About Us

About Salmat

Salmat is a unique Australian-headquartered company, leading the industry in the provision of customer communication solutions. Through the strategic use of different communication mediums, including voice and non-voice channels, and other applied capabilities in the areas of online technology, demographic insight and detailed data management, Salmat engages consumers in cost-effective one-to-one communication on behalf of our clients – individually, in small groups or on a mass scale.

There are millions of people out there. We're engaging them one to one.

A few statistics about our business to give you a sense of what we do:

We deliver more than 60% of all business to consumer communications in Australia
We handle more than 25% of all outsourced phone calls in Australia
We operate one of the largest SMS bureaus in the country
Our digital business Lasoo.com.au receives approximately 1.6 million visitors each month, while 52.7% of all shoppers who use Lasoo.com.au to research a product, go to a retailer’s store to make the purchase (Nielsen Lasoo Research, August 2011)

History

From the letterbox to the laptop: Communicating with customers for over 30 years.

1979

Philip Salter and Peter Mattick see huge potential for direct marketing and customer communications in Australia, founding Salmat.

1980s

From small beginnings as a letterbox distribution network, the company quickly expands into a national operation and develops a laser printing and direct mailing business.

Mid 1990s

Salmat becomes the market leader in data management, document management, targeted distribution and response management. The company enters the telecommunications industry, setting up call centres for inbound and outbound telecommunications services.

1995

Salmat acquires Deltarg to offer letterbox delivery and customer targeting services to the New Zealand market.

1996

The company expands into Asia and commences operations in the Philippines, establishing a joint venture with Jardine Matheson, a Hong Kong listed conglomerate.

1999

The joint venture expands to Taiwan.

2000

Further joint venture expansions into Hong Kong.

2001

Joint venture with ePLDT begins new telecommunications services operations in the Philippines.

2002

Salmat Limited (ASX Code: SLM) is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and acquires Jardine Matheson's interest in the Asian joint ventures.

2003

Acquisition of ePLDT's 51% holding in the Philippines operation.

2004

Salmat purchases SalesForce, one of Australia's largest call centre and customer sales providers.

2005

Acquisition of the NSW Government Printing Service.

2006

Salmat sells its Philippines holding to ClientLogic Corporation and maintains a strategic alliance to offer services to the region. Dialect Interactive is purchased, a leading provider of SMS, IVR and web-hosted services. A successful bid for VeCommerce, a specialist provider of voice recognition services (now Salmat Speech Solutions) and Aframe (now Salmat Learning and Development), an online learning and training program service, is also acquired.

2007

Salmat launches Lasoo.com.au, an online catalogue and pre-shopping search engine, and merges its Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) operations with HPA, a key BPO service provider.

2010

Salmat acquires four digital agencies: BeInteractive, C4, MessageNet and Returnity. These now form Salmat Digital.

2012

Salmat divests its printing and scanning division, Business Process Outsourcing to Fuji Xerox.

Present

Today, Salmat employs more than 3,000 people, with operations in Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines.

Executive Leadership Team

Meet Salmat's Executive Leadership Team

Grant Harrod Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director

Grant Harrod is the Chief Executive Officer of Salmat, assuming this role in early April 2009. Prior to this, Grant spent 13 years with Corporate Express Australia Limited (ASX: CXP) a leading office supplies distributor, where he served as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for six years. Grant's previous roles at Corporate Express included General Manager of Sales and Marketing and General Manager of Operations.

Chad Barton Chief Financial Officer

Chad Barton commenced with Salmat in August 2009. Chad previously held the position of Chief Financial Officer with Electronic Data Systems Corporation (EDS), a HP company, in Australia and New Zealand as well as CFO for EDS's Global Financial Services practice. Prior to this, Chad was Commercial Director with Singtel Optus Limited and CFO for SunSystems Australia and New Zealand. Chad is a Chartered Accountant and has professional experience at Arthur Andersen.

Peter Anson Chief Executive Officer - Salmat Consumer Marketing Solutions

Peter Anson has been with Salmat since 1991 and was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Salmat's Consumer Marketing Solutions division in November 2012. Prior to this, he was the organisation's Chief Operating Officer since August 2008, where he was responsible for the overall performance of Salmat’s business units and ensuring operational objectives were aligned with the business strategy. Peter held a number of senior executive positions within and across Salmat prior to this period.

