Senate debates

Tuesday, 20 September 2011

Questions without Notice

Future Fund: Tobacco Industry

2:55 pm

Photo of Penny WongPenny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Finance and Deregulation) Share this | Hansard source

In relation to the first part of the question, there was a divestment of holdings in companies engaged in the production of cluster munitions. I am advised by the fund that their policy is not to invest in activities that contravene Australian law or international conventions to which Australia is a signatory. Consistent with that policy, the board decided not to invest in companies identified as having activities in contravention of the Convention on Cluster Munitions or the mine ban treaty. But I would say to the senator that it is not easy in practice to engage in a divestment of anything that anybody thinks is problematic. I appreciate the point he is making in raising this. (Time expired)

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