Campaign for new peak industry group gains traction

Printing companies and equipment suppliers join APIA in support of a move towards a single representative voice for the printing industry.

A realignment of the diverse industry associations in the graphic arts is necessary in order to present the industry as a united force, according to Bernard Cassell, managing director CPI. At a time when the industry, both print and paper, is under threat from everything from the environmental lobby to the GFC, the positive message about printing is getting lost in the noise.

“Every time I speak on the issue people always ask … why isn’t our message getting heard?” said Cassell (pictured). “There is a recognition that we need to have one over arching body to speak on behalf of the various sectors in the industry.”

Cassell is not claiming to know what form the new organisation will take but he is pleased that APIA is becoming a more representative body with more printers and suppliers joining up. He recognises the important services delivered by the existing industry bodies, such as Printing Industries, GAMAA and GASAA, but no one body in the position to speak with authority on behalf of all sectors.

“It is irrelevant whether it is APIA or some other body, but it is important that we have a single peak organisation that can cut through the noise, especially in Canberra, and tell the positive story about our industry,” he said.

Just one industry body? Don't bank on it

Talk of the industry forming one association was rife at last weekend's annual Stream Solutions suppliers conference.

Garry Knespal, executive officer of GASAA (Graphics Arts Servcies Association of Australia) [pictured] addressed the topic head-on in his presentation, 'Print ... now more than ever, needs to be loud and proud'.

Admitting that: "Yes, there are too many associations out there", Knespal suggested that those associations that are effective should be encouraged and supported, while those that are proving ineffectual be wound down.

"The industry needs to have a potent, effective voice," he said, suggesting that the newly launched Sustainable Print Alliance which comprises of APIA; Australian Catalogue Association; Printing Industries; GAMAA and ADMA could be the genesis of a single voice for the industry on all environment-related matters.

Knespal believes that having more than one association in the industry helps keep others on their toes and encourages competition and effectiveness.

"If there was only one bank out there we'd be in trouble – but we don't need 20 banks," he added.