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Benitec Biopharma Inc.

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FY2012 Annual Report · Benitec Biopharma Inc.
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Benitec Biopharma Ltd  
ABN 64 068 943 662 

F6A / 1-15 Barr Street 
Balmain NSW   2041 Australia

Tel:  +61 (0) 2 9555 6986   
Email: info@benitec.com

www.benitec.com

BENITEC BIOPHARMA LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Contents

CHAIRMAN AND THE CEO’S LETTER 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT 

AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION 

INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT 

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 

CORPORATE DIRECTORY 

1

2

14

15

18

41

42 

45

INSIDE BACK COVER

BENITEC BIOPHARMA LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Corporate Directory

BENITEC BIOPHARMA LIMITED

ABN 64 068 943 662

Directors

Mr Peter Francis  
Dr Mel Bridges  
Dr John Chiplin 
Mr Iain Ross 

(Non-Executive Chairman)
(Non-Executive Director)
(Non-Executive Director)
(Non-Executive Director)

Company Secretary
Mr Greg West

Chief Executive Officer
Dr Peter French

Registered Office
Level 16
356 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
Australia

Principal Place of Business
F6A/1-15 Barr Street
Balmain NSW 2041
Australia

Auditors
Grant Thornton Audit Pty Ltd 
Level 17, 383 Kent Street 
Sydney NSW 2000

Bankers
Westpac Banking Corporation 
274 Darling Street 
Balmain NSW 2041

Share Registry
Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited
Yarra Falls
452 Johnston Street
Melbourne Vic 3067

Stock Exchange Listing
The Company is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange Limited 
ASX Code: BLT

Chairman’s and CEO’s letter

Dear Shareholder,
We are pleased to present the Benitec Biopharma Annual Report for 2012.
Your Company has made significant progress during the last twelve months towards our ultimate objective of obtaining a competitive and 
appropriate return on your investment through building on the Company’s dominant gene silencing intellectual property assets. 
We have continued to advance our in-house therapeutic programs through preclinical stages towards clinical trials.  Whilst there has not been 
a lot of visibility of this to date, we can assure you that ‘behind the scenes’ the distinguished scientists leading the various programs have been 
working hard to assemble robust and validated data in all of the programs. This data, once verified, can be shared with potential partners to 
enable Benitec to engage their interest in commercial discussions. This has been a critical aspect of our strategy in 2011 – 2012. Most potential 
commercialisation partners will not sign confidentiality agreements at early stages of discussions therefore data needs to be in the public domain 
and to have been through a scientific peer review process. 
To support this initiative Benitec is proud to have finalised research partnerships with Stanford University on our neuropathic pain program, and the 
Royal Holloway, University of London for our new program, a ddRNAi treatment for an orphan disease called Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy. 
Furthermore our partnerships with the Children’s Cancer Institute Australia at UNSW (for our drug resistant lung cancer program) and with 
Chinese-based Biomics Biotechnologies (for our hepatitis B program) are working very well with excellent progress being made in vtro and in vivo.
In addition to driving our in house programs, Benitec has been actively engaged in out-licensing ddRNAi for human therapy applications. During 
the last twelve months we announced licensing agreements with:
•	 Calimmune	Inc	(California)	for	the	development	of	a	ddRNAi-based	treatment	for	HIV/AIDS
and 
•	 Genable	Technologies	Ltd	(based	in	Ireland)	for	the	development	of	a	ddRNAi	therapy	for	the	orphan	genetic	eye	disease	Retinitis	Pigmentosa,	
In the area of communications, Benitec has undertaken an aggressive strategy to raise the company’s profile and increase awareness of our 
achievements.	We	have	engaged	PR	company	DRPR	Associates	to	guide	our	general	media	strategy,	College	Hill	and	Seed	Media	to	lead	our	
investor relations strategy, and Technoledge to produce professional branding and publication material. Our multimedia approach has extended to 
the	production	of	several	videos,	which	can	be	viewed	on	the	Benitec	Biopharma	YouTube	channel	(http://www.youtube.com/user/BenitecNews).	
Here	you	will	see	and	hear	interviews	with	Benitec	Biopharma’s	CEO,	CBO	and	CIG	members.
During 2011 – 2012 we have presented at or attended the following events:
•	 5th	Pain	Summit	-	San	Francisco,	2011	
•	 Combio	–	Cairns,	2011	
•	 Ausbiotech	Roadshow	–	Amsterdam,	2011	
•	 BIO	–	Europe	Amsterdam	2012
These presentations, combined with successes by other groups working in the RNAi space, are helping to validate the use of RNAi in general and 
of ddRNAi in particular and will contribute to a much greater awareness of Benitec’s technology. Some examples of these included: 
•	 Alnylam	reporting	positive	clinical	data	for	its	experimental	drug	for	TTR-mediated	amyloidosis
•	 Medistem’s	use	of	ddRNAi	to	overcome	transplant	rejection
•	 Granting	approval	by	EMA	of	uniQure’s	gene	therapy	molecule	Glybera	–	the	first	gene	therapy	product	to	gain	approval	in	a	Western	market
•	 Tacere	reporting	positive	data	on	Hepatitis	C	safety	and	delivery
•	 Gradalis	reporting	very	positive	results	from	a	Phase	I/II	clinical	trial	cancer	vaccine	“FANG”	which	incorporates	a	ddRNAi	component.
Other highlights for the year included:
•	 Completion	of	a	Research	Report	from	van	Leeuwenhoek
•	 Appointment	of	Dr.	Michael	Graham	as	Chief	Scientific	Officer
•	 Appointment	of	Mr	Carl	Stubbings	as	Chief	Business	Officer	to	drive	business	development
•	 Termination	of	the	UK	patent	revocation,	further	strengthening	Benitec’s	IP	position
•	 Several	additional	patents	granted	in	the	“Graham”	patent	family	in	the	US
•	 Positive	meeting	with	the	European	Medicines	Agency	regarding	Benitec	Biopharma’s	strategy	to	develop	“Nervarna™”	our	ddRNAi	treatment	

•				JP	Morgan	Healthcare	Conference	–	San	Francisco	2012
•				Ausbiotech	2011	–	Adelaide
•				World	Gene	Therapy	Congress	–	London	2012

for neuropathic pain

•	 Production	of	Benitec	Biopharma’s	first	GMP	manufactured	ddRNAi	constructs	(for	Nervarna™).	
•	 The	CIG	meeting	in	May	which	provided	an	update	on	progress	in	all	of	the	programs,	and	welcomed	Tacere	Chief	Scientist	Dr	David	Suhy	to	

present the impressive progress in the Tacere Hepatitis C program.

As you can see it has been a busy and constructive year. On behalf of the Board we would like to thank Benitec Biopharma shareholders for their 
continued support and patience whilst we consolidate our scientific position. We believe that the company is now well positioned to deliver on 
the promise that ddRNAi offers by demonstrating the safety and efficacy of the technology in the clinical setting. This is our key goal for 2013. 

Peter Francis 
Chairman 

Peter French 
Chief Executive Officer

Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012   Page	1

	
	
	
	
	
 
 
Directors’ Report

Your	Directors	submit	their	report	on	Benitec	Biopharma	Limited	(“the	
Company”)	for	the	financial	year	ended	30	June	2012.

Dr John Chiplin PH.D. 
Non-Executive Director  
Appointed 1 February 2010 

Dr	John	Chiplin	has	broad-based	experience	in	the	life	science	and	
technology industries, both from an operational and investment 
perspective. His most recent accomplishment was the corporate 
reengineering of Arana Therapeutics, a world leading Antibody 
developer, which resulted in the acquisition of the company by 
Cephalon	for	a	significant	premium	to	market	(July	2009).	Immediately	
prior to running Arana, Dr Chiplin was head of the $300M ITI Life 
Sciences	investment	fund	in	the	UK.	

His	own	investment	vehicle,	Newstar	Ventures	Ltd,	has	funded	more	
than	a	dozen	early	stage	companies	in	the	past	ten	years.	Dr	Chiplin’s	
Pharmacy	and	Doctoral	degrees	are	from	the	University	of	Nottingham,	
UK.	In	addition	to	Benitec	Biopharma,	he	currently	serves	on	the	
Boards	of	Calzada	Ltd	and	ScienceMedia,	Inc.

Other Current Directorships of Listed Companies
Calzada	Ltd.

Former Directorships of Listed Companies in last three years
Arana	Therapeutics	Ltd,	Progen	Pharmaceuticals	Ltd	and	 
Healthlinx Ltd..

Mr Iain Ross BSC, CH.D. 
Non-Executive Director  
Appointed	1	June	2010	

Mr Iain Ross is an experienced business man with 30 years’ 
experience in the international life sciences sector. Following a 
career	with	Sandoz,	Fisons,	Hoffman	La	Roche,	and	Celltech	he	has	
undertaken and input to a number of company turnarounds and start-
ups as a board member on behalf of banks and private equity groups. 
He	has	led	and	participated	in	4	IPOs,	has	direct	experience	of	life	
science	mergers	and	acquisitions	both	in	the	UK	and	USA	and	has	
raised more than £200m in the biotech sector. 

He	is	a	Qualified	Chartered	Director	and	currently	he	is	Chairman	
of	Ark	Therapeutics	Group	plc	(LSE);	Pharminox	Limited;	Biomer	
Technology Limited and a non-executive director of Tissue Therapies 
Limited	(ASX).	Also	he	is	Vice	Chairman	of	the	Council	of	Royal	
Holloway, University of London. 

Other Current Directorships of Listed Companies
Ark	Therapeutics	Group	plc,	Tissue	Therapies	Limited.	

Former Directorships of Listed Companies in last three years
Silence Therapeutics plc.

DIRECTORS
The names and details of the Company’s Directors in office during the 
financial year and until the date of this report are as follows.  
The	Directors	were	in	office	for	all	of	the	financial	year	ended	30	June	
2012. 

Names, qualifications experience and special 
responsibilities

Mr Peter Francis LLB,	GRAD	DIP	(INTELLECTUAL	PROPERTY) 
Non-Executive Chairman 
Appointed 23 February 2006 

Mr	Peter	Francis	is	a	partner	at	Francis	Abourizk	Lightowlers	(FAL),	a	
firm of commercial and technology lawyers with offices in Melbourne, 
Australia. He is a legal specialist in the areas of intellectual property 
and licensing and provides legal advice to a large number of 
corporations and research bodies. 

Other Current Directorships of Listed Companies
None.

Former Directorships of Listed Companies in last three years
Xceed Capital Limited.

Dr Mel Bridges BAPPSC,	FAICD 
Non-Executive Director 
Appointed 12 October 2007 

Dr Mel Bridges has more than 30 years’ experience in the global 
biotechnology and healthcare industry. During this period, he founded 
and managed successful diagnostics, biotechnology and medical 
device businesses. Mel is currently Chairman of a number of listed 
and	unlisted	companies.	He	is	Chairman	of	Alchemia	Ltd	and	Genetic	
Technologies	Ltd.	He	also	co-founded	listed	company	Panbio	Ltd.	Mel	
has extensive experience as a public company director and is a Non-
Executive Director of Campbell Brothers Limited, ImpediMed Limited 
and Tissue Therapies Limited.

The businesses that Mel has founded have won numerous awards 
including	the	Queensland	Export	Award,	Australian	Small	Business	
of	the	Year,	Queensland	Top	400,	BRW’s	Top	100	Fastest	Growing	
Companies	for	seven	consecutive	years	and	The	Australian	Quality	
Award. Mel has won numerous awards for his achievements including 
the	Ernst	and	Young	2002	Entrepreneur	of	the	Year.	In	2004	he	was	
anointed	the	Queensland	Entrepreneur	of	the	Year,	and	in	2005	
industry	group	AusBiotech	awarded	him	the	Chairman’s	Industry	Gold	
Medal for contributions to the Australian biotech industry.

Other Current Directorships of Listed Companies
Alchemia Ltd, Campbell Brothers Ltd, ImpediMed Ltd,  
Tissue Therapies Ltd.

Former Directorships of Listed Companies in last three years
Incitive	Ltd,	Peptech	Ltd,	Arana	Therapeutics	Ltd,	 
Genera	Biosystems	Ltd.

Page	2   Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012

Directors’ Report

Benitec Biopharma Executives and Board.	From	Left	to	Right:	Mr	Greg	West,	Dr	Michael	Graham,	Mr	Carl	Stubbings,	Mr	Iain	Ross,	Dr	Mel	Bridges,	Dr	John	Chiplin,	 
Dr	Peter	French,		Mr	Peter	Francis

COMPANY SECRETARY

Mr Greg West CA 
Appointed 26 May 2011 

Mr West is a Chartered Accountant with experience in the Biotech 
sector. He is a Director and audit committee Chairman of ITC Limited 
(a	business	arm	of	Wollongong	University),	IDP	Education	Pty	Ltd	
and	Education	Australia	Limited.	He	completed	his	studies	with	Price	
Waterhouse and has worked in senior finance executive roles in 
investment banking with Bankers Trust, Deutsche Bank, NZI, and other 
financial institutions. 

Interests in the shares and options of the company and 
related bodies corporate

At the date of this report, the interest of the Directors in the shares 
and options of Benitec Biopharma Limited were:

Director 

Number of  
Ordinary Shares    

Number of Options over 
Ordinary Shares 

Mr	Peter	Francis	

Dr	Mel	Bridges	

Dr	John	Chiplin	

Mr	Iain	Ross	

2,237,175	

2,710,000	

1,190,846	

750,000	

CORPORATE INFORMATION

Corporate Structure

44,000,000

12,998,333

10,264,063

10,187,500

Benitec Biopharma Limited is a company limited by shares that is 
incorporated and domiciled in Australia. Benitec Biopharma Limited 
has prepared a consolidated financial report incorporating the entities 
that it controlled during the financial year, which are described in note 
11 of the financial statements.

Principal Activities

Benitec Biopharma is an RNAi-based therapeutics company using 
its proprietary DNA-directed RNA interference (ddRNAi) or vector 
expressed technology to develop therapies for the treatment of life 
threatening diseases with significant unmet need and commercial 
attractiveness. Benitec Biopharma’s therapeutic programs include 
human	immunodeficiency	virus	(HIV),	Hepatitis	B,	OPMD	orphan	
disease, delivery options and cancer. Benitec Biopharma generates 
revenue from licensing its technology. 

The	principal	activities	of	the	Group	during	the	year	were	the	
management,	funding,	building	the	IP	estate	and	management	and	
commercialisation of Benitec Biopharma’s therapeutic programs. 

Employees

The	Group	had	5	employees	as	at	30	June	2012	(2011:	4	employees).		

DIVIDENDS
No dividends in respect of the current or previous financial year have 
been paid, declared or recommended for payment.

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW 
Benitec Biopharma Limited (ASX: BLT) is an Australian biotechnology 
company developing novel therapeutic treatments to cure a range of 
diseases by turning off the active genes responsible for the disease. 
Benitec Biopharma holds the dominant intellectual property worldwide 
for this powerful ‘gene silencing’ technology, DNA-directed RNA 
interference (ddRNAi). 

Benitec Biopharma’s approach is different to other gene silencing 
methodologies, as ddRNAi results in the targeted cell continuously 
manufacturing specific silencing molecules thus the disease-
associated	gene	is	permanently	“silenced”,	using	just	a	single	
treatment. 

There are other approaches for silencing target genes that can 
temporarily silence target genes, however in these cases the 
treatment must be continuously administered. 

Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012   Page	3

 
Directors’ Report

Targeting Multiple Diseases

The ddRNAi technology is potentially applicable to over 22,000 genes 
covering multiple conditions, including cancers, neurological diseases, 
infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases and rare genetic diseases. 
Benitec Biopharma’s approach is to focus on developing, through 
in-house programs or out-licensing arrangements, ddRNAi-based 
treatments for diseases which meet one of the following criteria:

•	 Diseases	which	have	a	high	public	profile,	high	market	potential	
and, if positive outcomes occur in early clinical trials, are very 
likely to attract the attention of large pharmaceutical companies. 

•	 Diseases	with	unmet	needs	involving	terminally	ill	patients	
in which ddRNAi therapy offers an opportunity to improve 
survivability	and/or	quality	of	life.	

•	 Diseases	that	are	considered	“Orphan”	–	These	diseases	occur	
in less than in 100,000 of the population. While the market 
opportunities are smaller, the disease status means barriers to 
market entry are significantly lower. 

With these criteria in mind Benitec Biopharma has selected four 
different diseases and medical conditions to demonstrate the efficacy 
of the technology across a range of tissue types. :

1.  Cancer-associated pain. This program is currently in pre-

clinical	development,	in	research	collaboration	with	Queensland	
University’s	TetraQ	and	starting	from	August	2012,	Stanford	
University’s	Prof	David	Yeomans.	Up	to	85%	of	terminal	cancer	
patients suffer intractable neuropathic pain. Benitec Biopharma’s 
technology is being used to develop a novel pain product that can 
be administered as a single injection to provide long-term pain 
relief through silencing a key pain mediator in the spinal cord. An 
independent publication, using an approach identical to Benitec 
Biopharma’s, demonstrated a significant reduction in pain without 
side	effects	(Human	Gene	Therapy	2011,	22(4):	465-475)	in	a	
validated animal model. This provides proof of concept for Benitec 
Biopharma’s approach. 

2.  Lung cancer. Lung cancer is the most common cancer 

3.  Hepatitis B.	An	estimated	350	million	people	are	chronically	
infected	with	the	hepatitis	B	virus	(HBV).	Benitec	Biopharma	is	
developing a therapy that targets a key viral gene, in partnership 
with Biomics Biotechnologies in China. Optimised ddRNAi 
constructs have been prepared for testing in an in vivo model of 
HBV	infection.	Successful	inhibition	of	viral	infection	will	lead	to	
commencement of a clinical trial.

4.	 OPMD (oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy) is an orphan 
disease	caused	by	a	mutant	gene.	In	collaboration	with	Professor	
George	Dickson	at	Royal	Holloway,	University	of	London,	Benitec	
Biopharma is using ddRNAi to target the suppression of the 
mutant gene responsible for this currently untreatable condition, 
which affects the swallowing muscles.

There are many other diseases that can be targeted by ddRNAi. 
Benitec Biopharma lacks the resources to pursue all of these 
opportunities in-house, so the Company’s strategy is to enter into 
multiple partnering and licensing arrangements with external 
organisations to exploit the ddRNAi technology for other diseases. 
Examples of these arrangements in place currently are license 
agreements	with	Tacere	Therapeutics	(Hepatitis	C);	Calimmune	Inc	
(HIV);	Revivicor	Inc	(organ	transplants)	and	Genable	Technologies	
(Retinitis	Pigmentosa).

Strategic Advantage

The ability of ddRNAi to be used in a range of diseases affords Benitec 
Biopharma a strategic advantage. For high profile diseases such as 
Hepatitis B or chronic pain, when favourable clinical data becomes 
available, there is a strong probability of attracting the interest of a 
large pharmaceutical company and subsequently negotiating suitable 
value/revenue	licensing	agreements.	While	orphan	disease	targets	
offer lower revenue opportunities (when compared with Hepatitis B for 
example)	they	afford	an	earlier	opportunity	to	prove	or	“validate”	the	
efficacy of ddRNAi and a lower barrier to market entry (due to reduced 
regulatory burden). 

worldwide.	The	program	with	Professor	Maria	Kavallaris	and	other	
researchers at UNSW has shown that using ddRNAi to silence a 

Both of these approaches enhance the Company’s ability to broaden 
the available licensing opportunities (and thus access to ongoing 

The ddRNAi technology is potentially applicable to over 22,000 genes,  
covering multiple conditions including cancers, neurological diseases,  
infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases and rare genetic diseases.

gene that is only expressed in non-small cell lung cancer cells (the 
most common form of lung cancer) can significantly overcome the 
resistance of the cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs. Initial in vivo 
proof of concept data has demonstrated the feasibility and the 
effectiveness of the approach. 

revenue streams) while improving the overall risk profile by eliminating 
dependence on one program’s success or failure. 

A recent article in Therapeutics Daily discusses that there is good 
evidence that big pharma is seriously considering RNAi-based 
therapeutics	again	(http://www.therapeuticsdaily.com/news/article.cf
m?contenttype=sentryarticle&contentvalue=2040798&channelID=34).	
Benitec Biopharma is well positioned to benefit from this interest as 
the Company’s programs in areas of significant unmet need move into 
the clinic.

Page	4   Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012

Directors’ Report

OVERVIEW OF OPERATIONS
Benitec Biopharma has spent the previous 12 months consolidating 
its strategy in growing its R&D pipeline programs, maintaining and 
extending its intellectual property and executing on key milestones in 
its business development activity. These are described below in detail. 

1. R&D Pipeline 

Benitec Biopharma has a product pipeline of in-house and partnered 
therapeutics based on its proprietary transformational technology, 
DNA-directed RNA interference (ddRNAi) for chronic and life-
threatening conditions. Benitec Biopharma has four development 
programs underway in house and expects to enter clinical trials within 
the next one to two years. Successful results from any program could 
lead to a significant partnership deal with a major pharmaceutical 
company. In addition, Benitec Biopharma has entered into out-licensing 
deals	for	programs	in	hepatitis	C,	HIV	and	retinitis	pigmentosa,	
bringing to seven the number of ddRNAi-based programs being 
actively	progressed	towards	the	clinic.	These	are	summarized	below:

The R&D highlights of the previous 12 months include:

•	 Hepatitis B – “Hepbarna™”. Over the past 12 months, 
ddRNAi constructs targeting three separate sequences on 
the	target	Hepatitis	B	Virus	(HBV)	gene	have	been	designed,	
manufactured, tested, modified and finalised in conjunction with 
Benitec Biopharma’s collaboration with China-based Biomics 
Biotechnologies Co Ltd. The three sequences were selected from 
an initial screen of several thousand potential candidates, and 
have been tested extensively in in vitro assays to ensure high 
efficacy and low toxicity both individually and collectively. In 
vivo proof of concept testing of the final constructs in a mouse 
model	using	Adeno-associated	virus	(AAV)	vector	to	deliver	these	
to the infected liver cells and silence the hepatitis B virus has 
commenced. This is a key value inflection point for this program, 
and is anticipated to be completed in early to mid 2013.

•	 Chronic cancer-associated pain – “Nervarna™”. Benitec 
Biopharma	has	chosen	Protein	Kinase	C	gamma	(PRKCG)	as	the	
target for silencing by ddRNAi. There is compelling evidence 
that	PRKCG	is	a	key	regulator	of	neuropathic	pain.	Highly	active	
ddRNAi constructs that target conserved regions of the gene 
have been identified and designed to facilitate biodistribution 
and toxicology testing for enablement of clinical applications. 
Lentiviral particles expressing these conserved constructs 
have	been	manufactured	by	a	UK-based	GMP	manufacturer	in	
sufficient quantity to complete in vivo proof of concept studies. 
These constructs have been delivered and pre-clinical proof of 
concept testing in internationally validated in vivo pain models has 
commenced in collaboration with Dr David Yeomans of Stanford 
University	and	with	the	University	of	Queensland.	It	is	currently	
planned that this data will form the basis of scientific discussions 
with the FDA and the EMA. An informal meeting with the EMA 
in May 2012 provided encouragement that this novel approach 
to pain therapeutics is of significant interest to the regulators. 
Significant advances in understanding the manufacturing and 
regulatory processes, costings and time-frames have been gained 
through this period. The next milestones for this program are 
obtaining in vitro and in vivo proof of efficacy of pain relief in 
vivo, followed by preparation to enter the clinic, which requires 
extensive biodistribution and toxicology studies and manufacturing 
of both pre-clinical and clinical batches of the construct. This is 
anticipated to occur from late 2012 to late 2013.

•	 Chemotherapy-resistant lung cancer – “Tribetarna™”. 

Excellent progress has been made in an in vivo proof of concept 
model towards the development of Benitec Biopharma’s and 
UNSW’s ddRNAi-based therapeutic targeting a key gene identified 
as being responsible for cancer cells’ resistance to chemotherapy 
treatments.	Preliminary	data	demonstrating	knockdown	of	beta	III	
tubulin in human non-small cell lung tumours from an intravenous 
injection has been obtained by the UNSW-based research team. 
Critical experiments to determine whether this silencing of beta III 
tubulin will increase the efficacy of chemotherapy in killing cancer 
cells in this in vivo model (as has been demonstrated in vitro) will 
soon commence. A successful result will be a significant value 
inflection point for this program, that is expected in early to mid 
2013, and will be the basis of continuing the program towards 
the clinic. The steps to achieve clinical entry include discussions 
with	the	FDA	and/or	the	EMA;	satisfactory	toxicology	and	
biodistribution testing, manufacturing sufficient quantity of the 
construct and its non-viral vector, and clinical trial approval. 

Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012   Page	5

Directors’ Report

•	 Genetic disease – “Pabparna™”. Work on developing a 
ddRNAi-based therapy for a human orphan genetic disease, 
Oculopharyngeal	Muscular	Dystrophy	(OPMD)	commenced	in	
January.	This	involves	a	research	collaboration	with	Prof.	George	
Dickson (Royal Holloway, University of London) and Dr Capucine 
Trollet	(Institut	de	Myologie,	Paris).	ddRNAi	constructs	targeting	
the	causative	gene	(PABPN1)	have	been	produced	and	introduced	
into gene therapy vectors where they have been confirmed to 
be	highly	active	in	cell	lines.	Testing	in	OPMD-derived	cell	lines	
and an in vivo model of the disease will commence in late 2012. 
Further data, including in vivo data is intended to be achieved over 
the	next	18	months.

External validation of the potential of Benitec Biopharma’s ddRNAi 
technology as the basis of new therapeutics for intractable diseases 
continued to accumulate over the past 12 months, including:

•	 Hepatitis C. Two publications by Benitec Biopharma licensee, 
Tacere Therapeutics, in 2012 demonstrated the efficacy of the 
triple cassette strategy for both efficacy of the approach for 
inhibiting Hepatitis C virus replication (Antimicrobial Agents and 
Chemotherapy 2012,	56(3):	1362-1375)	and	the	safety	of	AAV	
8	delivery	of	triple	cassette	constructs	to	liver	cells	in	a	non-
human primate model (Molecular Therapy	2012,	doi:10.1038/
mt.2012.119).	Tacere	anticipate	a	2013	entry	into	the	clinic	for	
their	hepatitis	C	ddRNAi	construct,	TT-034.	Benitec	Biopharma’s	
strategy	for	silencing	HBV	is	very	similar	to	the	Tacere	approach,	
suggesting a high likelihood of success for this program.
•	 Retinitis pigmentosa.	Benitec	Biopharma	licensee	Genable	

Technologies	Ltd	is	utilizing	ddRNAi	to	silence	the	mutant	RHO	
gene.	Genable’s	Chief	Scientist	presented	preliminary	positive	
proof of concept data in an in vivo model of this debilitating eye 
disease	at	the	World	Gene	Therapy	Congress	in	London	in	May	
2012.	Benitec	Biopharma’s	strategy	for	OPMD	is	very	similar	to	the	
Genable	approach,	suggesting	a	high	likelihood	of	success	for	this	
program. 

•	 HIV/AIDS. Benitec Biopharma licensee Calimmune Inc. are 

developing	a	ddRNAi-based	therapy	for	HIV,	targeting	CD34	stem	
cells, utilising a similar approach to that shown to be successful 
by the City of Hope in their 2010 pilot trial in four AIDS-related 
lymphoma	patients.	City	of	Hope’s	Professor	John	Rossi	reported	
at	the	Benitec	Biopharma’s	Chief	Investigators	Group	(CIG)	meeting	
in May that the ddRNAi product continues to be expressed in 
the immune cells of at least one of those patients more than 
three years after the original treatment. This provides significant 
confidence for Calimmune’s approach clinically.

•	 Benitec	Biopharma’s	CEO	Dr	Peter	French	was	the	co-author	on	
two papers with US-based stem cell company Medistem Inc. 
The work demonstrated the efficacy of ddRNAi in in vivo models 
of rheumatoid arthritis and heart transplant rejection. 
Medistem and Benitec Biopharma remain in communication about 
possibilities for deeper collaboration utilising each company’s 
technology.

Page	6      Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012

More generally, important progress in gene therapy and RNAi has 
occurred, including:

•	 European Approval. Approval of a gene therapy treatment by 

the	European	Medicines	Authority.	uniQure,	a	Dutch	biotechnology	
company,	developed	Glybera	to	treat	a	rare	disease	-	lipoprotein	
lipase	deficiency.	The	treatment	uses	an	AAV	vector	to	deliver	
a replacement gene to cells. Although the therapy does not use 
ddRNAi, this event is significant for Benitec Biopharma since it 
is the first approval of a gene therapy treatment by a Western 
regulatory agency and provides a clear precedent for the use of 
AAV	vectors	in	human	therapy.	Benitec	Biopharma	and	uniQure	
are in communication regarding potential opportunities for 
collaboration.

•	 siRNA. Benitec welcomed the announcement by US-based 

Alnylam of positive results using an siRNA-based therapy to treat 
amyloidosis, a rare untreatable disease of the liver. Although 
Alnylam’s gene silencing technology is distinct from Benitec 
Biopharma’s ddRNAi, the technologies are mechanistically related 
and this success validates the overall potential for RNAi-based 
human therapies. Moreover Benitec Biopharma and Alnylam 
have a cross-license to each other’s technologies and are open to 
possibilities of collaborations. 

•	 Advanced Cancer.	Benitec	Biopharma	reported	in	January	

that	Gradalis,	a	company	that	currently	has	no	association	with	
Benitec	Biopharma,	demonstrated	impressive	efficacy	in	a	Phase	
I/II	clinical	trial	of	a	cancer	vaccine	that	also	has	a	ddRNAi-based	
component. The combined treatment significantly prolonged 
survival in patients with advanced cancer (Molecular Therapy 
2011,	20:	679-686).	Gradalis	has	reported	that	they	are	planning	to	
commence a second clinical trial soon. 

Chief Investigators’ Group
The	Benitec	Biopharma	Chief	Investigators’	Group	(CIG)	was	formed	in	
February 2011 and met twice in the last year (November 2011 and May 
2012) to review the company’s research programs. A further meeting is 
planned for November 2012.

