Business Network

nsw Resources:: Home; About; Action groups; Events; News; Volunteer

The NSW Business Network is part of the NSW branch of Amnesty International Australia. We are a group of activists who are also members of the business community. We campaign on AIA's main campaigns and are always looking for new members.

About Action Networks

Networks connect individuals who share a common interest, identity or expertise relevant to AIA’s campaigns. Some networks meet face-to-face whilst others rely mainly on email to communicate. Networks link AIA members and staff in coordinating and carrying out human rights campaigns in NSW.

Aims

To foster an attitude recalling the importance of, and promoting awareness of, human rights while conducting business within the commercial world.

Recent news

The Business Network has supplied blogging input to the Amnesty Australia website, particularly around the 'Human Rights in China' campaign.

An Environment without Human Rights?

“I think it’s fair to say that personal computers have become the most empowering tools we’ve ever created. They’re tools of communication, they’re tools of creativity, and they can be shaped by their user.” - Bill Gates.

To most it is inconceivable how a computer can conjure up images of oppression and subjugation in some parts of the world. One such place is the Meitai Plastics & Electronics factory in Guangdong, China. As recently as February 2009, the National Labour Committee reported that companies such as Hewlett Packard, Dell, Lenovo, Microsoft and IBM used third parties that produce computer equipment under appalling working conditions that infringe basic worker rights.

To read on, click here.

The Mining Sector and Human Rights

Mining is the source of many of modern life’s benefits, but not everyone is aware of the externalities that mining can cause; poor working conditions, low pay, health risks and disruption to indigenous communities.

Guidelines exist to help mining companies act responsibly, such as the UN Global Compact, which was launched in July 2000, and signed, by thousands of companies. It outlines ten principles covering human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.

To read on, click here.

Past activities

The Business Network has run several awareness raising seminars, including “Corporate Responsibility, What’s Working and what’s not” and “Women’s Rights, a Corporate Perspective”.
Business Network activists have met with large multinational companies, such as BHP Billiton and Goldman Sachs JBWere, as AIA representatives. Our focus has been on two sectors identified as important industries for human rights development - resources and financial services.
The Business Network has assisted the St James Ethics Centre to improve the methodology for its Corporate Responsibility Index, which is the most highly regarded third party index of corporate behaviour in Australia.
The Business Network has prepared a submission for the Corporations and Markets Advisory Committee (CAMAC), an industry / legal committee set up by the Australian government to advise on Corporate Law reform. CAMAC is investigating the need for change to directors’ duties to enhance corporate social responsibility.
Some members have also written articles for publication such as the Ethical Investor Magazine.

How can you get involved?

The Business Network meets on the third Thursday of every month from 6.30pm at the Georges Café Piccadilly (ground floor of the Piccadilly Centre), 210 Pitt Street, Sydney.

Next meeting: Thursday 15 October 2009. All welcome.