John Southalan

John is a mediator, barrister and academic with extensive experience in responsible business conduct and dispute resolution. Since 2019, he has held a part-time role as an Independent Examiner with the AusNCP, dealing with complaints against companies about responsible business conduct regarding the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. The OECD Guidelines are internationally agreed standards for responsible business conduct, which address environmental impacts as well as human rights, labour relations, consumer interests and other areas. Australia is one of 50 countries that adhere to the Guidelines, which requires the Government to establish a National Contact Point (the ‘AusNCP’ – within the Commonwealth Department of the Treasury) and encourage multinational enterprises to observe these standards.