Federal minister meets print chiefs at Sydney power powwow

Attendees included Geoff Selig from Blue Star Print Group, Gordon Towell from the Geon Group as well as Ian Parker from Promentum, Bob Lockley from Rural Press and Bob McMillan from JS McMillan, all of whom joined leading representatives from other sectors of the industry for the informal get-together. Guest of honour, Ian Macfarlane, spoke about his experiences with the printing industry and outlined the main points of the government’s new industry statement due to be launched around Budget time. He was optimistic about the printing industries initiatives and involvement. “I commend the industry for the work you’re doing to ensure that it continues to invest in the future, continues to innovate and continues to be internationally competitive,” said Macfarlane. “The government cares a lot about printers.”

The lunch provided an opportunity for printers to quiz the Minister on topics such as tariff reduction, overseas manufacturing and online annual reports.

The forum also saw the launch of a new promotional DVD, entitled Imagine: A World Without Print, that has been produced by Printing Industries for distribution throughout schools and colleges in Australia. The DVD is being used to demonstrate the diversity and hi-tech nature of the industry as a means of attracting new skilled staff to printing as well as promoting the contribution that the industry makes to the overall domestic economy. Copies of the DVD are available from Printing Industries.


Pic: (l-r) Peter Lane, PIA national president; Ian Macfarlane, minister for industry, Tourism and Resources; and Philip Andersen, ceo printing industries.