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TREASURY WINE ESTATES LIMITED Governance Information 2017

Aug 29, 2017

65969_rns_2017-08-29_df112a95-e555-42e6-9c7b-589a63ffbd6d.pdf

Governance Information

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 2017

This corporate governance statement outlines the corporate governance framework that has been established by Treasury Wine Estates Limited (the Company) and its group of companies (‘the consolidated entity’ or ‘the Group’) and its compliance with that framework for the reporting period ended 30 June 2017.

Good corporate governance and transparency in reporting is a fundamental part of the culture and business practices of the Group. During the financial year the Company has complied with the third edition of the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations (ASX Recommendations).

The charters and key policies that underpin the Company’s corporate governance practices referred to in this statement are reviewed annually to ensure they remain appropriate, reflect a high standard of governance and meet regulatory requirements. All key governance documents are available on the Company’s website at www.tweglobal.com/investors/ corporate-governance.

This corporate governance statement was approved by the Board and is current as at 30 August 2017.

TREASURY WINE ESTATES CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 2017 / 1

SECTION 1: THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1.1 Composition

During the year, the Board had nine directors, comprising eight non-executive directors and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Details of the members of the Board, including their qualifications, experience and tenure in office, are set out in the Board of Directors section contained in the Company’s 2017 Annual Report, which is available on the Company’s website at www.tweglobal.com/investors/annual-reports.

There was one change to the Board during the year, with Lauri Shanahan being appointed as an additional non-executive director with effect from 1 November 2016. Ms Shanahan is a US citizen with extensive retail, consumer brand, e-commerce and governance experience.

The Board considers that its members during the year collectively possessed the appropriate competencies and attributes that enable the Board to discharge its responsibilities effectively, contribute to the Company’s strategic direction and oversee the delivery of its corporate objectives.

In August 2017, the Company announced two further changes to the Board, with the retirement of Peter Hearl with effect from 31 August 2017 and the retirement of Lyndsey Cattermole with effect from the end of the 2017 Annual General Meeting on 18 October 2017.

In light of these changes, the Board is engaged in active succession planning. The Board is committed to ensuring it is comprised of individuals with appropriate skills, experience and diversity to develop and support the Company’s strategic aims, having regard to its five strategic imperatives. The Board utilises a skills matrix to assist in assessing the mix of skills, experience and diversity on the Board, and to identify areas of focus to supplement the mix of skills and experience as part of Board succession planning.

The Board recognises the importance of cultural, geographic and gender diversity amongst its members which is reflected in the current representation on the Board. The Board has set an aspirational target to achieve 30% female representation on the Board by 2018 as vacancies and circumstances allow.

Areas of competence and skills of the Board of directors are set out in Table 1 below.

Table 1 – Areas of competence and skills of the Board of Directors

Strategic Imperatives
Build a high-
performing
organisation
Transform
our portfolio
Win in priority
markets
Develop
long-term
relationships
Optimise our
capital base
Directors’ Skills
MARKETS
MODEL
PARTNERS
PEOPLE
BRANDS
Strategic Imperatives
Build a high-
performing
organisation
Transform
our portfolio
Win in priority
markets
Develop
long-term
relationships
Optimise our
capital base
Directors’ Skills
MARKETS
MODEL
PARTNERS
PEOPLE
BRANDS
AREA COMPETENCE/EXPERIENCE
Industry Wine, alcohol beverages, consumer and brand marketing, supply chain, distribution, route-to-market.
Leadership Listed company experience, business strategy development, business and executive leadership,
and Strategy CEO experience, mergers and acquisitions.
Finance and Financial acumen, fnancial accounting, audit, corporate fnance, capital management, e-commerce
Business and technology.
Governance Corporate governance, legal, regulatory, health, safety and environment, government relations,
and Regulatory risk management, human resources and remuneration.
International International business experience, international industry experience.

TREASURY WINE ESTATES CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 2017 / 2

1.2 Chairman

The Chairman of the Board, Paul Rayner, is an independent non-executive director and has been Chairman of the Company since 2012 and a non-executive director since 2011.

Details of Mr Rayner’s skills and experience are set out in the Board of Directors section of the Annual Report.

