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FSA GROUP LIMITED Governance Information 2021

Aug 11, 2021

64948_rns_2021-08-11_26cf6522-5b8c-4167-882b-0e62aa41db3e.pdf

Governance Information

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Corporate Governance Statement

For the year ended 30 June 2021

FSA Group Limited (“the Company”) and the Board of Directors (“the Board”) are committed to achieving and demonstrating the highest standards of corporate governance. The Board endorses the 4[th] edition of the ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations (ASX Principles). The Company’s Corporate Governance Charter is available on the Company website www.fsagroup.com.au.

The Company adopted a new Corporate Governance Charter on 24 June 2020, which aligns the Company’s corporate governance practices more appropriately with the corporate governance principles contained in the 4[th] edition of the ASX Principles. The Company has adopted the new Corporate Governance Charter to facilitate increased compliance with the 4[th] edition of the ASX Principles. Where non-compliance is noted below, the effect of adopting the new Corporate Governance Charter is also noted where this would alter the position of the Company.

The table below summarises how the Company complies with the ASX Principles, and if not why not.

Principle
**Number **
**Best Practice Recommendation ** Compliance
(Yes/No)
Comments
1 Lay solid foundations for management and oversight
1.1 Disclose a board charter setting out the respective roles and
responsibilities of the board and management and those matters
expressly reserved to the board and those delegated to management.
Yes
1.2 Undertake appropriate checks before appointing a person, or putting
forward to security holders a candidate for election, as a director and
provide security holders with all material information in the company’s
possession relevant to a decision on whether or not to elect or re-elect a
director.
Yes
1.3 Have a written agreement with each director and senior executive setting
out the terms of their appointment.
Yes
1.4 The company secretary should be accountable directly to the board,
through the chair, on all matters to do with the property functioning of the
board.
Yes
1.5
Have a diversity policy;

Set measurable objectives for achieving gender diversity in the
composition of the board, senior executives and workforce generally;

Disclose in relation to each reporting period the measurable
objectives for achieving gender diversity, its progress toward
achieving them and either the respective proportions of men and
women on the board, in senior executive positions across the whole
organisation (including how the entity has defined “senior executive”
for these purposes) or if the company is a relevant employer” under
the Workplace Gender Equality Act, the company’s most recent
“Gender Equality Indicators”, as defined in and published under that
Act.
Yes
Yes
Yes
1.6 Have and disclose a process for periodically evaluating the performance
of the board, its committees and individual directors and disclose whether
a performance evaluation was undertaken in accordance with that
process during or in respect of that period.
Yes (to the
extent
disclosed
below)
1.7 Have and disclose a process for periodically evaluating the performance
of senior executives and disclose whether a performance evaluation was
undertaken in accordance with that process during or in respect of that
period.
Yes (to the
extent
disclosed
below)

Corporate Governance Statement[cont. ]

For the year ended 30 June 2021

2 Structure the board to be effective and add value
2.1 If the board 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.
Yes
2.2 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.
No Page 6
2.3
Disclose the names of the directors considered by the board to be
independent directors.

If a director has an interest, position, association or relationship that
might cause doubts about the independence of a director, disclose
the nature of the interest, position, association or relationship in
question and an explanation of why the board is of that opinion.

Disclose the length of service of each director.
Yes
2.4 Themajority ofthe board should beindependent directors. No Page 5
2.5 The chair of the board should be an independent director and, in
particular, should not be the same person as the CEO.
Yes
2.6 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.
Yes
3 Instila culture of acting lawfully, ethically and responsibly
3.1 Disclose its values. Yes
3.2 Have a code of conduct for directors, senior executives and employees
and disclose that code or a summary of it and ensure that the board or a
committee of the board is informed of any material beaches of that code.
Yes
3.3 Have a whistleblower policy and ensure that the board or a committee of
the board is informed of any material incidents reported under that policy.
Yes
3.4 Have an anti-bribery and corruption policy and ensure that the board or a
committee of the board is informed of any material breaches of that policy.
Yes
4 Safeguard the integrity of corporate reports
4.1 The board should have an audit committee which:

has at least three members, all of whom are Non-Executive Director;
and

a majority of whom are independent directors; and

be chaired by an independent director who is not the chair of the
board; and

disclose the charter of the committee, the relevant qualifications and
experience of the members of the committee; and

