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ACUMENTIS GROUP LIMITED — Governance Information 2016
Sep 27, 2016
64295_rns_2016-09-27_582a2644-eaf0-4fe8-8374-f62fee088ddd.pdf
Governance Information
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Rules 4.7.3 and 4.10.3[1]
Appendix 4G
Key to Disclosures Corporate Governance Council Principles and Recommendations
Name of entity:
LandMark White Limited
| ABN / ARBN: 50 102 320 329 |
Financial year ended: |
|---|---|
| 50 102 320 329 | 30 June 2016 |
Our corporate governance statement[2] for the above period above can be found at:[3]
-
☐These pages of our annual report: -
☒This URL on our website: -
- https://www.lmw.com.au/media/1268/corporate governance statement.pdf
The Corporate Governance Statement is accurate and up to date as at 27th September 2016 and has been approved by the board.
The annexure includes a key to where our corporate governance disclosures can be located.
Date: 27[th] September 2016
Frank Hardiman:
Company Secretary
1 Under Listing Rule 4.7.3, an entity must lodge with ASX a completed Appendix 4G at the same time as it lodges its annual report with ASX. Listing Rule 4.10.3 requires an entity that is included in the official list as an ASX Listing to include in its annual report either a corporate governance statement that meets the requirements of that rule or the URL of the page on its website where such a statement is located. The corporate governance statement must disclose the extent to which the entity has followed the recommendations set by the ASX Corporate Governance Council during the reporting period. If the entity has not followed a recommendation for any part of the reporting period, its corporate governance statement must separately identify that recommendation and the period during which it was not followed and state its reasons for not following the recommendation and what (if any) alternative governance practices it adopted in lieu of the recommendation during that period. Under Listing Rule 4.7.4, if an entity chooses to include its corporate governance statement on its website rather than in its annual report, it must lodge a copy of the corporate governance statement with ASX at the same time as it lodges its annual report with ASX. The corporate governance statement must be current as at the effective date specified in that statement for the purposes of rule 4.10.3.
2 “Corporate governance statement” is defined in Listing Rule 19.12 to mean the statement referred to in Listing Rule 4.10.3 which discloses the extent to which an entity has followed the recommendations set by the ASX Corporate Governance Council during a particular reporting period.
3 Mark whichever option is correct and then complete the page number(s) of the annual report, or the URL of the web page, where the entity’s corporate governance statement can be found. You can, if you wish, delete the option which is not applicable.
Throughout this form, where you are given two or more options to select, you can, if you wish, delete any option which is not applicable and just retain the option that is applicable. If you select an option that includes “OR” at the end of the selection and you delete the other options, you can also, if you wish, delete the “OR” at the end of the selection.
Page 1
ANNEXURE – KEY TO CORPORATE GOVERNANCE DISCLOSURES
| Corporate Governance Council recommendation | Corporate Governance Council recommendation | We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed … |
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed …4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRINCIPLE 1 – LAY SOLID FOUNDATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT | |||
| 1.1 | A listed entity should disclose: (a) the respective roles and responsibilities of its board and management; and (b) those matters expressly reserved to the board and those delegated to management. |
… the fact that we follow this recommendation:☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location]… and information about the respective roles and responsibilities of our board and management (including those matters expressly reserved to the board and those delegated to management): ☐at [insert location] |
☐an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
| 1.2 | A listed entity should: (a) undertake appropriate checks before appointing a person, or putting forward to security holders a candidate for election, as a director; and (b) provide security holders with all material information in its possession relevant to a decision on whether or not to elect or re-elect a director. |
… the fact that we follow this recommendation:☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
| 1.3 | A listed entity should have a written agreement with each director and senior executive setting out the terms of their appointment. |
… the fact that we follow this recommendation:☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
| 1.4 | The company secretary of a listed entity should be accountable directly to the board, through the chair, on all matters to do with the proper functioning of the board. |
… the fact that we follow this recommendation:☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
4 If you have followed all of the Council’s recommendations in full for the whole of the period above, you can, if you wish, delete this column from the form and re-format it.
