First State Super has called for a renewed focus on the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to drive the post-COVID-19 economic recovery.
“Nothing could have prepared us for the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said CEO Deanne Stewart. “It has been unprecedented in our lifetime, but it has also created opportunities for us to reconsider how we invest and support our communities to emerge stronger from the current crisis.”
Ms Stewart called on investors to support jobs growth and new investment opportunities, while global governments could support those actions with long-term policy objectives and public-private sector partnerships aligned with the delivery of the SDGs.
“We know that sustainable businesses, communities and economies will be successful in the long-term and are better able to withstand unexpected economic shocks,” Ms Stewart said. “Now is the opportunity for governments, industry and investors to work together and respond to these challenging issues and [help create] the sustainable economies of the future.”
First State Super has invested $200 million in worker affordable housing initiatives over the last 12 months, as well as jobs programs with small- to medium-sized businesses and renewable energy.
“These are great first steps, and as we consider the post-COVID economy there will be further opportunities to collaborate with the public and private sector to invest to create new jobs and [help stimulate] growth across the communities that need it the most,” Ms Stewart said.
Industry funds have so far earmarked $28 billion for infrastructure spending that will fund solar farms at Darwin airport, terminal expansions at other airports, rail upgrades, shopping centres, and other commercial and residential developments.
