QSuper considers ESG within a framework focused on providing competitive returns for our members. From 30 June 2015, QSuper will no longer own shares in companies involved in manufacturing cigarettes and other tobacco products (Global Industry Classification Code 302030). The only exception will be Self Invest, where all socially responsible investment decisions are up to you.

The Australian Council of Superannuation Investors (ACSI) is a not-for-profit organisation, formed in 2001 to provide corporate governance research and services to its members. We’re a foundation member.

Each year, on our behalf, ACSI meets with a significant number of companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange to communicate investor expectations and concerns about governance issues.

We’re an investor in sharemarkets across the world. By voting at AGMs and other decision-making forums, we can have a positive influence over corporate governance issues.

The Board is guided by ACSI's Governance Guidelines when determining voting decisions for Australian companies. Internationally, the Board delegates active proxy voting to its externally mandated managers, but reserves the right to enact discretion where it’s appropriate.

We know that investment decisions can have an impact on our society and our environment. This is why we offer the Socially Responsible option. It uses the skills of fund manager AMP Capital Investors, through its Responsible Investment Leaders Balanced Fund.

It’s a balanced fund, so it includes investments across a range of asset classes. AMP Capital Investors selects managers who can identify companies that are leaders in their responsible practices. They use a range of criteria, including:

  • ethical considerations (including upholding fundamental human rights)
  • labour standards, such as adhering to the standards of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and excluding child labour
  • social considerations (including promoting indigenous relations and community involvement)
  • environmental considerations (including efficient energy and resource use).

The Socially Responsible option aims to avoid exposure to companies operating within sectors that are recognised to have a high negative social impact. As a result, the AMP Responsible Investment Leaders Balanced Fund doesn’t invest in any company that derives more than 10 per cent of its total revenue from tobacco, nuclear power (including uranium), armaments, gambling, alcohol or pornography. In addition the fund also excludes any company that has more than a 20 per cent exposure to one, or a combination of,

  • mining thermal coal
  • exploration and development of oil sands
  • brown coal (or lignite) coal-fired power generation
  • transportation of oil from oil sands
  • conversion of coal to liquid fuels/feedstock.