Telstra Releases Bigger Picture 2017 Sustainability Report
Telstra’s Bigger Picture 2017 Sustainability Report details the evolution of its sustainability strategy, and highlights a series of ‘firsts’ for Australia’s leading telecommunications and technology company.
In FY17 Telstra released the first Australian Digital Inclusion Index, a vital information tool which maps the country’s digital divide. The Index is at the centre of Telstra’s long-running digital inclusion programs, and aims to inform efforts to bridge digital exclusion across Australia.
Twenty years ago Telstra was one of the first corporates in Australia to introduce a Disability Action Plan, this year the company launched its first Accessibility and Inclusion Plan – marking a shift in focus from disability to accessibility. The new approach strengthens Telstra’s commitment to removing barriers to access through harnessing the power of technology.
The Bigger Picture report also details Telstra’s evolution from a modern-day telecommunications provider into a future-focused technology company and the journey to transform its workplace, culture and capabilities. This year the company announced that all interview shortlists would include at least 50 per cent female representation, with the exception of some specified roles.
In releasing the report, Telstra provides details of a review of its sustainability approach, along with a new multi-year sustainability strategy that represents the maturation of Telstra’s sustainability agenda.
“Telstra has a fundamental role to play in helping our customers and society adapt to technological change and the opportunities it brings,” said Tim O’Leary, Executive Director Rural Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer. “Our purpose is to create a brilliant connected future for everyone, and our sustainability strategy is key to achieving this.”
Additional highlights over FY17 include:
- Keeping over 1 million vulnerable customers connected
- Reducing greenhouse emissions intensity by 68 per cent from a baseline year of FY14
- Reaching more than 63,000 people through digital literacy programs
- Extending 4G coverage to 99 per cent of the Australian population
- Introducing a new recruitment shortlist gender equality procedure that requires a minimum 50 per cent female representation on shortlists and interview lists for roles, with the exception of some specified roles
- Undertaking 8,910 employee volunteering days in the community
- Being recognised on the CDP 2016 Climate A List
Telstra’s Bigger Picture 2017 Sustainability Report was developed in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative G4 Core Sustainability Reporting Guidelines. Limited assurance over specified data and related performance disclosures throughout Telstra’s reporting has been provided by EY, in accordance with the ISAE 3000 and ASEA 3410 assurance standards. The report also details Telstra’s progress in implementing the ten principles of the United Nations Global Compact and their work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Telstra welcomes feedback on its sustainability reporting, approach and performance.
Please email Tim O’Leary, Executive Director Rural Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer at sustainability@team.telstra.com
About Telstra
Telstra Corporation (ASX:TLS) is an Australian telecommunications and technology company with a growing international presence. Telstra employs more than 32,000 people across 20 countries, facilitates access to more than 2,000 network points of presence across the globe and has one of Australia’s largest shareholder bases, with 1.4 million shareholders. In Australia, Telstra provides approximately 17.5 million domestic retail customer mobile services, 5.4 million domestic fixed retail customer voice services and 3.5 million domestic fixed retail data services. The company is also leveraging its core strengths in networks, connectivity and commitment to customer advocacy to capture opportunities in Asia and in emerging areas like eHealth, software and digital media.
Media Contact:
Media@team.telstra.com
