The Board is responsible for establishing the Company’s corporate governance framework, the key features of which are set below. In establishing its corporate governance framework, the Board has referred to the 3rd edition of the ASX Corporate Governance Councils’ Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations.
In accordance with ASX Listing Rule 1.1 Condition 13, the corporate governance statement set out discloses the extent to which the Company intends to follow the recommendations as at the date of reinstatement of the Company’s securities to quotation on ASX. The Company will follow each recommendation where the Board has considered the recommendation to be an appropriate benchmark for its corporate governance practices. Where the Company’s corporate governance practices will follow a recommendation, the Board has made appropriate statements reporting on the adoption of the recommendation. In compliance with the “if not, why not” reporting regime, where, after due consideration, the Company’s corporate governance practices will not follow a recommendation, the Board has explained its reasons for not following the recommendation and disclosed what, if any, alternative practices the Company will adopt instead of those in the recommendation.
The following governance-related documents can be found on the Company’s website at www.caqholdings.com, under the section marked “Corporate Governance”:
(a) Board Charter;
(b) Board Performance Evaluation Policy;
(c) Code of Conduct;
(d) Audit Committee Charter;
(e) Remuneration and Nomination Committee Charter;
(f) Security Trading Policy;
(g) Continuous Disclosure Policy;
(h) Shareholder Communication and Investor Relations Policy;
(i) Risk Committee Charter;
(j) Risk Management Policy; and
(k) Diversity Policy.
Principle 1: Lay solid foundations for management and oversight
Recommendation 1.1
The Company has established the respective roles and responsibilities of its Board and management, and those matters expressly reserved to the Board and those delegated to management, and have documented this in its Board Charter.
The responsibilities of the Board include but are not limited to:
(a) setting and reviewing strategic direction and planning;
(b) reviewing financial and operational performance;
(c) identifying principal risks and reviewing risk management strategies; and
(d) considering and reviewing significant capital investments and material transactions.
In exercising its responsibilities, the Board recognises that there are many stakeholders in the operations of the Company, including employees, shareholders, co-ventures, the government and the community.
Recommendation 1.2
The Company undertakes appropriate checks before appointing a person, or putting forward to shareholders a candidate for election as a director and provides shareholders with all material information in its possession relevant to a decision on whether or not to elect a director. The checks which are undertaken, and the information provided to shareholders, are set out in the Company’s Remuneration and Nomination Committee Charter.
Recommendation 1.3
The Company will enter into a written agreement with each of the Directors. The material terms of any employment, service or consultancy agreement the Company, or any of its child entities, has entered into with its Chief Executive Officer, any of its directors, and any other person` or entity who is a related party of the Chief Executive Officer or any of its directors will be disclosed in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 3.16.4 (taking into consideration the exclusions from disclosure outlined in that rule).
Recommendation 1.4
The Company Secretary is accountable directly to the Board, through the Chair, on all matters to do with the proper functioning of the Board. The Company Secretary is responsible for the application of best practice in corporate governance and also supports the effectiveness of the Board by:
(a) ensuring a good flow of information between the Board, its committees, and Directors;
(b) monitoring policies and procedures of the Board;
(c) advising the Board through the Chairman of corporate governance policies; and
(d) conducting and reporting matters of the Board, including the despatch of Board agendas, briefing papers and minutes.
Recommendation 1.5
The Company has a Diversity Policy, the purpose of which is:
(a) to outline the Company’s commitment to creating a corporate culture that embraces diversity and, in particular, focuses on the composition of its Board and senior management; and
(b) to provide a process for the Board to determine measurable objectives and procedures which the Company will implement and report against to achieve its diversity goals.
The Board intends to set measurable objectives for achieving diversity, specifically including gender diversity and will review the effectiveness and relevance of these measurable objectives on an annual basis. However, due to the current size of the Board and management, these measurable objectives have not yet been set.
Recommendation 1.6
The Board will be responsible for evaluating the performance of the Company’s senior executives in accordance with the process disclosed in the Company’s Process for Performance Evaluations, which is currently being developed by the Board.
The Chair will be responsible for evaluating the performance of the Company’s executive directors in accordance with the process disclosed in the Company’s Process for Performance Evaluations, which is currently being developed by the Board. A general performance evaluation was not conducted during the reporting period.
Recommendation 1.7
The Chair will be responsible for evaluating the performance of the Board, Board committees and individual directors in accordance with the process disclosed in the Company’s Board performance evaluation policy.
