Solid progress at mid-point of Sustainability Strategy

The sustainability performance metrics released today within Westpac Group's 2015 Reporting Suite demonstrate the Group made a year of solid progress as it passed the mid-point of its 2013-17 Sustainability Strategy.

Commenting in the 2015 Annual Review & Sustainability Report, Westpac Group CEO Brian Hartzer said he recognised that much of the Group's future value is dependent on its ability to sustain its reputation and relationship with customers and the wider community.

"That's why we take very seriously our approach to sustainability overall, including our response to important social and economic issues," Mr Hartzer said.

"We have a very strong balance sheet, excellent asset quality, and are the most efficient bank in the sector. More broadly, our approach to running our business in a way that balances the needs of all stakeholders-customers, shareholders, employees, and the communities we serve - has seen us once again recognised as the global banking leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index - the eighth time we've been named the sector leader since 2002.

"Given all the changes going on in the economy and in the banking industry, our focus on service and helping customers achieve what's important to them is the right strategy for the times. At the same time, we remain committed to getting the balance right between all of our stakeholders. We will continue to run and grow our business in a sustainable way," he said.

2015 Sustainability Strategy performance highlights

Westpac Group's 2015 Sustainability Performance Report details performance against the three priority areas of its 2013-17 Sustainability Strategy, including the following highlights:

Embracing societal change

Leadership roles held by women increased from 44% to 46%
Significant progress made against Reconciliation Action Plan, including recruiting an additional 150 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Introduced a market leading Enterprise Agreement

Environmental solutions

$6.1 billion lending/investment in CleanTech and environmental services sector
Met all direct environmental footprint targets
Committed to a number of initiatives, including the We Mean Business Coalition (formerly CDP Road to Paris)
Released an updated Climate Change & Environment Position Statement & Action Plan, which reconfirmed commitment to preparing for a Two Degree Economy

Better financial futures

$124 billion in lending and banking services directed at initiatives and projects to create positive impact
67,122 participants in Westpac Group's financial literacy education programs
47,047 financial assistance packages issued

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