The Hub of Responsible Business Practice in Australia

all news >News

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:39:59
Source: SJEC, jacquie

The Australian National Contact Point

What are the guidelines?

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (the Guidelines) provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business conduct in areas such as:

Human rights
Employment and industrial relations
Environment
Combating bribery, bribe solicitation and extortion
Consumer interests
Science and technology
Competition
Taxation

The Guidelines aim to develop a sustainable approach to business conduct and to promote mutual confidence between multinational enterprises and the communities in which they operate.

First Australian GRI Conference

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:30:02
Source: SJEC, jacquie

The Global Reporting Initiative Focal Point Australia’s inaugural Conference The Australian GRI Conference on Sustainability and Integrated Reporting to be held on March 26-28 2012 has been discussed in CPA Australia’s publication In the Black.

Read the article

More Information about the Conference

Sustainability leader appointed Chairman of the Global Reporting Initiative

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 11:13:07
Source: SJEC, jacquie

Sustainability leader and Worldconnector Herman Mulder has been appointed Chairman of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)’s Board of Directors.

Herman Mulder is a member of the board of the Dutch National Contact Point (NCP) of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Mulder is a former senior executive vice-president at ABN AMRO, and is now an independent board member with a focus on sustainable development issues.

New Board Members Appointed:

Herman Mulder as Chairman
Anita Normark as Vice-Chairman
Denise Esdon as a member of the Audit, Finance and Remuneration Committee

Read the press release

New database unlocks a wealth of sustainability information

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:36:07
Source: SJEC, jacquie

A wealth of sustainability data, hard to find in thousands of reports, will now be unlocked thanks to a new database launched by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The new Sustainability Disclosure Database includes data on the sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) transparency of over three thousand companies worldwide.

The database was built with the support of KPMG Spain and its software provider Baetica. A global team of 22 GRI Data Partners collect information from companies in their region, populating the Sustainability Disclosure Database with information.

For more information please click here

The database can be accessed here

Global Compact Network Australia corporate website officially launched

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:38:32
Source: SJEC, jacquie

The Global Compact Network Australia (GCNA) is delighted to announce that they have launched their new corporate website. The website was officially launched on Friday 14 October 2011 – please take a look here

Ethical Intelligence & Good Decision Making Workshop November 30

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 9:59:53
Source: SJEC, jacquie

This thought provoking and practical St James Ethics Centre Sydney one day ethics workshop provides an accessible concept of what ethics is, gives a clear statement of the very different views of what makes something ethical and provides a transparent process for making, or assisting others to make, ethical decisions. Registration details here.

Have your say – The first Public Comment Period for GRI's G4 Guidelines is now open!

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:24:45
Source: SJEC, jacquie

The first G4 Public Comment Period is an online survey. It runs for 90 days and closes on 24 November 2011.

The survey seeks crucial feedback on issues like:

the principal reasons for sustainability reporting
report formats
the minimum content of a GRI sustainability report
report topics – including your views on the proposals from the public ‘Call for sustainability reporting topics’ in May
general experiences with sustainability reporting

Want to take part?
Visit GRI's G4 webpage to learn more

GRI Chief Executive’s visit to Australia

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:11:19
Source: SJEC, jacquie

Pictured: Lena Geraghty, Network Manager, GRI Focal Point Australia & Ernst Ligteringen, Chief Executive, GRI Secretariat

The GRI Focal Point Australia was delighted to have Ernst Ligteringen GRI Chief Executive in Australia last week. He was here as a keynote for the 12^th National Business Leaders Forum on Sustainable Development. During his time in Sydney, the Chief Executive provided a strategic briefing at the GRI event ‘How to leap towards a transparent global economy’ to over 100 participants. He also had the opportunity to meet with key government ministers and business leaders.

To read the summary for the event he delivered, click here

St James Ethics Centre’s “Responsible Business Practice in Australia” report tabled at 12th National Business Leaders Forum on Sustainable Development

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:22:41
Source: SJEC, jacquie

Canberra 16 June 2011 – St James Ethics Centre’s “Responsible Business Practice in Australia” report to the Australian Government was formally launched today at the 12th National Business Leaders Forum on Sustainable Development at Parliament House in Canberra. The report was presented by St James Ethics Centre’s Executive Director, Dr. Simon Longstaff, and welcomed by the Hon Bill Shorten MP, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation.

