Program - 2023 ACSI Annual Conference

CONFERENCE PROGRAM

In 2023, Australians will be asked to constitutionally recognise a Voice to Parliament, which aims to promote honest, respectful and truly collaborative relationships between First Nations people and Government. This session will discuss how the Voice would work to inform policy and legal decisions that impact the lives of First Nations peoples, and support stronger relationships between business, investors and communities.

Professor Marcia Langton AO: Associate Provost - The University of Melbourne
Jamie Lowe: Chief Executive Officer - National Native Title Council (NNTC)

Session 3: Directors Panel

Peek inside the boardrooms of some of the country’s top listed companies and hear their perspectives on a range of challenges facing companies.

From climate change to culture and beyond, how do company directors prioritise and manage ESG risks and challenges?

Panellists:

Christine Holman: Non-executive director - Metcash; Non-executive director - Collins Foods
Rob Sindel: Chair - Orora Ltd; Chair - Mirvac Group; Non-executive director - Boral
Mike Wilkins AO: Independent Chair - QBE; Chair - Medibank Private; Non-executive director - Scentre Group

Session 4: The impact of global challenges on responsible investment

As growing geopolitical risks and the cost-of-living crisis collide with the urgency of the climate imperative, the global environment is increasingly challenging for investors. What are the flow-on effects of these challenges for investors focussing on ESG, and how can they meet those challenges and stay the course?

Panellists:

Brian Cahill: Managing Director, Global Head ESG - Moody’s Investor Services
Vicki Doyle: Chief Executive Officer - Rest Industry Super
Ryan Neelam: Director, Public Opinion and Foreign Policy - Lowy Institute
Kerrie Waring: Chief Executive Officer - International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN)
Dr Ridha D.M. Wirakusumah: Chief Executive Officer - Indonesia Investment Authority (INA)

Session 5: Enabling a just transition to a low-carbon future

As action to decarbonise ramps up, policymakers and businesses must ensure workers and local communities aren’t left behind on the road to a low-carbon future. What practical steps must be taken for a just transition, and does the overseas experience have any lessons for Australia?

Introductory remarks (pre recorded): Jim Skea: Professor of Sustainable Energy - Imperial College London; Chair - Just Transitions Authority, Scotland

Panellists:

Travis Hughes: General Manager, Energy Hubs - AGL Energy
Warrick Jordan: Institute for Regional Futures; Hunter Jobs Alliance
Ros McKay: Head of Responsible Investment - Cbus Super

Session 6: Building a circular economy on the path to net-zero

After centuries of a linear economy which transformed natural resources into products destined for landfill, the concept of a circular economy is now a critical element of creating a sustainable low carbon economy. What do investors need to know, and what opportunities and risks does a circular economy hold?

Panellists:

Lisa Mclean: Chief Executive Officer - Circular Australia
Ashleigh Morris: Chief Executive Officer - Coreo
Prof. John Thwaites AM: Chair - Monash Sustainable Development Institute; Chair - Ministerial Advisory Group on the Circular Economy

Session 7: The Investor Perspective: In conversation with superannuation fund leaders

What ESG issues are keeping the leaders of super funds up at night? How are funds navigating the decarbonisation challenge? Will fear of accusations of greenwashing lead to green hushing? What role do superannuation funds have as active owners and stewards, and what challenges do they face?

Panellists:

Kristian Fok: Acting CEO & Chief Investment Officer - Cbus Super
Liza McDonald: Head of Responsible Investment - Aware Super
Cr Linda Scott: Chair - CareSuper

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