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IGO LIMITED — Governance Information 2016
Oct 13, 2016
65111_rns_2016-10-13_7bd85a17-cc9f-41a8-adae-f633a32f8376.pdf
Governance Information
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14/10/2016
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2016 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT
This Corporate Governance Statement is accurate and up to date as at 14 October 2016 and has been approved by the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors of Independence Group NL ( IGO or the Company ) has a clear understanding that it is responsible for the Company’s corporate governance and recognises the importance of its corporate governance framework in establishing accountabilities, guiding and regulating activities, monitoring and managing risks and optimising the Company’s performance. The Board recognises the need to regularly review its system of corporate governance as best practice evolves over time.
This Corporate Governance Statement ( Statement ) outlines the Company’s current corporate governance framework, by reference to the Corporate Governance, Principles and Recommendations of the ASX Corporate Governance Council ( ASX Recommendations ). This Statement can be found on IGO’s website at:
http://www.igo.com.au/irm/content/governance.aspx?RID=295.
During the FY16 reporting period, the Company’s corporate governance practices have complied with the ASX Recommendations in their entirety and the Board has made appropriate statements reporting on the adoption of each of the recommendations.
During the second half of FY16, the Board reviewed all of the Company’s Corporate Governance Codes, Charters, Policies and Guidelines. The following Corporate Governance Codes, Charters, Standards and Guidelines can be found on IGO’s website (www.igo.com.au):
| | Code of Conduct | | Privacy Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| | Dealing in Securities Standard | | Board Charter |
| | Continuous Disclosure and Communication Standard | | Audit Committee Charter |
| | Whistleblower Standard | | Sustainability & Risk Committee Charter |
| | Anti-Bribery and Corruption Standard | | Remuneration Committee Charter |
| | Diversity and Equal Opportunity Standard | | Nomination Committee Charter |
An annual review process for all of the Company’s Corporate Governance Codes, Charters, Policies and Guidelines is in place to ensure all of the Company’s Corporate Governance Codes, Charters, Policies and Guidelines are reviewed annually, kept up to date and are in line with best practice.
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Principle 1: Lay solid foundations for management and oversight
The matters reserved to the Board are set out in the Board Charter in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s website. In summary, the Board is responsible for promoting the success of the Group in a way which ensures that the interests of shareholders and stakeholders are promoted and protected. Its key functions are setting the long term corporate strategy, reviewing and approving business plans and annual budgets, approving material capital expenditure, approving and monitoring the adherence to Company policies, developing and promoting corporate governance, and approving financial statements. The Board Charter provides that the Company Secretary is accountable directly to the Board, through the Chairman, on all matters to do with the proper functioning of the Board.
The Board is also responsible for monitoring compliance with the Code of Conduct, monitoring the Company’s performance, overseeing risk management and internal controls, and the assessment, appointment and removal of the Managing Director, Company Secretary and other senior management.
The Board has delegated the following functions to the Managing Director and the other senior executives:
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the effective leadership of IGO;
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the preparation and implementation of development and operational plans to achieve the strategic, operational and financial objectives of IGO as determined by the Board;
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the management of the day to day affairs of IGO, including its people, processes, policies and systems;
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the conduct of commercial negotiations with other entities;
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the development and maintenance of effective relationships with IGO's employees, shareholders, joint venture partners, governments at all levels, government agencies, suppliers, customers, local landowners and the communities that are proximal to IGO’s activities;
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reporting to the Board and providing prompt and full information regarding the conduct of the business of IGO; and
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ensuring all material matters that affect IGO are brought to the Board's attention.
The last Director appointed to the Board was Mr. Neil Warburton in October 2015. Before the Company proposes to appoint a new Director, appropriate checks are undertaken which include checks such as the person’s character, experience, education, criminal record and bankruptcy history.
A profile of each Director is included in the Annual Report and all material information which is relevant to the decision to elect or re-elect a Director is included in the Notice of Meeting.
The Company has a written agreement in place with each Director and senior executive which sets out the key terms, conditions and expectations of their engagement.
The process for evaluating the performance of senior executives is carried out within the framework of the Company’s Remuneration and Reward Standard and delegations set out in the Remuneration Committee Charter which is set out in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s website. Evaluations are conducted annually. The evaluation of the Managing Director is conducted by the Remuneration Committee. The evaluations of the other senior executives are conducted by the Managing Director, through a structured interview process and presented to the Remuneration Committee. The most recent evaluations were carried out in August 2016. All evaluations were carried out in accordance with the process disclosed.
