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VECTUS BIOSYSTEMS LIMITED Governance Information 2016

Sep 29, 2016

65993_rns_2016-09-29_912c5ee6-a19e-496c-abd8-425f3deb8c7c.pdf

Governance Information

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Vectus Biosystems Limited ABN 54 117 526 137

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Corporate Governance Statement

The Board and the Corporate Governance Committee of Vectus Biosystems Limited (Vectus or the Company) draw on relevant best practice principles, particularly those issued by the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) Corporate Governance Council’s third edition of the publication, “Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations”, which was released in March 2014 and is referred to for guidance purposes. While the Company attempts to adhere to the principles proposed by the ASX, and the Directors believe that the Company complies with the underlying guidelines of the ASX, it is mindful that there are some instances where compliance is not practicable for a company of Vectus’ size. However all listed companies are required to produce a corporate governance statement that discloses the extent to which the entity has followed the recommendations, and to identify any recommendations that have not been followed, the period during which they were not followed, the reasons for not doing so and any alternative governance practices that have been adopted in lieu of the recommendation.

This Corporate Governance Statement reports on the corporate governance principles and practices followed by the Company, as required by the ASX Listing Rules, for the period from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016, but more particularly from 23 February 2016, being the date the Company’s shares commenced trading on ASX. The Company’s Corporate Governance Committee and its Board of Directors have recently reviewed the recommendations, and approved the Company’s Corporate Governance Statement as at 28 September 2016. In many cases the Company was already achieving the standards required. In other cases the Company has considered other arrangements to enable compliance. In a number of instances, the Company has determined not to meet the standards set out in the recommendations, largely due to the recommendation being considered by the Board to be unduly onerous and costly for a company of Vectus’ size.

The Board is responsible for the overall corporate governance of the Company. Issues of substance affecting the Company are considered by the full Board, with advice from the Board’s Committees, senior management and other external advisors as required. Each Director brings an independent view and judgement to the Board, and must promptly declare all conflicts of interest. Directors do not participate in discussions or resolutions pertaining to any matter in which they have a material personal interest unless the non-conflicted Directors have separately agreed to their participation.

The Board’s role in risk oversight includes receiving regular reports from senior management, and the Audit and Risk Management Committee about material risks faced by the Company, and applicable mitigation strategies and activities. The reports detail the effectiveness of the risk management programme, and identify and address material business risks, such as strategic, business, operational, financial, human resources, product safety, environmental and social sustainability, and efficacy and legal / regulatory risks. The responsibilities of the Board are set down in the Company’s Board Charter, which is available in the Company’s Corporate Governance Compliance Manual, along with all the Company’s Charters and Policies, in the Investor Centre section of its website at www.vectusbiosystems.com.au under Corporate Governance.

Board Committees

The Board has established three Committees to assist it in fulfilling its responsibilities, being:

  • (a) Audit and Risk Management Committee;

  • (a) Remuneration and Nomination Committee; and

  • (b) Corporate Governance Committee.

Each of these Committees has the responsibilities described in their Committee Charters (which have been prepared having regard to the ASX Recommendations) that were adopted by the Company and can be found in the Company’s Corporate Governance Compliance Manual on the Company’s website. The Board may also establish other committees from time-to-time to assist in the discharge of its responsibilities.

Vectus Biosystems Limited ABN 54 117 526 137

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Corporate Governance Principles

The Company has also adopted these policies, which are available on the Company’s website:

Corporate Code of Conduct

This policy sets out the Company’s responsibilities to shareholders, the financial community, customers, suppliers, the general community and individuals, and guides the Company’s compliance with legal and other obligations;

Shareholders Communications Policy

This policy describes the Company’s practices for ensuring effective communication with its Shareholders, sets out the standards, protocols and law relating to disclosure of Company information, and sets out the requirements expected from all Directors, senior management and employees for complying with the Company’s policy on disclosure of price-sensitive information;

Continuous Disclosure Policy

This policy describes reporting lines and decision-making processes that are designed to ensure that the Company complies with its continuous disclosure obligations under the ASX Listing Rules and the Corporations Act;

Diversity Policy

This policy sets out the Company’s commitment to promoting diversity amongst its Board, at management level and within the Group as a whole; and

Securities Trading Policy

This policy restricts employees and Directors from dealing with the Company’s shares at times when the market may not be fully informed as to the Company’s activities. When they are in possession of unpublished price-sensitive information, they may not trade in the Company’s securities. In addition, they cannot trade during designated Blackout or Closed Periods. The Policy explains how insider trading laws affect their dealings in the Company’s Shares.

Compliance with the Third Edition of the ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Principles and Recommendations

The Company is required to report its compliance with, and departures from, the ASX Recommendations in its annual Corporate Governance Statement released to ASX and included on the Company’s website. The Company’s compliance with, and departures from, the ASX Recommendations are set out below.

Corporate Governance Principles and Explanation Recommendations (3[rd] Edition) Recommendation 1.1 The Company has disclosed the respective roles and responsibilities of its Board and A listed entity should disclose: management, and the functions reserved by the (a) the respective roles and responsibilities of Board and those delegated to senior its board and management; and management, in the Company’s Board Charter. This document is available in the Company’s (b) those matters expressly reserved to the Corporate Governance Compliance Manual in board and those delegated to management. the Investor Centre section of its website at www.vectusbiosystems.com.au under the Corporate Governance heading. Recommendation 1.2 The Company undertakes a number of checks before appointing a person or putting forward A listed entity should: to security holders a candidate for election as a (a) undertake appropriate checks before Director and provides material information to appointing a person, or putting forward to shareholders about a candidate for election or security holders a candidate for election, as a re-election. The Company’s Remuneration director; and and Nomination Committee provides recommendations to assist the Board of

Recommendation 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

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Vectus Biosystems Limited ABN 54 117 526 137