Read the Media Release

Read the Full Report

Read the Executive Summary

Gillard Government Supports Responsible Corporate Reporting

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:04:06
Source: SJEC, jacquie

The Gillard Government is supporting responsible corporate reporting in Australia by providing $400,000 in funding over the next two years to the Global Reporting Initiative Focal Point Australia, said Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, David Bradbury.

The Focal Point is the product of a 2008 agreement between the Global Reporting Initiative and Australian hosts the St James Ethics Centre. The Focal Point promotes world's best practice reporting of environmental, social and governance issues by Australian corporations.

This funding builds on the $2.59 million the Federal Government has already provided to the St James Ethics Centre and the Focal Point.

"The Gillard Government values the work of the Focal Point in encouraging Australian companies to demonstrate good corporate citizenship and responsible business practices," said Mr Bradbury.

"Corporate social responsibility can make a significant contribution to the long-term profitability of companies.

"Australian companies are increasingly reflecting the demand from investors and the broader community for more information about how they respond to issues of environmental and social responsibility by including this information in their reporting to markets.

"The Focal Point provides Australian companies with important resources and support services to promote the development of integrated reporting.

"Australia has a good reputation as a country that promotes corporate social responsibility, and the Gillard Government is proud to be supporting initiatives that will continue to help companies to improve their business practices."

15 June 2011

Good Business Register featured in INTHEBLACK June 2011, CPA Australia

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 9:56:18
Source: SJEC, jacquie

Read about the Good Business Register as featured in CPA Australia's flagship publication, INTHEBLACK June 2011.

To view the Good Business Register article, please click here

To view INTHEBLACK online, please click here

INVITATION: How to leap towards a transparent global economy?

Fri, 27 May 2011 12:36:08
Source: SJEC, jacquie

Date: Tuesday 14th June 2011, 3.00-4.15pm
Venue: Stockland, Sydney NSW 2000

Global Reporting Initiative's Focal Point Australia is delighted to invite you to this briefing with the Chief Executive of GRI, Ernst Ligteringen. This session will be followed by an exclusive networking event for Australian Organizational Stakeholders to meet with the Chief Executive who will be in Australia to present at the 12th National Business Leaders Forum on Sustainable Development.

For more information please click here
RSVP: To register please click here

Further Information: Lena Geraghty, Network Manager, GRI Focal Point Australia on: 02 9909 5777 or Geraghty@globalreporting.org

For making this event possible, GRI would like to thank Stockland

Inaugural UN Global Compact Week Joins Practitioners to Elevate Sustainability Efforts Across the Initiative

Tue, 24 May 2011 7:17:17
Source: SJEC, Rosemary Sainty

(Copenhagen, 17 May 2011) – Global Compact Network Australia's Head, Secretariat, Rosemary Sainty joined the first-ever gathering of its kind, UN Global Compact Week convening practitioners and experts engaged in the world’s largest corporate responsibility initiative, to present on the Network's initiatives and achievements. The week's aim: to improve collaboration and strengthen business commitments to sustainability and the broader UN agenda.

Invitation from St James Ethics Centre to the popular Intelligence Squared Australia debate series

Tue, 10 May 2011 9:39:39
Source: SJEC, jacquie

IQ² occupies a unique position in Australia’s social and intellectual landscape. It is the only institution in town - aside from Parliament - to provide a forum for debate on the crucial issues of the day.

But unlike Parliament, its debates are consistently exciting, witty, provocative - and comfortable, held as they are at the City Recital Hall Angel Place in Sydney and the Melbourne Town Hall in Melbourne. Best of all, you are invited to watch the live debates and even participate.

The attached invitation is from Dr Simon Longstaff, Executive Director, St James Ethics Centre; Chair, Intelligence Squared Australia Debates and Board Member, Global Reporting Initiative.