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The process, which has been recommended by the Nomination Committee and approved by the Board, for evaluating the performance of the Board, it’s Committees and non-executive directors is that, every third year, the Board engages the services of an independent facilitator with expertise in this field to guide the Board through a comprehensive evaluation process. In the other years, the Board carries out an internal evaluation. A comprehensive evaluation with the assistance of an independent facilitator was carried out in June 2016.
Diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity
IGO is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to providing a work environment that is both diverse and inclusive, and a single-mindness about ensuring that it has the “right people, in the right roles, at the right time”.
IGO is committed to promoting a workplace that is inclusive of all people and recognises that its success will come from embracing the skills, characteristics and experiences that all bring to the organisation. Embracing diversity inevitably leads to a more effective workplace. The Company believes that diversity is about bringing together a broad range of ideas and providing the environment for those ideas to flourish.
The Company’s commitment can be evidenced through the creation of the “IGO Way”, specifically:
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The IGO Code of Conduct and policies and procedures which provide the foundation to support fair and equitable treatment for all employees, including intolerance for discrimination, harassment, vilification and victimisation;
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Recruitment strategies that focus on attracting and selecting the broadest range of candidates utilised by our in-house recruitment team that live our Vision and Values;
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A remuneration and reward system that is audited annually to ensure gender pay parity and that recognises and rewards high performance;
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Commitment to the employment of Graduates and Apprentices from diverse backgrounds; and
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The creation of opportunities for all employees to develop and grow, and encouragement for all employees to do so through various learning and development programs.
2016 Measurable Objectives
Like many companies in the resources sector, IGO continues to face the challenge of a gender imbalanced candidate pool that is reflected in its workforce composition. In order to encourage gender diversity within the organisation, IGO established the following measurement criteria against which we have measured achievement for the FY16 year:
| the organisation, IGO established the following measurement criteria against which we achievement for the FY16 year: |
the organisation, IGO established the following measurement criteria against which we achievement for the FY16 year: |
have measured |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | Achieved | |
| 1 | All persons with appropriate experience and qualifications are to be considered equally when new employees or directors are being recruited. |
Yes |
| 2 | All persons with appropriate experience and qualifications are to be considered equally when opportunities for promotion or advancement arise. |
Yes |
| 3 | There is to be at least one female representative of the Company involved in the selection process for all new senior executives and directors. |
Yes |
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| 4 | Promotion of equality in remuneration levels: A review of remuneration parity is required to be carried out at least once each year. |
Yes |
|---|---|---|
As a result of the objectives listed above the proportion of women employed by the Company as at 30 June 2016 is listed below:
| 2016 is listed below: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Level |
Proportion of female employees (per cent) |
|
| 2015 | 2016 | |
| Board~~(1)~~ |
0% | 0% |
| Senior Executive~~(2)~~ | 19% | 20% |
| Other management levels | 9.2% | 12.8% |
| Total IGO Group | 16.9% | 21.9% |
(1) excludes MD/CEO
(2) senior executives are categorised as those who hold a senior manager or senior executive role and includes the MD/CEO and his senior executive direct reports as defined by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency framework.
A copy of IGO’s Diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity Standard as well as a full copy of the most recent IGO Workplace Gender Equality Agency Report is available on IGO’s website.
The Company has introduced a number of key performance indicators for senior management to measure the achievement of diversity strategies, which are set as part of the annual business planning process and are linked, in part, to senior management remuneration (either directly or as part of a “balanced scorecard” approach).
The Company will continue to put in place strategies and structures that improve the representation of women at all levels of the business, to build capabilities of its own people and to contribute to the development of the pipeline of talented people in the community and industry. In FY17, the Company plans to expand the Diversity Objectives to build from the current focus of gender diversity to include Indigenous Employment.
