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Hayne rebukes directors on climate risk failure

The former High Court judge says directors cannot hide behind "learned helplessness" as an excuse not to act, and lashed the "short-termism" of national debate. 

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Former High Court judge and royal commissioner Kenneth Hayne has warned directors they have a legal duty to act on climate change risk, include it in corporate strategies and report on it to shareholders, raising the real prospect that boards failing to act could end up in court.

Justice Kenneth Hayne says a sense of helplessness and short-termism is no excuse for inaction on climate risk. Illustration: AFR

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James Fernyhough writes about telecommunications, insurance and financial services. He's based in the AFR's Melbourne office. Connect with James on Twitter. Email James at james.fernyhough@afr.com.au

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    Original URL: https://www.afr.com/policy/energy-and-climate/hayne-rebukes-directors-on-climate-risk-failure-20191206-p53hnd