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.
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Page 9
4.2 The board 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.
Yes

Page 2 of 14

Corporate Governance Statement[cont. ]

For the year ended 30 June 2021

4.3 Disclose its process to verify the integrity of any periodic corporate report
it releases to the market that is not audited or reviewed by an external
auditor.
Yes
5 Make timely and balanced disclosure
5.1 Have and disclose a written policy for complying with its continuous
disclosure obligations under listing rule 3.1
Yes
5.2 Ensure the board received copies of all material market announcements
promptly after they have been made.
Yes
5.3 A listed entity that gives a new and substantive investor or analyst
presentation should release a copy of the presentation materials on the
ASX Market Platform ahead of the presentation.
Yes
6 Respect the rights of security holders
6.1 Provide information about the company and its governance to investors
via the company’swebsite.
Yes
6.2 Have an investor relations program to facilitate effective two-way
communication with investors.
Yes
6.3 Disclose policies and processes in place to facilitate and encourage
participation at meetings of security holders.
Yes
6.4 Ensure that all substantive resolutions at a meeting of security holders are
decided by a poll ratherthanby showof hands.
No Page 11
6.5 Give security holders the option to receive communications from, and
send communications to, the company and its security registry
electronically.
Yes
7 Recognise and manage risk
7.1 Have a committee or committees to oversee risk, each of which has:

at least three members; and

a majority of whom are independent directors; and

are chaired by an independent directors; and

disclose the charter of the committee and the members of the
committee; and

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.
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
7.2 The board or committee of the board should review the company’s risk
management framework at least annually to satisfy itself that it continues
to be sound that the entity is operating with due regard to the risk appetite
set by the board; and disclose, in relation to each reporting period,
whether such a review has taken place.
Yes
7.3 Disclose if it has an internal audit function, how the function is structured
and what role it performs or if it does not have an internal audit function,
that fact and the processes it employs for evaluation and continually
improving the effectiveness of its risk management and internal control
processes.
Yes
7.4 Disclose whether the company has any material exposure to economic,
environmental and social sustainability risks and if it does, how it
manages or intends tomanage thoserisks.
No Page 13

Page 3 of 14

Corporate Governance Statement[cont. ]

For the year ended 30 June 2021

8 Remunerate fairly and responsibly
8.1 The board should have a remuneration committee which has:

at least three members, all of whom are independent directors; and

is chaired by an independent director; and

disclose the charter of the committee, the members of the committee;
and

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.
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Page 13
8.2 Separately disclose policies and practices regarding the remuneration of
Non-Executive Director and the remuneration of executive directors and
otherseniorexecutives.
Yes
8.3 Have a policy on whether participants are permitted to enter into
transactions (whether through use of derivatives or otherwise) which limit
the economic risk of participating in the scheme and disclose that policy or
a summary of it.
No Page 14

Set out below is commentary on the practical application of each of the ASX Principles noted above.

Principle 1: Lay solid foundations for management and oversight

Roles and Responsibilities

The Directors are responsible to the shareholders for promoting and managing the performance of the Company in both the short and longer term. Their focus is to enhance the interests of shareholders and other key stakeholders and to ensure the Company is properly managed. The functions, powers and responsibilities of the Board are governed by the Corporations Act 2001 and general law.

The Board has established the respective roles and responsibilities of the Board and of senior executives and disclosed those roles in the Corporate Governance Charter which can be found on the Company’s website.

Material Information on Directors

The Company provides shareholders with all material information regarding a proposed director in the meeting materials provided to shareholders. The Company undertakes background checks when appointing any new directors and also regularly liaises with Directors to ensure any changes to Directors’ circumstances are known to the Company.

Written Agreements

Each Director and senior executive has a written contract with the Company setting out the terms of their appointment so that each party has a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities.

Company Secretary

The Company Secretary’s appointment is determined by the Board, and the Company Secretary is accountable to the Board, through the Chairperson, on all governance matters.

Diversity

The Company has a diversity policy regarding gender, age, ethnic and cultural diversity within the Corporate Governance Charter of the Company which is available on the Company website.

