Yesterday
Board fights and mass resignations: the battle splitting the nation’s geoscientists
A bitter struggle for control of a professional association is proving that diversity, equity and inclusion remains a lightening rod for controversy.
This Month
Diversity push triggers bidding war for female talent
Companies have sparked a bidding war for senior female talent by focusing on getting women into leadership positions without expanding their female pipelines.
March
WGEA gender targets quack like quotas
Just as the critics of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency warned 20 years ago, what starts off as an aspiration has become a must-do for companies.
Wikramanayake: Diversity is not woke, it’s smart business
Corporate leaders shared stories of success and failure at a dinner honouring the 40th anniversary of Chief Executive Women.
White House should stay out of Australian universities
The US risks shooting itself in the foot by forcing other countries to comply with Trump’s anti-DEI, America First ideology.
Qantas chairman says business should not be woke or anti-woke
Corporate Australia should pick its battles carefully. However, mainstream DEI and ESG initiatives have largely proved to add value to companies.
Disney retreats from the culture wars, one trigger warning at a time
Donald Trump’s crackdown on diversity has seen the Mouse House tone down its pre-program messages. But content advisories have their defenders elsewhere.
Why ASX corporate governance principles need a shake-up
Questions must be answered, including whether the broad consensus-based approach of the council should continue or it should be an advisory body to the bourse.
February
Tech titans kill off Silicon Valley’s once-proud activism
Fearful employees have done little to protest against the dramatic rightward shift of leaders such as Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg in favour of Donald Trump.
Apple to keep DEI efforts, though some adjustments possible
Tim Cook said Apple will continue to work together to create “a culture of belonging” and remains committed to “the values that have always made us who we are”.
‘Lifting’ becomes ‘levelling’: Companies reframe DEI amid Trump upheaval
The president’s campaign to stamp out diversity policies is spurring businesses to recalibrate how to ensure equal opportunity within their ranks.
US Target hit by consumer anger at retreat from diversity policies
A decline in foot traffic has coincided with consumer boycotts aimed at the retailer, even as other brands that made similar reversals have faced little outcry.
Failed diversity push triggers demands for ASX governance overhaul
Wesfarmers boss Rob Scott said proposed governance guidelines ‘went too far’.
I’m an ESG insider. Here’s the truth behind how it went off the rails
Advocacy for moral concerns should be left to those with the proper mandate and ESG professionals should practice what they preach about good governance.
Revealed: the 24-hour vote that killed off ASX diversity plan
The ASX Corporate Governance Council will drop proposed new rules for listed companies after nearly half the members voted not to proceed.
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.
John Wylie calls for annual director elections in ASX overhaul
The veteran fund manager is urging the ASX governance council to return to the drawing board and has proposed an alternative “commonsense” version of rules.
Corporate revolt set to kill off ASX diversity plan
At least four key business groups will oppose proposals to update the governance rules, killing the prospects of getting the broad consensus needed to proceed.
As Trump tries to kill DEI, Labor moves to lock it in
Proposed changes before the Senate would force Australian employers to set and meet more gender equality targets, just as their US counterparts abandon them.
Australian Jewish leaders to raise millions to fight antisemitism
Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg will chair a fundraising group that aims to help stamp out hate speech.