The Boards of Printing Industries and GASAA have agreed to explore an amalgamation of the two organisations.

They have signed a Heads of Agreement that outlines the key elements that will be required if an amalgamation is to proceed.

Following consultation with members a Scheme for Amalgamation will be prepared for the endorsement by each Board and lodgement with Fair Work Australia. A vote of members will be required to formalise the arrangement once it is signed off by Fair Work Australia.

Both organisations have agreed to work in a timely manner to progress this matter and it is expected that the process will be finalised towards the end of 2012. Printing Industries National President Susan Heaney, said the printing and graphic communication industry was undergoing significant change as it adjusted to the challenges of a multi-channel communication world and the impact of new technology”.

“There is a view that many of the traditional boundaries that have defined the ‘turf’ of industry organisations are no longer relevant,” she said. “This is supported by a growing desire for a single voice to represent the interests of the industry, an industry that is at a cross roads where print markets have and will continue to change dramatically.

“Communication has become personalised, faster and individualised, changing the value chain with new emphasis on digital, design, innovation and marketing oriented services. "We must all strive for relevance, the new currency that can either buy success or consign a business to failure.”

GASAA President Theo Pettaras said print has an important role in the new environment, but the industry needed to change what and how it does things to remain relevant.

“There is a need for the industry to reposition itself to ensure that the value of print continues to be appreciated by the broader community,”he said.
“It is widely acknowledged that the organisations representing the industry need to understand the changes and challenges occurring and be able to help members address these and reap the benefits of new circumstances.

“These changes have seen the creation of many new businesses that should see value in the new and united organisation”. “I believe the proposed new arrangement will allow member services to be enhanced by the pooling of the very considerable human and financial resources of both bodies.” Mr Pettaras said the proposal would allow the GASAA Board to be reconstituted as a Section within the new organisation with a particular brief to address the needs of digital print and cross media communications and engagement with creative service providers.

The amalgamation will be overseen by a joint Steering Group, with long time GASAA Executive Officer, Garry Knespal, continuing to manage the new ‘GASAA’ section in the amalgamated body.

Consultation with members on the proposal has commenced.