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G11 RESOURCES LIMITED — Governance Information 2016
Oct 30, 2016
64956_rns_2016-10-30_491e1c55-8847-484b-9edb-2a24c259f4d6.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:
Lawson Gold Limited ABN / ARBN: Financial year ended: 32 141 804 104 30 June 2016
Our corporate governance statement[2] for the above period above can be found at:[3]
☒ This URL on our website: http://www.lawsongold.com/governance.php
The Corporate Governance Statement is accurate and up to date as at [insert effective date of statement] and has been approved by the board.
The annexure includes a key to where our corporate governance disclosures can be located.
Date: 31 October 2016 Name of Director or Secretary authorising Donald Stephens lodgement:
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 StatementOR ☐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 StatementOR ☐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 StatementOR ☐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 StatementOR ☐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 StatementOR ☐at [insert location] … and a copy of our diversity policy or a summary of it: ☐at [insert location] … 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 StatementOR ☐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 |
| 1.6 | 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 StatementOR ☐at [insert location] … and the information referred to in paragraph (b): ☐in our Corporate Governance StatementOR ☐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 StatementOR ☐at [insert location] … and the information referred to in paragraph (b): ☐in our Corporate Governance StatementOR ☐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 [insert location] … 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 Statement OR ☐ 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 Statement OR ☐ 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 StatementOR ☐at [insert location] … and, where applicable, the information referred to in paragraph (b): ☒in our Corporate Governance StatementOR ☐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 StatementOR ☐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 StatementOR ☐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 StatementOR ☐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 StatementOR ☐at [insert location] |
☐an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
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 StatementOR ☐at [insert location] … and a copy of the charter of the committee: ☐at [insert location] … 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 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 StatementOR ☐at [insert location] |
☒ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement |
| 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 StatementOR ☐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 StatementOR ☐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 StatementOR ☐at [insert location] |
☒ 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 [insert location] |
☐ 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 StatementOR ☐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 StatementOR ☐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 StatementOR ☐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 StatementOR ☐at [insert location] … and a copy of the charter of the committee: ☐at [insert location] … 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 risk committee or committees that satisfy (a) and the processes we employ for overseeing our risk management framework: ☐in our Corporate Governance StatementOR ☐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 StatementOR ☐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 StatementOR ☐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 StatementOR ☐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 StatementOR ☐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 StatementOR ☐at [insert location] … and a copy of the charter of the committee: ☐at [insert location] … 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 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 StatementOR ☐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 StatementOR ☐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 |
| 8.3 | 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] |
☐ an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance Statement OR ☐ 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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 StatementOR ☐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
Lawson Gold Limited
Corporate Governance Statement
Lawson Gold Limited (the Company) and the Board are committed to achieving and demonstrating the highest standards of corporate governance. The Board continues to review the framework and practices to ensure they meet the interests of shareholders. The Company and its controlled entities together are referred to as the Group in this statement.
A description of the Group’s main corporate governance practices is set out below. All these practices, unless otherwise stated, were in place for the entire year.
On 27 March 2014, the ASX Corporate Governance Council released the 3rd Edition of its Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations (3rd Edition Recommendations). The Group reviewed its corporate governance and reporting practices under these principles and the disclosures in this Corporate Governance Statement reflect this. As at the date of this statement, the Group complies with the 3rd Edition Recommendations (unless otherwise stated).
Principle 1: Lay solid foundations for management and oversight
The relationship between the Board and senior management is critical to the Group’s long-term success. The Directors are responsible to the shareholders for the performance of the group in both the short and the longer term and seek to balance objectives in the best interests of the group as a whole. Their focus is to enhance the interests of shareholders and other key stakeholders and to ensure the Group is properly managed.
The responsibilities of the Board include:
-
providing strategic guidance to the Group including contributing to the development of and approving the corporate strategy;
-
reviewing and approving business plans, the annual budget and financial plans including available resources and major capital expenditure initiatives;
-
overseeing and monitoring the organisational performance and the achievement of the Group’s strategic goals and objectives;
-
monitoring financial performance including approval of the annual and half-year financial reports and liaison with the Company’s auditors;
-
appointment and performance assessment of the Managing Director (MD);
-
ratifying the appointment and/or removal and contributing to the performance assessment for the members of the senior management team, including the Company Secretary;
-
ensuring there are effective management processes in place and approving major corporate initiatives;
-
enhancing and protecting the reputation of the organisation;
-
overseeing the operation of the Group’s system for compliance and risk management reporting to shareholders; and
-
ensuring appropriate resources are available to senior management.
