Wilderness Society Email
December 3, 2008
Subject: Super Activists!
Dear All,
Wth the pulp mill teetering we are calling out for the support of the majority of Australians who are opposed to Gunns' pulp mill to log onto www.wilderness.org.au/superactivist and follow the process to become a Super Activist - to pressure Australia's super funds to stop supporting Gunns forest destruction and the pulp mill.
Every year a minimum 9% of your income is contributed to your superannuation. Today, around $1 trillion is invested by Australians in superannuation funds. Many of these investments may directly contradict your personal values. For instance, approximately 40% of Tasmanian logging giant Gunns Ltd's shareholders are superannuation funds.
You may not realise, but it is through superannuation and other forms of investment that major companies' activities, including socially and environmentally destructive activities, are underwritten.
Fortunately, you don't have to settle for this. In 2005 the Federal Government introduced Super Choice legislation. This means you now have the right to decide how to invest your retirement money.
By becoming a Super Activist, you can hold your superfund accountable for the investments they make on your behalf. The best thing about this is that research has shown long-term returns have been consistently higher for investors who have chosen funds that explicitly take environmental, social and governance factors into account when choosing investments.
Recently, The Wilderness Society - along with 40,000 other Australians - helped the ANZ bank to decide not to fund Gunns' proposed pulp mill. This shows that the genuine actions of a committed group of people really can make a difference.
Take control of your super investment. If you're not satisfied with the way your superannuation contribution is being invested, tell your superfund you want better environmental and social investment. If you're not satisfied with the response - use your Super Activist powers and go elsewhere!
If you believe in improving your long-term super returns and protecting Australia's native forests, become a Super Activist - and contact your superfund today, visit www.wilderness.org.au/superactivist to find out how.
Cheers
Paul IJ Oosting
Pulp Mill Campaigner
The Wilderness Society (Tasmania) Inc.
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