2003 - Media commentary on current issues

Criminal charges brought in relation to the collapse of HIH Insurance

1. ABC Radio Sydney, The Afternoon Program, 17 December 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Soft dollar payments in the mortgage broking business

1. "Hotter times loom for loan deals, The Age, Business section, 15 December 2003, page 5, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
2. "Loan broker incentives in spotlight", The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 December 2003, page 44

The Government's corporate law economic reform proposals

1. ABC TV, The Midday News and Business Program, 5 December 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
2. ABC Radio National, The PM Program, 5 December 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
3. "Partners to be parted", Business Review Weekly, 27 November 2003, page 68, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
4. "Ramsay welcomes the transparency and enhanced accountability in CLERP 9", Across the Board, 28 October 2003, page 1, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
5. "No claps for CLERP", Business Review Weekly, 30 October 2003, page 103, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
6. ABC Radio National, The Australia Talks Back Program, 13 October 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
7. ABC Radio National, The PM Program, 8 October 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
8. "Labor unveils CLERP wishlist", The Age, Business section, 6 October 2003, page B2, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay; also "ALP targets two-hatted chairmen", The Sydney Morning Herald, 6 October 2003, page 33

$100,000 penalty imposed on Southcorp for breach of the continuous disclosure obligations

1. "Southcorp fined over disclosure", The Australian Financial Review, 28 November 2003, page 61, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Remuneration for the CEOs of the four large banks

1. "Sweet rewards in tough climate", The Sydney Morning Herald, 26 November 2003, page 19, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay; also in The Age, Business section, page 1

Proposal to pay whistleblowers in relation to white collar crime

1. "Pay urged for whistleblowers in corporate clean-ups", The Australian Financial Review, 18 November 2003, page 5, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Resignation of Trevor Kennedy from the boards of 7 companies, including Qantas, following ASIC investigation

1. ABC TV, Evening News (Sydney), 18 November 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
2. ABC Radio Sydney, The Morning Program, 18 November 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Political donations by companies

1. ABC Radio Wollongong, The Morning Program, 10 November 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Executives fringe benefits

1. "Perks under pressure", Business Review Weekly, 6 November 2003, page 14, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Directors holding multiple directorships

1. "Reputations, risks and rewards", The Age, Special report section, 5 November 2003, page 12, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay; also in the Sydney Morning Herald, 5 November 2003

Rebuilding confidence in financial reporting - the work of the International Federation of Accountants taskforce

1. "Ramsay's way", CPA Australia, November 2003, page 35, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

ASIC investigation of share trading through Swiss bank accounts by Rene Rivkin 

1. ABC Radio National, The AM Program, 31 October 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Proposal to allow ASIC to fine companies for breaches of continuous disclosure rules

1. "Expert questions proposed ASIC powers", The Australian Financial Review, 31 October 2003, page 21, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Lack of disclosure of fees in superannuation member statements

1. SBS TV, The Insight Program, 30 October 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Coles Myer changes remuneration of its CEO following shareholder pressure

1. "Coles forced to retreat on cheap options", The West Australian, 30 October 2003, page 35, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

CEOs being offered consultancies by their companies following resignation 

1. "NAB, Westpac face consultancy backlash", The Sydney Morning Herald, 29 October 2003, page 23, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

The right of 100 shareholders to call an extraordinary meeting of shareholders

1. "Ability to call meeting put in the balance", The West Australian, 20 October 2003, page 34, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay; also "Goliath fights back", The Sydney Morning Herald, Money section, 15 October 2003, page 3 and The Age, Money section, 15 October 2003, page 3

Executive remuneration

1. 'Leaders debate executive payments", The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 October 2003, page 33, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay; also "Too much money for too little, or not enough?", The Age, 11 October 2003, Business section, page 1

Government proposal to give shareholders a non-binding advisory vote on the remuneration of company directors and executives

1. "Breathless in business", The Australian Financial Review, 11 October 2003, page 23, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
2. ABC Radio National, The PM Program, 7 October 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
3. ABC Radio National, The Business Report, 4 October 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
4. "BCA's criticism of pay poll discounted", The Sydney Morning Herald, 1 October 2003, page 23, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Increasing interest in corporate governance courses

1. "Wild about governance", The Australian Financial Review, Special report section, 2 October 2003, page 3, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

The value of independent directors

1. "The struggle for independence", Management Today, September 2003, page 9, article written by Professor Ian Ramsay
2. "Clashes in war of independence", The Australian Financial Review, 20 June 2003, page 16, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Australian Stock Exchange Principles of Good Corporate Governance

