ANZ

ANZ's commitment to human rights is represented by the Group's corporate values, Code of Conduct and policies such as those related to freedom of association, equal opportunity, and the right to a safe and secure workplace.

It is also reflected in core elements of our corporate responsibility agenda and how we "live our values". An example of this is our programs to improve financial literacy and inclusion, particularly among the most vulnerable people in our society.

ANZ is also exploring opportunities to make a formal public commitment to human rights instruments such as the United Nations Global Compact and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.

We believe that a genuine commitment to human rights requires a clear understanding of our obligations, as well as significant supporting structures and policies, in each of the 31 countries in which we operate.

ANZ is currently investigating opportunities to make a formal commitment to human rights instruments, and relevant enhancements to existing policies and practices. To achieve this, ANZ is:

• conducting a 'gap analysis' to understand opportunities for improvement ahead of formalising our commitment to one or more human rights instruments
• mapping ANZ's existing policies against human rights principles
• ensuring our business standards and Code of Conduct (PDF, 28kb) are well understood by new and existing staff through two online training courses are available to Australian staff.

Once we have mapped our existing policies against human rights principles we plan to undertake the following activities during 2007:

• publish this on anz.com together with clear examples of the policies "in action" and how they have been "operationalised" across our business
• consider any remedial action to address significant outstanding issues identified by the audit
• publicly report performance and progress in "operationalising" the human rights principles in our 2006 CR report.

Once we are confident that our operations are at or near full compliance, we will make a public commitment to the relevant Human Rights instruments.

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