BCSDA lodges submission on Sustainable Investment Product Labels
- bcsda0
- Sep 10
- 3 min read
Sydney, 10 September 2025 - The Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia (BCSDA) has lodged its submission to the Department of Treasury’s consultation on Sustainable Investment Product Labels, highlighting the critical role a credible labelling framework plays in building trust, transparency, and accountability in Australia’s sustainable finance market.
Australians are increasingly seeking investment options that align with their values and sustainability goals. Yet inconsistent standards and unclear terminology have created confusion, eroding trust and fuelling concerns about greenwashing. A robust, transparent and consumer-friendly labelling regime is vital to restore confidence, enable comparability, and mobilise capital towards the transition to a sustainable, net-zero economy.
As the Australian partner of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), BCSDA brings a global sustainability lens and the voice of business to this consultation. Our position is guided by the principles of Ambition, Action and Accountability, ensuring that Australia’s approach is both pragmatic and aligned with leading international frameworks.
“This framework is a turning point for investor trust and sustainable finance in Australia,” said Andrew Petersen, CEO of BCSDA.
In its submission, BCSDA calls for:
A hybrid evidentiary model combining prescriptive thresholds (e.g. minimum asset allocations, science-based criteria) with principle-based flexibility to adapt to evolving standards and innovation.
Alignment with the Sustainable Finance Roadmap and taxonomy, to ensure coherence with disclosures and international best practice.
Independent third-party certification to enhance credibility, complemented by strong regulatory oversight.
Clear, consumer-friendly labels and disclosures that allow investors to make informed comparisons and decisions.
These recommendations reinforce BCSDA’s mission to enable Australian business to lead in sustainability through systemic, long-term solutions. A trusted labelling system will not only protect investors but also unlock new pathways for capital to flow into sustainable outcomes, advancing Australia’s net-zero transition and long-term prosperity.
BCSDA acknowledges the valuable contributions of our members and partners in shaping this submission. Their insights reflect the breadth of industry perspectives across finance, investment, and sustainability. Our submission demonstrates the importance of collective action in building a high-integrity sustainable finance market.
BCSDA will continue to engage with Treasury and other stakeholders through consultations, roundtables, and policy advocacy. We remain committed to working collaboratively to ensure Australia’s sustainable investment framework delivers on its promise of trust, transparency, and accountability.
The full submission is available here.
About BCSD Australia
The Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia is a non-profit organisation dedicated to operationalising sustainable development practices among Australian businesses. BCSD Australia was established in Australia in 1991 and works with over 70 leading global businesses and other organisations to drive systemic transformation in key sectors, advocating for sustainable leadership and rewarding action through education, partnerships, and policy influence.
In 2014 the organisation was appointed Australia’s Network Partner for World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
BCSD Australia’s members believe that by integrating social and environmental impacts with financial results, business lowers its risk profile, makes better decisions and creates the solutions needed to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.
BCSD Australia’s members include leading Australian businesses, from all sectors, who share a commitment to economic, environmental and social development. It represents member companies, public sector enterprises and institutions, BINGOs and community organisations, which in turn represent 120,000 + Australian employees. www.bcsda.org.au.
t: +61 (0)2 8005 0780
m: +61 (0)412 545 994
For further information contact: Andrew Petersen, CEO, Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia, +61 412 545 994
Comments