The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) and the Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council (AFISC) strongly support the aims of the Fair Gas Prices campaign, which calls for affordable and transparent gas pricing to protect Australian manufacturing as industries transition toward cleaner, more sustainable production.
The campaign, launched by Manufacturing Australia, calls on the Federal Government to ensure fair and affordable gas pricing for local industry. Australian manufacturers are currently paying some of the highest industrial gas prices in the world, with some paying up to three times more than overseas competitors. This situation is putting the viability of local businesses and thousands of skilled jobs at risk.
This is a message that strongly aligns with what we continue to hear from AFA and AFISC members across the furnishing sector. Rising energy costs are placing increasing strain on manufacturers, putting pressure on production planning, material costs and investment in sustainable innovation. Without fair access to affordable energy, Australian-made products face growing competition from cheaper imports, and the broader shift toward cleaner, more efficient manufacturing will slow.
Ensuring affordable and reliable gas supply is not only an industry issue but also a matter of national interest. As Australia continues its transition toward cleaner and renewable energy sources, maintaining fair and stable access to transitional energy such as gas is vital. It enables manufacturers to remain competitive, protect jobs and continue investing in low-carbon innovation while the renewable infrastructure needed to support a net zero economy is fully developed.
Despite Australia’s abundant gas reserves, local manufacturers continue to face high prices and uncertain supply, a situation that disadvantages Australian businesses compared with overseas competitors.
The Fair Gas Prices campaign makes it clear: without reform, Australia risks losing key industries, local manufacturing capability, and momentum in reaching its clean energy goals. The campaign calls for government action to ensure a fairer supply of gas for Australian businesses — including setting aside sufficient local supply, keeping prices competitive, and improving infrastructure so gas is available where and when it’s needed.
For furniture and furnishing manufacturers, energy costs directly influence materials processing, production efficiency, and investment in sustainable practices. Stable and equitable access to energy is essential for maintaining competitiveness and supporting the industry’s transition to a circular and low-carbon economy — key priorities for both AFA and AFISC.
We encourage members to learn more about the campaign and explore its recommendations. Visit FairGasPrices.org.au to access the full media release, campaign videos and resources, and to join the conversation on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
If your business has been directly affected by rising energy costs or you’d like to share an example that connects with these themes, we’d love to hear from you at care@theafa.asn.au. By sharing your experiences, you help illustrate the real-world challenges facing our sector and add weight to the broader conversation about fairer energy outcomes for Australian manufacturers.