The Chairman is responsible for the leadership of the Board and ensuring that it is operating to the appropriate governance standards.

The responsibilities of the Chairman of the Board are set out in more detail in the Board Charter which is available on the Company’s website at www.tweglobal.com/investors/corporate-governance.

1.3 Director independence

As required under the Board Charter and ASX Recommendations, the Board comprises a majority of independent non-executive directors.

The Board only considers a non-executive director to be independent where he or she is free of any interest, position, association or relationship that might interfere, or might reasonably be perceived to interfere, in a material respect, with his or her capacity to bring independent judgement to bear on issues before the Board and to act in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders generally.

The Board assesses the independence of all new directors upon appointment and reviews the matter annually (and more regularly where appropriate).

The Company has adopted guidelines based on the factors set out in the ASX Recommendations in assessing the independent status of a director. These guidelines, together with materiality thresholds set by the Board, are described in the Board Charter.

In summary, the test of whether a relationship could, or could be perceived to, materially interfere with the independent exercise of a director’s judgement is based on the nature of the relationship and the circumstances of that director. Materiality is considered on a case-by-case basis, against thresholds determined by the Board from the perspective of the Company, the director, and the person or entity with which the director has a relationship.

The Board has reviewed the position and associations of all directors in office at the date of this corporate governance statement and considers that, save for the CEO who is an executive director, all directors are independent.

1.4 Appointment terms

The directors may at any time appoint any person as a director either to fill a casual vacancy or as an additional director.

Any director appointed (other than the CEO) holds office until the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Company and is eligible for election at that meeting. Thereafter, non-executive directors are required to submit for re-election at least at every third AGM.

A summary of the Company’s guidelines relating to the selection, appointment and re-election of directors is available on the Company’s website at www.tweglobal.com/investors/corporate-governance.

1.5 Remuneration arrangements

The remuneration policy for the Board and the remuneration of each director is set out in the Remuneration Report, which forms part of the Directors’ Report contained in the Annual Report.

TREASURY WINE ESTATES CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 2017 / 3

SECTION 2: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD

2.1 Division of responsibility between Board and management

The Board is responsible for the overall corporate governance of the Company. The Board Charter sets out the following objectives of the Board:

  • [to provide strategic guidance for the Company and effective oversight of management;]

  • [to optimise Company performance and shareholder value within a framework of appropriate risk assessment ] and management; and

  • [to recognise the Company’s legal and other obligations to all legitimate stakeholders.]

The following table summarises the main responsibilities and functions of the Board that enable the achievement of these objectives:

RESPONSIBILITIES
AND DUTIES
OBJECTIVES
STRATEGIC GUIDANCE AND
MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT
RISK ASSESSMENT
AND MANAGEMENT
OBLIGATIONS TO
STAKEHOLDERS
Approving •The overall corporate
strategy and performance
objectives.
•The Company’s annual
fnancial budget.
•Major capital expenditure,
and capital management.
•Appointment and removal
of the CEO and approval
of the terms of engagement
and termination benefts.
•Remuneration of the
CEO, non-executive
directors (within the
parameters approved
by shareholders) and the
policy for remunerating
senior executives.
•The Company’s Risk
Management Policy, Risk
Management Framework
and Group Risk Profle.
•The Company’s strategies,
procedures and standards
relating to communication
with shareholders.
•All major shareholder
communications.
Reviewing and
Monitoring
•The Company’s performance
against the corporate
strategy, objectives and plan.
•The progress of major
capital expenditure,
capital management,
and acquisitions
and divestitures.
•The management reporting
processes supporting
external reporting.
•Risk management, internal
compliance accountability
and control systems.
•The Company’s fnancial
position and its ability
to meet its debts and other
obligations as they fall due.
•Compliance with the adopted
strategies, procedures
and standards relating to
shareholder communication.
•Internal and external
fnancial and other reporting
after receiving appropriate
certifcations from
management.
•That reporting to all
stakeholders is relevant,
timely and accurate.
Evaluating •The performance of the CEO
and other members of the
senior management team.
•Whether the Company’s
accounts comply with
relevant accounting
standards and present
a true and fair view.
•Whether processes are in
place to effectively monitor
all relevant legal, tax and
regulatory obligations.
•Whether the Company’s
external reporting is legally
compliant, consistent with
the Board’s information
and knowledge, and suitable
for shareholder needs.
•The effectiveness of the
performance of the Board
and its Committees.

