Advocacy & monitoring

Australia ranks as one of the most shareholder-friendly places to invest and has one of the highest rates of share ownership. ASA aims to positively influence outcomes for retail shareholders. We want all shareholders to be treated equitably. We advocate for change where fairness is lacking.

Through making submissions, appearing before hearings and advocating our position to policy and decision-makers, we've been instrumental in achieving vital improvements to shareholders’ rights. 

About company monitoring

Effective engagement is the best form of shareholder activism

Each year, ASA monitors the performance of most of Australia's ASX200 companies, along with a number of other companies of interest to members

ASA has a dedicated team of company monitors who meet with company chairs and directors to discuss issues of importance to retail shareholders. Based on our board engagement and independent analysis of the annual report and financial statements, our monitors prepare voting intentions, having regard to ASA's Voting and engagement guidelines, and they attend AGMs on behalf of our members and retail shareholders.

Voting intentions are published on our website generally two weeks ahead of the AGM (available to members only). All shareholders are welcome to nominate ASA as their proxy. This applies to both members and non-members, irrespective of whether they attend a company meeting as shareholders.

Our company monitors are all ASA member volunteers and participate in annual training and regular monitors' meetings.

We encourage all shareholders to attend company meetings and have prepared a handy Guide to shareholders attending online AGMs during COVID-19

ASA is represented on the following committees and panels:

  • AASB Disclosure Initiative Project Advisory Panel
  • ASIC Consumer Consultative Panel (ACCP)
  • ASIC Corporate Governance Consultative Panel 
  • ASIC Regional Liaison Committee
  • ASX Corporate Governance Council
  • ASX Business Committee
  • ASX CHESS Replacement project
  • ATO Individual Stewardship Group
  • Business Reporting Leaders Forum (BRLF)
  • Corporate Reporting Users Forum