(1) The proposed explanatory statement lodged under section 218 must be
in writing and set out:
- (a)
- the related parties to whom the proposed
resolution would permit financial benefits to be given; and
- (b)
- the nature of the financial benefits; and
- (c)
- in relation to each director of the company:
- (i)
- if the director wanted to make a recommendation to members about the
proposed resolutionthe recommendation and his or her reasons for it; or
- (ii)
- if notwhy not; or
- (iii)
- if the director was not available to consider the proposed
resolutionwhy not; and
- (d)
- in relation to each such director:
- (i)
- whether the director had an interest in the outcome of the proposed
resolution; and
- (ii)
- if sowhat it was; and
- (e)
- all other information that:
- (i)
- is reasonably required by members in order to decide whether or not it is
in the company's interests to pass the proposed resolution; and
- (ii)
- is known to the company or to any of its directors.
(2) An example of the kind of information referred to in paragraph (1)(d)
is information about what, from an economic and commercial point of view, are
the true potential costs and detriments of, or resulting from, giving
financial benefits as permitted by the proposed resolution, including (without
limitation):
- (a)
- opportunity costs; and
- (b)
- taxation consequences (such as liability to fringe benefits tax); and
- (c)
- benefits forgone by whoever would give the benefits.
- Note: Sections 180 and 181 require an officer of a corporation to act
honestly and to exercise care and diligence. These duties extend to preparing
an explanatory statement under this section. Section 1309 creates
offences where false and misleading material relating to a corporation's
affairs is made available or furnished to members.