Understandings of sustainable corporate governance by Australian managed investment schemes and some implications for small-scale forestry in Australia

This study reveals that managers of Australian managed investment schemes understand sustainable corporate governance as a mix of financial, natural environment and social outcomes. A number of managers who were interviewed prioritized financial aspects of business performance but acknowledged that sustained financial performance is only possible if positive natural environment outcomes and positive social outcomes are also sustained. In this context, the managers expressed qualified support for the development of small-scale forestry in Australia. Some implications of these findings for small-scale forestry in Australia are discussed, including how opportunities exist for small-scale forestry proponents to collaborate with firms that operate managed investment schemes to lobby governments for further policy support that assists the sustainable development of both sectors.