Aboriginal and Indigenous Employment
In FY16, the implementation of the IGO Aboriginal Employment and Business Standard was a clear statement of the Company’s intent to support pathways to employment and the creation of real employment opportunities for Aboriginal people, many of whom are Traditional Owners on the land on which IGO operates. The key undertakings of this document include the Company’s commitment to:
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Support education, vocational & job readiness training;
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Promote employment opportunities;
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Implement a supportive pre-employment process;
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Apply a preferential selection process;
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Promote a culturally sensitive workplace; and
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Impose clear requirements on major contractors with regard to employment of Aboriginal people.
IGO acknowledges the profound disadvantage faced by many Aboriginal people as a consequence of recent and past history. This history has created a legacy of issues that, given the application of normal recruiting processes and standards, may preclude the employment of some Aboriginal people from the outset of the
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recruiting process. IGO has undertaken to give its support to Aboriginal people in the employment process and since the implementation of the Standard have made good progress on increasing Aboriginal employment and training. In subsequent years the Company will continue to drive year on year improvement in the number of Aborignial people supported and employed by IGO.
In FY17, the Board will monitor compliance with the Diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity Standard and ensure there is annual reporting of the achievement of performance measures contained in that Standard. IGO will continue to develop and implement programs which foster workforce and Board diversity.
Board Composition
The Board acknowledges the fact that there is currently no female representation on the Board. IGO has always, and will continue to promote gender diversity across the business. IGO was fortunate to have Ms. Kelly Ross on the Board for over 12 years until her retirement in December 2014. The loss of this diversity on the Board is recognised and the Board is committed to identifying suitable candidates for possible future appointments.
The Nomination Committee is responsible to the Board for ensuring IGO does not discriminate against any group, including females, when considering the nomination of new directors. The Nomination Committee will ensure that Board performance reviews include consideration of diversity criteria as well as skills.
The Board has also introduced various Policies and Charters which are designed to foster ethical and professional conduct such as the Code of Conduct, the Board Charter and the Nomination Committee Charter.
Key Performance Indicators
IGO will introduce key performance indicators for senior management to measure the achievement of its diversity strategies and will link part of senior management’s remuneration (either directly or as part of a “balanced scorecard” approach) to the achievement of its diversity strategies.
Principle 2: Structure the Board to add value
The Board currently consists of one executive director (the Managing Director) and five non-executive directors (including the Chairman). The Board considers that four of the six directors are independent: Mr. Peter Bilbe (Chairman), Mr. Geoff Clifford, Mr. Keith Spence and Mr. Peter Buck.
The Board considers that Mr. Neil Warburton is not independent because he is considered an associate of IGO’s largest shareholder, Mr. Mark Creasy.
In making these assessments of independence, the Board has followed the evaluation criteria of the Board’s Guidelines on Director Independence which is set out in the Board Charter available in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s website. These guidelines conform with the guidelines of the ASX Corporate Governance Council.
Information pertaining to the relevant skills, experience and expertise of the directors of the Company as at the date of this Statement is included in the 2016 Annual Report. As at 30 June 2016, the period in office of each of those directors was as follows:
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Mr. Peter Bilbe: 7 years and 3 months
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Mr. Peter Bradford: 2 years and 3 months
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Mr. Geoff Clifford: 3 years and 6 months
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Mr. Peter Buck: 1 year and 9 months
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Mr. Keith Spence: 1 year and 6 months
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Mr. Neil Warburton: 9 months
The Board has established a Nomination Committee pursuant to the Nomination Committee Charter and the policies included therein. Given that the total number of directors was six during FY16, the Board considered it appropriate that all of the directors should be members of that Nomination Committee. It is chaired by an independent director, the Board’s Chairman, Mr. Peter Bilbe. There were three meetings of the Nomination Committee held during FY16. Details of attendance are disclosed in the Directors’ Report.
In considering new appointments, the Board will have regard to the need to augment the skills, knowledge, experience and capabilities of the current members and to meet its future needs, the Company’s sustainable growth ambitions and diversity aspirations. In doing so, the Board recognises the unique skills, experience and outlook that different genders can bring to the group.
In accordance with the Nomination Committee Charter and the Diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity Standard, the Board seeks members with demonstrable skills, capability, experience and ability to question and debate with other Board members, the ability to operate as part of a team, the ability to contribute outstanding performance and who have a track record of impeccable ethics and values. The Board seeks to have a mix of age, skills, knowledge, experience, expertise and gender in its ranks.
