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ALL SESSIONS IN THE PLENARY & BREAKOUT 1 WILL BE ONLINE & IN-PERSON

SESSIONS HELD IN BREAKOUT 2 ARE IN-PERSON ONLY


REGISTRATION OPEN - DIETARIES CAN NOT BE CONFIRMED AT THIS LATE STAGE

Registration opens
Welcome to Country
Welcome from RIAA
Simon O'Connor
  • Simon O'Connor (CEO of RIAA)

    Simon O'Connor

    CEO of RIAA
ESG – woke and broke?
Jens PeersEstelle ParkerProf Timothy LynchFiona Reynolds

The past 12 months have seen pushback against ESG by forces overseas, particularly in the US. What does this mean for Australian investors, and could this happen here?

  • Jens Peers (CIO at Mirova)

    Jens Peers

    CIO at Mirova
  • Estelle Parker (Executive Manager at RIAA)

    Estelle Parker

    Executive Manager at RIAA
  • Prof Timothy Lynch (Professor of Political Science, Associate Dean International at The University of Melbourne)

    Prof Timothy Lynch

    Professor of Political Science, Associate Dean International at The University of Melbourne
  • Fiona Reynolds (Independent Director and Advisory Board Member)

    Fiona Reynolds

    Independent Director and Advisory Board Member
Modern slavery: The state of play and where investors fit in
Tomoya ObokataRoss Piper

Around 50 million people live in modern slavery, which has become a key issue for Australian investors and policymakers. But what is being done about this on a global level? Can modern slavery really be stamped out? What role should investors play? And where does Australia rank in these efforts? The head of the United Nations’ efforts to combat modern slavery globally will reflect on the situation globally and current trends, provide an update on efforts to combat contemporary forms of slavery, explain international law and norms, and explore what investors can do to reduce instances of modern slavery in their portfolios and supply chains.

  • Tomoya Obokata (Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery at United Nations)

    Tomoya Obokata

    Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery at United Nations
  • Ross Piper (Chair of RIAA Board & Chief Executive Superannuation at Australian Ethical Investment Ltd)

    Ross Piper

    Chair of RIAA Board & Chief Executive Superannuation at Australian Ethical Investment Ltd
Morning tea
Drowning in a sea of requests – corporate engagement from the inside
Patricia CrossDr Guy DebelleSimon O'ConnorMark RigottiClaudia Chapman

The ramping up of stewardship strategies raises a broader challenge as companies are bombarded with requests. But does this actually distract from a focus on achieving the best ESG outcomes? Get the view from the inside –how are companies dealing with the increase in corporate engagement by investors? What works? What advice would Australia’s corporate leaders give to investors looking to achieve successful corporate engagement? And can investors work more collaboratively to alleviate the burden on companies and maximise the investor voice?

  • Patricia Cross (Chair of OFX, Director of Transurban Ltd, Board Member at Future Fund Board of Guardians)

    Patricia Cross

    Chair of OFX, Director of Transurban Ltd, Board Member at Future Fund Board of Guardians
  • Dr Guy Debelle (Board Member at Fortescue Future Industries)

    Dr Guy Debelle

    Board Member at Fortescue Future Industries
  • Simon O'Connor (CEO of RIAA)

    Simon O'Connor

    CEO of RIAA
  • Mark Rigotti (Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Australian Institute of Company Directors)

    Mark Rigotti

    Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Australian Institute of Company Directors
  • Claudia Chapman (Head of Stewardship at UK's Financial Reporting Council)

    Claudia Chapman

    Head of Stewardship at UK's Financial Reporting Council
First Nations investment markets – RIAA's First Nations Peoples' Rights Working Group
Benson SauloProfessor Peter Yu, AMLeah ArmstrongAlan Dayeh

From the clean energy boom to nature-based solutions, a healthy Australian economy depends on equitable partnerships with Indigenous peoples, business and investors, and learning from First Australians' knowledge, culture, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking. Join a conversation with leading thinkers and doers in First Nations investment markets and hear how responsible investors can be valuable partners for impact and sustained growth.

