors like whole-of-life costs, standards compliance, technical requirements, and sustainability benefits, the grower body views this as a significant step towards supporting their domestic wool industry and promoting the natural benefits of wool.
WoolProducers chief executive officer Jo Hall said the decision by the New Zealand Government is practical recognition of the numerous advantages that wool offers.
“Wool is a natural, renewable, and biodegradable fibre with inherent properties such as fire resistance, superior insulation, and excellent acoustic performance.
“It also offers significant wellbeing benefits, contributing to healthier indoor environments,” she said.
WoolProducers believes that a similar directive in Australia would provide a substantial boost to the Australian wool industry, particularly the strong wool sector. It would also align government procurement with broader sustainability goals and support regional economies that rely on wool production, including those that have been adversely impacted by the Labor government’s ban on live sheep exports.
“We strongly encourage the Australian Government, whoever that might be post 3 May 2025, to take decisive action and introduce a comparable mandate for the use of Australian wool in federal government buildings,” Ms Hall said.
“This would not only support our hard-working woolgrowers but also ensure that taxpayer funds are invested in a sustainable and high-performing natural fibre.”
The New Zealand policy also requires agencies to report annually to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment if they choose not to use wool, providing transparency and accountability. WoolProducers believes a similar reporting mechanism could be established in Australia and would be beneficial.
“The New Zealand Government has demonstrated leadership in recognising the value of wool.
“We urge the next Australian Government to follow suit and implement a policy that supports our wool industry, promotes sustainability, and delivers superior outcomes for government buildings,” Ms Hall said.
“Further, as part of Prime Minister Albanese’s five-point plan in response to the US tariffs, prioritising Australian-made is one of those key points.
“By committing to this policy, Mr Albanese would be putting his money where his mouth is,” she said.
“It’s a policy no-brainer regardless of which side of politics you’re on,” Ms Hall said.
I congratulate Ms Hall and Wool Producers for such a great idea. It certainly would be putting government in a position of supporting Australia’s long-standing wool industry — an industry that not that long ago had two seats on the Reserve Bank board due to its importance to the Australian economy. Like New Zealand, the wool would need to come from an industry of non-mulesed sheep.