Peak industry association PIAA has been lobbying the NSW government over energy costs for printers, and industry training, as it met influential coalition MP James Griffin.
Griffin is NSW parliamentary secretary for the Environment and Veterans, and committee member for Environment and Planning.
The PIAA discussed the price of energy, and increasing production of both electricity and gas, as well as VET in New South Wales for the printing, packaging and visual communication sector with Griffin, telling him that high energy costs and supply issues are impact businesses in sector negatively.
Walter Kuhn, president of the PIAA says, “The PIAA is acutely aware of the impact the high cost electricity and gas has on the printing sector in NSW. We maintain a continual dialogue with the state government on the matter”.
The PIAA says it is working with the state government on these issues, in order to drive down the cost of energy, as well as increase and stabilise supply of power and gas, which can only lead to higher productivity and employment in the sector.
The conversation also covered Sustainable Green Print (SGP), the PIAA world leading programme which certifies printers and their participation in the circular economy.
VET and TAFE needs for the printing, packaging and visual communication industry were discussed, with the PIAA making the case for stronger support in VET and a funnel of talent into TAFE and the printing and visual communications sector.
Ben Cornel, standards and accreditation manager for the PIAA says, “SGP was set up for a number of reasons but most importantly to enhance the credibility and sustainability of our industry while also countering the growth of greenwashing. We are very much looking forward to discussing this program with all state and federal ministers.”