  • Benson Saulo (Australian Consul-General & Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner at Australian Trade and Investment Commission)

    Benson Saulo

    Australian Consul-General & Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner at Australian Trade and Investment Commission
  • Professor Peter Yu, AM (Vice-President, First Nations Portfolio at Australian National University)

    Professor Peter Yu, AM

    Vice-President, First Nations Portfolio at Australian National University
  • Leah Armstrong (Managing Director of First Australians Capital Ltd)

    Leah Armstrong

    Managing Director of First Australians Capital Ltd
  • Alan Dayeh (Partner at Point Advisory)

    Alan Dayeh

    Partner at Point Advisory
The evolution of impact investment in an era of sustainable financeKeynote Michael Traill
Michael Traill AM
  • Michael Traill AM (Independent Board Director of Australian Retirement Trust)

    Michael Traill AM

    Independent Board Director of Australian Retirement Trust
Lunch
Greenwashing in Australia: a view from the regulator
Karen Chester

Australia’s corporate, markets and financial services regulator, ASIC, has prioritised proactive supervision and enforcement of governance, transparency and disclosure standards in relation to sustainable finance-related products and services. Hear from Deputy Chair Karen Chester on ASIC’s evolving work in this important area, including ASIC’s enforcement approach to greenwashing-type misconduct and important developments on the horizon such as the Government proposal to introduce a mandatory climate-change related disclosure regime for large businesses and financial institutions in Australia.

  • Karen Chester (Deputy Chair at Australian Securities and Investments Commission)

    Karen Chester

    Deputy Chair at Australian Securities and Investments Commission
Transitioning the ASX – company insights into progress towards net zero
Nathan ParkinSarah ClarkeNaomi FlutterDavid Akers

The ASX is harder than many markets to transition towards net zero by 2050 than many other markets globally, being weighted to energy and resources companies. The transition is going to take strong collaboration between investors supporting long term transition strategies and companies striving towards net zero, in often hard to abate sectors. This session, chaired by a long standing leading ASX investor Nathan Parkin, will unpack the approach to this transition by ASX listed company executives, who are boldly driving their businesses towards these long term goals.

  • Nathan Parkin (Investment Director, Co-founder of Ethical Partners Funds Management)

    Nathan Parkin

    Investment Director, Co-founder of Ethical Partners Funds Management
  • Sarah Clarke (Group General Manager Sustainability at Mirvac)

    Sarah Clarke

    Group General Manager Sustainability at Mirvac
  • Naomi Flutter (Executive General Manger Corporate Affairs at Wesfarmers)

    Naomi Flutter

    Executive General Manger Corporate Affairs at Wesfarmers
  • David Akers (Group Head of Investor Relations and Sustainability at The a2 Milk Company)

    David Akers

    Group Head of Investor Relations and Sustainability at The a2 Milk Company
Afternoon tea
Voice to Parliament and First Nations equity in your organisation – be a genuine partner in reconciliation and self-determination
Karen MundineSimon O'ConnorPhil UsherProfessor Peter Yu, AM

From creating Reconciliation Action Plans to expanding your supplier diversity with Indigenous owned businesses, learn from leading First Australian organisations on what investors can do to embed First Nations equity in your organisation.

  • Karen Mundine (Chief Executive Officer at Reconciliation Australia)

    Karen Mundine

    Chief Executive Officer at Reconciliation Australia
  • Simon O'Connor (CEO of RIAA)

    Simon O'Connor

    CEO of RIAA
  • Phil Usher (Chief Executive Officer at First Nations Foundation)

    Phil Usher

    Chief Executive Officer at First Nations Foundation
  • Professor Peter Yu, AM (Vice-President, First Nations Portfolio at Australian National University)

    Professor Peter Yu, AM

    Vice-President, First Nations Portfolio at Australian National University
What it takes to be a Leader? Reflections and experiences of RIAA's Responsible Investment Leaders
David GrybasJessica ZarzyckiDr Zsuzsa Banhalmi-ZakarRos McKay

RIAA's Responsible Investment Leaders List identifies organisations that demonstrate the ability to deliver on responsible investment promises set out in its policies, through having a range of appropriate and systematic processes in place. Join RIAA's Research Manager and two quite different Responsible Investment Leaders for a deep-dive into the scorecard, including recent updates to the scorecard, responsible investment developments in the market, ways to demonstrate the outcomes of corporate engagement, and how smaller managers can do this in an efficient way.

