Business and Human Rights: award finalists
Five Australian businesses, including financial services company Allianz and publisher Lexis Nexis, are on the shortlist for the 2017 Human Rights Business Award.
Also shortlisted are the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC), marketing agency The Copy Collective, and the Indigenous-owned stationery and office supplies company, Kulbardi.
The annual Human Rights Business Award recognises and celebrates a corporation that promotes and advances human rights in the Australian community.
Judges for this year’s Business Award said the five shortlisted candidates demonstrate the range of opportunities available to businesses who want to take practical steps to advance human rights.
Allianz
Allianz was shortlisted for its commitment to creating employment opportunities and support for refugees and migrants. Through a partnership with Settlement Services International, Allianz established an innovative Sustainable Employment Program aimed at building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Allianz also created SSI Allianz Scholarships to improve education and employment opportunities for refugees. Through these initiatives, Allianz is advancing the human rights of some of the most vulnerable groups of our society as well as contributing to community cohesion.
The Copy Collective
The Copy Collective was shortlisted for its contribution to workplace flexibility. The Copy Collective is dedicated to employing people with disability and people who live in regional Australia. The company’s flexible work policy enables people to achieve economic independence and greater enjoyment of their rights.
Lexis Nexis
Lexis Nexis provides resources to more than 180 community legal centres, supporting access to justice for more than 200,000 people from disadvantaged backgrounds. The company has updated the publication, Federal Discrimination Law, and made it available free online. In doing so, it enables employers to better understand their human rights obligations.
Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC)
GOLDOC was shortlisted in recognition of its commitment to plan and deliver the next Commonwealth Games in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The Gold Coast Commonwealth Games has expressed its strong commitment to human rights through its Human Rights Policy as well as its Reconciliation Action Plan.
Kulbardi
As an Aboriginal-owned office and stationery supplies company, Kulbardi is committed to giving back to the community and inspiring Aboriginal entrepreneurship. Kulbardi has established a fund that provides opportunities for disadvantaged members of the Indigenous community, particularly through employment and training. Kulbardi invests in targeted community projects that build numeracy and literacy among Indigenous youth and elders.
The Australian Human Rights Commission presents the 2017 Human Rights Awards on 8 December 2017 at Sydney’s Westin Hotel. Tickets are on sale here.
More information at https://hrawards.humanrights.gov.au
Media contact: Sarah Bamford 0417 957 525 Sarah.bamford@humanrights.gov.au
