As we enter the 2021 AGM season, it is clear that climate-related issues will remain a key focus for listed entities and their shareholders. ...

It is essential to prioritise ESG. A confluence of factors are accelerating the importance of ESG and these have material impacts for organisations operating in Australia. This insight will assist boards, senior executives, in-house counsel, sustainability teams, and risk and compliance leaders to act as strategic partners to the business as it shapes its ESG agenda. ...

In terms of achieving the potential to use international law frameworks as a tool to set company policy on ESG issues, we discuss recommendations for using these frameworks to audit the commitments the company makes. ...

Australia is rapidly transitioning away from a centralised, coal-based energy system to one that is more decentralised and focused on renewable energy. This transition is being accompanied by increasing scrutiny of the human rights performance of renewables projects, including new benchmarking and a greater number of complaints. It is critical to know what practical steps to take towards implementing and embedding a strong approach to human rights compliance. ...

Recently released guidance from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and two new barrister opinions re-emphasise the need for banks, superannuation trustees, insurers, and other organisations, to respond to, and appropriately manage, financial risks associated with climate change. ...

Ensuring respect for human rights presents a growing challenge for businesses in light of evolving laws and standards, together with increasing public scrutiny and stakeholder expectations. This Insight provides an update on five emerging trends for 2021. ...

Australian Government enact legislation to establish a worldwide human rights sanctions regime. We report on why the Committee's recommendations have implications for your business's approach to sanctions risk management, as well as for Australia's broader sanctions framework. ...

An update on developments in the modern slavery compliance space, with a focus on emerging trends in activism, legislative reform and litigation, and the impacts of COVID-19. ...

The Northern Territory Government's recently released Climate Response, associated Three-Year Action Plan and environmental offset reform agenda is ambitious, and all stakeholders in the Territory should be aware of the coming changes and related opportunities. ...

It is a financial imperative to actively navigate the risks and opportunities that the carbon transition presents. It follows, therefore, that corporate strategy in relation to climate risks and opportunities is no longer appropriately housed solely in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) or s ...