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Corporate Governance Principles and
Recommendations (3rd Edition)
Explanation
information in its possession relevant to a
decision on whether or not to elect or re-elect
a director.
Directors
with
ensuring
that
appropriate
checking and references are taken for new
Directors and key executives, and that
effective induction and education procedures
exist for new Board appointees and key
executives. These include checks as to the
person’s character, experience and education.
Information provided to security holders in the
Notice of Meeting includes: biographical details
and the skills they bring to the Board; details of
any other material directorships currently held
by the candidate; in the case of a candidate
standing for election as a Director for the first
time,
any
material
adverse
information
revealed by the checks the Company has
performed about the Director, details of any
interest, position, association or relationship
that
might
influence,
or
reasonably
be
perceived to influence, in a material respect his
or her capacity to bring an independent
judgement to bear on issues before the Board
and to act in the best interests of the Company
and its security holders generally, and if the
Board considers that the candidate will, if
elected, qualify as an independent Director, a
statement to that effect; in the case of a
candidate standing for re-election as a
Director, the term of office currently served by
the Director and if the Board considers the
Director to be an independent Director, a
statement to that effect and a statement by the
Board as to whether it supports the election or
re-election of the candidate.
A candidate for appointment or election as a
Non-Executive Director must provide the Board
with the information above and a consent for
Vectus to conduct any background or other
checks the Company would ordinarily conduct.
The candidate must also provide details of his or
her other commitments and an indication of time
involved, and specifically acknowledge to the
Company that he or she will have sufficient time
to fulfil his or her responsibilities as a Director.
Recommendation 1.3
A listed entity should have a written agreement
with each director and senior executive setting
out the terms of their appointment.
The Company has a procedure of obtaining a
written agreement with each Director and
senior executive setting out their terms of
appointment. These agreements take the
form of letters of appointment in the case of
Non-Executive Directors and service contracts
in the case of Executive Directors or other
senior executives.
For each Non-Executive Director, the agreement

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Vectus Biosystems Limited ABN 54 117 526 137

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Corporate Governance Principles and
Recommendations (3rd Edition)
Explanation
generally sets out the following: the terms of
appointment; the time commitment envisaged,
including
any
expectations
regarding
involvement with committee work and any other
special duties attaching to the positions;
remuneration,
including
superannuation
entitlements;
the
requirement
to
disclose
Directors’ interests and any matters that may
affect Directors’ independence; the requirement
to comply with key corporate policies, including
Vectus’ Code of Conduct, and its Securities
Trading Policy; the Company’s policy on when
Directors may seek independent professional
advice at the expense of the Company (which is
generally whenever Directors, especially Non-
Executive
Directors,
judge
such
advice
necessary
for
them
to
discharge
their
responsibilities as Directors); indemnity and
insurance arrangements; ongoing rights of
access to corporate information; and ongoing
confidentiality obligations.
In the case of Executive Directors or other senior
executives, the agreements generally set out the
information above (to the extent applicable), as
well as: descriptions of their positions, duties and
responsibilities; the persons or bodies to whom
they report; the circumstances in which their
services
may
be
terminated;
and
any
entitlements on termination.
Vectus is required under the ASX Listing Rules
to
disclose
the
material
terms
of
any
employment,
service
or
consultancy
agreement it or a subsidiary enters into with its
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) (or equivalent),
any of its Directors, and any other person or
entity who is a related party of its CEO or any
of its Directors. It is also required to disclose
any material variation to such an agreement.
Recommendation 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
Company
Secretary
is
accountable
directly to the Board, through the Chairman,
on all matters to do with the proper functioning
of the Board. The Company Secretary of
Vectus plays an important role in supporting
the effectiveness of the Board and its
Committees. The role of the Company
Secretary includes: advising the Board and its
Committees
on
governance
matters;
monitoring that Board and Committee policies
and procedures are followed; co-ordinating the
timely completion and despatch of Board and
Committee papers; ensuring that the business
at
Board
and
Committee
meetings
is
accurately capturedintheminutes; and

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Vectus Biosystems Limited ABN 54 117 526 137

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Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations (3[rd] Edition)

Explanation

helping to organise and facilitate the induction and professional development of Directors. Each Director is able to communicate directly with the Company Secretary and vice versa. The decision to appoint or remove a Company Secretary is made or approved by the Board.

Recommendation 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 Company’s workforce, including employees, contractors, management and the Board, is made up of individuals with diverse skills, values, backgrounds and experiences that bring to the Company the skills and expertise that are required for the Company to enhance its performance. The Company values diversity and recognises the benefit it can bring in achieving its goals. To this end, the Company has a Diversity Policy that reflects its commitments and objectives, and includes requirements for the Board, and Remuneration and Nomination Committee to annually review performance against these objectives, as part of its annual review of the effectiveness of this Policy. This Committee and the Board set measurable objectives for achieving gender diversity and assess annually both the objectives and the entity’s progress in achieving them. In this regard, during the reporting period the Company satisfied its objective of appointing a second woman to the Company’s Board of Directors and three new women employees. A copy of the Diversity Policy is available in the Company’s Corporate Governance Compliance Manual in the Investor Centre section of its website at www.vectusbiosystems.com.au under Corporate Governance.

The Company is committed to ensuring that the appropriate mix of skills, experience, expertise and diversity are considered when employing staff at all levels of the organisation, and when making new senior executive and Board appointments, and is satisfied that the composition of employees, senior executives and members is appropriate considering its size and environment. The Company has the objective to maintain or exceed the current high ratio of women to men with its proposed staff recruitment in the coming year.

There are two women and five men on the Board, in senior executive positions there are two women (one of whom is also on the Board) and one man, and nine women and four men across the whole organisation (excluding Non-

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Vectus Biosystems Limited ABN 54 117 526 137

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Corporate Governance Principles and
Recommendations (3rd Edition)
Explanation
Executive Directors). The Company has
defined “senior executive” for these purposes in
the same way as it has defined its Key
Management Personnel in the Company’s
Remuneration Report, i.e. those persons
having authority and responsibility for planning,
directing and controlling the activities of the
entity, directly or indirectly, including any
Director (whether executive or otherwise) of
that entity. The Key Management Personnel of
the Company are the Non-Executive Directors
and the Executive Director (i.e. the CEO).
Recommendation 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 Remuneration and Nomination Committee
Charter describes the process the Company
uses for evaluating the performance of its
Board, its committees and individual Directors.
These corporate governance documents are
available
for
review
in
the
Company’s
Corporate Governance Compliance Manual in
the Investor Centre section of its website at
www.vectusbiosystems.com.au
under
Corporate Governance. The Company has
adopted a process of, and is progressively
completing (since 30 June 2016), its first
Board Evaluation Questionnaire. The Board
will assess the results of that Questionnaire,
and will assess the results derived from future
Questionnaires, on at least an annual basis as
part of the process for periodically evaluating
the performance of the Board, its Committees
and individual Directors.
Recommendation 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 Company has adopted a process of, and is
progressively completing (since 30 June 2016),
its
first
Senior
Executive
Evaluation
Questionnaire. The Board will assess the
results of that Questionnaire, and will assess
the results derived from future Questionnaires,
on at least an annual basis as part of the
process
for
periodically
evaluating
the
performance of its senior executives.
The responsibilities of the Board include ratifying
other
senior
executive
appointments,
organisational changes and senior management
remuneration policies and practices.
The purpose of the Remuneration and
Nomination
Committee
is
to
provide
recommendations to assist the Board with
respect
to:
ensuring
that
appropriate
procedures exist to assess and review the
performance of the senior management;
setting in place remuneration policies that are
designed to attract and retain senior managers