This policy is to ensure:
(a) individual Directors and the Board as a whole work efficiently and effectively in achieving their functions;
(b) the executive Directors and key executives execute the Company’s strategy through the efficient and effective implementation of the business objectives; and
(c) committees to which the Board has delegated responsibilities are performing efficiently and effectively in accordance with the duties and responsibilities set out in the board charter.
This policy will be reviewed annually. The Company will report on whether an evaluation of the Board, its committees and individual directors has taken place in the relevant reporting period, and whether the process was in accordance with the process disclosed, in each of its corporate governance statements. An evaluation has not been conducted during the reporting period.
Principle 2: Structure the board to add value
Recommendation 2.1
During the year, the Company formed a separate Nomination Committee comprising of Richard Soo, Qian Xu and Ching Chung. Ching Chung is an executive director. However, due to his experience, it was considered appropriate for Ching Chung to be on the committee. Due to the short period from the formation of the committee on 29 April 2015 to the financial year end 30 June 2015, it was considered unnecessary to hold any meeting. Prior to this, items that are usually required to be discussed by a Nomination Committee are marked as separate agenda items at Board meetings when required.
The duties of the nomination committee are set out in the Company’s Nomination Committee Charter which is available on the Company’s website.
The Board has adopted a Nomination Committee Charter which describes the role, composition, functions and responsibilities of a Nomination Committee and is disclosed on the Company’s website.
Recommendation 2.2
The mix of skills and diversity which the Board is looking to achieve in its composition is:
(a) a broad range of business experience; and
(b) technical expertise and skills required to discharge duties.
Recommendation 2.3
The Board considers the independence of directors having regard to the relationships listed in Box 2.3 of the Principles and Recommendations.
Currently, the Board is structured as follows:
(a) Paul Price (Non-Executive Director and Chairman) – appointed 2 May 2013;
(b) KC Dennis Ong (Non-Executive Director) – appointed 2 May 2013;
(c) Richard Soo (Non-Executive Director) – appointed 2 May 2013;
(d) Michael Siu (Non-Executive Director) – appointed 20 April 2015;
(e) Qian Xu (Non-Executive Director) – appointed 20 April 2015; and
(f) Ching Chung (Executive Director and Deputy Chairman) – appointed 19 May 2015.
Paul Price is a director and shareholder of Trident Capital Pty Ltd, which is a shareholder of the Company and a provider of material professional services, and accordingly, is not considered independent.
KC Ong is a director of Trident Management Services Pty Ltd, which is a provider of material professional services, and accordingly, is not considered independent.
Michael Siu and Qian Xu are directors and shareholders of Beijing Properties (Holdings) Limited, which is a substantial shareholder of the Company, and accordingly, is not considered independent.
Ching Chung is an executive director, and accordingly, is not considered independent.
Richard Soo is an independent director.
Recommendation 2.4
Currently, the Board considers that membership weighted towards technical expertise is appropriate at this stage of the Company’s operations. A majority of the Board is not independent.
Recommendation 2.5
As noted above, Paul Price is not an independent Chairman. However, Paul Price is considered to be the most appropriate person to Chair the Board because of his public company experience.
Recommendation 2.6
It is a policy of the Company, that new Directors undergo an induction process in which they are given a full briefing on the Company. Where possible this includes meetings with key executives, tours of the premises, an induction package and presentations.
In order to achieve continuing improvement in Board performance, all Directors are encouraged to undergo continual professional development. Specifically, Directors are provided with the resources and training to address skills gaps where they are identified.
Principle 3: Act ethically and responsibly
Recommendation 3.1
The Company is committed to promoting good corporate conduct grounded by strong ethics and responsibility. The Company has established a Code of Conduct (Code), which addresses matters relevant to the Company’s legal and ethical obligations to its stakeholders. It may be amended from time to time by the Board, and is disclosed on the Company’s website.
The Code applies to all Directors, employees, contractors and officers of the Company.
The Code will be formally reviewed by the Board each year.
Principle 4: Safeguard integrity in corporate reporting
Recommendation 4.1
During the year, the Company formed a separate Audit Committee comprising of Paul Price, KC Ong and Qian Xu. As mentioned above, Paul Price and KC Ong are not independent directors. However, due to their experiences with public companies, it was considered appropriate for them to be on the committee. Due to the short period from the formation of the committee on 29 April 2015 to the financial year end 30 June 2015, it was considered unnecessary to hold any meeting. Prior to this, items that are usually required to be discussed by the Audit Committee are marked as separate agenda items at Board meetings when required.
