Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited logo

Corporate Governance Statement and Appendix 4G

Board Change28 August 2019AFIFinancials

28 August 2019



The Manager

ASX Market Announcements

Australian Securities Exchange

Exchange Centre

Level 4

20 Bridge Street

Sydney NSW 2000




Electronic Lodgement



Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited

Corporate Governance Statement and Appendix 4G



Dear Sir / Madam


Please find attached a copy of the Company’s Corporate Governance

Statement and Appendix 4G.



Yours faithfully



Matthew Rowe

Company Secretary


Corporate
Governance

Statement 2019

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT
Introduction

The Board of the Company is committed

to having the highest standards of ethical

behaviour and an effective system of

corporate governance for the Group,

that is, the Company and its subsidiary

Australian Investment Company Services

Limited (AICS), commensurate with the

size of the Company and the scope

of its business operations.

In accordance with ASX Listing Rule

4.10.3, set out below are the applicable

ASX Corporate Governance Council’s

eight principles of corporate governance

(ASX Governance Principles) and outlined

accordingly is how the Board has applied

each principle and the recommendations

set out within them for the financial year

ended 30 June 2019.

The Company is fully supportive of

the ‘if not, why not’ disclosure based

approach to governance adopted by

the ASX Governance Principles and the

recognition within them that there is no

single model of corporate governance

and that good corporate governance

practice is not restricted to adopting

the recommendations contained in

the ASX Governance Principles.

In addition to having its shares listed on

the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX),

the Company also has shares listed on

the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX).

As an overseas listed issuer on the NZX,

the Company is generally deemed to

comply with the NZX Listing Rules

provided that the Company remains

listed on the ASX, complies with the

ASX Listing Rules and provides the

NZX with all the information and

notices that it provides to the ASX.

The ASX Governance Principles differ

from the NZX’s corporate governance

rules and the principles contained in the

NZX Corporate Governance Code. More

information about the corporate governance

rules and principles of the ASX can be

found at www.asx.com.au and, in respect

of the NZX, at www.nzx.com.

Principle 1: Laying Solid

Foundations For Management

and Oversight

This Principle requires the Company to

establish and disclose the respective roles

and responsibilities of both the Board and

management and how their performance

is monitored and evaluated.

The Company’s Corporate Objective,

as determined by the Board, is to provide

shareholders with attractive investment

returns through access to a growing

stream of fully franked dividends and

growth in capital invested.

In this regard, the Company’s primary

goals are:

• to pay dividends which, over time, grow

faster than the rate of inflation; and

• to provide attractive total returns over

the medium to long term.

The role of the Board underpins and

supports the Corporate Objective of

the Company. The Board generally sets

objectives and goals for the operation of

the Company, oversees the Company’s

management, regularly reviews the

Company’s performance and monitors its

affairs in the best interests of the Company.

For these responsibilities, the Board

is accountable to its shareholders

as owners of the Company.

The Board operates under a Board charter,

available on the Company’s website, which

documents the role of the Board outlined

above and the matters that the Board has

reserved to itself. Those matters include:

• setting the Corporate Objective of the

Company and approving business

strategies and plans of the Company

designed to meet that objective;

• approving the expense budget

at least annually;

• approving changes to the Company’s

capital structure and dividend policy;

• appointing and removing the Managing

Director and carrying out succession

planning for the Managing Director

as applicable;

• reviewing the performance of the

Managing Director, his/her remuneration

and contractual arrangements;

• appointing and removing Senior

Executives on the recommendation

of the Managing Director;

• reviewing the performance and

remuneration of Senior Executives

on the review and recommendation

of the Managing Director;

• reviewing the composition of the

Board and Board Committees, the

independence of Directors, the Board’s

performance and carrying out succession

planning for the Chairman and other

Non-Executive Directors;

• determining the risk appetite

of the organisation;

• reviewing the performance of

management and the Company,

including in relation to the risk

management, internal controls

and compliance systems adopted

by the Company and the monitoring

and review of the performance of

AICS in relation to the services that

AICS provides the Company;

• dealing with any matters in excess

of any specific delegations that

the Board may from time to time

delegate to the Managing Director

and Senior Executives;

• approving the communication to

shareholders and to the public of

the half-year and full-year results

and generally any public statements

which reflect issues of the Company’s

policy or strategy that the Board

deems material; and

• causing processes to be put in place

for the investment team to implement

(in consultation with the Chairman/

Managing Director) the decisions of the

Investment Committee in buying/selling

options or securities.

The Directors meet formally as a Board,

normally monthly with an annual strategy

session. The Non-Executive Directors meet

regularly in the absence of the Managing

Director and other Senior Executives.

2

Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited Corporate Governance Statement 2019

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT
Delegation to Board Committees

The Board has established the following

principal Board Committees to assist

the Board in exercising its authority

over the matters outlined above:

• Investment Committee;

• Audit Committee;

• Nomination Committee; and

• Remuneration Committee.

Each Board Committee operates under

a formal charter that is made publicly

available on the Company’s website,

www.afi.com.au.