Due to the size of the Company, the day to day management of the Group’s affairs and the implementation of the corporate strategy and policy initiatives are managed by the Board.
The Board has not publicly disclosed a statement of matters reserved for the Board, or a Board charter. Given the size and nature of the Company at this time, the Board does not consider the formation of a Board charter necessary.
Lawson Gold Limited
Corporate Governance Statement
The Board is presently responsible for evaluating Board candidates and recommending individuals for appointment to the Board. The Board evaluates prospective candidates against a range of criteria including the skills, experience, expertise and diversity that will best complement Board effectiveness at the time. The Board undertakes appropriate background and screening checks prior to nominating a director for election by shareholders, and provides to shareholders all material information in its possession concerning the director standing for election or re-election in the explanatory notes accompanying the notice of meeting.
A written agreement has not been executed with each director setting out the terms of their appointment; therefore the Group does not comply with recommendation 1.3 of the Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations. The Company believes that due to their size and nature of operations that this is appropriate at this time, however will ensure written agreements are executed with future directors and senior executives.
The Company Secretary is accountable directly to the Board, through the Chair, on all matters to do with the proper functioning of the Board. The Company Secretary is responsible for maintaining the information systems and processes that are appropriate for the Board to fulfil its role and to achieve the objective of the Company. The Company Secretary is also responsible for ensuring that the Board procedures are complied with and advising the Board on governance matters. All Directors and Committees have access to the Company Secretary for advice and services. Independent advisory services are retained by the Company Secretary at the request of the Board or Committees.
The Company does not have a diversity policy which formally documents the principles and commitment in relation to maintaining a diverse group of employees within the Company and therefore has not complied with recommendation 1.5(b) of the Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations. The Board does however continually assesse the composition of the Board, using diversity as a driver for recruitment.
The total proportion of men and women on the board, in senior positions (being Key Management Personal and decision makers of the Company) and across the whole organisation is listed below:
| Category | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Board | 3 | - |
| Senior Management | - | - |
| Whole Organisation | 3 | - |
The Group has not disclosed in this Corporate Governance Statement any measureable objectives for achieving gender diversity and therefore has not complied with recommendation 1.5(a) of the Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations. Due to the size and number of staff employed by the Company, the Board considers this to be appropriate at this time.
Lawson Gold Limited
Corporate Governance Statement
The Board will at least annually evaluate its performance and the performance of its committees and individual directors to determine whether or not it is functioning effectively by reference to the current best practices. The Board continually evaluates the composition of the Board, however a formal evaluation of its performance and the performance of its committees and individual directors is yet to be conducted. Due to the size of the Company, the Board has determined that this is appropriate at Company’s stage to date, however it does recognise that ongoing performance evaluation is important to ensure that the Board, committees and individual director’s remain relevant and committed to the Company’s business operations and changing business requirements. At the date of this report, the Company has therefore not complied with recommendation 1.6(b) of the Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations.
The Group currently has no senior executives at this time and therefore has no formal process for evaluating the performance of its senior executives.
Principle 2: Structure the board to add value
The Board has not established a nomination committee, and therefore not complied with recommendation 2.1(a) of the Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations. The Directors takes ultimate responsibility in addressing board succession issues and to ensure the Board has the appropriate balance of skills, knowledge, experience, independence and diversity to enable it to discharge its duties and responsibilities effectively. The Board closely assesses diversity criteria when considering Board candidates.
The Group’s desired mix of skills and competence is listed below. The Board considers its current composition adequately meets these required competencies.