The Board has implemented a practice whereby the non-executive directors meet periodically without the presence of management.

In accordance with the provisions of the Company’s Constitution, the Board has delegated responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Company to the CEO and management pursuant to a formal delegation structure, which complements the roles and responsibilities contained in position descriptions for individuals. The respective roles and responsibilities of the Board are outlined further in the Board Charter.

The Company Secretary, Fiona Last, is accountable to the Board, through the Chairman, on all governance matters.

TREASURY WINE ESTATES CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 2017 / 4

2.2 Board Committees

The Constitution and the Board Charter permit the Board to establish Committees to streamline the discharge of its responsibilities. As at the date of this statement, three standing Committees have been established as follows:

  • [Audit and Risk Committee;]

  • [Nominations Committee; and]

  • [Human Resources Committee.]

The Charter of each Board Committee sets out the composition, duties and responsibilities of that particular Committee. Further details regarding the three standing Committees, including membership for F17, are set out in the following table:

AUDIT AND RISK NOMINATIONS HUMAN RESOURCES
Members Garry Hounsell (Chairman) Paul Rayner (Chairman) Warwick Every-Burns
Lyndsey Cattermole Garry Hounsell (Chairman)
Peter Hearl Warwick Every-Burns Michael Cheek
Lyndsey Cattermole
(until 1 January 2017)
Lauri Shanahan
(from 1 January 2017)
Composition •At least three but no
more than fve members.
•The Committee must have
at least three members.
•The Committee must have
at least three members.
•All members must •All members must •All members must
be independent be independent be independent
non-executive directors. non-executive directors. non-executive directors.
•The members shall, •The Chairman of the
between them, have
suffcient accounting
and fnancial knowledge,
and a suffcient
Board is to be the
Chairman of the Committee.
understanding of the
industry in which the
Company operates,
to be able to effectively
discharge the Committee’s
responsibilities.
•The Chairman of the
Committee must not
be the Chairman
of the Board.
Responsibilities Oversee and/or review: Assess: Oversee and/or review:
•Risk management and •The necessary and •The overall human resources
internal controls and desirable competencies strategies and policies are
corresponding policies of Board members. consistent with the needs
and procedures.
•The processes used by
management to ensure
•The range of skills,
experience and expertise
on the Board and identify
of the Company to ensure
it achieves its short-term and
long-term business objectives.
compliance with all any additional skills •The establishment of
requirements relating or expertise that may training and development
to external reporting. be desirable. programs and succession
•The Company’s legal and •The steps required to ensure plans for senior management.
other obligations to all a diverse range of candidates •The senior executive
legitimate stakeholders. are considered in selecting performance review process
•The scope, coordination new directors. and results.
and conduct of the internal Review: •The maintenance of a
and external audit
programs, together with
the performance and
independence of the internal
•The performance of the
Board, Board Committees
and individual directors.
company-wide diversity
policy (and reporting
on progress in achieving
the objectives of the policy).
and external auditors. •The Notice of Meeting
to ensure resolutions for
the election/re-election
of a non-executive director
are appropriately framed
•Approval of all new
employee incentive
plans and amendments
to existing plans.
and contain all the
information that investors
might reasonably require.

TREASURY WINE ESTATES CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 2017 / 5

