The Australian Government’s social distancing policies, in an attempt to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), are creating a host of issues and implications for the corporate governance of companies and associations. As companies and associations enter Annual General Meeting (AGM) season, many are considering changing the format of their AGM from an in-person meeting to a virtual-only or hybrid meeting.
Please note: this Legal Alert was updated 8 April 2020
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Given social distancing efforts and changing laws with respect to public gatherings (public meetings are now generally prohibited, for the time being) many companies and associations are considering changing the format of their AGM from an in-person meeting to a virtual-only or hybrid meeting. Companies and associations looking to incorporate technology into their AGMs need to ensure that their constitutions permit the use of electronic communication devices and that their online platforms and processes are up to the task, otherwise the legality of such actions may be questionable.
What is a Virtual-Only AGM?
A virtual-only AGM is a meeting whereby members are given the opportunity to participate in the AGM using technology which allows members to vote, ask questions and participate electronically in real-time, rather than attend the meeting at a physical venue.
What is a Hybrid AGM?
A hybrid AGM consists of characteristics of both a traditional and a virtual meeting, allowing members to opt between attending the meeting in-person at a physical venue or participating in the meeting through technology.
How Can You Still Hold a Legally Acceptable AGM?
On 20 March 2020, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) released guidelines for meeting upcoming AGM and financial reporting requirements, in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
For listed and unlisted public companies whose financial year ended on 31 December 2019 and are required to hold an AGM by 31 May 2020, ASIC have announced that it will take no action if they postpone their AGMs until the end of July, in consideration of the difficulties these entities may be facing due to the restrictions on large gatherings, travel restrictions, and concerns from members about attending large-group meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ASIC also acknowledge that it supports the use of appropriate technology for holding AGMs. Companies may opt to hold a virtual-only or hybrid AGM by 31 May 2020 or during the two-month extension period, to comply with COVID-19 restrictions.
For companies wishing to utilise a virtual-only or hybrid AGM, it is paramount they check whether the company constitution allows such meetings and where a notice of meeting has already been dispatched to members, to provide supplementary instructions to members electronically, on the company website, and via market announcements.
Section 249S of the Corporations Act expressly allows a company to hold a meeting at two or more venues using technology that gives members as a whole a reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting. This provision is generally considered broad enough to accommodate hybrid meetings.
In the case of virtual-only AGMs, ASIC declared there is some doubt if these are permitted by the Corporations Act and that there is also doubt as to the validity of resolutions passed at a virtual-only AGM. However, ASIC will take a no action position on non-compliance with provisions of the Corporations Act that may restrict the holding of virtual-only AGMs during the extension period. This is conditional on the technology providing members as a whole reasonable opportunity to ask questions of the auditor and about management, and vote by a poll rather than a show of hands.
Deferral of AGM
Companies should make an assessment of their AGM-facilitating technologies in advance of holding of the meeting and consider whether it adequately addresses ASIC’s conditions. A review of a company’s constitution should also be undertaken. If there are concerns, companies could encourage proxy voting for this AGM or instead postpone the AGM and hold it later in reliance on ASIC’s no-action position on deferred AGMs.
On 2 April 2020, Consumer and Business Services SA (CBS) made an announcement for associations meeting upcoming AGM requirements, in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
For associations whose financial year ended on 31 December 2019 and are required to hold an AGM by 31 May 2020, CBS have announced that it will take no action if they postpone their AGMs for up to 6 months (until the end of November), in consideration of the difficulties associations may be facing due to the restrictions on large gatherings, travel restrictions, and concerns from members about attending large-group meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic. If the AGM is already scheduled and is now deferred for 30 days or more, a further notice will need to be issued to members for the reconstitution.
CBS also acknowledges that it supports the use of appropriate technology for holding AGMs. Associations may opt to hold a virtual-only or hybrid AGM by 31 May 2020 or during the six-month extension period, to comply with COVID-19 restrictions. If associations do not have appropriate technology that gives members as a whole a reasonable opportunity to participate, CBS recommends postponing the AGM.
For associations wishing to utilise a virtual-only or hybrid AGM, it is paramount the association checks whether their constitution allows such meetings and where a notice of meeting has already been dispatched to members, to provide supplementary instructions to members electronically, or on the association’s website.
It should be acknowledged that a “special resolution” is defined in the AIA to be passed at a duly convened meeting of the members of the association if, among other things, it is passed by a majority of not less than 75% of voting member voting in person or, where proxies are allowed, by proxy, at the meeting. Therefore, other than for proxies, only members physically present at the meeting are entitled to vote on the special resolution. Consequently, in the case of a virtual-only or hybrid AGM, members using the technology would not ordinarily be able to vote on special resolutions or actively participate. This makes voting on resolutions problematic.
However, CBS will take no action where a virtual or hybrid AGM is held, but does not comply with the association’s rules due to requirements that meetings are held and voting is conducted “in person”.
While CBS will take no action in relation to non-compliance in response to COVID-19, this does not protect associations against any third party claim from a member for their rights or that the actions have contravened the legislation or constitution.
Associations should therefore make an assessment of their AGM-facilitating technologies in advance of holding of the meeting and consider whether it adequately addresses CBS’ conditions. It is important to seek legal advice to understand and interpret the rules that govern the association (particularly its constitution and the AIA) to determine the legality of a virtual-only or hybrid AGM. Unless clear participation and voting procedures are stipulated in the constitution or provided to members for virtual-only or hybrid meetings, the AGM should not ideally be conducted on this basis.
Nonetheless, Courts are reluctant to overturn internal steps taken bona fide by Officers of an association. In other words, a Court could find that the AGM itself was not properly held but could decide that the resolutions passed by a meeting are not to be overturned in the circumstances.
If there are concerns, associations should encourage proxy voting for this AGM (if the association’s constitution permits). This can allow voting members to give the Chair their proxy vote, which in turn can minimise in-person attendance, adhere to the rules of the constitution for voting, and allow members to speak and view the AGM in a hybrid setup online.
Given the social distancing restrictions and ever evolving status of the law around COVID-19, an advantage from a legal perspective of reconstituting the meeting would be enabling the meeting to clearly be conducted on a basis compliant with the association’s constitution.
The Corporate Affairs Commission, on the written application of the association, or on it owns motion, has the ability to exempt associations from the AGM timeframe obligations. The exemption may be granted upon such conditions as the Commission thinks fit and may, at any time, be varied or revoked by the Commission. The unique reason and special circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic will likely enliven this power of the Commission.
Office Holder’s Tenure
If an AGM is deferred, one consequence that may arise is the status of internal governance bodies which are dependent on AGM processes. Seeking legal advice to understand and interpret the constitution and rules is recommended to determine whether the office holders will continue in their roles until the deferred AGM takes place.
Other Important Points to Remember
- Keep abreast of the updated advice from governments, regulators and public health bodies on whether or not an AGM can be held.
- Keep open communication with the board and members / shareholders so they are fully informed.
- Consider logistics of holding or deferring the AGM.
- Encourage early return of proxies (if permitted).
- Seek legal advice before acting.
This content is current as at 8 April 2020. The speed with which COVID-19 is spreading and the varied responses both internally within Australia and externally change on a daily basis. It is important that you regularly keep up to date with all relevant information and be prepared to respond as the landscape in which the virus is moving changes.
This Alert is intended as general information only. It does not purport to be comprehensive advice or legal advice. Readers must seek professional advice before acting in relation to these matters.
