Governments
Who are they?
We engage with governments (including regulators) across local, national and international levels.
Interests and Concerns
Governments are interested in our operations from a number of perspectives. We work with host governments that participate in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative regarding disclosure of payments of taxes and policies. Policy formulation often intersects with aspects of our operations. Governments have mechanisms of regulation that cover a range of aspects within our operations, particularly environmental and social aspects.
Dialogue
We respect the authority of governments. Our operations are required to work within relevant legislative frameworks at the local, national and international levels.
We seek to have an open and constructive relationship with governments and regularly share information and opinions on issues that affect the Company. This communication is essential to informed decision-making by both government officials and BHP Billiton.
Public Policy
The Company maintains a position of impartiality with respect to party politics. Accordingly, we do not contribute funds to any political party, politician or candidate for public office in any country. We do, however, attend selected events such as political party conventions for the purpose of better understanding the implications of policy development on business operations. Employees are free to participate in political activities as individuals and, if there is any doubt, they are asked to ensure that it is clear they are representing their personal views and not those of the Company.
The Company participates in public debate of policy issues that affect us in the countries in which we operate. Relevant issues are discussed with government officials, and we sometimes provide written advice about the likely impact of proposed policies on the Company. A summary of government relations issues over the reporting period is provided in the following table.
| Current Government Relations Issues | |
|---|---|
| Global | Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative regarding disclosure of payments of taxes and policies; investment performance standards; climate change policies; fiscal regimes applicable to the resources sector; harmonisation of competition policy; trade policy liberalisation |
| Australia | Uranium mining policy; infrastructure access and regulation; implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards; environmental policy; fiscal and general taxation regimes |
| Chile | Fiscal regime |
| European Union | New EU regulatory framework for chemicals (REACH) proposals; Takeover Code Article 11; climate change policy including emissions trading regime |
| South Africa | Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act; Black Economic Empowerment Scorecard |
| United States | Harmonisation of competition policy; energy policy including supply of LNG |
| United Kingdom | Takeover Code Article 11; climate change policy |
Download a summary of all BHP Billiton Stakeholder Relationships.