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Vectus Biosystems Limited ABN 54 117 526 137

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Corporate Governance Principles and Explanation Recommendations (3[rd] Edition) to enhance the performance and growth of the Company; and ensuring that the level and composition of remuneration packages are fair, reasonable and adequate and, in the case of Executive Directors and senior managers, display a clear relationship between the performance of the individual and the performance of the Company. Recommendation 2.1 The Board of the Company has a Remuneration and Nomination Committee, which currently The board of a listed entity should: consists of three members, a majority of whom (a) have a nomination committee which: are independent Directors, and is chaired by an independent Director. The members of the (1) has at least three members, a majority Committee are Graham Macdonald (Committee of whom are independent directors; and Chairman), Maurie Stang and Ronald Shnier. (2) is chaired by an independent director, The Remuneration and Nomination Committee and disclose: Charter governs the composition, membership, roles and responsibilities of the (3) the charter of the committee; Directors, and provides recommendations to (4) the members of the committee; and assist the Board of Directors. The Charter is available in the Company’s Corporate (5) as at the end of each reporting period, the number of times the committee met Governance Compliance Manual in the Investor Centre section of its website at throughout the period and the individual attendances of the members at those www.vectusbiosystems.com.au under Corporate Governance.

(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

During 1 July 2015 and 30 June 2016 one Committee meeting was held, at which Graham Macdonald and Maurie Stang were present; Ronald Shnier was unable to attend this meeting.

(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.

Recommendation 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.

The Company has and discloses a Board Skills Matrix setting out the mix of skills and diversity that it currently has in its membership. The Skills Matrix is set out in Appendix A below. The Corporate Governance Committee has reviewed the collective skills of the Board and will consider the mix in the Company’s professional development initiatives for Directors and in its Board succession planning.

Recommendation 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

The Board considers that each of Graham Macdonald, Ronald Shnier and Susan Pond is an independent Director, free from any business or any other relationship that could materially interfere with, or reasonably be perceived to interfere with, the independent exercise of the Director’s judgement, and each is able to fulfil the role of an independent director for the purposes of the ASX

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Vectus Biosystems Limited ABN 54 117 526 137

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Corporate Governance Principles and Explanation Recommendations (3[rd] Edition) opinion that it does not compromise the Recommendations. independence of the director, the nature of the Karen Duggan, Maurie Stang, Bernard Stang interest, position, association or relationship in and Peter Bush are considered by the Board question and an explanation of why the board not to be independent, having regard to the is of that opinion; and indicators of independence set out in Box 2.3 (c) the length of service of each director. of the ASX Recommendations. The length of service of each Director as at the date of this Statement is as follows: Graham Macdonald – eight years and seven months. Karen Duggan – ten years. Maurie Stang – ten years and nine months. Bernard Stang – ten years and nine months. Peter Bush – one year and three months. Ronald Shnier – one year and one month. Susan Pond – five months. Recommendation 2.4 The Board does not have a majority of independent Directors due to the Company’s A majority of the board of a listed entity should size and the early stage of its development. be independent directors. However, during the most recent reporting period, the Board re-examined its structure based on its Skills Matrix and appointed one additional Independent Director, which was the goal it set for itself during the previous reporting period and achieved.

Recommendation 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 Non-Executive Chairman of the Board is an independent Director and is not the CEO of the Company or an executive director.

Recommendation 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.

It is the role of the Company’s Remuneration and Nomination Committee to ensure that an effective induction process is implemented for new Board appointees and key executives. The Company has prepared a draft programme for inducting new Directors, which will be reviewed and adopted at the next Corporate Governance Committee meeting. Every new Director receives a Letter of Appointment accompanied by: a Director’s Deed of Access and Indemnity; information on the Company’s policies and charters; and an induction meeting. The Board and Senior Executive Induction Programme, when adopted by the Committee, will be incorporated into the Company’s Corporate Governance Compliance Manual in the Investor Centre section of its website at

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Vectus Biosystems Limited ABN 54 117 526 137

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Corporate Governance Principles and
Recommendations (3rd Edition)
Explanation
www.vectusbiosystems.com.au
under
Corporate Governance. The Board considers
training to develop skills and experience of
individual Board members in conjunction with
its review of the Skills Matrix. In order to
ensure the Board is able to discharge its
responsibilities properly, the Remuneration
and Nomination Committee has a process
whereby Directors can obtain independent
professional advice when necessary at the
expense of the Company.
Recommendation 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.
The Company has developed a Corporate
Code of Conduct that has been fully endorsed
by the Board, and applies to all Directors,
senior executives and employees. The Code
of Conduct is reviewed and updated as
necessary to ensure it reflects the highest
standards of behaviour and professionalism,
and the practices necessary to maintain
confidence in the Group’s integrity, and to take
into account legal obligations and reasonable
expectations of the Company’s stakeholders.
A copy of the Corporate Code Conduct is
available
in
the
Company’s
Corporate
Governance
Compliance
Manual
in
the
Investor Centre section of its website at
www.vectusbiosystems.com.au
under
Corporate Governance.
Recommendation 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,
The Board of the Company has an Audit and
Risk Management Committee, which was
established by the Board to review and
monitor financial, audit and risk management
processes and reporting. The Committee
consists of three Non-Executive Directors, a
majority
of
whom
are
not
independent
Directors. The Committee consists of the
following Directors: Peter Bush (Committee
Chairman) (Accountant, but not independent),
Graham Macdonald (medical background and
independent) and Maurie Stang (finance
experience, but not independent).
The reason why the majority of Directors of
this Committee is not made up of independent
Directors is because the Directors with greater
expertise in the area of accounting and
financial
controls
are
non-independent
Directors. The Chairman of the Committee is
not an independent Director, but he is not the
Chairman of the Board. The reason why the
Chairman of this Committee is not an
Independent Director is because the only
independent member of the Committee is the