The	CIG	includes	program	leaders	of	groups	associated	with	Benitec	
Biopharma’s	clinical	pipeline.	Initial	members	were	Professor	John	
Rossi	(City	of	Hope	Cancer	Centre,	CA,	USA);	Dr	York	Zhu	(Biomics	
Biotechnologies,	Nantong,	China)	and	Professor	Maria	Kavallaris	
(Children’s Cancer Institute Australia (CCIA) at the University of New 
South Wales (UNSW), Australia) as well as Benitec Biopharma’s 
CEO	Dr	Peter	French,	Dr	Ken	Reed	(Benitec	Biopharma	founder)	and	
Dr	Michael	Graham	(the	discoverer	of	Benitec	Biopharma’s	RNAi	
technology).	Two	new	members	joined	the	CIG	in	2012,	Prof.	George	
Dickson	(Royal	Holloway	-	University	of	London)	who	heads	the	OPMD	
program	and	Dr	Geoff	Symonds	from	Calimmune	Inc.	Dr	David	Suhy	
(Tacere) also attended the May 2012 meeting. Recently Dr David 
Yeomans (Stanford University) who has commenced collaboration 
on	the	pain	program	has	agreed	to	join	the	CIG	and	will	attend	the	
next meeting. The group is now chaired by Benitec Biopharma’s Chief 
Scientist	Dr	Michael	Graham.

The	CIG	brings	together	world-class	researchers	in	their	respective	
fields and has provided invaluable assistance to Benitec Biopharma 
in	refining	and	focusing	the	company’s	research	pipeline.	CIG	
membership is not a remunerated role.

Directors’ Report

2. Intellectual Property

Benitec Biopharma‘s core patents and patent rights are based on 
research	in	the	1990s	conducted	by	Benitec	Biopharma’s	Chief	
Scientist	Dr	Michael	Graham	and	colleagues	at	CSIRO	and	are	
supported by subsequent filings that extend the scope of its 
intellectual property. Benitec Biopharma’s patent estate represents a 
dominant position in DNA-directed gene silencing. Benitec Biopharma 
has also in-licensed several additional patent families that extend the 
scope of its patent estate and enhance the utility and value of ddRNAi. 

A major distraction for Benitec Biopharma resulted from litigation 
initiated	by	the	Company	against	Nucleonics	to	protect	its	Graham	
family of patents.  
While Benitec Biopharma ultimately prevailed, the Company was 
forced to defend a key patent in US re-examination proceedings. 
Following the conclusion of this litigation in the mid-2000s, many of 
Benitec Biopharma’s own patents and its licensed patents were issued 
in a number of jurisdictions outside Europe and the US. 

A	pivotal	breakthrough	for	the	company’s	IP	portfolio	came	in	
September	2010	when	the	US	Patent	Office’s	Board	of	Appeal	reversed	
all previous objections that arose from the re-examination proceedings 
and	re-issued	Benitec	Biopharma’s	foundational	‘099	US	patent.	
This was followed by the issuance of the Re-Examination Certificate 
in March 2011, which was the final formal step in reinstating the 
patent. In Europe, a divisional application from the originally rejected 
European application was also allowed in 2011, thus giving Benitec 
Biopharma key patent claims to ddRNAi in both the US and Europe. 

And	in	June	2012,	Benitec	Biopharma	announced	that	the	challenge	to	
the	validity	of	the	UK	Graham	patent	GB	2353282	was	over,	following	

family of cases was been allowed. It is a continuation of US 
patent	No	7727970.	Whereas	US7727970	has	claims	to	methods	
of	silencing	HCV	using	an	RNA	interference	construct,	this	newly	
allowed application claims the construct itself.

Benitec Biopharma has licensed the exclusive rights to these Hepatitis 
C patents to Tacere Therapeutics, Inc. 

Graham portfolio
Benitec	Biopharma	is	the	exclusive	licensee	from	CSIRO	of	the	Graham	
patents in the field of human therapeutics.

•	 Further	to	the	issuance	of	several	US	patents	in	late	2011	

derived	from	the	re-issued	‘099	Graham	patent	family	including	
US8048670,	US8053419	and	US8067383,	a	further	application	
from	that	family	has	issued	as	US8168774.	This	patent,	
“Control	of	Gene	Expression”	is	complementary	to	the	other	
patents in that family, with claims directed to constructs for 
silencing	target	genes	in	animal	cells.	Grant	of	this	patent	by	
the	USPTO	underlines	Benitec	Biopharma’s	exclusive	position	
in this foundational patent family for expressed RNAi as human 
therapeutics.

•	 The	Japanese	Patent	Office	has	similarly	allowed	JP2009-

161847	in	the	Graham	patent	family,	now	issued	as	JP4981103.	
This patent, directed generally to methods of gene silencing in 
eukaryotic cells and compositions for preventing and treating 
disease,	is	a	divisional	of	granted	patent	JP4460600,	which	claims	
the constructs themselves.

•	 The	British	Patent	Office	has	notified	Benitec	Biopharma	and	

CSIRO	that	the	revocation	action	against	the	GB2353282	patent	
filed in 2010 has been withdrawn by the claimant. The withdrawal 
resolves the action completely and the patent has been 

Benitec Biopharma has the dominant patent position  
for the use of ddRNAi-based gene silencing for humans.

the withdrawal of the Application for Revocation of the patent by the 
applicant, and the acceptance of the amended claims by the United 
Kingdom	Intellectual	Property	Office	(UKIPO).	By	virtue	of	its	solely	
owned	and	licensed	IP,	Benitec	Biopharma	currently	has	more	than	
50	granted	or	allowed	patents	globally,	including	the	key	jurisdictions	
of	the	US,	the	UK,	Japan,	Europe,	India,	Canada	and	Australia.	There	
are	nearly	40	more	patents	pending.	Benitec	Biopharma	has	the	
dominant patent position for the use of ddRNAi-based gene silencing 
for humans.

In 2011-12 there were some significant events in Benitec Biopharma’s 
patent portfolio. These are discussed as follows:

Benitec Biopharma solely owned patents

•	 The	Canadian	patent	office	allowed	Benitec	Biopharma’s	

application	2558771:	“Multiple	promoter	expression	cassettes	for	
simultaneous	delivery	of	RNAi	agents”.	The	claims	cover	an	RNA	
interference construct with multiple promoters to inhibit the level 
of	Hepatitis	C	virus	(HCV)	in	cells,	tissues	and	organs.	The	single	
construct is able to target multiple sequences.

•	 US	application	12/723466	from	the	same	“Multiple	Promoter”	

maintained in amended form without any significant reduction in 
scope with respect to human therapeutics.

•	 Following	the	grant	in	2011	of	two	European	patents	in	the	

Graham	family,	EP1555317	and	EP1624060,	oppositions	have	been	
filed	against	EP1555317	by	BASF	SE	and	an	anonymous	party	
under	the	name	Strawman	Limited,	and	against	EP1624060	by	
BASF SE. 

Further licensed patents
Benitec Biopharma is also the exclusive licensee from CSIRO of the 
Waterhouse et al. patent family in the field of human therapeutics. 

•	 The	granted	European	Waterhouse	et	al	patent	application	

EP1068311	has	been	opposed	by	four	parties,	namely	BASF	SE,	
Strawman	Limited,	Carnegie	Institution	of	Washington/University	
of	Massachusetts,	and	Syngenta	International	AG.	CSIRO	is	due	to	
file a response to the oppositions later this year.

•	 The	Japanese	Patent	Office	has	issued	the	Waterhouse	et	al	

application	as	Japanese	Patent	No.	5105373.

Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012      Page	7

Directors’ Report

3. Business Development 

Business development activity has been a major focus of Benitec 
Biopharma	in	2012.	The	aim	is	to	create	appropriate/competitive	return	
on investment for Benitec Biopharma stakeholders by commercialising 
the company’s gene silencing technology, ddRNAi. 

Strengthening Business Development Management Depth
To drive the further development and execution of the company’s 
strategy, Benitec Biopharma appointed Mr. Carl Stubbings to the 
role	of	Chief	Business	Officer	in	early	July	2012.	Carl	brings	a	wealth	
of corporate business, sales and marketing experience to Benitec 
Biopharma, with over thirty years background in biotechnology and 
medical diagnostics, including extensive international experience, 
particularly	in	North	America,	Latin	America,	Asia	Pacific	and	Europe.	

Previously	Carl	held	the	position	of	Vice	President,	Sales	&	Marketing	
for Focus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of New York Stock Exchange listed 
Quest	Diagnostics,	a	position	he	has	held	since	2007.	Prior	to	joining	
Focus	Diagnostics,	Carl	was	the	Senior	Vice	President	of	Panbio	Inc	
USA, where he was responsible for business development in the 
Americas	and	Europe.	Mr.	Stubbings	earned	his	B.Sc.	from	Queensland	
University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.

Pathways to Revenue
There are two key drivers to revenue generation for Benitec 
Biopharma. The first is tied to the development of ddRNAi as 
therapeutic products. Benitec Biopharma has divided this development 
process into two additional categories: 

a number of levels in this aspect of the business. Over the last 12 
months, Benitec Biopharma has executed a number of revenue-
generating licensing agreements (refer to program updates below). In 
addition the company has been actively building a database of new 
potential	prospects	for	partnerships	and/or	licensing.	These	potential	
opportunities are being subjected to a qualification process which 
we expect will lead to a short list of potential partners with whom 
negotiations will be conducted. Benitec Biopharma’s management 
views this as an ongoing process and not static. 

To understand the likely revenue impact of positive outcomes from 
Benitec Biopharma’s strategy the company has developed probable 
income	or	“Value	Chain”	models	based	on	current	and	past	deals	in	
the industry. These models assume income from upfront payments, 
milestones and ultimately ongoing royalties. It is critical that 
stakeholders are able to see clearly the types of revenue outcome 
that are possible should Benitec Biopharma’s programs achieve a 
successful outcome. 

Out-licensing milestones utilising Benitec Biopharma’s ddRNAi 
technology achieved in 2012:

•	 HIV/AIDS	–	Calimmune	Inc,	USA	–	licensing	agreement	signed	 

5	March	2012.	

•	 Hepatitis	C	-	Tacere	Therapeutics,	USA	–	therapy	is	ready	to	enter	
phase I clinical trials. This treatment is an important program for 
Benitec Biopharma as it will be one the first treatments using 
ddRNAi	to	move	into	clinical	trials.	Positive	patient	data	from	
these trials will validate the ddRNAi platform in a major disease 

Current therapies are not solving the Hepatitis C problem.

treatment. It will also enhance interest in the Hepatitis B program. 
Benitec Biopharma and Tacere are developing messaging to 
strengthen the view that current therapies for Hepatitis C are not 
“solving	the	Hepatitis	C	problem”.	

•	 Retinitis	Pigmentosa	-	Genable	–	licensing	agreement	signed	 

6	July	2012	with	option	to	expand	for	other	targets	in	the	future.	

1. 

In-house developments – developing programs for therapies in-
house	up	to	and	including,	where	appropriate,	phase	I/II	clinical	
trials. Assuming these programs produce successful clinical 
outcomes, Benitec Biopharma expects to be able to leverage 
these into licensing or partnering agreements with pharmaceutical 
companies. 

2.  Out-licensing ddRNAi to suitable partners. As discussed above 
this option is made possible by the broad applicability of the 
technology to a variety of diseases. Out-licensing provides the 
company with a wide range of potential revenue streams to 
further enhance income generated from its in-house programs. 

The second driver is the identification and qualification of potential 
partners and or licensees culminating in the execution of a revenue-
generating agreement or event. Benitec Biopharma is engaged at 

Page	8      Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012

Directors’ Report

Program Updates

Cancer associated pain. 
Partnering/Business	developments:	

•	 Preparation	of	a	briefing	package	to	be	circulated	to	prequalified	

large	Pharma	companies	likely	to	have	an	interest	in	the	program.	

•	 Engagement	of	a	US-based	consultant	with	specific	industry	
experience and networks in pain treatment market segment. 
•	 Development	of	a	comprehensive	“Value	Chain”	model	enabling	

estimation of intrinsic value of the product. 

•	 Execution	of	a	research	agreement	with	Professor	David	Yeoman’s	
group	at	Stanford	University.	Using	Prof	Yeoman’s	“Spared	Pain”	
model, Stanford will undertake the final preclinical evaluation of 
this treatment. 

Drug resistant cancer.
Following positive preliminary proof of concept data, the following 
partnering activities are in train:

•	 Developing	a	“prospect”	list	of	potential	partners.	
•	 Preparing	a	briefing	document	to	be	circulated	to	prequalified	large	

Pharma	companies	likely	to	have	an	interest	in	the	program.
•	 Developing	“Value	Chain”	model	enabling	estimation	of	intrinsic	

value of the product. 

Hepatitis B virus infection 
Partnering	developments	

•	 Preparation	and	circulation	of	a	briefing	package	to	a	qualified	list	

of	Pharma	Companies.	

•	 Developing	“Value	Chain”	model	enabling	estimation	of	intrinsic	

value of the product. 

Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy
Partnering	developments	

Financial Overview

Benitec	Biopharma’s	net	loss	for	the	year	to	30	June	2012	was	
$4,112,617	compared	to	a	net	loss	of	$3,534,874	for	the	previous	
corresponding period. The loss for the year includes a charge for share 
based	expense	of	$1,093,122	(2011	$112,568).	

Operating	revenue	was	$503,034	compared	to	$345,545	in	the	
previous corresponding period. The previous period included a non-
recurring dividend received from licensee Tacere Therapeutics of 
$137,671. 

Operating	expenses	were	$4,615,651	including	share	based	expenses	
of	$1,093,122.	This	compares	to	operating	expenses	for	2011	of	
$3,880,419	which	included	charges	for	share	based	expense	of	
$112,568	and	the	convertible	note	settlement	of	$660,957.

Benitec	Biopharma’s	current	assets	at	30	June	2012	was	$3,220,403	
(June	2011:	$6,838,897),	with	current	liabilities	of	$588,292	 
(June	2011:	$1,197,474).

Cash Flows

The cash flows of the Company consist of income from licensing the 
Company’s technology, proceeds from issue of shares, payments 
to	employees	and	suppliers	for	co-investment	and/or	licensing	
collaborations to exploit the Company’s intellectual property portfolio 
and the maintenance of the small corporate structure.

Capital raisings / capital structure

During	the	year	the	Company	made	share	issues	of	$533,911	net	of	
costs	through	conversions	of	the	convertible	note	held	by	La	Jolla	
Cove Investors, Inc. The issues were made to provide funding for the 
ongoing research and development programs and to generally support 
the business.

Ordinary Shares
44,290,619	ordinary	shares	were	issued	during	the	year	at	prices	
ranging	from	$0.0112	to	$0.0152	per	share	through	conversions	of	the	
Convertible	Note	held	by	La	Jolla	Cove	Investors,	Inc.	

Options
At the date of this Directors’ Report, the Company has a total of 
428,985,202	options	to	acquire	ordinary	shares	in	the	Company.	
Unless otherwise noted, all options are unlisted, restricted and are 
categorised as follows:

Type 

Listed	Options	-	BLTO	

Listed	Options	-	BLTOB	

Employee	Share	Option	Plan	

NED Options 

Directors’	Options	

Other	

Total 

Number

46,673,907

201,302,538

61,000,000

77,666,666

1,953,125

6,126,962

34,244,444

17,560

428,985,202

Employees	Share	Option	Plan	(ESOP)
Employee	options	are	managed	under	the	ESOP	Plan.	ESOP	options	
expire on the dates set out below. Options held by any employee 
who resigned earlier will expire on a time determined by the Board or 
within twelve months. The Board has the power to adjust, amend and 
cancel	the	ESOP.	Non-Executive	Directors	are	currently	excluded	from	
the	ESOP.

