Corporate Responsibility
The ABC is committed to Corporate Responsibility and aims to deliver content with integrity, diligence and transparency and to act in the interests of citizens. Delivering products and services that satisfy the needs and expectations of audiences, and that meet the ABC’s editorial standards, is the essence of the ABC’s existence.
The ABC Strategic Plan 2013–16 commits the ABC to being responsible, fulfilling its objectives across all business and media activities in a manner that is ethical, financially responsible, and in particular to pursue environmentally and socially responsible business practices. The values of integrity, respect, collegiality and innovation are the foundation of the ABC’s activities.
The ABC’s Corporate Responsibility Group (CRG) has reviewed the ABC’s broader sustainability performance to help prioritise corporate responsibility activities. The priorities reflect the impacts of the organisation and media content, on its people, the community, the environment and the businesses with whom the ABC works.
Protecting our environment
The ABC’s environmental footprint reflects the scope and breadth of the ABC’s connection with audiences across the smallest towns and largest cities of Australia. With over 5,400 employees working in 60 locations across every State and Territory in Australia, the ABC is taking steps to minimise its environmental impact.
The ABC aims to reduce energy and water consumption and waste. This involves supporting a range of initiatives to implement more sustainable systems and processes as well as to change employee behaviour. The ABC’s Green @ Work program coordinates the implementation of those initiatives. The ABC also considers potential environmental impact in the evaluation of potential suppliers.
Information about the ABC’s environmental performance is published each year in the Annual Report and on the Green @ Work website.
Energy and emissions
Energy consumption represents a significant sustainability issue for the ABC, as the provision of broadcasting and online services is energy intensive. Increases in the creation and distribution of content by the ABC has necessarily required the installation of new computer servers and equipment, increasing the ABC’s energy needs. The ABC seeks to offset these increases with efficiencies in other areas, such as the introduction of “virtualisation” software to reduce the impact of computer server hardware on energy consumption. Operational decisions are guided by the ABC’s Environmental Management Policy (internal) and Corporate Responsibility Policy.
Energy consumption is monitored and reported across the ABC’s domestic operations, excluding ABC Retail sites.
The ABC uses the National Green Accounts Factors (July 2011) published by the Department of the Environment to identify and quantify GHG emissions. These are further classified as electricity and fuel. Data is reported in the Commonwealth Government’s Online System for Comprehensive Activity Reporting (OSCAR). The ABC has set targets to reduce its carbon emissions.
Waste and materials
Each year initiatives are introduced to reduce the environmental impact from materials such as paper, toner and electronic equipment. Double-sided printing is the default setting on all office printers in capital cities. Stationery re-use is encouraged internally through the ABC’s internal social media network and at recycling awareness events. Receptacles for the recycling of mobile phones, print consumables and items such as fluorescent tubes are provided at all capital city sites.
The ABC currently monitors and reports waste and recycling activities at its capital city sites, and is taking steps to collect and monitor data from other metropolitan and regional sites. Measurement is based on billing information from waste management contractors. Data is reported as part of the Australian Packaging Covenant Survey through the Department of the Environment. Initiatives to reduce waste and increase recycling are part of the ABC’s Green @ Work program. Work is underway to include monitoring and reporting of eWaste and liquid waste for some ABC sites.
Transport
The nature of the ABC’s business requires that many of its people are frequently moved around the country and around the world. The ABC monitors and reports the kilometres travelled by its employees by air and road, and where possible seeks to minimise the impact in terms of fuel consumption and emissions.
Water
The ABC currently monitors and reports water consumption at its capital city sites and some regional sites.
Other links
| Inside the ABC | In our content |
| ABC Strategic Plan 2013–16 | Environment |
| Green @ Work | ABC Science |
| Reports and Publications |
Looking after our people
The ABC is a diverse organisation with staff working across Australia and the world. The success of the Corporation is built on the commitment, creativity and skills of its people. The ABC is committed to creating an environment in which its people can thrive and are motivated to deliver the very best content and services to its audiences.
Employment and labour relations
Terms and conditions of employment at the ABC (including remuneration, penalties and overtime, hours of work, severance and cessation of employment, leave and performance management) are primarily regulated by Enterprise Agreements, negotiated between the ABC and its employees through their respective bargaining representatives.
Work health and safety
As an organisation which has its people at the heart of its operations, health and safety is both a priority and a key risk area for the ABC. The ABC’s Work Health and Safety (WHS) Framework sets out the systems and processes in place to manage health and safety, and improve WHS performance. The WHS Framework includes processes for collecting incident and workers’ compensation claim statistics, and monitoring its performance against appropriate benchmarks.