For more information, please click here

IQ2 RBP Invitation

Human Rights Working Group for Business Builds Momentum

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 23:36:02
Source: SJEC, Rosemary Sainty

April 2011, Sydney, Australia – The Global Compact Network Australia (GCNA) has held the second meeting of its Human Rights Working Group for Business.

Attorney-General Robert McClelland welcomed this excellent initiative: "The protection of human rights is the responsibility of all Australians, including those in the business community. Ongoing discussions about how best to meet human rights obligations in the business sphere are an important part of advancing respect for human rights generally."

Read the media release

12th National Business Leaders Forum on Sustainable Development

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 13:20:19
Source: SJEC, jacquie

We are delighted to invite you to attend the 12th National Business Leaders Forum on Sustainable Development, to be held at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Thursday 16th and Friday 17th June 2011.

The Forum has a distinguished track record for leadership in sustainable business since 1997. It has created a vibrant platform to profile exceptional business leadership and has created a network of excellence and innovation for sustainable development in business. The Forum provides corporate executives with the opportunity to engage with leaders from business, government, science and academe about important emerging sustainability opportunities and how companies can benefit from these innovative business practices.

View the draft program

View the NBLF Invitation

To learn more and to register your attendance, please go to www.nblf.com.au

Autumn Issue of the Hub Eflier now available

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 12:37:18
Source: SJEC, jacquie

Read about the latest activities and upcoming events of the Responsible Business Practice Project including the UN Global Compact, Global Reporting Initiative and Good Business Register. Read more here.

WA Welcomes the UN Global Compact Network Australia

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:37:24
Source: SJEC, Rosemary Sainty

Wednesday 23 February, 2011 - an outstanding turn-out and successful evening for the Global Compact Network Australia hosted by Western Power was held in Perth. Read more here.

Global Compact Network Australia launches Business and Human Rights Working Group

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 11:46:55
Source: SJEC, Rosemary Sainty

The Global Compact Network Australia, together with the support of the Australian Human Rights Commission, the Reverend Tim Costello of World Vision Australia, the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, the investment community and some of Australia’s most prominent corporations, launched Australia’s first Human Rights Working Group for Business in Melbourne on Human Rights Day, December 10. Read more here.

The Hub Newsletter November 2010 (Summer Edition)

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 11:01:44
Source: SJEC, jacquie

Read the Summer Edition of the Hub Newsletter

GRI discussed by The Honourable David Bradbury MP in Keynote Address

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 12:18:06
Source: SJEC, jacquie

The Global Reporting Initiative was discussed by The Honourable David Bradbury MP in the Opening Keynote Address to the Australasian Investor Relations Association Conference 2010.

For further information, please click here.

GRI's Who'd Trust the Modern Corporation - summary released

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:09:55
Source: SJEC, Victoria

GRI Focal Point Australia was delighted to host Who'd Trust the Modern Corporation? on 19th October at Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art. The event attracted over 230 business, civil society and government leaders to engage in a Q&A style debate on corporate trust, transparency and accountability.

Click here to learn more about this event

Who'd Trust the Modern Corporation summary

Key Findings from the Annual Good Business Register Survey are in!

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:28:20
Source: SJEC, jacquie

For further information on the survey, please click here.

Chair UN Global Compact Foundation addresses Australian business leaders on corporate sustainability leadership.

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 1:11:17
Source: SJEC, Rosemary Sainty

At an event hosted by ANZ for the Australian Network of the United Nations Global Compact, Sir Mark Moody-Stuart, the former global Chair of Shell and Anglo-American and current Chair of the Foundation for the Global Compact, claimed that corporate sustainability leadership today calls for a sophisticated and comprehensive approach.

Global Compact Introduces Differentiation Framework

Sun, 07 Nov 2010 13:42:05
Source: SJEC, Rosemary Sainty

The UN Global Compact has launched the Global Compact Differentiation Framework, a practical roadmap to help all companies improve sustainability performance and disclosure and features basic, intermediate and advanced performance levels. Read more here.

GRI and A4S Formation of the International Integrated Reporting Committee (IIRC)

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 13:29:27
Source: SJEC, Victoria

On 2 August 2010 The Prince’s Accounting for Sustainability Project (A4S) and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) announced the formation of the International Integrated Reporting Committee (IIRC).

