Why appoint the ASA as your proxy?

We are the only organisation that monitors the performance and governance of listed companies that is focused on advancing and protecting the interests of retail shareholders.

  • Don’t let your proxies go to waste — you might think it won’t make a difference to the outcome of the AGM if your shares are voted or not, but the fact is that every vote counts.
  • Voting is an important shareholder right and there is no reason shareholders with smaller holdings should not exercise this right.
  • We vote on your behalf — we have a team of company monitors who meet with company chairs and directors, write voting intentions and attend AGMs on behalf of retail shareholders.
  • Add to our voice — companies meet with and listen to ASA is because of the number of proxies given to us and we stand up  and question directors at the AGMs. Our proxies at AGMs are often equivalent to a position in the top 20 shareholders list.
  • Save time — let us do the hard work of analysing lengthy company reports and deciding whether to vote in favour or against resolutions at AGMs.
  • You can still attend shareholder meetings even though you have appointed a proxy.

Give us your proxy to help our monitors have a stronger voice at AGMs. ASA speaks for many as one.

Important information regarding giving ASA your proxy

When you give us your proxy, we don't know your name or the size of your holdings. Only the aggregate number of proxy givers and the associated number of shares from the share registry is provided. 

But then how do we know if the proxies have been recorded properly? The registry is legally obliged to carry out their role to a high standard and if numbers didn't look right, we would request a review of proxy numbers.

 

How to appoint the ASA as your proxy?

Method 1: Paper-based forms

  • Insert "Australian Shareholders' Association" on the form where it asks for the name of your proxy
  • The share registries have our relevant email address so leave proxy email address blank
  • Leave the boxes blank if you wish ASA to vote in accordance with our voting intentions
  • Mark "For" or "Against" on the form where you want to direct your vote. If you mark "Abstain" on the form, that resolution cannot be voted on
  • Return the form to the share registry (the form must arrive 48 hours before the meeting)

If you have never filled out a proxy form or would like to refresh your memory, click here to see an example.

Method 2: Voting online

You can access online voting portals via the Computershare, Link Market Services or Boardroom website, or via a direct link if one has been emailed to you.

  • Select "Appoint a proxy"
  • Insert "Australian Shareholders Association" where it asks for the name of your proxy. If asked, ASA is a body corporate.
  • Mark the votes "Open" if you wish ASA to vote in accordance with our voting intentions
  • Mark "For" or "Against" where you want to direct your vote. If you mark "Abstain" that resolution cannot be voted on
  • Submit the form once you've completed all relevant details

 How to lodge a voting proxy with ASA

 

Standing proxy

Either do it yourself or ASA can complete and send you the forms 

  • Complete the appropriate standing proxy form once for each of your shareholdings
  • Return the form to the relevant share registry

Download standing proxy forms: 

 

More information about standing proxies

 

By appointing ASA as your standing proxy, ASA will do the work for you and vote on your behalf at all future meetings of the company. It removes the hassle of filling in proxy forms for every meeting and you can revoke the appointment at any time.

  • If you buy more shares in a company under the same HIN/SRN, you don't need to complete a new form
  • Standing proxies are company-specific. If there is a change to company or registry you will need to complete a new form

Other helpful resources

FAQs about appointing ASA as your proxy

Give ASA your standing proxy

How to vote at AGMs - fill out an online proxy voting form