ANU to strengthen socially responsible investment practices

The Australian National University (ANU) is strengthening its commitment to socially responsible investment following endorsement from the ANU Council.    

The Council has resolved that the University’s Long Term Investment Pool will not invest in controversial weapons manufacturers and civilian small arms manufacturers.   

This resolution adds to existing investment screens relating to coal, gambling, pornography and tobacco.   

ANU first adopted a Socially Responsible Investment Policy in 2013, making it one of the first universities in the world to do so.  

The policy seeks to ensure a socially responsible approach is maintained in all decision making on ANU investments, and that potential social harm or benefit is considered as part of investment activities.  

“The ANU Socially Responsible Investment Policy was sector-leading when it was introduced in 2013, but community expectations around what socially responsible investment means are evolving and expanding,” ANU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Genevieve Bell, said. 

“Our university community has recently drawn attention to investment in companies that derive revenue from arms manufacture and sales. We have listened to that feedback from our community. 

“We will also seek to explore further the positive social benefits that can be pursued through investment activity, particularly in relation to gender equality, First Nations-led companies and companies that manage modern slavery risks.” 

 As part of the review process, ANU provided all staff, students and alumni an opportunity to provide feedback on the current policy, as well as how they might like to see the policy updated. Almost 900 submissions were received.   

“The University thanks those who participated in the review and we will continue to update our community as these changes are implemented,” Professor Bell said. 

“Determining where we seek to invest is something we will review regularly moving forward. This is a significant decision, but it is important that we continue to think about how we reflect our values in our actions.” 

The University will commence working with its investment managers to ensure the requirements of the policy are carried out effectively. 

The University reports annually to the ANU Council on its compliance with the Socially Responsible Investment policy. These reports are published on the ANU website.