Page 2
| Corporate Governance Council recommendation | Corporate Governance Council recommendation | We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed … |
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed …4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 | A listed entity should: (a) have a diversity policy which includes requirements for the board or a relevant committee of the board to set measurable objectives for achieving gender diversity and to assess annually both the objectives and the entity’s progress in achieving them; (b) disclose that policy or a summary of it; and (c) disclose as at the end of each reporting period the measurable objectives for achieving gender diversity set by the board or a relevant committee of the board in accordance with the entity’s diversity policy and its progress towards achieving them and either: (1) the respective proportions of men and women on the board, in senior executive positions and across the whole organisation (including how the entity has defined “senior executive” for these purposes); or (2) if the entity is a “relevant employer” under the Workplace Gender Equality Act, the entity’s most recent “Gender Equality Indicators”, as defined in and published under that Act. |
… the fact that we have a diversity policy that complies with paragraph (a): ☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location]… and a copy of our diversity policy or a summary of it: ☒at https://www.lmw.com.au/media/1268/corporate-governance-statement … and the measurable objectives for achieving gender diversity set by the board or a relevant committee of the board in accordance with our diversity policy and our progress towards achieving them: ☒in our Corporate Governance StatementOR☐at [insert location]… and the information referred to in paragraphs (c)(1) or (2): ☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☒an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable Measurable objectives are not by the Board. See comments under measurable objectives under Diversity Policy within Corporate Governance Statement |
| 1.6 | A listed entity should: (a) have and disclose a process for periodically evaluating the performance of the board, its committees and individual directors; and (b) disclose, in relation to each reporting period, whether a performance evaluation was undertaken in the reporting period in accordance with that process. |
… the evaluation process referred to in paragraph (a):☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location]… and the information referred to in paragraph (b): ☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☒an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
| 1.7 | A listed entity should: (a) have and disclose a process for periodically evaluating the performance of its senior executives; and (b) disclose, in relation to each reporting period, whether a performance evaluation was undertaken in the reporting period in accordance with that process. |
… the evaluation process referred to in paragraph (a):☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location]… and the information referred to in paragraph (b): ☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
Page 3
| Corporate Governance Council recommendation | Corporate Governance Council recommendation | We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed … |
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed …4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRINCIPLE 2 - STRUCTURE THE BOARD TO ADD VALUE | |||
| 2.1 | The board of a listed entity should: (a) have a nomination committee which: (1) has at least three members, a majority of whom are independent directors; and (2) is chaired by an independent director, and disclose: (3) the charter of the committee; (4) the members of the committee; and (5) as at the end of each reporting period, the number of times the committee met throughout the period and the individual attendances of the members at those meetings; or (b) if it does not have a nomination committee, disclose that fact and the processes it employs to address board succession issues and to ensure that the board has the appropriate balance of skills, knowledge, experience, independence and diversity to enable it to discharge its duties and responsibilities effectively. |
[If the entity complies with paragraph (a):] … the fact that we have a nomination committee that complies with paragraphs (1) and (2): ☐in our Corporate Governance StatementOR☐at [insert location]… and a copy of the charter of the committee: ☒at https://www.lmw.com.au/media/1256/nomination-and-remuneration-committee-charter … and the information referred to in paragraphs (4) and (5): ☒in our Corporate Governance StatementOR☐at [insert location][If the entity complies with paragraph (b):] … the fact that we do not have a nomination committee and the processes we employ to address board succession issues and to ensure that the board has the appropriate balance of skills, knowledge, experience, independence and diversity to enable it to discharge its duties and responsibilities effectively: ☐in our Corporate Governance StatementOR☐at [insert location] |
☒an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance StatementOR ☐we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
| 2.2 | A listed entity should have and disclose a board skills matrix setting out the mix of skills and diversity that the board currently has or is looking to achieve in its membership. |
… our board skills matrix:☒in our Corporate Governance StatementOR☐at [insert location] |
☐an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance StatementOR ☐we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
Page 4
| Corporate Governance Council recommendation | Corporate Governance Council recommendation | We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed … |
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed …4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3 | A listed entity should disclose: (a) the names of the directors considered by the board to be independent directors; (b) if a director has an interest, position, association or relationship of the type described in Box 2.3 but the board is of the opinion that it does not compromise the independence of the director, the nature of the interest, position, association or relationship in question and an explanation of why the board is of that opinion; and (c) the length of service of each director. |
