Printing industry body CEO Andrew Macaulay and director of government relations Mary-Jo Fisher have spent two days discussing energy security with 23 members of parliament including government members, members of the opposition, cross benchers and senators.
There has been a growing energy crisis in Australia, especially in South Australia where there have been three blackouts in the past six months, severely impacting print and other businesses.
Nigel Garrard, CEO of Orora is also feeling the heat from the energy crisis saying it is directly impacting costs.
Speaking to ProPrint on a conference call this morning he says, “We expect an increase cost of electricity in the second half of the year. At the moment, we are pretty covered for fixed costs in NSW for electricity bills. However, we cannot live without uncertainty of supply.”
[Related: PIAA condemns fair work commission]
Macaulay says there is a need for energy security in Australia especially for printers because without it there will be a negative impact on employment and productivity. He says it is a major industry issue.
“We surveyed issues for energy problems with one of the examples being productivity costs. These energy problems are occurring in SA, NSW, VIC and WA. We are sourcing out this energy issue in Australia, it is very important,” he says.
Macaulay says, "Our members are reporting 50% electricity price increases in 12 months, in some States. This is unsustainable, and reflects failure of State governments to invest in infrastructure. "
Some of those MPs included Tony Abbott, Bob Katter, Sussan Ley, Eric Abetz and Bridget McKenzie.
The topical issue of the dysfunctional Fair Work Commission came up in many of their conversations.
Macaulay and Fisher met with employment minister Michaelia Cash about the problems with FWC, and will continue to advocate for its members.
Fisher says, “Our workplace relation system is broken. Our members see it as a danger zone.”
Macaulay agreed, “The government needs to focus and show leadership in this area of workplace reforms. It is critical to productivity and it directly effects employment.”
Macaulay and Fisher met with former federal treasurer Peter Costello, where Costello called out the government as being irresponsible, after it receiving a critique of the workplace relation system from soon to be resigned vice president of the commission, Graeme Watson.
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