Tom Eckersley has confirmed he will not stand for a position at the upcoming PIAA board elections and is throwing his support behind current board representative for Queensland, Walter Kuhn from Kuhn Corp.
Speaking to Australian Printer, Eckersley – who owns Print Approach – says, “I am really happy with the Queensland representation with Walter Kuhn, and on that basis I will not be throwing my hat in the ring for a board position.
“I think he is doing a fantastic job, I am going to 100 per cent support him on the ground and support him in his endeavours.”
Eckersley was considered the unofficial spokesperson for the Printing Industries Members Action Group (MAG) which was formed at the beginning of this year as members became frustrated with various decisions from the PIAA.
In February the group demanded the immediate resignation of then PIAA CEO Jason Allen amongst other requests. Allen stepped down from the top job weeks later and was eventually replaced by Andrew Macaulay.
The PIAA board and MAG later settled their differences during a meeting with president Kieren May, and MAG also supported the four new PIAA board members which were selected in March, which included Kuhn.
Because of his history with the board, Eckersley says he will not be nominating anyone in the upcoming election and will let the process take its course.
“In the scheme of things, because I might have been seen to be a public figure in helping to change the old team to a new team it is probably best that I do not nominate and just give them space to do the good job they are doing,” he explains.
“I think it is also important to note the new direction the board is undertaking under president Kieran May and the new board members is positive, the board is heading in the right direction.
“They are doing a good job bringing it from the previous era of instability and in providing some stable platform to move ahead in this dynamic industry of ours.”
Kuhn tells Australian Printer he has accepted Eckersley’s endorsement and is confident he will also gain the support of PIAA members.
“I am reasonably confident I will be voted in, but if someone feels they can do a better job it is an open election so that is for members to decide on,” he says.
Kuhn says there are a number of key issues in Queensland and the wider Australian print industry he and the other board members will need to tackle if re-elected.
“We will be trying to promote the industry to the wider community to show that print is not dead, print is viable, and print the best older style of communication we have and will be here for a long time to come,” Kuhn says.
“Print companies need to be confident to invest in the future, install new technology and be assured that while the industry is changing, they will still be there at the end.”
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