• Business Business

A major new Australian law is set to crack down on the ways businesses operate: 'Key to building trust and driving meaningful action'

This is more than compliance.

This is more than compliance.

Photo Credit: iStock

A recently introduced groundbreaking law is all set to change the way Australia's largest corporations operate, prioritizing transparency in their pollution output and reporting subsequent potential climate risks. 

With this development, mandatory climate reporting becomes a reality in the country, marking a monumental shift in corporate governance and a step in the right direction for global sustainability goals. 

According to the law, corporations must disclose their planet-warming gas pollution and how scenarios like a temperature rise of 2.7 or 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 or 2 degrees Celsius) could affect their financial stability. Initially applicable only for major companies, its scope is all set to expand by 2027 to include thousands of businesses, including not-for-profits and investment trusts managing over $5 billion in assets. 

What really sets this law apart is its focus on forward-looking transparency. While companies have been accustomed to detailing past performance, this would require them to anticipate future risks and opportunities tied to a warming planet. In turn, this would have a direct impact on corporate decision making — influencing more sustainable choices in a more intentional manner. 

Julia Bilyanska of KPMG highlighted this very cultural shift: "We're seeing multidisciplinary teams and executive committees forming to integrate sustainability into core business operations."

The benefits of this policy go beyond just the boardroom. In the Australian context, it signals a systemic commitment to decarbonizing industries and improving long-term national sustainability.

FROM OUR PARTNER

Stay hydrated and refreshed this holiday season — without any sugar or harmful additives

Nuun’s zero-sugar hydration tablets are a perfect, guilt-free way to enhance your water throughout the day. You’ll get five essential electrolytes for everyday hydration — with zero grams of sugar.

Plus, Nuun tablets are certified vegan and gluten-free, and they’re the perfect size to keep in your car, purse, or anywhere you'll want a healthy, restorative drink.

Learn more

By compelling businesses to practice transparency in their pollution, the law empowers investors and consumers to make informed choices — thereby organically and gradually creating a culture where the more sustainable corporation is rewarded. 

When pollution is measured, it is more likely to be reduced, aligning business practices with global efforts to curb harmful pollution. 

Australia joins a growing list of nations adopting rigorous sustainability standards, including the European Union, Canada, and New Zealand. The legislation demonstrates Australia's dedication to fostering a greener economy while enhancing corporate accountability

Would you work for a company that doesn't have a sustainability strategy?

No 🚫

Only if the pay is good 💰

Only if I couldn't find another job 🏢

Only if the company is working to develop a plan 📝

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

As Mark Rigotti of the Australian Institute of Company Directors noted, "Transparency and disclosure are key to building trust and driving meaningful action."

FROM OUR PARTNER

There's a reason dermatologists personally use this daily moisturizing sunscreen more than any other brand

Dermatologists see and understand skin at a much deeper level than the rest of us, and they know that the perfect SPF both protects and corrects your skin. That's why they trust, recommend, and personally use EltaMD more than any other brand.

EltaMD's clinically tested formulas are designed with dermatologists to meet the needs of any skin type or condition. They're also designed for consistent daily wear to build long-term resilience with a moisturizing, lightweight, non-comedogenic texture — plus hyaluronic acid to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Learn more

This is more than compliance — it's a call to action for businesses to lead in climate resilience, ensuring a sustainable future for the planet and its people.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.


Cool Divider