1. "New guidelines bound to rub", The Australian Financial Review, Editorial, 2 September 2003, page 70, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
2. "Mixed reaction to 'Prescriptive' ASX guidelines", Corporate Business Law Report, 4 April 2003, page 2, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
3. "Guidelines leave loophole for exec perks, adviser says", The Age, 1 April 2003, page B1, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay; also in The Sydney Morning Herald, 1 April 2003, page 26
4. "ASX guidelines released to market", Across the Board, 1 April 2003, page 1, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
5. ABC TV, The Lateline Program, 31 March 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay 
6. "ASX rules to rein in corporate cowboys", The Age, 31 March 2003, page B1, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay; also in the West Australian, 31 March 2003, page 28

Whistleblowing in Australian Companies 

1. "Blow me down!", CA Charter September 2003, page 38 interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Penalties for breaches of the Trade Practices Act 

1. "Why doing time, not money, may deter corporate crimes", The Age, Business section, 30 August 2003, page 3, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Disclosure of fees in superannuation and other managed investments 

1. "On the record", Independent Financial Adviser, 18 August 2003, page 30, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Legal action against Commonwealth Bank for alleged negligent advice by financial advisers

1. "CBA case may raise premiums", The Australian Financial Review, 14 August 2003, page 3, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Resignation of Australian Securities and Investments Commission Chairman, David Knott 

1. "Choice of ASIC chief may be limited", The Australian Financial Review, 13 August 2003, page 4, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
2. ABC TV, The Lateline Program, 12 August 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Law Schools seeking support for alumni 

1. "Universities seek alumni support", The Law Institute Journal, August 2003, page 27, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

$112 million settlement of former GIO shareholders legal action against AMP, GIO directors and others 

1. "Former GIO shareholders get $112m", The Age, 9 August 2003, page 12, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay; also "Shareholder Suits are Here to Stay, Companies Warned", The Sydney Morning Herald, 9 August 2003, page 45

Speech by Professor Ian Ramsay to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia on corporate law reform

1. "Later start for reform law", The Australian Financial Review, 1 August 2003, page 10

The Government's corporate law reform program and Senator Ian Campbell's role

1. "Campbell proves he's the man for the job", The Australian Financial Review, 1 August 2003, page 11, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Use of schemes of arrangement to conduct takeovers

1. "Call for ASIC to curb takeover schemes", The Age, Business section, 24 July 2003, page B1, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay; also "BankWest takeover hits hurdle", The West Australian, 24 July 2003, page 33

Disclosure by the fund manager AMP Henderson of how it votes on company resolutions 

1. "AMP fights big pay deals", The Age, Business section, 16 July 2003, page B1, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay; also "Warning shot fired over exec pay deals", The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 July 2003, page 19; "Manager turns up heat on pay deals", The West Australian, 16 July 2003, page 55

Implications of the NSW Court of Appeal decision in Whitlam v ASIC

1. ABC TV, The Business Breakfast Program, 17 July 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
2. "ASA calls for Whitlam appeal", The Australian Financial Review, 14 July 2003, page 7, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Rodney Adler committed to stand trial on charges of stock market manipulation 

1. ABC Radio National, The PM Program, 11 July 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

ACCC leniency policy to deal with cartels

1. ABC Radio National, The AM Program, 28 June 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Disclosure by Macquarie Bank of separation payments to its senior executives

1. "Mac Bank opens up its golden parachutes", The Age, Business section, 25 June 2003, page 1, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Insider trading

1. Radio 3CR, 24 June 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
2. ABC Radio National, The Law Report, 10 June 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay (view transcript of interview) or (listen to interview)
3. "Criminal trades", The Age, Money Manager Section, 9 June 2003, page 8, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
4. "Insider trading rife", The Australian, 7 June 2003, page 33, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
5. ABC Radio Sydney, The Morning Program, 30 May 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
6. ABC Radio National, The Business Report, 10 May 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay (view transcript of interview) or (listen to interview)
7. SBS TV, The Business Show, 9 May 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay 
8. "The inside track", The Australian Financial Review, 9 May 2003, page 80, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Review of the law relating to major corporate restructurings

1. "Big banks say no to Chapter 11", The Australian Financial Review, 20 May 2003, page 60, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
2. ABC TV, The Inside Business Program, 27 April 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Corporate governance

1. ABC Radio National, The Breakfast Program, 19 May 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Conviction of Rene Rivkin for insider trading

1. "Brokered dreams", The Australian, 3 May 2003, page 30, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
2. "Rivkin takes stock as jail looms", The Daily Telegraph, 2 May 2003, page 23, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
3. "Defiant Rivkin still busy at work", The Hobart Mercury, 2 May 2003, page 4, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
4. ABC TV, The 7.30 Report, 1 May 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
5. Channel 7 TV (Sydney), The Evening News, 1 May 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
6. ABC TV, The World at Noon Program, 1 May 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
7. ABC TV, The Business Breakfast Program, 1 May 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
8. ABC Radio National, The AM Program, 1 May 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
9. Radio 3AK, The Morning Program, 1 May 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
10. ABC Radio Sydney, The Morning Program, 1 May 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Disclosure of political donations by companies