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Vectus Biosystems Limited ABN 54 117 526 137

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Corporate Governance Principles and
Recommendations (3rd Edition)
Explanation
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.
Chairman of the Board.
A copy of the Charter of the Committee is
available
in
the
Company’s
Corporate
Governance
Compliance
Manual
in
the
Investor Centre section of its website at
www.vectusbiosystems.com.au
under
Corporate
Governance.
The
relevant
qualifications and experience of the members
of the Committee can be found in the About
Us section of the Company’s website under
Leadership Team (which can be found in the
Investor Centre section) and in the Directors’
Report in the Company’s Annual Report. In
relation to the reporting period the Committee
did not meet. The first Committee meeting
was held on 24 August 2016 to consider the
2016 Annual Report, the first Annual Report
since the Company listed on ASX.
Recommendation 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.
Since the Company listed on ASX in February
2016 it has adopted a procedure whereby,
before it approves the Company’s financial
statements for a financial period, the Board
receives assurance from the CEO and CFO,
via a declaration, that the financial records of
the Company 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 Company,
and that their opinion is founded on a sound
system of risk management and internal
control, and that the system is operating
effectively in all material aspects in relation to
financial reporting risks.
Recommendation 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 Company invites its external Auditor to
attend its Annual General Meeting (AGM), and
to be available to answer shareholders’
questions about the conduct of the audit, and
the preparation and content of the Auditor's
Report. Within the last reporting period the
Company’s Audit Partner from UHY Haines
Norton attended its AGM and was available to
answer questions.
Recommendation 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.
The Board has established a Continuous
Disclosure Policy, which complies with its
obligations under the ASX Listing Rules and is
in the Company’s Corporate Governance
Compliance Manual in the Investor Centre
section
of
its
website
at
www.vectusbiosystems.com.au
under
Corporate Governance. TheBoardhas

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Vectus Biosystems Limited ABN 54 117 526 137

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Corporate Governance Principles and Explanation Recommendations (3[rd] Edition) designated the Company Secretary as the person responsible for overseeing and coordinating disclosure of information to the ASX, as well as communicating with the ASX. Recommendation 6.1 The Company provides information about itself and its corporate governance on its website. A listed entity should provide information The Investor Centre of the Vectus website about itself and its governance to investors contains a Corporate Governance drop-down via its website. section, where the Company’s Corporate Governance Compliance Manual, which contains its charters and policies, can be found, as well as the Corporate Governance Statement. The Investor Section also contains Reports and Presentations, a link to the Company's ASX Announcements, contact details of its Share Registry and the IPO Prospectus. Biographical information on the Company’s Leadership and Executive Teams can be found in the About Us section, and the Technology section provides information on the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary Accugen Pty Limited. The Contact Us section provides shareholders and investors with the Company’s contact details. Recommendation 6.2 The Company has designed and implemented an investor relations programme to facilitate A listed entity should design and implement an effective two-way communication with investor relations program to facilitate effective investors. Vectus has adopted a Shareholders two-way communication with investors. Communications Policy, which is available in the Company’s Corporate Governance Compliance Manual in the Investor Centre section of its website at www.vectusbiosystems.com.au under Corporate Governance. Vectus actively engages with shareholders at its meetings of security holders, meeting with them upon request and responding to any enquiries they may make from time-to-time. Recommendation 6.3 The Company has disclosed the processes it has in place to facilitate and encourage A listed entity should disclose the policies and participation at meetings of security holders in processes it has in place to facilitate and its Shareholders Communications Policy, encourage participation at meetings of which is available in the Company’s Corporate security holders. Governance Compliance Manual in the Investor Centre section of its website at www.vectusbiosystems.com.au under Corporate Governance. Written policies that the Company has made on security holder participation at meetings cover disclosure of price-sensitive information and ensure that the requirements of continuous disclosure are met. These written policies and procedures

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Vectus Biosystems Limited ABN 54 117 526 137

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Corporate Governance Principles and
Recommendations (3rd Edition)
Explanation
are
designed
to
enable
appropriate
communication with, and participation by,
shareholders. Vectus views its meetings of
shareholders as an important forum for two-
way communication between the Company
and its security holders. They provide an
opportunity for Vectus to impart to security
holders
a
greater
understanding
of
its
business, governance, financial performance
and prospects, as well as to discuss areas of
concern or interest to the Board and
management. These meetings also provide
an opportunity for security holders to express
their views to the Company’s Board and
management about any areas of concern or
interest for them.
Recommendation 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 Company gives security holders the
option to receive communications from, and
send communications to, the Company and its
security registry electronically. The Contact
Us section of the website contains Vectus’
contact details and security holders can also
choose to sign up to receive email alerts by
following the steps on the website. The
Investor Section of the Company’s website
provides the contact details of its Share
Registry, including links for security holders to
go to in order to make enquiries of the Share
Registry and to its website.
Recommendation 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.
The Board of the Company has an Audit and
Risk Management Committee established by
the Board to review and monitor financial,
audit and risk management processes and
reporting, and oversee risk. The Committee
consists of three Non-Executive Directors, a
majority
of
whom
are
not
independent
Directors, and the Chairman of the Committee
is not an independent Director for the reasons
set out in Recommendation 4.1 above. The
Charter of the Committee is available in the
Company’s
Corporate
Governance
Compliance Manual in the Investor Centre
section
of
its
website
at
www.vectusbiosystems.com.au
under
Corporate Governance.
The members of the Committee are Peter Bush
(Committee
Chairman)
(not
independent),
Graham Macdonald (independent) and Maurie
Stang (not independent). The reason why the
majority of Directors of the joint Audit and Risk
Management Committee is not made up of
independent Directors and that the Chairman of

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Vectus Biosystems Limited ABN 54 117 526 137