  • David Grybas (Chief Executive Officer at BNP Paribas Asset Management Australia Limited)

    David Grybas

    Chief Executive Officer at BNP Paribas Asset Management Australia Limited
  • Jessica Zarzycki (Portfolio Manager at Nuveen)

    Jessica Zarzycki

    Portfolio Manager at Nuveen
  • Dr Zsuzsa Banhalmi-Zakar (Manager of Research at RIAA)

    Dr Zsuzsa Banhalmi-Zakar

    Manager of Research at RIAA
  • Ros McKay (Head of Responsible Investment at CBus Super Fund)

    Ros McKay

    Head of Responsible Investment at CBus Super Fund
Day 1 wrap up
Estelle Parker
  • Estelle Parker (Executive Manager at RIAA)

    Estelle Parker

    Executive Manager at RIAA
Registration reopens
Welcome back
Estelle Parker
  • Estelle Parker (Executive Manager at RIAA)

    Estelle Parker

    Executive Manager at RIAA
Stewardship: engagement, voting, changeKeynote from Debby Blakey

Can stewardship activities lead to real change? The 2022 blocking of the proposed demerger of energy company AGL put superannuation fund HESTA in the spotlight as a leader in using shareholder votes to further stewardship objectives. Hear directly from HESTA’s CEO about HESTA’s experience and lessons learned as it has sought to actively engage with, and influence change in, the companies it is invested in.

  • Debby Blakey (CEO of HESTA)

    Debby Blakey

    CEO of HESTA
Voting for a Sustainable FutureKeynote from Jane Karen Ho

What is the fiduciary duty of a sustainable investor? This has been pulled into debate over the backdrop of politics and the view that a 1.5c world has moved away from us. Join Jane Ho, Head of Stewardship APAC at BNP Paribas Asset Management, as she examines this in conjunction with stewardship. Jane will also focus on voting, an area investors are increasingly being held accountable for, and discuss stewardship in action through the firm’s work on gender diversity.

  • Jane Karen Ho (Head of Stewardship, Asia Pacific at BNP Paribas Asset Management)

    Jane Karen Ho

    Head of Stewardship, Asia Pacific at BNP Paribas Asset Management
What makes a good steward? Examining trends in corporate engagement
Jane Karen HoDebby BlakeyPablo BerruttiGeri McMahonGrover Burthey

Join an expert panel to examine stewardship in practice in 2023, dive into the findings of RIAA's 2022 landmark research on stewardship practices and explore in-depth case studies of effective stewardship. What works? And how can we prove it?

  • Jane Karen Ho (Head of Stewardship, Asia Pacific at BNP Paribas Asset Management)

    Jane Karen Ho

    Head of Stewardship, Asia Pacific at BNP Paribas Asset Management
  • Debby Blakey (CEO of HESTA)

    Debby Blakey

    CEO of HESTA
  • Pablo Berrutti (Senior Investment Specialist at Stewart Investors)

    Pablo Berrutti

    Senior Investment Specialist at Stewart Investors
  • Geri McMahon (Partner- Climate Change & Sustainability Services at KPMG Australia)

    Geri McMahon

    Partner- Climate Change & Sustainability Services at KPMG Australia
  • Grover Burthey (Head of ESG Portfolio Management at PIMCO)

    Grover Burthey

    Head of ESG Portfolio Management at PIMCO
Morning tea
So meta – tech and human rights: RIAA's Human Rights Working Group
Julie Inman GrantMin Wah VoonProfessor Nicholas DavisLiza McDonald

From data breaches to online abuse, human-centred AI and digital rights, the nexus of digital technology and human rights is vast and challenging. Hear from industry and human rights experts on what investors can and must do to help shape digital technology and spaces that respect human rights and promote equity and justice.

  • Julie Inman Grant (eSafety Commissioner at Australian Government)

    Julie Inman Grant

    eSafety Commissioner at Australian Government
  • Min Wah Voon (Head of Working Groups at RIAA)

    Min Wah Voon

    Head of Working Groups at RIAA
  • Professor Nicholas Davis (Industry Professor - Emerging Technology at University of Technology Sydney)

    Professor Nicholas Davis

    Industry Professor - Emerging Technology at University of Technology Sydney
  • Liza McDonald (RIAA Board Member and Head of Responsible Investment at Aware Super)

    Liza McDonald

    RIAA Board Member and Head of Responsible Investment at Aware Super
What will Australia's sustainable finance taxonomy look like?
Dr Sean CarmodyKristy GrahamLinda RomanovskaCharles DavisSybil Dixon

The Australian Government has committed to a sustainable finance taxonomy. With taxonomies emerging in the EU, Japan, Singapore and more, how will it operate in our market and what lessons can we learn from overseas efforts? Hear from experts in finance, fund management and financial regulation on the direction of Australia’s sustainable finance taxonomy, and how investors can best position themselves for its eventual adoption.

