The Governance Institute of Australia has just published an Ethics Index that has surveyed more than 1,000 people with various political and socioeconomic backgrounds about their perceptions of ethical issues and conduct. This year’s results show Australia’s overall ethical rating has soared, with an Ethics Index Score of 52 recorded, up from 37 in 2019, and the highest result in the five years that the study has been conducted. The survey found that there is a broad consensus on a range of government restrictions to contain COVID-19, in particular lockdowns, the closure of borders, and mandated mask-wearing in public, including on public transport. The Ethics Index also contains key ethical challenges for 2021 that include:
Balancing freedom of movement and individual liberties with ongoing efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19
Increased local manufacturing to reduce our reliance on overseas supply chains
Major reform and overhaul of the aged care sector
Ensuring climate change and environmental issues continue to receive attention and action
Balancing the need for bushfire hazard reduction with conservation of native species and plant and animal communities
Greater scrutiny, transparency and oversight of board and executive remuneration, ensuring economic conditions of the day are accounted for and reflective in senior pay rates
Monitoring and regulatory action to ensure staff are not being unfairly made redundant (i.e. if company bottom line is still healthy)
Reduction in the amount of plastic packaging and hence waste
Putting in place a greater emphasis on promoting a respectful and diverse work culture, driving this from the top to set the tone and expectations
Harsher and swifter consequences for employees (at all levels) found to have engaged in inappropriate behaviour towards other employees
Increased surveillance of the population via CCTV to monitor public health
Improved monitoring and reporting of sustainability across industries and enterprises
Setting a quota to ensure gender balance in senior role