… the names of the directors considered by the board to be independent directors: ☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location]… and, where applicable, the information referred to in paragraph (b): ☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location]… and the length of service of each director: ☐in our Corporate Governance StatementOR☐at [insert location] |
☐an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
| 2.4 | A majority of the board of a listed entity should be independent directors. |
… the fact that we follow this recommendation:☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☒an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
| 2.5 | The chair of the board of a listed entity should be an independent director and, in particular, should not be the same person as the CEO of the entity. |
… the fact that we follow this recommendation:☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☒an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
| 2.6 | A listed entity should have a program for inducting new directors and provide appropriate professional development opportunities for directors to develop and maintain the skills and knowledge needed to perform their role as directors effectively. |
… the fact that we follow this recommendation:☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
| PRINCIPLE 3 – ACT ETHICALLY AND RESPONSIBLY | |||
| 3.1 | A listed entity should: (a) have a code of conduct for its directors, senior executives and employees; and (b) disclose that code or a summary of it. |
… our code of conduct or a summary of it:☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☒at https://www.lmw.com.au/media/1252/directors-code-of-ethics.p |
d☒an explanation why that is so in our Corporate GovernanceStatement |
Page 5
| Corporate Governance Council recommendation | Corporate Governance Council recommendation | We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed … |
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed …4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRINCIPLE 4 – SAFEGUARD INTEGRITY IN CORPORATE REPORTING | |||
| 4.1 | The board of a listed entity should: (a) have an audit committee which: (1) has at least three members, all of whom are non- executive directors and a majority of whom are independent directors; and (2) is chaired by an independent director, who is not the chair of the board, and disclose: (3) the charter of the committee; (4) the relevant qualifications and experience of the members of the committee; and (5) in relation to each reporting period, the number of times the committee met throughout the period and the individual attendances of the members at those meetings; or (b) if it does not have an audit committee, disclose that fact and the processes it employs that independently verify and safeguard the integrity of its corporate reporting, including the processes for the appointment and removal of the external auditor and the rotation of the audit engagement partner. |
[If the entity complies with paragraph (a):] … the fact that we have an audit committee that complies with paragraphs (1) and (2): ☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location]… and a copy of the charter of the committee: ☒at https://www.lmw.com.au/media/1259/audit-committee-charter.pdf … and the information referred to in paragraphs (4) and (5): ☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location][If the entity complies with paragraph (b):] … the fact that we do not have an audit committee and the processes we employ that independently verify and safeguard the integrity of our corporate reporting, including the processes for the appointment and removal of the external auditor and the rotation of the audit engagement partner: ☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☒an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement Neither the chairman of the Audit Committee nor a majority of its members are independent. |
| 4.2 | The board of a listed entity should, before it approves the entity’s financial statements for a financial period, receive from its CEO and CFO a declaration that, in their opinion, the financial records of the entity have been properly maintained and that the financial statements comply with the appropriate accounting standards and give a true and fair view of the financial position and performance of the entity and that the opinion has been formed on the basis of a sound system of risk management and internal control which is operating effectively. |
… the fact that we follow this recommendation:☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
Page 6
| Corporate Governance Council recommendation | Corporate Governance Council recommendation | We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed … |
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed …4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3 | A listed entity that has an AGM should ensure that its external auditor attends its AGM and is available to answer questions from security holders relevant to the audit. |
… the fact that we follow this recommendation:☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐we are an externally managed entity that does not hold an annual general meeting and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
| PRINCIPLE 5 – MAKE TIMELY AND BALANCED DISCLOSURE | |||
| 5.1 | A listed entity should: (a) have a written policy for complying with its continuous disclosure obligations under the Listing Rules; and (b) disclose that policy or a summary of it. |
… our continuous disclosure compliance policy or a summary of it:☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at https://www.lmw.com.au/media/1268/corporate-governance-statement.pdf |
☐an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
| PRINCIPLE 6 – RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS | |||
| 6.1 | A listed entity should provide information about itself and its governance to investors via its website. |
… information about us and our governance on our website:☒at https://www.lmw.com.au/ |