AUDIT AND RISK NOMINATIONS HUMAN RESOURCES
Responsibilities Advising the Board on: Advising the Board on: Advising the Board on:
(continued) •The integrity of the
Company’s fnancial
reporting, fnancing,
•The composition, size and
commitment of the Board to
ensure that it can adequately
•Recruitment and retention
policies and procedures for the
CEO and senior executives.
capital management and
treasury risk management.
discharge its duties.
•Succession plans and plans
•The remuneration policy
applicable to the CEO
•The appointment or for enhancing competencies and senior management.
removal of internal
and external auditors.
of Board members, including
the CEO.
•Remuneration of
non-executive directors
•Standards of ethical
behaviour and
•Potential candidates suitably
qualifed to be invited to join
in respect of Board and
Committee participation.
decision-making
required of directors
and key executives.
the Board.
•Whether the Board should
support the re-election
•Senior executive remuneration
(including equity-based and
other incentive plans).
of a director who is retiring
by rotation.
•The reduction or clawback
of awards either in part or
full as appropriate under the
terms of the clawback policy.
Consultation •The Committee has •Subject to the consent of the •The Committee has
and advice unlimited access to internal Committee Chairman, the unrestricted access
and external auditors, Committee or any individual to management.
senior management and
other employees, and has
the opportunity at each
meeting to engage with
the internal and external
auditors without the
presence of management.
member may engage an
independent external
adviser in relation to any
Committee matter, at the
expense of the Company.
•Subject to the consent of the
Committee Chairman, the
Committee or any individual
member may engage an
independent external adviser
in relation to any Committee
matter, at the expense
•The Committee may of the Company.
also obtain any external,
professional advice it
requires to fulfl its duties.

Details of meeting attendance for members of each Committee are set out in the Directors’ Report contained in the Annual Report.

All directors receive copies of all Committee minutes, and the Chair of the Committee reports to the Board on activities of the Committee at the next Board meeting.

The CEO, senior executives and other employees, and external parties may be invited to provide information or reports, or attend the Committee meetings as required.

2.3 Performance assessment

In accordance with the Board Charter, a formal review of the effectiveness of the Board, its Committees and individual directors is conducted annually, including in the current year. The views of individual directors as well as those of selected executives who report directly to the CEO in a senior management capacity are typically canvassed.

Following each review:

  • [the performance of individual directors is discussed by the Chairman with each director (and in the case of the ] Chairman, by a director chosen by the Board for that purpose); and

  • [the performance of the Board and Committees is discussed by the Board at its next meeting after conclusion ] of the review.

The Board will, from time to time, engage external consultants to conduct a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of the Board, its Committees and individual directors.

For the current year, an internal review, led by the Chairman, was undertaken to assess the performance of individual directors, the Chairman, the Board as a whole, various aspects of the Board Committees including their performance, membership and quality of reporting, and the Board’s interaction with senior executives. This review was conducted through a survey process, as well as face-to-face meetings, involving each director, with feedback also provided by senior executives. The overall findings of the review were discussed by the Nominations Committee and presented to the Board and each director was provided with feedback on his or her contribution.

The performance of the CEO is measured against agreed annual key performance objectives.

A formal process for the evaluation of the performance of senior executives is conducted by the CEO on an annual basis and reviewed by the Human Resources Committee.

TREASURY WINE ESTATES CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 2017 / 6

SECTION 3: GOVERNANCE POLICIES APPLICABLE TO THE BOARD

3.1 Directors’ conflicts of interest

Directors are expected to avoid any position or interest that conflicts or could be perceived to conflict with the interests of the Group. This is a matter for ongoing consideration by all directors.

The Company has adopted the Potential Conflicts of Interest Policy and has procedures in place for the reporting of any matter that may give rise to a conflict between their interests and those of the Company.

Directors are required to disclose to the Company any interests or directorships which they hold with other organisations and to identify any conflicts of interest they may have or appear to have, in dealing with the Company’s affairs.

Should the possibility of a conflict arise, relevant information will not be provided to the director and the director will not participate in discussions or vote on the matter unless permitted under specific circumstances in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

3.2 Board access and independent advice

The directors have unlimited access to employees and advisers, and subject to the law, access to all Company documents.

The Board, an individual director or a Committee, may engage an independent external adviser in relation to any Board matter, at the expense of the Company.

Before the external advice is sought, consent needs to be obtained. In the case of:

  • [the Board – from the Chairman;]

  • [an individual director – from the Chairman or the ] relevant Committee Chairman (if provided under the Committee Charter), as the case may be;

  • [a Committee – from the Committee Chairman ] (if provided under the Committee Charter);

  • [the Chairman – from the Chairman of the Audit and ] Risk Committee, or otherwise from another director.

The Chairman or a Committee Chairman, as applicable, may determine that any external advice received by an individual director be circulated to the remainder of the Board.