In June 2016, a comprehensive board skills review was conducted to assess what skills the Board considered were required in order to discharge its responsibilities in accordance with the highest standards of governance whilst executing the Company’s long term corporate strategy. An assessment was then completed on the level of competence each Director had in each skill, ranging from no experience, an understanding and a high level of competence. The assessment also asked each Director to consider the level of importance the skill represented to the Company, ranging from no importance, some importance, very important to critically important.
The results of this review were then analysed to ascertain whether there were any skill gaps that would need to be addressed through succession planning and/or professional development programs. The Board were also asked to consider what skills may need to be added to the matrix in the future to ensure the Company continues to meet its strategic objectives.
The full skills matrix that the Board considered, consisted of 46 skills which were divided into ten groups, which are listed in the table below. The following combination of skills and experience were chosen due to the strategic direction of the Company as well as the risks, opportunities, challenges and developments related to the mining industry.
Skills and Experience
Strategy (development and implementation) Executive Industry Experience (exploration and geology, mining, processing, asset management, metal marketing, capital projects and executive leadership) Finance (financial reporting, treasury & hedging, Audit Committee and debt)
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People & Culture (culture, recruitment, training & development, remuneration practice and change management) Technology & Innovation (IT and data management, automation, exploration and research & development) Governance (system development, compliance, corporate governance, board leadership and legal) HSE and Risk (health & safety, environment, risk management and crisis management) Stakeholder Relations (community, indigenous (Australia), indigenous (Overseas), shareholders, media, ASX/ASIC, government) Markets (commodity and currency, ECM, M&A, overseas stock markets) Diversity (geographic experience (WA, Australian, International), ethnicity and gender)
Following the review it was determined that the Board and Committees currently have a strong combination of skills, and taking into account the importance of each individual skill to IGO and the industry IGO is part of, each area is currently well represented on the Board.
Nevertheless, as mentioned in the earlier Diversity section, the lack of gender diversity on the Board is recognised and the Board is committed to identifying suitable candidates for possible future appointments.
The review also highlighted, that whilst they didn’t fall in the ‘very important’ or ‘critical’ criteria some skills could be improved through the Company’s continuing education program and the review has helped to determine what subjects to prioritise for that program.
To assist Directors in maintaining an appropriate level of knowledge, skill and experience in the operations of the Company, Directors undertake site visits to familiarise themselves with the Company’s operations and projects on a biannual basis and regularly meet with management to gain a better understanding of the business.
In addition to site visits, as part of the Directors’ continuing education program, presentations concerning key developments in IGO and the industry and environment within which it operates are given at each scheduled Board meeting, either by external experts or by IGO employees. Individual Directors are also encouraged to undertake appropriate professional development to maintain the skills and knowledge needed to perform their role as Directors effectively.
Board members have the right to seek independent professional advice at the Company’s expense in the furtherance of their duties as directors.
Principle 3: Promote ethical and responsible decision making
The Company aims to maintain the highest standard of ethical behaviour in business dealings and to behave with integrity in all its dealings with customers, clients, shareholders, government, employees, suppliers and the community. Directors and employees are expected to perform their duties in a professional manner and act with the utmost integrity and objectivity, striving at all times to enhance the reputation and performance of the Company.
The Board has a clear understanding that it is responsible for setting the tone of legal, ethical and moral conduct to ensure that the Company is considered reputable by the industry and other outside entities. This
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involves considering the impact of the Company’s decisions on the industry, its colleagues and the general community.
The Code of Conduct adopted by the Company and set out in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s website requires that all employees and directors:
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act in accordance with occupational health and safety legislation, regulations and policies applicable to their respective organisations and to use security and safety equipment provided;
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act with honesty and integrity;
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respect the law and act accordingly;
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respect confidentiality and not misuse information;
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value and maintain professionalism;
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avoid conflicts of interest;
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act in accordance with the Company’s policies, procedures and guidelines;
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strive to be good corporate citizens on responsibilities such as sustainable development, health, safety, environment and community; and
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have respect for each other, including by embracing diversity, openness, sharing, mutual trust and teamwork.
The Code of Conduct imposes a responsibility on individuals to report breaches of the Code either internally or through the Company’s external reporting service provided by BDO, which includes a secure reporting telephone number, email and postal addresses. Further details on this service can be found in IGO’s Whistleblower Standard.
