Issue 15 – 2006
1. AGM & Quarterly Function
We had an excellent attendance at our AGM and Quarterly Function with Terry McCrann last Wednesday evening. Terry’s speech focused on China, its impact on the world economy and Australia, and the problems and opportunities facing global manufacturers. Some take home messages from the speech are that because of China’s continued growth:
2. Everything You Need to Know about WorkChoices Revealed
Everything business owners need to know about WorkChoices will be revealed at seminars planned for 11 May in our office. The seminars will tackle many of the issues you have read or heard in the media including:
· Do you have updated policies on termination of employment to take into account the WorkChoices changes?
· What are the things you can and should not include in any new workplace agreements?
If you would like to attend one of these sessions, please go to Printnet. Members are free, Non-members $100 including GST.
3. Identity rip-off
A member has passed on this cautionary tale. After a disagreement with a smallish customer they were surprised to see this website appear (www.phillipsandfather.com.au ) containing some interesting comments about them. The website is also a paid advertisement on google.
Although they have spent considerable resources attempting to deal with the original complaint, Simon Phipps from Phillips and Father is raising legitimate concerns over the unauthorized use of their business name, use of staff photos from their own web advertisement, and the acceptance of a paid ad by google from a source not connected with the business name.
Legal avenues are v. expensive with an uncertain chance of success, and will probably only achieve what the complainant is after – publicity!
We’d like to hear of any similar stories / comments. Email tonyd@printnet.com.au
4. Welcome to Phillip Sayers
I am pleased to advise the appointment of Phillip Sayers as Business Development Officer, Vic & Tas. Phillip has excellent credentials for the job, starting his career in the industry as an apprentice Comp with T&H Hunter, before moving into graphic design, and starting his own business. In 2001 he completed a Grad Diploma in Marketing at RMIT. Phillip will start with Printing Industries next week, and I know you will join me in welcoming him to the organization.
5. Printing Industries Vic & Tas On the Move
Printing Industries Vic & Tas is pleased to advise that we are on the move to the geographic centre of printing in the State. The new offices are located in Com Park, near the corner of Wellington and Springvale Roads, Mulgrave. One of the key benefits will be a state-of-the-art training facility for members. As with all moves, we are not certain when we will move, current indications are mid to late June. The opening party will be shortly afterwards!
6. International Tax Comparison Report Released
The Treasurer released the International Comparison of Australia’s Taxes report, which clearly supports the case for taxation reform. The report found that:
· The top marginal tax rate is above average and cuts in at an income level that is below average;
· The taxation of capital gains is well above average;
· Australia’s system of taxing retirement incomes and superannuation is unique in the OECD;
· The tax burden on financial and capital transactions is well above average;
· Payroll taxes are well above average;
· The withdrawal rates on welfare are well above average; and
· Australia is in a fiscal position to afford tax reform.
7. Print Super
A recently released Comminsure survey found that five out of six Australians have inadequate insurance in the case of illness and injury. Alarmingly one in five would need Government assistance if they lost their income. If you have no cover, remember it is available through Print Super's Pay Protector (income protection cover). If you would like to know more log on to Printsuper or call Freecall 1800 640 886.
8. Rowville Printer’s Assistant
We have been contacted by a Rowville Printer’s Assistant who has done various temporary assignments over a period of 10 years with leading printing companies in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. He is seeking permanent employment. To compliment his Assistant Printer skills, he has completed training in desktop publishing software and Microsoft packages. If you would like a copy of his Resume, please contact Michelle Eeles.
9. Training Courses
OH&S 5 Day - Workcover
Approved
May 8, 9, 10, 18, 19
High Performing Teams June 7, 8
Costing and Estimating for Printers July 10, 11
Print Sales July 20, 21, August 3, 4
New Manager/Supervisor October 4, 5, 6
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
Getting Old
An elderly gentleman had serious hearing problems for a number of years.
He went to the doctor and the doctor was able to have him fitted for a set of hearing aids that allowed the gentleman to hear 100%. The elderly gentleman went back in a month to the doctor and the doctor said, "Your hearing is perfect. Your family must be really pleased that you
can hear again." The gentleman replied, "Oh, I haven't told my family yet. I just sit around and listen to the conversations. I've changed my will three
times!"
The Team at Printing Industries Association of Australia
18-20 Queens Avenue
Hawthorn Vic 3122
Ph 03 9291 5333
Fx 03 9819 6292
michelle@printnet.com.au
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