David Besson Chief Executive Officer - Salmat Customer Engagement Solutions

David Besson was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Salmat's Customer Engagement Solutions division in August 2011 and has over 25 years experience with Salmat. In his current role, David is responsible for the full Customer Engagement Solutions offering, including our Contact Centres, Field Force operations, Speech solutions and our Learning and Development division. Prior to this position, David was the Chief Executive Officer of Salmat’s Targeted Media Solutions and served as Chief Operating Officer of Salmat's Business Process Outsourcing division.

Geoffrey Court Head of People and Culture

Geoffrey Court heads Salmat's People and Culture team, having fulfilled a similar role within SalesForce since 1999. Key responsibilities include supporting managers in areas such as people development, staff engagement, training, industrial issues and culture. Geoffrey previously worked for Ansett Australia, in marketing and people management roles.

Innovation Leadership Team

Salmat is dedicated to being at the forefront of innovation. Meet Salmat's Innovation Leadership Team.

Ian Jones Head of Salmat Sales

Ian Jones was appointed Head of Sales for Salmat in March 2011 after working as the Executive General Manager of Sales for Targeted Media Solutions. Ian started with the company in 1992 and in that time, has held a number of sales and general management positions across the company within Customer Engagement Solutions (CES) and Targeted Media Solutions. He has been instrumental in the development of Salmat’s digital strategy and how this integrates across Salmat’s broader capability and the One Salmat strategy.

David Webster Executive General Manager - Targeted Media Solutions

David Webster was appointed Executive General Manager of Salmat's Targeted Media Solutions division in August 2011. David had previously worked with Salmat for more than 18 years in key leadership roles within the Targeted Media Solutions division across Australia and New Zealand, most recently as Executive General Manager of Letterbox Distribution.

Mark Mulder Executive General Manager, Product & Marketing - Salmat Digital

An experienced digital leader, Mark oversees Salmat's product and marketing strategies to deliver the next phase of development and growth for Salmat Digital.

Mark ensures that best of breed products and services are available for Salmat clients, as well as driving innovation and investment.

Mark has a wealth of business and digital experience having held senior roles with Accenture, Xtempus Mobile Software, Virgin Media/Telewest, PwC and, most recently, SingTel Optus where he was General Manager, Group Digital.

David Blakers Executive General Manager, Sales - Salmat Digital

David is one of Australia’s leading authorities on digital communication services, working at Salmat Digital for the past nine years. Salmat Digital provides integrated communication solutions encompassing email, mobile, search and social media services to Australia’s largest companies.

In his role as Executive General Manager, David is responsible for key client relationships and the company’s strategic direction. He has been instrumental in winning and assisting some of Australia’s best known brands to embrace digital direct marketing, including the likes of Woolworths, Target, and NRMA.

Prior to working at Salmat Digital, David worked as the Chief Financial Officer of ServicePoint Limited, where he was responsible for commercial operations and successfully completed numerous capital raisings. Previously David worked at PriceWaterhouseCoopers for seven years where he specialised in Media and Technology industries.

Stephen Lewis Executive General Manager Business Consulting - Customer Engagement Solutions

Stephen Lewis is Executive General Manger of Business Consulting at Salmat and has a passion for helping organisations make it easier for customers to do business with them across all channels. A strong proponent of reducing customer effort and ‘outside in thinking’, Stephen has yet to find an organisation that cannot benefit from an improved focus on customer experience.

Stephen leads Salmat’s business consulting and presales activities and has developed a formal consulting approach as the preferred way to assist clients with business transformation. His experience in identifying business drivers for improvement across multiple channels is used in ensuring solutions fit both Salmat’s clients’ and their customer’s needs.

Dominic Finnegan Executive General Manager, Lasoo

Dom has 20 years of experience in the media sector having originally started his career in London, working in various advertising and direct marketing agencies, before moving to Sydney in the late 90s.

He is an internet industry veteran having joined ninemsn in 2000 (when ninemsn was still an early-stage joint venture between Microsoft and PBL Media). He was a member of their Leadership Team and held a number of senior positions right across the business including Product, Commercial, Operations and Marketing roles.

