Made by Queensland
Description
Join us for Made by Queensland, a panel discussion exploring how ethical and responsible procurement can strengthen local manufacturing and support a sustainable textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) industry.
Hosted by Ethical Clothing Australia’s Angela Bell, the panel brings together Fiona David from Fair Futures, Mellissa Pashen from ECA-accredited Game Clothing, Jenny Kruschel from the Timber, Furnishing & Textiles Union (TFTU), and Laura Giassetti from the Australian Catholic Anti-Slavery Network (ACAN).
Drawing on perspectives from manufacturing, worker representation, modern slavery and responsible procurement, the discussion will explore how organisations can better understand their supply chains, identify ethical local suppliers and use their purchasing decisions to support secure jobs, responsible business practices and a stronger Australian manufacturing sector.
Hear what responsible procurement looks like in practice, the role accreditation can play in reducing labour and modern slavery risks, and how buying locally and ethically can deliver value beyond the immediate purchase.
The discussion will be followed by a Q&A and networking, with refreshments provided.
Meet the speakers
Fiona David | Founder & Principal, Fair Futures
Fiona David is an international anti-slavery expert with 30 years' experience, including leading the creation of the Global Slavery Index and the UN model laws on transnational crime. At Fair Futures, she helps government and business leaders turn modern slavery requirements into practical strategies for responsible sourcing across sectors including textiles, clothing and footwear. Fiona also serves on the NSW Anti-Slavery Commissioner's Advisory Panel and on the Asia Pacific Regional Council for the Taskforce on Inequality and Social-related Financial Disclosures.
Mellissa Pashen | Director, Game Clothing
Mellissa Pashen leads GAME Clothing, a family-owned Australian sportswear manufacturer based in Brendale, Queensland, and founded by her mother, Gayle Rodney. She has spent more than 22 years in the business, working closely across production, operations, staff and customers, and is passionate about the value of Australian manufacturing. GAME Clothing is accredited with Ethical Clothing Australia for the majority of its products, reflecting the business's commitment to fair and responsible practices for its workers and throughout its supply chain.
Jenny Kruschel | TCF National Secretary, Timber, Furnishing & Textiles Union (TFTU)
Jenny Kruschel is an advocate for workers' rights within the Australian garment industry, with extensive experience across the clothing, footwear and textile industry. Her working career includes roles in textile and clothing factories in regional Victoria, as well as over 25 years representing and supporting workers in TCF workplaces.
Laura Giassetti | Remediation Services Manager & Program Manager, Domus 8.7 - an agency of the Australian Catholic Antislavery Network (ACAN)
Laura Giassetti is a CPI accredited CSR Lead Auditor and ethical sourcing expert with over a decade of experience implementing social compliance programs across retail and global supply chains, with extensive practical expertise in farm and factory auditing and supplier engagement. At Domus 8.7, she provides advice, remediation and prevention services in response to modern slavery. Her work focuses on strengthening organisational responses and building worker-centric and collaborative frameworks.
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