A chart showing the number of Board and

Board Committee meetings held during

the year and attendance by Directors

is set out below:

The role and work of the Nomination

Committee is outlined under Principle 2;

the Audit Committee is outlined under

Principles 4 and 7; and the Remuneration

Committee is outlined below under this

Principle and under Principle 8.

Investment Committee

The general role of the Investment

Committee is to manage the Company’s

investments and provide oversight of

the investment process to support the

Company’s Corporate Objective.

In doing this, the Committee:

• approves all purchases and sales and

other investment decisions to maintain

the investment and trading portfolios

at subsequent meetings;

• makes decisions in relation to how other

portfolio-related activities are carried out,

including regarding voting instructions

and lodgement of proxies in respect

of general meetings of companies in

which the Company has invested;

• receives reports on portfolio matters,

including portfolio performance,

transaction reports, portfolio position

reports and performance attribution

analysis; and

• receives reports and recommendations

in relation to the review and analysis

of companies/securities in which the

Company is able to invest, or has

invested in.

The Committee’s membership currently

comprises J Paterson (Chairman),

M Freeman (CEO), RE Barker, CM Walter

AM and PJ Williams. Other Directors attend

Committee meetings when available.

Further details of the role of the Investment

Committee in respect of the oversight

of investment risk can be found under

Principle 7.

Relationship with AICS

The Company has entered into an

agreement with Australian Investment

Company Services Limited (AICS) for

AICS to provide on a non-exclusive basis

a comprehensive range of services to

the Company under the leadership of

the Managing Director of AICS.

The Managing Director of AICS has been

appointed Managing Director of the

Company, and the AICS services provided

include the day-to-day maintenance of

the portfolios and associated research.

AICS is 25 per cent owned by Djerriwarrh

Investments Ltd and 75 per cent owned

by the Company.

The Managing Director is responsible

to the Company for the performance of

those services and the Board acts in close

consultation and cooperation with AICS

in relation to the provision of services

by AICS to the Company. AICS is paid a

fee based on its costs in providing these

services. The Senior Executives of AICS

have also been appointed as officers

of the Company and their details are

set out in the 2019 Annual Report.

Meetings of Directors

BoardInvestmentAuditRemunerationNomination

Eligible

to AttendAttended

Eligible

to AttendAttended

Eligible

to AttendAttended

Eligible

to AttendAttended

Eligible

to AttendAttended

J Paterson12122120442222

TA Campbell**3355--11--

M Freeman1212212044-2

#

--

RE Barker12122119-3

#

----

R Dee-Bradbury

^

22-2

#

------

JC Hey*65117------

GR Liebelt 1212-15

#

--22--

DA Peever 1212-19

#

44----

CM Walter

^^

12122121442222

PJ Williams1212212144-2

#

22

** Mr T Campbell retired on the 9 October 2018.

* Ms JC Hey retired on the 18 January 2019.

^ Ms R Dee-Bradbury was appointed to the Board 6 May 2019.

^^ Mrs CM Walter was appointed to the Nomination Committee on 21 January 2019.

# Attended meetings by invitation.

3

Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited Corporate Governance Statement 2019

Pre-appointment Checks
and AGMs

Prior to their appointment of a Non-Executive

Director to the Board, the Nomination

Committee will determine what pre-

appointment checks are appropriate to be

undertaken in the circumstances. During

the year Ms Rebecca Dee-Bradbury was

appointed to the Board.

Relevant details in respect of each

Director standing for election or re-election

by shareholders are contained within the

explanatory notes of the Notice of Annual

General Meeting.

Agreements

All of the Directors have entered into an

agreement with the Company in respect

of their appointment, including access to

documents, Director’s indemnity against

liability, Directors’ and Officers’ insurance,

conflicts of interests, taking independent

professional advice and dealing in the

Company’s securities.

Company Secretary

The Company Secretary’s details and

experience appears in the 2019 Annual

Report. While the Company Secretary is

an employee by AICS, he is accountable

to the Company’s Board, through the

Chairman, on all matters to do with

the proper functioning of the Board.

Board Diversity Policy

The Board recognises that having a diverse

Board will assist it in effectively carrying

out its role. The Board has established

a Diversity Policy under the oversight

of the Nomination Committee.

The Board views diversity as including,

but not being limited to, skills, qualifications,

experience, gender, age, disability, race,

ethnicity and cultural background.

The Company has a number of

characteristics that have an important

influence on how the Board deals with

Board and organisational diversity:

• As the Company is a long term

shareholder, it is beneficial to have

Directors who serve for a long period

of time, experiencing different economic

and business cycles.

• The Company has no employees as

all management, financial, business

development/marketing and securities/

stock market services are provided by

its subsidiary, AICS.

• Senior Executives of the Company

are the Senior Executives of AICS

and employed by them.

As such, the Diversity Policy is limited to

Board diversity. When the Board is looking

for an additional member, the overarching

priority is to appoint an individual based

on merit who the Board believes will provide

the Company with the best opportunity to

meet its Corporate Objective. Pursuant to

the policy, the Board has set as an objective

to embed gender diversity as an active

consideration in succession planning

for all Board positions.

