A cross-reference of the leaders of Australia's listed companies with prominent social issues by media researcher Streem found Mr Mackenzie was the most quoted CEO,racking up 156 mentions in total,112 of which were in relation to climate change.
Tracked from October 2018 to September 2019,the issues analysed included climate change,domestic violence,equality,sexual harassment,human rights,mental health,Indigenous issues and LGBTIQA issues.
The analysis comes amid clashes between the Morrison government and business leaders over their support for social issues. Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister,Ben Morton,recently warned chief executives to not be seduced by “self-appointed moral guardians” into campaigning on social issues. And in the wake of last month's school strike for climate,Prime Minister Scott Morrison told chief executives to not be"distracted"by issues such as climate change.
Mr Mackenzie has been a prominent advocate of climate action within corporate Australia,recently announcing BHP,one of the world's largest mining companies and significant fossil fuel producer,
He has also urged the government to place a price on carbon,and BHP recently announced would underpin the company's future business decisions.
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Following him on the list was fellow corporate activist Alan Joyce,the chief executive of Qantas,with 142 mentions in total.
Climate change was also a prominent issue for Mr Joyce,however mentions on LGBTQIA issues ranked higher,reflecting the chief executive's support of marriage equality during 2017's postal survey.
Mr Joyce also racked up significant mentions for human rights and equality-related issues.
ranked third with 101 mentions regarding climate change,and frequently outspoken ranked fourth,also for climate change.
At an address to the National Press Club last month,Mr Joyce said on social issues was'bad for democracy'.
"We should have a voice on that,and it shouldn't get to a stage if you don't agree,don't speak up,because I think that's bad for democracy,"he said.
Their close association with hot button issues such as climate change also reflects the changing environment within corporate Australia,with for greater corporate social responsibility.
On a company name basis,BHP and Qantas still topped the list of mentions,however Rio Tinto,Woodside,Telstra,Woolworths,Macquarie and Commonwealth Bank all made the top ten,with climate change,mental health and discrimination emerging as the most-associated issues.
has voiced his support for companies speaking out on social issues as he was a key supporter of marriage equality during his tenure as MYOB chief executive.
"If there is an issue that they feel might be considered a social issue but an issue that is important to their business,then absolutely they should have the right to talk about that,"Mr Reed