Australian Super has disclosed that it has a substantial investment in Monsanto Co, multinational agricultural biotechnology corporation recently voted the most unethical company in the world. Monsanto, a former manufacturer of Agent Orange, produces genetically modified crops, bovine growth hormone, and herbicides, and is accused of countless bribery and corruption incidents. The superannuation (pension) fund Australian Super invests […]
Read MoreWoodside Chairman dismisses Carbon Price disclosure resolution
Woodside Petroleum chairman Michael Chaney has told shareholders at the company’s annual general meeting in Perth that the Climate Advocacy Fund is a “ginger group”* in response to a resolution seeking disclosure of carbon pricing assumptions used by the company in evaluating projects and assessing the impairment of assets. * A ginger group is a […]
Read MoreNuns challenge Goldman Sachs over executive pay
Investing Responsibly isn’t just about environmental, social and health issues – it’s also about corporate governance. Holding companies accountable for their actions (in this case executive pay packets) is an issue that’s being tackled from the ground up: Lloyd Blankfein, head of Goldman Sachs, may believe he is “doing God’s work” but Sister Nora Nash has […]
Read MoreHow to find a Financial Adviser
Choosing a Financial Planner/ Adviser is an important personal matter. With conflicting information constantly in the media, consumers are confused about where to look. Your Bank? They only offer the Bank’s products. Your ‘not for profit’ Super fund? Their constant advertising is paid for from members’ funds, and they also are probably limited to discussing […]
Read MoreIs your Super fund supporting Cluster Bombs?
Cluster Bombs – not quite so super Earlier this year, the superannuation (pension) fund Australian Super, which invests $30 billion on behalf of 1.4 million working Australians, removed its ethical exclusion policy. As a result, the fund no longer excludes investment companies which derive more than 5 per cent of their revenues from the ‘manufacture […]
Read MoreIndustry Super Funds: the irony!
We had to chuckle when we heard about the latest Industry Super fund campaign against Financial Planners (well, against some Financial Planners – apparently the ones they employ to recommend Industry Super funds are ok!). Surely they can see the irony in the situation… can’t they? Irony #1: Although Industry Funds constantly attack Financial Planners who offer […]
Read MoreDon’t water the Xmas tree (& more cautionary tips!)
A look at the lighter side of serious accidents (apologies for the oxymoron!) If these sound familiar, it’s time to talk to us about your personal insurances! See the list below….. 543 Australians were admitted to casualty departments in the last 2 years from attempting to open beer bottles with their teeth or eye socket. 71% of people […]
Read MorePrepare for a comfortable retirement – get to know your Super
During your working life you make contributions to your super fund and the earnings you receive are reinvested, building up the value over time. The money that you put into your super fund must generally stay there until you reach retirement, or when you begin your transition to retirement, both after a set minimum age. […]
Read More