Question
"Even though environmental reporting is showing an increasing trend, a recent report by Jones et al. (2005) found low levels of sustainability reporting by Australian companies. They suggest that more accessible approaches and guidelines need to be developed so that entities can discharge a broader accountability than is currently reflected in reporting practices in the public and private sectors in Australia. Hence it is important to have some control mechanisms within the organisation to make sure that environmental information is disclosed properly" (Rao et al., 2013).
Rao, K. K. Tilt, C. A. and Lester, L. H. (2013). Corporate governance and environmental reporting: An Australian study. Corporate Governance, Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 143-163.
Required:
Critically discuss the above statement and provide importance of environmental disclosure in the company annual reports. What are current regulatory requirements for environmental reporting in Australia? How do you think the environmental disclosure can be improved in Australia?