Posted: 2024-07-11 19:09:26

In short:

Senior Labor ministers have been accused of "ripping off" an iconic logo used to promote Australian made products. 

The opposition wants the prime minister to order the urgent take-down of the offending graphics. 

What's next?

The organisation behind the brand, Australian Made Campaign Limited, says it has contacted the Labor party to resolve the matter. 

An iconic logo used to promote Australian made products has been dragged into a political fight over the government's key manufacturing policy.

Senior ministers, including Richard Marles, Don Farrell and Amanda Rishworth, have all shared graphics that include a green triangle with a gold outline of Australia to promote the $23 billion Future Made in Australia policy.

The branding is in the vein of the Australia Made logo, which features a green triangle with a stylised jumping kangaroo.

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Deputy opposition leader Sussan Ley has accused the government of "ripping off" the logo to draw a link between its policy and the Australia Made brand.

"It is pathetic, and it needs to stop today … it is something you'd expect from dodgy companies, not our national leaders.

"What message does this unacceptable behaviour send to hard-working manufacturers paying fees, in addition to all their other rising costs, to support the work of this world-leading trademark?'

She called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to intervene and issue a take-down notice for all graphics using the "rip off" logo.

More than 2,000 companies use the Australian Made logo. Only products that are registered with the not-for-profit Australian Made Campaign (AMCL), and pay a fee for usage, can display the logo.

In one instance, the Australian Made logo was directly used by Australian Labor Party petition, calling for users to sign up to show their support for the Future Made in Australia policy.

An ACML spokesperson told the ABC it was aware the logo had been used by the ALP.

"ACML has engaged with the ALP to resolve the matter," they said.

The ABC contacted the ALP for comment who referred the matter to Industry Minister Ed Husic's office.

Labor points finger back at Coalition

A spokesperson said it made no apology for "proudly (wanting) more things made in Australia" before pointing the finger back at the Coalition.

"If they want to start backing Australian manufacturing and Aussie jobs, they can support our Future Made in Australia bill," he said.

Billions were set aside in the budget over the next decade as part of the government's plan to scale up incentives for clean energy and refining critical minerals.

The government argues that substantial investments are needed to drive industries forward into the net zero future, warning Australia risks losing sectors offshore if it doesn't act.

The legislation, which passed the lower house last week, establishes a legal framework for the package of new and existing initiatives, such as supporting manufacturing solar panels and investing in quantum computing.

It is due to be examined over the coming months when it comes before the Senate's economics committee, with a final report is due in early September.

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