Australian Ethical Charter

Australian Ethical shall seek out investments which provide for and support:

a. the development of workers’ participation in the ownership and control of their work organisations and places

b. the production of high quality and properly presented products and services

c. the development of locally based ventures

d. the development of appropriate technological systems

e. the amelioration of wasteful or polluting practices

f. the development of sustainable land use and food production

g. the preservation of endangered eco-systems

h. activities which contribute to human happiness, dignity and education

i. the dignity and well being of non-human animals

j. the efficient use of human waste

k. the alleviation of poverty in all its forms

l. the development and preservation of appropriate human buildings and landscape.

Australian Ethical shall avoid any investment which is considered to unnecessarily:

i. pollute land, air or water

ii. destroy or waste non-recurring resources

iii. extract, create, produce, manufacture, or market materials, products, goods or services which have a harmful effect on humans, non-human animals or the environment

iv. market, promote or advertise, products or services in a misleading or deceitful manner

v. create markets by the promotion or advertising of unwanted products or services

vi. acquire land or commodities primarily for the purpose of speculative gain

vii. create, encourage or perpetuate militarism or engage in the manufacture of armaments

viii. entice people into financial over-commitment

ix. exploit people through the payment of low wages or the provision of poor working conditions

x. discriminate by way of race, religion or sex in employment, marketing, or advertising practices

xi. contribute to the inhibition of human rights generally.