Tasmania fires government printer

Tasmania Printing Authority joins the long line of government printers that have been sold off.

In its 2007 Budget, the Government of Tasmania announced that it would be selling the Printing Authority of Tasmania, which employs 50 staff and has an annual turnover of $8 million.

Those involved with the company are staying mum on both the sale and future of its employees. Garry Duffield, CEO of Tasmania Printing Authority was unable to comment on any aspect of the company.

Simon Lester of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, who is handling the sale, has already received a strong response from those interested in the business, which is likely to attract intensive bidding from PE-backed companies.

"We've had a few people who are able to operate the business ringing up about it," he said.

The sale of Tasmania Printing Authority makes Queensland and the Northern Territory the last government printers left standing.