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Corporate Governance Principles and
Recommendations (3rd Edition)
Explanation
the Committee is not an independent Director is
because the Directors with greater expertise in
the area of accounting and financial controls
are non-independent Directors, and the only
non-independent member of this Committee is
also the Chairman of the Board.
In relation to the reporting period the
Committee did not meet. The first Committee
meeting since the Company listed on ASX was
held on 24 August 2016. Risk Factors is an
agenda item at each Board meeting.
Recommendation 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.
Management is responsible for designing,
implementing and reporting on the adequacy of
the Company's risk management and internal
control system. Management reports to the
Audit and Risk Management Committee on the
Company's key risks and the extent to which it
believes these risks are being monitored at
each Committee meeting. The Audit and Risk
Management Committee reviews and monitors
the Company’s risk management framework,
and internal compliance and control systems, at
least annually to satisfy itself that it continues to
be sound. As part of the risk review, the
Company has established a Risk Register,
which is included in the Board papers for Board
meetings, and is reviewed and updated by the
Committee. As part of the Company’s IPO
listing process an extensive review of risk was
undertaken by the Due Diligence Committee.
The
members
of
the
Audit
and
Risk
Management Committee were heavily involved
in this IPO due diligence process. In the period
since listing on ASX in February 2016 the risk
review process has been carried out by the
Board and the Committee first met on
24 August 2016.
Recommendation 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.
The Company does not have an internal audit
function. The process the Company currently
employs
for
evaluating
and
continually
improving
the
effectiveness
of
its
risk
management and internal control processes is
the monthly review of its actual versus budget
variances in revenue and expenses. Since the
end of the reporting period the Company has
instituted a procedure whereby there will be a
periodic
review
of
source
accounting
documentation by someone independent of
the Accounts Department and independent of
the
regular
accounting
documentation
approval process.

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Vectus Biosystems Limited ABN 54 117 526 137

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Corporate Governance Principles and Explanation Recommendations (3[rd] Edition) Recommendation 7.4

The Company has not identified any specific material exposure to economic, environmental or social sustainability risks. The Company believes that how it conducts its business activities impacts directly on a range of stakeholders, including security holders, employees, customers, suppliers, creditors, consumers, governments and the local communities in which it operates. The Company understands that whether it does so sustainably can impact in the longer term on society and the environment.

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.

The Company operates with a long-term perspective in order to achieve a level of economic growth utilising the experience of a Board of Directors who have achieved success in the healthcare industry and in business at a senior executive level. Vectus has a goal of not compromising the health of the ecosystems in which it operates over the long term. The Company works in a manner that meets accepted social norms and needs, and intends to continue to do so into the future.

Vectus’ business aims to address certain social sustainability and economic risks, as it researches a cure for fibrosis caused by hypertension and other chronic diseases such as diabetes, which are a large cause of medical problems globally. The Company’s goal of treating cardiovascular fibrosis and systolic blood pressure is focused on improving the healthcare of our society, while ensuring the highest standard of occupational health and environmental safety. Vectus’ wholly-owned subsidiary, Accugen Pty Limited, has developed a platform system that potentially offers a time, cost and accuracy benefit in measuring the amount of DNA or RNA in analysing medical samples, compared to currently-available systems, and therefore providing economic benefits. The Company identified an unmet need through Karen Duggan’s discovery that a naturally-occurring molecule in the human body was capable of reversing fibrosis, which, if commercialised, will have a significant benefit to the needs of society over the long term. Fibrosis, the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ, plays a role in more than 40% of deaths worldwide. This figure includes different diseases affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys and liver, among others. While current treatments only slow the progression of fibrosis, Vectus has demonstrated in animal models that its

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Vectus Biosystems Limited ABN 54 117 526 137

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Corporate Governance Principles and Explanation Recommendations (3[rd] Edition)

compounds can reverse the process, leading to the restoration of normal tissue architecture.

Recommendation 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.

The Board of the Company has a Remuneration and Nomination Committee, which currently consists of three members, a majority of whom are independent Directors, and is chaired by an independent Director. The members of the Committee are Graham Macdonald (Committee Chairman), Maurie Stang and Ronald Shnier.

The Remuneration and Nomination Committee Charter governs the composition, membership, roles and responsibilities of the Directors, and provides recommendations to assist the Board of Directors. The Charter is available in the Company’s Corporate Governance Compliance Manual in the Investor Centre section of its website at www.vectusbiosystems.com.au under Corporate Governance.

During 1 July 2015 and 30 June 2016 one Committee meeting was held, at which Graham Macdonald and Maurie Stang were present; Ronald Shnier was unable to attend this meeting.

Recommendation 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.

The Company separately discloses its policies and practices regarding the remuneration of Non-Executive Directors and the remuneration of its Executive in the Remuneration Report in its Annual Report.

Recommendation 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.

The Company has an equity-based remuneration scheme, being its Employee Incentive Plan (EIP), which was summarised in the IPO Prospectus dated 23 November 2015. The Company has a policy that participants in the EIP are not permitted to enter into transactions (whether through the use of derivatives or otherwise) which limit the economic risk of participating in the scheme. There are no schemes for retirement benefits, other than superannuation, for NonExecutive Directors. The Corporations Act prohibits the key management personnel of ASXlisted companies established in Australia, or closely-related parties of such personnel, from entering into arrangements that would have the effect of limiting their exposure to risks relating to an element of their remuneration that either has not vested or has vested but remains subject to a holding lock.

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Vectus Biosystems Limited ABN 54 117 526 137

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Appendix A – Skills Matrix

Skills, Diversity and Experience of the Board Total Number out of Seven Directors
Leadership 7
Corporate Governance and Compliance 6
RegulatoryCompliance 6
Membershipof Governance or RegulatoryBodies 4
Strategy 7
Directorships / Senior Managementpositions held outside VBS 7
CEO / CFO / COO experience 6
General Management 7
Tenure – Director with VBS for less than threeyears 3
Tenure – Director with VBS for between three to nineyears 1
Tenure – Director with VBS for nineyears or more 3
Operations 5
Occupational Health and Safety 6
Experience ManagingEnvironment Issues in an Organisation 4
Project Delivery 6
Sector / IndustryExperience – Healthcare 7
Geographic Experience – Global 5
Geographic Experience – Asia Pacific 5
International Business 5
Finance 4
Accounting 2
Mergers and Acquisitions / Equity/ Capital Markets 3
Experience in Growinga Business 6
Experience in ImplementingCapital Projects 4
Business Development 7
Risk Management 6
Marketing 3
Remuneration 5
Government Relations 6
Human Resources Management / People 5
Professional Services 3
Gender Diversity– worked with females on Boards 7
EarlyStage Pharmaceutical and Diagnostics 7
TertiaryQualifications 6
Post-Graduate Business Studies and CA or CPA 1
Residencyin Australia 7
Significant Research and Development Experience 7
Legal and Intellectual Property 6

