A quiet visionary steps up to the mark – magazine article

Philip Andersen regards Print 21 as one of his most successful achievements … not the magazine you are now reading, but the watershed industry study, funded by the Federal Government at the turn of the century, which defined the printing industry, laying out an agenda to deal with its structural faults. (The magazine title is a resonance of the ground-breaking work.)

Andersen was the acting ceo of Printing Industries at the time, providing a steadying hand on the tiller of the ship of state during one of the periodic episodes of interregnum rivalry that were once a feature of the association. That he was able to initiate and carry through the first in-depth survey of the industry - in cooperation with then president, Trevor Hone - while ensuring the association did not tear itself apart, indicates the strength of his talents and character.

Although he has spent much of his career working in industry associations, Philip Andersen (54) is no mere bureaucrat. A quiet visionary, he is a determined behind the scenes worker, more concerned with successful outcomes than with gaining another laurel. His commitment to the industry and Printing Industries has survived being passed over for the top job on more than one occasion. It is ironic that the association he now heads is largely defined by successful strategies he has helped put in place over the years.

IR, Environment and Government - the big issues

No one is more aware than Andersen of the challenges and opportunities facing Printing Industries. The association is operating in a competitive sector among other employer bodies many of which are much larger, better funded and eager to invade the printing industry. As such he has to sail a tight course between providing sufficient core services to more than justify member companies' subscriptions, while exploring 'fee for service' options to extend the organisation's offerings.

“We see ourselves as the industry specialists. We know the specific issues the industry requires, such as the employment classifications printers want, what type of economic data is useful to them, the most appropriate terms of trade, and finding and initiating government funding opportunities,” he says. He sees the association continuing to play its traditional role of providing industrial relations services, even as the need for advice with workplace agreements becomes more prominent.

Other areas he is keen to develop include providing environmental advice to companies wanting to avail themselves of 'green' accreditation; initiating high-level briefings on the macro and micro economic forces impacting the industry; providing a greater emphasis on OH&S especially through web-based programmes; and taking control of the industry's training agenda to ensure its outcomes are aligned with member companies' skill requirements.

“Printing companies can get some of these services from other associations but we provide the complete package that comes with a printing industry focus. It is important that Printing Industries remains an independent voice to represent the wider industry and vigorously take its members' concerns to Canberra,” he says.

Cheaper insurance for members

One of the most radical developments for Printing Industries under Andersen's regime will see the creation of a new insurance company to provide a better deal for members. Charged with providing optimum outcomes for both employers and employees, while delivering significant savings in premium costs, the new company will be in business before the end of the year, following APRA approval.

Andersen envisages the savings in insurance premiums that will accrue to members will more than offset membership fees. The scheme will initially operate in New South Wales before a national roll-out. According to Andersen it will deliver initial savings of over 15 per cent in costs through better case management and getting workers back on the job earlier.

Another initiative is the development of industry-approved environmental labelling. With many companies keen to enhance their 'green' credentials, and just as many outside consultants keen to take their money, the need for an industry-specific accreditation is becoming more apparent. The aim is to have an industry approved standard that can deliver high-profile recognition to companies that achieve it.

In addition, Printing Industries is heading up an extended producer responsibility organisation, bringing together key stakeholders in the print production chain, to diffuse the push for government legislation by providing an industry initiative to take charge of paper waste.

Working together is the key to success

Ever the pragmatist, Andersen is also an enthusiastic bridge-builder between different sectors of the industry. He is very aware of Printing Industries' role as the 'umbrella' association for other, smaller organisations, by providing them with secretarial services and logistics back-up. Industry associations under the 'umbrella' include the label industry (LATMA) the screen printing sector (SGIAA), the primary individual technical association (LIA) as well as such bodies as the Junior Printing executives (JPE) and the Community Newspaper Association.

“I am a firm believer in the team and that combined we can be more than the sum of our parts,” he says. “It is important that when we make representations to the Federal Government that the industry can present a united front and speak with one voice. I believe Printing Industries is in a position to make that voice more effective and further the industry's interests when we all work together.”

However he is not a centralist and is reversing the trend towards concentrating the association in Sydney and Melbourne, instead undertaking a survey to find the strengths of the different regional offices with the intention of devolving national responsibilities to them. It is part of his 'working with grassroots' preference that impressed the selection committee, which chose him from a strong line-up of candidates for one of the most prominent and influential positions in the Australian printing industry.

We applaud his well-deserved elevation.