Print groups canvas merger

Printing Industries Association of Australia

PRINT industry bodies in Australia could merge by the end of the year to provide better service to their sector.

The Printing Industries Association of Australia and the Graphic Arts Services Association of Australia are consulting with members to prepare a scheme for amalgamation.

For the merger to proceed, the scheme would need to be endorsed by the boards of both groups and lodged with Fair Work Australia before members vote for final sign-off.

PIAA’s newly-appointed chief executive, Bill Healey, said a merged trade body would benefit from GASAA’s expertise in the digital printing and creative space.

“We believe that we will have a better value proposition not only for the traditional members of the PIAA and GASAA, but it will also give us the platform to move into the graphic and design-focused areas,” he told News Now.

Mr Healey said he joined the PIAA last year with “an open mind”.

“One of the first things I heard, going around talking to members, was that there were too many groups,” he said.

“The second thing I heard was that in our sector, there is a broad range of activities that don’t necessarily fit into the traditional print model and that there were many people we could represent if we broadened what we offer.”

The proposed consolidation would follow the amalgamation of four newspaper industry groups under The Newspaper Works.

GASAA would become a division of the peak body, with executive officer Garry Knespal expected to stay on.

The two bodies have already collaborated on some projects, with the PIAA supporting a GASAA road show last month to promote contingency planning.