Gender diversity has been a continuing

focus of discussion for the Nomination

Committee regarding Board succession

during the financial year, with Ms R Dee-

Bradbury being appointed in May 2019.

AICS has a small yet diverse workforce

and due to its size and flexibility, is able

to attract outstanding candidates whose

flexible working needs may not easily be

met in the general investment/financial

services industry.

Performance Assessments

Non-Executive Directors

In order to provide a specific opportunity

for performance matters to be discussed

with each Director, each year the Chairman

of the Board conducts a formal Director

review process.

He meets with each Director individually

to discuss issues including performance

and discusses with each Director the

effectiveness of the Board as a whole,

Board Committees, individual Directors

and the Chairman with the intention of

providing mutual feedback.

To assist the effectiveness of these

meetings, the Chairman is provided

with objective information about each

Director (e.g. number of meetings

attended, Committee memberships,

other current directorships etc.) and

a guide for discussion to ensure

consistency. The Chairman reports on

the general outcome of these meetings

to the Nomination Committee, and to

the Board where necessary. In addition,

an independent Director meets with other

Directors to discuss the performance of the

Chairman. Evaluations under this process

were carried out during the financial year.

Management

The Remuneration Committee

(see Principle 8), is responsible to the

Board for evaluating the performance of

the Managing Director and the Company’s

Senior Executives in accordance with

the Company’s aims and objectives,

and remunerating them appropriately.

As part of its approach to encouraging

enhanced performance, the Board has

adopted a remuneration structure for

the Managing Director and other Senior

Executives, which includes a significant

component of ‘at risk’ remuneration

designed to encourage and reward

high performance.

Full details of the remuneration process

and the benchmarks used for assessment

are given in the Remuneration Report in

the 2019 Annual Report, available on the

Company’s website. Such an assessment

was carried out in respect of the Managing

Director’s and Senior Executives’

performance for the financial year.

The Board believes that the Company

is fully compliant with Principle 1 and

its recommendations.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

Board and Organisational DiversityMale Female

Board (including Managing Director) 62

Other Senior Executives 30

Employees (all employed by AICS, including

Managing Director and other Senior Executives)

10 8

4

Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited Corporate Governance Statement 2019

Principle 2: Structure the Board
to Add Value

This Principle requires the Company to have

a Board of effective composition, size and

commitment to enable it to discharge its

duties effectively.

The Board consists of an Independent

Non-Executive Chairman, J Paterson,

a Managing Director, RM Freeman and

six Non-Executive Directors, RE Barker,

R Dee-Bradbury, GR Liebelt, DA Peever,

CM Walter AM and PJ Williams. All Non-

Executive Directors with the exception

of RE Barker are considered by the

Board to be independent.

The Directors’ Report in the 2019 Annual

Report sets out the details of the skills,

experience, and expertise of each Director.

The roles of the Chairman and Managing

Director are separate. The role of the

Managing Director is set out under

Principle 1, above. The role of the Chairman

is set out in the Board charter, including

being responsible for:

• the business of the Board, taking into

account the issues and the concerns

of all Directors and the requirements

of the Board charter;

• the leadership and conduct of Board and

Company meetings to be in accordance

with the agreed agenda, the Company’s

Corporate Objective and Principles of

Conduct (described under Principle 3,

below); and

• encouraging active engagement by

Directors and an open and constructive

relationship between the Board and the

Managing Director and Senior Executives.

The Chairman also has the authority to

act and speak for the Board between

meetings, subject to any agreed

consultation processes.

Appointment and Renewal

The Company’s constitution provides

that each Non-Executive Director must

seek re-election by shareholders at least

every three years if they wish to remain a

Director. Any new Non-Executive Director

appointed by the Board must seek election

by shareholders at the next Annual General

Meeting of the Company. This approach

is consistent with the ASX Listing Rules.

Details of the term of office held by each

Director in office as at the date of this

report are shown in the table below.

All Directors are encouraged to have a

meaningful shareholding in the Company

of at least one year’s Director’s fees over

time. In this way Directors benefit in the

same way as all shareholders in improving

the shareholder value of the Company.

To assist Directors to fully meet their

responsibilities to bring an independent

view to matters coming before them,

the Board has agreed upon a procedure

in appropriate situations for Directors to

take independent professional advice, at

the expense of the Company, after advising

the Chairman of their intention to do so.

On appointment, new Directors are

given the opportunity to meet with

Senior Executives of the Company to

fully understand their areas of expertise

and responsibility within the Company.

On an ongoing basis, regular reports are

provided to the Board updating Directors

with legal, regulatory, governance and

financial developments, both in Australia

and internationally, that could impact either

the Company, the companies that AFIC

invests in, or their roles as Directors of AFIC

and other companies. Directors are also

invited to attend meetings the Company

arranges with investee companies

and subject matter experts on various

business and economic issues.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

DirectorYears

J Paterson 14 years and Alternate Director 1987 to 2005

RE Barker17 Years (Non-Executive Director since 1 January 2018, Managing Director and CEO from 2001 to 2017

and Alternate Director 1987 to 2001)

RP Dee-Bradbury2 months

RM Freeman1.5 years

GR Liebelt 6 years

DA Peever 5 years

CM Walter AM16 years

PJ Williams9 years

5

Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited Corporate Governance Statement 2019

Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee comprises

J Paterson (Chairman), CM Walter AM

and PJ Williams. Committee members

are independent Directors including the

Chairman of the Committee.