He moved to Network TEN in 2010 as the Head of Investments & Partnerships, where he also served as one of TEN’s representatives on the Board of OurDeal.com.au, a Ten joint venture with News Ltd, including a stint as Interim CEO of OurDeal, before joining Salmat in 2012 as the Executive General Manager for Lasoo, a wholly Salmat-owned digital shopping and catalogue business.

Dom is a passionate advocate for online and has been a member of the IAB Board on two separate occasions, helping the industry body formulate policies and guidelines to further develop the Australian online advertising industry.

Salmat Environmental Policy Statement

Salmat Limited undertakes the following actions as a basis for demonstrating to our employees, the public and other interested parties, our commitment to meeting our environmental obligations:

Compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Conserving energy through effective use of resources, lowering usage, switch-off programs, purchase of energy-efficient equipment.
Continually seeking to reduce the environmental impact of our operations by: recycling by-product, safe and appropriate disposal of waste, environmental risk management strategies
Establishing environmental standards for our suppliers and contractors.
Integrating environmental objectives with our business plans and documented management systems.
Incorporating environmental policy and procedural requirements into the scope of the organisation's audit program.
A company-wide incident reporting and corrective action infrastructure.
Conducting training and awareness initiatives for Salmat employees, contractors and suppliers.
A continuous improvement philosophy for Salmat's integrated business system.

Click here to view Salmat's Environment Charter.

Sponsorship & Community

Salmat is dedicated to the community in which we operate whether local, national or international. Salmat aims to meet society's expectations of what is a good and responsible company in contributing to the community. Salmat views the Community as the wider world, accepting that countries which are more affluent have an obligation to give less fortunate communities the opportunity to soar.

Salmat's contribution to the community is classified into the following areas:

Payroll giving and donations

Salmat’s staff giving programme allows staff to contribute via payroll deductions to projects chosen by a staff committee. The current four projects are:

Save the Children - Education in Remote Ethnic Communities, Sayaboury District, Laos. Two schools have been funded.
Care Australia - Participation of Women in the Formal Economic Sector (POWER) Russaifeh City, Zarqa Governorate, Jordan.
Starlight Foundation - Starlight Express Rooms Major Sponsor - The Children's Hospital Westmead
Fred Hollows Foundation - South Africa.

Every dollar raised is matched dollar for dollar by Salmat up to AUD 100,000 per annum.

Local fundraising and community involvement

Fundraising for local initiatives including individuals in need
Site participation in local initiatives such as Movember, Daffodil Day, SIDs, Biggest Morning Tea
Where appropriate, sponsorship of local sporting associations and individual athletes
Local Community Group project teams coordinating ideas to help the local community

Diversity Policy

Salmat has established a Diversity Policy to help provide a work environment that supports and respects diversity amongst our workforce. Our Diversity Policy is published on Salmat's intranet. Salmat's Diversity Policy Statement may be read here.

Women in Leadership

"Enabling women to be their best"

Salmat has established a Women in Leadership Council.

This Council aims to develop more female leaders at Salmat and address the gender inequity in senior leadership roles.

The goals of the Council are:

To appoint female board members.
To appoint females to the Executive Leadership Team.
To ensure that those women with leadership aspirations have a clear path within Salmat on how to become a leader and that our culture supports this.
To establish a networking group for women in leadership roles.
To establish a formal mentoring program for all staff, to develop aspiring women leaders.
To be recognised as a leading Equal Opportunity employer.

Members of the Women in Leadership Council

Grant Harrod – Chief Executive Officer
Geoffrey Court – Head of People and Culture
Joann Skene – General Manager, Consumer Marketing Solutions – SA/NT
Fiona Boyd - Chief Operating Officer, Customer Engagement Solutions
Dominic Finnegan - Executive General Manager, Lasoo
Lisa Foden – Executive Manger, Customer Engagement Solutions - NZ
Maria Hugo – Enterprise Systems Manager
Melanie Armstrong - Marketing and Production, Local Direct Network (LDN)

Download a copy of Salmat's Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 Report

Salmat is focused on promoting and improving gender equality in the workplace. As part of Salmat's commitment, we are reporting on Salmat's gender equality, in line with the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012.

Quality

Salmat is committed to continual improvement and customer satisfaction.

Our commitment is demonstrated by the extensive business certification program implemented since 1993.

The vast majority of Salmat’s operations in Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan are certified to the International Standards Organisation's 9001:2008 series.

