The PIAA has met with politicians at an event in Brisbane to discuss challenges facing the printing industry.
PIAA members spoke with politicians including Deb Frecklington, Queensland Opposition Leader; Jackie Trad, Deputy Premier of Queensland; federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg; and Kennedy MP Bob Katter at a lunch event for the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Brisbane, where Frydenberg gave a speech on “growing the Australian economy in tough times”.
According to Frydenberg, the Australian economy has a strong foundation for growth.
“Critical to this is the importance of maintaining a competitive business environment, one that encourages firms to expand, innovate, invest and employ more people,” he said.
Andrew Macaulay, CEO of Printing Industries, said different levels of government need to join forces to help small business.
“It is vital that both state and federal governments work to reduce the hurdles and challenges faced by small businesses, and assist them in making the most of opportunities that present themselves,” he said.
Led by president Walter Kuhn; board member Tom Eckersley; and Macaulay, the PIAA delegation spoke with politicians on issues including training concessions, small business tax concessions, driving government print back to Australian printers, and energy.
Macaulay told Print21 that the PIAA intends to take advantage of a government focus on regional Australia.
“A lot of our members work in regional Australia, and this was an opportunity to talk to the Treasurer and other politicians, such as the Deputy Premier and a number of senators and MPs, making sure the interests of regional printers were heard.
“There was a high level of support from the politicians we spoke to, and government wants to see all that happen. We’re starting to involve printers in those meetings who could talk specifically about those issues – they were able to give real and resonant examples to the politicians,” said Macaulay.
Printing Industries has applauded the Morrison Government on its plan to stimulate the economy, including its small business tax cuts and its skills package to create 80,000 jobs. According to Kuhn, the association remains committed to lobbying on behalf of its members.
“The PIAA is focused on ensuring that issues which affect our industry and our members are raised with all Ministers at every opportunity,” he said.