News & Views

The Pride in Practice conference is the only national conference dedicated to advancing LGBTQ inclusion in Australian workplaces, sport organisations and the health and human services sector.

This event continues to inspire and spotlight LGBTQ inclusion, with key themes focusing on Intersectionality, LGBTQ+ women, Trans and Gender Diverse People, First Nations LGBTQ+ people, International Reach, and much more.

Various attendance packages are available, as well as recordings of presentations. Go to the Website HERE.

The World Health Organisation says that the COVID pandemic has led to a significant increase in depression and anxiety across the world. On a more positive note it is proven that we can adapt quickly two flexible working and provide a safe and gradual return to work. We must ask R-U-OK every day not just one day a year. See what four law firms have to say about mental health HERE.

An article from Lawyers Weekly suggests that reducing working hours to a four day week could have a significant impact on the environment and more broadly on society. Apart from the benefits of changing personal lifestyle habits, reduced emissions arising from commuting and energy use in offices helps the environment. Working longer and harder means we are more time poor and the quick decisions on fast food and non environmental solutions are easier then the better decisions. Read the article HERE

Landers joins four other law firms and more than 350 Australian organisations recognised by Climate Active as having achieved net-zero emissions through effectively measuring, reducing and offsetting the carbon they produce. "Becoming carbon neutral is an important achievement that demonstrates our commitment to operating a responsible and sustainable business," said Jo Renkin, Lander & Rogers' partner for pro bono, community and environment. "It sends a strong message to our people, clients and profession that we are serious about reducing our environmental impact and supporting climate action." READ MORE 

The Australian Government has lodged an updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat. This is part of Australia’s obligations under the Paris Agreement. The updated NDC commits Australia to a more ambitious 2030 target of 43% below 2005 levels by 2030 an increase of 15 %. READ MORE

ASIC is clarifying ESG reporting in Australia to avoid greenwashing.  Sustainable investment is likely to exceed US$53 trillion globally by 2025. In the Asia-Pacific alone, environmental, social and governance (ESG) investments have more than doubled between 2019 and 2021. Australian Investments and Security Commission (ASIC) has now published an official information sheet on greenwashing in the ESG space, seen by some as a veiled warning to those not following the Corporation Act to the letter.  ASIC commissioner Sean Hughes made no bones about it, “ASIC is continuing to monitor the market and will be looking for misleading claims about ESG and sustainability. READ MORE

AusLSA friend Workplace giving Australia has just wrapped up its Workplace Giving Month. The June program included three informative and high quality webinars. If you missed them, you can find recordings online below - along with the full research paper from the Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government.

1. What works at work: Shifting the dial on workplace giving 
2. How to join the Workplace Giving Revolution
3. Creating Better Futures Through Workplace Giving

Linking executive remuneration to material ESG outcomes can avoid greenwashing in infrastructure companies, according to fund manager Maple-Brown Abbott. Maple-Brown Abbott has engaged with companies in the Global Listed Infrastructure fund and used its proxy votes as a way to encourage alignment in short- and long-term executive remuneration with sustainability commitments and decarbonisation targets. READ MORE

The latest round of 113 new senior promotions at Minter Ellison includes 60% female promotions. Promotions were driven by client demand for expertise in ESG, workplace leadership and culture, digital transformation, energy transition, risk and regulation, private capital.

"Having more women in partnership and leadership positions is a crucial diversity and inclusion priority. I am pleased how transparent, accountable and focused we are to achieve this target. Our offices, business units and practice groups are accountable to this gender and equality target and we are working towards the 40:40:20 partnership target of any gender by 2025," Virginia Briggs, CEO and Managing Partner said. READ MORE 

Clayton Utz will now offer our people access to 26 weeks' paid parental leave, with effect from 1 July this year. The updated policy also removes the distinction between primary and secondary carers, and offer parents greater flexibility as to when they access the paid leave, which can be taken over two years. READ MORE