We maintain a network of Business System Managers and Administrators to ensure the ongoing development and suitability of our systems. This network provides coverage for both Salmat's Australian and off-shore entities.

Salmat deploys a Corporate Audit Team, drawn from its experienced Business System Managers and Administrators, to monitor compliance and promote process improvement across all operational sites.

Further, independent audit services are provided by the certifying bodies SAI Global Assurance Services (Australia); Bureau Veritas Quality International (Asia) and Telarc (New Zealand).

Security

Securely managing client data is a critical requirement for Salmat. In recognition of this, Salmat's Business Process Outsourcing division has implemented an Information Security Management System (ISMS) and is certified to ISO 27001:2006. It has been maintained since the original BS 7799 certification in 2006.

This certification brings information security under explicit management control, and is designed to ensure the selection of adequate and specific security controls that protect information assets and give confidence to Salmat’s clients.

Implementing the ISMS required a review of the existing IT security controls, including physical security, business continuity, security awareness, change control, and human resource management. Salmat's security controls are reviewed and updated as required.

Privacy Policy

This Privacy Statement applies to the Salmat.com.au website and to all business activities of Salmat Limited (ABN 11 002 724 638) and its subsidiary companies ("Salmat") to the extent that they affect or involve the collection, use, disclosure or handling of personal information.

Salmat understands the importance to its clients and to their customers of the discreet and confidential handling of their personal information. It is Salmat's policy to comply with the requirements of the Privacy Act 1988 and the National Privacy Principles contained in that Act in all activities of Salmat involving the collection, use, disclosure and handling of personal information.

In this Privacy Statement, personal information means information or an opinion (including information or an opinion forming part of a database), whether true or not, and whether recorded in a material form or not, about an individual whose identity is apparent, or can reasonably be ascertained, from the information or opinion (source: Privacy Act 1988).

Collection

Whether for Salmat or its clients, Salmat will collect personal information by lawful and fair means and not in an unreasonably intrusive way.

Where practicable, Salmat will make known the purpose for which it is collecting personal information and will collect personal information concerning an individual only from that individual.

Use and Disclosure

Salmat will not use personal information concerning an individual for a purpose other than the primary purpose for which it was collected, unless Salmat or its client has obtained the consent of the individual to the use of that information for a secondary use, such as direct marketing.

If it is not practicable to obtain the individual's consent and the individual has made known to Salmat or Salmat's client the individual's desire not to receive any further direct marketing communications, Salmat will cease any direct marketing communications to the individual.

In addition, Salmat is a member of the Australian Direct Marketing Association (ADMA) and subscribes to its "do not mail" and "do not call" lists.

Personal information collected and/or stored for one client is never used for or disclosed to another client or to any other third party.

Data Quality

Salmat will take all reasonable steps to ensure that personal information that it holds is accurate, complete and up-to-date.

Data Security

Salmat prides itself on the sophistication of its data security systems, networks and procedures. In particular all databases maintained by Salmat are protected by secure network links, which are complemented by firewalls, hardware and software encryption, password protection, virus protection and internal quality procedures. All Salmat staff are required to sign confidentiality undertakings which extend to client information.

Openness

On request by individuals, Salmat will make known to those individuals the types of personal information it holds, the purpose for which it is held and how Salmat collects, holds and uses that information.

Access and Correction

On request by an individual, but subject to the exceptions prescribed by the National Privacy Principles, either Salmat or its client for whom the information is held will provide the individual with access to their personal information and will allow that individual a reasonable opportunity to correct any inaccuracies or out-of-date information.

A request for access to the personal information held by Salmat concerning an individual can be made by that individual to Salmat's Privacy Committee on the numbers or address mentioned below or, if so specified, to Salmat's client. A fee may apply.

Identifiers

Salmat will not use tax file numbers or other government-issued identifiers, other than the ABN, to identify a record of personal information relating to an individual.

Anonymity

Where practicable, Salmat will maintain the anonymity of an individual in a database of personal information unless the identity of the individual is necessary to perform a lawful activity.

Transborder data flows

Salmat will not transfer personal information relating to an individual outside Australia unless the individual has consented to such a transfer or Salmat has satisfied itself that the recipient of the personal information will uphold principles for the handling of personal information which are similar to the National Privacy Principles.

