Printing Industries chases down Kevin Rudd

While most of Australia are still celebrating Labor's victory Printing Industries has been quick off the mark to remind the Prime Minister elect, Kevin Rudd, of undertakings made by his shadow Ministry in the lead-up to the election.

CEO Philip Andersen said he had written to Rudd congratulating him on his parties' election victory and reminding him that the dialogue established between Printing Industries and some of his shadow ministers prior to the election should continue to be built on for the benefit of the industry.

"There are a number of issues of interest and of concern to our industry that need to be discussed with the relevant ministers once portfolios are allocated and we will be seeking meetings with these people as soon the new Ministry is known," he said.

"It is very important that the views of our industry are heard across a whole range of areas including industrial relations, training, Occupational Health and Safety, industry and trade policy, taxation, and the environment - all of which will help shape the economic and social landscape of our country

"I also took the opportunity to remind Rudd about his pre-election undertakings to invest in world class education and information technology infrastructure. This is something that is of vital interest to our industry and its pivotal role as major provider of communication services.

"Consequently I have invited Rudd to address our Industry Leaders Forum in either Sydney or Melbourne in 2008."

Andersen said Printing Industries would also pursue the establishment of the Wood and Paper Products Innovation Council, as promised by Labor during the pre-election campaign, to build an innovation culture in Australian businesses, research institutions, universities, and at all levels of government where the printing industry can have its issues raised and resolved.

He said he expected that much of the new government's focus in its early days would be on WorkChoices and related legislative change.

"We will bring our members the latest information and advice as soon as these changes are known, which is unlikely to be before early in the New Year," he said.