Principle 4: Safeguarding integrity in financial reporting
The Board has an Audit Committee, structured in accordance with the ASX Recommendations. The Board’s Audit Committee’s Charter, which was reviewed and updated for best practice during FY16, is set out in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s website.
The Chairman of the Audit Committee is Mr. Geoff Clifford, a non-executive director who is not the Chairman of the Board. Mr. Clifford was appointed to the Audit Committee in December 2012. The other members of the Audit Committee are non-executive directors Mr. Keith Spence, Mr. Peter Bilbe, Mr. Peter Buck and Mr. Neil Warburton. The majority of the members are independent directors. Mr. Clifford is a qualified accountant and chartered secretary with considerable financial and managerial experience. There were six meetings of the Audit Committee held during FY16. Details of attendance are disclosed in the Directors’ Report.
The Audit Committee reports to the Board and, in summary, is responsible for the following:
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overseeing the Company’s relationship with the external auditor and the external audit function generally as set out in the External Audit Policy (set out in Attachment 1 of the Audit Committee Charter);
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overseeing the adequacy of the control processes in place in relation to the preparation of financial statements and reports; and
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overseeing the adequacy of the Company’s financial controls.
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The Audit Committee has specific functions on audit and is required to review and report to the Board on certain matters set out in the Audit Committee Charter.
The external auditor is required to attend the Annual General Meeting to answer any questions from security holders relevant to the Audit.
The Managing Director and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provided a declaration in accordance with Section 295A of the Corporations Act most recently on 29 August 2016 for the FY16 annual accounts and assured the Board that the declaration is founded on a sound system of risk management and internal controls and that the systems are operating effectively and efficiently in all material respects. The Managing Director and the CFO also provided a similar declaration during FY16 in relation to accounts for the half-year ended 31 December 2015 and the annual accounts for FY15.
Principle 5: Make timely and balanced disclosure
The Company has established policies and procedures, set out in its Continuous Disclosure and Information Standard, relating to the disclosure of information to interested parties. The Standard outlines:
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The procedures to be applied to safeguard against breaches of the Company’s continuous disclosure obligations;
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The disclosure reporting processes; and
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The obligation to protect confidential information of IGO from unauthorised disclosure.
A copy of the Standard is in the Corporate Governance section of IGO’s website.
The Company Secretary is responsible for ensuring the Company complies with ASX Listing Rules and is responsible for communicating with the ASX.
Principle 6: Respect the rights of shareholders
The Company respects the rights of shareholders and supports governance practices that are designed to ensure that the Company communicates effectively with its shareholders and the investment community and that information is released and made available in an equitable manner.
The Company has in place the following initiatives to facilitate communication with shareholders:
| Website www.igo.com.au |
All ASX announcements are placed on IGO’s website. Information is also provided on the Board and Leadership team, the Company’s Operations, Corporate Governance and Sustainability. The Investor section of the website includes information on the Company’s share price, financial reports, key reporting dates, dividend information and copies of investor presentations as well as access to archived investor webcasts. There are also details on how to contact the Company’s share registry by phone or email. The website also provides an online form for shareholders to direct inquiries to the Company as well as phone and email contact details. There is also a subscription service to subscribe for Email Alerts when ASX/Media announcements are released. |
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| Annual Reporting |
The Annual Report is available on the Company's website and contains important information about the Company's activities and results for the previous financial year. Shareholders can elect to receive the Company's Annual Report as an electronic copy or in hard copy through the mail. The Sustainability report is released at the same time as the Annual Report and is available as an interactive document through the Company's website. Copies of the Company’s quarterly and half yearly reports are provided to the ASX and placed on IGO’s website. Copies of these reports are sent to any shareholder or interested party requesting a copy. |
|---|---|
| Annual General Meeting |
The AGM provides an important occasion to update shareholders on the Company’s performance and offers an opportunity for shareholders to ask questions of and to hear from the Board. IGO encourages shareholder attendance at shareholders’ meetings through the use of electronic communication, including making notices of meeting available on IGO’s website and sending alerts to those subscribed to the Email Alert service. Shareholders are also able to submit proxies electronically through a link to the Company’s share registry. Shareholders who are not able to attend shareholder meetings have the opportunity to provide questions or comments ahead of the meeting. Where appropriate, these questions will be answered at the meeting. Copies of the Chairman’s and CEO’s speeches/presentations will be lodged with the ASX immediately prior to the meeting and placed on the IGO website. |
| Investor Relations |
IGO actively engages with shareholders and the wider investment community by providing investor results presentations and media releases with the quarterly activities reports and half and full year financial results which can be found on the IGO website. As part of the Company’s efforts to ensure that it communicates effectively with its shareholders and the investment community, the Company’s analyst briefing and presentation for each Quarterly Report during FY16 was webcast live on the Company’s website. A link to this webcast was released to ASX to allow shareholders to either listen live or at a later date. Webcasts are available for a substantial period of time after the live webcast. |
Principle 7: Recognise and manage risk
The Company’s risk management system is designed to ensure that the Company identifies, documents, communicates and proactively manages risks in a systematic way. It is our aspiration to fundamentally embed risk management within the culture of the business.