Options	on	issue	under	the	Employees	Share	Option	Plan	are:

Grant Date 

Expiry Date 

Exercise Price  Number

21	February	2008	

21	February	2013	

$0.0781	

							300,000	

13	July	2010	

19	August	2014	

$0.0204	

						6,500,000	

13	July	2010	

10	June	2013	

$0.0289	

						5,000,000	

17	November	2011	 17	November	2016	 $0.0500	

					45,000,000	

7	February	2012	

7	February	2017	

$0.0500	

						4,200,000

Total 

61,000,000

Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012      Page	9

•	

Initiated	the	development	of	a	target	list	of	pharmaceutical	
companies	that	specialize	in	the	commercialisation	of	treatments	
for Orphan Diseases. 

Strategic	Adviser	Warrants	

Unlisted	Options	

 
 
Directors’ Report

ESOP	options	which	lapsed	during	the	financial	year	were:

Environmental regulation

Expiry Date 

Exercise Price 

14	December	2011	

$0.0407	

No. Lapsed

1,000,000

Non-Executive Director Options
Non-Executive Director Options on issue are

Grant Date 

Expiry Date 

Exercise Price  Number

28	November	2008	 31	December	2012	 $0.0889	

13	July	2010	

19	August	2014	

$0.0228	

26	September	2011	 26	September	2016	 $0.0500	

Total 

		4,666,666	

		3,000,000	

70,000,000	

77,666,666

Summary of Shares, Options and Warrants on Issue –  
30 June 2012
The	Company	had	970,628,529	listed	ordinary	shares	and	247,976,445	
listed	options	on	issue	at	reporting	date.	There	are	also	174,881,795	
unlisted	options	and	6,126,962	warrants	on	issue,	details	of	which	are	
included in note 16 to the financial statements.

Unissued Shares
As	at	the	date	of	this	report,	there	were	428,985,202	options	over	
unissued	ordinary	shares	(438,985,202	at	the	reporting	date),	details	
of which are included in note 16 to the financial statements. Option 
holders do not have the right, by virtue of the option, to participate in 
any share issue of the Company or any related body corporate or in the 
interest issue of any other registered scheme related to the Company.

Shares issued as a result of the exercise of Options
During the year no shares were issued on the exercise of options 
issued	by	the	Company	(2011:	420,000).	

Significant changes in the state of affairs

During the year there were no significant changes in the Company’s 
state of affairs.

Significant events after the reporting date 

No	matters	or	circumstances	have	arisen	since	30	June	2012	which	
have significantly affected or may significantly affect the operations of 
the	Group,	the	results	of	those	operations	or	the	state	of	affairs	of	the	
Group,	in	subsequent	financial	years.	

Likely developments and expected results

Further information on likely developments in the operations of the 
Group	has	not	been	included	in	this	report	because	at	this	stage	the	
directors believe it would be likely to result in unreasonable prejudice 
to	the	Group.	

Benitec Biopharma Limited is listed on the Australian Securities 
Exchange (ASX) and is subject to the continuous disclosure 
requirements of the ASX Listing Rules which require timely disclosure 
of information which may affect security values or influence 
investment decisions, and information in which security holders, 
investors and ASX have a legitimate interest

Page	10   Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012

The	Group’s	operations	are	not	subject	to	any	significant	environmental	
regulations under either Commonwealth or State legislation.

Meetings of Directors

The number of meetings of the Directors held during the year and the 
number of meetings attended by each director was as follows:

Board of Directors  Risk & Audit Committee
Attended 

Attended 

Held 

Held

Peter	Francis	

Mel	Bridges	

John	Chiplin	

Iain	Ross	

9	

8	

9	

7	

9	

9	

9	

9	

2	

2	

-	

-	

2

2

-

-

Committee membership
Due to the small number of Directors, it was determined that the 
Board would undertake all of the duties of a properly constituted 
Remuneration and Nomination Committee.

The Audit and Risk Committee is chaired by Dr Bridges and met twice 
during the financial year.

Remuneration report

This report details the nature and amount of remuneration for each 
director of the Company, and for all key management personnel.

The information provided in the Remuneration Report has been audited 
as	required	by	s308(3c)	of	the	Corporations	Act	2001.

Remuneration Philosophy
The remuneration policy of the Company is to align director and 
executive objectives with shareholder and business objectives by 
providing a fixed remuneration component and offering long-term 
incentives based on key performance areas. The Board believes the 
remuneration policy to be appropriate and effective in its ability to 
attract and retain the best executives and directors to run and manage 
the consolidated entity, as well as create goal congruence between 
directors, executives, and shareholders.

The Board is responsible for determining the appropriate remuneration 
package for the CEO, and the CEO is in turn responsible for 
determining the appropriate remuneration packages for senior 
management.

All executives are eligible to receive a base salary (which is based 
on factors such as experience and comparable industry information), 
fringe benefits, options, and performance incentives. The Board 
reviews the CEO’s remuneration package, and the CEO reviews the 
other senior executives’ remuneration packages, annually by reference 
to the consolidated entity’s performance, executive performance, and 
comparable information within the industry.

The performance of executives is measured against criteria agreed 
annually with each executive and is based predominantly on the 
overall success of the Company in achieving its broader corporate 
goals. Bonuses and incentives are linked to predetermined 

 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report

performance criteria. The Board may, however, exercise its discretion 
in relation to approving incentives, bonuses, and options, and can 
recommend changes to the CEO’s recommendations. The policy is 
designed to attract the highest calibre of executives and reward them 
for performance that results in long-term growth in shareholder wealth.

Executives	are	entitled	to	participate	in	the	Employee	Share	Option	Plan.	

Australian executives or directors receive a superannuation guarantee 
contribution	required	by	the	government,	which	is	currently	9%,	and	do	
not receive any other retirement benefits.

All remuneration paid to directors and executives is valued at the cost 
to the Company and expensed. Options are valued using the Black-
Scholes methodology. 

The Board policy is to remunerate non-executive directors at 
market rates for comparable companies for time, commitment, and 
responsibilities. The Board as a whole determines payments to the 
non-executive directors and reviews their remuneration annually, 
based on market practice, duties, and accountability. The maximum 
aggregate amount of fees that can be paid to non-executive directors 
is	subject	to	approval	by	shareholders	at	the	Annual	General	Meeting.	

Fees for non-executive directors are not linked to the performance 
of the consolidated entity. However, to align directors’ interests with 
shareholder interests, the directors are encouraged to hold shares in 
the Company.

Performance Based Remuneration
Each executive’s remuneration package has a performance-based 
component. The intention of this approach is to facilitate goal 
congruence between executives with the business and shareholders. 
Generally,	the	executive’s	performance	based	remuneration	is	tied	
to the Company’s successful achievement of certain key milestones 
relating to its operating activities, as well as the Company’s overall 
financial position.

Company Performance, Shareholder Wealth, and Directors’ and 
Executives’ Remuneration
The remuneration policy has been tailored to increase goal congruence 
between shareholders, directors, and executives. Two methods are 
applied in achieving this aim, the first being a performance based bonus 
based on achievement of key corporate milestones, and the second 
being the issue of options to the majority of directors and executives to 
encourage	the	alignment	of	personal	and	shareholder	interests.	x	zz	

Details of Remuneration for Year Ended 30 June 2012
Table 1.  Non-Executive	Director	Remuneration	for	the	year	ended	30	June	2012

Short Term

Post Employment

Equity

Total

Salary & Fees

Cash 
Bonus

Non 
Monetary 
Benefits

Super-
annuation

Termination 
Benefits

Options

Peter	Francis

Mel Bridges

John	Chiplin

Iain Ross

2012
2011
2012
2011
2012
2011
2012
2011

$

			85,000	
				64,166	
				55,000	
			55,000	
				50,000	
				50,000	
			50,000	
	50,000	

$

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

$

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

$

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

$

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

$

$

663,531	
26,211 
105,026	
 20,673 
82,666	
 - 
		82,666	
 - 

			748,531	
				90,377	
  160,026 
				75,673	
   132,666 
				50,000	
 132,666 
	50,000	

There was no performance related remuneration payable to non-executive directors during the year. 

Table 2.		Remuneration	of	key	management	personnel	for	the	year	ended	30	June	2012

Short Term

Post Employment

Equity

Total

Salary & 
Fees

Cash 
Bonus

Non 
Monetary 
Benefits

Super-
annuation

Termination 
Benefits

Options

$

$

Peter	French

2012
2011
Michael	Graham 2012
2012
Greg	West

		249,800	
			249,801	
			84,792	
			152,333	

		35,000	
		35,000	

$

 - 
 - 

$

		15,775	
		15,199	
   7,266 
  13,710 

$

 - 
 - 

$

$

		304,125	
			54,125	
			125,000	
				7,425	

			604,700	
			354,125	
			217,058	
			173,468	

% of 
remuneration 
consisting of 
options

88.6%
29.0%
65.6%
27.3%
62.3%
-
62.3%
-

% of 
remuneration 
consisting of 
options

50.3%
15.3%
57.6%
4.3%

Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012   Page	11

Directors’ Report

Peter	French	

Michael	Graham	

Greg	West	

Fixed 
remuneration 

At risk -  
STI 

At risk - 
Options

43.9%	

42.4%	

95.7%	

5.8%	

50.3%

57.6%

4.3%

Consequences of performance on shareholder wealth
In	considering	the	Group’s	performance	and	benefits	for	shareholder	wealth,	the	Board	have	regard	to	the	following	indices	in	respect	of	the	
current financial year and the previous four financial years:

2012 

Loss	per	share	(cents	per	share)	(0.43)	

Dividends (cents per share) 

- 

Net	loss	

(4,113)	

Share	price	(cents	per	share)	

1.7	

2011 

(0.68)	

- 

(3,535)	

2.8	

2010 

(1.21)	

- 

(4,641)	

2.6	

2009 

(0.80)	

- 

(2,471)	

2.3	

2008

(0.96)

-

(2,775)

6.2

Options Issued as Part of Remuneration for the Year Ended 30 June 2012
Options can be issued to executives as part of their remuneration. The options are not issued based on performance criteria, but are issued to the 
executives	of	the	Company	to	increase	goal	congruence	with	Company	objectives.	During	the	year	ended	30	June	2012,	48,000,000	options	(2011:	
11,500,000)	were	granted	to	Dr	Peter	French,	Dr	Michael	Graham	and	Greg	West	under	the	terms	of	their	employment	agreements.	Options	were	
issued	to	directors	following	approval	at	the	Annual	General	Meeting	of	shareholders	on	17	November	2011.

Number of Options held by Key Management Personnel

Balance 
1 July 11 

Granted as 
Remuneration 

Options 
Acquired 

Options Exercised/ Balance at 
30 June 12 

Lapsed/Other 

Total Vested  Exercisable 
at 30 June 12  at 30 June 12

Total 

Directors 

Peter	Francis	

Mel	Bridges	

John	Chiplin	

Iain	Ross	

Sub-total	

Executives 

Peter	French	

Michael	Graham	

Greg	West	

Sub-total	

Total 

		4,000,000		

		40,000,000		

		2,998,333		

		10,000,000		

		10,000,000		

		10,000,000		

6,998,333		

70,000,000		

10,000,000		

		30,000,000		

		15,000,000		

			3,000,000		

10,000,000		

48,000,000		

	264,063		

	187,500		

	451,563		

	-		

	-		

	-		

	44,000,000		

	16,833,333		

16,833,333	

		12,998,333		

		6,166,666		

	6,166,666	

	10,264,063		

			3,333,333		

	3,333,333	

	10,187,500		

		3,333,333		

	3,333,333	

				-			

	77,449,896		

	29,666,665		

29,666,665	

	-		

	40,000,000		

	20,000,000		

20,000,000	

	15,000,000		

		5,000,000		

	5,000,000	

		3,000,000		

-		

58,000,000		

25,000,000		

25,000,000	

16,998,333  

118,000,000  

451,563  

135,449,896  

54,666,665  

54,666,665 

Page	12   Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012

 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
			
	
	
	
 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
In recognising the need for the highest standards of corporate 
behaviour and accountability, the Directors of Benitec Biopharma 
Limited observe the ASX principles of corporate governance. The 
Company’s	corporate	governance	statement	is	included	on	page	19	of	
this annual report.

AUDITOR INDEPENDENCE
The	Directors	received	the	declaration	included	on	page	18	of	this	
annual report from the auditor of Benitec Biopharma Limited.

PROCEEDINGS ON BEHALF OF COMPANY
No person has applied for leave of Court to bring proceedings on behalf 
of the Company or intervene in any proceedings to which the Company 
is a party for the purpose of taking responsibility on behalf of the 
Company for all or any part of those proceedings.

NON-AUDIT SERVICES
Non-audit services provided by external auditors during the year ended 
30	June	2012	relate	to	taxation	advice	for	which	fees	of	$42,800	(2011:	
$7,975)	were	paid.

This report has been made in accordance with a resolution of the 
Directors.

Peter Francis 
Chairman 

Sydney 
28	August	2012

Directors’ Report

Payments to Related Parties of Directors
Legal	services	at	normal	commercial	rates	totalling	$166,912	(2011:	
$133,068)	were	provided	by	Francis	Abourizk	Lightowlers,	a	law	firm	in	
which	Mr	Peter	Francis	is	a	partner	and	has	a	beneficial	interest.

Consultancy	fees	for	executive	duties	totalling	$40,000	(2011:	$62,250)	
were	provided	by	NewStar	Ventures	Ltd,	a	corporation	in	which	Dr	
John	Chiplin	is	a	director	and	has	a	beneficial	interest.

Consultancy	fees	for	executive	duties	totalling	$18,999	(2011:	$40,000)	
were	provided	by	Gladstone	Consultancy	Partnership,	an	entity	in	
which Mr Iain Ross is a partner and has a beneficial interest.

Employment Contracts
The	employment	conditions	of	Dr	Peter	French,	the	Chief	Executive	
Officer, are formalised in a contract of employment prepared on his 
appointment	as	Chief	Executive	Officer	and	dated	4	June	2010.	 
Dr French’s appointment with the Company may be terminated with the 
Company giving six months’ notice or by Dr French giving six months’ 
notice. The Company may elect to pay Dr French an equal amount to 
that proportion of his salary equivalent to six months’ pay in lieu of 
notice, together with any outstanding entitlements due to him. The 
Company may, at any time, by notice in writing terminate Dr French’s 
contract immediately in the event of serious misconduct. 

The	employment	conditions	of	Dr	Michael	Graham,	the	Chief	
Scientific Officer, are formalised in a contract of employment dated 1 
January	2012.	Dr	Grahams’	appointment	with	the	Company	may	be	
terminated with the Company giving three months’ notice or by Dr 
Graham	giving	three	months’	notice.	The	Company	may	elect	to	pay	
Dr	Graham	an	equal	amount	to	that	proportion	of	his	salary	equivalent	
to three month’s pay in lieu of notice, together with any outstanding 
entitlements due to him. The Company may, at any time, by notice 
in writing terminate the contract immediately in the event of serious 
misconduct.

The	employment	conditions	of	Mr	Greg	West,	the	Company	Secretary,	
are formalised in a contract of employment dated 23 August 2011. Mr 
West’s appointment with the Company may be terminated with the 
Company giving two months’ notice or by Mr West giving two months’ 
notice. The Company may elect to pay Mr West an equal amount to 
that proportion of his salary equivalent to two month’s pay in lieu of 
notice, together with any outstanding entitlements due to him. The 
Company may, at any time, by notice in writing terminate the contract 
immediately in the event of serious misconduct.

Indemnification and insurance of Directors and Officers
The Company has entered into Deeds of Indemnity with the Directors, 
the Chief Executive Officer and the Company Secretary, indemnifying 
them against certain liabilities and costs to the extent permitted by law. 

