At the Australian Sustainable Finance Institute Summit in Sydney on 30 July 2025, finance leaders highlighted how the Dhawura Ngilan Business and Investor Guides complement Australia’s newly launched sustainable finance taxonomy. In particular, the guides inform the taxonomy’s minimum social safeguards on First Nations rights and cultural heritage.
HESTA’s, Chief Investment Officer, Sonya Sawtell-Rickson said HESTA has “been on a journey” in Indigenous rights, engagement and consultation. “This came front and centre following Juukan Gorge. We were really proud to be early supporters of this initiative and we were privileged to provide early input into the guides through this process,” she said. The guides “align nicely” with the taxonomy, she continued, offering practical support in what she described as a complex area.
Westpac’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Fiona Wild agreed. “They work hand in hand. The taxonomy provides high-level guidance and direction travel… Then the guide gives a much more practical insight,” she suggested.