Sustainability Project
This project aims to build an understanding of the rapidly progressing developments regarding sustainability reporting and assurance, and to provide timely responses to ethics and independence-related concerns.
Related Documents:
IESBA Exposure Draft on Using the Work of an External ExpertIESBA Exposure Draft on International Ethics Standards for Sustainability Assurance (including International Independence Standards)
Project Stages
APESB's Sustainability project is based on an IESBA project
Further information on the IESBA project is available on their project page.
APESB Information Gathering
Sustainability is a strategic focus of the APESB, with recent developments relating to Sustainability set out on the Sustainability Focus Area on APESB's website.
In addition, APESB Technical Staff have provided updates to the Board on relevant national and international developments relating to sustainability. These updates are listed under the Board Meeting headings below.
Board Papers 2024
Update on Sustainability (BM 129- Dec 2024)
Update on Sustainability (BM 127- Sep 2024)
Board Papers 2023
Update on Sustainability (BM 124 - Nov 2023)
Update on Sustainability (BM 121 - Aug 2023)
Update on Sustainability (BM 119 - May 2023)
IESBA RT Introductory Session (BM 119 - May 2023)
APESB Sustainability Taskforce
The APESB Sustainability Taskforce was established in December 2024. It is comprised of representatives from the professional accounting bodies, accounting firms, consultants and standard setters.
IESBA's Sustainability-related revisions to the Code
The IESBA issued exposure drafts in early 2024 on proposed revisions to the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) (the IESBA Code) for sustainability assurance and reporting, and the use of experts.
IESBA Exposure Draft on Sustainability
IESBA Exposure Draft on Using the Work of an External Expert
APESB made submissions to the IESBA's proposals in 2024.
APESB Submission on IESBA's Exposure Draft on Using the Work of an External Expert (May 24)
IESBA released their final sustainability-related pronouncements on 17 January 2025.
IESBA Final Pronouncement: Revisions to the Code Addressing Using the Work of an External Expert
Submissions to the Treasury's consultation papers
The Australian Treasury have issued three consultations papers on climate-related financial disclosure in Australia. APESB have made the following submissions to these consultations.
APESB Submission on Treasury CP Climate related financial disclosure (Feb 24)
APESB Submission on Treasury CP Climate related financial disclosure (Jul 23)
APESB Submission on Treasury CP Climate related financial disclosure (Feb 23)
Exposure Drafts
There are no current exposure drafts for this project.
Project Status
Project in progress.
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