November
  2004


ABOUT US

The Edmund Rice Business Ethics Initiative, launched in 1991, exists to promote a conversation between business and the community on values and ethics: promoting life humanly in our businesses, our communities, our planet. It aims to create a space where these issues can be discussed and researched in mutually supportive ways. It seems to promote better communication for the sake of better outcomes for us all.

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Corporate Governance
The collapse of One-Tel, HIH Insurance and the ongoing negotiations with James Hardie to provide adequate compensation to the victims of asbestos-related diseases, continues to highlight the need for businesses and the community to be proactive in promoting effective corporate governance principles.

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Taxation – is it just and fair?
There would be few people in our community who argue against the necessity of government to provide adequate facilities for health and education. In a democratic society the fundamental ideology of contributing ‘your fair share’ is still apparent. Thus, the argument rages as to how much tax should be paid by both individuals and business to support the common purse. What should be done to those who evade paying appropriate levels of taxation?

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EFTPOS Fees
Retailers are arguing with the Reserve Bank over proposed changes to EFTPOS fees. In the negotiations and the legal toing and froing, who will look to consumers' rights?

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Apology
Mr. Max Cowan called our attention to the article ...

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Language in focus

Ethical decision-making often requires input from stakeholders working in organizational cultures foreign to our own. This process can involve creating a communication environment that promotes openness, integrity, and a shared platform for ideas. Despite differences in structure, process, communication style, values, and organisational goals, we can use language to nurture evolving relationships and enhance our decision-making.
Dr. Meryl McQueen

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  Hon. Justice Barry O'Keefe, AM
» The St. James Ethics Centre announces
··Corporate Governance
··Taxation – is it just and fair?
··EFTPOS Fees
··Apology
··Language in focus
This newsletter is a publication of the Edmund Rice Centre and the Trustees of the Christian Brothers. While all reasonable attempts have been taken to ensure that the information in this newsletter is correct and that opinions and points of view are in accordance with the purpose of the Business Ethics Initiative, the Edmund Rice Centre and the Trustees of the Christian Brothers do not guarantee its accuracy nor should anything contained in the newsletter be treated as professional advice. The Edmund Rice Centre and the Trustees of the Christian Brothers do not necessarily endorse or recommend any opinions, individuals or organisations which are linked to, or mentioned in, this newsletter.