VicSuper kicks tobacco habit

15 May 2013
| By Staff |
image
image image
expand image

VicSuper will this year phase out investing in companies that manufacture tobacco. 

The decision follows consideration of many factors including the expected impact on investment risk and returns for members, as well as the health consequences of tobacco products. 

It was a unanimous decision by the board. 

Chief executive Michael Dundon said the fund took into consideration environmental as well as economic factors. 

“With tobacco products imposing a significant burden on society in terms of health care and environmental costs, the board and management team at VicSuper feel it is the right decision to move away from investing in this industry”. 

VicSuper chair Barbara Norris agreed, saying the decision was not made lightly. 

“We had an informed discussion about the impact of this decision on VicSuper Fund, the potential returns for members, and the consequences of continuing to invest in companies that produce such a harmful product,” she said. 

Tobacco represents less than 0.5 per cent of VicSuper’s portfolio. 

They are one of a number of funds that have made the decision to cut tobacco holdings from their portfolio in the past year, including Hesta, Future Fund, Sunsuper and the SAS Trustee Corporation.

Read more about:

AUTHOR

Recommended for you

sub-bgsidebar subscription

Never miss the latest developments in Super Review! Anytime, Anywhere!

Grant Banner

From my perspective, 40- 50% of people are likely going to be deeply unhappy about how long they actually live. ...

1 year 8 months ago
Kevin Gorman

Super director remuneration ...

1 year 9 months ago
Anthony Asher

No doubt true, but most of it is still because over 45’s have been upgrading their houses with 30 year mortgages. Money ...

1 year 9 months ago

The Future Fund’s CIO Ben Samild has announced his resignation, with his deputy to assume the role of interim CIO. ...

1 hour ago

ASIC has warned that practices across the $200 billion private credit market are inconsistent and, in some cases, require serious improvement....

1 hour ago

The fund has unveiled reforms to streamline death benefit payments, cut processing times, and reduce complexity....

1 hour ago

TOP PERFORMING FUNDS

ACS FIXED INT - AUSTRALIA/GLOBAL BOND