The Board has policies designed to ensure that the Company’s financial statements meet high standards of disclosure and provide the information necessary to understand the Company’s financial performance and position. The policies require that the Executive Director provide to the Board, prior to the Board approving the annual and half-yearly accounts, a written statement that the accounts present a true and fair view, in all material respects, of Range’s financial performance and position and are in accordance with relevant accounting standards, laws and regulations.
Audit Process
As part of the Company’s commitment to safeguarding integrity in financial reporting, Range’s accounts are subject to annual audit by an independent, professional auditor, who also reviews the half-yearly accounts.
Consistent with ASX Principle 6, the Auditor attends and is available to answer questions at the Company’s Annual General Meetings.
Auditor Independence
The Company has implemented procedures and policies to monitor the independence and competence of the Company’s external auditors. Details of the amounts paid for both audit work and non-audit services are set out in the Company’s Annual Report.
The Board requires that adequate hand-over occurs in the year prior to rotation of an audit partner to ensure an efficient and effective audit under the new partner.
Business Risks
Consistent with ASX Principle 7, the Company is committed to the identification, monitoring and management of risks associated with its business activities and has embedded in its management and reporting systems a number of risk management controls. The Executive Director is charged with implementing appropriate risk management systems within the Company.
The Board monitors and receives advice on areas of operational and financial risk, and considers strategies for appropriate risk management arrangements.
Specific areas of risk identified initially and which will be regularly considered at Board meetings include sovereign risk, foreign currency and commodity price fluctuations, performance of activities, human resources, the environment, statutory compliance and continuous disclosure obligations.
As part of the reporting process the Executive Director provides to the Board, prior to the Board approving the annual and half-yearly accounts, a written statement that the integrity of the financial statements (as per ASX Recommendation 4.1) are founded on a system of risk management and internal compliance and control which implements the Board’s policies and that the Company’s risk management and internal control system is operating efficiently and effectively in all material matters.
Share Trading
Under the Company’s share trading policy, all employees and Directors of the Company and its related companies are prohibited from trading in the Company’s shares or other securities if they are in possession of "inside information". Subject to this condition and in light of the ASX’s continuous disclosure requirements, trading can occur at any time and is not limited to specified windows following the publication of financial results.
In addition, in order to trade, Directors of the Company must advise the Company Secretary of their intention to trade and must also have been advised by the Company Secretary that there is no known reason to preclude them trading in the Company’s shares or other securities.
Continuous Disclosure
The Company understands and respects that timely disclosure of price sensitive information is central to the efficient operation of the Australian Stock Exchange’s securities market and has adopted a comprehensive policy covering announcements to the Australian Stock Exchange, prevention of selective or inadvertent disclosure, conduct of investor and analysts briefings, media communications, commenting on expected earnings, communications black-out periods and review of briefings and communications. The policy is reviewed periodically and updated as required.
The Company Secretary has responsibility for overseeing and coordinating disclosure of information to the Australian Stock Exchange. The Company Secretary also liaises with the Executive Director in relation to continuous disclosure matters. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing and coordinating disclosure of information to analysts, brokers and shareholders.
Code of Conduct
The Board has adopted a Code of Conduct to establish and encourage observance by the Company’s Directors, executives and employees of standards of ethical and responsible decision making and behaviour, and to act with the utmost integrity and objectivity, striving at all times to enhance the reputation and performance of the Company.
In addition, all reports and releases made by Range throughout the year with respect to its activities are distributed widely via the Australian Stock Exchange and on the Company’s website.
Communications with Shareholders
The Board aims to ensure that shareholders are kept informed of all major developments affecting Range. Information is communicated to shareholders through the distribution of annual reports and by presentation to shareholders at the Annual General Meeting, which they are encouraged to attend.