1. "Whose donation is it?", The Australian Financial Review, 2 May 2003, page 18, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Legal challenge to the MIM Holdings and Xstrata scheme of arrangement

1. "Platinum asks court to put MIM bid on the market", The Australian Financial Review, 1 May 2003, page 19, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Report of the Royal Commission into the collapse of the HIH group of companies 

1. ABC TV, The Business Breakfast Program, 1 May 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
2. "Ramsay welcomes the findings as sensible", Across the Board, 29 April 2003, page 4, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
3. "Restructure of APRA welcomed", The Australian Financial Review, 22 April 2003, page 4, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Product recall ordered for Pan Pharmaceuticals products and investigation of alleged breach of continuous disclosure rules

1. "Lawyers close in for the kill", The Australian Financial Review, 1 May 2003, page 9, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
2. ABC TV, The Business Breakfast Program, 30 April 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
3. ABC TV, The Lateline Program, 29 April 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Need for active institutional shareholders

1. "Treasurer's barb 'aimed at US practices'", The Australian Financial Review, 1 May 2003, interview with Associate Professor Geof Stapledon
2. "Institutional shareholders must be active on corporate governance", Across the Board, 25 March 2003, page 3, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

The significance of corporate governance versus business strategy for business

1. "The myth of governance", Business Review Weekly, 17 April 2003, page 31, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Challenges for the big 4 accounting firms

1. "Big Four, Big Worry", Business Review Weekly, 10 April 2003, page 50, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Group of 100 guide to financial reporting 

1. "Financial reporting aims for international best practice", Across the Board, 8 April 2003, page 5, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Governance and Soccer Australia

1. SBS TV, The World Sports Program, 2 April 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Disclosure of fees in master trusts 

1. "True value choices", Personal Investor, April 2003, page 46, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Proposal to require superannuation trustees to vote their shares in listed companies and disclose how they vote 

1. "Super funds united will never be defeated", The Sydney Morning Herald, 5 April 2003, page 79, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
2. "New voting law for funds claimed to be counter-productive", The Sydney Morning Herald, 31 March 2003, page 31, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay; also in The Age, 31 March 2003, page B3 and the West Australian, 31 March 2003, page 33

Court decision on the legal duties of company chairmen

1. "One.Tel decision creates storm of interest", Corporate Business Law Report, 4 April 2003, page 5, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
2. "Chairman decision elevates importance of best practice guidelines", Across the Board, 18 March 2003, page 3, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
3. "Chairmen face greater legal burden, court rules", The Australian Financial Review, 25 February 2003, page 1, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Retirement benefits for non-executive directors 

1. "Companies persist with large payouts", The Age, 11 March 2003, page B1, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay; also in The Sydney Morning Herald, 11 March 2003, page 25

Suggestion by fund manager that non-executive directors of listed companies who resign should be interviewed by ASIC or the Stock Exchange 

1. "Departing directors urged to speak out", The Sydney Morning Herald, 10 March 2003, page 35, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

The Takeovers Panel

1. "Takeovers Panel cut", The Australian, 8 March 2003, page 31, noting the reappointment of Professor Ian Ramsay and others to the Takeovers Panel

Deficiencies in disclosure of executive remuneration

1. "Costello hardens line on corporate payouts", The Age, 6 March 2003, page B4, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
2. ABC Radio Melbourne, The Morning Program, 3 March 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
3. "Thanks a million for a bad job", The New Zealand Herald, 1 March 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
4. "Golden handshakes exposed", The Australian Financial Review, 28 February 2003, page 10, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
5. "Paying for the right to know", The Age, 24 February 2003, page B3, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay; also in The Sydney Morning Herald, page 31

Analysts' independence

1. "Beware advisers with tainted glasses", Business Review Weekly, 6 March 2003, page 37, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Decision of AMP Chairman Stan Wallis not to take $1.6 million in retirement benefits

1. ABC Radio Sydney, The Morning Program, 5 March 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
2. ABC Radio National, News Program, 5 March 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

ASIC legal action against Southcorp Ltd for alleged breach of continuous disclosure rules

1. ABC TV, Evening News, 27 February 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Audit committee members legal liabilities 

1. "Extra burden noted for audit directors", The Australian Financial Review, 19 February 2003, page 7, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay

Speech by Professor Ian Ramsay to the Investment and Financial Services Association on disclosure of fees in superannuation and other management investments 

1. "Editorial", Investor Weekly, 17 February 2003
2. Sky TV, The Business Report, 5 February 2003
3. "What we need is disclosure", The Australian, 5 February 2003, page 30

HIH Royal Commission - submission of counsel assisting the Commission that there occurred multiple beaches of corporate law

1. "The big question: will they get away with it?", The Australian Financial Review, 18 January 2003, page 22, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
2. "It looks like a bonanza for legal teams", The Australian Financial Review, 15 January 2003, page 12, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay
3. Radio 3AK, The Drive Program, 14 January 2003, interview with Professor Ian Ramsay