In its continuing efforts to improve the ABC’s record in this area, the Board and Executive have prioritised Work Health and Safety across the ABC.
Equity and diversity
As a Commonwealth authority employer, the ABC is bound by the provisions of the Equal Employment Opportunity (Commonwealth Authorities) Act 1987, the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, the Sex Discrimination Act 1984, the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986, the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, the Age Discrimination Act 2004 and the Fair Work Act 2009. The ABC Values and Standards of Workplace Behaviour document, and the Discrimination, Bullying and other Workplace Behaviour Policy set out the ABC’s expectations regarding behaviour at work, its position on inappropriate behaviour that is incompatible with ABC Values and outlines complaints resolution procedures.
The ABC reports its equity and diversity performance annually. The report articulates the ABC’s equal employment opportunity program for the purposes of the Equal Employment Opportunity (Commonwealth Authorities) Act 1987 as realised through its equity and diversity strategies. These strategies are set out in the ABC Equity and Diversity Plan 2012–15 and the ABC Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2013–15.
Learning and development
The rapidly changing nature of the environment in which the ABC operates requires that ongoing learning and development opportunities are provided for staff working in diverse areas across the ABC.
The ABC seeks to provide a range of development opportunities focused on both strategic and operational priorities. Training and development is provided via courses and seminars, on-the-job projects, coaching sessions, and remotely using virtual learning tools such as webinars and e-learning packages. In line with industry trends and emerging approaches to learning, there has been a significant shift from formal classroom based courses to more flexible methods of delivery, as well as an increase in informal training better suited to a 24/7 geographically dispersed broadcast organisation.
A current focus is on training that is designed to enhance understanding of changes in digital technologies, including web technologies, use of social media and use of multi-platform production techniques, as well as ABC editorial policies, WHS, content making, and leadership and management. Media leadership and scholarship programs also form an important part of the ABC’s overall development program.
The ABC also has systems in place to provide opportunities for work experience, cadetships and internships.
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Financial accountability and transparency
The ABC is a publicly-funded broadcaster, relying on appropriations from government to fund its operations. Financial sustainability is a key focus for the ABC.
In managing its budgets, the ABC aims to chart a careful balance between addressing vital pressure points and concerns for the ABC, including new content and multi-platform activities, while at the same time ensuring existing content, facilities and operations are maintained at sustainable levels. Each area of the ABC seeks continuous improvements in operating practices, to improve efficiency and effectiveness, thereby releasing additional funding to content priorities.
A proportion of the ABC’s total revenue comes from its commercial operations. Financial performance of ABC Commercial is monitored closely, and overseen by the ABC Board.
The ABC monitors its financial performance on an ongoing basis, and reports on its financial performance annually. The ABC’s Financial Statements are audited by the Australian National Audit Office.
Other links
| Inside the ABC | In our content |
| ABC Annual Report 2013–14 Part 6 Financial Performance | ABC Commercial |
| ABC Board | ABC Shop |
| ABC Legislative Framework | Business |
| Doing business with the ABC | News |
Contributing to Community
The ABC plays an important role in Australian communities, not only because of the content that is broadcast and published, but also because employees live and work in those communities.
Public benefit
The ABC plays an important role working with community groups. Through its Local Radio network, ABC Local websites, and Television, the ABC provides Community Service Announcements and information about fundraising and other activities in local communities.
The ABC has a comprehensive Workplace Giving Program in place for staff. Staff can make personal contributions to nominated charities via their payroll.
The ABC also runs a self-supporting ABC Tours program to the public for a minimal charge. The public can participate in tours at the ABC’s capital city sites and get a glimpse of how the ABC works.
The ABC Exhibition Trailer is a unique initiative that was conceived by staff in 2001. The Trailer tours Australia and may be seen at community events or schools. The unique Trailer enables users to engage with a broad range of ABC programs and platforms, and for many provides an introduction to the ABC.
Emergency broadcasting
Emergency broadcasting is an important element of the ABC’s role in the community. The ABC works to maintain and build relationships with emergency services organisations and communities. Formal arrangements are maintained through Memoranda of Understandings and ongoing liaison between ABC Radio’s Manager Emergency Broadcasting and ABC Local Radio Managers in each State and Territory. The ABC’s Emergency Broadcasting Policy sets out the rationale and scope of the ABC’s commitment to the provision of accurate and timely information to its audiences across appropriate platforms during emergency events.
