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Corporate ethics

February

There is a market perception that Richard White, the founder and brains behind WiseTech’s business success, has won.

WiseTech must find new independent directors or risk ASX suspension

The fine print of the bourse’s corporate governance principles shows Richard White and the remaining board members are in a rather urgent pickle.

This banker email shows Dutton is right on ESG going too far

A construction company received a 37-point compliance list before funding would be considered, in addition to the standard credit application.

Arnaud Soirat of Rio Tinto.

Internal files show Rio had early warning of Oyu Tolgoi blowouts

The mining giant held an “urgent” crisis meeting into a nine-month delay on its copper project in the same week it told investors it on was on schedule.

Shemara Wikramanayake, chief executive officer of Macquarie Group Ltd.

Banks must hold firm on net zero

Macquarie’s decision to exit the Net Zero Banking Alliance risks its bottom line and leaves its carefully built reputation as a green bank in tatters.

January

Security is already being stepped up ahead of the global elite’s arrival in Davos on Monday.

Has Trump killed DEI? Davos might have the answer

The World Economic Forum summit, where the liberal cosmopolitan elite gathers to network and self-congratulate, will be an early litmus test for Trump 2.0.

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December 2024

Kevin Corbally and Shayne Elliott at ANZ’s half-year results in May 2024.

ANZ risk boss fed up with bank leaks

Executives are cracking down on would-be informants before the bank’s AGM as the board hopes to convince investors it has been tough enough on cultural failings.

This image provided by the New York City Police Department shows a man wanted for questioning in connection to the investigation of the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (New York City Police Department via AP)

Manhattan murder frightens executives everywhere

Many companies view investor meetings such as the one that the UnitedHealthcare boss was walking to as security risks because they are highly publicised.

October 2024

Commonwealth Bank told investors earlier this month that it would tread carefully in rolling out uses for AI. But ASIC says that, across the banking industry, demand for AI is booming.

Everything we know (so far) about how banks and insurers are using AI

It has been two years since ChatGPT burst onto the stage – and artificial intelligence is becoming more complex. An ASIC survey sheds more light on the future.

March 2024

Keep AI on a tight leash or embed bias, experts say

AI’s potential to reinforce discrimination is one of its most worrying effects. New regulations aim to keep the powerful technology in check.

Capitalism is about harnessing the energy of self-interest.

Why we need an Australian Institute for Applied Ethics

Capitalism depends on government to provide a trusted framework of rules around it. But when politics turns into reality TV, we must ask the ethical questions ourselves.

February 2024

Telstra CEO Vicki Brady

AI should do what humans can’t, not what we want

The best deployments of AI are helping us discover solutions to big problems and work smarter, without taking the humanity out of creativity or selling junk.

Dr Simon Longstaff, AO, director of the Ethics Centre, is urging the federal government to invest in a national ethics institute.

Chaney, McManus, Pocock back $30m push for ethics institute

Leading business figures, union leaders, politicians and academics want the federal government to help establish a national ethics institute.

Having effectively silenced their staff on political matters, suddenly boards and senior executives claimed to speak for them.

Corporate political activism undermines democracy

Progressive Australians may cheer the do-good business leader when they agree with the desired outcome. But what if corporations choose to champion causes we abhor?

January 2024

Former Virgin and Crown Resorts corporate affairs executive Danielle Keighery has ditched a job with Optus to join Qantas

Qantas poaches incoming Optus corporate affairs chief

Danielle Keighery was to start at the embattled telecommunications group next month. Instead, the former Crown Resorts executive will start at the airline.

December 2023

CBA’s Matt Comyn loses his right-hand man, the meticulous David Cohen

Over 15 years at the bank, David Cohen has seen it all. On his retirement, he provides a potted history of CBA’s numerous troubles and its transformation.

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Jimmy Stewart’s voice will read bedtime stories on a wellness app Calm, thanks to AI.

Recreating dead actors with AI does not make for a wonderful life

It may seem harmless to recreate Jimmy Stewart’s voice for a wellness app, but it is the start of a slippery slope that doesn’t end well for humanity.

November 2023

Australian AI star plans US shift as battle for humanity heats up

Start-up Akin has been struggling to close its $US50 million funding round, while staying true to its goal of building an ethical AI.

October 2023

Wesfarmers boss Rob Scott says business was right to speak up for Indigenous advancement.

Business leaders won’t back down from Voice support

After heavy criticism for the role played by big business in the Yes campaign, employers and directors say they will still keep publicly supporting good causes.

September 2023

Kevin Burrowes CEO, PwC Australia, says the firm is committed to changing its culture.

An open letter from PwC Australia CEO Kevin Burrowes

“We are deeply sorry for that behaviour and the culture that allowed it to go unchecked for many years.”

Tim Gurner’s comments on unemployment sparked calls for a renewed focus on all corporate stakeholders, not just shareholders.

Why companies should maximise shareholder welfare

Qantas and Tim Gurner show why we need a new theory about corporate managers focusing on the interests of all stakeholders, while maintaining the primacy of creating value for company owners.

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/topic/corporate-ethics-1mt8