Speak up together on carbon tax says innovation minister

The need for the printing industry to speak as a single voice on government initiatives, including the Carbon Tax, was underscored at a recent meeting with the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr.

This was one of the Minister’s key messages at last week’s meeting of the Printing Industry Working Group (PIWG) held in Parliament House, Canberra. Printing industry representatives included PIWG Chairman, Scot Telfer, Printing Industries CEO Philip Andersen and national manager for policy and government affairs, Hagop Tchamkertenian.

Telfer said that one of the Minister’s key messages was that the PIWG must use its multi-sectoral membership to draw together industry’s views about Government initiatives that may impact on the printing industry.

“We welcome the Minister’s encouragement and will continue to represent the industry on major issues including the current carbon tax debate,” he said.

During the meeting the PIWG outlined to the Minister its future work plan which includes:

1. Development of a submission regarding the impact of Carbon Pricing on the printing industry.

2. Developing tools to assist the industry to transition into the future.

3. Developing information and tools that allows consumers to make informed choices when deciding between printed and electronic communication.

4. Understanding the printing industry workforce and the identification of the workforce it needs in the future in response to a rapidly changing business environment.

The Printing Industry Working Group has membership across the industry and includes the Printing Industries Association of Australia and Australian Manufacturer Workers Union. It was established by Senator Carr to be a vehicle for industry to bring forward issues of mutual interest to Government and industry.

“As an industry it is important that we take this valuable opportunity to use the PIWG as a way of having our voice heard in a systematic, cohesive way,” Telfer said.

For further information about the PIWG and its work, please contact Scott Telfer on 0413 382 528, Hagop Tchamkertenian hagop@printnet.com.au or the Secretariat on 02 6213 6513 or email: piwg@innovation.gov.au