The findings and arguments presented in this paper are based on a variety of data including face to face interviews with clothing industry, government and union representatives.

The statutory authority is a little understood administrative device which has been widely used in Australia by both State and Commonwealth to discharge a variety of responsibilities.

The purpose of this paper is to examine in greater detail how new production concepts have been translated at the clothing manufacturing enterprise level.

Through a discussion of the social and political circumstances and debate surrounding government policy regarding landlord/tenant relations, housing quality and supply, and owner occupancy; this paper argues that policy evolution is irregular and a product of the exigencies of the political process.

The project examines the effect of technological change and modern production philosophies upon the relationship between clients and suppliers within the Australian clothing industry sectors.