The printing industry is entering a period of moderate capital expenditure according to the June quarter data for private new capital expenditure and expected expenditure released earlier this week by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). New capital expenditure fell by 6.4 per cent during the June 2006 quarter compared to the previous quarter. This represents the second consecutive quarter of reported falls in new investment in the printing industry. The ABS data supports developments reported by the Printing Industry Trends Report for the June 2006 quarter which showed an expected deterioration in capital expenditure sentiments for the remainder of the 2006 calendar year. To read more

Walk to work is an event to promote regular walking and physical activity. It is an annual, national event in which the community can become involved in a healthy and environmentally friendly activity. Why not encourage your employees to walk to work on this Day ... perhaps host a breakfast. The aims of Walk to Work Day are: To promote regular walking as a healthy activity (better physical, mental & social health). To reduce the reliance on the private motor vehicle (reduce car-dependency). To promote and improve the use of public transport (less traffic). To improve air quality by reducing unnecessary vehicle emissions (reduce global warming.) To read more.

Federal Labor announced its water recycling policy this week which sets a national target of 30% of wastewater being recycled by 2015. The policy involves developing consistent, comprehensive national guidelines for water recycling; providing the leadership, support and investment necessary to achieve the 30% recycling target; and encouraging innovation and new technological solutions to deliver a sustainable water supply for Australia. To read more.

Enhanced training facilities, greater transport options and its geographical location are just a few reasons why industry training at the Association's new Victorian state office has generated increased interest. Printing Industries graduated its latest Print Sales participants at its new office in Mulgrave last week. Printing Industries General Manager, Victoria and Tasmania, Ron Patterson, said that following the move to Mulgrave, Print Sales was the first course completed. Our new location gives the industry greater access to our courses and to all our facilities, he said. To read more

A Christmas party which left a man in hospital with burns for nearly two weeks has had its climax in court with four people being prosecuted for putting themselves and others at risk. The incident occurred during a Christmas function at Colac's Spence Carpentry & Joinery on 23 December last year when a number of employees were playing around with chemicals. WorkSafe's Executive Director John Merritt said the case served as a reminder to all workers that the duty to act responsibly in the workplace was one that they shared with their employer. He said Everyone has a role to play in making sure that no one is exposed to risk while at their workplace. That extends to things like work-related functions. To read more.