We want red tape reduced, we want the tax system simplified, we want to make it easier to employ and retain people, and we want infrastructure built. The broad print and communications industry employs as many people in the supply chain as the car industry, so we have every right to be at the table as most manufacturing and service industries. Whoever comes to power has to clip the wings of Australia Post, and put in place some effective means of preventing it from severely disadvantaging direct mail as an alternative communication channel.

Bill Healey, chief executive, Printing Industries Association of Australia

We need a procurement policy [on stationery products], so that local manufacturing gets preference. We would like to see government factor in the cost of unemployment if contracts are lost to overseas companies. We need an Industry Council to assess the needs of industry and skills needs. We need legislation on offshoring. We are fighting a move by Sensis to move production of Yellow Pages ads to India. The AMWU believes there should be penalties for Australian companies moving work offshore in a bald attempt at short-term cost savings.

Lorraine Cassin, national print division secretary, AMWU

I believe our biggest direction should be to right the myth that we are environmental thugs. We actually create a natural product that can be kept forever without any further effect on the environment. If we could get some financial aid or grants from an incoming government, I believe our number one priority would be to run a campaign of industry advertisements to educate the community that printing is a natural, sustainable and beneficial industry that employs many people. We are attempting to increase job opportunities, not reduce them like our online opposition.

Adrian Blessington, owner, Green & Gold Printing

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