The Nomination Committee’s charter

sets out the role of the Committee and

its responsibilities, composition and

membership requirements.

The Nomination Committee periodically

reviews Board and Board Committee

composition and succession planning,

and where applicable, recommends

suitable Directors for appointment by

the Board and shareholders. The Committee

may also involve other Directors or the full

Board in this process. Complementary to

this responsibility, the Committee oversees

the Board’s Diversity Policy.

On recommendation from the Committee,

the Board has determined that, in terms of

the mix of skills and diversity it is looking

for in its own membership, it is best served

by having a mix of individuals with different

perspectives that have deep expertise and a

breadth of experience in the following areas:


leading, managing and overseeing

corporations in a range of industry sectors,

at both Executive and Board level;


advising corporations (including legal,

tax and accounting advice);


the investment industry; and

•organisations with diverse governance

and regulatory regimes (including

charities, not-for-profit organisations,

government bodies, private companies

and international organisations).

The Nomination Committee utilises this

matrix when considering future Board

succession matters. The Committee also

reviews the process in place to assess

the Board’s performance.

Independence of Directors

The Nomination Committee also reviews the

independence of each of the Non-Executive

Directors on an annual basis, taking into

account the factors set out in the ASX

Governance Principles, including situations

where an individual Director may be a

partner in, controlling shareholder of,

or Executive of an entity which has a

material commercial relationship with

the Company and also the behaviours

each Director exhibits in the Boardroom.

In looking at commercial relationships,

the Nomination Committee has set an

initial materiality threshold of $1 million

per annum and this threshold is reviewed

annually by the Committee.

Being a long term investor is an essential

part of the Company’s Corporate Objective

and continuity on the Board is regarded

as an important factor in the Board’s

a

pproach. The Board is of the strong view

that length of tenure is not an indication

of a lack of independence and what is

important is how each Director behaves

in the boardroom, including the ability

to constructively challenge management.

The Board instead regards retention of

corporate memory as an important element

of the Board’s responsibilities. Details

of the length of service of each Director are

set out

on page 5.

A number of the Directors are also

Directors of companies in which the

Company invests. Any real or potential

conflicts of interest are dealt with by

procedures consistent with Corporations

Act requirements which are designed

to ensure that conflicted Directors do

not take part in the decision-making

process on re

levant issues. On this basis,

it is believed that their independence

on all other issues is not compromised.

RE Barker was CEO and Managing Director

of the Company from 2001 to 31 December

2017 and transitioned to a Non-Executive

Director on the 1 January 2018. Taking

into account the factors set out in the

ASX Corporate Governance Principles

Mr Barker is not considered to be an

independent Director.

A

s noted above, AFIC is a listed investment

company and is a long term investor,

it is of great assistance to have Directors

with a depth of experience and skills in

the securities industry and who have been

involved in the investment decisions of

the Company over a long period.

It is considered that with exception of

Mr Barker the remaining six Non-Executive

Directors are independent and this

is a majority of Directors.

The Board believes that the Company

is fully compliant with Principle 2

and its recommendations.

Principle 3: Act Ethically

and Responsibly

This Principle requires that the Company

should act ethically and responsibly.

The Board and Senior Executives are

committed to maintaining the highest

standards of integrity. The Company also

maintains a high level of transparency

regarding its actions consistent with

the need to maintain the confidentiality

of commercial-in-confidence material

and, where appropriate, to protect the

shareholders’ interests.

Corporate Principles of Conduct

The Board has adopted Corporate

Principles of Conduct which outline ethical

standards to be followed by Directors and

Senior Executives of the Company when

carrying out their responsibilities with a

view to the Company achieving its aims.

Under the Principles, Directors and

Senior Executives will:


conduct business in good faith in the

best interests of the Company with

efficiency

, honesty and fairness;

•perform their duties with the utmost

integrity and the standard of care and

diligence expected of an organisation

of the highest calibre;


treat others with dignity and respect; and

•not engage in conduct likely to have

an adverse effect on the reputation

of the Company

.

The Corporate Principles of Conduct also

set out details of how conflicts of interest

should be avoided. The Company’s

Directors and employees must disclose

to the Company any material personal

interest that they or any associate may

have in a matter that relates to the affairs

of the Company, and inform the Board,

via the Company Secretary, of any changes.

Where a conflict of interest may arise,

full disclosure by all interested persons

must be made and appropriate

arrangements followed, such that

interested persons are not included

in making any relevant decisions.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

6

Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited Corporate Governance Statement 2019

AICS also has its own comprehensive
Principles of Conduct in place that cover

the behaviours and actions of its employees.

Compliance with those principles is a

condition of the appointment of each

Senior Executive with the Company and

a condition of their employment with AICS.

