Stakeholder engagement is integrated into the Group's business systems and processes.
The table below outlines the main methods used to engage with our key stakeholders in addition to Boral's Annual, Sustainability and half-yearly reports and website, which are targeted at all key stakeholders.
| Methods of stakeholder engagement | |
| Stakeholder group | Engagement during 2009/10 |
| Shareholders |
|
| Employees |
|
| Suppliers/ contractors |
|
| Customers |
|
| Local communities and neighbours |
|
| Government and regulators |
|
Between 2004 and 2009 Boral published a comprehensive stand-alone, externally verified sustainability report. In 2010, a decision was taken to streamline Boral's sustainability reporting by using Boral's website as the primary vehicle for communicating the company's sustainability to our stakeholders.
Boral aims to have regular dialogue with key external decision makers and engage in policy shaping on sustainability issues. Boral has regular dialogue with public officials both directly and through membership of industry associations.
Boral has a Government Relations policy which recognises the role of governments and outlines our approach to working with government.
Boral is actively engaged in commenting on government consultation processes relating to sustainability issues and other issues to help shape decision making and policy. During 2009/10, government consultation largely focused on the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System (NGERS) requirements and the proposed Resource Super Profit Tax (RSPT). Boral was pleased with the Federal Governments decision to revert to the recommendations in the Henry Tax Review and exclude so-called 'low-rent' resources (i.e. hardrock, gypsum, lime and clay quarries) fr om the proposed RSPT.
At the business level, Boral directly engages with local councils and regulators such as state EPAs and planning authorities.
Boral is apolitical and does not make donations to political parties or individuals. The Australian Electoral Commission's reportable funding from Boral in 2009/10 was nil.
Boral actively participates in major business and industry associations and initiatives which to varying extents focus on sustainable development. These associations include: Cement Industry Federation; Cement, Concrete and Aggregates Australia; Housing Industry Association; Think Brick Australia; Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries; Gypsum Board Manufacturers Association; The Urban Development Institute of Australia; and the Business Council of Australia (BCA).
Boral is continuing to work with the Building Products Innovation Council (BPIC) and other industry associations to develop a robust lifecycle analysis and inventory methodology to ensure a scientific and consistent approach in comparing building materials across their lifecycle.
Boral is represented on the Federal Government's Built Environment Industry Innovation Council.
Boral's objective is to maintain support and goodwill of communities surrounding Boral's activities through engaging and consulting on relevant issues.
Community liaison groups exist at key Boral operations and a number of smaller operations to facilitate the exchange of open and transparent communication.
The most common issues of local concern raised through community consultation processes are about local noise and vibration impacts, dust or emissions, traffic conditions or biodiversity. In operations that raise considerable concern or contention, we may engage specialist consultants to investigate these concerns and/or provide expert advice. When appropriate, we also establish dust, noise and vibration monitoring devices on our neighbours' properties to help ensure that we are operating within acceptable levels.
We actively consult with communities when considering major new investments and land management issues. Stakeholder reference groups are formed for major developments to facilitate risk assessments to identify and rank perceived risks. On land management issues, we often work in partnership with local community members, special interest groups and/or government bodies. For information about specific issues go to Community Consultation Programs.