The Company has also agreed to pay a premium in respect of a contract 
insuring the Directors and Officers of the Company. Full details of the 
cover and premium are not disclosed as the insurance policy prohibits 
the disclosure.

Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012   Page	13

 
Auditor’s Independence Declaration

Page	14   Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012

Corporate	Governance	Statement

The Board of Directors is responsible for establishing the corporate 
governance	framework	of	the	Group.	The	Board	guides	and	monitors	
the business and affairs of Benitec Biopharma Limited on behalf of 
its shareholders by whom they are elected and to whom they are 
accountable.

The Company’s corporate governance reflects the ASX Corporate 
Governance	Council’s	principles	and	recommendations.	The	following	
commentary summarises the Company’s compliance with the ASX 
Corporate	Governance	Council’s	recommendations.

PRINCIPLE 1 
Lay solid foundations for management and oversight

The Board has adopted a formal charter that sets out their 
responsibilities. This charter is posted on the Company’s website 
www.benitec.com. The Board sets objectives, goals and strategic 
direction along with a policy framework which management then 
works within to manage day-to-day business. The Board monitors 
this on a regular basis. There is clear segregation between the Board 
and management. Any functions not reserved for the Board and not 
expressly reserved for members by the Corporations Act and ASX 
Listing Rules are reserved for senior executives.

Senior executives are subject to a formal performance review process 
on an annual basis. The focus of the performance review is to set 
specific objectives, and monitor performance against them for each 
executive, that are aligned with the Company’s business objectives. 
An annual review of the performance of each senior executive was 
conducted in accordance with this process during the year.

PRINCIPLE 2 
Structure the Board to add value

Details on the Board members and their qualifications are included in 
the Directors’ Report. The Board has a policy of maintaining a majority 
of independent directors. The current Board composition is four 
independent Non-Executive Directors (NEDs). The Board has resolved 
that a majority of the members of each Board committee should be 
NEDs. The Board has approved that, where necessary, NEDs should 
meet during the year in absence of management at such times as they 
determine necessary.

Directors are considered to be independent when they are 
independent of management and free from any business or other 
relationship that could materially interfere with the exercise of their 
independent judgement. The Board assesses director independence 
on an annual basis, or more often if it feels it is warranted, depending 
on disclosures made by individual Directors. In the context of director 
independence, to be considered independent a NED may not have a 
direct or indirect material relationship with the Company. The Board 
has determined that a material relationship is one which has, or has 
the potential to, impair or inhibit a Director’s exercise of judgement on 
behalf of the Company and its shareholders.

The Board has concluded that all NEDs are independent. In reaching 
this conclusion, the Board considered that:

•	 Mr	Francis,	the	Non-Executive	Chairman,	is	a	principal	of	Francis	
Abourizk	Lightowlers,	a	material	professional	adviser	to	the	
Company. Notwithstanding this association, the Board is satisfied 
that it will not interfere with the independent exercise of his 
judgment.

•	 Dr	Bridges,	Dr	Chiplin	and	Mr	Ross	do	not	have	any	previous	

association with the Company or any other relationships that is 
relevant to their independence.

The Board continually assesses its membership and makes 
appointments to complement and enhance the existing skill base 
of the Board. The Board has established a Remuneration and 
Nominations Committee comprising of all non-executive directors. 
Formal letters of appointment are used for all new NEDs.

The Company’s Constitution provides that:

•	

the	maximum	number	of	Directors	shall	be	ten	unless	amended	by	
a	resolution	at	a	General	Meeting	of	Shareholders;

•	 one	third	of	the	Directors	(excluding	the	Managing	Director	and	
rounded	down)	must	retire	from	office	at	the	Annual	General	
Meeting	(AGM)	each	year;	such	retiring	Directors	are	eligible	for	
re-election;

•	 Directors	appointed	to	fill	casual	vacancies	must	submit	to	

•	

election	at	the	next	general	meeting;	and
the	number	of	Directors	necessary	to	constitute	a	quorum	is	not	
less than two Directors currently in office.

The duties of a nomination committee have been assumed by the 
Board	due	to	the	size	and	scale	of	the	Company.	

The Board carries out a Board performance assessment on an annual 
basis. In the last review, the Board undertook a detailed review of its 
performance and that of its committees and individual Directors. This 
involved a self-assessment process which required the completion and 
evaluation of detailed questionnaires on business and management 
matters. The results of this review were independently collated and 
analysed by the Board. Following recent changes to the Board, the next 
review	is	expected	to	take	place	during	the	year	ended	30	June	2013.

PRINCIPLE 3 
Promote ethical and responsible decision-making

The Board and management ensure that the business processes of 
Benitec Biopharma Limited are conducted according to sound ethical 
principles. The Board has established a formal Code of Conduct in this 
regard. This code is posted on the Company’s website.

All Directors and employees of the Company are expected to act with 
the utmost integrity and objectivity, striving at all times to enhance the 
reputation and performance of the Company. 

All Directors and employees of the Company are made aware of their 
obligations under the Corporations Act 2001 with regard to trading in 
the securities of the Company. In addition, the Company has adopted a 
Share	Trading	Policy,	which	is	reviewed	and	updated	on	a	regular	basis	
as required. This policy is posted on the Company’s website.

Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012   Page	15

 
 
 
Corporate	Governance	Statement

Board members who have or may have a conflict of interest in any 
activity of the Company or with regard to any decision before the 
Board, notify the Board of such and a decision is made as to whether 
the Board member concerned is to be excluded from making decisions 
that relates to the particular matter. The Company’s constitution allows 
a Director to enter into any contract with the Company other than that 
of auditor for the Company, subject to the law.

The Board has determined that Directors are able to seek independent 
professional advice for Company related matters at the Company’s 
expense, subject to the instruction and estimated cost being approved 
by the Chairman in advance as being necessary and reasonable.

Diversity Policy

•	 exercising	oversight	of	the	accuracy	and	completeness	of	the	

financial	statements;

•	 making	informed	decisions	regarding	accounting	and	compliance	

•	

policies,	practices,	and	disclosures;
reviewing	the	scope	and	results	of	operational	risk	reviews,	
compliance	reviews,	and	external	audits;	and

•	 assessing	the	adequacy	of	the	consolidated	entity’s	internal	
control framework including accounting, compliance, and 
operational risk management controls based on information 
provided or obtained.

“Compliance”	refers	to	compliance	with	laws	and	regulations,	internal	
compliance guidelines, policies and procedures, and other prescribed 
internal standards of behaviour.

Diversity includes, but is not limited to, gender, age, ethnicity and 
cultural background. The company is committed to diversity and 
recognises the benefits arising from employee and board diversity and 
the importance of benefiting from all available talent. A copy of the 
company’s diversity policy is available on the Benitec website. 

All other directors and the Chief Financial Officer are invited to attend 
Committee meetings. When the auditors are present at meetings, the 
Committee asks all executives to leave the meeting so that there can 
be open and frank communication between the Committee and the 
auditor.

The diversity policy outlines the requirements for the Board to develop 
measurable objectives for achieving diversity, and annually assess 
both the objectives and the progress in achieving those objectives. 
Accordingly, the Board has developed the following objectives 
regarding gender diversity and aims to achieve these objectives over 
the next few years as director and senior executive positions become 
vacant and appropriately qualified candidates become available: 

2012 

2013 

2014

Women on the Board 

Women in senior management roles 

Women	employees	in	the	company	

- 

2 

2	

- 

2 

2	

-

3

4

PRINCIPLE 4 
Safeguard integrity in financial reporting

The Board has established a Risk and Audit Committee which meets 
at least twice through the year. The Board has assumed all of the 
responsibilities	of	the	Committee	at	this	time	due	to	the	size	and	scale	
of the Company at this time. Dr Mel Bridges has been appointed to 
chair the Committee. 

The members of the Committee have significant financial, business 
and legal backgrounds, expertise and qualifications, full particulars of 
which are contained in this annual report, as are details of meetings of 
this Committee.

The Committee is responsible for the appointment of the Company’s 
auditors and has a formal charter, which is posted on the Company’s 
website. The charter is reviewed annually to ensure that it is in line 
with emerging market practices which are in the best interests of 
shareholders.

The main objective of the Committee is to assist the Board in 
reviewing any matters of significance affecting financial reporting and 
compliance of the consolidated entity including:

The Committee has the power to conduct or authorise investigations 
into, or consult independent experts on, any matters within the 
Committee’s scope of responsibility. 

The Committee also considers the independence of the auditor. The 
Company requires that the audit partner be rotated every five years 
and, on an annual basis, the auditor provides a certificate to the 
Committee confirming their independence. 

The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have certified 
to	the	committee	that	the	Group’s	financial	reports	present	a	true	and	
fair	view,	in	all	material	respects,	of	the	Group’s	financial	condition	
and operational results and are in accordance with relevant accounting 
standards.

PRINCIPLE 5 
Make timely and balanced disclosure

The Board is committed to inform its shareholders and the market 
of any major events that influence the Company in a timely and 
conscientious manner. The Board is responsible for ensuring that 
the Company complies with the continuous disclosure requirements 
as set out in ASX Listing Rule 3.1 and the Corporations Act 2001. 
The	Company’s	Communication	Protocols	have	been	posted	on	the	
Company’s website.

Any market sensitive information is discussed by the Board before it is 
approved to be released to the market.

The Company’s procedure is to lodge the information with the ASX and 
make it available on the Company’s website shortly thereafter.

All executives of the Company have been made aware of the 
Company’s obligations with regard to the continuous disclosure 
regime.

Page	16   Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012

 
 
 
 
 
Corporate	Governance	Statement

PRINCIPLE 6 
Respect the rights of shareholders

PRINCIPLE 8 
Remunerate fairly and responsibly

The Remuneration and Nomination Committee assists the Board in 
ensuring that the Company’s remuneration levels are appropriate 
in the markets in which it operates and are applied, and seen to be 
applied, fairly. The Board has assumed all of the responsibilities of the 
Committee	at	this	time	due	to	the	size	and	scale	of	the	Company	at	
this time. 

The Company’s remuneration policy is described in the Remuneration 
Report contained within the Directors’ Report.

Business of the Committee has been dealt with as part of the 
regular Board meetings as needed. The Board has access to senior 
management of the Company and may consult independent experts 
where the Board considers it necessary to carry out the duties of the 
Committee.

Currently the Company pays directors’ fees to the NEDs. As stated 
in the Directors’ Report, businesses associated with directors may 
receive fees for professional services provided to the Company in 
addition to their duties as a NED.

The Board ensures that its shareholders are fully informed of matters 
likely to be of interest to them. The Company provides all obligatory 
information such as annual reports, half yearly reports and other ASX 
required reports in accordance with the law and regulations.

Notices of shareholders meetings, annual and extraordinary, are 
distributed in a timely manner and are accompanied by all information 
that the Company has obtained.

The Company is always available to be contacted by shareholders 
for any query that the shareholders may have. The queries can be 
submitted by telephone, email or fax to the Company’s office. 

The	chairman	encourages	questions	and	comments	at	the	AGM	
ensuring that shareholders have a chance to obtain direct response 
from the CEO and other appropriate Board members. The Company 
requests	that	the	auditors	attend	the	AGM	and	are	available	to	answer	
any questions with regard to the conduct of the audit and their report.

PRINCIPLE 7 
Recognise and manage risk

The Directors continually monitor areas of significant business 
risk, recognising that there are inherent risks associated with the 
management, funding and commercialisation of biotechnology 
projects.

The Board has delegated the responsibility for the establishment and 
maintenance of a framework for risk oversight and the management of 
risk	for	the	Group	to	the	Risk	and	Audit	Committee.

The Committee’s role is to provide a direct link between the Board and 
the external function of the Company. This includes:

•	 Monitoring	corporate	risk	assessment	and	the	internal	controls	

instituted;

•	 Monitoring	the	establishment	of	an	appropriate	internal	control	
framework, including information systems, and considering 
enhancements;

•	 Reviewing	reports	on	any	defalcations,	frauds	and	thefts	from	the	

Company	and	action	taken	by	managements;

•	 Reviewing	policies	to	avoided	conflicts	of	interest	between	the	

Company	and	members	of	management;	and

•	 Considering	the	security	of	computer	systems	and	applications,	
and the contingency plans for processing financial information in 
the event of a systems breakdown.

The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have made 
representations to the Committee on the system of risk management 
and internal compliance and control which implements the policies 
adopted by the Board. The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial 
Officer have also represented that, to the best of their knowledge, 
the Company’s risk management and internal compliance and control 
system is operating efficiently and effectively in all material respects. 

Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012   Page	17

 
 
 
Financial Statement and Notes to the Financial Statements

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the Year Ended 30 June 2012

Continuing Operations 

Revenue	

Other	income	

Royalties	&	licence	fees	

Research	and	development	

Employment	related	

Share	based	expense	

Travel	related	costs	

Consultants	costs	

Occupancy	costs	

Corporate	expenses	

Finance	costs	

Foreign	exchange	translation	

Settlements	

Loss	before	income	tax		

Income	tax	expense/(benefit)	

Note 

2	

2	

3	

3	

3	

3	

4	

2012 
$ 

323,577	

179,457	

503,034	

(117,339)	

(1,309,171)	

(1,033,855)	

(1,093,122)	

(209,013)	

(275,170)	

(71,253)	

(504,931)	

(10,470)	

8,672	

-	

2011
$

342,545

3,000

345,545

(28,033)

(1,280,313)

(944,940)

(122,568)

(187,107)

(226,875)

(50,893)

(438,433)

(29,124)

88,824

(660,957)

(4,615,651)	

(3,880,419)	 	

(4,112,617)	

(3,534,874)

-	

-	

Loss for the year attributable to members of the parent entity 

(4,112,617) 

(3,534,874)

Other Comprehensive Income 

Other Comprehensive Income for the year, net of tax 

Total Comprehensive Income for the year 

Total Comprehensive Income attributable to members of the parent entity   

- 

(4,112,617) 

(4,112,617) 

-

(3,534,874)

(3,534,874)

Earnings per share (cents per share) 

Basic and diluted for loss for the year attributable  
to	ordinary	equity	holders	of	the	parent	entity	

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements

6	

(0.43)	

(0.68)

Page	18      Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012

 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Statement and Notes to the Financial Statements

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

As at 30 June 2012

CURRENT ASSETS 
Cash	and	cash	equivalents	
Trade	and	other	receivables	
Other	current	assets	

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 

NON-CURRENT ASSETS 
Property,	plant	and	equipment	

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 

TOTAL ASSETS 

CURRENT LIABILITIES 
Trade	and	other	payables	
Provisions	

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 
Trade	and	other	payables	
Borrowings	
Provisions	

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 

TOTAL LIABILITIES 

NET ASSETS 

EQUITY 
Contributed	equity	
Reserves	
Accumulated	losses	

TOTAL EQUITY 

Note 

8	
9	
10	

12	

13	
15	

13	
14	
15	

16	
17	

2012 
$ 

3,075,880	
127,466	
17,057	

2011
$

6,654,097
147,832
36,968

3,220,403 

6,838,897

30,803	

30,803 

26,461

26,461

3,251,206 

6,865,358

533,170	
55,122	

588,292 

-	
-	
-	

- 

1,141,559
55,915

1,197,474

171,048
292,488
-

463,536

588,292 

1,661,010

2,662,914 

5,204,348

87,348,819	
1,394,142	
(86,080,047)	

86,821,961
2,810,599
(84,428,212)

2,662,914 

5,204,348

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements

Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012      Page	19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
  
 
 
