FS Sustainability

Podcast: Catching human rights risks early

THE GREENER WAY   Why does modern slavery persist despite Australia's Modern Slavery Act, and what practical steps can investors and fund managers take to drive real change beyond compliance?

First local carbon refinery facility opens

MATTHEW WAI   Orica, an ASX-listed commercial explosive provider, has collaborated with clean technology firm MCi Carbon to open Australia's first carbon utilisation facility in Kooragang Island, New South Wales.

Broad exclusions in defence investing don't work anymore: Experts

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   The Future Fund confirmed it has not reviewed its exclusions framework in defence investments recently, the Senate Committee heard in late May.

ACCC sues Grill'd over alleged 'greenwashing' tree-planting promotion

VINNY VUCAGO   The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched Federal Court proceedings against Grill'd, alleging the burger chain misled consumers about the extent of donations made under its Tree Day Tuesday environmental campaign.

ART to employ more First Nations members into its workforce

MATTHEW WAI   Australian Retirement Trust has launched its second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, highlighting initiatives the super fund will complete by the end of 2028, including setting up a First Nations workforce target.

Climate reporting finally compares apples to apples: ASIC

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   ASIC commissioner Kate O'Rourke says the mandatory climate reporting introduced this year will help investors for the first time and provide a baseline for comparability and consistency on climate-related financial disclosures.

New initiative to improve First Nations women participation in business

MATTHEW WAI   First Nations Economics and Indigenous Business Australia have partnered to launch a new program to enhance First Nations women in business financial basics.

Wesfarmers partners for affordable housing venture

VINNY VUCAGO   Built Group and Wesfarmers have formed a 50:50 joint venture aimed at accelerating housing delivery through industrial-scale manufacturing, as Australia grapples with persistent supply shortages.

Australians take climate fight to UN

VINNY VUCAGO   Ten Australians have lodged a complaint with the United Nations Human Rights Committee, alleging the federal government is breaching its human rights obligations by continuing to approve and support new fossil fuel projects.

Private sector pushes for NZ modern slavery law

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   Multiple private sector players including AMP Wealth Management New Zealand, Ausbil, Future Group, Metrics Credit Partners, U Ethical Investors and Westpac have signed a statement to support the introduction of laws to address modern slavery in New Zealand.

Future Group partners with Aberdeen Investments

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   Future Group is partnering with UK-based asset manager Aberdeen Investments to invest in global sustainable infrastructure.

Macquarie injects more into Southern Water with new partner

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   Macquarie Asset Management (MAM) along with Asterion Industrial Partners as a new minority shareholder has injected an additional £300 million ($566m) of equity into Southern Water.

Koda Capital names head of responsible investments

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   Koda Capital has named Kate Turner as the head of responsible and impact investments and partner.

U Ethical appoints distribution lead

VINNY VUCAGO   U Ethical Investors has appointed veteran funds management executive Stuart James as head of distribution, as the firm continues to build out its leadership team and pursue its next phase of growth.