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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

Vectus Biosystems Limited (ASX:VBS)

ABN ~~/ ARBN~~

Financial year ended:

54 117 526 137 30 June 2016

Our corporate governance statement[2] for the above period above can be found at:[3]

  • These pages of our annual report:

  • This URL on our website:

http://www.vectusbiosystems.com.au/investor-centre/corporate-governance/

The Corporate Governance Statement is accurate and up to date as at 28 September 2016 and has been approved by the board.

The annexure includes a key to where our corporate governance disclosures can be located.

Date: 29 September 2016

Name of ~~Director or~~ Secretary authorising lodgement: Robert J Waring

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

Page 1

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 …
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole
of the period above. We have disclosed …4
PRINCIPLE 1 – LAY SOLID FOUNDATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT
1.1 A listed entity should disclose:
(a)
the respective roles and responsibilities of its board and
management; and
(b)
those matters expressly reserved to the board and those
delegated to management.
… the fact that we follow this recommendation:
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]
… and information about the respective roles and responsibilities of
our board and management (including those matters expressly
reserved to the board and those delegated to management):

in the Company’s Corporate Governance Compliance Manual
in the Investor Centre section of its website at
www.vectusbiosystems.com.au under Corporate Governance

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement OR

we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation
is therefore not applicable
1.2 A listed entity should:
(a)
undertake appropriate checks before appointing a person, or
putting forward to security holders a candidate for election,
as a director; and
(b)
provide security holders with all material information in its
possession relevant to a decision on whether or not to elect
or re-elect a director.
… the fact that we follow this recommendation:
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement OR

we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation
is therefore not applicable
1.3 A listed entity should have a written agreement with each director
and senior executive setting out the terms of their appointment.
… the fact that we follow this recommendation:

in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement OR

we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation
is therefore not applicable
1.4 The company secretary of a listed entity should be accountable
directly to the board, through the chair, on all matters to do with the
proper functioning of the board.
… the fact that we follow this recommendation:
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement OR

we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation
is therefore not applicable

4 If you have followed all of the Council’s recommendations in full for the whole of the period above, you can, if you wish, delete this column from the form and re-format it.

  • See chapter 19 for defined terms

2 November 2015

Page 2

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 …
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole
of the period above. We have disclosed …4
1.5 A listed entity should:
(a)
have a diversity policy which includes requirements for the
board or a relevant committee of the board to set
measurable objectives for achieving gender diversity and to
assess annually both the objectives and the entity’s progress
in achieving them;
(b)
disclose that policy or a summary of it; and
(c)
disclose as at the end of each reporting period the
measurable objectives for achieving gender diversity set by
the board or a relevant committee of the board in accordance
with the entity’s diversity policy and its progress towards
achieving them and either:
(1) the respective proportions of men and women on the
board, in senior executive positions and across the
whole organisation (including how the entity has defined
“senior executive” for these purposes); or
(2) if the entity is a “relevant employer” under the Workplace
Gender Equality Act, the entity’s most recent “Gender
Equality Indicators”, as defined in and published under
that Act.
… the fact that we have a diversity policy that complies with
paragraph (a):
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]
… and a copy of our diversity policy or a summary of it:
in the Company’s Corporate Governance Compliance Manual in
the Investor Centre section of its website at
www.vectusbiosystems.com.au under Corporate Governance
… and the measurable objectives for achieving gender diversity set by
the board or a relevant committee of the board in accordance with our
diversity policy and our progress towards achieving them:
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]
… and the information referred to in paragraphs (c)(1) or (2):
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement OR

we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation
is therefore not applicable
1.6 A listed entity should:
(a)
have and disclose a process for periodically evaluating the
performance of the board, its committees and individual
directors; and
(b)
disclose, in relation to each reporting period, whether a
performance evaluation was undertaken in the reporting
period in accordance with that process.
… the evaluation process referred to in paragraph (a):
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
in the Company’s Corporate Governance Compliance Manual in
the Investor Centre section of its website at
www.vectusbiosystems.com.au under Corporate Governance
… and the information referred to in paragraph (b):
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement OR

we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation
is therefore not applicable
1.7 A listed entity should:
(a)
have and disclose a process for periodically evaluating the
performance of its senior executives; and
(b)
disclose, in relation to each reporting period, whether a
performance evaluation was undertaken in the reporting
period in accordance with that process.
… the evaluation process referred to in paragraph (a):
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]
… and the information referred to in paragraph (b):
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement OR

we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation
is therefore not applicable
    • See chapter 19 for defined terms

2 November 2015

Page 3

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 …
We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the
period above. We have disclosed …
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole
of the period above. We have disclosed …4
PRINCIPLE 2 - STRUCTURE THE BOARD TO ADD VALUE
2.1 The board of a listed entity should:
(a)
have a nomination committee which:
(1) has at least three members, a majority of whom are
independent directors; and
(2) is chaired by an independent director,
and disclose:
(3) the charter of the committee;
(4) the members of the committee; and
(5) as at the end of each reporting period, the number of
times the committee met throughout the period and
the individual attendances of the members at those
meetings; or
(b)
if it does not have a nomination committee, disclose that
fact and the processes it employs to address board
succession issues and to ensure that the board has the
appropriate balance of skills, knowledge, experience,
independence and diversity to enable it to discharge its
duties and responsibilities effectively.
[If the entity complies with paragraph (a):]
… the fact that we have a nomination committee that complies with
paragraphs (1) and (2):
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]
… and a copy of the charter of the committee:
in the Company’s Corporate Governance Compliance Manual in
the Investor Centre section of its website at
www.vectusbiosystems.com.au under Corporate Governance
… and the information referred to in paragraphs (4) and (5):
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]
[If the entity complies with paragraph (b):]
… the fact that we do not have a nomination committee and the
processes we employ to address board succession issues and to
ensure that the board has the appropriate balance of skills,
knowledge, experience, independence and diversity to enable it to
discharge its duties and responsibilities effectively:
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement OR

we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation
is therefore not applicable
2.2 A listed entity should have and disclose a board skills matrix
setting out the mix of skills and diversity that the board currently
has or is looking to achieve in its membership.
… our board skills matrix:
in our Corporate Governance Statement
at [insert location]
OR
an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement OR

we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation
is therefore not applicable
  • See chapter 19 for defined terms 2 November 2015

