Putting the spotlight on exploitation of garment workers in developing world, the 2015 Australian Fashion Report has stated that though it found improvement in condition, Australian fashion companies are still not doing enough to protect the people making their clothes. The report conducted by a Christian aid group, traced the supply chains of of the countries’ major clothes retailers. The report comes almost two years after the deadly Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh.

Gershon Nimbalker, Advocacy manager for Baptist World Aid Australia, said the collapse pushed the group to research the supply chains. Rana Plaza tragedy was just so huge in the consciousness of consumers and retailers, governments and investors as well that there has been a lot of pressure for companies to change, he said. Based on policies, supply chain traceability, monitoring programs and worker rights, the report graded 219 companies. Brands like the Just group or Best and Less and Lowes or some fast fashion brands like Industry, Ally and Temt, Valley Girl ,-are not doing well at all, he added.

The report also commended companies like K-Mart, Cotton On and the Sussan Group for all improving conditions for its workers in countries including Bangladesh. Overall though, the garment manufacturing industry remains a tough and, at times, brutal employer.

Carolyn Kitto, of representative anti-exploitation group ‘Stop the Traffik’, said the best thing consumers can do is to pressure retailers into sourcing ethically responsible products. They should be asking of their favourite fashion labels and retailers who made my clothes, ‘what do you know about the supply chain? What do you know about human trafficking in the supply chain of these, Kitto said.