| Area | Competence |
|---|---|
| Leadership | Business Leadership,Public Listed CompanyExperience |
| Business, Finance and Legal | Accounting, Audit, Business Strategy, Competitive Business Analysis, Corporate Financing, Financial Literacy, Legal, Mergers and Acquisitions,Risk Management,Tax – Australia |
| Sustainability and Stakeholder Management |
Community Relations, Corporate Governance, Health & Safety, Human Resources,Remuneration |
| Technical | Geology,Mining,Exploration |
At the date of this statement the Board consists of the following directors:
Mr Simon O’Loughlin, Chairman, Non-Executive Director (Appointed 1 July 2013) Mr Donald Stephens, Non-Executive Director/Company Secretary (Appointed 1 July 2013) Mr Peter Reid, Non-Executive Director (Appointed 1 July 2013)
The Board considers this to be an appropriate composition given the size and development of the Group at the present time and continually assesses the composition of the Board to ensure its membership maintains a combination of skills and experience that ensure the Board has the expertise to meet both its responsibilities to stakeholders and its strategic objectives. The names of directors including details of their qualifications and experience are set out in the Directors’ Report of the Annual Report and also available on the Company’s website: www.lawsongold.com
Lawson Gold Limited
Corporate Governance Statement
Independence
The Board is conscious of the need for independence and ensures that where a conflict of interest may arise, the relevant Director(s) leave the meeting to ensure a full and frank discussion of the matter(s) under consideration by the rest of the Board. Those Directors who have interests in specific transactions or potential transactions do not receive Board papers related to those transactions or potential transactions, do not participate in any part of a Directors’ meeting which considers those transactions or potential transactions, are not involved in the decision making process in respect of those transactions or potential transactions, and are asked not to discuss those transactions or potential transactions with other Directors.
Directors of the Company are considered to be independent when they are independent of management and free from any business or other relationship that could materially interfere with, or could reasonably be perceived to materially interfere with, the exercise of their unfettered and independent judgement.
The Board has accepted the following definition of an independent Director:
“An independent directors is a director who is not a member of management, is a Non-Executive Director and who:
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is not, or has not been, employed in an executive capacity by the Group and there has been a period of at least three years between ceasing such employment and serving on the Board;
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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 Group;
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is not, or has not within the last three years been, in a material business relationship (eg as a supplier or customer) with the Group , or an officer or, or otherwise associated with, someone with such a relationship;
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is not a substantial security holder of the entity or an officer of , or otherwise associated with, a substantial security holder of the entity;
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does not have a material contractual relationship with the Group other than as a director; or
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has not been a director of the entity for such a period that his or her independence may have been compromised.
The Board has determined that its two Non-Executive Directors are not independent as defined under Recommendation 2.3. The Company’s Chairman, Mr Simon O’Loughlin is an independent director and he does not fulfil the role of CEO. The Company therefore has not complied with Recommendation 2.4 of the Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations, in that a majority of Directors are not independent.
The Board considers its current structure to be an appropriate composition of the required skills and experience, given the experience of the individual Directors and the size and development of the Company at the present time. Each individual member of the Board is satisfied that whilst the Company may not comply with Recommendation 2.4, all Directors bring an independent judgment to bear on Board decisions.
The Company does not maintain a formal program for inducting new Directors, however the Company Secretary ensures all new directors receive adequate information and documentation on appointment. The Company also ensures that appropriate professional development opportunities are provided to directors to ensure they develop and maintain the skills and knowledge needed to perform their role as directors effectively.
Lawson Gold Limited
Corporate Governance Statement
Principle 3: Act ethically and responsibly
The Company has developed a Code of conduct (the Code) which has been fully endorsed by the Board and applies to all directors and employees. The Code is regularly reviewed and updated as necessary to ensure it reflects the highest standards of behaviour and professionalism and the practices necessary to maintain confidence in the group’s integrity and to take into account legal obligations and reasonable expectations of the Company’s stakeholders.
In summary, the Code requires that at all times all Company personnel act with the utmost integrity, objectivity and in compliance with the letter and the spirit of the law and company policies.
A copy of the Code of Conduct and Ethics can be found online at: www.lawsongold.com
Principle 4: Safeguard integrity in corporate reporting
Audit Committee (the Committee)
The Committee consists of the following directors:
Mr Simon O’Loughlin (Committee Chair) (Chairman, Non-Executive Director)
Mr Donald Stephens (Non-Executive Director)
Mr Peter Reid (Non-Executive Director)
One of the members of the Committee is independent, and the chair of the Committee is the chair of the Board; therefore the Group does not comply with recommendation 4.1(a)(1) & (2) of the Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations. As all three Directors are also members of the audit committee, and given the size of the Company, the Board deems the composition of the Committee appropriate at this time.
The relevant qualifications and experience of each of the members of the Committee can be found in the director profiles contained within the Company’s Annual Report and on the Company’s website at: www.lawsongold.com . All members of the Audit Committee are financially literate and have an appropriate understanding of the industries in which the group operates.
