The Print and Visual Communication Association, which represents print businesses in Australia, has made representations to the federal government for print and packaging operations to be deemed essential due to its vital role in the supply chain. Many printers have been hit hard by shutdowns across the tourism and hospitality sectors, while on the flipside others that provide labels and packaging for pharmaecutical companies, lanyards and ID tags for essential service front line workers or signage to promote social distancing measures plus others are receiving work. The federal government has released a raft of support measures to help small business through this current crisis with more likely to follow. The printing industry is pushing to be classified as an essential service if further government COVID-19 shutdowns kick in but should a printer make the tough commercial decision to wind down it will not hinder their ability to receive government support for themselves or their staff.