3.3 Director induction and ongoing education

New directors are provided with a comprehensive induction program. They receive a formal letter of appointment that sets out the key terms and conditions of appointment, including duties, rights and responsibilities and the Board’s expectations regarding involvement with Board Committee work. The induction program includes meetings with members of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and other senior executives of the Company and being formally briefed on the financial, strategic and operational position of the Company, as well as visits to key sites.

The Board is committed to ensuring its performance is enhanced by providing non-executive directors with regular briefings on the Company’s operations, as well as periodic site visits and presentations by external parties in a range of fields.

SECTION 4: GOVERNANCE POLICIES OF GENERAL APPLICATION THROUGHOUT THE COMPANY

4.1 Code of Conduct

The Company recognises that its reputation is one of its most valuable assets, founded largely on the ethical behaviour of the people who represent the Company.

The Board has approved a Code of Conduct that sets out the principles of ethical behaviour expected to be adhered to by all personnel. This ethical framework provides the foundation for the maintenance and enhancement of the Company’s reputation.

The Company’s Code of Conduct commits its directors, employees, contractors and consultants to not only comply with the law, but to conduct business in accordance with the highest ethical standards so that, as a global supplier of premium alcohol beverages, the Company:

  • [demonstrates corporate responsibility by encouraging ] the responsible consumption of the Company’s products;

  • [conducts business with integrity, honesty and fairness;]

  • [values and respects diversity in a workplace in which ] no-one is discriminated against on the basis of gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or marital status; and

  • [observes both the spirit and letter of the Company’s ] legal obligations.

Any breach of the Code of Conduct will be treated as a serious matter and may give rise to disciplinary action, including dismissal.

The Code of Conduct is available on the Company’s website at www.tweglobal.com/ investors/corporate-governance.

TREASURY WINE ESTATES CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 2017 / 7

4.2 Whistleblower Policy

The Company has adopted a Whistleblower Policy (the Policy) to promote and support its culture of honest and ethical behaviour. The Policy encourages employees to raise any concerns and report instances of unethical, illegal or fraudulent behaviour or any other matter that may contravene the Company’s Code of Conduct, policies, or the law.

The Company is committed to absolute confidentiality and fairness in relation to all matters raised and will support and protect those who report violations in good faith.

The Policy provides that any issue may be reported to the employee’s immediate supervisor, a Human Resources Manager, the Chief Legal Officer and Global General Counsel, the Chief People and Communications Officer or, where an employee wishes to remain anonymous, an external Whistleblower Service Provider. The Policy provides that all reports will be thoroughly investigated, and where applicable, feedback on the outcome of the investigation will be provided to the person making the report. Any person who makes a report will not be discriminated against or disadvantaged in their employment with the Company by virtue of making a report.

The Policy stipulates that the Board will periodically be provided with a report of the number and nature of reports made under the Policy.

The Whistleblower Policy is available on the Company’s website at www.tweglobal.com/investors/ corporate-governance.

4.3 Potential Conflicts of Interest Policy

The Company has adopted a policy in relation to the disclosure and management of potential conflicts of interest. Employees must not engage in activities, hold interests or allow themselves to be in situations that involve, could potentially involve or could be perceived as involving, a conflict between their personal interests and the interests of the Company, without prior disclosure and, where appropriate, approval.

Employees are required to declare relevant potential conflicts prior to starting the activity or, in the case of prospective employees, during the application and recruitment process. Should a potential conflict arise, employees must immediately disclose this to their manager and to the Company Secretary. A register of disclosed interests is maintained by the Company Secretary and reviewed periodically by the Board.

The Potential Conflicts of Interest Policy is available on the Company’s website at www.tweglobal.com/ investors/corporate-governance.

4.4 Share Trading Policy

In accordance with the prohibition in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) in relation to insider trading, the Company’s Share Trading Policy (the Policy) states that all directors and employees are prohibited from trading in the Company’s shares if they are in possession of ‘inside information’.

Under the Policy, unless they have the prior approval of the Company Secretary, employees (other than directors and members of the ELT) may only trade during certain ‘trading windows’.