Page 4

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 …
We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the
period above. We have disclosed …
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole
of the period above. We have disclosed …4
2.3 A listed entity should disclose:
(a)
the names of the directors considered by the board to be
independent directors;
(b)
if a director has an interest, position, association or
relationship of the type described in Box 2.3 but the board
is of the opinion that it does not compromise the
independence of the director, the nature of the interest,
position, association or relationship in question and an
explanation of why the board is of that opinion; and
(c)
the length of service of each director.
… the names of the directors considered by the board to be
independent directors:
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]
… and, where applicable, the information referred to in paragraph (b):
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]
… and the length of service of each director:
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement
2.4 A majority of the board of a listed entity should be independent
directors.
… the fact that we follow this recommendation:
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement OR

we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation
is therefore not applicable
2.5 The chair of the board of a listed entity should be an independent
director and, in particular, should not be the same person as the
CEO of the entity.
… the fact that we follow this recommendation:
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement OR

we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation
is therefore not applicable
2.6 A listed entity should have a program for inducting new directors
and provide appropriate professional development opportunities
for directors to develop and maintain the skills and knowledge
needed to perform their role as directors effectively.
… the fact that we follow this recommendation:
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement OR

we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation
is therefore not applicable
PRINCIPLE 3 – ACT ETHICALLY AND RESPONSIBLY
3.1 A listed entity should:
(a)
have a code of conduct for its directors, senior executives
and employees; and
(b)
disclose that code or a summary of it.
… our code of conduct or a summary of it:
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
in the Company’s Corporate Governance Compliance Manual
in the Investor Centre section of its website at
www.vectusbiosystems.com.au under Corporate Governance
an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement
  • See chapter 19 for defined terms 2 November 2015

Page 5

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 …
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole
of the period above. We have disclosed …4
PRINCIPLE 4 – SAFEGUARD INTEGRITY IN CORPORATE REPORTING
4.1 The board of a listed entity should:
(a)
have an audit committee which:
(1) has at least three members, all of whom are non-
executive directors and a majority of whom are
independent directors; and
(2) is chaired by an independent director, who is not the
chair of the board,
and disclose:
(3) the charter of the committee;
(4) the relevant qualifications and experience of the
members of the committee; and
(5) in relation to each reporting period, the number of
times the committee met throughout the period and
the individual attendances of the members at those
meetings; or
(b)
if it does not have an audit committee, disclose that fact
and the processes it employs that independently verify and
safeguard the integrity of its corporate reporting, including
the processes for the appointment and removal of the
external auditor and the rotation of the audit engagement
partner.
[If the entity complies with paragraph (a):]
… the fact that we have an audit committee that complies with
paragraphs (1) and (2):
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]
… and a copy of the charter of the committee:
in the Company’s Corporate Governance Compliance Manual in
the Investor Centre section of its website at
www.vectusbiosystems.com.au under Corporate Governance
… and the information referred to in paragraphs (4) and (5):
in our Corporate Governance StatementAND
in the About Us section of the Company’s website under
Leadership Team (which can be found in the Investor Centre
section)AND
in the Directors’ Report in the Company’s Annual Report.
[If the entity complies with paragraph (b):]
… the fact that we do not have an audit committee and the processes
we employ that independently verify and safeguard the integrity of our
corporate reporting, including the processes for the appointment and
removal of the external auditor and the rotation of the audit
engagement partner:
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement
4.2 The board of a listed entity should, before it approves the entity’s
financial statements for a financial period, receive from its CEO
and CFO a declaration that, in their opinion, the financial records
of the entity have been properly maintained and that the financial
statements comply with the appropriate accounting standards
and give a true and fair view of the financial position and
performance of the entity and that the opinion has been formed
on the basis of a sound system of risk management and internal
control which is operating effectively.
… the fact that we follow this recommendation:
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement
  • See chapter 19 for defined terms 2 November 2015

Page 6

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 …
We have followed the recommendation in full for the whole of the
period above. We have disclosed …
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole
of the period above. We have disclosed …4
4.3 A listed entity that has an AGM should ensure that its external
auditor attends its AGM and is available to answer questions
from security holders relevant to the audit.
… the fact that we follow this recommendation:
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement OR

we are an externally managed entity that does not hold an
annual general meeting and this recommendation is therefore
not applicable
PRINCIPLE 5 – MAKE TIMELY AND BALANCED DISCLOSURE
5.1 A listed entity should:
(a)
have a written policy for complying with its continuous
disclosure obligations under the Listing Rules; and
(b)
disclose that policy or a summary of it.
… our continuous disclosure compliance policy or a summary of it:
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
in the Company’s Corporate Governance Compliance Manual in
the Investor Centre section of its website at
www.vectusbiosystems.com.au under Corporate Governance

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement
PRINCIPLE 6 – RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS
6.1 A listed entity should provide information about itself and its
governance to investors via its website.
… information about us and our governance on our website:
at www.vectusbiosystems.com.au, particularly in the Investor
Centre and About Us sections

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement
6.2 A listed entity should design and implement an investor relations
program to facilitate effective two-way communication with
investors.
… the fact that we follow this recommendation:
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement
6.3 A listed entity should disclose the policies and processes it has in
place to facilitate and encourage participation at meetings of
security holders.
… our policies and processes for facilitating and encouraging
participation at meetings of security holders:

in our Corporate Governance StatementAND
in our Shareholders Communications Policy, which is available
in the Company’s Corporate Governance Compliance Manual in
the Investor Centre section of its website at
www.vectusbiosystems.com.au under Corporate Governance