  • Dr Sean Carmody (Executive Director, Insurance Division of APRA)

    Dr Sean Carmody

    Executive Director, Insurance Division of APRA
  • Kristy Graham (Chief Executive Officer at Australian Sustainable Finance Institute)

    Kristy Graham

    Chief Executive Officer at Australian Sustainable Finance Institute
  • Linda Romanovska (Independent Member of the EU Platform on Sustainable Finance)

    Linda Romanovska

    Independent Member of the EU Platform on Sustainable Finance
  • Charles Davis (Managing Director Sustainable Finance and ESG of Commonwealth Bank of  Australia)

    Charles Davis

    Managing Director Sustainable Finance and ESG of Commonwealth Bank of Australia
  • Sybil Dixon (Head of ESG Product at Vanguard Investments Australia Ltd)

    Sybil Dixon

    Head of ESG Product at Vanguard Investments Australia Ltd
Lunch
What's on the label? Industry and regulator efforts to combat greenwashing
Susheela Peres Da CostaSusan QuinnMark BlandHari BalkrishnaKuldeep Yadav

Greenwashing is the word on everyone's lips in business and finance, from consumers to regulators. But what is being done to strengthen and harmonise financial product labelling, and what does this mean for how we label products in Australia?

  • Susheela Peres Da Costa (Principal at Stewardship Centre)

    Susheela Peres Da Costa

    Principal at Stewardship Centre
  • Susan Quinn (Head, Policy and Advocacy at RIAA)

    Susan Quinn

    Head, Policy and Advocacy at RIAA
  • Mark Bland (Partner at Mills Oakley)

    Mark Bland

    Partner at Mills Oakley
  • Hari Balkrishna (Vice President at T. Rowe Price)

    Hari Balkrishna

    Vice President at T. Rowe Price
  • Kuldeep Yadav (Vice President, ESG Sector & Thematic Research, APAC at MSCI)

    Kuldeep Yadav

    Vice President, ESG Sector & Thematic Research, APAC at MSCI
Groundwork – latest lessons from piloting the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures: RIAA's Nature Working Group
Anne DekkerTim KingShara LohrasbIan Hamm

Hear from a leading investor, an iconic Australian company, a First Nations leader and an environmental expert on what it's like to pilot the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) framework. How did they go about it, what might they do differently, and where are the risks, challenges and opportunities?

  • Anne Dekker (Vice President Environment at BHP)

    Anne Dekker

    Vice President Environment at BHP
  • Tim King (Chief Investment Officer at Melior Investment Management)

    Tim King

    Chief Investment Officer at Melior Investment Management
  • Shara Lohrasb (Associate Director of Clean Energy Finance Corporation)

    Shara Lohrasb

    Associate Director of Clean Energy Finance Corporation
  • Ian Hamm (Chairperson at Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation Board)

    Ian Hamm

    Chairperson at Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation Board
Afternoon tea
What we can learn from the UK Stewardship Code
Claudia Chapman

Investor stewardship is an increasingly important tool in responsible investment strategies. RIAA’s research shows that approximately $726 billion in assets under management in Australia includes stewardship activities. Stewardship Codes have proliferated around the world. Prominent amongst these is the UK’s, which sets a high bar to entry, and has robust requirements for ongoing signatory status.

Claudia led the revision and implementation of the UK Financial Reporting Council’s latest Stewardship Code. Hear lessons learned as it has bedded down, how this is driving change in the market, and where next for stewardship including the growing focus on collaboration and systems change to achieve positive real-world outcomes.

  • Claudia Chapman (Head of Stewardship at UK's Financial Reporting Council)

    Claudia Chapman

    Head of Stewardship at UK's Financial Reporting Council
The rise of stewardship to drive real world outcomes – is it the silver bullet we’ve been looking for, or merely a distraction?
Claudia ChapmanMary NicholsonSimon O'ConnorRick AlexanderPaul Chandler
  • Claudia Chapman (Head of Stewardship at UK's Financial Reporting Council)

    Claudia Chapman

    Head of Stewardship at UK's Financial Reporting Council
  • Mary Nicholson (Head of Responsible Investment, Managing Director at Macquarie Asset Management)

    Mary Nicholson

    Head of Responsible Investment, Managing Director at Macquarie Asset Management
  • Simon O'Connor (CEO of RIAA)

    Simon O'Connor

    CEO of RIAA
  • Rick Alexander (Chief Executive Officer at The Shareholder Commons)

    Rick Alexander

    Chief Executive Officer at The Shareholder Commons
  • Paul Chandler (Director of Stewardship at PRI)

    Paul Chandler

    Director of Stewardship at PRI
Conference wrap up
Ross Piper
  • Ross Piper (Chair of RIAA Board & Chief Executive Superannuation at Australian Ethical Investment Ltd)

    Ross Piper

    Chair of RIAA Board & Chief Executive Superannuation at Australian Ethical Investment Ltd
Networking drinks