At IGO, the Board is ultimately responsible for the identification of significant areas of business risk, implementing processes to manage such risks and developing policies regarding the establishment and maintenance of appropriate ethical standards to:
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ensure the safety of our people and host communities and control our impacts on the environment;
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ensure compliance in legal, statutory and ethical matters;
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monitor the business environment;
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identify business risk areas;
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identify business opportunities; and
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monitor systems established to ensure prompt and appropriate responses to shareholder complaints and enquiries.
To this end, the Board has formally established a Sustainability and Risk Committee to, among other matters, review the Company’s risk management systems. Given that the total number of Directors was six during FY16, the Board considered it appropriate that all of the Directors should be members of that Committee. It is chaired by an independent director, Mr. Keith Spence. There were five meetings of the Sustainability and Risk Committee held during FY16 and details of attendance are disclosed in the Directors’ Report.
In FY16, the Board’s Sustainability and Risk Committee’s Charter was reviewed and updated to reflect recognised best practice. This document is made publicly available through the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s website.
IGO has defined its risk management system in it’s Risk Management Standard. The system is comprised of a hierarchy of three risk management processes:
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Business Critical Risk Management;
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Operational and Project Risk Management; and
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Personal Risk Management.
Business critical risks are those risks that have the potential to materially impact IGO’s business. Operational and project risks include those risks that have the potential to materially impact individual sites or projects. Personal risk management is focused solely on the safety of individuals in the workplace.
In the completion of risk assessments, IGO uses a company standard ‘consequence-frequency-risk’ model to rank risks. The model is periodically reviewed by the Sustainability and Risk Committee. On the basis of this model, the Committee has approved a risk appetite statement defining what risks IGO will accept and those that it will not. This statement is documented in, and communicated to employees and company officers, by means of IGO’s Risk Management Standard. IGO defines who has what authority in respect of the acceptance of risk in IGO’s Corporate Control Standard.
IGO’s executive team completes a quarterly review of business critical risks. This is followed by a Sustainability and Risk Committee meeting in which the risks are further reviewed in accordance with the Committee’s Charter. Additionally, the Sustainability and Risk Committee meets with senior management to participate in, or review the outcomes of, an annual Business Critical Risk Workshop; the specific purpose of which is to review IGO’s business critical risks, their associated mitigation measures, and review the business’ risk management processes.
During FY16, the Sustainability and Risk Committee completed the above activities and senior management reported on the effectiveness of the Company’s management of its material business risks.
In late FY16, IGO established an Internal Audit function within our Sustainability Team. The internal audit function provides assurance that those risks identified as being both Business Critical and within the effective control of the business, are managed in compliance with the Company's policies and procedures. The function has been outsourced to Assurance Advisory Services Pty Ltd. The firm will conduct internal audit
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reviews in accordance with an audit plan approved by the Sustainability and Risk Committee. The internal audit plan will be formulated following the annual review of IGO’s business critical risks. Key findings from internal audit reviews will be reported to both IGO’s Executive Committee and the Sustainability and Risk Committee. The internal audit function and the Sustainability and Risk Committee have direct access to each other and have the necessary access to management and the right to seek information and explanations.
Material exposure to economic, environmental and social sustainability risks
The Company has material exposure to economic, environmental and social sustainability risks, including exposure to commodity and foreign exchange market fluctuations and changes in environmental regulatory legislation. Further details on external factors that are capable of having a material adverse effect on the business can be found in the Operating and Final Review of the Company’s Annual Report.
