Aussie execs to report emissions regardless of politics

The majority of Australian organisations would disclose their emissions data irrespective of any political developments locally, according to Workiva Inc., but many lack the confidence in their data and reporting technology.

The company released the Australian findings from its 2025 Executive Benchmark Survey of 1600 global leaders, following its recent flagship Accelerate 2025 Sydney event held at the Hyatt Regency.

The Workiva survey found that 94% of Australian organisations currently integrate emissions data reporting, with 5% planning to within 12 months. The study also found that 81% of Australian executives who were intending to disclose greenhouse gas emissions irrespective of any political developments within their country would continue to do so.

“That the majority would disclose emissions irrespective of policy is a great outcome, and shows that an understanding of the benefits of emissions reporting is becoming embedded,” said Narain Viswanathan, Country Leader Australia and New Zealand, Workiva. “Reporting climate disclosures should be the default setting for organisations across the country, but reporting is complex: it takes numerous factors to overcome, including improved data management, collaboration and efficiency enabled by technology.”

However, it was found that around a third (33%) of Australian executives do not fully trust their financial data, compared to just a quarter of their global counterparts. The data also found that 94% of Australian executives agree that their current approach to the adoption of generative AI tools could introduce risk.

“We’re still in the relative infancy of AI, and with any new technology there’s understandable caution — but this should not cloud the incredible opportunity it presents with regards to its incredible efficiency and ability to provide actionable intelligence,” Viswanathan said. “Ultimately it comes down to trust, and if you trust your data you can trust how AI interprets it.

“Those executives across Australia need to look at how they can best upgrade their systems so that they can trust their data and, ultimately, trust the new tools available to them to make the most of it.”

The survey found that the percentage of Australian organisations that responded they had no plans whatsoever to disclose their emissions data, even if the political climate remained unchanged, was lower — just 17% — than the likes of the USA (26%), Canada (21%) and Germany (27%).

“This is a promising finding, and while it may be due to climate disclosure requirements being more imminent than in other countries, it does show Australian organisations overall are ahead of some of the world’s largest economic powers,” said Mark Mellen, Industry Principal, Sustainability, Workiva. “As the survey revealed, some of that remaining reluctance to disclose among organisations may come down to a lack of confidence in the technology required to enable accurate reporting.”

According to the survey, 94% of Australian executives believe the business reporting technology their company currently uses is insufficient for complying with new climate regulation.

“This could again come down to the imminent nature of climate disclosure regulations compared to other countries; the closer they get, the more pressure they feel,” Mellen said. “But it's a prime opportunity for those organisations to take a look at upgrading the technologies and tools they can avail of to alleviate that pressure.”

Despite concerns around technology and data, the survey has revealed that Australian organisations understand the benefits of reporting and, particularly, integrated reporting.

It showed that 97% of Australian executives say integrated financial and sustainability data helps identify performance gaps that enhance financial growth opportunities, in line with the global average.

“In a rapidly changing world, businesses that can effectively integrate finance, sustainability and investor relations are better positioned to thrive,” said lawyer and economist Jane Diplock AO, a Supervisory Board Member for the World Benchmarking Alliance and GRI.

“Investors are now focusing on companies that not only deliver solid financial returns, but also who correctly assess risks and opportunities, and positively contribute to society and the environment. Companies that embrace this integrated approach will likely benefit from stronger investor confidence, a more loyal customer base and enhanced resilience to future risks.”

Mellen said, “As executives across Australia further embrace sustainability as a profitability driver, they understand that ESG initiatives can deliver both environmental and financial benefits.

“In doing so, their organisations are able to make environmentally friendly decisions while significantly improving operational efficiency and cutting down costs.”

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