Our experts discuss the latest trends and legal developments in ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and how to be ESG wise. Issues we’ll discuss include why ESG is important, key considerations when implementing an ESG policy, avoiding greenwashing and the EU taxonomy.
Listen to full episodes of Smarter Lawcast with Hall and Wilcox on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, Google Podcasts or web browser.
Being ESG Wise – regulatory scrutiny of greenwashing claims
In this episode, Meg Lee and Jacob Uljans discuss why greenwashing is a key regulatory priority for ASIC and the ACCC, and what action companies can take to minimise their risk.
Being ESG Wise – anti-corruption and executive accountability
In this episode, Julian Hammond talks to Dr Yee-Fui Ng, Associate Professor at Monash University and Acting Director of the Australian Centre of Justice Innovation, about anti-corruption and executive accountability, particularly given influences such as ministerial advisors and lobby groups, and the proposed National Anti-Corruption Commission.
A client’s story: Centuria Capital Group’s approach to ESG
In this episode, Meg Lee chats with Clint Wilson, General Manager Sustainability at Centuria Capital Group, about Centuria’s ESG approach, developing an ESG framework across diverse sectors, and how the company has tackled ESG reporting.
The EU taxonomy: ESG in Europe
In this episode, listeners will hear from Dr Wolfgang Babeck and guest Linda Romanovska, an Australia-linked member of the EU platform on sustainable finance, who discuss the latest ESG issues and legislation in the European Union, including the EU Taxonomy Regulation and its linkage to the ISSB, the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulations, and how Australian companies should proceed with ESG strategy and reporting, particularly if they want to see where the journey is going or have a footprint in Europe.
Greenwashing: what is it and should I be worried?
In this episode, listeners will hear from Meg Lee, Anne MacNamara, Adrian Verdnik and Julian Hammond about avoiding greenwashing, risks and compliance issues for super funds, what the regulators are saying, and how Australia’s approach to greenwashing compares with Europe and the US.
What is ESG and why is it important?
In this episode, listeners will hear from Meg Lee and Nathan Kennedy about why clients might implement an ESG framework, key considerations for implementation, and recent developments.
Key contacts
Meg Lee
Partner & ESG Co-Lead
Meg has over 20 years' experience as a property & projects lawyer, specialising in planning and environment law.
More about Meg
Nathan Kennedy
Partner, Head of Pro Bono & Community and ESG Co-Lead
Nathan is the firm's Head of Pro Bono & Community, his practice covers employment, administrative law and human rights.
More about Nathan
Julian Hammond
Partner & ESG Co-Lead
Julian is a commercial disputes lawyer, with specialist expertise in the use and misuse of regulatory powers.
More about Julian
Anne MacNamara
Partner
Anne advises on regulatory reform, superannuation fund product offerings, licensing, disclosure, fee arrangements and more.
More about Anne
Adrian Verdnik
Partner
Adrian’s financial services law practice covers superannuation, managed funds, insurance, and financial advice.
More about Adrian
Dr Wolfgang Babeck
European Counsel
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Fluent in French | German | Russian | Spanish
Dr Wolfgang Babeck has over 20 years’ experience as a corporate & commercial lawyer. He co-heads our European desk.
More about Wolfgang
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