Whistleblower Protection Policy

The Company also has in place a

Whistleblower Protection Policy that

establishes a formal framework within

which individuals are able, in a secure

way, to express their genuine concerns

about unlawful behaviour or breaches of

policy, free from the threat of victimisation

or reprisal and on the understanding that

their concerns will be investigated and that,

where appropriate, action will be taken

to redress the situation.

Any individual making a report in good faith

under the policy will be protected by the

Company from any victimisation, including

harassment, reprisals, discrimination

or other form of detriment, as a result

of making such a report.

The Board believes that the Company

is fully compliant with Principle 3 and

its recommendations.

Principle 4: Safeguard Integrity

in Corporate Reporting

This Principle requires that the Company

has formal and rigorous processes that

independently verify and safeguard the

integrity of its corporate reporting.

The Company has established an Audit

Committee to oversee the integrity of the

financial reporting process and which

reports to the Board. The Committee

has four members, all of whom are

independent Directors: PJ Williams

(Chairman), J Paterson, DA Peever

and CM Walter AM.

Members of the Audit Committee have

the requisite financial experience and

understanding to effectively discharge

the Committee’s mandate. In addition,

some members of the Committee have

relevant experience and qualifications as

set out in the 2019 Annual Report, but they

have no responsibilities additional to those

of other members of the Audit Committee.

The Audit Committee is responsible

for reviewing:

• the Company’s accounting policies;

• the content of financial statements;

• issues relating to the controls applied

to the Company’s activities;

• the conduct, effectiveness and

independence of the external audit;

• risk management (including taxation risk)

and related issues; and

• compliance issues.

Written Affirmations

Prior to approving the Company’s financial

statements, the Board has received from

the Managing Director and the Chief

Financial Officer written affirmations

concerning the Company’s financial

statements required by the Corporations

Act as set out in the Directors’ Declaration

in the 2019 Annual Report.

In respect of both the financial statements

for the year ended 30 June 2019 and

the half-year ended 31 December 2018,

the Board has also received from the

Managing Director and the Chief Financial

Officer written affirmation 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 Company

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 Audit Committee and the Board

have also received reports from the

Senior Executives as to the effectiveness

of the Company’s management of its

material business risks whilst noting

that the Company, as a listed investment

company, actively takes on appropriate

levels of investment risk as part of its

investment activities.

External Audit

The Company has a process to ensure

the independence and competence of the

Company’s external auditor including the

Audit Committee reviewing any non-audit

work to ensure that it does not conflict

with audit independence. Information on

procedures for the selection and

appointment of the external auditor and for

the rotation of external audit engagement

partners is set out in the Committee’s

charter. Policies relating to rotating external

audit engagement partners are set by

the external audit firm in accordance with

Corporations Act and international best

practice requirements. The Audit Committee

meets regularly with the external auditor in

the absence of management. The external

auditor attends the Company’s Annual

General Meeting to answer questions

from shareholders relevant to the audit.

The Board believes that the Company

is fully compliant with Principle 4 and

its recommendations.

Principle 5: Make Timely

and Balanced Disclosure

This Principle requires that the Company

promotes timely and balanced disclosure

of all material matters concerning

the Company.

As a listed entity, the Company has an

obligation under the ASX Listing Rules

and the Corporations Act to maintain

an informed market in its securities.

Accordingly, the market is kept advised

of all information required to be disclosed

under the Listing Rules, which it is believed

would or may have a material effect on the

price or value of the Company’s securities.

The Company has a written Continuous

Disclosure policy and procedures designed

to ensure compliance with ASX Listing

Rule and Corporations Act disclosure

requirements, to ensure accountability

at a senior management level for that

compliance and to clarify individual,

management and Board responsibilities in

the process. The policy is publicly available

on the Company’s website.

The Board believes that the Company

is fully compliant with Principle 5 and

its recommendation.

Principle 6: Respect the Rights

of Security Holders

This Principle requires that the Company

respects the rights of its security holders by

providing them with appropriate information

and facilities to allow them to exercise those

rights effectively.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

7

Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited Corporate Governance Statement 2019

The Company is owned by its shareholders
and the Board’s primary responsibility

to them is to do its utmost to meet the

Company’s objectives and so increase

the Company’s value for all shareholders.

The Board’s policy is to maintain active

communication with shareholders as

owners of the Company.

The Company’s website, www.afi.com.au,

contains access to ASX announcements,

Annual Reports, Half-Yearly Reports,

details of corporate governance practices,

presentations to shareholders, NTA

announcements, key date information,

dividend and security issue history and

relevant related material for shareholders

and investors.

In addition to communicating with

shareholders via the Annual Report and

the non-statutory Annual and Half-Yearly

Reviews, the Company holds an Annual

General Meeting of shareholders to

fulfil statutory requirements, to provide

shareholders with the opportunity to meet

with representatives of the Board and

management, to learn more about the

Company’s activities and, particularly,

to provide an opportunity to question

the Board and management about any

aspect of the Company’s activities. The

documentation produced (both hard copy

and electronic) for the Annual General

Meeting makes provision for shareholders

to submit questions to the Company.

