Cabinetmakers, upholsterers and joiners first came to Australia in the 18th century when Captain Arthur Philip led the First Fleet here in 1788. In those times of course there was no superannuation, and probably not much in the way of a fair wage. Equally there was little in the way of competition for the goods and services that cabinetmakers, upholsterers and joiners offered for sale.
These days, increasing competition from imports and the high Australian dollar are major challenges for the furnishing, cabinet-making and joinery industries that have developed over the past 200 years. Despite these challenges, the industries contribute a consolidated gross value of $29.7 billion to the Australian economy.
More than 100,000 Australian workers are employed directly in the furnishing, cabinet-making and joinery industries. Thousands of additional jobs in upstream and downstream industries also depend on these industries. This makes the combined industries one of Australia’s largest manufacturing sectors.
First Super is proud of its heritage in looking after the superannuation interests of workers in the furnishing, cabinet-making and joinery industries. First Super invests in these industries and supports their communities.
Join First Super
First Super is the industry super fund for workers in the timber, pulp & paper and furniture & joinery industries. Joining First Super is easy. Go to Join First Super for more information.