Voluntary Disclosures in Australian Corporate Sector
Select two Australian companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) having voluntary disclosures made on ‘
social responsibility’ (i.e. sustainability reporting) of environmental, social and economic reporting (triple bottom line).
Use Global
Reporting Initiative (GRI) web-site for ‘GRl guidelines (G3 or G3.1 or G4)’ as well as list ofAustralian companies providing
sustainability report
(https://www.globalreporting.org//regional-networks/gri-focal-points/focal-point-australia/Pages/default.aspx).
critically evaluate environmental, social and economic reporting followed by each companies whether consistent with the requirements ofthe
GRI guidelines forthe satisfaction of stakeholdersto ensure accountability and transparency. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of
their reporting and disclosure as well as major differences along with your recommendations howto minimise voluntary reporting and
disclosure gaps between them.
Do not attach a copy ofthe sustainability reporting. lnstead,to verify provide the web address of both
companies.
Specific and descriptive criteria to follow:
(1) There must be an introduction and conclusion section and references,
if any, and website address ofthe selected companies where from sustainability reports are downloaded.
(2) There must be a brief
discussion ofthe selected listed companies and their operating activities in the respective industry sector. Preferred sectors are mining,
utilities, manufacturing etc. being sensitive to environmental and other social and economic reporting.
(3) Adequate discussion on
environmental, social and economic disclosure in reference to respective GRI disclosure guidelines. A better understanding of concepts of
voluntary disclosure as well as reporting is expected.
E:1)?There must be an analysis of reporting practices as in point (3) above whether
I disclosure guidelines are properlyfo owed or not. The strengths and weaknesses of reporting should be identified from the
stakeholders’ perspective. In evaluating voluntary Triple Bottom Line (TBL) reporting practices, any relevant comment or recommendation
should be taken into account.
(5) The reporting practices of both companies as in point (3) must be compared with a decision which
company is in compliance with respective GRI disclosure guidelinesthan the other and why and how compliance is achievable. In
evaluating voluntary disclosure practices, any relevant comment or recommendation should be taken into account.