The number of times the Committee met throughout the period and the individual attendance of the members at those meetings are outlined within the Annual Report.
Lawson Gold Limited
Corporate Governance Statement
The Audit Committee does not have a formal charter and has therefore not complied with recommendation 4.1(3) of the Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations. The Board believes this is appropriate given the size of the Company and the composition of the Committee .
The Audit Committee has authority, within the scope of its responsibilities, to seek any information it requires from any employee or external party.
The Chairman and Company Secretary have certified to the Board that the financial statements are founded on a sound system of risk management and internal control and that the system is operating efficiently and effectively in all material respects. This declaration is provided to the Board before it approves the Company’s financial statements for a financial period, and declares that in their opinion, the financial records of the Company have been properly maintained and that the financial statements comply with the appropriate accounting standards and give and true and fair view of the financial position and performance of the entity.
External auditors
The Company, and the Committee Policy, is to appoint external auditors who clearly demonstrate quality and independence. The performance of the external auditor is reviewed annually and applications for tender of external audit services are requested as deemed appropriate, taking into consideration assessment of performance, existing value and tender costs. Grant Thornton Audit Pty Ltd (‘Grant Thornton’) was appointed as the external auditor in 2010. It is Grant Thornton’s policy to rotate audit engagement partners on listed companies in accordance with the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001, which is generally after five years, subject to certain exceptions.
The amount of fees paid to the external auditors is provided in a note to the financial statements. It is the policy of the external auditors to provide an annual declaration of their independence to the Committee.
The external auditor will 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.
Principle 5: Make timely and balanced disclosure
Continuous disclosure
The Company has a policy that all the Company Shareholders and investors have equal access to the Company’s information. The Board will ensure that all price sensitive information is disclosed to the ASX in accordance with the continuous disclosure requirements of the Corporations Act and the ASX Listing Rules.
The Company has not publicly disclosed a formal disclosure policy and therefore has not complied with recommendation 5.1 (a)&(b) of the Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations. Given the size of the Company, the Board does not consider public disclosure to be appropriate. The Board takes ultimate responsibility for these matters.
The Company Secretary has been nominated as the person responsible for communications with the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). This role includes responsibility for ensuring compliance with the continuous disclosure requirements in the ASX Listing Rules and overseeing and co-ordinating information disclosure to the ASX, shareholders, the media and the public.
Lawson Gold Limited
Corporate Governance Statement
Principle 6: Respect the rights of security holders
The Board strives to ensure that security holders are provided with sufficient information to assess the performance of the Group and its Directors and to made well-informed investment decisions. The Company provides all information about itself and its corporate governance via its website at: http://www.lawsongold.com/governance.php
Investors relations and member participation
The Company does not have a formal shareholder communication policy which is not in compliance with recommendation 6.2 of the Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations
Shareholders are encouraged to participate at all Annual General Meetings and other General Meetings of the Company. Upon the despatch of any notice of meeting to Shareholders, the Company Secretary shall send out material with that notice of meeting stating that all Shareholders are encouraged to participate at the meeting. The meetings shall also be conducted to allow questions and feedback to the Board and management of the Company.
The Company aims to promote effective communication to and from shareholders. At this time Members of the Company cannot register to receive email notifications when an announcement is made by the Company to the ASX, which is a departure from recommendation 6.4 of the Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations; however Members are encouraged to contact the company via their website or directly to the registered office. Members are also encouraged to register with the Company’s share register to communicate electronically.
Principle 7: Recognise and manage risk
The Board has identified the significant areas of potential business and legal risk of the Company.
The identification, monitoring and, where appropriate, the reduction of significant risk to the Company is the responsibility of the Board. The Board has also established an Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee which addresses the risks to the Company.
The Board will review and monitor the parameters under which such risks will be managed. Management accounts will be prepared and reviewed at Board meetings. Budgets will be prepared and compared against actual results.
The Company has not publicly disclosed a policy for the oversight and management of material business risks and therefore has not complied with recommendation 7.1 of the Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations. The Board takes ultimate responsibility for these matters and does not consider the disclosure of a risk management policy to be appropriate at this stage.
The Board is responsible for satisfying itself annually, or more frequently as required, that management has developed and implemented a sound system of risk management and internal control. A review took place during the reporting period.
