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ARTICLE · 10 APRIL 2025

March 2025 ESG Policy Update—Australia

K&L Gates
K&L Gates
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K&L Gates

K&L Gates

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The recent decision by the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) Corporate Governance Council to close consultation and halt its proposed update to the fourth edition of the ASX Corporate...

AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law
Jim Bulling
Jim Bulling
Clive Cachia
Clive Cachia
Michael Hain
Michael Hain
Lisa Lautier
Lisa Lautier
Adam Levine
Adam Levine
Tom Young
Tom Young
Nathan Bodlovich
Nathan Bodlovich
Daniel Nastasi
Daniel Nastasi
Natalia Tan
Natalia Tan

Australia Environmental Social Governance (ESG) Alert

Australian Update

Resistance to Australian Securities Exchange Corporate Governance Council's Diversity Reforms Signals Decline in Environment, Social and Governance Commitment

The recent decision by the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) Corporate Governance Council to close consultation and halt its proposed update to the fourth edition of the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations has sparked significant debate within the investment community, particularly concerning environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria. Institutional investors had supported the proposed changes, which aimed to enhance diversity and inclusion within corporate boards by requiring them to report their diversity characteristics beyond gender to include sexuality, age, Indigenous heritage and disability. However, resistance from major business groups led to the plan's rejection, highlighting a divide between

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