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement OR

we are an externally managed entity that does not hold
periodic meetings of security holders and this recommendation
is therefore not applicable
6.4 A listed entity should give security holders the option to receive
communications from, and send communications to, the entity
and its security registry electronically.
… the fact that we follow this recommendation:
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement
  • See chapter 19 for defined terms 2 November 2015

Page 7

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 …
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole
of the period above. We have disclosed …4
PRINCIPLE 7 – RECOGNISE AND MANAGE RISK
7.1 The board of a listed entity should:
(a)
have a committee or committees to oversee risk, each of
which:
(1) has at least three members, a majority of whom are
independent directors; and
(2) is chaired by an independent director,
and disclose:
(3) the charter of the committee;
(4) the members of the committee; and
(5) as at the end of each reporting period, the number of
times the committee met throughout the period and
the individual attendances of the members at those
meetings; or
(b)
if it does not have a risk committee or committees that
satisfy (a) above, disclose that fact and the processes it
employs for overseeing the entity’s risk management
framework.
[If the entity complies with paragraph (a):]
… the fact that we have a committee or committees to oversee risk
that comply with paragraphs (1) and (2):
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]
… and a copy of the charter of the committee:
in the Company’s Corporate Governance Compliance Manual in
the Investor Centre section of its website at
www.vectusbiosystems.com.au under Corporate Governance
… and the information referred to in paragraphs (4) and (5):
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]
[If the entity complies with paragraph (b):]
… the fact that we do not have a risk committee or committees that
satisfy (a) and the processes we employ for overseeing our risk
management framework:
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement
7.2 The board or a committee of the board should:
(a)
review the entity’s risk management framework at least
annually to satisfy itself that it continues to be sound; and
(b)
disclose, in relation to each reporting period, whether such
a review has taken place.
… the fact that board or a committee of the board reviews the entity’s
risk management framework at least annually to satisfy itself that it
continues to be sound:
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]
… and that such a review has taken place in the reporting period
covered by this Appendix 4G:
in our Corporate Governance Statement OR
at [insert location]

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement
  • See chapter 19 for defined terms 2 November 2015

Page 8

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 …
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole
of the period above. We have disclosed …4
7.3 A listed entity should disclose:
(a)
if it has an internal audit function, how the function is
structured and what role it performs; or
(b)
if it does not have an internal audit function, that fact and
the processes it employs for evaluating and continually
improving the effectiveness of its risk management and
internal control processes.
[If the entity complies with paragraph (a):]
… how our internal audit function is structured and what role it
performs:
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]
[If the entity complies with paragraph (b):]
… the fact that we do not have an internal audit function and the
processes we employ for evaluating and continually improving the
effectiveness of our risk management and internal control processes:
in our Corporate Governance Statement OR
at [insert location]

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement
7.4 A listed entity should disclose whether it has any material
exposure to economic, environmental and social sustainability
risks and, if it does, how it manages or intends to manage those
risks.
… whether we have any material exposure to economic,
environmental and social sustainability risks and, if we do, how we
manage or intend to manage those risks:
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement
  • See chapter 19 for defined terms 2 November 2015

Page 9

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 …
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole
of the period above. We have disclosed …4
PRINCIPLE 8 – REMUNERATE FAIRLY AND RESPONSIBLY
8.1 The board of a listed entity should:
(a)
have a remuneration committee which:
(1) has at least three members, a majority of whom are
independent directors; and
(2) is chaired by an independent director,
and disclose:
(3) the charter of the committee;
(4) the members of the committee; and
(5) as at the end of each reporting period, the number of
times the committee met throughout the period and
the individual attendances of the members at those
meetings; or
(b)
if it does not have a remuneration committee, disclose that
fact and the processes it employs for setting the level and
composition of remuneration for directors and senior
executives and ensuring that such remuneration is
appropriate and not excessive.
[If the entity complies with paragraph (a):]
… the fact that we have a remuneration committee that complies with
paragraphs (1) and (2):
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]
… and a copy of the charter of the committee:
in the Company’s Corporate Governance Compliance Manual in
the Investor Centre section of its website at
www.vectusbiosystems.com.au under Corporate Governance
… and the information referred to in paragraphs (4) and (5):
in our Corporate Governance Statement OR
at [insert location]
[If the entity complies with paragraph (b):]
… the fact that we do not have a remuneration committee and the
processes we employ for setting the level and composition of
remuneration for directors and senior executives and ensuring that
such remuneration is appropriate and not excessive:
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement OR

we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation is
therefore not applicable
8.2 A listed entity should separately disclose its policies and
practices regarding the remuneration of non-executive directors
and the remuneration of executive directors and other senior
executives.
… separately our remuneration policies and practices regarding the
remuneration of non-executive directors and the remuneration of
executive directors and other senior executives:
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
in the Remuneration Report in our Annual Report

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement OR

we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation
is therefore not applicable
8.3 A listed entity which has an equity-based remuneration scheme
should:
(a)
have a policy on whether participants are permitted to
enter into transactions (whether through the use of
derivatives or otherwise) which limit the economic risk of
participating in the scheme; and
(b)
disclose that policy or a summary of it.
… our policy on this issue or a summary of it:
in our Corporate Governance StatementAND
in the IPO Prospectus dated 23 November 2015

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement OR

w e do not have an equity-based remuneration scheme and this
recommendation is therefore not applicableOR

we are an externally managed entity and this recommendation
is therefore not applicable
  • See chapter 19 for defined terms

2 November 2015

Page 10

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 …
We have NOT followed the recommendation in full for the whole
of the period above. We have disclosed …4
ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES APPLICABLE TO EXTERNALLY MANAGED LISTED ENTITIES
- Alternative to Recommendation 1.1 for externally managed listed
entities:
The responsible entity of an externally managed listed entity
should disclose:
(a)
the arrangements between the responsible entity and the
listed entity for managing the affairs of the listed entity;
(b)
the role and responsibility of the board of the responsible
entity for overseeing those arrangements.
… the information referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b):
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement
- Alternative to Recommendations 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3 for externally
managed listed entities:
An externally managed listed entity should clearly disclose the
terms governing the remuneration of the manager.
… the terms governing our remuneration as manager of the entity:
in our Corporate Governance StatementOR
at [insert location]

an explanation why that is so in our Corporate Governance
Statement
  • See chapter 19 for defined terms

2 November 2015

Page 11