28 October 2005

Issue 42 – 2005

1.         CPI for September Quarter

The September quarter CPI data was released this week.  A summary follows:

• Inflation increased by 0.9 per cent during the September quarter and by 3.0 per cent for the year to September
• The increase was below economists’ expectations of 3.2 per cent due to the new weighting pattern which lessened the weighting given to oil products and introduced financial services which made a negative contribution to inflation during the quarter.
• Inflation is now at the highest point of the target range set by the RBA
• External factors (oil prices) are driving inflation up
• If oil factor is removed the quarterly change would only have been 0.5 per cent
• Core inflation is running at 2.4 per cent a year (up by 0.6 per cent in September)
• Annual inflation in Perth is running at 4.1 per cent; followed by Hobart at 3.5 per cent.  Other states – Melbourne 3.1 per cent; Adelaide 3.0 per cent; Sydney 2.9 per cent; Canberra 2.9 per cent; Brisbane 2.8 per cent and Darwin 2.8 per cent.

For further information go to Printnet

2.         Aussies Avid Online Shoppers

Australians are among the world’s most avid online shoppers, according to the latest international research from ACNielsen.  Of Australian internet users, 87% said they had made a purchase online, compared with the global average of 77%.  The most popular purchases were airline tickets, with credit cards the preferred payment method and Visa was the preferred credit card for more online shoppers.  Director of customised research, AC Nielsen Australia, Richard Sandlant said Australians have become increasingly comfortable with online purchasing.  “We’ve noticed higher than usual growth in activity in Australia within the past six months, mostly due to the increasing number of consumers with access to broadband and wireless services from home,” he said.  Australia ranked among the top 15 countries around the world for online purchases according to the twice annual Online Consumer Opinion Survey which polls 20,000 people in 38 countries.        
B&T Online

3.         Student seeks Printing or Prepress Apprenticeship

A year 12 student from Greensborough has contacted us regarding seeking an apprenticeship in either Printing or Prepress.  He has had some industry experience working over holiday breaks and has some skills graphic design packages.   He has a car and his licence and his father works within the industry.  If you have a position available please contact Michelle Eeles 

4.         RMIT Graduates Seeking Work

Over the next couple of weeks a number of students will be completing their studies at ICGT, the International Centre for Graphic Technology at RMIT, Brunswick Campus.  The students have undertaken a two year programme and have developed skills in QuarkXpress, InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator.  In addition, they have good knowledge of colour, plus are familiar with Web and Brochure Design, as well as various components of Multimedia.  Students would be interested in casual, part-time and full-time work.  If you have a vacancy, please contact Fay Mitchell at ICGT and she will notify the students.

5.         Outdoor Continues Double-Digit Growth

Outdoor advertising has continued its double-digit growth to become the fastest growing traditional advertising category this year, the Outdoor Media Association has claimed.  The OMA, the industry body for outdoor advertisers, said revenue from September year-to-date had increased 10 per cent to $245m compared to the same period last year.  Street furniture generated the largest share of revenue with 35% ($86m) followed by large format with 34% ($85m), transit 23% ($56m) and posters 8% ($19m) . Chair of the Outdoor Marketing Group and CEO of Adshel Street Furniture, Steve McCarthy, said the figures represented “another really strong result and follows-on from what was a record year in 2004. As far as campaign advertising goes, based on these results Outdoor would have to be the fastest growing media sector”.

B&T Online

6.         Wage Survey

Members should have received the current Wage Survey.  The survey covers most industry positions, including administrative and sales.   Please complete and return the survey to our office.  If you would like another copy of the survey emailed to you please contact Elaine Brodie.  A reminder that only companies participating in the survey are entitled to receive the final report.  If you have a query completing the survey, please contact Jim Hargrave.

7.         Superannuation Guarantee

Employers are reminded that September quarter superannuation guarantee contributions must be made to a complying super fund or retirement savings account by today, Friday 28 October 2005.   Acting Tax Commissioner Michael D’Ascenzo said “Even if you contribute more frequently than quarterly, you must pay all superannuation guarantee contributions for the September quarter on or by the due date.  Employers who do not meet the deadline must lodge a superannuation guarantee quarterly statement and pay the superannuation guarantee charge to the Tax Office.   Remember, if an eligible employee made a valid choice of superannuation fund more than two months ago, their superannuation guarantee contributions must be made to this chosen fund,” he said.  Employers unsure how to meet superannuation guarantee obligations, should contact the Tax Office on 13 10 20 or PrintSuper on 1800 640 886.

8.         Young Printing Industry Professionals needed to showcase industry to students

Do you have anyone on your staff that you would like to nominate to be an ambassador for our industry?  As you will be aware, manufacturing industries in Australia are finding it difficult to attract young talented staff because of the perceived “no future” for manufacturing in Australia.  To help address this problem, the Victorian Office of Manufacturing is developing a program where young people currently working in manufacturing present to Year 9 and 10 students at school about their career experience so far and what their thoughts are for the future. All up, it will be 3-4 days over a 12 month period. If you have someone you would like to nominate, please contact Michelle for details. 

9.         OH&S Refresher Training

One of the requirements in the new Victorian OH&S Act 2004 is for employers to allow representatives to attend a Refresher course of 1-day (approved by WorkCover) at least once in each year, after completing the initial 5 day course.  Employers who refuse their H&S representatives and deputies to attend such a course are liable to a fine not exceeding $6,000 (natural person – ie. manager) and $30,000 (body corporate).   Printing Industries will conduct a Refresher course on 31 January. 

12.        Training Courses

Lean Manufacturing:  Key performance indicators - Visual Factory Management       Nov 16 between 4 and 6 pm

OH&S 5 Day Worksafe Approved Course                                                              November 15, 22, 29, December 6, 13

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. 

13.        What’s On

To find out What’s on in the world of print go to What’s On.

And Finally

Experience is a wonderful thing.  It enables you to recognise a mistake when you make it again.

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

www.printnet.com.au

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