ESG Transformation: Conversation Series

In recognition of NAIDOC Week 2022, Mel is joined by First Nations colleagues Gemma McKinnon and Kishaya Delaney for a timely discussion, given Australia’s evolving political landscape and new government following the federal election, about the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the important progress we might expect. They explain its origin, how a First Nations Voice to Parliament could be enshrined in the constitution and the proposed Makarrata Commission to oversee the process of treaty-making and truth-telling.

In this episode, our Employment, Industrial Relations and Safety team take the wheel, with Olga Klimczak and Nerida Jessup hosting special guest, David Burroughs, Chief Mental Health Officer at Westpac. It’s an important, and lively, discussion on how organisations are shaping work and workplace culture so that our jobs are ‘good’ for our mental health. David speaks candidly about the issues corporates are grappling with and cautions against feel good programs with high visibility, low impact. For companies getting it right – giving people the opportunity to genuinely thrive - the business case is profound for a strategy that encapsulates performance, productivity and mental health. And in a podcast first, David fact checks our closing remarks – you’ll want to note down ‘psychological agility’!

In this episode, Tim invites our disputes team to share climate change and ESG litigation insights. Jojo Fan from our Hong Kong office and Mark Smyth from the Sydney office discuss the rapidly increasing developments globally including greenwashing, inadequate disclosure and challenges for manufacturing and governments. They share their insights on what the future of climate litigation may hold for the consumer sector.

In this short podcast, Tim Hunter-Jones, a senior associate in our asset finance team in London, looks at some of the issues in sustainable and green finance in the aviation sector, including the importance of the EU Taxonomy in determining what is sustainable, and the role of state aid in promoting a greater focus on ESG.

Speakers: Emily Barry, Professional Support Consultant and Tim Hunter-Jones, Senior Associate.

Mel and Tim discuss a key battleground ahead of the election, climate change action, with Graham Phelan, ESG Lead for Frontier Economics. Graham takes a look back at previous election results to predict whether climate change action and the recent natural disasters will influence the 2022 election outcome – and considers if it’s time to put carbon pricing back on the agenda. Graham discusses the importance of ESG for Australia’s international competitiveness and the proactive measures being taken by businesses and financial regulators to protect the economy and environment. Lastly, we touch on the issues impacting voters’ hip pockets – inflation, interest rates, petrol and (of course) beer prices.

Tim and Mel discuss corporate purpose with HSF’s previous Chair and Senior Partner, James Palmer, one of the UK's leading M&A, capital markets and corporate lawyers, with deep experience in corporate governance and regulation. James explores the overall framing of ESG, and the importance of approaching company strategy with purpose and authenticity. James speaks with passion on navigating the ethical dimension of ESG issues, from “just transition” in the energy sector through to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In this episode, Mel and Tim are joined by expert third wheel guest, Olga Klimczak, Executive Counsel, Employment, IR and Safety for Herbert Smith Freehills. Olga discusses the various parliamentary inquiries underway including sexual harassment and bullying in Australia’s parliament, sexual harassment against women in WA’s FIFO mining industry and the underpayment and job security inquiries – issues that are sure to come into sharp focus ahead of the federal election. Olga highlights the key areas to watch, and in particular any potential flow on impact for company policies and procedures. Mel also discusses the significant changes to Aboriginal Cultural Heritage management and some critical next steps.

In this final episode for 2021, some very special guest hosts take the wheel! Barbie-Lee Kirby, Responsible Business & First Nations Engagement Executive and Allira Jeffery, HSF Graduate discuss Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women's Voices): Securing our Rights, Securing our Future, a once in a generation report led by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, June Oscar AO. Charlee-Sue Frail is an advisor to the commission and shares her experiences in the development of the report and capturing and responding to the rights, needs and aspirations of First Nations women and girls.

In this episode, Mel celebrates International Women’s Day 2022 with HSF’s Chair and Senior Partner, Rebecca Maslen-Stannage and Andrew Pike, Executive Partner for Asia and Australia. Rebecca and Andrew share some personal reflections on progress made, and remaining challenges, in achieving lasting change in the legal profession. They discuss the importance of a diverse and inclusive culture to #BreakTheBias (this year’s theme) - including the importance of acknowledging bias still exists and “calling it when you see it”.

In the first episode for 2022, Tim and Mel are joined by Silke Goldberg, HSF’s Global Head of ESG and Climate Change practice lead. Silke embarks on some time travel to tackle the big ESG questions. After a ‘COP of two speeds’ last year, Silke asserts there is everything to play for at COP27 in Egypt this November, including investment opportunities and the final building blocks for a long-awaited global carbon market.