Lawson Gold Limited
Corporate Governance Statement
The Company does not have an internal audit function due to the size and nature of the Group, however the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee is responsible for ensuring there are adequate policies in relation to risk management, compliance and internal control systems. They monitor the Company’s risk management by overseeing management’s actions in the evaluation, management, monitoring and reporting of material operational, financial, compliance and strategic risks. In providing this oversight, the Audit Committee and the Board:
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reviews the framework and methodology for risk identification, the degree of risk the Company is willing to accept, the management of risk and the processes for auditing and evaluating the Company’s risk management system;
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reviews group-wide objectives in the context of the abovementioned categories of corporate risk;
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reviews and, where necessary, approves guidelines and policies governing the identification, assessment and management of the Company’s exposure to risk;
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reviews and approves the delegations of financial authorities and addresses any need to update these authorities on an annual basis, and
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reviews compliance with agreed policies.
The Committee recommends any actions it deems appropriate to the board for its consideration.
Management is responsible for designing, implementing and reporting on the adequacy of the Company’s risk management and internal control system and has to report to the Board on the effectiveness of:
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the risk management and internal control system during the year, and
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the company’s management of its material business risks.
Securities Trading Policy
The Company has established a policy concerning trading in the Company’s shares by the Company’s officers, employees and contractors and consultants to the Company while engaged in work for the Company (“Representatives”).
This policy provides that it is the responsibility of each Representative to ensure they do not breach the insider trading prohibition in the Corporations Act. Breaches of the insider trading prohibition will result in disciplinary action being taken by the Company.
Representatives must also obtain written consent from the Chairman (or, in the case of the Chairman, from the Board) prior to trading in the Company’s securities.
Lawson Gold Limited
Corporate Governance Statement
Subject to these restrictions, the policy provides that Directors, the Company Secretary and employees of, or contractors to, the Company that have access to the Company’s financial information or drilling results are permitted to trade in the Company’s securities throughout the year except during the following periods:
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(a) the period between the end of the March and September quarters and the release of the Company’s quarterly report to ASX for so long as the Company is required by the Listing Rules to lodge quarterly reports;
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(b) the period between the end of the June quarter and the release of the Company’s annual report to ASX; and
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(c) the period between the end of the December quarter and the release of the Company’s half year report to ASX.
In exceptional circumstances the Board may waive the requirements of the Share Trading Policy to allow Representatives to trade in the shares of the Company, provided to do so would not be illegal.
Directors must advise the Company Secretary of changes to their shareholdings in the Company within two business days of the change.
The Securities Trading Policy can be viewed on the Company’s website at www.lawsongold.com
Exposure to material economic, environmental and social sustainability risk
The Company’s policy it to identify and manage potential or apparent business, economic, environmental and social sustainability risks (if appropriate). The Company at present has not identified specific material risk exposure in these categories. Review of the Company’s risk management policy is conducted at least annually and reports are continually created by management on the efficiency and effectiveness of the Company’s risk management framework and associated internal compliance and control procedures.
Principle 8: Remunerate fairly and responsibly
The Chairman and the Directors are entitled to draw Directors fees and receive reimbursement of reasonable expenses for attendance at meetings. The Company is required to disclose in its annual report details of remuneration to Directors. The maximum aggregate annual remuneration which may be paid to Non-Executive Directors is $250,000. This amount cannot be increased without Shareholder approval.
The Board has not established a remuneration committee and therefore the Company has not complied with recommendation 8.1 of the Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations. Given the size of the Company, the Board does not consider a separate committee appropriate. The Board takes ultimate responsibility for these matters.
Every employee of the Group signs a formal employment contract at the time of their appointment covering a range of matters including their duties, rights, responsibilities and any entitlements on termination. The standard contract refers to a specific formal job description. This job description is reviewed by the remuneration committee on an annual basis and, where necessary, is revised in consultation with the relevant employee.
Lawson Gold Limited
Corporate Governance Statement
Further information on directors’ and executives’ remuneration, including principles used to determine remuneration, is set out in the directors’ report under the heading ‘Remuneration report’ included within the Annual Report. In accordance with Group policy, participants in equity-based remuneration plans are not permitted to enter into any transactions that would limit the economic risk of options or other unvested entitlements. Details of this policy can be found on the Company’s website at: www.lawsongold.com/governance.php