Telstra rating improves by 10 percent in Dow Jones Sustainability Index

The Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) identifies companies that lead peers in creating long-term shareholder value and assesses ability to manage risk and leverage upside across the economic, social and environmental agenda.

It is based on a thorough analysis of a company's economic, environmental and social performance, assessing issues such as corporate governance, risk management, branding, climate change mitigation, supply chain standards and labour practices.

Public Policy & Communication GMD and co-chair of Telstra's Corporate Responsibility Council, David Quilty said, "This result reflects the many good things already happening across the company, but we have much more to do. We now need to maintain our focus on satisfying our customers and building our reputation as a responsible company that makes a positive contribution to the nation."

Telstra CFO John Stanhope said, "A growing number of investors are increasingly diversifying their portfolios by investing in companies that set industry-wide best practices in sustainability. Telstra's disciplined management in this area is being recognised by the world's most respected sustainability indices."

"This means it gives us greater ability to position ourselves more favourably in the market place as we can clearly demonstrate we are providing long-term shareholder value," Mr Stanhope said.

Human Resources GMD and co-chair of Telstra's Corporate Responsibility Council, Andrea Grant said Telstra's focus on excellent environmental practice, policy and reporting was evident in this year's DJSI score.

"We gained a total score of 85 percent in the environment section, an increase on last year's score of 79 percent," Ms Grant said.

Telefonica, one of the world's largest telecommunications companies, operating in 25 countries with a customer base exceeding 260 million globally, was named the leader in the telecommunications sector, with a score of 86 percent.