Sensitive and Health Information

Salmat will apply particularly stringent procedures to its collection, use, disclosure and handling of any personal information which includes sensitive information (e.g., information concerning race, religion, political affiliations) or health information (e.g., information concerning an individual's medical condition).

Salmat's Clients

As Australia's leading customer communications company, Salmat will be engaged by its clients to perform various services that might involve the handling of personal information. Salmat will seek from its clients assurances that all such personal information has been collected lawfully and in compliance with the National Privacy Principles and that all required consents have been obtained for the intended use of that personal information.

Subcontractors

Salmat requires strict compliance with the National Privacy Principles by all of its subcontractors.

Contacting Salmat regarding privacy issues

Any questions or comments concerning Salmat’s privacy policies and practices, any requests for access to an individual’s personal information held by Salmat and any general privacy inquiries can be addressed to:

Contact:

Att: Privacy Officer
Salmat Limited
Innovation Place
Level 17, 100 Arthur Street
North Sydney NSW 2060
Australia
Phone: (02) 9928 6500
Fax: (02) 9928 6652
E-mail: privacy@salmat.com.au

General enquiries

For all other enquiries not relating to privacy matters, please email info@salmat.com.au

This Privacy Statement was last updated on 2 November 2009

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is responsible for the corporate governance of Salmat and its controlled entities. Responsible corporate governance and business practices are of the utmost importance to the company.

Richard Lee

Non-Executive Chairman (Independent)

Richard Lee is Deputy Chairman of Ridley Corporation Limited and a Director of Newcrest Mining Limited and Oil Search Limited. He is a Fellow and Chairman of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He also holds degrees in chemical engineering and economics and is a Rhodes Scholar. Richard is a former chief executive of the NM Rothschild Australia Group and a former director of NM Rothschild and Sons Limited in London, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Grant Harrod

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director

Grant Harrod is the Chief Executive Officer of Salmat assuming this role in early April 2009. Prior to this, Grant spent 13 years with Corporate Express Australia Limited (ASX: CXP) a leading office supplies distributor, where he served as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for six years. Grant’s previous roles at Corporate Express included General Manager of Sales and Marketing and General Manager of Operations.

Philip Salter

Non-Executive Director

Philip Salter is a joint founder of Salmat. Philip entered the real estate business in 1977. In 1979, Philip and Peter formed Salmat, developing the business into one of Australasia's leading customer communications company. Philip is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors

Peter Mattick

Non-Executive Director

Peter Mattick Co-founded Salmat Limited in 1979 and served as its Joint Chief Executive Officer until April 1, 2009 and Joint Managing Director until October 2009. He has been Director of HPAL Ltd. since November 2007 and serves as Director of Salmat Ltd. Mr Mattick has been the Non Executive director at Salmat Ltd. since June 2009. He served as an Executive Director of Salmat Ltd and as a Director of Salmat Ltd. since March 14, 1984. Mr. Mattick served as Chairman and Director ... of the Australian Direct Marketing Association and a Member of the National Aboriginal Sports Corporation.

He is a Fellow of the Australian Society of Certified Practicing Accountants, a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Member of the Australian Taiwan Business Council, a Member of the Commerce Faculty Advisory Board to the University of New South Wales and a Governor of the Advisory Council for the Institute of Neuromuscular Research and a board member of The Shepherd Centre and a trustee for the Fresh Tracks Foundation. Mr. Mattick was educated at the University of New South Wales where he gained a Bachelor of Commerce degree.

Ian Elliot

Non-Executive Director (Independent)

Ian is a non‑executive director of Hills Industries Limited, former chairman of Promentum Limited and is currently on the board of the Australian Rugby League Commission and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Ian is also a former chief executive officer of George Patterson Bates and a graduate of the advanced management program of the Harvard Business School.

John Thorn

Non-Executive Director (Independent)

John Thorn has been a non-executive director of Salmat Limited since September 2003. John is a professional Director and brings expertise to the board in the areas of accounting , financial services, business advisory , risk management and general management. He had 38 years professional experience with PricewaterhouseCoopers( PwC), where he was a partner from 1982 to 2003 undertaking work for major international and Australian companies. He served on the firm`s Board, was the Managing Partner of PwC`s Assurance and Business Advisory practice and as the National Managing Partner of PwC until 2003. He has experience in Asia having lived and worked in Singapore.