Financial Statement and Notes to the Financial Statements

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the Year Ended 30 June 2012

Note 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 
RReceipts	from	customers	
Payments	to	suppliers	and	employees		

Net cash used in operating activities 

8 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES 
Interest	received	
Dividends received 
Purchase	of	property,	plant	and	equipment	

Net cash provided by investing activities 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
Net	proceeds	from	issue	of	shares	
Proceeds	from	borrowings	
La	Jolla	Cove	settlement		
Interest	paid	

Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash held 
Exchange	differences	on	cash	and	cash	equivalents	
Cash	and	cash	equivalents,	beginning	of	year		

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year 

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements

14	

8 

2012 
$ 

329,153	
(3,651,431)	

(3,322,278) 

163,701	
- 
(17,836)	

145,865 

199,030	
-	
(602,857)	
-	

(403,827) 

(3,580,240) 
2,023	
6,654,097	

3,075,880 

2011
$

159,702
(3,498,800)

(3,339,098)

48,171
137,671
(27,893)

157,949

7,431,881
1,791,681
-
(24,098)

9,199,464

6,018,315
(15,225)
651,007

6,654,097

Page	20      Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012

 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
Financial Statement and Notes to the Financial Statements

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the Year Ended 30 June 2012

  Convertible   Share-based 

Contributed  Note Equity 
Reserve 

Equity 
$ 

Payments  Accumulated 
Losses 
$ 

Reserve 
$ 

Total
$

Balance at 1 July 2010 
Loss	for	the	year	
Other comprehensive income for year 
Total	comprehensive	income	for	year	

77,487,593 
-	
- 
-	

69,837 
-	
- 
-	

2,639,234 
-		
- 
-	

(80,893,338) 
(3,534,874)	
- 
(3,534,874)	

(696,674)   

(3,534,874)
-
(3,534,874)

Equity	component	of	convertible	note	
Transfer to Contributed Equity upon partial conversion  
of convertible note 
Share	Based	Payments	
Share	issues,	net	of	transaction	costs	
Transactions	with	owners	

-	

200,593	

-	

221,633 
-		
9,112,735	
9,334,368	

(221,633) 
-	
-	
(21,040)	

- 
122,568	
-	
122,568	

-	

- 
-		
-		
-	

200,593

-
122,568
9,112,735
9,435,896

Balance 30 June 2011 

86,821,961 

48,797 

2,761,802 

(84,428,212) 

5,204,348

Loss	for	the	year	
Other comprehensive income for year 
Total	comprehensive	income	for	year	

Equity	component	of	convertible	note	
Transfer to Contributed Equity upon partial conversion  
of	convertible	note	
Transfer	to	Accumulated	Losses	the	Share	Based	Payments	 
Reserve	no	longer	required	
Share	Based	Payments	
Share	issues,	net	of	transaction	costs	
Transactions	with	owners	

-	
- 
-	

-	

-	
- 
-	

25,858	

74,655	

(74,655)	

-		
- 
-	

-	

-	

(4,112,617)	
- 
(4,112,617)	

(4,112,617)
-
(4,112,617)

-	

-	

25,858

-

-	
-	
452,203	
526,858	

-	
-	
-	
(48,797)	

(2,460,782)	
1,093,122	
-	
(1,367,660)	

2,460,782	
-		
-		
2,460,782	

-
1,093,122
452,203
1,571,183

Balance 30 June 2012 

87,348,819 

- 

1,394,142 

(86,080,047) 

2,662,914

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements

Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012      Page	21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes	to	the	Financial	Statements	for	the	Year	Ended	30	June	2012

NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT  
ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(a) Basis of Preparation

The financial report covers Benitec Biopharma Limited and its 
controlled	entities	as	a	consolidated	entity	(“Group”).	Benitec	
Biopharma Limited is a listed public company, incorporated and 
domiciled in Australia.

The consolidated general purpose financial report statements of the 
Group	have	been	prepared	in	accordance	with	the	requirements	of	the	
Corporations Act 2001, Australian Accounting Standards and other 
authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards 
Board. Compliance with Australian Accounting Standards results in full 
compliance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 
as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). 
Benitec Biopharma Limited is a for-profit entity for the purpose of 
preparing financial statements. 

The	consolidated	financial	statements	for	the	year	ended	30	June	2012	
(including comparatives) were approved and authorised for issue by 
the board of directors on 23 August 2012.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared using the 
measurement bases specified by Australian Accounting Standards for 
each type of asset, liability, income and expense. The measurement 
bases are more fully described in the accounting policies below.

(b) Principles of Consolidation

A controlled entity is any entity controlled by Benitec Biopharma 
Limited whereby Benitec Biopharma Limited has the power to control 
the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits 
from its activities.

All inter-company balances and transactions between entities in the 
consolidated entity, including any unrealised profits or losses, have 
been eliminated on consolidation. Accounting policies of controlled 
entities have been changed where necessary to ensure consistencies 
with those policies applied by the parent entity.

Where controlled entities have entered or left the consolidated entity 
during	the	year,	their	operating	results	have	been	included/excluded	
from the date control was obtained or until the date control ceased.

A list of controlled entities is contained in note 11 to the financial 
statements.	All	controlled	entities	have	a	June	financial	year-end	
except	for	Benitec	Ltd	(UK)	which	has	a	December	year-end.

(c) New Accounting Standards and Interpretations not 
yet adopted

A number of new standards, amendments to standards and 
interpretations are effective for annual periods beginning after  
1	July	2011,	and	have	not	been	applied	in	preparing	these	
consolidated financial statements. None of these are expected to have 
a significant effect on the consolidated financial statements of the 
consolidated entity.

Adoption of AASBs and improvements to AASBs 2011 – AASB 
1054 and AASB 2011-11
The	AASB	has	issued	AASB	1054	Australian Additional Disclosures 
and 2011-1 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising 
from	the	Trans-Tasman	Convergence	Project,	and	made	several	minor	

Page	22   Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012

amendments to a number of AASBs. These standards eliminate a large 
portion of the differences between the Australian and New Zealand 
accounting standards and IFRS and retain only additional disclosures 
considered necessary. These changes also simplify some current 
disclosures for Australian entities and remove others.

Standards, amendments and interpretations to existing 
standards that are not yet effective and have not been adopted 
early by the Group
At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, certain 
new standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards 
have been published but are not yet effective, and have not been 
adopted	early	by	the	Group.	Management	anticipates	that	all	of	the	
relevant	pronouncements	will	be	adopted	in	the	Group’s	accounting	
policies for the first period beginning after the effective date of 
the pronouncement. Information on new standards, amendments 
and	interpretations	that	are	expected	to	be	relevant	to	the	Group’s	
financial statements is provided below. Certain other new standards 
and interpretations have been issued but are not expected to have a 
material	impact	on	the	Group’s	financial	statements.

AASB 9 Financial Instruments  
(effective from 1 January 2013) 
The	AASB	aims	to	replace	AASB	139	Financial	Instruments:	
Recognition and Measurement in its entirety. The replacement 
standard	(AASB	9)	is	being	issued	in	phases.	To	date,	the	chapters	
dealing with recognition, classification, measurement and 
derecognition of financial assets and liabilities have been issued. 
These	chapters	are	effective	for	annual	periods	beginning	1	January	
2013. Further chapters dealing with impairment methodology and 
hedge accounting are still being developed. 

Management have yet to assess the impact that this amendment 
is	likely	to	have	on	the	financial	statements	of	the	Group.	However,	
they do not expect to implement the amendments until all chapters of 
AASB	9	have	been	published	and	they	can	comprehensively	assess	the	
impact of all changes.

Consolidation Standards
A package of consolidation standards are effective for annual 
periods	beginning	or	after	1	January	2013.	Information	on	these	new	
standards	is	presented	below.	The	Group’s	management	have	yet	to	
assess	the	impact	of	these	new	and	revised	standards	on	the	Group’s	
consolidated financial statements. 

AASB 10 Consolidated Financial Statements (AASB 10) 
AASB 10 supersedes the consolidation requirements in AASB 127 
Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements (AASB 127) and 
Interpretation	112	Consolidation	–	Special	Purpose	Entities.	It	revised	
the definition of control together with accompanying guidance to 
identify an interest in a subsidiary. However, the requirements and 
mechanics of consolidation and the accounting for any non-controlling 
interests and changes in control remain the same. 

AASB 11 Joint Arrangements (AASB 11) 
AASB	11	supersedes	AASB	131	Interests	in	Joint	Ventures	(AASB	
131). It aligns more closely the accounting by the investors with their 
rights and obligations relating to the joint arrangement. It introduces 
two accounting categories (joint operations and joint ventures) 
whose applicability is determined based on the substance of the joint 
arrangement. In addition, AASB 131’s option of using proportionate 
consolidation for joint ventures has been eliminated. AASB 11 now 
requires the use of the equity accounting method for joint ventures, 
which is currently used for investments in associates. 

Notes	to	the	Financial	Statements	for	the	Year	Ended	30	June	2012

AASB 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities (AASB 12) 
AASB 12 integrates and makes consistent the disclosure requirements 
for various types of investments, including unconsolidated structured 
entities. It introduces new disclosure requirements about the risks 
to which an entity is exposed from its involvement with structured 
entities. 

Consequential amendments to AASB 127 Separate Financial 
Statements (AASB 127) and AASB 128 Investments in 
Associates and Joint Ventures (AASB 128) 
AASB 127 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements was 
amended to AASB 127 Separate Financial Statements which now 
deals	only	with	separate	financial	statements.	AASB	128	brings	
investments	in	joint	ventures	into	its	scope.	However,	AASB	128’s	
equity accounting methodology remains unchanged. 

AASB 13 Fair Value Measurement (AASB 13)
AASB 13 does not affect which items are required to be fair-valued, 
but clarifies the definition of fair value and provides related guidance 
and enhanced disclosures about fair value measurements. It is 
applicable	for	annual	periods	beginning	on	or	after	1	January	2013.	
The	Group’s	management	have	yet	to	assess	the	impact	of	this	new	
standard. 

AASB 2011-9 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards 
Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income s (AASB 
101 Amendments)
The AASB 101 Amendments require an entity to group items presented 
in other comprehensive income into those that, in accordance with 
other IFRSs: (a) will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss 
and (b) will be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss when specific 
conditions are met. It is applicable for annual periods beginning on or 
after	1	July	2012.	The	Group’s	management	expects	this	will	change	
the	current	presentation	of	items	in	other	comprehensive	income;	
however, it will not affect the measurement or recognition of such 
items. 

AASB 2011-4 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards 
to Remove Individual Key Management Personnel Disclosure 
Requirements (AASB 124 Amendments)
AASB	2011-4	makes	amendments	to	AASB	124	Related	Party	
Disclosures to remove individual key management personnel 
disclosure requirements, to achieve consistency with the international 
equivalent (which includes requirements to disclose aggregate 
(rather	than	individual)	amounts	of	KMP	compensation),	and	remove	
duplication with the Corporations Act 2011. The amendments are 
applicable	for	annual	periods	beginning	on	or	after	1	July	2013.	
The	Group’s	management	have	yet	to	assess	the	impact	of	these	
amendments. 

(d) Revenue

Revenue from the granting of licenses is recognised in accordance 
with the terms of the relevant agreements and is usually recognised 
on an accruals basis, unless the substance of the agreement provides 
evidence that it is more appropriate to recognise revenue on some 
other systematic rational basis. Interest revenue is recognised on a 
proportional basis taking into account the interest rates applicable 
to the financial assets. Revenue from the rendering of a service is 
recognised upon the delivery of the service to the customers. All 
revenue	is	stated	net	of	the	amount	of	goods	and	services	tax	(GST).	

Government	grants	are	recognised	at	fair	value	where	there	is	
reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and all 
grant	conditions	will	be	met.	Grants	relating	to	expense	items	are	
recognised as income over the periods necessary to match the grant 
costs	they	are	compensating.	Grants	relating	to	assets	are	credited	
to deferred income at fair value and are credited to income over the 
expected useful life of the asset an a straight line basis.

(e) Income Tax

The charge for current income tax expense is based on the loss for 
the year adjusted for any non-assessable or disallowed items. It is 
calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or are substantially 
enacted by reporting date. 

Deferred tax is accounted for using the liability method in respect of 
temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and 
liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements. No 
deferred income tax will be recognised from the initial recognition of 
an asset or liability, excluding a business combination, where there is 
no effect on accounting or taxable profit or loss. 

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to 
apply to the period when the asset is realised or liability is settled. 
Deferred tax is credited in the statement of comprehensive income 
except where it relates to items that may be credited directly to 
equity, in which case the deferred tax is adjusted directly against 
equity. Deferred income tax assets are recognised to the extent that 
it is probable that future tax profits will be available against which 
deductible temporary differences can be utilised.

The amount of benefits brought to account or which may be realised 
in the future is based on the assumption that no adverse change will 
occur in income taxation legislation and the anticipation that the 
consolidated entity will derive sufficient future assessable income to 
enable the benefit to be realised and comply with the conditions of 
deductibility imposed by the law.

Benitec Biopharma Limited and its wholly-owned Australian 
subsidiary has formed an income tax consolidated group under the 
Tax Consolidation Regime. Benitec Biopharma Limited is responsible 
for recognising the current and deferred tax assets and liabilities 
for	the	tax	consolidated	group.	The	Group	notified	the	ATO	on	12	
February	2004	that	it	had	formed	an	income	tax	consolidated	group	to	
apply	from	1	July	2002.	No	tax	sharing	agreement	has	been	entered	
between entities in the tax consolidated group. 

Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012   Page	23

Notes	to	the	Financial	Statements	for	the	Year	Ended	30	June	2012

(f) Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments

(i) Trade and Other Receivables

The Directors evaluate estimates and judgments incorporated into 
the financial report based on historical knowledge and best available 
current information. Estimates assume a reasonable expectation of 
future events and are based on current trends and economic data, 
obtained	both	externally	and	within	the	Group.	

Trade receivables, which generally have 30 day terms, are recognised 
and carried at original invoice amount less an allowance for any 
uncollectible amounts. An estimate for doubtful debts is made when 
collection of the full amount is no longer probable. Bad debts are 
written off when identified.

Key estimates – share-based payments transactions
The	Group	measures	the	cost	of	equity-settled	transactions	with	
employees by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments at 
the date at which they are granted. The fair value is determined using 
a Black-Scholes model, using the assumptions detailed in note 21.

Key judgements – tax losses
Given	the	company’s	and	each	individual	entities’	history	of	recent	
losses,	the	Group	has	not	recognised	a	deferred	tax	asset	with	
regard to unused tax losses and other temporary differences, as it 
has not been determined whether the company or its subsidiaries 
will generate sufficient taxable income against which the unused tax 
losses and other temporary differences can be utilised.

Key judgements – compound financial instruments
The	Group	measures	the	fair	value	of	the	liability	component	using	the	
prevailing market interest rate for similar convertible instruments.

(g) Impairment of Non-Financial Assets

The	Group	assesses	at	each	reporting	date	whether	there	is	an	
indication that an asset may be impaired. If any such indication exists, 
or	when	annual	impairment	testing	for	an	asset	is	required,	the	Group	
makes an estimate of the asset’s recoverable amount. An asset’s 
recoverable amount is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and 
its value in use and is determined for an individual asset, unless the 
asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of 
those from other assets or groups of assets and the asset’s value in 
use cannot be estimated to be close to its fair value. In such cases 
the asset is tested for impairment as part of the cash generating 
unit to which it belongs. When the carrying amount of an asset or 
cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset or 
cash-generating unit is considered impaired and is written down to its 
recoverable amount. 

