In this issue
- Key things to know about upcoming Home Care changes
- Sustainability E-Learning Course
- Podcast hosted by Adviser James Baird – Western Annihilation – Alcoa & the Northern Jarrah Forest
- Australian Super Funds at risk of losing members over fossil fuel exposure
Key things to know about upcoming Home Care changes
I was blown away to hear Moe Turaga’s story at a recent conference. Most of the time we think of Modern Slavery as a distant problem – something that happens in other countries. So how do we react when we find out that it’s happening right here in Australia, often in plain sight. Moe Turaga bravely shared his first-hand experience of being exploited under slavery conditions. What are we missing here? Which products on the shelves of supermarkets and retail stores have been put there by exploiting workers?
In this interview, EIA Adviser James Baird is joined by Måns Carlsson, Head of ESG at Ausbil Investment Management, to understand the role of companies, consumers and investors in confronting this crisis facing an estimated 50 million people worldwide. Måns is a recognised leader in Modern Slavery and worker exploitation, with a long standing commitment to addressing human rights risks across portfolios. So much so that he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2022 for his contribution to the sustainable investment industry.
Sustainability E-Learning Course
Shout-out for this inspiring initiative!
We’d like to highlight a fantastic free Sustainability E-Learning course created by our client, Lara, an engineer and member of the Sustainable Engineering Society. The course explores four big themes we all need to understand:
🌍 Growth – the impact of population and consumption within planetary limits
🦉 Biodiversity – why protecting ecosystems and species is essential for human survival
🔥 Global Warming – climate trends, tipping points, and Australia’s role
⚖️ Risk & Probability – how climate change reshapes risk and what it means for communities
Originally designed for engineers, the course is accessible to everyone. It’s the perfect way to build your knowledge and gain the confidence to have meaningful conversations with friends, family, and colleagues about the issues shaping our future.
Check it out here: Sustainability E-Learning
Western Annihilation – Alcoa & the Northern Jarrah Forest’, podcast hosted by James Baird, Financial Adviser at JustInvest Financial Planning
Part of The Green Dream podcast series
Hear from Peter Milne, about Alcoa’s proposed expansion of bauxite mining in WA’s Jarrah Forests, which has raised major concerns in the community. The expansion would lock in decades of additional carbon emissions through land clearing, transport, and alumina refining – flying in the face of both climate targets and public expectations for lowering emissions.
Peter is the founder and editor of Boiling Cold, an independent news platform covering energy, climate, and industry in Western Australia. With a background in engineering and two decades in the oil and gas sector
Alcoa’s expansion threatens one of the world’s oldest biodiversity hotspots, which is already under threat and risks contaminating Perth’s water supply — raising serious concerns for investors around environmental liabilities, stranded assets, and long-term portfolio risk.
Following this podcast, our ESG Analyst recently uncovered Alcoa in an Industry Super Fund’s Default Investment option. Many investors would be unaware of these findings and would be concerned to know that some of their investments are contributing towards loss of biodiversity including habitat loss of a range of native species.
Research from RIAA shows nearly 90% of Australians expect their super and other investments to be managed responsibly.
As active investors, we will continue to highlight the issues that matter to you and show how by staying informed, your financial decisions can contribute to change.
Australian Super Funds in ‘danger’ of losing organisations over fossil fuel investments
Leigh Reid, who works at the Centre for Non-Violence, has seen the devastating human impact of natural disasters up close. For him, the link between climate change and fossil fuels isn’t abstract — it’s personal. That’s why he made the powerful decision to leave his super fund over its fossil fuel investments. And he didn’t go alone — his entire workplace followed.
They’re not the only ones taking a stand. Amnesty International Australia has also exited HESTA, citing the fund’s continued exposure to fossil fuels.
This growing movement reflects a deeper shift: Australians are increasingly unwilling to let their retirement savings fund environmental harm. According to WorkforClimate’s Laure Legros, super funds are under mounting pressure as more employees demand climate-conscious investment options.
As ethical investors, this is a reminder that where you invest your money matters, and collective action can drive meaningful change.
The contents of this newsletter are intended as general advice only. No specific person’s circumstances, financial situation or objectives have been taken into consideration. You should not act on the information provided without seeking personal advice from an appropriately qualified financial planner. Research sources: CAER Corporate Monitor. While the source has been verified as reliable, the actual content has not been checked for accuracy. Consequently Ethical Investment Advisers does not warrant the accuracy of the information nor accept liability for any errors in the data.
