Shareholders get to decide

After weeks of manoeuvring it has been decided that the National Australia Bank Board dispute will be decided by the shareholders.

Whilst sometimes it is dangerous to let some issues go to a shareholders meeting (and there are often legal reasons why an issue should not go to a meeting) it is often a good release valve to let a vote be taken. That was the case in the recent ColesMyer dispute. It will come down to a proxy vote.

Directors' basics

Ten Things That Every Director Should Know For 2004 from the US National Association of Company Directors Monthly has some strong arguments on a back to basics approach: educate yourself, exercise judgment and remember it's other people's money.