☐an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
| 6.2 | A listed entity should design and implement an investor relations program to facilitate effective two-way communication with investors. |
… the fact that we follow this recommendation:☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
| 6.3 | A listed entity should disclose the policies and processes it has in place to facilitate and encourage participation at meetings of security holders. |
… our policies and processes for facilitating and encouraging participation at meetings of security holders: ☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐we are an externally managed entity that does not hold periodic meetings of security holders and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
| 6.4 | A listed entity should give security holders the option to receive communications from, and send communications to, the entity and its security registry electronically. |
… the fact that we follow this recommendation:☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
Page 7
| Corporate Governance Council recommendation | Corporate Governance Council recommendation | We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed … |
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed …4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRINCIPLE 7 – RECOGNISE AND MANAGE RISK | |||
| 7.1 | The board of a listed entity should: (a) have a committee or committees to oversee risk, each of which: (1) has at least three members, a majority of whom are independent directors; and (2) is chaired by an independent director, and disclose: (3) the charter of the committee; (4) the members of the committee; and (5) as at the end of each reporting period, the number of times the committee met throughout the period and the individual attendances of the members at those meetings; or (b) if it does not have a risk committee or committees that satisfy (a) above, disclose that fact and the processes it employs for overseeing the entity’s risk management framework. |
[If the entity complies with paragraph (a):] … the fact that we have a committee or committees to oversee risk that comply with paragraphs (1) and (2): ☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location]… and a copy of the charter of the committee: ☒at https://www.lmw.com.au/media/1259/audit-committee-charter.pdf … and the information referred to in paragraphs (4) and (5): ☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location][If the entity complies with paragraph (b):] … the fact that we do not have a risk committee or committees that satisfy (a) and the processes we employ for overseeing our risk management framework: ☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
| 7.2 | The board or a committee of the board should: (a) review the entity’s risk management framework at least annually to satisfy itself that it continues to be sound; and (b) disclose, in relation to each reporting period, whether such a review has taken place. |
… the fact that board or a committee of the board reviews the entity’s risk management framework at least annually to satisfy itself that it continues to be sound: ☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location]… and that such a review has taken place in the reporting period covered by this Appendix 4G: ☒in our Corporate Governance StatementOR☐at [insert location] |
☐an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
Page 8
| Corporate Governance Council recommendation | Corporate Governance Council recommendation | We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed … |
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed …4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.3 | A listed entity should disclose: (a) if it has an internal audit function, how the function is structured and what role it performs; or (b) if it does not have an internal audit function, that fact and the processes it employs for evaluating and continually improving the effectiveness of its risk management and internal control processes. |
[If the entity complies with paragraph (a):] … how our internal audit function is structured and what role it performs: ☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location][If the entity complies with paragraph (b):] … the fact that we do not have an internal audit function and the processes we employ for evaluating and continually improving the effectiveness of our risk management and internal control processes: ☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
| 7.4 | A listed entity should disclose whether it has any material exposure to economic, environmental and social sustainability risks and, if it does, how it manages or intends to manage those risks. |
… whether we have any material exposure to economic, environmental and social sustainability risks and, if we do, how we manage or intend to manage those risks: ☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
Page 9
| Corporate Governance Council recommendation | Corporate Governance Council recommendation | We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed … |
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed …4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRINCIPLE 8 – REMUNERATE FAIRLY AND RESPONSIBLY | |||
| 8.1 | The board of a listed entity should: (a) have a remuneration committee which: (1) has at least three members, a majority of whom are independent directors; and (2) is chaired by an independent director, and disclose: (3) the charter of the committee; (4) the members of the committee; and (5) as at the end of each reporting period, the number of times the committee met throughout the period and the individual attendances of the members at those meetings; or (b) if it does not have a remuneration committee, disclose that fact and the processes it employs for setting the level and composition of remuneration for directors and senior executives and ensuring that such remuneration is appropriate and not excessive. |