In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are 
discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that 
reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and 
the risks specific to the asset. Impairment losses relating to continuing 
operations are recognised in those expense categories consistent 
with the function of the impaired asset unless the asset is carried at 
revalued amount (in which case the impairment loss is treated as a 
revaluation decrease). 

(h) Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits held 
at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments with 
original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank 
overdrafts are shown within short term borrowings in current liabilities 
on the statement of financial position.

Page	24   Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012

(j) Property, Plant and Equipment

Each class of property, plant and equipment is carried at cost or fair 
value less, where applicable, any accumulated depreciation and 
impairment losses.

Plant and equipment
Plant	and	equipment	are	measured	on	the	cost	basis	less	depreciation	
and impairment losses. The carrying amount of plant and equipment 
is reviewed annually by directors to ensure it is not in excess of the 
recoverable amount from these assets. The recoverable amount is 
assessed on the basis of the expected net cash flows that will be 
received from the assets employment and subsequent disposal. The 
expected net cash flows have been discounted to their present values 
in determining recoverable amounts.

Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or 
recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is 
probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will 
flow to the group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. 
All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the statement of 
comprehensive income during the financial period in which they are 
incurred.

Depreciation
The depreciable amount of all fixed assets including capitalised lease 
assets is depreciated on a diminishing value basis over their useful 
lives to the consolidated entity commencing from the time the asset 
is held ready for use. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over 
the shorter of either the unexpired period of the lease or the estimated 
useful lives of the improvements.

The	depreciation	rates	used	for	plant	and	equipment	were	20-33	%.	
The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted 
if appropriate, at each reporting date. An asset’s carrying amount is 
written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s 
carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount.

Gains	and	losses	on	disposals	are	determined	by	comparing	proceeds	
with the carrying amount. These gains and losses are included in the 
statement of comprehensive income. When assets which have been 
revalued are sold, amounts included in the revaluation reserve relating 
to that asset are transferred to retained earnings.

(k) Leases

Leases	of	fixed	assets	are	classified	as	finance	leases	where	the	Group	
has substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to the ownership 
of the asset, but not the legal ownership.

Finance leases are capitalised by recording an asset and a liability at 
the lower of the amounts equal to the fair value of the leased property 
or the present value of the minimum lease payments, including any 
guaranteed residual values. Lease payments are allocated between 
the reduction of the lease liability and the lease interest expense for 
the period. Leased assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over 

Notes	to	the	Financial	Statements	for	the	Year	Ended	30	June	2012

their estimated useful lives where it is likely that the consolidated 
entity will obtain ownership of the asset or over the term of the lease. 
Lease payments for operating leases, where substantially all the risks 
and benefits remain with the lessor, are charged as expenses in the 
periods in which they are incurred.

Lease incentives under operating leases are recognised as a liability 
and amortised on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease term.

(l) Financial Instruments

Recognition
Financial instruments are initially measured at cost on trade date, 
which includes transaction costs, when the related contractual 
rights or obligations exist. Subsequent to initial recognition these 
instruments are measured as set out below.

Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed 
or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market and 
are stated at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

Financial liabilities
Non-derivative financial liabilities are recognised at amortised cost, 
comprising original debt less principal payments and amortisation.

Compound instruments
The component parts of compound instruments (convertible notes) 
issued	by	the	Group	are	classified	separately	as	financial	liabilities	
and equity in accordance with the substance of the contractual 
arrangement. The liability component is recorded on an amortised 
cost basis using the effective interest method until extinguished upon 
conversion or at the instrument’s maturity date. The equity component 
is determined by deducting the amount of the liability component 
from the fair value of the compound instrument as a whole. This is 
recognised and included in equity, net of income tax effects, and is not 
subsequently remeasured.

Fair value
Fair value is determined based on current bid prices for all quoted 
investments.	Valuation	techniques	are	applied	to	determine	the	
fair value for all unlisted securities, including recent arm’s length 
transactions, reference to similar instruments and option pricing 
models.

Impairment
At each reporting date, the group assess whether there is objective 
evidence that a financial instrument has been impaired. In the case 
of available-for-sale financial instruments, a prolonged or significant 
decline in the value of the instrument is considered to determine 
whether impairment has arisen. Impairment losses are recognised in 
the statement of comprehensive income.

(m) Intangibles

Research and development
Expenditure during the research phase of a project is recognised as an 
expense when incurred. Development costs are capitalised only when 
technical feasibility studies identify that the project will deliver future 
economic benefits and these benefits can be measured reliably.

(n) Trade and Other Payables

Trade payables and other payables are carried at amortised costs 
and represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the group 
prior to the end of the financial year that are unpaid and arise when 
the group becomes obliged to make future payments in respect of the 
purchase of these goods and services.

(o) Employee Benefits

Provision	is	made	for	the	Group’s	liability	for	employee	benefits	arising	
from services rendered by employees to reporting date. Employee 
benefits that are expected to be settled within one year have been 
measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liability is 
settled, plus related on-costs. Employee benefits payable later than 
one year have been measured at the present value of the estimated 
future cash outflows to be made for those benefits. 

(p) Provisions

Provisions	are	recognised	when	the	Group	has	a	legal	or	constructive	
obligation, as a result of past events, for which it is probable that 
an outflow of economic benefits will results and that outflow can be 
reliably measured. 

(q) Contributed Equity

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly 
attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in equity 
as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds. 

(r) Share-based Payment Transactions

Benefits	are	provided	to	employees	of	the	Group	in	the	form	of	
share-based payment transactions, whereby employees render 
services in exchange for shares or rights over shares (‘equity-settled 
transactions’). The plan currently in place to provide these benefits is 
the	Employee	Share	Option	Plan	(ESOP),	which	provides	benefits	to	
senior executives.

The cost of these equity-settled transactions with employees is 
measured by reference to the fair value at the date at which they are 
granted. The fair value is determined using a Black-Scholes model. 
In valuing equity-settled transactions, no account is taken of any 
performance conditions, other than conditions linked to the price of the 
shares of Benitec Biopharma Limited (‘market conditions’).

The cost of equity-settled transactions is recognised, together with 
a corresponding increase in equity, over the period in which the 
performance conditions are fulfilled, ending on the date on which the 
relevant employees become fully entitled to the award (‘vesting date’).

The cumulative expense recognised for equity-settled transactions at 
each reporting date until vesting date reflects (i) the extent to which 
the vesting period has expired and (ii) the number of awards that, in 
the opinion of the directors of the group, will ultimately vest. This 
opinion is formed based on the best available information at reporting 
date. No adjustment is made for the likelihood of market performance 
conditions being met as the effect of these conditions is included in 
the determination of fair value at grant date.

Development costs have a finite life and are amortised on a systematic 
basis matched to the future economic benefits over the useful life of 
the project.

No expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest, 
except for awards where vesting is conditional upon a market 
condition.

Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012   Page	25

Notes	to	the	Financial	Statements	for	the	Year	Ended	30	June	2012

Where the terms of an equity-settled award are modified, as a 
minimum an expense is recognised as if the terms had not been 
modified. In addition, an expense is recognised for any increase in the 
value of the transaction as a result of the modification, as measured at 
the date of modification. Where an equity-settled award is cancelled, 
it is treated as if it had vested on the date of cancellation, and any 
expense not yet recognised for the award is recognised immediately. 
However, if a new award is substituted for the cancelled award, and 
designated as a replacement award on the date that it is granted, the 
cancelled and new award are treated as if they were a modification of 
the original award, as described in the previous paragraph.

The dilutive effect, if any, of outstanding options is reflected as 
additional share dilution in the computation of earnings per share.

(s) Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is calculated as net profit attributable to 
members of the parent, adjusted to exclude any costs of servicing 
equity (other than dividends) and preference share dividends, divided 
by the weighted average number of ordinary shares, adjusted for any 
bonus element.

Diluted earnings per share is calculated as net profit attributable to 
members of the parent, adjusted for:

•	 costs	of	servicing	equity	(other	than	dividends)	and	preference	

•	

share	dividends;
the	after	tax	effect	of	dividends	and	interest	associated	with	
dilutive potential ordinary shares that have been recognised as 
expenses;	and

•	 other	non-discretionary	changes	in	revenues	or	expenses	during	

the period that would result from the dilution of potential ordinary 
shares;

divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares and 
dilutive potential ordinary shares, adjusted for any bonus element.

(t) Foreign Currency Transactions and Balances

Functional and presentation currency
The	functional	currency	of	each	of	the	Group’s	entities	is	measured	
using the currency of the primary economic environment in which that 
entity operates. The consolidated financial statements are presented 
in Australian dollars which is the parent entity’s functional and 
presentation currency.

Page	26   Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012

Transaction and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into functional currency 
using the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transaction. 
Foreign currency monetary items are translated at the year-end 
exchange rate. Non-monetary items measured at historical cost 
continue to be carried at the exchange rate at the date of the 
transaction. Non-monetary items measured at fair value are reported 
at the exchange rate at the date when fair values were determined.

Exchange differences arising on the translation of monetary items are 
recognised in the statement of comprehensive income, except where 
deferred in equity as a qualifying cash flow or net investment hedge. 
Exchange differences arising on the translation of non-monetary items 
are recognised directly in equity to the extent that the gain or loss is 
directly recognised in equity, otherwise the exchange difference is 
recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.

Group companies
The financial results and position of foreign operations whose 
functional	currency	is	different	from	the	Group’s	presentation	currency	
are translated as follows:

•	 Assets	and	liabilities	are	translated	at	year-end	exchange	rates	

•	

prevailing at that reporting date.
Income	and	expenses	are	translated	at	average	exchange	rates	for	
the period. 

•	 Retained	profits	are	translated	at	the	exchange	rates	prevailing	at	

the date of the transaction.

(u) Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount 
of	GST,	except	where	the	amount	of	GST	incurred	is	not	recoverable	
from	the	Australian	Tax	Office.	In	these	circumstances	the	GST	is	
recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of 
an item of the expense. Receivables and payables in the statement of 
financial	position	are	shown	inclusive	of	GST.	

Cash flows are presented in the statement of cash flows on a gross 
basis,	except	for	the	GST	component	of	investing	and	financing	
activities, which are disclosed as operating cash flows.

(v) Comparative Figures

When required by Accounting Standards, comparative figures have 
been adjusted to conform to changes in presentation for the current 
financial year. 

(w) Going Concern

Notwithstanding	the	net	loss	for	the	year	of	$4,112,617	and	the	
cash	and	cash	equivalents	balance	of	$3,075,880,	the	directors	
have prepared the financial statements on a going concern basis. 
The reason for this is that the directors have performed a review 
of the cash flow forecasts, considered the cash flow needs of the 
consolidated entity, and believe that the strategies in progress to 
generate funds will be sufficient to maintain the going concern status 
of the consolidated entity. These strategies for which the outcome 
is currently uncertain include further licensing arrangements and 
additional capital raising. If these strategies are unsuccessful then 
the consolidated entity may need to realise its assets and extinguish 
liabilities other than in the ordinary course of business and at amounts 
different to those disclosed in the financial report.

  
Notes	to	the	Financial	Statements	for	the	Year	Ended	30	June	2012

NOTE 2: REVENUE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 
Revenue 
-	Licensing	revenue	and	royalties	
- Finance income - dividends received 
-	Finance	income	-	interest	received	

Other income 
-	Government	grants	

Total revenue and other income 

NOTE 3: LOSS FOR THE YEAR 
(a) Expenses incurred by continuing operations 
Items included in Statement of Comprehensive Income 
Finance costs 
Interest	payable	–	other	persons	
Doubtful debts 
Other	

Finance	costs	

Depreciation 
Included in Occupancy expenses 
Depreciation	of	plant	and	equipment	
Employee benefits expense 
Included in Employment related expenses 
Wages	and	salaries	
Superannuation	costs	
Share-based	payments	expense	

CSIRO IP Settlement 

During the 2010 year, the Company reached a settlement with the CSIRO to replace the existing  
Licence Agreement and Commercial Agreement with a new exclusive Licence Agreement for the  
use	of	intellectual	property	and	the	Capital	Growth	Agreement	with	the	issue	of	ordinary	shares.	 
The Licence Agreement contains a number of further contingent payments as outlined in Note 23.

LJCI Settlement	

In April 2011 the Company negotiated the finalisation of the convertible note facility provided by  
La	Jolla	Cove	Investors	Inc.	The	agreement	included	a	settlement	cost	of	US$700,000	to	be	paid	 
within 6 months from the closing of the May 2011 rights issue, in instalments. An instalment payment  
was	made	in	the	year	to	30	June	2011	and	the	remainder	of	the	settlement	liability	was	paid	in	full	 
this	financial	year	and	totalled	$602,857	(note	14)..	

2012 
$ 

323,580	
- 
167,701	

491,281	

11,753	

503,034 

8,517	
- 
1,953	

10,470	

2011
$

156,702
137,671
48,172

342,545

3,000

345,545

26,826
-
2,298

29,124

12,822	

9,053

676,845	
47,760	
1,093,122	

- 

-	

573,823
43,977
122,568

-

660,957

Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012   Page	27

 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
Notes	to	the	Financial	Statements	for	the	Year	Ended	30	June	2012

NOTE 3: LOSS FOR THE YEAR (CONTINUED) 
(b) Expenses
The following expense items are relevant in explaining the financial performance:   
Research and development costs consist of:
Project	expenses	
IP	litigation	expenses	
Other	IP	related	expenses	

2012 
$ 

2011
$

1,040,989	
9,915	
258,267	

1,309,171	

386,896
(15,703)
909,120

1,280,313

NOTE 4: INCOME TAX EXPENSE 
(a)  The prima facie tax on loss from ordinary activities before income tax is reconciled to the income tax as follows: 

Prima	facie	tax	payable	on	loss	from	ordinary	activities	before	income	tax	at	30%	(2011:	30%)	
Add Tax effect of: 
Non-deductible	share-based	payment	expense	
Non-deductible	legal	fees	
Capital	items	deductible	
Other	non-deductible	items	
Deductible	items	not	included	in	operating	result	
Deferred	tax	asset	not	brought	to	account	

Income tax benefit reported in the income statement 

	(1,233,785)	

		(1,060,462)

		327,937		
	14,656		
	(49,805)	
14,873		
(55,250)	
	981,374		

 -  

				36,770	
		15,674	
	(159,136)
		39,283	
	(81,790)
	1,011,374	

 -  

(b)	 The	parent	entity,	acting	as	the	Head	Entity,	notified	the	Australian	Taxation	Office	on	12	February	2004	that	it	had	formed	a	Tax	Consolidated	

Group	applicable	as	from	1	July	2002.	No	tax	sharing	agreement	has	been	entered	between	entities	in	the	tax	consolidated	group.
(c)	 As	at	30	June	2012,	the	Tax	Consolidated	Group	has	a	net	deferred	tax	asset	of	$10,745,949	(2011:	$9,902,859)	arising	from	significant	

available	Australian	tax	losses	(calculated	at	30%),	which	has	not	been	recognised	in	the	financial	statements.	The	deferred	tax	asset	relating	
to	temporary	differences	(calculated	at	30%)	was	$36,360	(2011	$192,877).	
The	Consolidated	Group	also	has	Australian	capital	tax	losses	for	which	no	deferred	tax	asset	is	recognised	on	the	statement	of	financial	
position	of	$381,588	(2011:	$381,588)	which	are	available	indefinitely	for	against	future	capital	gains	subject	to	continuing	to	meet	relevant	
statutory tests.
The	recoupment	of	available	tax	losses	as	at	30	June	2012	is	contingent	upon	the	following:
(i)	

the	Consolidated	Group	deriving	future	assessable	income	of	a	nature	and	of	an	amount	sufficient	to	enable	the	benefit	from	the	losses	to		
be	realised;

(ii)	 the	conditions	for	deductibility	imposed	by	tax	legislation	continuing	to	be	complied	with;	and
(iii)	 there	being	no	changes	in	tax	legislation	which	would	adversely	affect	the	Tax	Consolidated	Group	from	realising	the	benefit	from	 

the losses.