Directors and members of the ELT are prohibited from dealing in the Company’s shares during ‘blackout’ periods (which are the periods from the close of books to shortly after the announcement of the half-year or full-year results).

Outside ‘blackout’ periods, directors and ELT members may only trade with the prior approval of both the Chairman and the Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee. Where the Chairman or the Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee wish to trade, approval must be obtained from either the Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee or the Chairman (whoever is not dealing) and one other director chosen by the Board for that purpose.

All employees (including directors) are prohibited from engaging in dealings for short-term gain, including buying and selling Company shares within a three-month period.

The Policy specifically prohibits directors and employees from protecting the value of unvested Company securities with derivative instruments consistent with the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) requirements on hedging. No director or member of the ELT may enter into a margin loan or similar funding arrangement to acquire any shares in the Company.

The Share Trading Policy is available on the Company’s website at www.tweglobal.com/investors/ corporate-governance.

4.5 Diversity

The Company is committed to creating and maintaining a high-performance culture by attracting and retaining the best possible talent, as well as creating an inclusive environment where people from diverse backgrounds, with a variety of experiences, can fulfil their potential.

The Company has a Diversity and Inclusion Policy (the Policy), which has been approved by the Board, and is available on the Company’s website at www.tweglobal.com/investors/corporate-governance.

In accordance with the Policy, the Company has established measurable objectives to enhance gender diversity. Further details of the Company’s progress towards achieving the measurable objectives are set out in the Diversity and Inclusion section of the Annual Report.

In addition, the Board has set an aspirational target to achieve 30% female representation on the Board by 2018 as vacancies and circumstances allow.

TREASURY WINE ESTATES CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 2017 / 8

4.6 Risk Management

The Board has approved a Risk Management Policy (the Policy) and a Risk Management Framework (the Framework) to oversee and manage risk.

The Policy, which is available on the Company’s website at www.tweglobal.com/investors/corporate-governance, provides guidance and direction on the management of risk in the Company and states the Company’s commitment to the effective management of risk to reduce uncertainty in the Company’s business outcomes.

The Framework describes the risk and assurance systems to manage risk and the supporting management disciplines in place to bring these systems to life. It explains the philosophy and structure required to recognise business improvement opportunities through the management of risk.

The Policy acknowledges that all employees have a role in managing risk, and in particular, they are encouraged to identify, report and assess operating risks in the business. The management of risk is not treated as a separate discrete function, but is integral to the way employees work.

The Board, supported by the Audit and Risk Committee, plays a critical role in the oversight of risk by:

  • [providing strategic guidance on all aspects of risk ] management across the Company;

  • [reviewing and approving the Policy, Framework and ] Group Risk Profile each year (including during F17) to satisfy itself that it continues to be sound;

  • [reviewing and monitoring the system of risk ] management and internal control; and

  • [setting the risk management tone and expectations ] for the Company.

A summary of the Company’s material business risks, including economic, environmental and social sustainability risks, and how those risks are managed is set out in the Operating and Financial Review contained in the Annual Report.

4.7 Integrity in Financial Reporting

Role of the Audit and Risk Committee

The Audit and Risk Committee monitors the internal control policies and procedures designed to safeguard company assets and to maintain the integrity of the Company’s financial reporting.

The CEO, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Deputy CFO, internal auditor and external auditor are invited to attend meetings, as required. Other executives and advisers are also invited to attend meetings, as appropriate.

The CEO and CFO have provided a written declaration to the Board, in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), confirming that, in their opinion:

  • [the Company’s financial records have been ] properly maintained;

  • [the Company’s financial statements and notes ] to the financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position and performance of the Group and comply with the relevant accounting standards; and

  • [the Company’s financial statements are formed ] on the basis of a sound system of risk management and internal control, which is operating effectively.

Appointment and rotation of the external auditor The Audit and Risk Committee is responsible for reviewing the effectiveness and performance of the external auditor.

The Company will review the lead audit partner of the external audit firm at least once every five years. The lead audit partner will attend the Company’s Annual General Meeting and will be available to answer shareholder questions about the conduct of the audit and the preparation and content of the auditor’s report.

