Role
The Australian National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct (AusNCP):
- promotes responsible business conduct standards under the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (OECD Guidelines) and the OECD due diligence guidance
- helps resolve complaints against multinational enterprises relating to implementation of the OECD Guidelines.
The AusNCP has no legal authority to hearing complaints and is not responsible for providing redress.
History
The AusNCP was established in 2000 and reformed in 2019 after an independent review.
Structure
Secretariat
The Secretariat in Treasury manages the AusNCP and represents Australia in international forums on responsible business conduct.
The Secretariat is in the Market Conduct Division of Treasury.
Independent examiners
The independent examiners are experts contracted to Treasury to manage complaints against multinational enterprises brought to the AusNCP, including:
- decision-making
- communication and conciliation with parties
- publishing statements on findings.
Independent examiners also raise awareness of the AusNCP functions and promote responsible business conduct standards under the OECD Guidelines through their networks and events.
Governance and Advisory Board
The Governance and Advisory Board has representatives from the Australian Government, civil society, business and unions.
Board members promote responsible business conduct standards under the OECD Guidelines and provide expert advice to the independent examiners to help manage complaints.
Fact sheets
- AusNCP – overview [PDF 307KB]
- AusNCP – authority and structure [PDF 164KB]
- AusNCP – impartiality [PDF 179KB]
National Contact Points
All governments adhering to the OECD Guidelines have a legal obligation to set up a National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct (NCP). The AusNCP is one of over 50 NCPs established by governments across the world.
NCPs are not judicial bodies.
They provide a grievance mechanism to handle complaints about the implementation of the guidelines by multinational enterprises.
NCPs assess complaints against the OECD Guidelines criteria and bring parties together for mutually beneficial dialogue (referred to as 'good offices') to increase awareness of the OECD Guidelines and encourage resolution of issues raised in complaints.
National Contact Point video
Watch the OECD's video for an overview of National Contact Points.