And that’s a wrap 2023! Christmas with IR Department

2023 has been another exciting year for the team. In this blog post, the IR Department team provides their reflections on one interesting fact or lesson they learnt this year, and one favourite book/podcast (or TV series) recommendation.

December 8th, 2023 by Phillipa Thorn
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This is what the ASX and investors expect for gender diversity on your board

Gender diversity on boards is a key ESG performance indicator for listed companies of all sizes and across industries. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Workforce diversity is considered a material disclosure according to the ESG reporting framework preferred by investors, with a particular focus on gender diversity at executive level

  • Institutional investors are ramping up advocacy around board diversity; for ASX 300 companies with poor female representation, this could see the re-election of male directors vetoed

  • Since 2010 the ASX has recommended listed companies set and disclose a diversity target annually, and investors are increasingly expecting this recommendation to be adopted.

If your institutional investors aren’t asking you about your board diversity targets just yet, chances are they soon will be.

December 7th, 2023 by Ilona Marchetta
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5 key lessons any company can take away from our foundational ESG report

We are pleased to announce the publication of IR Department’s foundational Environmental Social Governance (ESG) report.

The report provides a snapshot of our ESG performance and sets out the objectives of our ESG program to June 2024.

We produced the report off the back of the launch of our ESG practice earlier this year, to respond to the growing reporting needs of our micro and small cap clients. We know that ESG reporting can feel overwhelming, and confusing. We wanted to demonstrate a simple approach to producing high quality ESG information, and establishing a program with strong ties back to business objectives.

Here are 5 key take-aways for companies wanting to get started with their own reporting program:

October 4th, 2023 by Ilona Marchetta
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What small caps can take away from Amazon’s move to write emissions data into its supplier standards

And what to do about it.

As governments around the world roll out mandatory climate reporting legislation to support the world’s transition to a net zero emissions economy, it’s clear that large entities will need to begin emissions accounting some time over the next 12 months, if they aren’t already doing so.

The impact of mandatory reporting on smaller businesses, though, has not been so clear.

A new move by Amazon to update its Supply Chain Standards next year to require its suppliers to share their emissions data and set reduction goals gives us some clue of how the requirements imposed on larger companies could trickle down on smaller entities – and when.

In short, it appears smaller entities are going to be impacted much sooner than anticipated.

July 31st, 2023 by Ilona Marchetta
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How Australian small caps are likely to be impacted by the new ISSB sustainability disclosure standards

Key takeaways

  • The new sustainability disclosure standards, IFRS S1 and S2, draw upon and consolidate many of the leading ESG reporting frameworks in use today
  • Designed to standardise ESG reporting principles for the benefit of the investment community in decision making process
  • Governments are developing new legislation for listed entities aligned with standards
  • Based on accounting principles, the new standards are expected to significantly change corporate reporting, and spur a large uptake of emissions accounting by organisations.
July 27th, 2023 by Ilona Marchetta
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IR Department expands with ESG practice and new team members

  • New ESG practice bolsters consultancy’s client offering
  • Appointment of Jack McLintock, Annabelle Dick and Anna Cvijetić expand IR Department’s investor and public relations expertise
July 4th, 2023 by IR Department
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IWD2023 interview series, Feature Five: Gertrude Biomedical CEO/Managing Director, Tara Karnezis

Tara Karnezis is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of IR Department’s client, Gertrude Biomedical. Tara oversees Gertrude’s development of small molecule medicines that target cancer growth and spread.

We were grateful to her for giving us some time as part of our International Women's Day interview series, to discuss her perspective on this year’s theme, “Embracing Equity”.

March 27th, 2023 by Phillipa Thorn
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IWD2023 interview series, Feature Four: HaemaLogiX Chair/CEO, Bryce Carmine

Bryce Carmine is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer with IR Department’s client, HaemaLogiX, a private Australian biotech company developing immune-based treatments for multiple myeloma.

We were grateful for Bryce giving us some time, as part of our International Women's Day series, to share some insights and perspective on this year’s theme, “Embracing Equity”.

March 23rd, 2023 by Phillipa Thorn
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IWD2023 interview series, Feature Three: Pureprofile’s COO/CFO, Melinda Sheppard

Melinda Sheppard is the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer with IR Department client, Pureprofile Limited (ASX: PPL). Together with CEO Martin Filz, Melinda has been instrumental in the turnaround of the Pureprofile business over the past few years.

We were grateful that she could spend some time with us as part of our International Women's Day series, to share some insights from her career and her perspective on this year’s theme, “Embracing Equity”.

March 20th, 2023 by Phillipa Thorn
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IWD2023 – Mary Harney talks about the importance of mentoring and optimism

As part of International Women’s Day 2023, IR Department sat down with leaders across a range of industries to discuss their unique perspectives on the theme of “embracing equity”.

In this interview, we speak with Mary Harney (pictured), who is Non-Executive Director for our client, Race Oncology (ASX: RAC), and also Chair of both Oncology One and Microbio.

Mary has had a fascinating career history across health and agricultural sectors. A thoughtful, analytical and persuasive leader, Mary’s positive influence has seen prominent businesses and cultures transformed. A constant throughout her career has been the wealth of opportunity created for both women and men through mentoring and career championship.

March 17th, 2023 by Jane Lowe
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IWD2023 interview series, Feature One: Servatus' Non-Executive Director Eilis Quinn

Eilis Quinn is General Manager, Australia and New Zealand at Jazz Pharmaceuticals and is also Non-Executive Director with IR Department client, Servatus. 

Recently Eilis took some time out to chat with our Communications Director, Cherie Hartley about International Women’s Day, her experiences and perspectives around this year’s theme, “Embracing Equity”.

March 13th, 2023 by Phillipa Thorn
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Getting started with ESG – what’s it all about?

ESG (environmental, social, and governance) has become a key factor for investors when making investment decisions. As such, incorporating ESG into your investor relations approach is crucial for success.

Our latest blog post explores the benefits of ESG for companies, including attracting socially responsible investors, managing risks, building a positive brand reputation, and ensuring regulatory compliance. We also provide practical tips on how to integrate ESG into your investor relations approach. Read our blog post now and learn how to build a sustainable and responsible business that benefits all stakeholders. 

February 18th, 2023 by Jane Lowe
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IR Department client media highlights

August 31st, 2022 by Cherie Hartley
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Interview with Peter Devine, CEO of Uniseed

August 31st, 2022 by Paul Langley
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