He says, “Our Board has moved swiftly on this important issue nominating its Government Relations Committee to explore the carbon tax and its likely implications for our industry. The Committee will develop a policy position that we will be strongly articulating to the government.”

Andersen also outlined that while most people understand the challenge of climate change, they are sceptical of any changes that will make their businesses less competitive without any proven commensurate benefit to the environment.

“We are wary of taxes and compensation packages that are complex to administer and that may have significant unintended consequences. We are also concerned that the printing industry may not be adequately compensated if it is deemed to be a low emitting industry.

“With electricity prices already scheduled to rise by over 30 per cent in coming years, even before the announcement of the new tax, further electricity increases would have serious consequences for the printing industry which is a high energy consumer.”

He said that since the Australian Government had not yet determined the size and scope of the carbon tax, the opportunity existed for active debate and advocacy on behalf of the industry to protect it from any impacts that would hinder its competitiveness.

“This will be one of the objectives of our Board’s work in identifying the consequences and being able to authoritatively contribute to this critical economic reform debate.”

Printing Industries will join forces with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) for a co-ordinated approach wherever possible on this issue.

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