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ARTICLE · 19 AUGUST 2016

Let's get digital, digital: annual general meetings

Marque Lawyers
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Australian shareholders must receive AGM notices personally or by post unless they individually elect to go electronic.

AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law
Kristy Dixon
Kristy Dixon
Felicia Lal
Felicia Lal
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Are we done with the days of shareholder participation? There has been a significant decrease in member attendance at annual general meetings. Despite the decrease in participation, companies are still sending out paper notices, hiring large venues, organising catering and mostly just wasting money. So, why not go digital?

Notice of meetings: opt-­in

If you do decide to go digital there are a couple things you should know. Australian companies are still required to give notice personally or by post unless an individual shareholder elects to receive notices via electronic means (s249J (3) Corporations Act 2001). In other words, postal or personal distribution is the default position and members must opt-­in.

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