John is a Director of Amcor Limited (appointed December 2004), Caltex Australia (June 2004), National Australia Bank Limited (October 2003). His board committee experience includes Audit Committees (Chairman), Human Resources Committees, Nomination Committees and Risk Committees.

Fiona Balfour

Non-Executive Director (Independent)

Fiona is a non-executive director of Metcash Limited and TAL Australia, a member of the Information Technology Faculty Advisory Board of Monash University, a Council Member of Knox Grammar School, a Council Member of Chief Executive Women, Chair of the St James’ King Street Conservation Appeal, a Fellow of Monash University and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Fiona is a former member of the Qantas executive committee with responsibilities for information technology and related areas for Qantas worldwide. She was subsequently Chief Information Officer of Telstra. Fiona is a former Trustee of the National Breast Cancer Foundation and former non-executive director of SITA SC (Geneva).

Stephen Bardwell

Company Secretary

Stephen Bardwell is the Company Secretary of Salmat and has held this position since October 2002. With over 25 years experience in senior commercial roles, Stephen joined Salmat as Group Financial Controller in 1989 and has actively participated in the expansion and development of the company in both Australia and Asia. Stephen is a Fellow of the Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants and a Fellow of Chartered Secretaries Australia.

Board Responsibilities and Functions

The Board of Directors is accountable to shareholders for the performance of Salmat Limited and its subsidiaries (the Salmat Group).

The Board has delegated responsibility for the management of the Group through the Chief Executive Officer to executive management. There is a clear division of responsibilities between those of the Board and of management. The Chief Executive Officer is accountable to the Board for all authority delegated to executive management. The Board has also delegated some of its responsibilities to committees of the Board. These delegations are outlined in the Board approved Committee charters.

The composition of the Board is subject to shareholder approval. The Board has a majority of independent non-executive Directors.

The Chairman must be an independent non-executive Director. The Board will be independent of management and all Directors are required to bring independent judgement to bear in their Board decision making.

The Board is required to undertake an annual Board performance review and consider the appropriate mix of skills required by the Board to maximise its effectiveness and its contribution to the Group.

The Chairman is responsible for leading the Board, ensuring that Board activities are organised and efficiently conducted and for ensuring Directors are properly briefed for meetings.

The matters specifically identified and reserved for decision-making by the Board include:

adoption of the strategic direction of the Group;
appointment of the Chief Executive Officer and succession planning;
approval of accounts, operating results, business plans and budgets;
approval of financial policies and significant capital expenditure;
monitoring business risk areas and strategies employed by management;
monitoring financial performance including approval of the annual and half-year financial reports;
ensuring there are effective management processes in place and approval of major corporate initiatives;
ensuring there is an effective "whistleblower" policy in operation; and
reporting to shareholders.

Committee Membership

Meet Salmat's Committee Members.

Board Member
Date Appointed
Committee Membership(s)

Technology
& Innovation Committee
Remuneration
& Compensation Committee
Audit, Risk
& Compliance Committee

Richard Lee
Chairman, Independent Non-Executive Director
09-Aug-2002
*
*
-

Philip Salter
Non-Executive Director
14-Mar-1984
-
-
*

Peter Mattick
Non-Executive Director
14-Mar-1984
-
-
*

Grant Harrod
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director
29-Apr-2009
-
-
*

John Thorn
Independent Non-Executive Director
01-Sep-2003
Chairman
*
-

Ian Elliot
Independent Non-Executive Director
01-Jan-2005
*
Chairman
-

Fiona Balfour
Independent Non-Executive Director
01-Jan-2010
*
*
Chairman

Independence of Board Members

Our definition of an independent Director is one who is independent of management and free from any business or other relationship that could materially interfere with the exercise of independent judgement. It is the Board's view that except for Peter Mattick and Philip Salter, each of its non-executive Directors is independent. Materiality for these purposes is determined on both quantitative and qualitative bases. There is a majority of independent non-executive Directors on the Board of the Company.

Access to independent professional advice

Guidelines are in place which provide for each Director to have the right to seek independent professional advice at the Company's expense subject to the prior approval of the Chairman.

External auditor's appointment

The Company and Audit Committee policy is to appoint external auditors who clearly demonstrate quality and independence. Our independent external auditors are Ernst & Young. They are required to confirm that they have maintained their independence as part of their review of the half-year and full year results. Ernst & Young were appointed in November 2005 following a tender process and approval given by shareholders at the 2005 Annual General Meeting. Our auditors will be available to answer questions at each Annual General Meeting.

