ANSTO reports on its corporate social responsibility

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is one of the first Australian government agencies to publish a corporate social responsibility (CSR) report.

The 2003-04 report, ANSTO's first, is in line with a movement led by commercial organisations which acknowledges that ethical, responsible corporate behaviour contributes to a more attractive bottom line, a higher degree of stakeholder satisfaction and a sustainable organisational future.

ANSTO executive director, Dr Ian Smith said the report reflects the organisation's desire to communicate with its stakeholders, whether they support ANSTO's work or have issues with it.

The CSR report features the perspectives of those who are not satisfied with certain aspects of ANSTO's operations, including Greenpeace. It also outlines situations where the organisation has not performed to its own high standards.

"Although many Australians both benefit from our work and are justifiably proud of our achievements, we are not claiming to be perfect," Dr Smith said. "The report reflects our desire to illustrate, identify and explore those aspects of our work where we do well, along with those where improvement is required."

The report focuses on ANSTO's performance in the areas of the environment, safety, social issues, the community, corporate governance and employee relations.

Dr Smith said, "There were many highlights to our CSR performance during 2003-04, but obtaining the world's highest possible environmental performance standard in the form of ISO 14001 certification was of particular significance."

"Nuclear science by its very nature means we must be extremely precise in our handling and production of radiopharmaceuticals and radioisotopes. With ISO 14001 we accept the responsibility to ensure that we take the same duty of care with our day-to-day use of all products from drinking water to the amount of paper and energy we consume.

"Just as we have engaged with environ-mental issues, we are also energetic in en-gaging with the Australian community as a whole, especially through school education, and sectors such as government and business. We have a genuine desire for this engagement to increase."

Copies of the report can be downloaded from www.ansto.gov.au/info/csr.