Book industry
The book industry comprises several independent but related sectors – authors, agents, publishers, printers and booksellers. Together these sectors play their part in writing, manufacturing, promoting and selling books in Australia. However in recent times the traditional notion of what constitutes a book has changed. Digital books (ebooks) are becoming an increasingly popular option for consumers and this, combined with a growing trend toward online shopping, is transforming the market, requiring the Australian industry to adapt.
To help the book industry meet the challenges of this evolving marketplace, the Australian Government established the Book Industry Strategy Group which proposed a number of industry-led reforms, including the need for continued industry cooperation through a Book Industry Collaborative Council which will be tasked with progressing the suite of reforms.
Printing industry
The Australian Government announced the establishment of a working group for the printing industry and tasked it with addressing immediate concerns and maintaining an ongoing dialogue on matters of mutual interest with the ultimate goal of securing the future of the industry in April 2008. The Printing Industry Working Group (PIWG) was formed drawing its membership from the various sectors of the industry and first met in October 2008.
The PIWG is developing projects that will assist the industry to meet the challenges of the current business environment. The PIWG work is currently focused on establishing the environmental credentials of print, identifying the workforce skills needs and developing a strategic vision for the future of the industry.
The PIWG consists of key members of the printing industry across Australia and is currently seeking broader supply chain engagement to ensure better coverage of issues and solutions to the challenges facing the industry. The members of the working group are not ministerial appointments and offer their service through in-kind support.
If you would like to know more about the Printing Industry Working Group, please contact the PIWG secretariat on piwg@innovation.gov.au.