Overview
Hosted by Felix Chief Executive Officer Mike Davis with guest speakers from Sparke Helmore, this session will cover:
ESG activism
- Overview of shareholder activism for ESG-oriented policies, disclosures and considerations
- Recent examples of shareholder activists e.g. Grok Ventures acquiring an interest in AGL to oppose AGL’s merger, actions against companies and directors re greenwashing and climate related misrepresentations
- Powers of shareholders under Corporations Act to oppose or modify transactions or operations, including removing a director
Directors’ duties
- Overview of statutory and fiduciary duties of directors and officers relevant to ESG i.e. duty to act in best interests of company, to act with due care, skill and diligence
- Roles of the board and management in addressing ESG, including developing an ESG strategy, establishing governance and oversight and ESG management review
Modern slavery
- Recent developments related to supply chain mapping etc.
- Indication that the Government is considering amending the Act in the future to introduce penalties for non-compliance etc.
- Compare with other jurisdictions
Construction/infrastructure specifics
- Health and Safety - zero harm is one thing, but how else is the rise of ESG going impact your construction/infrastructure business?
- Risk and innovation – evolution of the industry at all levels is necessary if we want to make the most of ESG opportunities and avoid the pitfalls
- Money – ESG could be the disease and the cure at the same time; what are principals, financiers and investors looking for?
What next?
- ASIC’s new focus – regulators have been clear, they will pursue those engaging in “greenwashing”; what are the implications for the rest of us?
- Change your mindset – the starting point for surviving and thriving in this ESG evolution
- Tips for the Top!
