The PIAA have recently spoken to key politicians in Canberra highlighting critical issues Australian printers are most concerned about.
These issues include the impact of energy pricing and security, bulk mail price increases to industry and the need for ongoing investment into making printing a viable career option for young people.
CEO Andrew Macaulay was joined by PIAA director of government relations Mary-Jo Fisher who aimed to encourage directly relevant conversations to continue as part of the Association’s broader political agenda.
Macaulay says, “Our members inform our policy positions and we speak as their respected voice. The solid foundation we have laid in advocacy is now creating opportunities for print and associated industries to form part of serious policy discussion that impacts the industry.”
[Related: PIAA commends govt over ACCC inquiry]
PIAA had six key politicians to speak to during their trip including, Pat Conroy and Hon Mark Butler, Labor shadow ministers for energy; Hon Karen Andrews, assistant minister for vocational education and skills; Julie Owens, shadow assistant minister for small business; Senator Clare Moore and Senator Anthony Chisholm.
They spoke to Conroy and Butler with a focus on energy security and the impact that price increases and lack of confidence in the supply of energy has for PIAA members. These PIAA members provided substantive examples of the quantified increases in energy costs and the effect of blackouts.
Speaking to Andrews as Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, the focus of their conversation with her was around the skills shortages faced by the industry, as well as the need to attract and train young people so they can view print as a viable career option.
PIAA spoke to Owens, shadow assistant minister for small business, around ensuring a clear understanding of the composition of printing industries being overrepresented in small business. The PIAA says Owens is keen to directly engage PIAA members who are part of the small business community to ensure an open and productive channel of communication.
PIAA says Senator Moore is interested in learning about the contribution the industry makes to the Australian economy and employment, acknowledging the importance of our visit in ensuring both facets are well understood amongst government.
PIAA conversation with Senator Chisholm as a member of the senate Environment and Communications Committee, was around the effects of bulk mail pricing on the industry.
PIAA says, “The important aspect is that as Printing Industries increases the reach of the politicians we engage, there is an increasing appreciation overall of the contribution of print and associated industries to the Australian economy and employment in the manufacturing sector. This thereby increases dialogue around the serious policy discussions that impact the industry.”
PIAA were in Canberra earlier this year speaking to 23 members of parliament on energy security and issues with the fair work commission.
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