SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 2007–08

COMPENSATION
Directors receive no compensation for their services.
Travel and accommodation costs associated with
meetings are met by SLSA.
TRAINING
From time to time, presentations by outside experts
on strategic matters are made to the AC. Directors have
also been given the opportunity to attend workshops and
other conferences relating to corporate governance at
SLSA’s expense.
OBTAINING INDEPENDENT ADVICE
The AC is assisted in aspects of its operations with
external legal advice. Lander and Rogers Lawyers were
re-appointed to provide our legal services at the Annual
General Meeting in October 2007 for a period of twelve
months.
MANAGEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT
BUSINESS RISKS
Our auditors, PKF, conduct an annual internal audit,
giving the AC independent assurance and advice on
operational matters (see page 63). JLT also provide advice
on insurance matters. The risk management policy is
supported by ongoing risk assessment and reporting
through the Finance, Audit and Compliance Committee)
and the Public Liability Claims Committee. (see page 53)
ETHICAL STANDARDS
The AC acknowledges the need for, and continued
maintenance of, the highest standards of corporate
governance practice, ethical conduct by all board members
and open and transparent processes. Declaring confl ict of
interest and pecuniary interest in agenda items of board
meetings ensures that, where appropriate, members leave
the meeting until discussion is concluded.
SUBSIDIARY ENTITIES
As noted elsewhere, SLSA Ltd wholly owns a number
of subsidiary bodies. Southern Region SLSA Helicopter
Rescue Services P/L, Northern Region SLSA Helicopter
Rescue Services P/L and SLSA Helicopters P/L provide
rescue services in NSW. Their activities are reported on
page 37 and their fi nancial results are included as segment
reporting in SLSA’s accounts. Surf Sports Australia P/L
operates SLSA’s professional sporting events including
the Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman series and the nib
Coolangatta Gold, thus allowing prize money to be paid.
FIDUCIARY DUTIES
Monthly fi nancial statements for SLSA Ltd and all
subsidiary companies are provided to the board.
These monthly statements together, with monthly
accounts are submitted to directors for endorsement
at the subsequent board meeting. All fi nancial accounts
and reports are overseen by the FACC and, on their
recommendation adopted or otherwise by the board
throughout the year.
PATHWAYS TO BOARD
AND COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
As one of the largest volunteer organisations in Australia,
we are dependent on the contribution of our volunteer
members for everything from patrolling beaches, to
providing the overall strategic direction for the organisation.
Broadly speaking a person can become a member of a
board or committee by being appointed by either SLSA
or by a state centre. The skills base required for these
positions is set out in clause 1.2 of the SLSA Governance
Policy and also in the SLSA Regulations.
Shown here at SLSA’s 2007 AGM are (L–R) Ron Rankin AM, Brett Williamson
OAM, Bob Creek, Mike Smith, Nigel Taylor and Brett Harrod. (Image Harvie Allison)
SECTION 02—OVERVIEW OF OPERATIONS AND ACTIVITIES
47