Printing Industries is launching a bold strategic management training program, Focus on China, to help Australian printing industry companies position themselves to deal with the harsh realities of Asian competition. The program will guide companies to develop and execute practical strategies that minimise risk, and identify opportunities in the face of low cost Chinese print product imports. To read more

On Monday, September 25 at 4.30 pm Hagop Tchamkertenian, our National Policy and Research Manager, will deliver a comprehensive overview of Australian economic and printing industry conditions. This will be at our new - office 5-7 Compark Circuit, Mulgrave. Included will be Economic growth, Sectoral economic growth rates, Key drivers of economic growth, Inflation, Labour costs, Corporate profits, Capital expenditure, Import penetration. It will also include a comparison of key International economic indicators. Printing industry economic conditions such as Sales Pre-tax profits, Capital expenditure actual outcomes/intentions, Imports of machinery, Imports and exports of printed matter will be examined in detail. To book your place click here.

In an event shrouded with peace, love and a nostalgia it was appropriate that the Platinum PICA for Print Awarded at the Tasmanian PICA awards was won - along with many other awards - by Flying Colours. The awards were presented in the Tasman Room of Wrest Point Casino during a 1960's themed event with the catch cry "turn-on, tune-in, drop-out" setting the scene. The major platinum winners were: Heidelberg Platinum PICA for outstanding overall entry for Print - Flying Colours; Spicers Paper Platinum PICA for outstanding overall entry for Design - Leigh Carmichael Design and AGFA platinum PICA for most innovative use of imaging in Print - Linda Warner. To read more.

The wage price index increased by 1.1 percent in the June quarter, to be up 4.1 percent for the year. This is up slightly from the 4.0% increase for the year to the March quarter. The yearly increase had been steady at 4.0% for the last four quarters. The private sector increase was 4.0% and the public sector was 4.4%. The industries recording the largest increase for the year were Electricity, gas and water (6.9%), Mining (5.9%) and Construction (5.5%). Strong demand for skilled labour appears to be continuing with employers reporting increases are being paid to retain employees and match market rates.

The LIA and ICGT invite you and your colleagues to an evening at the International Centre of Graphic Technology facilities at Brunswick. You will be able to tour the facilities on Wednesday 13 September from 7pm and gain an insight into the new programs being offered and see some of the most advanced digital printing and finishing technology available. The main focus will be on fully automated technologies recently installed into the Finishing and Pressrooms. The Digital printing areas, Synapse and Colour Management areas will also be open. More info and Registration.