September 2003

The Business Council of Australia has released a code of conduct for annual general meetings.

The General Meetings: Code of Conduct, developed by the BCA’s Chairmen’s Panel, is designed to increase the value of AGMs for shareholders, boards and management.

Corporate governance remains an issue of concern for the community, politicians and the media. While the reasons for this concern are understood, the Business Council of Australia is firmly of the view that there is no corporate governance crisis in Australia.

It is important, however, for business to take these continuing concerns seriously and to respond in ways that do improve communication with shareholders.

The annual general meeting is an important element of corporate governance and the main opportunity each year for ordinary shareholders to comment and question the board and management of their companies.