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ARTICLE · 12 AUGUST 2026

Shareholder Oppression - Protecting Your Rights As A Shareholder

Bartier Perry Solicitors
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When you invest your time, money and energy into a company, you expect to be treated fairly and to have your rights as a shareholder respected. But what happens when those rights are ignored, or worse, actively undermined? Shareholder oppression is a serious issue that can have significant financial implications. If you suspect that your rights are being compromised, it’s important to act promptly to protect your interests.

AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law
Christina Cavallaro
Christina Cavallaro
Haya Kaiyum
Haya Kaiyum
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When you invest your time, money and energy into a company, you expect to be treated fairly and to have your rights as a shareholder respected. But what happens when those rights are ignored, or worse, actively undermined? Shareholder oppression is a serious issue that can have significant financial implications. If you suspect that your rights are being compromised, it’s important to act promptly to protect your interests.

What is shareholder oppression?

Pursuant to section 232 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (the Act), conduct or proposed conduct of a company’s affairs is oppressive if it is:

  • Contrary to the interests of the members as a whole; or
  • Oppressive to, unfairly prejudicial to, or unfairly discriminatory against a member or members whether in that capacity or in any other capacity.

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