Update: HESTA divested from Transfield Services!
HESTA invests in mandatory detention
HESTA, the health and community services industry superannuation fund, holds shares in Transfield Services, the company that runs the Australian detention centres on Nauru and Manus IslandAs of 27 February 2015, HESTA holds just under 5% of shares in Transfield Services with over 23.5 million shares. http://asxcomnewspdfs.fairfaxmedia.com.au/2015/03/02/01604569-575220267.pdf. HESTA has effectively loaned Transfield millions of dollars, in addition to the government contracts that the company already holds valued at over A$2.1 billionhttps://www.tenders.gov.au/?event=public.cn.view&CNUUID=1013CCBE-92A3-D1D4-722EC39FCBF61B39, to help run Australia’s mandatory detention system. Why is HESTA willing to use the retirement savings of health and community services workers to help Transfield profit from the mandatory detention of asylum seekers?
What can I do?
Join in calling HESTA for a complete and permanent divestment from mandatory detention.
Is your super with HESTA?
- Write to HESTA today.
- Speak to colleagues, friends and family members who are also members of HESTA or who have connections with HESTA.
- Spread the word and get involved!
Are you a member of the ANMF, ASU, HSU or United Voice?
The following Unions are on the Board of HESTA:
- Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF)—two representatives
- Australian Services Union (ASU)
- Health Services Union (HSU)
- United Voice
Ask your Union to pass a motion calling on HESTA to divest from mandatory detention through Transfield. See a sample divestment motion here and get in touch if you can get involved.
Other organisations on the Board of HESTA
Other organisations on the Board of HESTA are:
- Australian Private Hospitals' Association
- Aged and Community Services Australia
- Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association
- Catholic Health Australia
- Leading Aged Services Australia
If you have contacts at these organisations that may be interested in getting involved, please get in touch.
Please spread the word and get involved!
Like and share the campaign on Facebook, and tweet your support using the #HESTAdivest hashtag on Twitter.
Contact us to get involved and help spread the word!