ESG Transformation: Conversation Series

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer

The increasing focus on corporate purpose, accountability and operational resilience continues to strengthen environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters as a core strategic issue for businesses, investors and lenders. In this podcast series, we discuss the risks and opportunities to provide much needed clarity to achieve a sustainable future.

  1. The Third Wheel (ESG Australia) EP49: Structuring your Sustainability Report

    05/23/2025

    The Third Wheel (ESG Australia) EP49: Structuring your Sustainability Report

    Tim Stutt, Anna Coroneo and Isabella Kelly delve into the integration of sustainability reports into annual reports, exploring the challenges and strategies for clear and effective climate-related disclosures. They cover a broad spectrum of topics including the potential for ASIC relief applications, complexities of cross-referencing and implications of the modified liability regime. They share insights from the latest ASIC sustainability guidance released in March 2025 and practical tips for ensuring compliance and effective communication in your sustainability reporting.

    28 min
  2. The Third Wheel (ESG Australia) EP48: Climate reporting readiness (and welcome back to TTW 2025!)

    05/07/2025

    The Third Wheel (ESG Australia) EP48: Climate reporting readiness (and welcome back to TTW 2025!)

    In our first episode of The Third Wheel for 2025, Tim Stutt, Anna Coroneo and Suzannah Hewson explore the key themes and latest trends in climate and sustainability reporting both globally and in Australia. They offer practical advice for companies preparing for new regulatory requirements and conducting climate reporting readiness initiatives, including gaps analysis, data management, and stakeholder engagement. They also explore broader ESG issues, such as integrating ESG into risk management and procurement processes, and the future of nature-related reporting.

    22 min
  3. The Third Wheel (ESG Australia) EP47: 2024 (Gift) Wrapped

    12/18/2024

    The Third Wheel (ESG Australia) EP47: 2024 (Gift) Wrapped

    In the final episode of The Third Wheel for 2024, Tim Stutt and Mel Debenham reflect on the year’s ESG developments and look ahead to 2025. They discuss the recent governmental response to the statutory review of the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth); the winding path of nature positive reforms in Australia; preparations ahead of the first year of reporting under the new climate reporting regime; and the growing focus on nature-related disclosures. The episode closes with their thoughts on a possible pendulum swing towards greater scrutiny of proposed ESG regulations moving forward, as regulatory fatigue sets in and having regard to changes in sentiment locally and abroad.

    22 min
  4. Reporting For Duties: ESG Reporting in Australia - A new climate reporting regime… now what?

    10/15/2024

    Reporting For Duties: ESG Reporting in Australia - A new climate reporting regime… now what?

    Now legislation for Australia’s new climate reporting regime has finally been introduced into Parliament, what impact will it have for corporates?... (and when?). The new climate reporting regime is likely to require a significant uplift in corporate reporting – and will require considerable resources and effort over the next 12-18 months. This episode talks about how the regime will phase in, and how it might impact companies in practice.

    12 min
  5. Reporting For Duties: ESG Reporting in Australia - ASRS: Governance pillar

    10/15/2024

    Reporting For Duties: ESG Reporting in Australia - ASRS: Governance pillar

    Board and management oversight of climate issues is not a new concept, but deciphering and disclosing how this occurs in practice is often a challenge. The ASRS governance pillar requires quite granular disclosures of the board and management’s role in overseeing climate-related risks and opportunities. In this episode, we talk about how to articulate accountabilities and reporting ‘flows’ within the business, in a way that will support your disclosures longer term.

    7 min
  6. Reporting For Duties: ESG Reporting in Australia - ASRS: Governance pillar

    10/15/2024

    Reporting For Duties: ESG Reporting in Australia - ASRS: Governance pillar

    Board and management oversight of climate issues is not a new concept, but deciphering and disclosing how this occurs in practice is often a challenge. The ASRS governance pillar requires quite granular disclosures of the board and management’s role in overseeing climate-related risks and opportunities. In this episode, we talk about how to articulate accountabilities and reporting ‘flows’ within the business, in a way that will support your disclosures longer term.

    11 min
  7. Reporting For Duties: ESG Reporting in Australia - ASRS: Metrics & targets pillar

    10/15/2024

    Reporting For Duties: ESG Reporting in Australia - ASRS: Metrics & targets pillar

    Climate-related metrics and targets are already a key area of focus for stakeholders, but under the new regime there will be more granularity than has been disclosed in the past. The ASRS metrics & targets pillar requires companies to take the leap towards granular quantitative disclosures (including in relation to Scope 3 emissions). In this episode, we talk about the need for a deep understanding of the related metrics, assumptions, interim targets and contingencies and how they factor into a company’s position and prospects.

    9 min
  8. Reporting For Duties: ESG Reporting in Australia - ASRS: Strategy pillar

    10/15/2024

    Reporting For Duties: ESG Reporting in Australia - ASRS: Strategy pillar

    Disclosure under this pillar is not just headline statements and overarching direction. These mandatory climate-related disclosures will mean that a company’s “strategy” will need to include comprehensive disclosure of how climate considerations are integrated into decision-making. The ASRS strategy pillar requires companies to focus not just on its transition plan and overarching strategic pathway for the company, but also how climate-related risks and opportunities are expected to impact on business model, financial position/performance and value chain. In this episode, we talk about the ways in which climate impacts, risks and opportunities will inform your disclosed strategy and prospects, including their linkages to planning and decision-making.

    8 min
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About

The increasing focus on corporate purpose, accountability and operational resilience continues to strengthen environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters as a core strategic issue for businesses, investors and lenders. In this podcast series, we discuss the risks and opportunities to provide much needed clarity to achieve a sustainable future.

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