Code of Ethics

The Board has adopted a Code of Ethics which imposes on all Directors, employees and consultants the following duties:

To act honestly, fairly and without prejudice with clients in all commercial dealings and to conduct business with professional courtesy and integrity;
To act in the interests of the Company, its shareholders and the financial community generally. The Company is committed to safeguarding the integrity of financial reporting and as such will prepare and maintain its accounts fairly and accurately in accordance with the accounting and financial reporting standards;
To promote a safe, healthy and efficient work environment;
To comply with all laws, regulations and any applicable awards in all jurisdictions the company operates or sources goods or services;
Not to knowingly make any misleading statements to ay person or to be a party to any improper practice in relation to dealings with or by the Company;
To ensure that the Company's resources and property are used properly;
Not to disclose information or documents relating to the Company or its business, other than as required by law, not to make any improper public comment on the Company's affairs and not to misuse any information about the Company or its associates;
Not to solicit, accept or offer money, gifts, favours, inducements, commissions, facilitation payments or business courtesies that may influence or appear to influence the ability to make an unbiased and objective decision;
To at all times avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest that may interfere with the duties to the Company or the ability to make an unbiased and objective decision and, if a conflict of interest arises to disclose and if necessary manage such conflict of interest; and
To ensure there is a clear communication process for material items of concern between employees and the Board.

All Directors, employees and consultants are responsible for ensuring compliance with the Code and are required to report any breaches in accordance with Salmat's Doing the Right Thing Policy.

Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee

The Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee is a committee of the Board. Its membership consists of the independent non-executive directors of Salmat Limited.

The Chairman of the Committee is Mr John Thorn. Mr Thorn's experience in the accounting profession complements the financial and commercial experience of the other independent non-executive board members. This blend of experience and technical expertise enables this Committee to critically review the risk profile and further develop corporate governance within Salmat.

The Committee Charter is adopted by the Board.

The Committee's responsibility is as follows:

Assist the Board of Directors to discharge its responsibility to exercise due care, diligence and skill in relation to the entity's:
Financial Management and Statutory Compliance including liaison with the Salmat Group's auditors.
Assessment of whether external reporting is consistent with committee members' information and knowledge and is adequate for shareholder needs.
Assessment of the management processes supporting external reporting.
Recommending to the Board the appointment, re-appointment or replacement of the external auditors and setting the appropriate fees.
Evaluating of the performance of the external auditors, including their independence, effectiveness and objectivity.
Reviewing and assessing non-audit service provision by the external auditors and giving particular consideration to the potential for the provision of these services to impair the external auditors' judgement or independence in respect of the Salmat Group.
Provide a structured forum for communication between the Board of Directors and senior management.
Provide a structured reporting line for the Group risk and assurance function.

The Committee receives formal completion certification from management as to the accuracy and completeness of the financial results of the company with each set of results. The certification provides assurance to the Board as to the financial report and the condition of the Company as well as the operation of the risk management and compliance and control elements which support the financial statements. The certification is attested to the Board by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

The Committee meets with the Salmat Group’s external auditors without the presence of management on a regular basis to receive an independent view on the financial reports and other relevant matters.

The Committee customarily invites the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to attend the majority of its meetings.

The Committee uses a combination of internal and specialist external resources to undertake the risk assurance function.

Remuneration and Compensation Committee

The Remuneration and Compensation Committee is a committee of the Board.

Its membership consists of the independent non-executive directors of Salmat Limited. The Chairman of the Committee is Mr Ian Elliot, who has undertaken those duties since his appointment on 1 January 2005.

The Committee Charter is adopted by the Board.

The responsibility of the committee is to:

Review overall remuneration policies and ensure they are in accord with current best practice.
Determine the remuneration arrangements for the Chief Executive Officer and approve the Chief Executive Officer's recommendations for the other senior executives nominated by the Chief Executive Officer.
Set the performance targets for the Chief Executive Officer and review performance against these targets. Review and approve their recommended performance targets for other senior executives.
Determine the long term incentive strategy for the Chief Executive Officer and approve recommendations for other senior staff.
Review succession planning of the Chief Executive Officer and plans for senior executives.
Oversight of the Company's compliance with the occupational health and safety legislation in the relevant jurisdictions in which it operates.

