Philip Andersen, CEO of Printing Industries says while the Association welcomed consensus on the proposed ETS scheme, it was disappointed that the small business sector is excluded from receiving compensation for the anticipated increases in energy costs.
He says, “The medium to large manufacturing firms are now likely to receive compensation to help offset rising energy costs and this is something that we support. We are however extremely disappointed and concerned that the small business sector has been excluded from the compensation measures.”
Andersen continues, “In the printing industry small businesses account for more than 80 per cent of all businesses and operate on wafer thin profit margins. Unless the Government extends the compensation package to the small business sector, then the proposed ETS will have a significant impact on profitably in the printing and associated industries.”
Printing Industries claims that while it supports policy measures to address the issue of climate change, the right balance had to be found to ensure that business and industry viability were not placed at risk.
Andersen also say that a recently conducted Printing Industries survey of members showed strong support of action on the issue of climate change.
He says, “Almost 63 per cent of our on-line survey respondents indicated that climate change is an important issue and one that needs to be addressed by the Australian Government. Interestingly there was more support for carbon taxes (20.9 per cent) than the proposed ETS (18.6 per cent). A significant proportion (23.3 per cent) indicated that they required more information prior to forming an opinion.”
On the issue of whether Australia should be leading the campaign or be a follower a significant proportion (41.5 per cent) indicated that it should be a follower.
Another important policy consideration according to Printing Industries is to ensure that a level playing field is established so that Australian industry is not placed at economic disadvantage.
Andersen concludes, “More than 71 per cent of our on-line survey respondents were in favour of carbon tariffs being imposed on imported products originating from economies that either have no emissions trading schemes or that operate under less stringent environmental standards.”
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