HESTA

Yesterday, the government passed legislation to remove the Activity Test from the Child Care Subsidy, thereby guaranteeing universal subsidised access to child care for everyone. This change can significantly benefit our more than 1 million members, of whom approximately 80% are women. Aside from the overwhelming evidence of the benefit early years education provides to children’s development, of which our members in the sector play a part in, removing barriers to accessing early childhood education and care can also enhance the workforce participation of mothers, narrowing the gender super gap. The legislation guarantees Australian children a minimum of 3 days per week of subsidised child care, and a greater entitlement for First Nations families, regardless of the time spent by their parents participating in work, study or volunteering. This change will positively impact Australian families, enabling approximately 126,000 more children to access early learning and almost 40,000 parents to return to work or increase their working hours. HESTA’s 2025-26 Pre-Budget submission called on the government to reduce the burden of child care costs on families and improve workforce participation through the implementation of universal child care – starting with the removal of the Child Care Subsidy Activity Test. #UniversalChildcare #SupportFamilies #GenderEquality #HESTASuper

At HESTA, our purpose is to invest in, and for, people who make our world better. We recognise how important a growing, sustainable and inclusive economy is to deliver on that purpose. We aspire to contribute to outcomes aligned with the aims of eight priority Sustainable Development Goals through our capital allocation and active ownership, while also using our voice to address systemic issues that are at odds with building stable financial markets and generating strong, long-term performance for our members. That’s why we’re pleased to share our updated Stewardship Statement that aligns with 2024 revisions to the Australian Asset Owner Stewardship Code (AAOSC) and integrates evolved practices in our responsible investment program of work. HESTA is a signatory of the AAOSC and has developed this Stewardship Statement to demonstrate how we adhere to the Code's principles. The Code assists asset owners like HESTA in meeting their fiduciary duties to members by providing principles and guidelines for active ownership that align with their membership, size, resources, policies, and strategies. Learn more about our updated Stewardship Statement: https://lnkd.in/gncdm7Td #HESTASuper #SuperWithImpact #ResponsibleInvestment

This Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, we'd like to shine a light on the wonderful Mother's Day Classic Foundation community. This inspiring nationwide event, founded by Women in Super, raises awareness and funds for breast and ovarian cancer research. Throughout the years, the Mother's Day Classic community has generously donated an astounding $47.3 million to the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF). With around 80% of our 1 million+ members being women, many of whom are part of the health and community services sector, we understand the impact breast and ovarian cancer have on the community. Learn more about our important partnership with the Mother’s Day Classic: http://hesta.co/MDC-2025 #MDC2025 #HESTASuper #BreastCancerResearch #OvarianCancerResearch

HESTA is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Brydon to our Board as a new Director. Michael brings extensive experience as a Paediatrician and Senior Health Manager, complemented by substantial Board and networking expertise. He has served on the Australian Healthcare and Hospital Association (AHHA) board for 6 years and became the Associate Dean of the Rural Clinical School at the University of Notre Dame in 2019. Michael has received an Order of Australia (OAM) for his contributions to children's welfare and social justice. He is renowned for his advocacy for children, his address on the social determinants of health, and his emphasis on the significance of early childhood investment. We know Michael’s experience will make a significant contribution to improving the financial futures of our more than 1 million members. We also want to take the time to thank Deborah Cole for her valuable contributions for the past 10 years, serving as Deputy Chair and recently Chair of the Risk Committee. Through her tenure, Deb has also served as a member across all the HESTA committees. We are incredibly thankful for her support and guidance in helping our members achieve a better financial future.

A lack of gender balance at the highest echelons of corporate Australia is a material financial risk that could impact investment performance for our members over the long term, almost 80% of whom are women. Gender balance isn’t just fair; it translates into smart business practices, ultimately resulting in improved long-term performance, increased profits, and enhanced governance. Research has shown that greater diversity in leadership improves business decision-making, corporate governance, and financial performance, and this can help improve the retirement outcomes of our more than 1 million members. HESTA has taken decisive action in the 2024 annual general meeting season, voting against the election or re-election of chairs and select directors at over 40 ASX300 companies that have not made sufficient progress on gender diversity. The latest Chief Executive Women (CEW) Census shows progress is being made, with the number of single-gender executive teams decreasing from 28 to 20 over the past year. However, just 27% of ASX300 companies have gender balanced executive leadership teams, indicating there is still significant work to do. The Australian Council of Superannuation Investors 2024 Annual Report highlighted progress in board gender diversity within the ASX300 in FY23-24. There were 125 female directors appointed to ASX300 boards, equal to 46.4% of appointments, increasing women's representation to 37.5%, up from 35% the previous year. In 2020, HESTA helped found 40:40 Vision - an investor-led initiative seeking to achieve gender balance in the executive leadership teams of ASX300 companies by 2030. A key way we're seeking to improve gender balance in Australia's biggest companies is by partnering with other investors to raise the standard expected of these organisations and their commitment to achieving gender-related objectives. http://hesta.co/4040Voting #HESTASuper #GenderEquality #4040Vision HESTA ABN 64 971 749 321 is issued by H.E.S.T. Australia Ltd ABN 66 006 818 695. Consider whether this product is appropriate for you by reading the PDS and TMD at http://hesta.co/6043I6uOL.

