The joint union-industry body, the Homeworkers Code of Practice (HWCP) Committee, aims to end exploitation in Australia’s textile, clothing and footwear industry by encouraging retailers and manufacturers to sign and become accredited to a code of practice and by encouraging consumers to buy ethical Australian TCF products through its promotion of the ‘No Sweat Shop’ label.

The Committee is currently recruiting four positions:

• The HWCP Program Officers will provide information and assistance to companies wanting to participate, document supply chains, and assist with the public promotion of the ‘No Sweat Shop’ label. (Full time, 1 x in Melbourne, 1 x in Sydney)

• The Administrative Officer will be responsible for administration and maintenance of all data management systems as well providing support to the HWCP project team. (Full time, Melbourne.)

• The Finance Officer will be responsible for the organisation’s financial management and reporting. (Part time – 0.4, Melbourne)

Further information and full position descriptions can be
found online at:
http://www.nosweatshoplabel.com/news.asp

Submissions close Friday 8 August 2008

31 July 2008

Doha: Fairtrade response
The Doha round which was launched in 2001, to make world markets fairer for poor countries, collapsed on 29 July 2008.

'The breakdown of the Doha talks is a significant blow for marginalized, smallholder farmers. An important opportunity has been lost. This comes as farmers are already under extreme pressure with high costs of inputs, transportation and local food,' says Rob Cameron, Chief Executive Officer, Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International.

'Fairtrade provides an alternative and sustainable model for trade that strengthens the position of smallholder farmers and workers in developing countries. A million and a half producers and workers throughout Africa, Asia and Latin America already benefit from the better deal that Fairtrade guarantees.

At the same time, Fairtrade gives consumers the opportunity to take responsibility for their part in trade through their shopping basket. As more consumers put their money where there mouth is, they are sending a powerful message to companies and governments around the world. We urge WTO leaders to take note and recognise what can be achieved through collaboration.'

Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International stands with the poorer countries who are trying to defend the interests of their farmers. We hope that all the players will return to the table with renewed resolve to secure a better deal for disadvantaged farmers.

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Republica Coffee, an Australian company that sells 100% Fairtrade and organice Certified products, is up for a Sydney Business Award.

You can help spread the word about Fair Trade by voting for Republica Coffee. This way you'll also support coffee farmers in the 3rd world. By gaining recognition, they'll get more respect.

To vote, go here, or, if in Australia, send an SMS to 0421 266 662 with the word REPUBLICA.

Voting closes Monday 28 July.

Couple's Quest for a simpler life is helping the Poor

Graham Readfearn

Courier Mail, Wednesday Feature 9/7/08 p34

‘‘We were tired of our lives— we wanted to break everything down and live as simply as we possibly could,’’ Sheedy says.

In 2003, Sheedy gave up her job flogging boutique wine, sold all her designer clothes, shared out her possessions and set off with her Buddhist boyfriend, now husband, Mick.

She returned with a germ of an idea which within five years helped her establish a social business and propel her to the forefront of Queensland’s fairtrade movement.

'I strongly believe that
all of us can create
change by our choices
and actions and the words we use'
Shannon Sheedy

For full article:

click here

MEDIA RELEASE

July 17th 2008

Growing Australia’s Fair Trade In Coffee

The volume of ethically sourced coffee imported into Australia will jump by more than 15% over the next year thanks to Wild Bean Café, one of the country’s key coffee retailers, Fairtrade Labelling Australia & New Zealand announced today.

An on-the-road café concept located at BP service stations, Wild Bean Café has decided to ensure that every coffee on its menu is made using 100% Fairtrade Certified coffee beans.

With more than 100 outlets across the country, this decision is a first for a national café retailer in Australia.

Melbourne indie rock band Ancient Free Gardeners announce their support for fair trade with the release of their single 'Innards Out'. The song, a sneak preview from the bands upcoming full length debut, presents a curious, critical gaze at the ever growing trend of consumer capitolism. In their personal and professional lives the band have witnessed the ill consequences of globalisation, and the mass producing, advertising supported society it promotes. Their support for fair trade, and the release of Innards Out, is an apt expression of this experience.

Innards Out was recorded independently, and is released under a Creative Commons licence; it's free to all, to use however they like, with no restrictions (except commercial use), in line with some of the underpinning principles of fair trade.

Learn more about their music and their latest release here.

Etiko, an Australian company offering a range of ethical and fair trade products, including Fairtrade Certified sportsballs and garments made from Fairtrade Certified cotton, are up for a Banksia Business Sustainability Award.

Etiko recently won a Victorian Premier's Sustainability Award for Small Business for their success in combining ethical sourcing and environmentally sound materials in their product range.

Vote today by 11 July to support Etiko for the Banksia Award. Click here to vote.

Out of this chaos has emerged a man of deep compassion, who cares about his country and now travels the world as an articulate spokesman for fair trade.

'What I say to these young guys is, "You can be like me",'says Willington. 'I tell them I grew up in the same environment - sharing blankets, sleeping on mats, going to fetch water before school, with no underwear, no shoes until I was 17.