[If the entity complies with paragraph (a):] … the fact that we have a remuneration committee that complies with paragraphs (1) and (2): ☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location]… and a copy of the charter of the committee: ☒at https://www.lmw.com.au/media/1256/nomination-and-remuneration-committee-charter.pdf … and the information referred to in paragraphs (4) and (5): ☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location][If the entity complies with paragraph (b):] … the fact that we do not have a remuneration committee and the processes we employ for setting the level and composition of remuneration for directors and senior executives and ensuring that such remuneration is appropriate and not excessive: ☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☒an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
| 8.2 | A listed entity should separately disclose its policies and practices regarding the remuneration of non-executive directors and the remuneration of executive directors and other senior executives. |
… separately our remuneration policies and practices regarding the remuneration of non-executive directors and the remuneration of executive directors and other senior executives: ☒in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
Page 10
| Corporate Governance Council recommendation | Corporate Governance Council recommendation | We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed … |
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the period above. We have disclosed …4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.3 | A listed entity which has an equity-based remuneration scheme should: (a) have a policy on whether participants are permitted to enter into transactions (whether through the use of derivatives or otherwise) which limit the economic risk of participating in the scheme; and (b) disclose that policy or a summary of it. |
… our policy on this issue or a summary of it:☐in our Corporate Governance StatementOR☐at [insert location]Hedging of equity based remuneration is not allowed |
☒an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance StatementOR ☐w e do not have an equity-based remuneration scheme and this recommendation is therefore not applicableOR ☐we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is therefore not applicable |
| ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES APPLICABLE TO EXTERNALLY MANAGED LISTED ENTITIES | |||
| - | Alternative to Recommendation 1.1 for externally managed listed entities: The responsible entity of an externally managed listed entity should disclose: (a) the arrangements between the responsible entity and the listed entity for managing the affairs of the listed entity; (b) the role and responsibility of the board of the responsible entity for overseeing those arrangements. |
… the information referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b):☐in our Corporate Governance Statement OR☐at [insert location] |
☐an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
| - | Alternative to Recommendations 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3 for externally managed listed entities: An externally managed listed entity should clearly disclose the terms governing the remuneration of the manager. |
… the terms governing our remuneration as manager of the entity:☐in our Corporate Governance StatementOR☐at [insert location] |
☐an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
Page 11
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Corporate Governance Statement
In developing LandMark White’s corporate governance policies, the board has been guided by the ‘Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations’ published by the ASX Corporate Governance Council. This statement outlines the main corporate governance practices in place throughout the financial year, and the extent to which LandMark White follows the Best Practice Recommendation. Where the Company has not followed a recommendation, the recommendation is identified and the reasons are given for not following it.
Role of the Board
The board’s primary role is the protection and enhancement of long-term shareholder value. The board is comprised of three non-independent directors.
To fulfil this role, the board is responsible for the overall corporate governance of the Consolidated Entity including formulating its strategic direction, approving and monitoring capital expenditure, setting remuneration, appointing, removing and creating succession policies for directors and senior executives, establishing and monitoring the achievement of management’s goals and ensuring the integrity of internal controls, management information and risk management systems. It is also responsible for approving and monitoring financial and other reporting. Details of the board’s charter are located on the Company’s website.
The board has delegated responsibility for operation and administration of the Company to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and senior executives. Responsibilities are delineated by formal authority delegations. The performance of senior executives is reviewed annually by the CEO. The performance of the CEO is reviewed annually by the Chairman.
Board processes
To assist in the execution of its responsibilities, the board has established an Audit & Risk Committee and a Remuneration Committee. The committees have a written mandate and operating procedures, which are reviewed on a regular basis.
The board has elected not to establish a Nominations Committee (Best Practice Recommendation 2.4 as set by the ASX Corporate Governance Council) on the basis that it is only a relatively small board and the board is able to efficiently carry out the functions that would otherwise be delegated to the Nominations Committee.
The conditions of the appointments of non-executive directors are set in a letter of appointment including expectations of attendance at board meetings, appointments to other boards, procedures for dealing with conflicts of interest and availability of independent professional advice.
The full board currently holds at least six scheduled meetings each year.
Extraordinary meetings are held at such other times as may be necessary to address any specific significant matters that may arise.
The agenda for meetings is prepared in conjunction with the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Company Secretary. Standing items include the Chief Executive Officer’s report, financial reports, strategic matters, governance and compliance. Submissions are circulated in advance.
