Issue 6 – 2006
1. Capital Expenditure Surges 36.2%
The printing industry's appetite for investing in the latest technology has been confirmed by new figures released earlier this week by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). This latest release further validates Printing Industries’ projections for bumper investment by the industry during 2005-2006. The ABS December 2005 quarter data shows that during calendar year 2005 the printing industry spent $749 million on plant and equipment - a rise of 36.2 per cent over the previous period. To read more go to Printnet
2. Printing Industry Moves on Award Duplication
Printing Industries has made a submission to the Award Review Taskforce supporting in principle the move to rationalise awards and classification structures to eliminate duplication from existing state and federal awards. The Taskforce was established by the Federal Government to examine and report to the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations on award rationalisation and rationalisation of award wage and classification structures. To read more go to Printnet
3. Banksia Environmental Awards Open
The Banksia Awards recognise and reward individuals, community groups, businesses and government organisations for leadership and excellence in protecting Australia’s environment. The Awards represent a powerful means of motivating those who do well to continue to do so, and inspire others to follow. In 2006, we all need to closely examine how our actions impact on climate change and recognise that to make that effort sustainable we need to create a climate for change. The Banksia Awards aim to contribute to that process of increasing awareness to help create that climate for change. If you would like to consider entering the Banksia Awards, go to Banksia Awards. If you need assistance with applying for these awards, please contact Michelle Eeles.
4. December Quarter Activity Statements
Remember that the deadline for their December quarter activity statements and any payment owing is Tuesday 28 February 2006. The Tax Office advises that anyone concerned they may not be able to meet the 28 February deadline should contact the Tax Office as soon as possible on 13 28 66 between 8am and 6pm weekdays.
5. Fringe Benefits Tax Help
The Australian National Audit Office in conjunction with the Australian Tax Office has produced a Better Practice Guide for Fringe Benefits Tax. The Guide outlines a number of better practices for the administration of FBT and provides practical guidance on managing a range of benefits commonly provided to employees. The guide covers benefits including motor vehicles, entertainment, expenses, car parking, housing, relocation and loans. If you would like a copy of the Guide, please contact Elaine Brodie.
6. Business Development Position
Printing Industries Vic/Tas is currently recruiting an experienced sales person to grow both our membership base and revenue from products and services. Ideally the candidate will have some knowledge of the industry, but most importantly will be comfortable and capable selling to owners and managers of medium sized companies. The successful candidate will have excellent negotiation and communication skills, a team focus and a sound track record in sales. Applications should be forwarded to Tony Duncan.
7. Whittlesea Student
A graduate from Whittlesea Secondary College who has successfully completed Year 12 VCE has sent us her resume. She was the school and house captain. She is seeking an apprenticeship and has done some vacation work in the label sector. If you would like a copy of her resume, please contact Michelle Eeles.
8. Superannuation – How Much Money will you need in Retirement
The cost of a comfortable retirement continues to increase. Recent data from the Association of Superfunds of Australia and Westpac reveals that the cost of a comfortable retirement for a retired couple has risen by $1,000 to $46,192 pa. If you save a little more in superannuation then retirement can be so much more enjoyable and less stressful. Contact Brian Towers from Print Super want further information about increasing your superannuation.
9. What’s On
To find out What’s on in the world of print go to What’s On
And Finally
At a computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry and stated, "If GM had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25.00 cars that got 1,000 miles to the gallon."
In response to Bill's comments, General Motors issued a 10 point press release stating:
If GM had developed technology like Microsoft, we would all be driving cars with the following characteristics:
1. For no reason whatsoever, your car would crash twice a day.
2. Every time they repainted the lines in the road, you would have to buy a new car.
3. Occasionally your car would die on the freeway for no reason. You would have to pull to the side of the road, close all of the windows, shut off the car, restart it, and reopen the windows before you could continue, and you would simply accept this.
4. Occasionally, executing a simple manoeuvre such as a left turn would cause your car to shut down and refuse to restart, in which case you would have to reinstall the engine.
5. Macintosh would make a car that was powered by the sun, was reliable, five times as fast and twice as easy to drive - but would run on only five percent of the roads.
6. The oil, water temperature and alternator warning lights would all be replaced by a single "This Car Has Performed an Illegal Operation" warning light.
7. The airbag system would ask "Are you sure?" before deploying.
8. Occasionally, for no reason whatsoever, your car would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key and grabbed hold of the radio antenna.
9. Every time a new car was introduced car buyers would have to learn how to drive all over again because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as the old car.
10. You'd have to press the "Start" button to turn the engine off.
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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