Issue 45 – 2005
1. Printing Industries puts case at Government review into the regulatory compliance burden on Printers
The Commonwealth Government has announced a review into Government Regulations. A Regulation Taskforce has been set up and chaired by Gary Banks, Chairman of the Productivity Commission. Philip Andersen from PIAA raised a number of issues of concern to our members at an initial meeting held in Canberra on 16 November.
These included the plethora of reporting requirements under environmental programs (NPC, Greenhouse Challenge, Green Stamp, eco labelling, and soon to be Extended Producer Responsibility), differing OHS requirements across States, compliance costs associated with choice of fund legislation, phoenix company issues (not strictly a regulatory issue but an issue nevertheless for members), payroll tax variations across States, differences in definitions of employees both across states and even between Commonwealth departments.
The primary motivation for the review is to assist in reducing the regulatory compliance burden on business, rather than to reduce actual regulations. The Taskforce will focus on Commonwealth based regulations, with State and Territory regulations considered if they overlap.
Printing Industries welcomes your input on this issue. Responses / comments / queries please to Philip Andersen.
2. Wage Survey @ 31 October 2005
A reminder that the deadline for the current wage survey is 30 November. Please ensure that you return your completed survey to us by that date. Remember, the more surveys that we receive back, the better the quality of the data. Any queries, please contact Jim Hargrave.
3. Christmas Invitation
Now is the time to RSVP to your PIAA Christmas Invitation. The function is on Wednesday week at Kooyong (30 November) and we are hoping for a good turnout to celebrate the end of the year for our industry. There will be little formality, just a good chance to network, socialise and have fun. Finger food, drinks, door prizes, entertainment and give-aways provided. All for just $40 for members and $50 for non-members. The flyer is attached. Any questions, special food requirements etc to Michelle Eeles
4. Print Bound’s Sustainability Award – What did they do?
Last week we reported that Print Bound has won the Victorian Premier’s Sustainability Award for small business (under 100 employees). So we can all learn from one of our industry members (and implement some of the ideas yourselves) following is a summary of their achievements.
To read more about what Print Bound has done go to Print21Online
5. ICGT Students – Ready to Graduate
Yesterday Tony Duncan and Michelle Eeles presented to a group of ICGT students about to embark on their careers in our industry. We gave them a picture of what the trends are in the industry, the opportunities and the threats. We also gave them a picture of what an employer might consider to be a “good employee” in the current working environment. If you have a vacancy and are considering putting on a graduate, please contact Fay Mitchell at ICGT (phone 9925 9446) and she will endeavour to contact suitable students for you to interview.
6. Choice of Fund Superannuation
Now that the initial interest has cooled down, what has been the actual experience? Interestingly despite the saturation coverage, a recent survey has shown that only 4% of employees have actually chosen another super fund since 1 July 2005. Most of you will know that the industry has its own superannuation fund, Print Super. If you would like to find out more about this fund, please contact Brian Towers or Craig Snowling on 03 9291 5345.
7. Tasmanian Annual Dinner
Last Friday night Tasmanians kicked up their heels (well one or two of us did!) and celebrated the achievements of the printing industry in Tasmania. About 50 people attended the annual dinner at the Royal Hobart Yacht Club. We were treated to an entertaining dinner speech by Ian Nicholls, the Lean Manufacturing guru. The outgoing President, Jim Percival from Monotone Printers was thanked for his contributions, and a special presentation was made to Merv Coombs, a long standing member of Tasmanian Regional Council.
8. Kalamazoo – Having Trouble Obtaining Supplies of Your Office Products
Where can you go for an alternative? The answer is Compact Business Systems. Compact provides a range of excellent “one-write” manual business systems, including cash receipting, cheques, security systems, club sign-in books and a whole lot more. So if you’re stuck, or before you or your customers run out, contact Compact Business Systems in Melbourne on 03 9888 6277.
9. Training Courses
Lean Manufacturing – Continuous Improvement December 14, 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm
OH&S 1 Day Refresher Course for previous 5 day people January 31, 2006
The New Manager February 7, 8 and 9, 2006
Go to Printnet or contact Michelle for a complete list of our upcoming training courses.
10. What’s On
To find out What’s on in the world of print go to What’s On.
And Finally
If you’re too open minded – your brains will fall out.
The Team at Printing Industries Association of Australia
18 - 20 Queens Avenue
Hawthorn Vic 3122
P 61 3 9819 6144
F 61 3 9819 6292
michelle@printnet.com.au
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