To assist with management of its exposure to commodity and foreign exchange market fluctuations, the Company has established a Financial Risk Management Policy which is overseen by the Hedging Committee (discussed below).
The Company employs suitably qualified personnel to assist with the management of its exposure to environmental and social sustainability risks including appropriate health and safety personnel as well as heritage and environmental experts. These risks are discussed in more detail in the Company’s Sustainability Report which can be found on the Company’s website.
Hedging Committee
The Company has a Hedging Committee to make recommendations to the Board on hedging policies, consider relevant financial risk management strategies and to maintain the hedging portfolio in accordance with IGO’s Financial Risk Management Standard. The members of the Hedging Committee at the date of this Statement are Mr. Geoff Clifford (Audit Committee Chair), Mr. Peter Bradford (Managing Director) and Mr. Scott Steinkrug (CFO).
Dealing in Securities Standard (Share Trading Policy)
The Company has put in place a policy to ensure that directors, officers and employees do not trade in the Company’s shares if they are aware of non-public information that could be expected to have a material effect on the market price of the Company’s shares. This policy is set out in IGO’s Dealing in Securities Standard which can be found in the Corporate Governance section of IGO’s website. The Company has also put in place a restriction on any employee or director securing Company’s shares by way of margin loans and other derivative trading methods. Executive directors and employees are prohibited from entering into transactions or arrangements which limit the risk of participating in unvested employee entitlements (i.e. hedging arrangements).
Principle 8: Remunerate fairly and responsibly
The Board has a Remuneration Committee, structured in accordance with the ASX Recommendations. The Chairman of the Committee is Mr. Peter Buck. The other four members are Mr. Geoff Clifford, Mr. Keith Spence, Mr. Peter Bilbe and Mr. Neil Warbuton. The majority of the members are independent directors. There were five meetings of the Remuneration Committee held during FY16 and details of attendance are disclosed in the Directors’ Report.
The Remuneration Committee Charter is disclosed in the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s website.
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The Company has clearly distinguished the remuneration structures of the non-executive directors from that of executive directors and executives. The full details of the remuneration of these persons during the year ended 30 June 2016 is set out in the Remuneration Report within the Directors’ Report in this 2016 Annual Report.
Non-executive directors are not entitled to retirement benefits other than statutory superannuation or other statutory required benefits.
Sustainability Report
A copy of IGO’s latest Sustainability Report can be found on the Company’s website.
For further information contact:
Joanne McDonald Company Secretary Independence Group NL Telephone: 08 9238 8300
Peter Bradford Managing Director Independence Group NL Telephone: 08 9238 8300
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Appendix 4G
Key to Disclosures Corporate Governance Council Principles and Recommendations
Rules 4.7.3 and 4.10.3[1]
Appendix 4G
Key to Disclosures Corporate Governance Council Principles and Recommendations
Introduced 01/07/14 Amended 02/11/15
Name of entity
INDEPENDENCE GROUP NL
ABN / ARBN
46 092 786 304
Financial year ended:
30 JUNE 2016
Our corporate governance statement[2] for the above period above can be found at:[3]
☐ These pages of our annual report:
x This URL on our website: http://www.igo.com.au/irm/content/governance.aspx?RID=295
The Corporate Governance Statement is accurate and up to date as at 14 October 2016 and has been approved by the board.
The annexure includes a key to where our corporate governance disclosures can be located.
Date: 14 October 2016
Name of Director or Secretary authorising lodgement:
Joanne McDonald
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.
