Industry roundtable looks for consolidation action plan

Based on the recommendations in the seminal government-backed Print21 Action Agenda launched in March 2001, a summit of 17 key organizations was held in Sydney to examine ways of dealing with the fragmentation of the industry. Hosted by Printing Industries the office bearers present represented more than half the identified industry-related groups.

“We sought to get their attention on developing more formal partnership relationships. Many associations do very good things for their members and one of the models we focused on was using Centres of Excellence,” explained organiser, Robert Fuller, NSW manager, Printing Industries.

“There is no point in doing more of the same. We must learn the lessons from industry and union rationalisations. No one disagreed.”

The aim is to develop a model that can better represent the industry to the government and the public at large. Discussions were described as “frank and open.” Erosion of membership benefits and over lapping of activities were identified as areas of concern.

An action plan is now being developed and will be presented at a further meeting. “We not going to have another talkfest. It’s time for action,”said Mr Fuller.