The following sets out the respective proportions of men and women on the Board and in senior executive positions across the whole of the group. For the purposes of this table “key management personnel” has the meaning given

Page 4 of 14

Corporate Governance Statement[cont. ]

For the year ended 30 June 2021

in the Accounting Standard AASB 124 Related Party Disclosure as ‘those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the entity, directly and indirectly, including any director (whether executive or otherwise) of that entity” (“KMP”) and senior managers and “senior management” means the key executive in the organisation reporting directly to KMP.

30-Jun-21 30-Jun-20
Female (%) Male (%) Female (%) Male (%)
Key Management Personnel 67 33 67 33
Senior management 20 80 20 80
Group 50 50 47 53

The Company complies with the requirement under the Workplace Gender Equality Act to make annual filings disclosing the Company’s “Gender Equality Indicators” for the 12-month period ending 31 March.

Performance of Board and senior executives

The Board undertakes a regular self-assessment of the performance of the Board as a whole (including its Committees and governance processes) and as part of this process considers Board renewal as and when appropriate. Self-assessment of the performance of the Board and its Committees was undertaken during the 2021 financial year.

Performance of individual Directors is assessed against a range of criteria. This review includes assessing the ability of the Director to consistently create shareholder value, contribute to the development of strategies, participate in risk identification, mentoring senior management, consider the views of other Directors and members of management and key third party stakeholders. The performance assessment also considers the ability for the Directors to discharge their duties and obligations to the Company. The performance of each Director was assessed during the September Remuneration Committee review during the 2021 financial year.

The performance review for senior executives is conducted based on specific key performance indicators (“KPI’s”) being achieved. KPI’s include profit contribution, customer satisfaction, leadership contribution and portfolio management. A long-term incentives programme (“LTI”) has been set to align the targets of the Consolidated Entity’s five year plan with the targets of the responsible executives. Due to the restructuring of the business, the initial KPI’s set at the commencement of the 5 year plan incentive were no longer appropriate. LTI payments were approved at the Board’s discretion.

The new Corporate Governance Charter provides further information regarding the process for evaluation of the Board, the Directors and senior executives.

Principle 2: Structure the Board to be effective and add value

The Board operates in accordance with the broad principles set out in the Corporate Governance Charter which includes:

  • to aim for, so far as is practicable given the size of the Company: o a majority of the Board being independent directors;

  • the appointment of a chairperson who is an independent director;

  • a chairperson who is not an Executive Director;

  • a board comprising of members with diverse backgrounds;

  • to have at least three directors; and

  • the Non-Executive Director meeting from time to time without the Executive Directors present.

The Board presently has three Directors, one is considered to be independent which is not a clear majority.

Nominations Committee

The Company has not established a Nominations Committee as the Board currently performs the functions of this Committee, and in doing so, observes the Nominations Committee Charter which was incorporated into the

Page 5 of 14

Corporate Governance Statement[cont. ]

For the year ended 30 June 2021

Corporate Governance Charter. The Directors in deciding not to have a separate Nominations Committee concluded that the Company was not of a size nor are its affairs of such complexity as to justify the formation of this Committee. The Directors have maintained this position under the new Corporate Governance Charter and have not established a Nominations Committee.

The Board, acting in the capacity of the Nominations Committee, and observing the Nominations Committee Charter contained in the Corporate Governance Charter properly assesses prospective Directors. In doing so it ensures there are complementary board skills and experience in place, and where necessary, engages consultants to assist in this process.

The Board seeks to have a balanced diversity in Board members and currently has one female Board member out of a Board comprising three members.

The Board will consider the Nominations Committee Charter in considering matters relating to the appointment of members to the Board. The Nominations Committee Charter provides for the development of criteria for appointment and review of Board positions including implementing processes to assess the necessary and desirable skill sets of the Board members including experience, expertise, skills and performance of the Board.

Board Skill Matrix

During the 2021 financial year, the Company did not have a skill matrix setting out the skills and diversity that the Board currently has or is looking to achieve in its membership. While the Company does not have a set skill matrix, the composition of the board is a blend of diverse, yet relevant skills, experience and gender.