Page | 1
ASX Best Practice Recommendation 1.6 requires an entity to have a process for periodically evaluating the performance of the board, its committees and individual directors. The Board has not conducted such a performance evaluation but will evaluate whether such an evaluation will be conducted or whether it will be valuable given the size of the company and current composition of the Board.
Director and executive education
The Consolidated Entity has a process to inform new directors about the nature of the business, current issues, the corporate strategy and the expectations of the Consolidated Entity concerning performance of directors. Directors also have the opportunity to visit Consolidated Entity facilities and meet with management to gain a better understanding of business operations.
The Consolidated Entity also has a process to educate new senior executives upon taking such positions. The induction process includes reviewing the Consolidated Entity’s structure, strategy, operations, financial position and risk management policies. It also familiarises the individual with the respective rights, duties, responsibilities and roles of the individual and the Board.
Independent professional advice and access to company information
Each director has the right of access to all relevant company information and to the Company’s executives and, subject to prior consultation with the Chairman, may seek independent professional advice from a suitably qualified advisor at the Consolidated Entity’s expense. The director must consult with an advisor suitably qualified in the relevant field, and obtain the Chairman’s approval of the fee payable for the advice before proceeding with the consultation. A copy of the advice received by the director is made available to all other members of the board.
Composition of the Board
The names of directors of the Consolidated Entity in office at any time during or since the end of the financial year and the date they became a director are set out below;
Mr John V McCarthy AO – appointed 29 October 2014 Chairman (from 25 November 2014), resigned 1 December 2015.
Mr Glen J White – appointed 26 September 2002, appointed Chairman 1 December 2015 Mr Bradley J Piltz – appointed 26 September 2002
Mr Christopher P Nicholl – appointed 15 July 2014, resigned 21 March 2016 Mr Frank Hardiman – appointed 21 March 2016
The composition of the board is determined using the following principles:
-
a minimum of three directors, with a broad range of expertise, a majority of directors having extensive knowledge of the Consolidated Entity’s industry, and those who do not, have extensive expertise in significant aspects of auditing and financial reporting or operational and financial management of a professional services organisation
-
a majority of independent directors as per ASX Best Practice Recommendation 2.4
The current composition of the board no longer meets the second of these two principles. At the present time, the decision to refocus on the core valuation business has made this requirement not cost effective given the size of the organization.
There are currently no independent members of the board. ASX Best Practice Recommendation 2.2 is that the Chairperson of the board should be independent. Appropriate conflict of interest policies are in place to ensure material personal interests are disclosed. At the date of this report, the board is not comprised of a majority of independent directors. However given the size of the Board the Company believes the appointment of independent directors is not warranted but will be reassessed as circumstances change.
An independent director is a director who is not a member of management, known as a non-executive director, and who:
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holds less than 5% of the voting shares of the Company and is not an officer of, or otherwise associated, directly or indirectly, with a shareholder of more than 5% of the voting shares of the Company
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has not within the last three years been employed in an executive capacity by the Company or another group member, or been a director after ceasing to hold any such employment
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within the last three years has not been a principal or employee of a material professional advisor or a material consultant to the Company or another group member
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is not a material supplier or client of the Company or another group member, or an officer of or otherwise associated, directly or indirectly, with a material supplier or client
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has no material* contractual relationship with the Company or another group member other than as a director of the Company
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is free from any interest and any business or other relationship which could, or could reasonably be perceived to materially* interfere with the director’s ability to act in the best interests of the Company.
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the board considers, ‘material’, in this context, to be where any director-related business relationship has represented or is likely in future to represent the lesser of at least 10% of the relevant segment’s or the director-related business’s revenue. The board considered the nature of the relevant industries’ competition, and the size and nature of each director related business relationship, in arriving at this threshold. The company secretary is accountable directly to the board, through the chair, on all matters to do with the proper functioning of the Board.
Audit & Risk Committee
The Audit & Risk Committee has a documented charter, approved by the board. All members should be independent non-executive directors. The Chairman of the Audit & Risk Committee should not be the Chairman of the board. The committee advises on the establishment and maintenance of a framework of internal control and appropriate ethical standards for the management of the Consolidated Entity. Given the size of the Board, it is no longer possible to meet either of these criteria.
