Sustainability

• About this report
• Governance
  • AWAC’s Governance Framework
  • Values, policy and practice
• Sustainability & Alumina
• Environment
• Employees & Community
• Economic contribution
• AWAC’s global operations
• GRI Index

Values, policy and practice

Alumina Limited’s Values and Code of Conduct directs and guides the Board, management and employees in their daily activities.  The code outlines ethical behaviour and ensures the rule and intent of all relevant governmental laws, regulatory and professional rules and guidelines are upheld.

The code is fundamental to our business policies and practices, including:  

• Anti-Corruption and Money Laundering Policy, which prohibits any employee from engaging in any form of corruption or dishonest behaviour, whether through a direct or indirect business practice or any other means, including through agents or intermediaries.
• Human Rights Policy, which commits the organisation to advancing human rights within our internal and external business environment and avoiding human rights violations. This is through operating in a manner consistent with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the core conventions of the International Labour Organisation and other national laws and international human rights treaties, laws and norms.

Alumina Limited’s policies are developed specifically to meet the needs of our organisation and the environment in which we operate. Where appropriate, these policies align with Alcoa’s to ensure effective partnership in governing the AWAC joint venture.

Political donations and memberships 

In line with our Code of Conduct and Anti-Corruption Policy, Alumina Limited does not donate to any political party or aligned interest group.  In line with this practice, no political donations were made during 2010.

During 2010, Alumina Limited was a member of the following organisations:

Australian Aluminium Council

International Aluminium Institute

Business Council of Australia

Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA)

   

Compliance 

In 2010 there were no significant non-compliances or fines on environmental, human rights, labour or product grounds arising from either Alumina Limited’s activities or through AWAC’s worldwide operations.  

While the details of all non-compliances are investigated and reviewed, for reporting purposes ‘significant’ non-compliances are regarded as those incurring fines of $100,000 or more. This is in line with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) guidelines.

Public and industry policy

Alumina Limited believes that transparent and open lobbying is important for furthering the interests of the alumina and aluminium sectors which are also a significant player in the Australia and global economies.  

In 2010, Alumina Limited discussed the proposed emissions trading scheme and climate change legislation directly with federal and state government agencies.   

Alumina Limited contributes to the industry locally and internationally through memberships of the Australian Aluminium Council as well as the International Aluminium Institute a global forum of the world's aluminium producers. 

Carbon Tax 2011  

In November 2011 the Australian Federal Government passed the Clean Energy Future legislation, enabling the implementation of a carbon tax from 2012.   

Alumina Limited is currently reviewing the legislation to determine its specific implications for the Australian alumina and aluminium industries and the AWAC joint venture.  Our focus is on the carbon tax’s long-term impact on the competitive position of these local industries, which are currently among the most efficient in the world, competing in a global marketplace where other producers are largely not subject to a carbon price. 

While we support an economy-wide response to the challenge of climate change that incentivises improvements, it is vital to preserve the international competitiveness of the Australian industry.