Directors’ independence

In assessing the independence of Directors, the Company has regard to Recommendation 2.3 of the ASX Principles and regards an independent Director as a Non-Executive Director (that is, not a member of management) who:

  • is not or has not been, employed in an executive capacity by the entity or any of its subsidiaries and if so employed, there has been a period of at least three years between ceasing such employment and serving on the Board;

  • is not, or has not within the last three years been, a partner, director or senior employee of a provider of material professional services to the entity or any of its subsidiaries;

  • is not or has not been within the last three years, in a material business relationship (e.g. as a supplier or customer) with the entity or any of its subsidiaries, or any officer of, or otherwise associated with, someone with such a relationship;

  • is not a substantial security holder of the entity or an officer of, or otherwise associated with, a substantial security holder of the entity;

  • has no material contractual relationship with the entity or its subsidiaries other than as a director;

  • has no close family ties with any person who falls within any of the categories described above; or

  • has not been a director of the entity for such a period that his or her independence may have been compromised.

Board members

The names, skills and experience of the Directors in office at the date of this Statement, and the period of office of each Director, are set out in the Directors’ Report. At the date of signing the Directors’ Report, the Board comprised two Executive Directors and one Non-Executive Director (including the Chairman). The Non-Executive Director, Mr David Bower, have no relationships adversely affecting independence and so are deemed independent under the principles set out above.

Mr Timothy Odillo Maher is an Executive Director and a substantial shareholder of the Company and accordingly he is not considered to be independent of the Company based on the ASX Principles. Mr Odillo Maher has a long association with the Company and the Board considers that it is in the best interests of all shareholders to have a Director with Mr Odillo Maher’s industry and business expertise and Company history as a member of the Board.

Ms Deborah Southon is an Executive Director and a substantial shareholder of the Company and accordingly she is

Page 6 of 14

Corporate Governance Statement[cont. ]

For the year ended 30 June 2021

not considered to be independent of the Company based on the ASX Principles. Ms Southon has a long association with the Company and the Board considers that it is in the best interests of all shareholders to have a Director with Ms Southon’s industry and business expertise and Company history as a member of the Board.

The Board regularly assesses whether each Non-Executive Director is independent.

Term of office

The Company’s Constitution requires that one third (or the nearest number thereto but not less than one third) of the Directors, other than the Managing Director, must retire from office at each Annual General Meeting. A Director who retires by rotation is eligible for re-election. The Company’s Constitution does not provide exclusions from re-election by rotation for the Executive Directors.

The Chairperson

The Chairperson is responsible for leadership of the Board, for efficient organisation and conduct of the Board’s function and the briefing of all Directors in relation to issues arising at Board meetings. The Chairperson is also responsible for shareholder communication and arranging Board performance evaluation. The Chairperson is Mr David Bower, who is an independent Non-Executive Director.

Board selection process

The Board, acting in the capacity of the Nominations Committee, and observing the Nominations Committee Charter contained in the Corporate Governance Charter properly assesses prospective Directors. In doing so it ensures there are complementary board skills and experience in place, and where necessary, engages consultants to assist in this process.

The Board seeks to have a balanced diversity in Board members and currently has one female Board member out of a Board comprising four members.

Induction and education

On their first appointment, Directors will have the benefit of an induction program which enables them to actively participate in Board decision-making as soon as possible. It also ensures that they have a full understanding of the Company’s financial position, strategies, operations and risk management policies. It also explains the respective rights, duties, responsibilities and roles of the Board.

The Company provides an ongoing education and development program for directors which includes both formal and informal sessions. The program is intended to cover overall competencies required of any Director and also specific knowledge relevant to the Company’s business. It is desirable for all Directors to complete the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course (or equivalent) and related formal assessment

Directors are also expected to keep themselves abreast of changes and trends in the business and in the Company’s environment and markets and to keep abreast of changes and trends in the economic, political, social and legal climate generally. Directors are expected to have an appropriate base level of understanding on accounting matters. The Company also provides briefings on developments in accounting standards.

Further details regarding the induction and education process for new Directors is disclosed in the new Corporate Governance Charter.

Commitment

Details of the attendance of Directors at Board and committees of the Board in the year ended 30 June 2021 are disclosed on page 20 of the annual report. Non-Executive Director are expected to spend at least 20 days a year preparing for and attending Board and Committee meetings and associated Board activities.

The commitment of Non-Executive Director is considered by the Board prior to the Director’s appointment and are reviewed each year as part of the annual performance assessment.

Prior to appointment or being submitted for re-election, each Non-Executive Director is required to specifically acknowledge that they have and will continue to have the time available to discharge their responsibilities to

Page 7 of 14

Corporate Governance Statement[cont. ]

For the year ended 30 June 2021

the Company.

