List of Publications
The civic virtue of developmentalism:
The mining boom and western Australia’s changing landscape:
Living downwind from CSR:
Resource curse or cure:
On the Social Sustainability of Development in Western Australia:
Under corporate skies:
Balancing people, place and prosperity:
Testing times: industry-community relations in Western Australia
The civic virtue of developmentalism:
On the mining industry’s social licence to develop Western Australia. Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal (IAPA) – Special Issue:
Social Licence to Operate and Impact Assessment.
Brueckner, M., Durey, A., Mayes, R. & Pforr, C. (2014).
Abstract
This paper examines the social licence to operate (SLO) of Western Australia’s (WA’s) mining industry in the context of the state’s ‘developmentalist’ agenda. We draw on the findings of a multi-disciplinary body of new research on the risks and challenges posed byWA’s mining industry for environmental, social and economic sustainability. We synthesise the findings of this work against the backdrop of the broader debates on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and resource governance. In light of the data presented, this paper takes issue with the mining sector’s SLO and its assessment of social and environmental impacts in WA for three inter-related reasons. A state government ideologically wedded to resource-led growth is seen to offer the resource sector a political licence to operate and to give insufficient attention to its potential social and environmental impacts. As a result, the resource sector can adopt a self-serving CSR agenda built on a limited win–win logic and operate with a ‘quasi social licence’ that is restricted to mere economic legitimacy. Overall, this paper problematises the political-cum-commercial construction and neoliberalisation of the SLO and raises questions about the impact of mining in WA.
The mining boom and western Australia’s changing landscape:
Towards sustainability or business as usual? Rural Society Journal. Special Issue Resource extraction in Australia – A changing landscape or business as usual? 22(2): 111-124.
Brueckner, M., Durey, A., Mayes, R. & Pforr, C. (2013).
Abstract
The practices and public reputation of mining have been changing over time. In the past, mining operations frequently stood accused of being socially and environmentally disruptive, whereas mining today invests heavily in ‘socially responsible’ and ‘sustainable’ business practices. Changes such as these can be witnessed internationally as well as in places like Western Australia (WA), where the mining sector has matured into an economic pillar of the state, and indeed the nation in the context of the recent resources boom. This paper explores the role of mining in WA, presenting a multidisciplinary perspective on the sector’s contribution to sustainable development in the state. The perspectives offered here are drawn from community-based research and the associated academic literature as well as data derived from government sources and the not-for-profit sector. Findings suggest that despite noteworthy attitudinal and operational improvements in the industry, social, economic and environmental problem areas remain. As mining in WA is expected to grow in the years to come, these problem areas require the attention of business and government alike to ensure the long-term sustainability of development as well as people and place.
Living downwind from CSR:
A community perspective on corporate practice. Business Ethics: A European Review. 19(4): 326-348.
Brueckner, M. & Mamun, M.A. (2010).
Abstract
This paper critiques dominant corporate social responsibility (CSR) theory, which claims that commercial and social goals overlap and coincide. It is suggested that this uncritical portrayal and treatment of complex industry–community relations risks neglecting the potential tensions that may arise should these goals diverge or be in conflict. In this context, the experiences of residents in a small Western Australian town are presented to describe a long-running conflict between community members and their corporate neighbour. The data point to a range of community impacts as a result of corporate activities and unearth strong differences between ‘local’ and ‘corporate’ understandings of CSR. Based on the perceived shortcomings of an economically underpinned CSR approach, we question the possibility of meeting local needs by means of economic efficiency. Calls are made for critical reflection on the key assumptions underlying dominant CSR theory and consideration is given to questions of guidance for CSR practitioners.
Resource curse or cure:
On the sustainability of resource development in Western Australia. Heidelberg: Springer.
Brueckner, M., Durey, A., Mayes, R. & Pforr, C. (eds). (2014).
Abstract
Globalisation and rapid social and environmental change in recent decades have brought into sharper focus not only the benefits but also the costs of economic development. The once assumed link between economic development and societal well-being is being increasingly questioned in the face of growing social and environmental problems and unfulfilled expectations concerning political and commercial decision-makers. The orthodox development dogma is being tested in particular in resource-based economies such as Western Australia, where globalisation pressures and the concomitant rise in the demand for natural resources highlight the difficulties of effectively balancing broader societal interests with those of industry and the state. This book provides a critical review of the socio-political, environmental and cultural state of play in Western Australia, offering an analysis of how resource-based developments are shaping the state and its people.
On the social sustainability of development in Western Australia:
A community perspective.
Brueckner, M. (2014).
Abstract
This chapter addresses resource development in Western Australia from a social sustainability perspective. It will be shown, based on the experiences of members of a small community, that the benefits assumed to result from economic development in the name of progress and regional sustainability can fail to result in wealth and health for local people. The problems identified here serve as prompts for critical reflection on the purpose of development and the requisite balancing of community, and industry interests. An engagement with the social sustainability agenda in Western Australia is called for in light of the state’s very rapid development path and the growing potential for conflict with its intended beneficiaries.
Under corporate skies:
A struggle between people, place, and profit. Western Australia: Fremantle Press.
Brueckner, M, and Ross, D. (2010).
Abstract
Under Corporate Skies is about what happens to communities when they stand in the way of corporate profits. It is the story of a tiny town pitted against a strong corporate neighbour. With the help of international campaigner, Erin Brockovich, the small town of Yarloop in Western Australia is preparing a civil class action against Alcoa World Alumina. The struggle is over social, health and environmental concerns surrounding Alcoa’s Wagerup alumina refinery. This story will resonate with national and international communities facing similar clashes amidst ongoing industrialisation. As we live under expanding corporatised skies, this book shows that profits matter, but not more than people and place.
Balancing people, place and prosperity:
Lessons from Western Australia. In Wealth and prosperity of nations in the period of global transformation symposium, edited by Christof Pforr, Bella Butler and Werner Soontiens, Perth, Western Australia: Curtin University of Technology.
Brueckner, M. (2009).
Abstract
Historically, the terms ‘development’ and ‘prosperity’ have been much traded commodities and to this day are treated largely as being synonymous. This paper, based on a Western Australian experience, explores the issues surrounding economic development, focusing on questions about the sharing of social, economic and environmental costs and benefits associated with it. While the notion remains unchallenged that development leads to higher levels of prosperity, at least for some, this paper raises questions about the impacts development can have on the prosperity of local communities beyond financial resources such as community health, well-being and social cohesion. In this context, the potential for friction between government, industry and communities is highlighted in the perceived absence of a requisite balance between public costs and private gains. Case study data presented brings to light the implications conflicts such as these can have for regional sustainability and governance and help distil lessons for decision-makers confronted with industry community conflicts.
Testing times: industry-community relations in Western Australia.
Paper presented at the Resource curse or cure workshop: challenges and opportunities for sustainable wealth creation in Western Australia, Perth, Australia, 24th June 24
Brueckner, M. (2011).
Brueckner, M. (2009). Local experiences with corporate social responsibility: A socio-ecological perspective. School of Management Working Paper (2009-01), Curtin University: Perth.