The members of the Audit Committee are:
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Mr Glen White - Non-Independent and Non-Executive
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Mr Brad Piltz - Non-Independent and Non-Executive
The Audit & Risk Committee only comprised two members. The external auditors, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer are invited to Audit & Risk Committee meetings at the discretion of the committee. The committee meet at least 2 times during the year and attendance is recorded in the Directors report. The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer declare in writing to the board that the Consolidated Entity’s financial reports for the year present a true and fair view, in all material respects, of the Consolidated Entity’s financial condition and operational results and are in accordance with relevant accounting standards. This statement is required annually and is founded on a sound system of risk management and internal compliance and control which implements the policies adopted by the board.
The Audit & Risk Committee’s charter is available on the Company’s website. Information on procedures for the selection and appointment of the external auditor and for the rotation of external audit engagement partners is on the Company’s website.
The responsibilities of the Audit Committee include reporting to the board on:
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reviewing the annual and half year financial reports and other financial information distributed externally. This includes approving new accounting policies to ensure compliance with Australian Accounting Standards and generally accepted accounting principles, and assessing whether the financial information is adequate for shareholder needs
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assessing management processes supporting external reporting
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assessing corporate risk assessment processes
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assessing whether non-audit services provided by the external auditor are consistent with maintaining the external auditor’s independence. The external auditor provides an annual declaration of independence as set out in APES 110 Code of Ethics for professional Accountants
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reviewing the nomination and performance of the external auditor
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establishing procedures for selecting, appointing, and if necessary, removing the external auditor
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assessing the adequacy of internal control framework and the Consolidated Entity’s code of ethical standards
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monitoring the procedures to ensure compliance with the Corporations Act 2001 and the ASX Listing Rules and all other regulatory requirements
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addressing any matters outstanding with auditors, Australian Taxation Office, Australian Securities and Investments Commission, ASX and financial institutions.
The Audit & Risk Committee reviews the performance of the external auditors on an annual basis and normally meets with them during the year to;
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discuss the external audit plans, identifying any significant changes in structure, operations, and internal controls or accounting policies likely to impact the financial statements and to review the fees proposed for the audit work to be performed;
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review the half-year and preliminary final report prior to lodgement with the ASX, and any significant adjustments required as a result of the auditor’s findings, and to recommend board approval of these documents, prior to announcement of results;
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finalise half-year and annual reporting to:
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review the results and findings of the auditor, the adequacy of accounting and financial controls, and to monitor the implementation of any recommendations made;
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review the draft financial report and recommend board approval of the financial report;
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as required, to organise, review and report on any special reviews or investigations deemed necessary by the board.
Risk Management
Oversight of the risk management system
Management has established and implemented a fully comprehensive formal Risk Management System for assessing, monitoring and managing operational, financial reporting and compliance risks for the Consolidated Entity. The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer declare annually, in writing to the board, that the financial reporting risk management and associated compliance and controls have been assessed and found to be operating efficiently and effectively in all material respects.
Risk management and compliance and control
The board is responsible for the overall internal control framework, but recognises that no cost effective internal control system will preclude all errors and irregularities.
Comprehensive practices have been established to ensure:
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capital expenditure and revenue commitments above a certain size obtain prior board approval
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occupational health and safety standards and management systems are monitored and reviewed to achieve high standards of performance and compliance with regulations
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business transactions are properly authorised and executed
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financial reporting accuracy and compliance with the financial reporting regulatory framework (see below)
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environmental regulation compliance (see below)
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The Board and the Audit Committee review risk matters at each meeting. The company’s risk management framework is reviewed at least annually and was reviewed during the 2015-16 financial year.
The company does not have an internal audit function because of its size. However the external auditors assess controls in place and provide recommendations to management. Furthermore a Risk Manager is employed to ensure proper risk management procedures are adhered to for valuations and that appropriate risk education occurs. There is also a Valuation Risk Committee.
Financial reporting
Monthly actual results are reported against budgets approved by the directors and revised forecasts for the year are prepared regularly.
