In seasonally adjusted terms the printing industry grew by 2.5 per cent during the September 2005 quarter and by 1.2 per cent during the year to September. In trend terms it grew by 1.3 per cent during the quarter but growth was down by 1.8 per cent compared to 12 months ago.

In comparison the Australian economy grew by only 0.2 per cent on a seasonally adjusted basis during the quarter and by 2.6 per cent during the year to September. On trend basis the economy grew by 0.7 per cent during the quarter and by 2.8 per cent during the year to September.

Printing Industries manager of industry and commercial policy, Hagop Tchamkertenian, says the figures presented a positive outlook for the industry.

“The printing industry is once again growing and expanding,” says Tchamkertenian.

“The June quarter results have also been revised upwards for the industry giving us now two consecutive quarters of expanding economic activity. The December quarter data will now be crucial in helping determine whether the current expansion phase can be sustained.”

On trend basis NSW, SA and WA contributed 0.1 per cent to economic growth during the September quarter, while Victoria contributed 0.2 per cent and Queensland 0.3 per cent.

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