Chapel Press hosts ministerial visit

Multiple NPA Gold award-winning Victorian printer Chapel Press has hosted a visit from its local member of parliament, cabinet minister Greg Hunt.

Hunt, Minister for Health and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service and Cabinet, visited Chapel in Somerville, Victoria, to congratulate director Russell Fray and the team following Print2Parliament last month.

Hunt told Print21 that he appreciated the importance of print to the Australian economy.

“Traditional presses like here at Chapel Press play a unique but important role in our modern printing industry. It was good to speak to Russell Fray and the team to congratulate them on their four gold medals from the National Print Awards, as well as chat to their apprentice Nicole, who recently won Apprentice of the Year,” he said.

According to Andrew Macaulay, CEO PVCA, the association has made representations to the minister on behalf of members, which have resulted in Hunt advocating for tax and energy relief for SMEs – particularly printers.

“We had expected, and are pleased to facilitate, the ongoing dialogue between Members of Parliament and the printers in their electorates. MPs are listening to our members in regard to the challenges faced by the print, packaging and visual communication industry,” said Macaulay.

Hunt took an interest in the makeup of the print industry during his visit, and particularly in print’s investment in apprentices and apprenticeship training, said Macaulay.

“We continue our open dialogue with the federal and state governments to ensure a consistent understanding of the complexity of our industry, which absolutely falls within Advanced Manufacturing,” he said.