Independent professional advice

Directors have the right, in connection with their duties and responsibilities, to seek independent professional advice at the Company’s expense. Prior approval of the Chairman is required, but this will not be unreasonably withheld. The advice obtained must be made available to all Board members.

Board Committees

The Board has established an Audit & Risk Management Committee and a Remuneration Committee to assist in the execution of its duties and to allow detailed consideration of complex issues. Both committees comprise one NonExecutive Director and two Executive Directors and therefore have three members.

Each Committee has its own Charter which sets out its role and responsibilities, composition, structure, membership requirements and the manner in which the committee is to operate. Charters are reviewed when required by the Board. All matters determined by the committees are submitted to the Board as recommendations for Board consideration. Minutes of committee meetings are tabled at the subsequent Board meeting.

Principle 3: Instil a culture of acting lawfully, ethically and responsibly

Values

The Board has adopted the following values of the Company:

  • (1) to conduct business with honesty, integrity and fairness; and

  • (2) to comply with all relevant laws and regulations applicable to it.

Code of Conduct

A Code of Conduct was in place during the 2021 financial year and was set out in the Corporate Governance Charter. The Board, management and employees of the Company are encouraged to comply when dealing with each other, shareholders, and the broader community, and the Code of Conduct that was in place during the 2021 financial year covered the following areas:

  • compliance required with legal obligations, responsibilities to shareholders and the financial community generally;

  • responsibilities to clients, customers and consumers;

  • employment practices which ensures that the Company will employ the best available staff, both male and female, from a diverse background, with skills required to carry out their roles;

  • ensuring a safe work place and maintain proper occupational health and safety practices commensurate with the nature of the Company’s business and activities;

  • responsibility to the community;

  • responsibility to the individual; and

  • obligations relative to fair trading and dealing.

An updated Code of Conduct has been adopted as part of the Corporate Governance Charter which is available on the Company website. The updated Code of Conduct includes the matters set out above as well as:

  • practices to not give, offer, accept or request bribes;

  • comply with any reporting and approval processes for gifts, entertainment or hospitality;

  • immediately report any suspicion or incidence of fraud or corruption;

  • a commitment to ensure no one suffers detrimental treatment as a result of refusing to take part in, or reporting on, conduct that may constitute fraud or corruption; and

  • apply the full force of the law where sufficient evidence of fraud or corruption is obtained.

Conflicts of interest

The Board, management and employees must not involve themselves in situations where there is a real or apparent conflict of interest between them as individuals and the interest of the Company (excluding those matters which may

Page 8 of 14

Corporate Governance Statement[cont. ]

For the year ended 30 June 2021

be subject to legal professional privilege). Where a real or apparent conflict of interest arises the matter should be brought to the attention of the Chairperson in the case of a Director or an Executive Director, or the Executive Directors in the case of a member of Management and a supervisor in the case of an employee, so that it may be considered and dealt with in an appropriate manner for all concerned.

Compliance with the code

Any breach of compliance with this code is to be reported directly to an Executive Director or Chairperson, as appropriate. Under the Code of Conduct, non-compliance with this code may result in disciplinary action.

Periodic review of code

The Company will monitor compliance with the code periodically by liaising with the Board, Management and staff especially in relation to any areas of difficulty which arise from the code and any other ideas or suggestions for improvement of the code. Suggestions for improvements or amendments to the code can be made at any time.

Code of conduct for employees (including contractors)

The Company shall ensure that the above principles are implemented and adopted by employees and contractors of the Company.

The updated Code of Conduct contained in the Corporate Governance Charter will include communications with investors as well as all of the matters detailed above.

Trading in company securities by Directors, senior management and employees

The Company issued a Securities Trading Policy with effect from 1 January 2011 which regulated dealings by Directors, senior management and employees in shares, options and other securities issued by the Company during the 2021 financial year.

The Securities Trading Policy provides that trading is prohibited in the period from 1 January and 1 July each year until the financial results are released to the Australian Securities Exchange in or around the mid of February and August respectively with such periods coinciding with the release of the half year and full year financial results. The Trading Policy has been updated to comply with the 4[th] edition of the ASX Principles as part of the adoption of the new Corporate Governance Charter and is available on the Company’s website.

