E.BSF.0001 - 2025 Materiality Assessment for the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework

Summary

The ABSF regularly reviews key topics and areas of focus to ensure that it continues to address the beef industry’s most significant impacts, risks and opportunities. Conducting a double materiality assessment – which considers both the
financial risks to the industry and the environmental and social impacts it creates – offers a range of strategic benefits for the Australian beef sector.

 It aligns the ABSF with emerging global reporting standards, such as the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), GRI, and IFRS standards, helping to maintain market access and regulatory readiness in global export markets. It also improves risk management by proactively identifying social and environmental risks that could have financial or reputational impacts for the industry. Beyond risk, a double materiality approach enhances strategic decision making and increases transparency and credibility with stakeholders. Additionally, it positions the industry to better meet customer expectations related to topics including emissions reduction and animal welfare.

Ultimately, a double materiality assessment helps ensure the ABSF remains future-focused, inclusive, and responsive to the evolving regulatory landscape.

Objectives

The key objectives of 2025 materiality assessment were to:

• review and refine material topics using a double materiality approach to ensure they remain relevant to Australian beef industry and the ABSF
• ensure the ABSF continues to align with evolving sustainability standards and frameworks
• engage a wide range of key stakeholders to gather input on sustainability priorities, emerging issues, and industry progress.
• The report includes detailed insights into the analysis process, project context, and recommendations.