Printers press pollies at Print2Parliament

Some 100 printers and politicians mixed and mingled at the second Print2Parliament event held in the Mural Hall of Parliament House, with printers pressing their case for government support in five key categories.

The event was hosted by the Printing and Visual Communication Association (PVCA), and also had the Gold winning entries from the National Print Awards on display, giving MPs and Senators the opportunity to see the best in print.

Printers present were talking to the politicians about the need for reliable and affordable energy, simpler IR, funding for skills training, sustainability, and the benefits of an Australia print procurement policy for government printing.

Andrew Macaulay, CEO at PVCA opened the event, thanking attendees, and highlighting the importance of print business leaders engaging with politicians. Steven Assimo, executive manager at event sponsor Media Super, gave a thinly veiled message requesting politicians stay away from super, and highlighting the great work industry super funds do for their industries.

The Hon Paul Fletcher, minister for Communications and Arts, addressed the crowd. He said, “Politicians are of course large consumers of print, and we are passionate about local industry. Print underpins many other sectors, and is itself a large employer, and we recognise that, and that yours is an industry undergoing significant disruption.”

Minister Fletcher was followed on the podium by opposition MP Milton Dick, member for Oxley, who told printers that as far as politicians were concerned print would remain a key part of their communication mix. MPs and Senators from all states were at the event.

Andrew Macaulay, PVCA CEO said, “For a second year, we are delighted at the level of engagement at this event, which is incredibly beneficial to the entire print, packaging and visual communications industry. The PVCA maintains an open dialogue with the Federal Government, as well as working collaboratively with our partners and friends in the industry to keep the industry moving forward. Events such as Print2Parliament! assure us of keeping momentum.”