Page 61 - Print21 May-June 2020

Association News
Corona support
Communication Association, discusses the impact Iof the Covid-19 and the response of the association.
Buy Australia
The directors of PVCA have been active during this time, supporting our industry directly. State- based directors have been the point of contact for many industry members, providing a conduit of information both ways, ensuring that PVCA has timely involvement in emerging industry issues.
One of the issues that
has emerged is the need for government to support Buy Australia at this time. With the shutdown of China in January and February, a large volume
of Australian federal, state, local, and SOE government printing came back on shore temporarily, and then went offshore again when Chinese production came back on line. This is Australian taxpayer money, part of standard government procurement, that should be spent in Australia
to stimulate the Australian economy at this time.
It is timely for industry
to have a discussion with government about the veracity, or otherwise, of the free
trade claim. Government procurement of overseas print is predicated on the fallacious argument that it is free trade, and that there is a level playing field. PVCA and Australian print business representatives have attended Belt & Road presentations by the Chinese government, and are fully aware that the CCP government supports the export of print (and other manufacturing) through assistance to its industry on land, labour and energy. Australian printers compete effectively in this subsidised market despite Australian government (federal and state) policies that add operational costs on energy, labour, sustainability, yet the Australian government then chooses to buy in markets
that do not carry these cost overheads.
It is time that Australian government procurement backed Australians by backing Australian SMEs.
Australian print and packaging manufacturers are
agile, efficient and innovative. They provide long term, highly paid employment in every community in our country. The manufacturing capacity and skills of Australian printers and packagers allowed Australia
to swiftly fill the shortfall
in medical masks, PPE, and respirators that existed here at the beginning of the pandemic, as some SME operators in
our membership re-tooled
and stepped into this space. Manufacturing capacity in Australia has been a critical factor in Australian success in dealing with the pandemic.
Awards
Celebrating print and packaging normally occurs through this part of the year, with the exuberant cycle
of PICA events leading into the National Print Awards, followed by Print2Parliament! The social distancing rules, and lockdowns have caused the cancellation of the PICA events this year, and most likely also the physical National Print Awards. We expect Print2Parliament! to proceed as scheduled, if social distancing restrictions are lifted on the schedule now forecast.
Despite social distancing, the judging for the PICAs has gone ahead. Wonderful examples
of print and packaging were submitted from across Australia. Virtual awards presentations are taking place, so that participants can use the awards to promote their creativity and productive excellence to market, despite the lockdowns. Industry celebrations will occur in each state, when the lockdowns are lifted.
On a closing note, isolation combined with uncertainty can be draining on all of us. We should all look out for our friends, colleagues, neighbours and family for signs of anxiety or stress, and be there to support, lend an ear, or point them to one of the many counselling services that
are available. PVCA can refer you, or your staff to these services. RUOK? is a good thing to be asking your contacts at this time.
Call me directly at any time. 21 Print21 MAY/JUNE 2020 61
Andrew Macaulay, CEO of the Print and Visual
n a few short weeks
the commercial world changed for all printers. The Covid-19 pandemic has focused all businesses
on survival. PVCA has been at the centre of discussions with government to ensure that
the interest of SME print and packaging owners and staff are heard, and that the stimulus packages are beneficial. There is much ongoing work to be done in this area, as the recovery will take months, if not years.
The ‘voice of our industry’ role that PVCA plays to government and policy makers has never been more important. Your voice has been at the table as
the national cabinet formulates its response to the pandemic, and your voice is sought by policy makers as they fine tune stimulus packages, industrial relations reform, tax reform, and energy policy as part of Australia’s path to recovery.
PVCA has held daily webinars for all in our industry since Covid-19 hit. These webinars have been presented by subject- matter experts who have been guiding decision-making in
our industry.
The webinars will continue
as long as there is demand, and subjects will evolve as our market evolves and the print and packaging sector requires additional information. PVCA webinars are free to attend for all industry, simply register via info@pvca.org.au.
HR hotline
The PVCA HR services hotline, a core benefit of membership of your industry association, has seen a threefold increase in calls over the recent period. The HR/IR team have been central to the PVCA webinar programme, and have guided thousands of decisions wisely, efficiently, compassionately and discreetly over this period.
“It is time that Australian government procurement backed Australians, by backing Australian SMEs.”
We encourage all industry to take up this service, to ensure that you are getting the best advice available, in a timely manner. This protects you, and your business. Email anytime at hrhotline@pvca.org.au or call 1800 835 167 during business hours. PVCA, voice of our industry, is there to back you.
Legal services
We launched an exciting new service for members in February. Serendipitously as it turns out, given the current circumstances. The PVCA Legal Services team is available to assist members on any legal matter, commercial, property or personal. The
team have presented a series of webinars to industry. Generous introductory services have been offered, and there has been significant take-up on lease review and re-negotiation,
on insurance review, and
on estate planning. Email PVCAlegalservices@ptwlaw. com.au to avail yourself of this service focused specifically on our industry.