A summary of the Company’s guidelines relating to the selection, appointment and re-election of its external auditor is posted on the Company’s website at www.tweglobal.com/investors/corporate-governance.

Internal audit

The Company’s internal audit function monitors the Group-wide internal control framework, providing assurance that the design and operation of the Group’s risk management and internal control system is effective.

Internal audit uses a risk-based methodology, including the use of the organisation’s risk assessment program, in setting the annual internal audit plan. In performing their work, internal audit have unrestricted access to review all aspects of the Group’s operations. The head of internal audit is jointly accountable to the Audit and Risk Committee and the Chief Financial Officer.

Internal audit operates under a Charter approved by the Board, and is independent of the external audit function. The Audit and Risk Committee reviews the effectiveness and performance of the internal auditor, approves the annual internal audit plan, reviews reports and agreed actions, and ensures that planned audit activities are aligned to business risks.

TREASURY WINE ESTATES CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 2017 / 9

4.8 Continuous disclosure to stakeholders

The Company is committed to providing timely, open and accurate information to all its stakeholders including shareholders, regulators and the investment community. The Company has an investor relations program which facilitates effective two-way communication with investors.

The Company’s Disclosure Policy (the Policy) confirms the Company’s commitment to meeting its stakeholders expectations for timely, balanced and meaningful disclosure. The Policy sets out both the procedures in place to ensure compliance with its regulatory obligations, including obligations under the continuous disclosure regime pursuant to the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and the ASX Listing Rules, and the expectations on all employees of the Company, including directors and senior executives.

The Company has also established written guidelines and procedures to supplement the Disclosure Policy, which are designed to manage the Company’s compliance with its continuous disclosure obligations. A Disclosure Committee, comprised of senior executives, is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the disclosure of information by the Company to the ASX and for administering the Policy.

The Company holds periodic briefing sessions for directors and relevant employees (who may be likely to come into possession of confidential information) on how the continuous disclosure obligations apply to the Company, including consideration of materiality guidelines relevant to the Company and the Company’s internal processes for escalation and assessment of information prior to release to the ASX. As a matter of practice, the Board considers the Company’s obligations under the Disclosure Policy at its meetings.

The Company’s Disclosure Policy is available on the Company’s website at www.tweglobal.com/investors/ corporate-governance.

4.9 Communication with shareholders

The Company’s website forms a key part of the Company’s communications with shareholders and the wider investment community. The Company’s website contains ASX announcements, annual reports, financial results announcements, as well as relevant presentations and supporting material provided to the media and investment community.

The Company’s Communications Policy encourages and promotes effective communication with shareholders and effective participation at the Annual General Meeting in order to promote discussion about the Company and its strategy and goals. The Board supports and encourages shareholders to ask questions during the Annual General Meeting. For shareholders who are unable to attend in person, the Annual General Meeting is webcast live and is archived for viewing on the Company’s website. The Company periodically reviews how best to take advantage of technology to enhance shareholder communications.

Shareholders can elect to receive email notifications when the Annual Report and certain other information is posted to the Company’s website. Shareholders can communicate with the Company or its share registrar, Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited (Computershare) by mail, telephone, email or online via the Computershare Investor Centre portal. Shareholders may choose to receive communications from and send communications to the Company and Computershare electronically.

The Company’s Communications Policy is available on the Company’s website at www.tweglobal.com/investors/ corporate-governance.

4.10 External directorships

Key executives including the CEO, are only permitted to hold a non-executive directorship of an external public company with the prior approval of the Board. Such a public company may not be a competitor, supplier or customer of the Company, nor can the directorship create an actual or potential conflict of interest with the Company’s business interests.

4.11 Corporate Responsibility

The Company is committed to maximising positive and minimising negative social, environmental and economic impacts through its integrated approach to corporate responsibility (CR). The Global CR Council establishes a range of objectives and targets to deliver against the Company’s three CR strategic priorities. The priorities and supporting initiatives ensure the Company maintains its social licence to operate through risk management, proactive engagement of key stakeholders with an interest in the Company’s social and environmental performance and enhancement of employee engagement and retention. Progress against these initiatives has been detailed in the Corporate Responsibility section of the Annual Report.

TREASURY WINE ESTATES CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 2017 / 10