Liberals missing from Printing Industries policy survey

In the lead-up to this week's election, a survey conducted by Printing Industries outlines the three main parties' policies and opinions on printing. Readers be warned: don't expect a word out of the Liberal party.

Printing Industries recently highlighted industry-specific issues of concern to the major political parties and sought their responses, but getting an answer was not always possible. To read the responses in full, click here.

CEO of Printing Industries, Philip Andersen (pictured) said that the survey will be useful in assistiing printers in finding information relevant to them. "We are a-political – we don't want to push our members in any way, just to provide them with information that cuts through some of the spin occuring in the debate up until now," he said.

The Australian Liberal Party replied by e-mail saying that the PM had called a federal election but unfortunately, as Opposition, they  did not have the resources to respond in detail to the issues raised by Printing Industries. The Liberal Party said  the issues would be brought to the attention of the Opposition Leader and the Coalition team.

Printing Industries was referred to the Liberal Party’s website for more detailed policy information. The website did not contain any policies addressing the industry specific issues raised by Printing Industries.

Andersen, said it was "disappointing" not to have received a proper response. "We would have liked them to have taken a little bit of time and make the effort to recognise that importance our industry has in the Australian economy by responding to a relatively small number of questions," he said.

To allow time for a response, the Australian Labor Party requested an extension to the deadline for responses which was subsequently granted by the Association. Printing Industries received the response after the deadline.

The Australian Greens responded with a policy position on most issues raised. The only issue they did not provide a response on was the recommendation by Printing Industries that a federally funded industry consolidation fund be introduced to apply for a limited period of time – up to 6 months providing industry participants the opportunity to either exit the industry or to restructure.

Click here to download the responses in full.