ANZ Annual Report 2008

We work with our community partners to improve levels of financial literacy, money management skills and social and financial inclusion, especially among the most disadvantaged people in our communities.

2008 Progress

More than 1,500 low-income earners are participating in our Saver Plus matched savings and financial literacy program. 70% of past participants are still saving the same amount or more two to three years after completing the program
33,000 low-income earners participated in our MoneyMinded financial education program in Australia and New Zealand
We issued more than 290 Progress Loans. These are small, safe and affordable loans for low-income earners who traditionally have difficulty accessing mainstream credit
Our employees globally contributed nearly 80,000 hours of volunteering
15% of our employees contributed more than $600,000 in total, matched by ANZ, via our payroll giving program
Strong progress was made in achieving the 21 initiatives in our Reconciliation Action plan. This plan aims to increase employment opportunities, improve financial literacy and inclusion, develop better understanding of Indigenous cultures and help build the capacity of Indigenous communities and organisations throughout Australia

ANZ’s approach to corporate responsibility focuses on providing responsible products and services for our customers, creating a diverse and inclusive workforce, and improving financial capability particularly among the most disadvantaged people in our community. This year, we were assessed as the leading bank globally on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the second consecutive year.

Our total community investment* in 2008 was nearly $19 million, which included programs and initiatives to build financial literacy and inclusion in the community and the contribution our staff make to the causes important to them.

* First year that ANZ applied the London Benchmarking Group (LBG) model for valuing corporate community investment