AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT RISKS LOCAL BOOK PRINTER INDUSTRY

27 June, ADELAIDE: The viability of Australian book printers is under threat as uncertainty mounts over the immediate and long-term impact of government proposals to lift international book publishing standards enjoyed by the US and the UK.
 
“There is a very real possibility the whole local publishing and print industry could disintegrate, warned Ben Jolly, CEO of Australia’s largest trade book printer, Adelaide’s Griffin Press.
 
With Australians choosing to read 80% of their books off the printed page rather than in digital versions, book printers are a vital part of the $2b local book industry ecosystem.
 
Australian book printers have embraced digital disruption with significant investments in new technology to remain competitive and deliver fast turnarounds demanded by the local book market.
 
“Innovations in Australian digital print technology and supply methods means we are looking to on-shore as much book production as possible,” said HarperCollins Australian Publishing Operations Director, Robyn Fritchley who is in Adelaide today to meet with Griffin Press.
 
“The government’s plan to repeal parallel importation rules (PIRs) would reverse that trend because print runs would become smaller and less economical forcing us back to overseas supply,' she warned.
 
Jolly said, “What is frustrating about the uncertainty that lies ahead is there is no real evidence consumers will pay lower prices for their books nor will availability improve if PIRs are removed.  But there is a very real possibility the whole local publishing and print industry could disintegrate.”
 
Griffin Press has 105 direct employees and engages with many other local companies that would also be impacted by changes to the publishing scene.
 
“These include Adelaide’s carton (box) makers, cover embellishment and sheetfed printers, plus local digital and conventional printing support engineers. The changes would also impact on paper manufacturers in Tasmania,” said Jolly.
 
MEDIA CALL: 11am – 12noon, Matilda Bookshop, 8 Mt. Barker Rd, Stirling
 
BEN JOLLY and ROBYN FRITCHLEY join bestselling authors including PETER GOLDSWORTHY AM, FIONA MCINTOSH, FIONA MCCALLUM; children’s book illustrators including MANDY FOOT; JOEL BECKER, CEO Australian Booksellers Association; LOUIS ADLER, President, Australian Publishers Association and others at Nick Xenophon’s media call on the issues.
 
For interviews, more information and images please contact:
Emma Rusher, House of Rusher
T 0423 213 626 / (07) 3036 2024 | E emma@houseofrusher.com