This report outlines Australia's current regulatory framework for corporate governance, the role of shareholders in ensuring good corporate governance, the importance of effective communication between company boards and shareholders and the voting mechanisms through which shareholders enforce the accountability of company boards.

This report provides background on the regulation of the superannuation industry and describes industry trends that have resulted in total superannuation savings in Australia exceeding the $1 trillion mark.

Corporate responsibility is emerging as an issue of critical importance in Australia's business community. This inquiry has provided the committee with the opportunity to closely examine this increasingly important aspect of the corporate governance of Australian companies.