Whistleblower Policy

The Company has adopted a Whistleblower Policy which is available on the Company’s website. The Company is committed to the highest standards of conduct and ethical behaviour in all business activities and to promoting and supporting a culture of honest and ethical behaviour, corporate compliance and good corporate governance.

Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy

The Company has adopted an Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy. The Company is committed to providing secure, confidential and accessible means for company personnel to raise concerns about corruption. All concerns raised will be fully and independently investigated. If the concerns are proven true, the Board will take appropriate action.

Principle 4: Safeguard the integrity of corporate reports

Audit & Risk Management Committee

The Board has an Audit & Risk Management Committee to advise on the establishment and maintenance of a framework of internal control and appropriate ethical standards for the management of the Company. The Committee consists of the following independent Non-Executive Director and Executive Directors:

  • Mr David Bower (Committee Chairman); and

  • Mr Tim Odillo Maher;

  • Ms Deborah Southon.

Page 9 of 14

Corporate Governance Statement[cont. ]

For the year ended 30 June 2021

Details of members’ qualifications, experience and their attendance at Audit & Risk Management Committee meetings are set out in the Directors’ Report on pages 11, 12 and 20.

The Audit & Risk Management Committee acted in accordance with the Audit & Risk Management Committee Charter which was in place during the 2021 financial year and which was available on the Company website during that period.

Certification of financial reports

The Executive Directors together with the Chief Financial Officer shall be required to state in writing to the Board that in accordance with section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001 and the relevant assurances required under recommendation 4.2 of the ASX Principles that in their opinion:

  • the financial records of the entity have been properly maintained; and

  • 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.

External Auditor

The Company and Audit & Risk Management Committee policy is to appoint an external auditor who clearly demonstrates quality and independence. The performance of the external auditor is reviewed annually. As announced to the market on 15 July 2020, BDO Audit Pty Ltd ( BDO Audit ) was appointed as the external auditor replacing BDO East Coast Partnership and it is their policy to rotate audit engagement partners on listed companies at least every five years. In accordance with the Corporations Act, BDO Audit was appointed as the external auditor at the 2020 Annual General Meeting. An analysis of fees paid to the external auditor (including BDO East Coast Partnership), including a break-down of fees for non-audit services, is provided in the Directors’ Report and in the notes to the financial statements. The external auditor provides a declaration of their independence to the Audit & Risk Management Committee each time they report to the Company.

The external auditor is required to attend the Annual General Meeting and be available to answer shareholder questions about the conduct of the audit and the preparation and content of the audit report.

Verification

The Company reviews and ensures that any company reports that are not audited are materially accurate, balanced and provide investors with the appropriate information to make informed investment decisions.

Principle 5: Make timely and balanced disclosure

Continuous Disclosure Obligations

The Company had an established policy and procedure for timely disclosure of material information concerning the Company during the 2021 financial year. This includes internal reporting procedures to ensure that any required market announcements are reported to the Company Secretary in a timely manner.

The Company Secretary has been nominated as the person responsible for communication with the ASX. Under the new Corporate Governance Charter, any member of the Reporting Group (which includes the Directors, Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary) has the ability to communicate with the ASX as required.

All information disclosed to the ASX is posted on the Company’s corporate website as soon as it is disclosed to the ASX. When analysts are briefed following half year and full year results announcements, the material used in the presentations is released to the ASX prior to the commencement of the briefing. This information is also posted on the Company’s corporate website.

The Company is committed to ensuring that all stakeholders and the market are provided with relevant and accurate information regarding its activities in a timely manner.

Page 10 of 14

Corporate Governance Statement[cont. ]

For the year ended 30 June 2021

A disclosure policy, which has regard to ASX Guidance Note 8, has been adopted as part of the Corporate Governance Charter and is available on the Company website.

Board Involvement

Announcements that are released on the ASX Market Announcements Platform by the Company are distributed to all directors and published on the Company website.

ASX Market Announcements Platform

The Company is mindful to ensure that any substantive investor or analyst presentation material is released on the ASX Market Announcements Platform ahead of the presentation which is reflected in the Company’s Corporate Ethics Policy in the Corporate Governance Charter.

Principle 6: Respect the rights of security holders

Website

The Company website contains information about the Company and its governance.

As the Company’s website is one of its key communication tools, the Company endeavours to keep its website upto-date, complete and accurate.