- See chapter 19 for defined terms 2 November 2015
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Appendix 4G Key to Disclosures Corporate Governance Council Principles and Recommendations
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 … |
|---|---|---|
| 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: X in our Corporate Governance Statement … 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): X In the IGO Board Charter located at: http://www.igo.com.au/irm/content/governance.aspx?RID=295 |
| 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: X in our Corporate Governance Statement |
| 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: X in our Corporate Governance Statement |
| 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: X in our Corporate Governance Statement |
| 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): X in our Corporate Governance Statement … and a copy of our diversity policy or a summary of it: X at http://www.igo.com.au/irm/content/governance.aspx?RID=295 … 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: X in our Corporate Governance Statement … and the information referred to in paragraphs (c)(1) or (2): X in our Corporate Governance Statement |
- See chapter 19 for defined terms
2 November 2015
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Appendix 4G Key to Disclosures Corporate Governance Council Principles and Recommendations
| 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 … |
|---|---|---|
| 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): X in our Corporate Governance Statement … and the information referred to in paragraph (b): X in our Corporate Governance Statement |
| 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): X in our Corporate Governance Statement … and the information referred to in paragraph (b): X in our Corporate Governance Statement |
| 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): X in our Corporate Governance Statement … and a copy of the charter of the committee: Xat http://www.igo.com.au/irm/content/governance.aspx?RID=295 … and the information referred to in paragraphs (4) and (5): X in the Directors’ Report in our 2016 Annual Report that can be found at: http://www.igo.com.au/irm/content/annual-report2.aspx?RID=511&RedirectCount=1 |
| 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: X in our Corporate Governance Statement |
- See chapter 19 for defined terms
2 November 2015
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Appendix 4G Key to Disclosures Corporate Governance Council Principles and Recommendations
| 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 … |
|---|---|---|
| 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: X in our Corporate Governance Statement … and, where applicable, the information referred to in paragraph (b): X in our Corporate Governance Statement … and the length of service of each director: X 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: X in our Corporate Governance Statement |
| 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: X in our Corporate Governance Statement |
| 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: X in our Nomination Committee Charter located at: http://www.igo.com.au/irm/content/governance.aspx?RID=295 |
| 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: X in our Corporate Governance Statement |
- See chapter 19 for defined terms 2 November 2015
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Appendix 4G Key to Disclosures Corporate Governance Council Principles and Recommendations
| 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 … |
|---|---|---|
| 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): X in our Corporate Governance Statement … and a copy of the charter of the committee: Xat http://www.igo.com.au/irm/content/governance.aspx?RID=295 … and the information referred to in paragraphs (4) and (5): X in the Directors’ Report in our 2016 Annual Report that can be found at: http://www.igo.com.au/irm/content/annual-report2.aspx?RID=511&RedirectCount=1 |
| 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: X in our Corporate Governance Statement |
| 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: X in our Corporate Governance Statement |
| 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: X 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: X at http://www.igo.com.au/irm/content/governance.aspx?RID=295 |
- See chapter 19 for defined terms
2 November 2015
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Appendix 4G Key to Disclosures Corporate Governance Council Principles and Recommendations
| 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 … |
|---|---|---|
| 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: Xin 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: X in our Corporate Governance Statement |
| 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: X in our Corporate Governance Statement |
| 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): X in our Corporate Governance Statement … and a copy of the charter of the committee: Xat http://www.igo.com.au/irm/content/governance.aspx?RID=295 … and the information referred to in paragraphs (4) and (5): X in the Directors’ Report in our 2016 Annual Report that can be found at: http://www.igo.com.au/irm/content/annual-report2.aspx?RID=511&RedirectCount=1 |
| 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: X in our Corporate Governance Statement … and that such a review has taken place in the reporting period covered by this Appendix 4G: X in our Corporate Governance Statement |
| 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: X in our Corporate Governance Statement |
- See chapter 19 for defined terms
2 November 2015
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Appendix 4G Key to Disclosures Corporate Governance Council Principles and Recommendations
| 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 … |
|---|---|---|
| 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: X in our Corporate Governance Statement |
| 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): X in our Corporate Governance Statement … and a copy of the charter of the committee: X at http://www.igo.com.au/irm/content/governance.aspx?RID=295 … and the information referred to in paragraphs (4) and (5): X in the Directors’ Report in our 2016 Annual Report that can be found at: http://www.igo.com.au/irm/content/annual-report2.aspx?RID=511&RedirectCount=1 |
| 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: X In the Remuneration Report in our 2016 Annual Report that can be found at: http://www.igo.com.au/irm/content/annual-report2.aspx?RID=511&RedirectCount=1 |
| 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: X in our Corporate Governance Statement |
| 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] |
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- See chapter 19 for defined terms
2 November 2015
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Appendix 4G Key to Disclosures Corporate Governance Council Principles and Recommendations
| 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 … |
|---|---|---|
| - | 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] |
- See chapter 19 for defined terms 2 November 2015
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