Australian Ethical Charter
The Australian Ethical Charter is a series of statements that guide both the positive side
(investments we seek out) and the negative side (investments we avoid) of our ethical approach.
Below is a summary of the charter.
We seek out positive investments that support:
People, quality and sustainability
We avoid investments that harm:
People, animals, society and the environment
Our Ethical Charter: Unchanged since 1986
Australian Ethical shall seek out investments which provide for and support:
- the development of workers’ participation in the ownership and control of their work organisations and places
- the production of high quality and properly presented products and services
- the development of locally based ventures
- the development of appropriate technological systems
- the amelioration of wasteful or polluting practices
- the development of sustainable land use and food production
- the preservation of endangered eco-systems
- activities which contribute to human happiness, dignity and education
- the dignity and well being of non-human animals
- the efficient use of human waste
- the alleviation of poverty in all its forms
- the development and preservation of appropriate human buildings and landscape
Australian Ethical shall avoid any investment which is considered to unnecessarily:
- pollute land, air or water
- destroy or waste non-recurring resources
- extract, create, produce, manufacture, or market materials, products, goods or services which have a harmful effect on humans, non-human animals or the environment
- market, promote or advertise, products or services in a misleading or deceitful manner
- create markets by the promotion or advertising of unwanted products or services
- acquire land or commodities primarily for the purpose of speculative gain
- create, encourage or perpetuate militarism or engage in the manufacture of armaments
- entice people into financial over-commitment
- exploit people through the payment of low wages or the provision of poor working conditions
- discriminate by way of race, religion or sex in employment, marketing, or advertising practices
- contribute to the inhibition of human rights generally