The principal objective of the IIRC is to create a globally accepted framework for integrated reporting. Such a framework will seek to bring together financial, environmental, social and governance information in a clear, concise, consistent and comparable format.

60% Upsurge in GRI reports in 2010

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 13:20:27
Source: SJEC, Victoria

GRI is pleased to announce that the 1,000 report milestone for 2010 was hit in mid-October and the numbers are still climbing. This represents a 60 percent increase in registered reports from the same time last year! This unprecedented hike in the number of GRI reports not only sheds a positive light on the uptake of GRI reporting generally, but also on the hard-work of the GRI data-partners and reporters who have registered their 2010 reports with the GRI Secretariat.

Read more here

Next Generation of GRI Guidelines on the Horizon

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 13:19:21
Source: SJEC, Victoria

The GRI Board of Directors made an important decision in October: GRI will start working on a new version of the GRI Guidelines - the GRI G4 Reporting Guidelines - to be ready by the end of 2012.

In line with our mission to mainstream ESG reporting, a key aim of the G4 Guidelines is to harmonize Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and sustainability reporting practices around the world. In order to be fit for mainstreaming, the G4 Guidelines will need to be “standard ready”; robust enough to support higher levels of assurance and help companies to produce reports that are trusted by markets and stakeholders.

Read more here

China story now a page turner

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:54:00
Source: PM

China has now earned its own section in internationally renowned magazine The Economist. Britain and the United States are the only other two...read full news story

Cooling the urban heat island with more reflective roofs

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:21:53
Source: The Conversation - Environment & Energy

Can a whiter roof make your home cooler? What about your whole city? The existing literature and theory suggests that increasing the albedo – or...read full news story

Minister for Small Business? More like the Minister for Nothing

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:49:31
Source: The Conversation - business & economy

In December 2011, Prime Minister ...read full news story

Welcome to the HUB!

Funded by the Federal Government, through Treasury, this website has been designed as a consolidated space for engagement, interaction and connectivity to help build communities of responsible business practice in Australia.

The Hon. Kevin Rudd Prime Minister announcing the Responsible Business Practice Project funding at the 9th NBLF in Parliament House, Canberra.

Here you will discover a portal to the key global initiatives including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Corporate Responsibility Index (CRI) and United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) seeded through a range of local activities. Complimenting these global initiatives are a suite of resources designed to support and guide small to medium enterprise on their responsible business practice journey.

Whether you are big or small, established or new, responsible business practice is vital to business success. We aim to make the way clear for businesses of all shapes and sizes. Welcome to the HUB!

all events >Events

06 Feb: Net Balance - Sustainability Reporting and the GRI Training; Location: Melbourne
Audience: Reporters of all levels

29 Mar: Melbourne GRI Sustainability Reporting Process Workshops - Presented by ZOOiD; Location:
Audience: Anyone interested in sustainability reporting

03 May: Net Balance - Sustainability Reporting and the GRI Training; Location: Melbourne
Audience: Reporters of all levels

07 May: Sydney GRI Sustainability Reporting Process Workshops - Presented by ZOOiD; Location:
Audience: Anyone interested in sustainability reporting

24 May: Gold Coast GRI Sustainability Reporting Process Workshops - Presented by ZOOiD; Location:
Audience: Anyone interested in sustainability reporting

19 Jun: Net Balance - Sustainability Reporting and the GRI Training; Location: Melbourne
Audience: Reporters of all levels

21 Jun: Adelaide GRI Sustainability Reporting Process Workshops - Presented by ZOOiD; Location:
Audience: Anyone interested in sustainability reporting

26 Jul: Perth GRI Sustainability Reporting Process Workshops - Presented by ZOOiD; Location:
Audience: Anyone interested in sustainability reporting

23 Aug: Melbourne GRI Sustainability Reporting Process Workshops - Presented by ZOOiD; Location:
Audience: Anyone interested in sustainability reporting

25 Oct: Sydney GRI Sustainability Reporting Process Workshops - Presented by ZOOiD; Location:
Audience: Anyone interested in sustainability reporting