'It's quite un-Australian': Outrage over Australia Day products made in China
Major supermarkets have come under fire for selling Australia Day products that are made in China.
Shoppers were shocked to learn that Australia Day products like the flags, thongs and hats on sale at major supermarkets are made overseas.
“I would've thought we need to have Australian products in for Australia Day,” shopper Julia Featherstone told 7 News.
While labels read "Designed in Australia", they were manufactured far from home.
Dick Smith believes only Australian made products should be sold for Australia Day.
“It's quite un-Australian, I think the Prime Minister should bring in a law that says on Australia Day you can only have Australian made and owned.
“It means we'll only have a lamb chop and some Dick Smith peanut butter but it'll still be Australia Day.”
While at two major supermarkets on Monday, 7 News could not find a single Australia Day-themed product on sale that was locally manufactured.
The discovery was disappointing, especially because both retailers are partners in the Australian Made campaign, which supports local industry.
“The facts are people think they're buying genuine Aussie stuff and in fact they're not,” said Australian Made chief executive Ian Harrison.
Even the official Australia Day supplier 'Aussie Merchandise' - commits only to supplying "Australian made products wherever possible."
Some hats, for example, can only be sourced overseas.
To be sure if the product you are buying is Australian made look for the green and gold kangaroo.
News break – January 4
