ASX · 14 SEP 2026
Consultation on the ASX's new governance principles closes
Submissions on the draft 5th edition of the ASX Corporate Governance Principles closed at 5pm AEST on 14 September 2026. The Council intends to recommend a final version to the ASX board in December 2026, with entities reporting against it for financial years starting on or after 1 July 2027.
Why it matters for your board: If your financial year starts on 1 July, your first report against the new principles is likely for the year ending 30 June 2028. Board succession plans made now will be read against it.
Source: AICD
ASX · 21 JUL 2026
Draft 5th edition keeps the 30% board gender objective
The ASX Corporate Governance Council released its consultation draft of the 5th edition. It keeps the objective that S&P/ASX 300 boards have at least 30% of directors of each gender, moves board diversity into Principle 2 and links it to succession planning. A 40% target was considered and not adopted.
Why it matters for your board: The number hasn't moved, but the question has: boards will be asked how diversity is built into succession, not just what the percentage is today.
Source: Clayton Utz
AICD · JULY 2026
Women chair 52 ASX 300 boards
The AICD's Gender Diversity Snapshot for the end of June 2026 shows women hold 36.9% of ASX 300 board positions and 37.6% of ASX 200 directorships. Women now chair 52 ASX 300 boards, up from 48 in January.
Why it matters for your board: Board representation has stalled at around 37 to 38% since late 2024. The chair numbers are moving faster than the seats.
Source: AICD
AICD · 3 MAR 2026
79 ASX 300 boards still below 30% women
At 31 January 2026, women held 37.6% of ASX 300 board seats. 214 ASX 300 boards had reached at least 30% women, 79 had not, 34 had only one woman and three had none.
Why it matters for your board: Most of the boards still below 30% are one appointment away. The next vacancy on those boards is the one that matters.
Source: AICD
