gets its place on Fed Government talkfest table

Philip Andersen, CEO of Printing Industries, is one of the 20 industry representatives to attend the inaugural roundtable meeting that will contribute to the Federal Government's Industry Statement, to be finalised early next year, which will set the policy direction over the next 10 years.

Andersen claims the invitation was recognition of the importance of print to manufacturing and as the core communication medium for products and services, as well as the industry's expanding technological role in the digital communication world and on manufacturing generally.

Macfarlane claims Australia's recent economic performance was the envy of the world with its low interest rates, low unemployment and strong growth.

“However we are now entering an era of true globalisation, of communications advances that mean business without borders and the need for industry sectors to become regular contributors to global supply chains,” says Macfarlane.

"We have a window of opportunity now, while our economic performance is so strong, to determine what comes next and build a foundation to ensure our strong business momentum is maintained.”

During the roundtable meeting the minister will provide an introduction and overview and then invite each participant to make a brief statement on two or three major priorities they would like to see the statement address.

“There are many new challenges facing our industries, including the rise of low-cost competitors like China and India. The Statement will be a considered plan to tackle the challenges while also highlighting opportunity," said Macfarlane.

“The next decade will be pivotal to Australian industry. Now is the time to consolidate all that has been achieved in recent times while adjusting to powerful new trends in the global market.”