Compliance seminars are held regularly for key staff on legal requirements and procedures. It is the responsibility of each employee to understand Scentre Group’s values and policies and report any conduct or activities that might be in breach of these values.
Whistleblowing policy
The whistleblower policy ensures that concerns regarding unethical, unlawful or improper conduct may be raised without fear of reprisal.
Under the policy, Scentre Group has an appointed Whistleblower Protection Officer in both Australia and New Zealand. Employees are encouraged to report any genuine matter or behaviour that they believe contravenes our code of conduct, policies or the law. Matters may include any actual, or suspected, conduct or practices which are illegal, corrupt activities, theft or fraud, misleading or deceptive conduct of any kind, harm to public health or safety or the health or safety of any Scentre Group employee.
We investigate all reported concerns appropriately and will, where applicable, provide feedback regarding the outcome of the investigation. We take any necessary action in response to a report and where no action is taken, an explanation will be provided. Where appropriate, a third party may be engaged to assist in the investigation. Reports on whistleblower activities are provided to the Audit and Risk Committee.
Gifts and Entertainment policy
Our Gifts and Entertainment policy requires employees to register any benefits received over a $100 threshold. This is to ensure that appropriate guidelines and personal accountability and responsibility standards are in place to maintain integrity in all business relationships.
Fines and sanctions
In 2017 Scentre Group received no significant fines or non-monetary sanctions for non-compliance with any laws and regulations, including those relating to the environment and the provision of goods and services. The Group defines significant fines as being $100,000 or above.
All employees are provided with an employee handbook that outlines the values, policies, procedures and standards of conduct to be adhered to in all situations.