The Board Audit Committee is responsible for the initial appointment of the external auditor and the appointment of a new external auditor when any vacancy arises. Candidates for the position of external auditor must demonstrate complete independence from the Company through the engagement period. The Audit Committee may otherwise select an external auditor based on criteria relevant to the Company’s business and circumstances. The performance of the external auditor is reviewed on an annual basis by the Audit Committee.
The Board has adopted an Audit Committee Charter which describes the role, composition, functions and responsibilities of the Audit Committee and is disclosed on the Company’s website.
Recommendation 4.2
Before the Board approves the Company financial statements for each financial period it will receive from the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer or equivalent a declaration that, in their opinion, the financial records of the Company for the relevant financial period have been properly maintained and that the financial statements for the relevant financial period comply with the appropriate accounting standards and give a true and fair view of the financial position and performance of the Company and the consolidated 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.
Recommendation 4.3
Under section 250RA of the Corporations Act, the Company’s auditor is required to attend the Company’s annual general meeting at which the audit report is considered, and if he cannot, he is to arrange to be represented by a person who is a suitably qualified member of the audit team that conducted the audit and is in a position to answer questions about the audit. Each year, the Company will write to the Company’s auditor to inform them of the date of the Company’s annual general meeting. In accordance with section 250S of the Corporations Act, at the Company’s annual general meeting where the Company’s auditor or their representative is at the meeting, the Chair will allow a reasonable opportunity for the members as a whole at the meeting to ask the auditor (or its representative) questions relevant to the conduct of the audit; the preparation and content of the auditor’s report; the accounting policies adopted by the Company in relation to the preparation of the financial statements; and the independence of the auditor in relation to the conduct of the audit. The Chair will also allow a reasonable opportunity for the auditor (or their representative) to answer written questions submitted to the auditor under section 250PA of the Corporations Act.
Principle 5: Make timely and balanced disclosure
Recommendation 5.1
The Company is committed to:
(a) ensuring that shareholders and the market are provided with full and timely information about its activities;
(b) complying with the continuous disclosure obligations contained in the Listing Rules and the applicable sections of the Corporations Act; and
(c) providing equal opportunity for all stakeholders to receive externally available information issued by the Company in a timely manner.
The Company has adopted a Disclosure Policy, which is disclosed on the Company’s website at caqholdings.com. The Disclosure Policy sets out policies and procedures for the Company’s compliance with its continuous disclosure obligations under the ASX Listing Rules, and addresses financial markets communication, media contact and continuous disclosure issues. It forms part of the Company’s corporate policies and procedures and is available to all staff.
The Company Secretary manages the policy. The policy will develop over time as best practice and regulations change and the Company Secretary will be responsible for communicating any amendments. This policy will be reviewed by the Board annually.
Principle 6: Respect the rights of security holders
Recommendation 6.1
The Company provides information about itself and its governance to investors via its website at caqholdings.com. The Company is committed to maintaining a Company website with general information about the Company and its operations and information specifically targeted at keeping the Company’s shareholders informed about the Company. In particular, where appropriate, after confirmation of receipt by ASX, the following will be posted to the Company website:
(a) relevant announcements made to the market via ASX;
(b) media releases;
(c) investment updates;
(d) Company presentations and media briefings;
(e) copies of press releases and announcements for the preceding three years; and
(f) copies of annual and half-yearly reports including financial statements for the preceding three years.
Recommendation 6.2
The Company has a Shareholder Communication and Investor Relations Policy which aims to ensure that Shareholders are informed of all major developments of the Company. The policy is disclosed on the Company’s website.
Information is communicated to Shareholders via:
(a) reports to Shareholders;
(b) ASX announcements;
(c) annual general meetings; and
(d) the Company website.
This Shareholder Communication and Investor Relations policy will be formally reviewed by the Board each year. While the Company aims to provide sufficient information to Shareholders about the Company and its activities, it understands that Shareholders may have specific questions and require additional information. To ensure that Shareholders can obtain all relevant information to assist them in exercising their rights as Shareholders, the Company has made available a telephone number and relevant contact details (via the website) for Shareholders to make their enquiries.
Recommendation 6.3
The Board encourages full participation of Shareholders at meetings to ensure a high level of accountability and identification with the Company’s strategies and goals. The Company will use general meetings as a tool to effectively communicate with shareholders and allow shareholders a reasonable opportunity to ask questions of the Board and to otherwise participate in the meeting. The external auditor of the Company is invited attend each Annual General Meeting of the Company and be available to answer shareholder questions about the conduct of the audit and the preparation of the auditor’s report.
