Brambles 2006 Annual Report - Alle jaarverslagen

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Brambles
2006 Annual Report
On the same basis, they also confirm that the objectivity
of the audit engagement partners and the audit staff is
not impaired.
Relevant audit information
So far as each of the Directors are aware, there is
no relevant audit information of which the auditors
are unaware and each of the Directors have taken all
reasonable steps to make themselves aware of any
relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors
are aware of any such information.
Auditors’ Independence Declaration
A copy of the auditors’ independence declaration as
required under section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001
(Australia) is set out on page 82.
Substantial shareholdings
Details of substantial shareholdings in BIL and BIP
are provided on page 85.
Employment policies
Brambles companies, together with Brambles’ share of
joint ventures and associates, employed approximately
13,000 people worldwide as at 30 June 2006.
Brambles companies recognise their obligations to comply
with health and safety legislation and, through training
and communication, encourage employee awareness
of the need to create and secure a safe and healthy
working environment. Further information about Brambles’
employee and health and safety initiatives is set out in the
Corporate Social Responsibility Report on pages 32 to 35.
Donations
Details of charitable donations are given in the Corporate
Social Responsibility Report on pages 36 and 37.
No donations were made during the year for political
purposes, as defined in the Companies Act 1985 (UK).
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities
The Companies Act 1985 (UK) requires the Directors to
prepare financial statements for each financial period which
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of BIP and
the Group as at the end of the financial period and of the
profit or loss for that period. In preparing those financial
statements, the Directors are required to:
• select suitable accounting policies and then apply
them consistently;
• make judgements and estimates that are reasonable
and prudent;
• state whether applicable accounting standards have
been followed; and
• prepare the financial statements on the going concern
basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the
Group will continue in business.
The Directors are responsible for keeping proper
accounting records which disclose with reasonable
accuracy at any time the financial position of BIP and the
Group and to enable them to ensure that the financial
statements comply with the Companies Act 1985. They
are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of BIP and
the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the
prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Policy regarding payment of trade creditors
It is Brambles’ policy to abide by terms of payment agreed
with suppliers. In many cases, the terms of payment are
as stated in the suppliers’ own literature. In other cases,
the terms of payment are determined by specific written
or oral agreement. Brambles does not follow any published
code or standard on payment practice.
At 30 June 2006, there were 75 days’ (2005: 80 days’)
purchases outstanding in respect of Brambles’ costs,
based on the total invoiced by suppliers during the year
ended on that date.
Annual General Meetings
The BIP Annual General Meeting will be held at 10.00am
on 1 November 2006 at The Lion Auditorium, Grange City
Hotel, 8–14 Cooper’s Row, London EC3N 2BQ.
The BIL Annual General Meeting will be held at 10.00am
on 9 November 2006 at The Mayfair Ballroom, Grand Hyatt
Melbourne, 123 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria.
This Directors’ Report is made in accordance with a
resolution of the Board.
D R Argus AO
Chairman
D J Turner
Chief Executive Officer
23 August 2006