Our Premise

The Christian Bible teaches us how to live, including investing and management of money. We understand “Ethical Investments” to be those that are consistent with standards and values set by the Bible in both the Old and New Testaments. The Bible teaches responsible and sustainable investing. This flows out of the declaration that God himself is the creator and the ultimate owner of all that we see (Ps 24:1, Job 41:11), and has charged us with the responsibility of being good stewards on His behalf (Gen 1:26-28, Matt 25:20-21).

In measuring an investment’s suitability against these Biblical standards and values, we believe that over the long term we will achieve greater and more sustainable returns for investors. We also believe that we have a responsibility to manage members’ funds in line with these principles, and to make a difference in the society and communities in which we live.

Standards and Values

The standard and values that we use to measure against or filter out investments are:

Financial Best Practices

·                     Proactive governance and accountability
·                     Honesty and integrity
·                     Transparent and timely reporting
·                     Sustainable financial returns
·                     Use of appropriate risk management

Social Responsibility

·                     Responsible and fair workplace management practices
·                     Responsible community and stake-holder relations
·                     Tolerance, respect and dignity for all persons
·                     Encouragement of family values 

Environmental Care

·                     Efficient energy and resource use
·                     Long term, sustainable environmental practices 

Our Commitment

Where possible and practical we will:

Negative Screen

Avoid investments that do not measure up favourably against our standards and values. In particular, this applies to companies in the following industries – gambling, alcohol production, tobacco manufacturing, pornography and armaments.

Companies that show unacceptable practices in areas such as human rights, occupational health and safety and environment management are also excluded.

We recognise that there will be occasions when companies inadvertently breach some of the principles and where genuine efforts are made to rectify the breaches.

We will not prohibit investment in a company where a breach of the principles, in relation to its products or services, constitutes no more than 5% of the company’s activities, and is balanced by other positive actions. 

Positive screen

We seek to invest in companies that produce goods and/or services that enhance the health and welfare of individuals and communities and preserve the environment.

Neutral

It is likely the majority of investments will be in companies that are considered to be neutral in terms of the positive and negative screens.

Ethical Logo

ACSuper has two investment options - Ethical Balanced and Ethical Shares, certified by RIAA according to the strict disclosure practices required under the Responsible Investment Certification Program.