Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) welcomes the International Sustainability Standards Board’s (ISSB) ongoing work to align and simplify sustainability reporting standards. Global alignment will help organisations reporting across multiple jurisdictions and frameworks, such as GRI and ESRS, by reducing complexity and improving consistency.

CA ANZ notes concerns about the ongoing review of all 77 SASB Standards. This complex process may challenge domestic standard setters, regulators and reporting entities. SASB Standards often require technical expertise, which can be a barrier for smaller organisations.

A tiered approach to metrics, with “primary” (core) and “secondary” (optional) metrics, would help smaller entities transition to the new standards.

CA ANZ recommends the ISSB provide a clear roadmap for aligning IFRS Sustainability Standards with SASB Standards. Sequenced updates and a multi-year plan will help avoid stakeholder fatigue. Practical, modular guidance—such as worked examples and digital taxonomies—will be especially valuable for first-time reporters and smaller entities.

CA ANZ supports efforts to enhance interoperability and alignment with other sustainability-reporting frameworks. However, it stresses the importance of maintaining the ISSB’s investor focus to ensure disclosures remain relevant and useful.

CA ANZ supports setting an effective date for new standards and allowing early application. It recommends a minimum 12-month transition window to help entities prepare.