How much does the window shading industry contribute to Australia? WSAA commissioned FTI Consulting to find out, and the answer is significant.

‍What the study found

A new WSAA commissioned study, estimates that the window shading industry contributes:

• $6.1 billion in total economic activity across Australia
• $2.3 billion in gross value added to the economy
• more than 15,000 full-time equivalent jobs, including almost 7,500 directly within the industry

These figures include the industry’s own activity, the supplier industries it relies on, and the household spending it generates. For every $1 million of direct output, our industry supports around seven jobs across the economy. Around 85% of the industry’s total output is generated here in Australia.

Manufacturing is the backbone of the industry, making up 44% of direct output and around 44% of the industry’s direct jobs.

[ Download the summary report ]

Taking our industry's voice to government

To make sure the study is used well, we recently asked members for their views at our October Members’ Meeting. In a session facilitated by FTI Consulting, members from across manufacturing, supply, retail and installation worked through four questions:

1. What issues are confronting your business today?
2. What do you want the government to do about it?
3. What are the opportunities for growth in your sector?
4. What are the barriers to taking advantage of those opportunities?

The conversation was lively, and members spoke frankly. Here’s some of what they told us:

We need protection from inferior quality products entering the market from overseas at lower costs

We are experiencing a shortage of skilled labour - Where are new staff going to come from?

What about offering rebates on energy efficient locally made products to push growth of the industry

Government needs to understand our industry and how it can assist the government in meeting its own energy goals

I’d like to see the government provide traditional manufacturers with grants, subsidies on R&D, IT projects and asset investment

Where we’re starting

Member feedback will help shape how WSAA represents the industry to government. The WSAA Board has decided that our first area of focus will be energy efficiency. The goal is to have window shading listed as an eligible product in state and federal energy rebate and incentive programs. It’s a practical first step. It would help homeowners save on energy bills, recognise the role shading plays in meeting energy goals, and create more opportunities for businesses across our industry.

Have your say

The more members we have behind us, the stronger our voice. If you couldn’t make it to the meeting and want to share your views, email us at info@wsaa.au.