In addition to the Annual General Meeting,

the Company holds non-statutory

Shareholder Information Meetings in

the Australian capital cities, some of

which follow the full-year results and

some of which follow the half-year results.

In the financial year ended 30 June 2019,

shareholder meetings were held in Sydney,

Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra,

Perth and Auckland. For the forthcoming

financial year shareholder meetings will

be held in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide,

Brisbane, Canberra, Perth, Hobart,

Launceston and Auckland, Tauranga,

Wellington and Christchurch.

The Company views the holding of these

non-statutory meetings as being very

important in terms of communicating with

its shareholders as it allows shareholders

around the country the opportunity to

question management and Directors

in an informal setting on the Company’s

activities and approach.

The Company also ensures, through the

share registry, that shareholders have the

option to communicate electronically with

the Company and the share registry. The

Company also maintains an email address,

invest@afi.com.au,that shareholders can

communicate electronically through.

The Company also utilises a toll free

telephone service, 1800 780 784, that

shareholders can call to hear the latest

NTA information.

The Board believes that the Company

is fully compliant with Principle 6 and

its recommendations.

Principle 7: Recognise and

Manage Risk

This Principle requires that the Company

establish a sound risk management

framework and periodically review it.

The Board believes it has established and

maintains a sound system of risk oversight,

management and internal control. The Risk

Management Framework adopted for the

Company is available on the Company’s

website. The Board has approved the

overarching risk appetite of the Company

and is assisted in its risk management

activities by the Audit Committee and

coordination of risk management activities

is done by the Chief Financial Officer, who

reports to the Audit Committee on such

matters. The Audit Committee reviews

the Framework annually and a review has

been carried out during this financial year.

This approach involves establishing the

context in which it operates, identifying

the risks, analysing those risks, evaluating

the risks, treating the risks where

appropriate and monitoring, reviewing

and reporting risks and the overall

performance of the framework. This

process is underpinned through regular

communication and consultation with key

business stakeholders. The framework

forms the basis for embedding enterprise

risk management within the culture of the

organisation. Its objectives are to:

• enable the Company to meet its

obligations and objectives efficiently

and reliably;

• increase the likelihood that the

Company will be successful in its

business operations by mitigating

potentially damaging events

occurring (e.g. operational risk)

and maximising the results of

positive events (e.g. financial position,

investment strategies, etc.), through

the implementation of risk management

strategies;

• provide decision-makers with the means

to identify risks and to determine whether

the controls in place are adequate

to mitigate those risks;

• provide a mechanism to assess the

levels of risk that can be accepted;

• ensure that the application of risk

management practices is understood

by the agents, employees, officers and

Directors of the Company, and a strong

risk culture is well entrenched; and

• reduce the consequence and/or

likelihood of potentially damaging events

by regular reviews of investments and

investment strategies or by transferring

the impact of potentially damaging events

to third parties (e.g. by insurance and

contractual arrangements) for outsourced

arrangements, where appropriate.

There are two main areas of risk that have

been identified:

• investment risk; and

• operational risk.

Investment Risk

Investment risk includes:

• market risk;

• credit, counter-party and settlement risk;

• liquidity risk; and

• reputational risk (insofar as it relates

to the investments that the Company

enters into).

The Investment Committee is primarily

responsible for dealing with issues

arising from investment risk. Day-to-day

administration of the portfolios is performed

by AICS. The Investment Committee

manages the portfolio, and reviews,

discusses and approves all purchases

and sales and other matters in connection

with the maintenance of the portfolios,

including the voting of proxies.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

8

Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited Corporate Governance Statement 2019

By its nature as a listed investment
company, the Company will always carry

investment risk because it must invest its

capital in securities which are not risk-free.

However, the Company seeks to reduce

this investment risk by a policy of

diversification of investments across

industries and companies operating

in various sectors of the market.

In addition to the investment portfolio,

the Company also operates a trading

portfolio for short term opportunities.

The Company seeks to enhance the return

from that portfolio by also selling call and

put options. In normal circumstances,

the Board restricts the size of the trading

portfolio to a maximum size of 10 per cent

of the assets of the Company. The Board,

through its Investment Committee, maintains

close control of option transactions. Option

transactions are limited to stocks held in the

trading portfolio or in a small sub-category

of the investment portfolio for the purpose

of enhancing returns from that portfolio

and buying and/or selling stocks at

attractive prices.

Operational Risk

The Company’s management is primarily

responsible for recognising and managing

operational risk issues such as compliance

risk, governance risk, reputation risk

(insofar as it relates to the operations of

the Company), strategic risk, political risk

and operation risk (including outsourcing

risk, business continuity risk, fraud risk,

people risk and cyber risk). A further risk

comprises ensuring compliance with AICS’s

Australian Financial Services Licence

requirements. This aspect of management’s

role is specifically overseen by the Risk

Management, Audit and Remuneration

Committee of AICS and reported to the

Company’s Audit Committee. The Chairman

of the Company’s Audit Committee,

PJ Williams, is also Chairman of the AICS

Risk Management, Audit and Remuneration

Committee. PJ Williams also serves

as Chairman of AICS.

