The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (OECD Guidelines) encourage multinational enterprises operating in Australia and overseas to conduct themselves responsibly and in accordance with the voluntary principles and standards set out in the OECD Guidelines. The Australian Government encourages Australian enterprises to observe the Guidelines wherever they operate, while taking into account the particular circumstances of each host country.
The OECD Guidelines provide recommendations on a broad range of issues including:
- human rights;
- employment and industrial relations;
- environment;
- combating bribery, bribe solicitation and extortion;
- consumer interests;
- science and technology;
- competition; and
- taxation.
The Australian National Contact Point (AusNCP) promotes the use of the OECD Guidelines and contributes to the resolution of issues relating to their implementation, including facilitating access to conciliation services. A Senior Official in the Australian Department of the Treasury is responsible for the AusNCP function, which is supported by a Secretariat in the Treasury and a Governance and Advisory Board, comprising representatives from several government and non-government organisations. Complaints made against multinational enterprises, alleging non-observance of the OECD Guidelines, are managed by an individual independent decision-maker.
For more information, please visit the AUSNCP website.