16 August 2001

Technology to Promote Better Investor Relations

The Minister for Financial Services & Regulation, Joe Hockey, today appointment a leading legal academic to investigate ways companies can use technology to improve investor relations.

Professor Elizabeth Boros, from Monash University, will advise the Minister on whether there are legislative or regulatory impediments to the wider adoption of electronic voting systems.

"I believe that technology can change the way companies interact with their shareholders, and I want to find out what stands in the way of more electronic voting and other technological ways of boosting investor participation," the Minister said.

"The Government is dedicated to working with business to help them use technology in improving investor relations, and the business community, in turn, is enthusiastic about using technology to promote increased investor interaction."