The ABC measures community perceptions and beliefs about the value of the ABC’s contribution to Australian society through the annual ABC Appreciation Survey conducted by Newspoll.
Public policy
The ABC makes submissions to government, parliamentary and law reform bodies on issues which are relevant to public broadcasting. Publicly available submissions are listed under Reports and Publications.
The ABC complies with Senate Continuing Order Number 5 (the Harradine List). The Order requires that every six months, all Australian Government departments and agencies publish an indexed list of files for tabling before parliament. The production of the list is intended to make the operations of government more transparent to the Australian public.
International community
ABC’s International Division facilitates cross-cultural communication, encourages awareness of Australia and builds regional partnerships. ABC International Development works with public broadcasters throughout Asia and the Pacific, to support communications for development in partner countries, and increase the demand for good governance. The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) is the principal source of funding for ABC International Development.
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Delivery on our Charter
The ABC’s ability to have an impact on audiences and communities is primarily through its content and related events and activities. The ABC sets high standards of quality, independence and integrity for itself, and closely regulates its compliance with those standards.
Content quality
Consistent and rigorous editorial standards are critical to the ABC’s ability to meet its legislative obligations and public expectations.
In December 2013, ABC Chairman James Spigelman announced a series of independent editorial reviews as part of the Board’s responsibility to monitor the quality and integrity of ABC content. These reviews (approximately four per year) involve an assessment of selected ABC content by an independent external reviewer. Two reviews were completed in 2013–14, and the results were published on the ABC.
The ABC Board is required, among other things, to “maintain the independence and integrity” of the Corporation. It is responsible for developing codes of practice in relation to programming matters on the ABC’s services. These form the basis of the ABC Editorial Policies.
The ABC Editorial Policies are the ABC’s leading standards and a day-to-day reference for makers of content for radio, television, online and print. They give practical shape to statutory obligations in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983, in particular the obligations to: provide services of a high standard; maintain independence and integrity; and ensure that the gathering and presentation of news and information is accurate and impartial according to the recognised standards of objective journalism.
The ABC Editorial Policies consist of Principles and Standards: the Principles identify the ABC’s approach to each of the main issues to be addressed by an independent public broadcaster that regulates itself; the Standards, which follow each statement of Principle, are enforceable under internal management processes and under the ABC Complaints Handling Procedures. Complaints under the ABC Code of Practice are also investigated internally and unresolved matters may be investigated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), a federal government statutory authority.
Detailed and regularly updated Guidance Notes are provided to program teams with further advice on compliance with these standards and principles.
Audience and community interaction and accessibility
Effective feedback and interaction with audiences and communities is fundamental to creating relevant and meaningful content. Feedback is obtained through:
- Annual surveys conducted by Newspoll
- Community forums
- Online feedback mechanisms and reports
- Reports and commendations of the ABC Advisory Council
- Contact with the ABC’s Audience and Consumer Affairs department
- Direct contact with our Local Radio stations across Australia
- Direct contact with news and current affairs program teams
The ABC seeks to improve accessibility of content to disability groups. The ABC meets (and exceeds) the captioning requirements of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992. A closed captioning service is provided on ABC, ABC2, ABC4Kids and ABC3 and ABC News 24. A captioning service is provided on iview for programs that were broadcast in prime time on ABC1 and ABC2.
Funding for the ABC’s Ramp Up website, which provided news, discussion and debate about disability issues in Australia ceased at the end of the 2014 financial year. As well as aggregating all ABC content on disability-related topics, the site provided a forum for Australia’s disability communities to share opinions and debate issues from its launch in December 2010 until June 2014.
Community Forums and Employment Expos
ABC Community Forums are one way the ABC engages with the community for their views on issues that are important to them and to enhance relationships with local and regional communities. Local community stakeholder representatives, members of the public and ABC staff are invited to attend.
In 2013–14 Community Forums were held in Birregurra (near Colac) and Echuca, Victoria; and in Orange, NSW. In July 2013 the ABC Advisory Council hosted a Community Science Forum in Perth, WA. Approximately 160 participants attended the ABC Perth Studios to take part in the forum which included the WA Chief Scientist—Professor Lyn Beazley, ABC Board member Professor Fiona Stanley, Nobel Laureate Barry Marshall, senior academics and science teachers, science school students, and members of the public.
