A common thread to all the discussions was data needs for the industry. The group discussed the need to have evidence that clearly demonstrates not only the historical events which have shaped the industry but to help plan for the future.
At the meeting, the PIWG concluded that this type of information is seen as the corner stone to aiding business make crucial decisions about their future and also to allow the industry to articulate issues of mutual interest to Government.
As part of this exercise Printing Industries surveyed the industry to hone in the type of data industry thought would be relevant. The group discussed the survey results and agreed to focus its work on developing a data strategy which would have disaggregated data, collected by industry with strong industry participation.
Complimenting this will be any information and data available through Enterprise Connect’s new Printing and Publishing Industry support Network. The group will also continue to work with Australian Bureau of Statistics obtain suitable industry data.
A PIWG Communiqué from the meeting outlines, “The Enterprise Connect assistance is only one of many opportunities for the industry to help itself. The group have developed a ‘Business transformation Model’ which identifies the state of transformation within the industry.
“The model serves as a reference point for discussion and aids in the identification of gaps in terms of what is needed by industry as it moves to the future.”
The group also discussed the uncertainty in which the printing industry is approaching the implementation of the carbon price in 2012. Client management was identified as a key issue in which the industry needs to take a lead before the 1 July 2012 adoption date.
The Communiqué continues, “From a business perspective, there needs to be more transparency from electricity providers to itemise billing to clearing indicate the carbon price impact. The PIWG will be seeking Government support to aid in the implementation of such a requirement for electricity providers.”
The group is also keen to hear the Government’s response to the Book Industry Strategy group final report to Government and hopes there will be positive support for a book printing industry in Australia.
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