ARTICLE · 21 OCTOBER 2003

Corporate Liability For Environmental Performance: Proposal To Repeal Laws

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AustraliaEnvironment

Article by John Taberner, Mark Dwyer, Tim Power, Tony van Merwyk and Michael Back

The spate of corporate failures in Australia and abroad in 2002 has prompted many businesses to re-evaluate the quality and effectiveness of their 'corporate governance' practices. This reflection has not been confined to the economic and financial management of these entities. Many companies and businesses, including the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX), have recognised that good corporate governance extends to recognising and managing the social and environmental effects of their businesses. In light of this trend, the Federal Government's proposal to repeal laws requiring corporations to report on their environmental performance appears worthy of reassessment.

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