In August 2013, ABC Darwin and ABC Alice Springs participated in the Northern Territory’s 2013 Skills, Employment and Careers Expo. The Expo is an annual event that travels across the NT and is aimed at helping people to pursue further education and employment.
Media literacy in a digital world
The ABC contributes to digital and media literacy in order to enable audiences to express themselves, understand and engage with content and to contribute to the production of content. Check determines the accuracy of claims by politicians, public figures, advocacy groups and institutions engaged in the public debate. The ABC Open initiative provides extensive opportunities for regional Australians to engage with the ABC and to improve their digital and media literacy. The ABC’s Technology Explained initiative aims to dispel the myths around new technologies and devices, and help people learn how to navigate the digital world.
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Respecting Human Rights
The ABC contributes to the protection of human rights in a number of ways: by respecting human rights in the preparation and presentation of content and by endeavouring to reflect international human rights standards in the ABC’s business processes. The ABC Corporate Responsibility Policy outlines the ABC’s commitment to key principles of corporate responsibility, which include adhering to relevant laws and regulations and respecting human rights.
Freedom of expression and portrayal related to human rights
The ABC Editorial Policies include Principles and Standards which support the ABC’s independence and freedom of expression, as well as supporting society’s rights to freedom of expression. The ABC Editorial Policies ensure that the portrayal of all sectors in our community in ABC content is fair and accurate, and that a diversity of viewpoints is presented. These aspects are demonstrated in a number of sections of the ABC Editorial Policies, including:
- Independence, integrity and responsibility (Section 1)
- Accuracy (Section 2)
- Impartiality and diversity of perspectives (Section 4)
- Fair and honest dealing (Section 5)
- Privacy (Section 6)
- Harm and offence (Section 7)
- Children and young people (Section 8)
- Public access and participation (Section 9)
Freedom of Information (FOI)
The right to seek and impart information is enshrined in Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which the Australian is a signatory. In Australia, access to information is governed by the Freedom of Information Act (1982) (FOI Act).
The ABC provides information in response to FOI requests and also uses the provisions of the FOI Act to seek information from government bodies as part of its journalistic activities.
Privacy
The ABC recognises that privacy is necessary to human dignity and every person reasonably expects that their privacy will be respected. However, privacy is not absolute, and the ABC seeks to balance the public interest in respect for privacy with the public interest in disclosure of information and freedom of expression (ABC Editorial Policies, Principle 6).
The ABC has systems and processes in place to ensure compliance with the obligations under the Privacy Act 1988.
Culture and identity
The ABC’s Charter includes an obligation to “broadcast programs that contribute to a sense of national identity … and reflect the cultural diversity of the Australian community”. Promoting and contributing to culturally significant issues and activities is fundamental to the ABC’s content strategy.
The ABC’s Reconciliation Action Plan 2013–15 (RAP) commits the Corporation to a long-term course of action to improve opportunities for Indigenous Australians in the areas of employment, content, community links and cultural understanding and respect. Increasing Indigenous employment opportunities at the ABC is a key part of both the RAP and the ABC’s broader Corporate Responsibility strategy. In its Indigenous Protocols at ABC Events Policy the ABC sets out guidelines for showing respect to Australia’s Indigenous heritage at ABC functions and events, either by making an Acknowledgement of Country address or performing a Welcome to Country ceremony, as appropriate.
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Reporting our performance
The ABC Annual Report is the primary method by which the ABC communicates its annual corporate responsibility and sustainability performance.
The ABC aligns its sustainability data and reporting with the internationally recognised Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) version G3.1 framework for sustainability reporting, and the GRI Media Sector Supplement. The GRI framework provides a common language for organisations to measure and report their sustainability performance so that stakeholders are able to view a more complete picture of the organisation’s financial and non-financial activities and performance. The framework relies on the key reporting principles of materiality, stakeholder inclusiveness, sustainability context, and completeness.
You can read the ABC’s current Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Report in Chapter 4 of the ABC Annual Report 2013–14.
Each year the ABC publishes additional details about its corporate responsibility and sustainability performance. Links to additional details and references to other corporate responsibility and sustainability related information are included in the index below:
- 2014 Corporate responsibility and sustainability: Content index
- 2013 Corporate responsibility and sustainability: Content index
- 2012 Corporate responsibility and sustainability: Content index
Contact us about corporate responsibility
To provide feedback about our sustainability reporting, or for further information, please contact:
Anastasia Konstantelos
Corporate Social Responsibility Project Manager
+61 2 8333 1500
700 Harris Street
Ultimo NSW 2007
