Government Affairs & Collective Action Policy
TechForGood Pty Ltd
1. Purpose
This policy sets out TechForGood’s approach to government engagement, public policy advocacy, collective action, and tax responsibility. It ensures that any interaction with government, regulators, industry bodies, or public debate is conducted ethically, transparently, and in alignment with our social purpose, B Corp commitments, and stakeholder governance obligations.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all directors, employees, contractors, advisors, and representatives acting on behalf of TechForGood in Australia and internationally.
3. Political Donations
TechForGood does not make political donations to political parties, candidates, or election campaigns.
If exceptional circumstances arise where a political contribution is proposed (for example, in support of a clearly defined, non-partisan policy initiative aligned with our social purpose), it must:
- be lawful in the relevant jurisdiction
- be approved in advance by Leadership & Finance
- be disclosed transparently through public governance reporting
As a general position, TechForGood avoids political donations to maintain independence and public trust.
4. Lobbying and Public Policy Engagement
TechForGood does not engage in paid political lobbying.
This position is publicly disclosed and reflected on our B Corp profile and governance materials.
We may engage in responsible, issue-based advocacy where it aligns with our mission, including:
- ethical ICT procurement
- digital inclusion and access
- circular economy and e-waste regulation
- modern slavery prevention
- social enterprise, disability employment, and inclusive workforce policy
- credible climate and ESG standards
Any advocacy undertaken must be:
- factual, evidence-based, and proportionate
- informed by credible data, research, and where relevant, scientific or regulatory evidence
- consistent with our public disclosures, certifications, and Impact Report
- respectful of democratic processes
- free from misleading, exaggerated, or deceptive claims
TechForGood does not seek preferential treatment, regulatory loopholes, or outcomes that would undermine fair competition or the public interest.
5. Responsible Advocacy Controls
Where TechForGood engages in advocacy or collective policy activity, the following controls apply:
- Evidence-based advocacy: Positions must be grounded in credible data, lived experience, and where relevant, recognised scientific, regulatory, or policy evidence.
- Anti-corruption safeguards: Advocacy activities are subject to TechForGood’s Anti-Corruption & Bribery Policy. Improper influence, inducements, or opaque arrangements are prohibited.
- Intermediary accountability: Where industry bodies, consultants, or coalitions act on behalf of TechForGood, they must operate consistently with this policy. TechForGood does not use intermediaries to advance positions it would not support directly.
6. Trade Associations and Collective Action
TechForGood may participate in industry associations, networks, and collective initiatives where membership supports learning, collaboration, or systems change consistent with our values.
We will only remain members of associations that:
- align broadly with our social purpose, ESG commitments, and B Corp standards
- operate lawfully and ethically
- do not materially advocate positions that contradict TechForGood’s stated commitments on climate, human rights, equity, or transparency
TechForGood will not rely on trade associations to advocate policy positions that it would not publicly support in its own name.
Exit criteria:
TechForGood will review and may exit any association if:
- its advocacy materially conflicts with our social purpose or public commitments
- it promotes misinformation or undermines credible ESG, climate, or human-rights action
- continued membership would reasonably damage stakeholder trust
Reviews are conducted periodically and when material issues arise.
7. Responsible Tax Principles
TechForGood is committed to responsible, transparent tax practices.
We:
- comply with all applicable tax laws and reporting obligations
- pay tax in the jurisdictions where economic value is created
- do not engage in aggressive tax avoidance, artificial profit shifting, or secrecy jurisdictions
- do not use tax structures that undermine our social enterprise or B Corp commitments
Tax practices are disclosed transparently and proportionately to our size, regulatory requirements, and stakeholder expectations.
8. Transparency and Public Disclosure
TechForGood commits to publishing an annual public statement covering:
- political donations (including a nil declaration where applicable)
- paid lobbying activity (including a nil declaration where applicable)
- material public policy positions or collective advocacy undertaken during the period
- current trade association memberships and any material misalignment actions taken
This disclosure may be published via our website, Impact Report, or governance disclosures.
9. Governance and Accountability
Oversight of this policy sits with Leadership & Finance, with material government engagement, advocacy, or collective action escalated to the Advisory Board where appropriate.
Any advocacy or policy position that carries reputational, regulatory, or stakeholder risk must be reviewed internally prior to external representation.
10. Review
This policy is reviewed annually or earlier if required by changes in law, certification standards, or TechForGood’s operating model.
