SIX | Our Campaigns Combining Activism with Investing

Frequently asked questions

Find clear answers to common questions about shareholder activism

What is shareholder activism?

Shareholder activism involves using our rights as shareholders to push big companies to do better on issues including climate action, nature protection and social justice.

Even a small handful of shareholders coming together by joining a campaign can push a big company to start listening and acting.

If 100 shareholders come together, this unlocks the right for SIX to lodge a resolution (a formal item for discussing and voting) at the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). That’s a powerful way of putting the issue in the spotlight, in front of other shareholders and the media, as we push the company for change.

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How can I join a shareholder activism campaign?

If you are not already a shareholder in the target company, you can become a shareholder through the SIX app - simply create an account then log in to join the campaign.

If you already own shares in the target company, you can easily join the campaign by taking a few minutes to sign SIX’s agency agreement - doing this gives SIX permission to lodge shareholder resolutions and members statements on your behalf.

How does shareholder activism create change?

Companies care what their shareholders think. Shareholder activism is a powerful tool that can push big investors (like super funds) to speak up, gain media attention and coverage, and ultimately build pressure for a company to listen and act.

Shareholder activism works especially well when it’s part of a broader people power campaign - that’s why partnerships are central to how SIX creates change.

You can read more in our blog about how shareholder activism drives change, or explore campaign wins on farmed seafood, deforestation and animal rights.

How does SIX decide which campaigns to work on?

SIX prioritises campaigns where retail shareholders (our community) have a clear opportunity to create change; we can see a compelling story about the problem and solutions; and where we can work in partnership with experienced non-government organisations (NGOs), ethical advisers and/or unions.

If you are part of a group, organisation or company that wants to discuss what it looks like to partner with SIX, contact our Campaigns Manager Phoebe Rountree for a chat.

Do I still need my shares once the company Annual General Meeting is over?

Shareholder campaigns can run over multiple AGM seasons, building shareholder pressure over several years for the company to take action.

SIX will always let you know if we no longer plan to use shares for the purposes of company engagement and shareholder resolutions.

It is always up to you to decide if and when you want to hold, sell or invest in other campaigns or companies you care about.

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Campaigns

The big banks are funding deforestation

QBE Insurance, whose climate future are you underwriting?

Big business, stop fuelling plastic pollution

Woolworths, come clean on your deforestation risk

Woolworths and Coles can save the skate

#EndGamblingAds by pushing Nine and Seven

It's time for big companies to stop gambling with gas

Demand paid parental leave at G8 Education

Webjet, stop cashing in on animal suffering

Frequently asked questions

Change large companies for the better