We are proud to be partnering with AIA Australia to provide HESTA members access to My Psychologist - a virtual support service that provides holistic mental wellbeing support, ranging from prevention through to early access to treatment. Did you know more than one in five Australians aged 16-85 experienced symptoms of mental illness in the past 12 months*? That’s over four million people. Early intervention is crucial in the initial stages of a mental illness. But according to the Australian Psychological Society, the wait to see a psychologist can often be between 3 and 6 months. Through this partnership, members and families will be able to access psychological care usually within 7 days, addressing a crucial need by making mental health support both accessible and affordable**. We recognise that working in health and community services can impact our members' mental well-being, leading to reduced work participation, early retirement, and up to a 27% decrease in retirement savings. By partnering with AIA to offer My Psychologist, we aim to support quicker recovery and protect their super savings, helping them face the future confidently. Find out more here: hesta.co/My-Psychologist #HESTASuper #MentalHealth #Wellbeing *Australian Institute of Health and Welfare material: Prevalence and impact of mental illness, February 2024. **Support extends to immediate family members age 13 and over. Terms and conditions apply (and are provided by Online Psychologists Australia for your review during the appointment booking process).

The HESTA team in Melbourne recently dedicated a day working with St Mary's House of Welcome to assist individuals facing homelessness, disadvantage, and social isolation. Under the guidance of St Mary’s House of Welcome staff, the team engaged in a meaningful day of service by preparing, cooking, and serving a BBQ lunch for approximately 90 community members. This experience provided a much-needed meal to those who attended and offered the team a chance to connect with the community. Throughout the day, the group had the opportunity to ask questions and reflect on their observations and interactions with the community members, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse experiences and challenges they are currently facing. Our volunteering program encourages employees to support community and non-profit organisations of their choice. This is one of the ways HESTA is committed to fostering a culture of giving back to the community. #HESTAImpact #CorporateVolunteering #Community

We're thrilled to welcome 6 talented interns to the HESTA Investment Internship program. Running from December 2024 to February 2025, the investment internship program offers our interns real-world experience, honing their technical and business skills, and working on diverse projects like Responsible Investment, Unlisted Assets, Performance and Risk Analytics, and Data and Systems. With regular coaching and support from their managers and mentors, they will have an opportunity to connect with industry professionals and showcase their potential. What excites them the most? “The chance to grow both technically and professionally in a collaborative environment and contribute to HESTA's mission of maximising benefits for our dedicated members in the health and community services sector”. At HESTA, our team is instrumental in providing Super with Impact™ to over 1 million members, and we are committed to fostering a people-first culture characterised by inclusivity, collaboration, and respect in the workplace. Explore career opportunities at HESTA: hesta.co/HESTA-Careers #HESTASuper #Internship #Investments #CareersWithImpact Mai Thy Duong, Stephanie Aimee Mahendra, Wenyue Qiu, Alec Peng, Michael Shen, Cameron Edwards For more information on Super with impact™ go to http://hesta.co/6043arQov.

Nominations for the 2025 HESTA Excellence Awards are now open. Acknowledge the work of those making an impact in allied health, aged care, disability, and community services. You can submit a nomination for a team, organisation or individual you know, and they could win a share of $60,000 in prizes thanks to ME Bank. https://lnkd.in/gzZezHjb #HESTAAwards #HESTAExcellenceAwards #AgedCare #DisabilityServices #AlliedHealth #CommunityServices #HACS

Delivering an exceptional digital experience for our members is something we pride ourselves on at HESTA. With more than 300,000 of our members having used digital technologies to engage with their super, with many often shift workers balancing busy lives wanting support on-the-go, it’s clear our digital capabilities are something our members value. One of the people supporting our digital ecosystem is our Digital Delivery Manager, Elisa Dominique Rivera, who since 2023 has brought her over 25 years of tech industry experience to the HESTA team. Her experience includes several tech positions across numerous sectors such as consulting, aviation and higher education. Elisa’s role at HESTA was initially focused on ensuring our Member Online platform ran smoothly, and since then, her focus has shifted to our transition to GROW Inc, supporting the digital changes required to Member Online. This transition is the perfect example of why Elisa got started in tech – to bring big ideas to life. “For me tech is a fascinating enabler of so many great ideas. Every day I work with creative and tech-savvy people who are focused on giving the best experience to their digital users, in this case our HESTA members.” Part of creating Super with impact™ means helping our members to face the future with confidence through information, tools and support, which as custodians of our Member Online platform, mobile app and website, the Digital Delivery team are fundamental in delivering this positive outcome for our members. “We ensure our members’ digital experience when managing their super is smooth, easy and intuitive, armed with the right information to make the best decisions about their super.” #HESTASuper #Technology #Digital #CareersWithImpact HESTA ABN 64 971 749 321 is issued by H.E.S.T. Australia Ltd ABN 66 006 818 695 AFSL 235249. Consider whether this product is appropriate for you by reading the PDS and Target Market Determination at http://hesta.co/6042vvFyQ. See more about Super with impact™ at http://hesta.co/6043vvFyv.