Statutory Review of the Meetings and Documents Amendments

Status
Closed
Date
Review chair
The Hon Dr Robert Austin AM
Topic
Business and industry

Overview

The panel reviewed amendments made to the Corporations Act 2001 by:

  • Schedule 1 of the Treasury Laws Amendment (2021 Measures No. 1) Act 2021
  • the Corporations Amendment (Meetings and Documents) Act 2022.

The 2021 legislation made temporary changes allowing companies and registered schemes to:

  • hold virtual meetings
  • electronically sign and execute documents
  • transmit meetings‑related documents electronically.

The 2022 legislation made the changes permanent. It also made more technology‑neutral enhancements.

The panel conducted the review according to the terms of reference. The Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services issued these terms.

Timeline

  • June 2024 – the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services appointed the panel
  • 14 August 2024 – the panel provided the final report to the government
  • 9 September 2024 – the government tabled the final report in both houses of parliament
  • 4 February 2025 – the government tabled their response in both houses of parliament.

Panel

The independent panel members were:

  • The Hon Dr Robert Austin AM – Chair
  • Ms Helen Bird
  • Ms Judith Fox.

Final report

The report makes 11 recommendations to maintain and improve the meetings and documents amendments.

Stakeholder meetings and a consultation informed the report.

View the final report.

Government response

The government agreed or agreed in principle to all 11 recommendations from the final report.

View the government response.

Media

 

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