As an asset owner, we seek to ensure that the companies and other assets in which we invest in are governed and managed in an appropriate way that will enhance performance over the longer term, and thereby produce the best financial outcome for members. This is why we take an active interest in the ESG practices of the companies and assets in which we invest, and seek to exert influence on their governance, policies, practices and management through share voting, engagement and advocacy.
We have a significant exposure to listed share investments. Exercising the voting rights attached to shares held in public companies is something we regard as being integral to active ownership. Share voting is an important tool for engaging with companies. Voting is an effective way for the Trustee and other investors to publicly express its views on what a company is doing right, and what a company needs to improve.
Our proxy voting policy can be found in our Responsible Investment: Environmental, Social & Governance Policy (PDF, 260kB)
The following information provides summaries of voting activity undertaken during the period 1 July 2023 to 30 September 2023.
Our current proxy advisers are: the Australian Council of Superannuation Investors (ACSI) (domestic) and CGI Glass Lewis (international).
We are able to support a proposal by voting ‘For’, against a proposal by voting ‘Against’ or choose not to vote either for or against by ‘Abstaining’ or ‘Withholding’. Occasionally there may be a split vote where our managers have voted differently on a resolution.