Internal Audit and Written

Affirmation from AICS

The Company has received a report

from AICS outlining the control objectives

for AICS and the specific policies and

procedures established to meet these

procedures. These policies include

management oversight, segregation

of duties, multiple sign-offs and specific

authorisation levels. AICS has stated that

these have been in place throughout the

financial year, and have been effective

in meeting the control objectives.

While the Company does not have its

own internal audit function, AICS has

appointed Ernst & Young as its internal

auditor. The Company has received a report

from Ernst & Young, under the requirements

of Auditing Standard on Assurance

Engagements ASAE 3150 “Assurance

Engagements on Controls” stating their

opinion that, in all material respects, the

internal controls put in place by AICS in

relation to Investment Management and

Administration Operations for this financial

year are suitably designed to meet the

control objectives and have operated

effectively for this financial year.

Economic, Environmental and

Social Sustainability Risks

Economic risk is principally dealt with

under Investment Risk, above. In respect of

environmental and social sustainability risks,

the Company utilises AICS staff and AICS’

office space for meetings, so is not subject

to material direct environmental and social

sustainability risks. AICS has resources

to identify if any legal environmental

issues arise that need to be considered

by AICS and the Company going forward.

Sustainability of the companies that AFIC

invests in is considered by the Investment

Committee and Investment Team as part

of the Company’s long-term investment

approach, utilising external experts

to gain information as required.

The Board believes that the Company

is fully compliant with Principle 7

and its recommendations.

Principle 8: Remunerate Fairly

and Responsibly

This Principle requires that the Company

should pay director remuneration sufficient

to attract and retain high quality directors

and design its executive remuneration

to attract, retain and motivate high

quality senior executives and to align

their interests with the creation of value

for security holders.

The Company has a Remuneration

Committee to oversee remuneration issues

relating to the Non-Executive Directors, the

Managing Director and Senior Executives.

The charter of the Remuneration Committee

is available on the Company’s website.

GR Liebelt (Chairman), J Paterson and

CM Walter AM are members of the

Remuneration Committee. All members

are Independent Non-Executive Directors.

As set out in the Company’s Securities

Dealing Policy, Senior Executives are

prohibited from using financial products

to protect against or limit the risk associated

with unvested Company securities they

may receive as part of their performance-

based remuneration. Breaches of the

Company’s policy in this regard will

normally result in the termination of

the Senior Executive’s employment.

Further and full details regarding the work

of the Committee and the Company’s

remuneration practices in relation to both

Directors and management are set out

in the Remuneration Report contained

in the 2019 Annual Report.

The Board believes that the Company

is fully compliant with Principle 8

and its recommendations.

Fourth Edition of the Corporate

Governance Principles and

Recommendations and the Final Report

of the Royal Commission into Misconduct

in the Banking, Superannuation and

Financial Services Industry

The Final Report of the Hayne Royal

Commission and the fourth edition of

ASX Corporate Governance Principles

and Recommendations were both released

in February 2019. The Board continues

to closely monitor its risk management

frameworks and its practices in relation to

governance and culture and will measure

its governance practices against the

recommendations of the fourth edition

commencing with the financial year

ended 30 June 2021.

Approved by the Board of Australian

Foundation Investment Company

Limited.

Dated: 22 July 2019

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

9

Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited Corporate Governance Statement 2019


1

Rules 4. 7.3 and 4.10.3

1


Appendix 4G


Key to Disclosures

Corporate Governance Council Principles and Recommendations



ABN/ARBN Financial year ended

56 004 147 120 30 June 2019

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: www.afi.com.au/corporate-governance


The Corporate Governance Statement is accurate and up to date as at 22 July 2019 and has been

approved by the board.


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



Date here: 28 August 2019



Sign here:




Print name: Matthew Rowe



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.


Name of entity

AUSTRALIAN FOUNDATION INVESTMENT COMPANY LIMITED


2

ANNEXURE – KEY TO CORPORATE GOVERNANCE DISCLOSURES


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

...

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 Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here


... and information about the respective roles and

responsibilities of our board and management (including

those matters expressly reserved to the board and those

delegated to management):

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

 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 Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

 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 Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

 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


3

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

...

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 Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

 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


1.5

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 Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here


... and a copy of our diversity policy or a summary of it:

 at this location:

www.afi.com.au/corporate-governance


... 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 Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here


... and the information referred to in paragraphs (c)(1) or

(2):

 in our Corporate Governance Statement AND

 at this location:

https://www.afi.com.au/our-

 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

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

...

company#Companyreports

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 Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here


... and the information referred to in paragraph (b):

 in our Corporate Governance Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

 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 Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here


... and the information referred to in paragraph (b):

 in our Corporate Governance Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

 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


5

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

...

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 Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here


... and a copy of the charter of the committee:

 at this location:

www.afi.com.au/corporate-governance

Insert location here


... and the information referred to in paragraphs (4) and

(5):

 in our Corporate Governance Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here


[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 Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

 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


6

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

...

