The ANZ and sustainability

Paul Oosting Wilderness Society MR

A new report into 45 of the worlds leading international banks has exposed the truth about the ANZ’s sustainability policies. From a possible score of 4 the ANZ’s draft Forest and Biodiversity policy only scored 2 and is currently rated 0 as it still remains in draft form.
MEDIA RELEASE – December 21st 2007

NEW REPORT EXPOSES REALITY OF ANZ’S ‘SUSTINABILITY’ POLICIES

International finance group BankTrack release damning new report on ANZ

A new report into 45 of the worlds leading international banks has exposed the truth about the ANZ’s sustainability policies. From a possible score of 4 the ANZ’s draft Forest and Biodiversity policy only scored 2 and is currently rated 0 as it still remains in draft form.

The report also details a number of ‘dodgy deals’ that the ANZ is involved with including Lafayette Mine, Rapu Rapu island, Mud volcano in Sidoarjo, East Java and Gunns proposed pulp mill, Tasmania.

“This report should be a wake up call to the ANZ that they still have a lot of work to do in developing sustainable investment policies that are genuine and uphold international environmental and social standards,” said Paul Oosting pulp mill campaigner for The Wilderness Society.

“The ANZ needs to develop a forest policy in line with international agreements to protect endangered species and combat climate change. Their current draft policy would allow the destruction of wildlife habitat and carbon-rich forests in Australia and around the world,” said Mr Oosting.

“We hope that the ANZ will listen to scientific and public opinion and redraft its social and environmental policies,” said Mr Oosting.

The BankTrack ‘Mind the Gap’ webpage on ANZ can be view at:
http://www.banktrack.org/index.php?show=bankprofile&id=39

The full report ‘Mind the Gap’ can be downloaded at:

http://www.banktrack.org/index.php?show=128&visitor=1

For further information: Paul Oosting 0409 963 734