18 August 2021

These guidelines have been withdrawn as a result of the amendments to the Corporations Act enacted by Treasury Laws Amendment (2021 Measures No.1) Act 2021 which came into effect on 14 August 2021. The most recent version of the guidelines referred to ASIC’s no-action position dated 29 March 2021 in relation to the holding of meetings using virtual technology. This no-action position ceased to have effect on the passing by Parliament of Treasury Laws Amendment (2021 Measures No.1) Act 2021.

Note that ASIC’s no-action position in relation to the holding of AGMs within 2 months of their due date remains in effect: see 21-082MR until otherwise revoked.

29 March 2021

These guidelines discuss ASIC’s ‘no-action’ position on non-compliance with provisions of the Corporations Act that may prevent the holding of AGMs and other investor meetings via technology that allows members to participate remotely by online or other electronic means (virtual technology).

On 29 March 2021, ASIC adopted a ‘no-action’ position in relation to the convening and holding of virtual meetings (refer Media Release 21-056 and Media Release 21-061). This no-action position follows on from the temporary modifications to the Corporations Act (Act) under the the Corporations (Coronavirus Economic Response) Determination (No. 1) 2020 and the Corporations (Coronavirus Economic Response) Determination (No. 3) 2020. Those modifications ceased to have effect on 21 March 2021.

On 6 May 2020 ASIC issued guidelines for investor meetings held using virtual technology which remained in place for so long as the modifications to the Act were in effect.

While the modifications are no longer in effect, ASIC has re-issued its guidelines to take into account the ‘no-action’ position and provide guidance to entities as to the appropriate approach to conducting virtual meetings should entities seek to rely on the ‘no-action’ position.

ASIC’s position on virtual technology for investor meetings

ASIC considers that virtual technology is a valuable tool for addressing the challenges of COVID‑19 and to ensure continued investor engagement in meetings. To meet these challenges, entities may choose to hold either:

• ‘virtual’ meetings (a meeting where all members participate via online facilities); or
• where circumstances permit, ‘hybrid’ meetings (a physical meeting linked with online facilities that allow remote participation).

Directors should consider whether holding a meeting using virtual technology is appropriate in the circumstances, taking into account the needs of investors and whether there are or may be any COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time. 

It is important that hybrid or virtual meetings are facilitated and conducted in a way that provides a reasonable opportunity for members to participate (see sections 249S and 252Q of the Corporations Act and the conditions of ASIC’s ‘no-action’ letter.

To assist companies and responsible entities to meet these requirements, and ensure that meetings adopting virtual technology are conducted in a meaningful and effective way, we have set out below some guidelines on the calling and holding of hybrid and virtual meetings of members.

ASIC would be concerned if a company or responsible entity were to seek to hold a meeting (whether physical, hybrid or virtual) that did not adequately allow questions to be asked, comments to be made, or votes to be cast, at the meeting in a way that provides a reasonable opportunity for members to effectively participate.

Companies and responsible entities that hold meetings in such circumstances may risk breaching the conditions of ASIC’s ‘no-action’ position.

If any listed entities anticipate difficulty in meeting our guidance, we encourage them to contact us at the earliest possible opportunity.

Guidelines for conducting hybrid and virtual meetings

These guidelines set out ASIC’s views on the most appropriate approach to conducting hybrid and virtual meetings. They apply to public company AGMs and any other meeting of company or scheme members, such as meetings:

• for member approvals required under the Corporations Act or ASX Listing Rules
• to consider a proposed scheme of arrangement.

In these guidelines we refer to virtual technology without specifying any particular kind of technology or requiring the use of a single technology. The most appropriate technology or mix of technologies for a particular meeting will often depend on a variety of factors specific to the company or scheme and its membership. We encourage boards and responsible entities to consider tailored and innovative options in determining the right technologies for their company or scheme meeting.

1. Member participation during hybrid and virtual meetings

As an overall guiding principle, members at a hybrid or virtual meeting should be given an opportunity to participate in the meeting that is equivalent to the one they would have had if attending in person. Having regard to the fundamental elements and purpose of member meetings, this generally means:

1. the virtual technology used should enable those participating virtually to follow the proceedings of the meeting uninterrupted.
2. any changes to the way the meeting is conducted to account for the virtual environment should be tailored, as far as possible, to preserve and promote genuine and effective interaction between members and the board or responsible entity.
3. members should be given a reasonable opportunity to ask questions live during the course of the meeting regardless of whether they are participating in person or virtually. This ensures they are able to comment on, and raise questions in response to, presentations, debate and other matters arising at the meeting. At AGMs, a similar opportunity should be extended for questions about, or comments on, the management of the company and (where applicable) the remuneration report, as well as questions to the auditor (see sections 250S, 250SA and 250T of the Corporations Act).
4. if virtual technology (or any other process adopted) enables a company or responsible entity to review and select members’ questions or comments submitted in advance of, and/or at, the meeting, the selection process should be balanced and representative. There should also be transparency about the number and nature of the questions asked and not answered – and appropriate records of questions, comments and responses should be kept to enable this.
5. members entitled to vote on resolutions put at the meeting should have the opportunity to consider responses to questions and debate before doing so. This will support members to make a fully informed decision. Members should accordingly have the option to cast a vote live during the meeting via virtual technology in the same way that they would if they attended in person. This is so even where the option to vote prior to the meeting is also available.

2. Voting in a hybrid or virtual meeting

It is a condition of ASIC’s ‘no action’ position that all voting at a virtual or hybrid meeting be by a poll rather than a show of hands. Voting by a show of hands has the potential to disenfranchise members. This potential is even greater in a virtual setting. 

Where practicable, voting via online or other means should also be available prior to the meeting for the convenience of members who do not otherwise intend to participate.

3. Content of the notice-of-meeting

Many virtual attendees may be using new technology for the first time. The notice-of-meeting should include clear explanations of:

• how to use the technology to observe, vote, make comments and ask questions
• how the reasonable opportunity to vote, comment and ask questions will be provided to those participating virtually.  

The explanations should be clear, concise and effective (section s249L(3) of the Corporations Act).

At the very least, companies and responsible entities should specify an email address (or other online submission facility) in the notice of meeting for the service of proxy appointments and proxy appointment authorities.

4. Technical problems during a hybrid or virtual meeting

Technology can be unpredictable and as such, can present new risks to the proper functioning of meetings. Planning ahead can mitigate these risks and improve user experience.

ASIC encourages companies and responsible entities to:

• assess virtual technologies in advance of the meeting. Consider whether the technology adequately facilitates member participation and can handle anticipated usage. Also consider holding a short rehearsal to iron-out potential complications or technical issues.
• consider backup solutions and plans to overcome technical issues. Plan for how you might communicate in real-time to members participating virtually to provide new instructions or a change in plans. Let participants know at the beginning of the meeting how you will communicate these updates if technical issues do arise.
• if technical issues result in a number of members being unable to reasonably participate, the meeting should be adjourned until the problem is fixed. An extension to a statutory timeframe may be required to facilitate this. In the case of AGMs of entities with financial years ending up to 7 April 2021, a company or responsible entity may rely on ASIC’s ‘no-action’ position to extend the time within which they can hold the AGM by up to two months.