Ahead of the federal government’s June review of the JobKeeper scheme, The Real Media Collective has opened a printing industry survey which it will use to communicate the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, the worthiness of JobKeeper and what the road to recovery looks like.
The Real Media Collective CEO Kellie Northwood says the the survey, which can be found here, will take about 10 minutes to complete and strongly recommends all members of the printing industry fill it in.
A key point of TRMC’s submission will be to seek an extension of the JobKeeper scheme to those businesses that are really needing it.
“Our industry does not have strong data, which impacts government’s ability to have considered insight into what we need,” Northwood said.
“Over the past twelve months, the Collective has built an industry metrics tool – PORTATM, which measures print, distribution and publishing volumes, employment, geographical demographics and more.
“Today’s survey however, is more pertinent to the state of our businesses following the COVID-19 pandemic, and one we are calling on all companies to please take part. The more data we have provides a broader view, and one that government needs desperately.
“Once the survey responses have been received we will prepare and publish an industry report which will be released to respondents, members and broader industry. This will assist businesses should they require Industry Insight in their discussions with suppliers, investors, finance partners or other bodies that the industry overview can assist in providing assistance with.
“Please do not delay, I urge you all to respond swiftly with your survey responses so we can submit a researched and firm position to government.”
Northwood said the Collective is also submitting another submission to government, its fifth over the past three months, outlining why a JobKeeper extension should be granted for many print businesses.
“For our members and broader industry who are benefiting from JobKeeper and other government stimulus measures, we are submitting a supplementary submission, our fifth submission over the past three months, to outline the industry’s need for the extension of JobKeeper to those businesses who need it,” she said.
The announcement of the Collective’s survey came as Prime Minister Scott Morrison addressed the National Press Club and outlined a framework for the JobMaker roadmap which is designed to shift the Australian economy out of its current doldrums.
Morrison focused on skills and industrial relations in his speech, saying both of these areas are critical to ensuring the future success of Australia.
“Our industry needs to take a firmer position in regards to skills training, transitioning and apprentice programs that benefit our commercial print industry needs specifically,” Northwood said.
This survey is open to all members and non-members of the Collective.
TRMC has strong reach, representing $15.4b of the $16.8b sectors it represents across print, publishing, mail, distribution and packaging, however it argues the more inputs the better.
TRMC is also working with its industry association partners, APIA, Visual Connections and PrintNZ for a united approach to the survey.
To complete the survey, please visit: https://www.therealmediacollective.com.au/covid-19-industrysurvey/
To view TRMC’s previous government submissions, please click here.
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