With the online voting for the general meeting opening today (Wednesday, April 3), I’d like to remind you of the importance of voting.
Historically, participation in MIL voting can be as low as 40 per cent.
Don’t let a minority group dictate the future of MIL.
This could prove to be the most important vote shareholders have had since privatisation.
Shareholders are being asked to vote FOR (yes) or AGAINST (no) to the two resolutions to remove non-member directors Trisha Gorman and Robert Burbury from the Murray Irrigation board.
This vote is not about MIL’s strategy, finances or the Basin Plan. This vote is about the character and capability of the MIL board.
It is about what MIL’s shareholders expect from the elected board of MIL, their behaviour and the culture they set. It is about the standard of conduct they lead the company and community with, the way they respect and treat staff.
This meeting is requisitioned by directors Steven Fawns, Brendan Barry and Troy Mauger.
The constant feedback from shareholders has been to avoid a general meeting at all costs.
I strongly agree with this sentiment and have supported all avenues to do so, however, Steve, Brendan and Troy were the only ones who could put a stop to it.
This meeting is not supported by myself, deputy chair Lachlan Marshall or the independent, non-member directors Robert Burbury and Trisha Gorman.
There are formal processes for appointing and changing independent directors.
A good board should have a diverse range of experienced directors, not be controlled by one group.
This vote is also about our two highly capable and resilient independent directors.
These types of threats happened 2½ years ago and the independent directors resigned at the time for no just cause other than if they are going to be treated this way they would leave.
They were replaced by Robert and Trisha.
To Robert and Trisha’s credit, this time they said ‘no’ to bullying and harassment.
They said this is not warranted and it’s not right to treat people like this. The independent board review supports this.
It is your responsibility as shareholders to vote and have your say whether you support this unacceptable behaviour of the requisitioning directors and their approach to controlling the board of MIL. If you do, vote ‘yes’.
If you don’t, as Lachlan and I don’t, vote ‘no’ against the resolutions to remove Robert and Trisha.
If the yes vote is successful, Lachlan and I will stand aside.
While we welcomed the new directors to the board and wanted to work with them for the betterment of MIL, they have not shown this respect in return.
If the shareholders support this unacceptable behaviour from the requisitioning directors, we will not compromise our morals or integrity by being part of it.
Yours etc.
Phil Snowden
Chair, Muray Irrigation Limited
18°C