Recommendation 6.4
Shareholders are given the option to receive communications from, and send communication to, the Company and its share registry electronically. To ensure that shareholders can obtain all relevant information to assist them in exercising their rights as shareholders, the Company has made available a telephone number and relevant contact details (via the website) for shareholders to make their enquiries.
Principle 7: Recognise and manage risk
Recommendation 7.1
The Company does not have a separate Risk Committee. The Board is responsible for the oversight of the Company’s risk management and control framework.
When the Board meets as a risk committee is carries out those functions which are delegated to it in the Company’s Risk Committee Charter. Items that are usually required to be discussed by a Risk Committee are marked as separate agenda items at Board meetings when required.
The Board has adopted a Risk Committee Charter which describes the role, composition, functions and responsibilities of the Risk Committee and is disclosed on the Company’s website.
Principle 7: Recognise and manage risk (continued)
Recommendation 7.1(continued)
The Board has adopted a Risk Management Policy, which is disclosed on the Company’s website. Under the policy, responsibility and control of risk management is delegated to the appropriate level of management within the Company with the Chief Executive Officer having ultimate responsibility to the Board for the risk management and control framework.
The risk management system covers:
(a) operational risk;
(b) financial reporting;
(c) compliance / regulations; and
(d) system / IT process risk.
A risk management model is also being developed and will provide a framework for systematically understanding and identifying the types of business risks threatening the Company as a whole, or specific business activities within the Company.
Recommendation 7.2
The Board will review the Company’s risk management framework annually to satisfy itself that it continues to be sound, to determine whether there have been any changes in the material business risks the Company faces and to ensure that the Company is operating within the risk appetite set by the Board.
Arrangements put in place by the Board to monitor risk management include, but are not limited to:
(a) monthly reporting to the Board in respect of operations and the financial position of the Company; and
(b) quarterly rolling forecasts prepared;
Recommendation 7.3
The Company does not have, and does not intend to establish, an internal audit function. To evaluate and continually improve the effectiveness of the Company’s risk management and internal control processes, the Board relies on ongoing reporting and discussion of the management of material business risks as outlined in the Company’s Risk Management Policy.
Recommendation 7.4
The Company will identify those economic, environmental and/or social sustainability risks to which it has a material exposure, and disclose how it intends to manage those risks in each of its corporate governance statements.
Principle 8: Remunerate fairly and responsibly
Recommendation 8.1
During the year, the Company formed a separate Remuneration Committee comprising of Richard Soo, Qian Xu and Ching Chung. Due to the short period from the formation of the committee on 29 April 2015 to the financial year end 30 June 2015, it was considered unnecessary to hold any meeting. Prior to this, items that are usually required to be discussed by a Remuneration Committee are marked as separate agenda items at Board meetings when required.
The duties of the Remuneration Committee are set out in the Company’s Remuneration and Nomination Committee Charter which is available on the Company’s website
The Board has adopted a Remuneration and Nomination Committee Charter which describes the role, composition, functions and responsibilities of the Remuneration Committee and is disclosed on the Company’s website.
Recommendation 8.2
Details of the Company’s policies on remuneration will be set out in the Company’s “Remuneration Report” in each Annual Report published by the Company. This disclosure will include a summary of the Company’s policies regarding the deferral of performance-based remuneration and the reduction, cancellation or clawback of the performance-based remuneration in the event of serious misconduct or a material misstatement in the Company’s financial statements.
Recommendation 8.3
The Company’s Security Trading Policy includes a statement on the Company’s policy on prohibiting participants in the Company’s Performance Rights Plan entering into transactions (whether through the use of derivatives or otherwise) which limit the economic risk of participating in the Performance Rights Plan. Details of the Performance Rights Plan is disclosed on the Company’s website.
Principle 8: Remunerate fairly and responsibly (continued)
Security Trading Policy
In accordance with ASX Listing Rule 12.9, the Company has adopted a trading policy which sets out the following information:
(a) closed periods in which directors, employees and contractors of the Company must not deal in the Company’s securities;
(b) trading in the Company’s securities which is not subject to the Company’s trading policy; and
(c) the procedures for obtaining written clearance for trading in exceptional circumstances.
The Company’s Security Trading Policy is available on the Company’s website.
