Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today visited Akubra’s factory in Kempsey where fur felt hats worn by Australia Defence Force personnel are manufactured.

“The fur felt hats made by the workers here at Akubra are an Australian icon,” Mr Clare said.

“The workers here do a terrific job and I have come here to thank them for the work they do for the Australian Defence Force.”

Two companies currently supply Defence with fur felt hats for Army, Navy and Air Force – Akubra in Kempsey and Mountcastle inBrisbane.

This contractual arrangement has been in place since 2003. 

A new tender for the provision of fur felt hats will be released next year.

The slouch hat is iconically Australian and the tender next year will ensure as much of it is made inAustraliaas possible.

Media contact: Korena Flanagan – 02 6277 7620