Investor Communication

The Company aims to keep shareholders informed of the Company’s performance and all major developments in an ongoing manner. To achieve this, the Company communicates information regularly to shareholders through a range of forums and publications.

Information is communicated to shareholders through:

  • Financial reports (including the full year financial report, and the half-year financial report) all of which are published on the Company’s corporate website and for annual reports are distributed to shareholders where nominated;

  • The Annual General Meeting and any other formally convened Company meetings;

  • Market updates released to the ASX which is posted to the Company website.

The Company uses its annual general meeting ( AGM ) as an opportunity to further engage with its shareholders and seek their input on the management of the Company.

The Company’s website also contains a facility for shareholders to direct inquiries to the Company and where investor inquiries are raised; these will be communicated to the Board.

Participation at AGM

The Company undertakes a number of steps to seek to maximise shareholders’ ability to participate in the AGM process by:

  • making Directors, members of Management and the external auditor available at the AGM;

  • allowing shareholders in attendance at the AGM a reasonable opportunity to ask questions regarding the items of business, including questions to the external auditor regarding the conduct of the audit and the preparation and content of the auditor’s report; and

  • providing shareholders who are unable to attend the meeting with an opportunity to submit questions in advance of the meeting.

Shareholder Resolution

At the Company’s 2020 Annual General Meeting, the resolutions were decided by poll voting.

Electronic Communication

Shareholders may, via the Company’s share registry, elect to receive communications electronically. The Company’s website also contains a facility for shareholders to direct inquiries to the Company.

Page 11 of 14

Corporate Governance Statement[cont. ]

For the year ended 30 June 2021

Principle 7: Recognise and manage risk

Audit and Risk Management Committee

The details of the Audit and Risk Management Committee are set out under Principle 4.

Risk management framework

The Board, through the Audit & Risk Management Committee, is responsible for ensuring the adequacy of the Company’s risk management and compliance framework and system of internal controls and for regularly reviewing its effectiveness.

Considerable importance is placed on maintaining a strong control environment. There is an organisation structure with clearly drawn lines of accountability and delegation of authority. The Board actively promotes a culture of quality and integrity.

The Company has implemented a risk management system based on ASX Principles and the Audit & Risk Management Committee’s additional function is to assist the Board in discharging its responsibility to exercise due care, diligence and skill in relation to the Company by:

  • ensuring the development of an appropriate risk management policy framework that will provide guidance to Management in implementing appropriate risk management practices throughout the Company’s operations, practices and systems;

  • defining and periodically reviewing risk management as it applies to the Company and clearly identifying all stakeholders;

  • ensuring the Committee clearly communicates the Company’s risk management philosophy, policies and strategies to Directors, Management, employees, contractors and appropriate stakeholders;

  • ensuring that Directors and Management establish a risk aware culture which reflects the Company’s risk policies and philosophies;

  • reviewing methods of identifying broad areas of risk and setting parameters or guidelines for business risk reviews;

  • making informed decisions regarding business risk management, internal control systems, business policies and practices and disclosures; and

  • considering capital raising, treasury and market trading activities with particular emphasis on risk treatment strategies, products and levels of authorities.

In addition, the new Corporate Governance Charter provides for reviewing and making recommendations to the Board in relation to the adequacy of the Company’s processes for managing risks, including:

  • in relation to any incident involving fraud or other break down of the Company’s internal controls;

  • in relation to the Company’s insurance program, having regard to the Company’s business and insurable risks associated with the business.

The Executive Directors are responsible for identifying, evaluating and monitoring risk in accordance with the risk management framework and are responsible for the accuracy and validity of risk information reported to the Board and also for ensuring clear communication to the Board on risk throughout the Company.

In particular, at the Board and Executive Directors’ strategy planning sessions, an evaluation is undertaken to identify key business and financial risks which could prevent the Company from achieving its objectives.

Additionally, a formal risk assessment process is part of any major business acquisitions, major capital expenditures or significant business initiatives.

During Financial year 2021, the internal risk committee conducted a comprehensive risk management framework review throughout the business and this is an ongoing process.

Internal audit function

The Company has an internal audit and risk committee which meets on a regular basis; it performs internal audit and risk reviews across all segments within the group. This includes review of compliance with all external regulatory requirements, operational risk management and continuous improvement.

