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Initiatives
UN Global Compact in Australia
A vibrant Australian Network of signatories has been established to join the many other local UN Global Compact Local Networks from around the world.
Stay in touch: Download the latest Newsletter here
Local Networks
The UNGC offers facilitation and engagement through Local Networks - clusters of participants who come together to advance the UN Global Compact and its principles within a country context. Members of the Network will consist of locally-based signatories to the UNGC and local subsidiaries of global signatories to the UNGC.
Local Networks create opportunities for multi-stakeholder engagement and collective action. They are especially useful in establishing country-specific advice on following the 10 Principles. Since the regulatory environment can differ so much across countries, the Local Network can deal with specifics in a way that the UN Global Compact head office cannot. For example, Local Networks can provide advice on implementing certain environmentally-friendly schemes, such as solar power upgrades, that can then be replicated by other businesses in that country.
The Australian Network
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Senator Nick Sherry (left) and Mr Georg Kell
The Australian Network of the UN Global Compact was formally launched at the 10th National Business Leaders’ Forum on Sustainable Development at Parliament House Canberra, on 28 May 2009 by Mr Georg Kell, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, supported by Senator the Hon Nick Sherry, Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law and initiated by the former inaugural Australian Focal Point to the UN Global Compact and Head of Responsible Business Practice Project, Rosemary Sainty, St James Ethics Centre (Read more here).
The primary purpose of the Australian Network is to offer practical help for organisations to integrate and operationalise the 10 Principles into their core business practices. It does so by providing a national and international platform for dialogue, learning and influence that aims to be inclusive, practical and leading edge.
Download the Global Compact Network Australia brochure
There are a number of events being organized in In order to fulfill the goal of facilitation and engagement. Businesses can sign up for webinars that provide an introduction to the UN Global Compact. This website also offers information for prospective signatories – the basics of what the UN Global Compact is, case studies, and links to relevant information on the main UN Global Compact website.
Download the summary report of the UNGC Consultation Sessions in Australia.
Small Start - Big Future
With its formal launch in mid-2009, the Australian Network has seen great progress to date which promises an even greater future ahead. Over the past year the Australian Network has seen a 50% increase in signatories including leading Australian and global corporations and a raft of smaller businesses. Further, Australia has begun to play an active role in the Asia-Pacific Network for the Global Compact and there is also scope to develop links with other UN initiatives, such as the Millennium Development Goals and the development of links with regional initiatives.
The Inaugural Annual Meeting of the UN Global Compact
Network Australia
Thanks to a dedicated working group consisting of ten signatories and lead by Rosemary Sainty, former UN Global Compact Focal Point for Australia and head of the responsible business practice project, the Australian Network held its first annual meeting on 4 June 2010.
The Inaugural Annual Meeting of the UN Global Compact Network Australia was a critical step to establish and formalise the structure of and commitment to the Network. To mark this important occasion, the Network was joined by Bob McMullan MP, Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance and a high level panel of business leaders including David Atkins, CEO Cbus, Michael Luscombe, CEO Woolworths and Jack Percy, Managing Director Accenture Australia.
The official proceedings of the Inaugural Annual Meeting followed a high level panel discussion, the outcomes of which will enable the Australian Network to move on to next steps.
Outcomes of the Inaugural Annual Meeting
The Australian Focal Point was delighted to confirm the newly elected Steering Committee and observers, Local Network Representative and Secretariat. The Steering Committee together with the Secretariat was tasked with transitioning the Global Compact Network Australia to self-sustainability and self-governance.
Membership Benefits and Fees
Download the Membership Benefits and Fees document adopted at the inaugural annual meeting which outlines the 2 step process to 1. become a signatory to the UN Global Compact (includes voluntary financial contribution to the UN Global Compact Foundation in New York) and 2. become a member or for the first year of operation, a Founding Member of the Global Compact Network Australia.
Signatories are encouraged to consider becoming Founding Members of the Network. Founding Members at 31 August 2010:
Accenture Australia Ltd.
Allens Arthur Robinson
Australia Post
KPMG Australia
Nestle Australia Ltd.
St James Ethics Centre
Westpac Banking Corp.
Woolworths Ltd
For further information contact the Secretariat Global Compact Network Australia:
secretariat@unglobalcompact.org.au
Incorporation!
On February 3 2011 a key milestone towards self-governance and financial sustainability was achieved, the Global Compact Network Australia became incorporated as a company limited by guarantee.
The first Board meeting of the Network was held on February 28 2011.
Directors:
Graham Paterson (Chair), Westpac
David Faulks, Generation Alliance Pty Ltd
Catherine Hunter, KPMG
Peter Kelly, Nestle Australia Ltd
Fiona Nicholls, Rio Tinto Limited
Rachel Nicolson, Allens Arthur Robinson
Prof Malcolm McIntosh, Griffith University
Armineh Mardirossian, Woolworths Ltd
Greg Welsh (Treasurer/Company Secretary), Sebel Furniture Ltd
Australian Network Representative
Matthew Tukaki, The Sustain Group Pty Ltd
Network Contact Point / Secretariat
St James Ethics Centre secretariat@unglobalcompact.org.au
Members:
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1
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Allens Arthur Robinson Operations Pty Ltd
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2
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ANZ Banking Group Limited
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3
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Australian Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility
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4
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Australian Postal Corporation
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5
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Banarra
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6
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Barangaroo Delivery Authority
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7
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BHP Billiton
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8
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CPA Australia
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9
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Futureye Pty Ltd
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10
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Generation Alliance Pty Ltd
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11
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GHD
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12
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Griffith University
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13
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Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia
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14
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KPMG
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15
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La Trobe University
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16
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Mecu Limited
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17
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Nestle Australia Ltd
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18
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Plan International
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19
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Rio Tinto Limited
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20
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Sebel Furniture Ltd
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21
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SMEC
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22
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St James Ethics Centre
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The Sustain Group Pty Ltd
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24
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Westpac Banking Corporation
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25
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Woolworths Ltd
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26
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Xstrata Coal
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Interested organisations are encouraged to join the Network as members
Prospective members are encouraged to take up membership prior to the next AGM (September 2011) in order to be financial members for the 2011/2012 financial year and therefore eligible to play a role in the governance of the Network. Contact the Secretariat for further information.
Note: an organisation that wants to apply for membership must first become a UN Global Compact Signatory. Read more on the 2 step process here
Download the membership application from here.
Download the GCNA Ltd Constitution from here.
