Australian printers will soon know who their elected representatives are, with votes in the most hotly contested PIAA election in decades to be counted this afternoon.
The winners of the four contested board positions – Queensland and Tasmanian representatives plus two national at-large members – will be known by tomorrow morning, ending a rocky campaign between progressives and conservatives.
Results of the QLD showdown between incumbent deputy president Susan Heaney and Print Approach managing director Tom Eckersley will be out just in time for tomorrow night’s PICAs in Brisbane, with both in attendance.
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President David Leach caused a stir when he publically backed Heaney and Tasmanian challenger Flying Colours Printing managing director Craig Pearce, along with Kieran May from Across Business and Chris Segaert from Permanent Press for the national positions.
In response, the third national candidate, Eastern Studios director Roy Aldrich, launched a stinging personal attack on Leach’s character.
Aldrich accused Leach of ‘trying to select his own board’ and called him ‘insecure’ and a ‘desperate person’ with questionable integrity and credibility.
A taken-aback Leach expressed his surprise that a board candidate would so sharply criticise people he would have to work with if elected.
However, others like James Howard point out Leach has effectively done the same thing by alienating candidates he may have to work with, by publically backing their opponents.
“The current president should have remained impartial and not publicly nominated or backed any candidate. Instead he should have articulated his vision for the PIAA in what is becoming a rapidly declining industry,” Howard says.
“By backing certain candidates over others he has split the PIAA at a critical time just when it continues to lose members and becomes less and less relevant.
“If those he is opposing end up winning seats on the Board what will he then do?”
Former BPA Print Group production planner Ian Anderson leapt to Leach’s defence.
“Mr Aldrich, what is wrong with wanting people on the board who you feel comfortable with and you know you can work with?” he says.
“From your comments you sound like someone who would be difficult to work with. I don't know David Leach but he appears to have the right ideas for the future.
“To have a hostile board is of no use to anyone, I also don't find personal attacks achieve any good – how can you serve on the board if you don't like anyone?”
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