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Corporate Governance Statement[cont. ]

For the year ended 30 June 2021

Material exposure to risk

The Company does not have any material exposure to environmental and social sustainability risks. However, the Company is exposed to general economic and market risk, such as interest rate and unemployment rate. The Company monitors the economic factors which may impact on the Company and its operations on an ongoing basis and considers such matters as part of its business plan.

Principle 8: Remunerate fairly and responsibly

Remuneration Committee

The Remuneration Committee operated in accordance with the Remuneration Committee Charter during the 2021 financial year which was available on the Company website during that period and was responsible for the review and recommendation to the Board on the following matters:

  • the Company’s remuneration, recruitment, retention and termination policies and procedures for senior executives;

  • remuneration framework for Directors (in consultation with external consultants when appropriate); and

  • remuneration by gender.

  • An updated Remuneration Committee Charter has been adopted as part of the new Corporate Governance Charter which is available on the Company website.

The Committee comprises the following independent Non-Executive Director and Executive Directorss:

  • Mr David Bower; (Chairperson) and

  • Mr Tim Odillo Maher;

  • Ms Deborah Southon.

The performance of senior management is reviewed periodically by the Executive Directors, and in accordance with guidelines issued by the Remuneration Committee.

Details of Directors’ attendance at Remuneration Committee meetings are set out in the Directors’ Report on page 20.

Structure of remuneration

It is the Company’s practice that in respect of setting executive remuneration:

  • management should be remunerated by an appropriate balance of fixed remuneration and performance based remuneration;

  • levels of fixed remuneration should be reasonable and fair, relative to the scale of the Company’s business, and should reflect core performance requirements and expectations;

  • any performance based remuneration should be clearly linked to specific performance targets which are aligned to the Company’s short and long term performance objectives. Such targets should be appropriate to the Company’s circumstances, goals and risk appetite;

  • equity based remuneration may include, amongst other things, options or performance rights. Such remuneration should include appropriate hurdles that are aligned to the Company’s longer term performance objectives and should be structured in a manner so as to ensure they do not lead to a short term focus or the taking of undue risks; and

  • any termination payments for management should be agreed in advance and should not be applied in the case of removal for misconduct. Consideration will be given as to whether shareholder approval will be required for any termination payments.

It is the Company’s practice that in respect of setting out Non-Executive Director remuneration:

  • Non-Executive Director should normally be remunerated by way of fees (in the form of cash, non-cash benefits or superannuation contributions);

  • levels of fixed remuneration for Non-Executive Director should reflect the time commitment and responsibilities of the role;

  • Non-Executive Director should not receive performance based remuneration;

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Corporate Governance Statement[cont. ]

For the year ended 30 June 2021

  • Non-Executive Director may receive Securities as part of their remuneration, however, they should not receive options with performance hurdles attached or performance rights as part of their remuneration; and

  • Non-Executive Director should not be provided with retirement benefits (other than statutory superannuation).

Details of the nature and amount of each element of remuneration for Executive Directors and the Senior Executive of the Company are set out in the “Remuneration Report” section of the Directors’ Report.

Fees and payments to Non-Executive Director reflect the demands which are made on, and the responsibilities of the Directors. Fees and payments are reviewed annually by the Remuneration Committee. Non-Executive Director’s remuneration takes the form of a set fee plus superannuation entitlements and where applicable includes an allowance for Board Committees. The maximum aggregate amount of fees that can be paid to Non-Executive Director is subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting. The maximum amount which has been approved by the Company’s shareholders for payment to Non-Executive Director is $500,000.

Fees for Non-Executive Director are not linked to the performance of the Company.

Trading Policy

While the Company did not have a formal policy regarding hedging and related arrangements of Key Management Personnel during the 2021 financial year, it is noted that during this period the Corporations Act prohibited Key Management Personnel and a closely related party of Key Management Personnel from entering into an arrangement if the arrangement would have the effect of limiting the exposure of the member to risk relating to an element of the members remuneration that has not vested or has vested but remains subject to a holding lock.

The new Corporate Governance Charter reinforces the position under the Corporations Act in this regard and provides that Key Management Personnel of the Company and their closely related parties should not deal in securities in the Company which may infringe this prohibition under the Corporations Act nor should any other person to whom the Trading Policy applies enter into hedging transactions to limit their exposure in respect of any unvested entitlement to securities they receive under any equity based remuneration scheme of the Company.

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