Labor promises a new role for print

These proposals were outlined by the ALP's Shadow Minister for Industry,
Innovation, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, during a meeting this week
in Canberra with Printing
Industries
representatives Philip Andersen,
the national policy and research manager Hagop Tchamkertenian and government relations manager Barry Neame.

Andersen said the ALP's undertaking to invest $100m over four
years for establishment of a manufacturing network was welcome news. He says: "One of the key services to be provided by the manufacturing network involves benchmarking. We recommended that, should the ALP win
government, it should explore how Printing Industries industry specific
benchmarking facilities could be made available to interested companies via the
proposed manufacturing network.

"We also raised the issue of an Industry Adjustment Package to
assist companies to either exit the industry or to restructure and adopt new
technologies and business models to improve performance and overall
competitiveness.

"Printing
Industries
research shows that a significant
proportion of business owners are planning to leave the industry within the
next five years and a majority within the next 10 years.

"We want the government to allocate funds for a succession planning
program in the printing industry."

Senator Carr told the delegation that he was aware that the industry no
longer received specific government support despite the myriad of issues and
challenges it faced. He foreshadowed the establishment of Industry Innovation
Councils.

 He says, "The printing industry would have an important role as part of an
expanded Wood and Paper Products Innovation Council. This would comprise high
level decision makers and experts working together to build an innovation
culture in Australian businesses, research institutions, universities, and at
all levels of government."

Tchamkertenian said Senator Carr stressed that the ALP was planning
an holistic approach to industry policy focusing on improving research and
development, lifting productivity, using government procurement strategically,
tackling market access issues, and addressing OHS and greenhouse related
issues.

Neame confirmed the delegation also sought feedback on the measures a
future Labor Government would take to increase the proportion of government
contract work that is awarded to local small to medium sized businesses, he says, "Concerns were raised about the operation of the Australian
Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in impeding moves towards industry
consolidation and rationalisation."

The Senator said the ALP appreciated the printing industry's economic
contribution to the Australian economy and looked forward to working with the
industry in the future.

Andersen thanked Senator Carr for his time and presented him with a
copy of the industry promotional DVD Imagine: A World Without Print?
to underscore the vital role of print in a contemporary world.

 

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