Ethical Standards
All directors, managers and employees are expected to observe the highest standards of corporate and individual integrity and objectivity, striving at all times to enhance the reputation and performance of the Consolidated Entity. Every employee has a nominated supervisor to whom they may refer any issues arising from their employment. The board reviews the Directors’ Code of Ethics and the Code of Conduct for Transactions in securities regularly and processes are in place to promote and communicate these policies. A formal code of conduct for employees has been given to all Directors and Employees.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
On 24 July 2015 LMW Group conducted a materiality assessment of environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues of potential importance to its business, directly and indirectly via its stakeholders. This was the first step in an ESG management process to ensure that LMW is effectively identifying and managing material ESG risks and can demonstrate this to its investors and customers. This materiality assessment process involved three steps:
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Selection of a set of three stakeholder groups for whom the importance of the ESG issues would be assessed.
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Development of an Issues Schedule comprising environmental, social and governance issues of potential importance to LMW, directly or indirectly via its stakeholders.
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Assessment of each of the issues in the Issues Schedule for level of importance to LMW directly or to its stakeholders, predominantly its investors, customers and employees.
As an output of the process the company has delivered a corporate social responsibility policy. The policy addresses employee attractiveness, being progressive in relation to green buildings as well as identifying ways to be industry shaping and community caring. The policy will set targets over the term of our business plan horizon to 2020.
Conflict of interest
Directors must keep the board advised, on an ongoing basis, of any interest that could potentially conflict with those of the Consolidated Entity.
Where the board believes that a significant conflict exists for a director on a board matter, the director concerned does not receive the relevant board papers and is not present at the meeting whilst the item is considered. Details of director related entity transactions with the Consolidated Entity are set out in Note 28 to the financial statements.
Trading in general company securities by directors and employees
The Consolidated Entity has a share trading policy which has been disclosed to the ASX and which has been published on the company website. The key elements of the Code of Conduct for Transactions in Company Securities by Directors and Employees are:
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identification of those restricted from trading – directors and all staff may acquire shares in the Company, but are prohibited from dealing in Company shares;
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during the five week period preceding the announcement of half-year and annual results to the Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”);
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whilst in possession of price sensitive information not yet released to the market;
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requiring details to be provided of intended trading in the Company’s shares and approval to be given;
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details may be required to be provided of the subsequent confirmation of the trade;
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identification of processes for unusual circumstances where discretion may be exercised in cases such as financial hardship.
The company does have an equity-based remuneration scheme. However it does not permit participants to enter into transactions (whether through derivatives or otherwise) which limit the economic risk of participating in the scheme.
Diversity policy
The company has a diversity policy which has been published on the Consolidated Entity’s website. Whilst the Consolidated Entity would prefer its workforce to reflect the diversity of our population, as a microcap professional service organisation, it is limited to recruiting from the available talent pool. In our specialist area of property valuation and advisory services, this pool of qualified candidates does not currently reflect significant gender or other diversity. Until it does, setting a measurable diversity objective would not be meaningful or effective for the company. Therefore the Board has elected not to implement ASX Best Practice Recommendation 1.5 (c) which recommends the setting of such objectives. The company does not currently have any women on the Board or in senior executive positions. The company is a relevant employer under the Workplace Gender Equality Act.
Communication with shareholders
The board provides shareholders with information using a comprehensive Continuous Disclosure Policy which includes identifying matters on a timely basis that may have a material effect on the price of the Company’s securities, ensuring the matters are factual and expressed in a clear and factual way, notifying the ASX, posting them on the Company’s website, and issuing media releases. The Chief Executive Officer and Company Secretary are accountable for ensuring adherence to the Continuous Disclosure Policy.
Consistent with the Continuous Disclosure Policy, LandMark White is committed to communicating with shareholders in an effective and timely manner, so as to provide them with ready access to information relating to LandMark White. LandMark White maintains an extensive website (www.lmw.com.au). Shareholders are encouraged to attend and participate in general meetings of the Company. Shareholders are provided with details of any proposed meetings well in advance of the relevant dates. The external auditor will attend any Annual General Meeting and be available to answer questions from shareholders about the conduct of the audit and the preparation and content of the auditor’s report. Shareholders have the option to receive communications from, and send communications to the company and its share registry electronically.
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