The Australian Liberal Party replied by e-mail saying as Opposition, they did not have the resources to respond in detail to the issues raised by Printing Industries. The Liberal Party said the issues would be brought to the attention of the Opposition Leader and the Coalition team.

Printing Industries was referred to the Liberal Party’s website for more detailed policy information. However the website did not contain any policies addressing the industry specific issues raised by the Association.

Meanwhile, the Australian Labor Party acknowledged receiving the Association’s issues of concern and indicated that it had been circulated to the appropriate Ministers for responses. To allow for a response the Australian Labor Party requested an extension to the deadline for responses which was subsequently granted by the Association. Printing Industries received the response after the deadline.

The Australian Greens responded with a policy position on most issues raised. The only issue they did not provide a response on was the recommendation by Printing Industries that a federally funded industry consolidation fund be introduced to apply for a limited period of time – up to six months providing industry participants the opportunity to either exit the industry or to restructure.

Issues put to the parties related to issue including:

• Territorial copyright: The 30-day rule

• GST on online book purchases

• Emissions trading scheme

• Five per cent tariff on paper

• Industry consolidation fund

• Access to finance

• Phoenix operations

• Government Print procurement strategy and arrangements

• Skilled labour shortages – migration issues

• Reserved letter services of Australia Post

• Print in Australia campaign

The responses can be accessed here.

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