Key points
- Pitcher Partners Brisbane has released its inaugural 2025 Sustainability Report, establishing a baseline for the firm’s ESG performance
- The report highlights progress across environmental, social and governance pillars, including wellbeing initiatives, community partnerships, emissions measurement and strengthened governance practices
- The report acknowledges the Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards published by the AASB and reflects the firm’s intention to support clients as they transition into mandatory reporting frameworks
Pitcher Partners Brisbane is pleased to share its 2025 Sustainability Report, capturing the firm’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance for the 2025 financial year. As the firm’s inaugural report, it marks an important milestone in bringing greater transparency, structure and accountability to the way the Brisbane practice measures its impact and plans for a more sustainable future.
For Brisbane Managing Partner Norman Thurecht, sustainability is grounded in responsibility. As he notes in the report, the firm’s approach “reinforces our responsibility to act in a way that supports the long-term interests of our clients, our people and the communities in which we operate.” Guided by this belief, the report formalises the foundations that will shape decision-making, leadership, culture and risk management in the years ahead.
Our values in action
Pitcher Partners Brisbane’s core values of client care, technical expertise, care for our people, business excellence, honesty and trust, and meritocracy shape the way the firm engages with clients, colleagues and the broader community. These values underpin the sustainability approach and reflect the firm’s commitment to creating long-term, positive outcomes.
As part of this commitment, the report was prepared with acknowledgement of the Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards issued by the AASB. While the firm is not currently required to report under mandatory climate disclosure legislation, it has chosen to adopt a proactive, voluntary approach to support stronger ESG literacy internally and better assist clients who are already entering mandatory reporting phases.
2025 sustainability highlights
Putting people first
The firm strengthened its wellbeing and performance initiatives, including:
- Introduction of the Wellbeing and Performance Director role, further embedding care into the firm’s culture
- 190 one-on-one wellbeing and performance coaching sessions delivered to 145 individuals to support psychological safety and capability building
- Staff access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing resources
- A renewed focus on mental health, including R U OK? Day activities and Movember initiatives
- The staff experience survey reflected strong engagement with community and social initiatives, with 73 percent of staff feeling the firm’s approach to social responsibility is “spot on”.
Strengthening leadership and inclusion
The firm progressed its leadership and inclusion agenda through the Lead Your Way program, early career pathways, flexible working arrangements and its DEI Action Plan. Actions included :
- Equal opportunities: All employees have fair access to advancement and development.
- Inclusive recruitment: Hiring practices encourage applications from under–represented groups.
- Supportive environment: Fostering work-life balance and providing career development resources.
- Regular monitoring: Annual review and reporting on progress toward gender equality goals.
Caring for community
Pitcher Partners Brisbane continued to invest in community impact through its Giving Committee, focusing on charities aligned to supporting families, mental health and disadvantaged groups. This year’s partners included Baby Give Back, Dress for Success Brisbane, The Centre for Women and Co and MacKillop Family Services.
Staff also contributed to hands-on volunteering sessions with organisations such as Eat Up, preparing meals for children in need.
Governance grounded in integrity
The firm strengthened its governance systems across risk, independence, quality assurance and data security. This included:
- Continued implementation of the National Quality Management Manual and associated controls
- Enhanced cyber security practices aligned to the Essential Eight framework
- Ongoing training and robust whistleblower protections through the OKtoSAY program
Measuring and managing environmental impact
- We established our emissions baseline this year, recording zero Scope 1 emissions and 116.5 tCO₂-e in Scope 2 emissions. This gives us the clarity we need to set reduction targets.
- Our waste management programs also delivered real results, saving 267 kg of carbon, 2,790 litres of water, 18 kg of waste and 113 kg of wood.
- The firm also operates out of a 5-star NABERS energy-rated, 100 percent carbon neutral office building, supporting lower operational impacts.
What’s next?
The report outlines several priorities for FY2026 and beyond, including:
- Embedding sustainability into all Brisbane committee decision-making
- Expanding emissions measurement to include Scope 3 categories
- Setting targets to reduce paper usage and reviewing waste streams across the Brisbane office
- Exploring low-carbon travel alternatives and high-quality carbon offsets
- Establishing a firm-wide Sustainability Committee to guide environmental and social initiatives
Pitcher Partners Brisbane recognises that sustainability is a continuous journey, one that requires intention, collaboration and practical action. By proactively adopting voluntary sustainability reporting and building internal capability, the firm intends to support its people, clients and community through a period of significant ESG transition.
To learn more, explore the full report and the breadth of initiatives shaping the firm’s ESG approach.