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 OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

 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


2.3

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 Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here


... where applicable, the information referred to in

paragraph (b):

 in our Corporate Governance Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

... the length of service of each director:

 in our Corporate Governance Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

 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 Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

 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


7

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

...

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 Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

 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 Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

 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 Statement AND

 at this location:

www.afi.com.au/corporate-governance

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

 an explanation why that is so in our Corporate

Governance Statement


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

[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 Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

... and a copy of the charter of the committee:

 at this location:

www.afi.com.au/corporate-governance

 an explanation why that is so in our Corporate

Governance Statement


8

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

...

(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.


Insert location here


... and the information referred to in paragraphs (4) and

(5):

 (5) in our Corporate Governance Statement AND

 (4) at these locations:

www.afi.com.au/our-company#Companyreports and

https://www.afi.com.au/people

_____________________________________________

Insert location here


[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 Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

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 Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

 an explanation why that is so in our Corporate

Governance Statement


9

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

...

4.3

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 Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

 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 Statement AND

 at this location:

www.afi.com.au/corporate-governance

Insert location here

 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 this location:

www.afi.com.au/corporate-governance

Insert location here

 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 Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

 an explanation why that is so in our Corporate

Governance Statement


10

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

...

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 Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

 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 Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

 an explanation why that is so in our Corporate

Governance Statement


PRINCIPLE 7 – RECOGNISE AND MANAGE RISK

7.1

The board of a listed entity should:

(a) have a committee or committees to oversee risk,

each of which:

(1) has at least three members, a majority of

whom are independent directors; and

(2) is chaired by an independent director,

and disclose:

(3) the charter of the committee;

(4) the members of the committee; and

(5) as at the end of each reporting period, the

number of times the committee met

throughout the period and the individual

attendances of the members at those

meetings; OR

(b) if it does not have a risk committee or committees

that satisfy (a) above, disclose that fact and the

processes it employs for overseeing the entity’s

risk management framework.

[If the entity complies with paragraph (a):]

... the fact that we have a committee or committees to

oversee risk that comply with paragraphs (1) and (2):

 in our Corporate Governance Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here


... and a copy of the charter of the committee:

 at this location:

www.afi.com.au/corporate-governance


Insert location here


... and the information referred to in paragraphs (4) and

(5):

 in our Corporate Governance Statement OR

 at this location:

 an explanation why that is so in our Corporate

Governance Statement


11

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

...

_____________________________________________

Insert location here


[If the entity complies with paragraph (b):]

... the fact that we do not have a ri sk committee or

committees that satisfy (a) and the processes we employ

for overseeing our risk management framework:

 in our Corporate Governance Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

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 we follow this recommendation:

 in our Corporate Governance Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

 an explanation why that is so in our Corporate

Governance Statement


7.3

A listed entity should disclose:

(a) if it has an internal audit function, how the

function is structured and what role it performs;

OR

(b) if it does not have an internal audit function, that

fact and the processes it employs for evaluating

and continually improving the effectiveness of its

risk management and internal control processes.

[If the entity complies with paragraph (a):]

... how our internal audit function is structured and what

role it performs:

 in our Corporate Governance Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here


[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 this location:

_____________________________________________

 an explanation why that is so in our Corporate

Governance Statement


12

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

...

Insert location here

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 Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

 an explanation why that is so in our Corporate

Governance Statement


PRINCIPLE 8 – REMUNERATE FAIRLY AND RESPONSIBLY

8.1

The board of a listed entity should:

(a) have a remuneration committee which:

(1) has at least three members, a majority of

whom are independent directors; and

(2) is chaired by an independent director,

and disclose:

(3) the charter of the committee;

(4) the members of the committee; and

(5) as at the end of each reporting period, the

number of times the committee met

throughout the period and the individual

attendances of the members at those

meetings; OR

(b) if it does not have a remuneration committee,

disclose that fact and the processes it employs for

setting the level and composition of remuneration

for directors and senior executives and ensuring

that such remuneration is appropriate and not

excessive.

[If the entity complies with paragraph (a):]

... the fact that we have a remuneration committee that

complies with paragraphs (1) and (2):

 in our Corporate Governance Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here


... and a copy of the charter of the committee:

 at this location:

www.afi.com.au/corporate-governance

Insert location here


... and the information referred to in paragraphs (4) and

(5):

 in our Corporate Governance Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here


[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

 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


13

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

...

composition of remuneration for directors and senior

executives and ensuring that such remuneration is

appropriate and not excessive:

 in our Corporate Governance Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

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 Statement OR

 at this location:

www.afi.com.au/our-

company#CompanyreportsInsert location here

 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 Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

 an explanation why that is so in our Corporate

Governance Statement OR


 we do not have an equity-based remuneration

scheme and this recommendation is therefore not

applicable OR


 we are an externally managed entity and this

recommendation is therefore not applicable


14

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

...

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 Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

 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 Statement OR

 at this location:

_____________________________________________

Insert location here

 an explanation why that is so in our Corporate

Governance Statement

Data sourced from publicly available filings. Our datasets may not be complete. Automated analysis can produce errors. If you believe any data on this page is incorrect, please contact us at hello@nzxplorer.co.nz. For informational purposes only. Not investment advice.

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