Former treasure Mr Peter Costello has announced the commencement of a US$600 million agriculture project in Cambodia. Large projects such as this in vulnerable countries have potentially significant impacts on very large numbers of people and that raises the importance of due ethical diligence.

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The Commonwealth Games of 2010 are due to take place in India prompting a surge in construction throughout New Delhi and other games sites. Estimates of up to 17,000 undocumented workers are toiling away to build stadia and other infrastructure without the basics such as minimum wages, insurance cover and decent housing. Even more alarming is that they include large numbers of children.

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Australia’s trillion dollar superannuation pool provides not only for the retirement incomes of its people but also the opportunity for financial planning organisations to make large profits from commissions and other fees. The complexity of this system leads to unethical processes and outcomes. Is this complexity being addressed by the recent decision of AMP to remove commission based payments from its business model?

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The worldwide economic crisis prompted by the near failure of the global financial system continues to affect people from all walks of life. The need to stabilise and reinforce financial institutions has led to widespread anger and indignation directed at the executives receiving huge rewards while also being seen to be the architects of the crisis. The political responses have been unprecedented in their speed, coordination and international reach. However, it is not over yet: the ripples are still being felt, none more loudly than ongoing indignation about executive salaries and bonuses.
John Sweeney & Daniel Hill

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