Salmat has retained independent advisers who provide information on current best practice (including remuneration levels) for executive and non-executive remuneration. The committee reviews remuneration levels in the light of this advice and the individual's performance. The Chief Executive Officer attends committee meetings to review remuneration levels for other staff.

Technology and Innovation Committee

The Technology and Innovation Committee is a committee of the Board. It has been formed to acknowledge the key role that Information Technology and Innovation will play in the future development of the company. Its membership consists of three non-executive directors of Salmat Limited as well as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Information Officer.

The Chairman of the Committee is Ms Fiona Balfour. Fiona’s extensive experience in senior information technology roles in major Australian companies, combined with her operational and financial skills, complements the industry and specialist ICT skills of the other Committee members.

The primary purpose of the Committee is to provide the Board with oversight and direction of Salmat’s Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) programs including research and innovation investments.

The Committee Charter is adopted by the Board.

The responsibility of the Committee is to optimise the impact of technology and associated services on the Salmat operational businesses, specifically to:

review and approve management’s ICT strategy and architecture;
oversee all IT projects over $1 million, including review of all post implementation reviews performed;
oversee acquisitions in developing operations and businesses;
review ICT businesses, products, partnerships and relationships for opportunities from a customer communications perspective;
review ICT operational performance;
oversee Salmat’s ICT services partnerships;
maintain a watching brief on ICT and industry specific developments and opportunities;
oversee the ICT risk profile for Salmat including disaster recovery and business continuity planning;
oversee the company’s innovation framework to ensure regular flow of innovation concepts and ideas; and
review, incubate and endorse the development of innovative concepts into opportunities for investment.

The Committee invites external advisors and/or other Salmat executives to attend meetings at the Committee’s discretion, where their knowledge or expertise can make a material contribution.

Disclosure Policy

Salmat is committed to complying with the continuous disclosure obligations of the Corporations Act and the ASX Listing Rules. Salmat understands and respects the fact that timely disclosure of relevant information is central to the efficient operation of the securities market. The Company has a continuous Disclosure Policy, which also covers the conduct of investor and analyst's briefings and communications with the media.

Materiality and Disclosure

The company has a published Disclosure Policy for timely and accurate release of material events. The policy focuses on continuous disclosure of information concerning the company that a reasonable person would expect to have a material effect on the price of the company's securities. As a general guideline, the Board considers that any financial impact which affects group revenue or profit by more than 10% will be considered material.

All price sensitive announcements made via the ASX are then immediately posted on the company's web site. Similarly, prior to any analyst briefing on aspects of the Group's operations, the material used in the presentation is released to the ASX and subsequently posted on the company's web site.

Communication

Salmat places considerable importance on effective communication with shareholders.

The Company Secretary is nominated as the person responsible for communications with the ASX. This role includes responsibility for ensuring compliance with the continuous disclosure requirements in the ASX listing rules.

All shareholders may receive a copy of the company's annual report. In addition, the company has made available electronic communication of all price sensitive announcements for convenience of all shareholders. Since our public float in December 2002, all price sensitive company announcements and financial reports are available on our web site.

Securities Trading Policy

Restrictions on Securities Dealings

All employees, including our directors and other officers, are subject to the restrictions under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) in relation to Salmat shares.

Salmat has a published Securities Trading Policy. The policy prohibits directors and key employees from dealing in Salmat securities for the period 15 days before the end of a reporting period to one day after those results are released to the market, being the embargo periods. Through an internal notification process, all directors and key employees are required to advise the Company Secretary of any trade in Salmat securities in which they have a beneficial interest.

Doing the Right Thing

Salmat's Doing the Right Thing policy covers the procedures for dealing with information or reports received regarding suspected improper conduct within Salmat. It also addresses the protection of individuals making those reports.

The policy has been developed to enhance the company's Risk Management Policy and Corporate Governance Framework. Key components of the program are an independent, external, impartial reporting service, the independent investigation of significant issues and reporting to Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee.

The policy is published on Salmat's intranet.

Contact Details

Salmat Head Office

Innovation Place
L17 100 Arthur Street
North Sydney NSW 2060

PH: 1300 SALMAT
FAX: (02) 9928 6652

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