Page	28   Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012

 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
		
						
					
						
					
					
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
Notes	to	the	Financial	Statements	for	the	Year	Ended	30	June	2012

NOTE 5: AUDITOR’S REMUNERATION   
Audit Services 
Remuneration	of	Grant	Thornton	Audit	Pty	Ltd	for:	
-auditing	or	reviewing	the	financial	report	
Other Services 
Remuneration	of	Grant	Thornton	Australia	Pty	Ltd	for:		
-	taxation	compliance	

2012 
$ 

2011
$

50,000	

46,000

38,909	

7,975

NOTE 6: EARNINGS PER SHARE 
Basic earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing net loss for the year attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent by the 
weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year.
Diluted earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing the net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number 
of ordinary shares outstanding during the year (adjusted for the effects of dilutive options) and the weighted average number of ordinary shares 
that would be issued on conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares into ordinary shares.
The following reflects the income and share data used in the total operations basic and diluted earnings per share computations:

Loss	after	income	tax	used	in	the	calculation	of	basic	EPS	and	dilutive	EPS	

(4,112,617)	

(3,534,874)	

2012 
$ 

2011
$

Weighted	average	number	of	ordinary	shares	for	basic	and	diluted	earnings	per	share	
Weighted average number of converted, lapsed or cancelled potential ordinary shares  
included in diluted earnings per share 
All options to acquire ordinary shares are not considered dilutive for the years ended  
30	June	2012	and	30	June	2011.

Number 
949,747,352	

Number
519,094,683

-  

- 

Classification of securities   
No securities or convertible debt instruments could be classified as potential ordinary shares under AASB 133 and therefore have not been 
included	in	determination	of	dilutive	EPS.	

Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012   Page	29

 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes	to	the	Financial	Statements	for	the	Year	Ended	30	June	2012

NOTE 7: KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL 

(a) Details of Key Management Personnel 

(i) Directors 

Mr	Peter	Francis	

Chairman	-	Non-Executive	

Appointed	on	23	February	2006

Dr Mel Bridges 

Director - Non-Executive 

Appointed on 12 October 2007

Dr	John	Chiplin	

Director	-	Non-Executive	

Appointed	on	1	February	2010

Mr	Iain	Ross	

Director	-	Non-Executive	

Appointed	on	1	June	2010	

(ii) Executives 

Dr	Peter	French	

Chief	Executive	Officer	

Appointed	Chief	Scientific	Officer	on	4	August	2009,	 
appointed	Chief	Executive	Officer	on	4	June	2010

Dr	Michael	Graham	 Chief	Scientific	Officer	

Appointed	on	1	January	2012

Mr	Greg	West	

Company	Secretary	 	

Appointed	on	26	May	2011	

(b) Key management personnel remuneration includes the following expenses 

Short term employee benefits 
		Salaries	including	bonuses	
Post-employment	benefits	
		Superannuation	
Share-based	payments	

Total	Remuneration	

(c) Options and Rights Holdings 

Number of Options held by Key Management Personnel   

2012 
$ 

486,925	

36,751	
436,550	

960,226	

2011
$

460,614

30,398
64,611

590,623

Balance 
Granted as 
01-Jul-11  Remuneration 

Options 
Aquired 

Options 
Exercised/ 
Lapsed/Other 

Balance 
at 30-Jun-12 

Total Vested 
at 30-Jun-12 

Total 
Exercisable 
at 30-Jun-12

		4,000,000		

		40,000,000		

		2,998,333		

		10,000,000		

		10,000,000		

		10,000,000		

6,998,333		

70,000,000		

10,000,000		

		30,000,000		

		15,000,000		

			3,000,000		

10,000,000		

48,000,000		

	264,063		

	187,500		

	451,563		

	-		

	-		

	-		

	44,000,000		

	16,833,333		

16,833,333	

		12,998,333		

		6,166,666		

	6,166,666	

	10,264,063		

			3,333,333		

	3,333,333	

	10,187,500		

		3,333,333		

	3,333,333	

				-			

	77,449,896		

	29,666,665		

29,666,665	

	-		

	40,000,000		

	20,000,000		

20,000,000	

	15,000,000		

		5,000,000		

	5,000,000	

		3,000,000		

-		

58,000,000		

25,000,000		

25,000,000	

16,998,333  

118,000,000  

451,563  

135,449,896  

54,666,665  

54,666,665 

Directors 

Peter	Francis	

Mel	Bridges	

John	Chiplin	

Iain	Ross	

Sub-total	

Executives 

Peter	French	

Michael	Graham	

Greg	West	

Sub-total	

Total 

Page	30   Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
	
	
	
			
	
	
	
 
Notes	to	the	Financial	Statements	for	the	Year	Ended	30	June	2012

(d) Shareholdings 

Number	of	Shares	held	by	Key	Management	Personnel	

Balance 
01-Jul-11 

Received as 
Remuneration 

Upon 
Options Exercised 

Net Change Other * 

Balance 
30-Jun-12

Directors 

Peter	Francis	

Mel	Bridges	

John	Chiplin	

Iain	Ross	

Sub-total	

Executives 

Peter	French	

Michael	Graham	

Greg	West	

Sub-total 

Total 

2,237,175	

860,000	

1,190,846	

750,000	

5,038,021	

-		

-		

-		

-  

5,038,021 

-		

-		

-	

-	

-	

-		

-		

-		

-  

-  

* Net Change Other refers to shares purchased or sold during the financial year. 

NOTE 8: CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 
Cash	at	bank	
Deposits	at	call	

-		

-		

-	

-	

-	

-		

-		

-		

-  

-  

-		

1,850,000	

1,850,000	

-		

-		

-		

-  

2,237,175

2,710,000

1,190,846

750,000

6,888,021

-	

-	

-	

- 

1,850,000 

6,888,021

2012 
$ 

					525,880		
			2,550,000		

			3,075,880		

2011
$

68,406
6,585,691

6,654,097

Reconciliation of Cash Flow from Operations with Loss after Income Tax   
Loss	after	Income	Tax	

					(4,112,617)	

(3,534,874)	

Non-cash flows included in operating loss: 
Interest	received	
Dividends received 
Depreciation	
LJCI	settlement	
Interest	paid	
Share-based	payments	
Foreign	currency	translation	unrealised	
Provisions	and	non-cash	adjustments	

Changes in assets and liabilities: 
Decrease	in	trade	and	other	receivables	
(Increase)/decrease	in	other	current	assets	
Increase/(decrease)	in	trade	and	other	payables	

Net	cash	flows	from	operations	

						(163,701)	
- 
								12,822		
							602,857		
-	
					1,093,122		
								(2,023)	
										(793)	

								20,366		
								19,912		
						(792,223)	

(3,322,278)	

(48,171)
(137,671)
9,053
-
26,826
122,568
(88,824)
(168,710)	

202,638
(8,904)
286,971

(3,339,098)

Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012   Page	31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
	
	
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
 
	
 
 
	
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
Notes	to	the	Financial	Statements	for	the	Year	Ended	30	June	2012

NOTE 9: TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 
CURRENT 
Sundry	Debtors	

NOTE 10: OTHER ASSETS 
CURRENT 
Prepayments	
Other	current	assets	

NOTE 11: CONTROLLED ENTITIES 

(a) Controlled entities: 

Parent Entity: 
Benitec Biopharma Limited 

Controlled entities of Benitec Biopharma Limited: 
Benitec	Australia	Limited	
Benitec	Biopharma	Limited	
Benitec,	Inc.	
Benitec	LLC	
RNAi	Therapeutics,	Inc.	

2012 
$ 

2011
$

127,466	

147,832

10,603	
6,453	

17,056	

30,515
6,453

36,968

Country of Incorporation 

Percentage Owned

2012 

2011

Australia 

Australia	
United	Kingdom	
USA	
USA	
USA	

100%	
100%	
100%	
100%	
100%	

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

(b) Controlled entities acquired or disposed: 

No controlled entities were acquired or disposed during the financial year.

Page	32   Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes	to	the	Financial	Statements	for	the	Year	Ended	30	June	2012

NOTE 12: PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT  
Plant and Equipment 
At	cost	
Accumulated	depreciation	

Total	Property,	Plant	and	Equipment	

Movements in Carrying Amounts 
Movement in the carrying amounts for each class of property, plant and equipment  
between the beginning and the end of the current financial year.

2012 
$ 

68,319	
(37,516)	

30,803	

Leasehold 
Improvement 
$ 

Plant and 
Equipment 
$ 

Balance	at	30	June	2010	

Additions	

Depreciation	expense	

Balance	at	30	June	2011	

Additions	

Less	Disposals	

Depreciation	expense	

Balance	at	30	June	2012	

NOTE 13: TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES 

CURRENT 
Unsecured liabilities 
Trade	creditors	
Sundry	creditors	and	accrued	expenses	

NON-CURRENT 
Unsecured liabilities 
Sundry	creditors	and	accrued	expenses	

NOTE 14: BORROWINGS  

Convertible	Note	

-	

-	

-	

-	

13,176	

-	

(1,416)	

11,760	

7621	

27,893	

(9,053)	

26,461	

8,593	

(4,609)	

(11,406)	

19,043	

2012 
$ 

373,896	
159,274	

533,170	

-	

-	

2011
$

51,539
(25,078)

26,461

Total 
$

7,621

27,893

(9,053)

26,461

21,773

(4,609)

(12,822)

30,803

2011
$

470,243
671,316

1,141,559

171,048

292,488

Benitec	Biopharma	announced	on	11	April	2011	that	the	Company	and	La	Jolla	Cove	Investors	Inc.	(“LJCI”)	had	agreed	to	terminate	the	LJCI	
convertible note facility. The facility was established in April 2010 and provided funding to the Company of up to US$6 million under four 
convertible	notes.	The	first	of	the	four	convertible	notes	were	paid	in	full	by	LJCI	and	converted	into	shares	in	Benitec	Biopharma,	and	the	second	
convertible	note	was	commenced	on	11	January	2011.	The	Company	and	LJCI	agreed	to	terminate	the	facility	on	the	terms	described	in	the	11	
April 2011 announcement which included: 

(a)	 LJCI	may	advance	a	final	instalment	of	up	to	US$200,000	to	the	Company	under	the	facility,	after	which	there	will	be	no	more	advances	made.	
(b)	 Within	6	months	of	the	closing	of	the	May	2011	rights	issue,	US$700,000	will	be	paid	by	the	Company	to	LJCI,	in	instalments.	

In	December	2011	LJCI	made	its	final	instalment	of	US$200,000	(AUD	$199,030)	to	the	Company	under	the	facility.	During	the	year	the	Company	
paid	the	balance	of	the	settlement	payout	accrued	at	30	June	2011	of	AUD	$602,857.	

Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012   Page	33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
Notes	to	the	Financial	Statements	for	the	Year	Ended	30	June	2012

NOTE 15: PROVISIONS   
CURRENT 
Provision	for	employee	benefits	

NOTE 16: CONTRIBUTED EQUITY  

2012 
$ 

2011
$

55,122	

55,915

926,337,910	(2011:	415,004,245)	fully	paid	ordinary	shares	

87,348,819	

86,821,961

(a) Ordinary Shares 
At	the	beginning	of	the	reporting	period	
Shares	issued	during	the	year	
Transaction	costs	relating	to	share	issues	
Convertible	Note	conversion	

At	the	beginning	of	reporting	period	
Shares	issued	during	the	year	

(b) Share options

86,821,961	
-	
(7,053)	
533,911	

87,348,819	

Number 

926,337,910	
44,290,619	

970,628,529	

77,487,593
8,101,173
(656,805)
1,890,000

86,821,961

Number

415,004,215
511,333,695

926,337,910

At	the	end	of	the	financial	year,	there	were	428,985,202	unissued	ordinary	shares	(2011:	310,785,202)	over	which	options	were	outstanding.

Details 

Listed	BLTOB	
Listed	BLTO	
Unlisted	Options	
Unlisted	Options	
Strategic	Advisor	Warrants	
Other	Options	
NED	Options	
NED	Options	
NED	Options	
ESOP	Options	
ESOP	Options	
ESOP	Options	
ESOP	Options	
ESOP	Options	
Directors’	Options	

Expiry Date 

Exercise Price 

31	December	2013	
8	April	2014	
31	December	2012	
10	April	2015	
4	August	2014	
30	September	2013	
31	December	2012	
19	August	2014	
26	September	2016	
21	February	2013	
10	June	2013	
19	August	2014	
17	November	2016	
7	February	2017	
23	October	2015	

$0.04	
$0.10	
$0.10	
$0.10	
$0.90	
$0.03	
$0.09	
$0.02	
$0.05	
$0.08	
$0.03	
$0.02	
$0.05	
$0.05	
$0.17	

Number

201,302,538
46,673,907
22,244,444
12,000,000
6,126,962
17,560
4,666,666
3,000,000
70,000,000
300,000
5,000,000
6,500,000
45,000,000
4,200,000
1,953,125

	428,985,202	

Since	30	June	2012,	the	following	options	were	issued	under	the	ESOP:
ESOP	Options	

18	July	2017	

$0.0500	

10,000,000	

Page	34      Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
		
		
	
 
 
 
Notes	to	the	Financial	Statements	for	the	Year	Ended	30	June	2012

NOTE 17: RESERVES 
Convertible Note Equity Reserve 
At	the	beginning	of	the	reporting	period	
Equity	component	of	convertible	note	
Transfer	to	Contributed	Equity	upon	partial	conversion	of	convertible	note	

Share-based Payments Reserve 
At	the	beginning	of	the	reporting	period	
Share	based	payments	
Transferred	to	Accumulated	Losses	Reserve	no	longer	required	

2012 
$ 

2011
$

48,797	
25,858	
(74,655)	

-	

2,761,802	
1,093,122	
(2,460,782)	

1,394,142	

1,394,142	

69,837
200,593
(221,633)

48,797

2,639,234
122,568
-

2,761,802

2,810,599

Nature and purpose of Reserves  

Convertible Note Equity Reserve
The Convertible Note Equity Reserve records the equity component of convertible notes at the time of drawdown of the funds. When a conversion 
to ordinary shares takes place, the equity component of the convertible note being converted is transferred to Contributed Equity.

Share Based Payments Reserve
The	Share-based	Payments	Reserve	represents	the	expense	attributed	to	options	based	on	a	Black	Scholes	valuation	method	for	vested	options.

NOTE 18: OPERATING SEGMENTS 
Business Segments  
The	Group	had	only	one	business	segment	during	the	financial	year,	being	the	global	commercialisation	by	licensing	and	partnering	of	patents	and	
licences in biotechnology, more specifically in functional genomics, with applications in biomedical research and human therapeutics.

Geographical Segments
Business	operations	are	conducted	in	Australia.	However	there	are	controlled	entities	based	in	the	USA	and	United	Kingdom.

Geographical location 

Australia	

United	States	of	America	

United	Kingdom	

Segment Revenues  
from External Customers 

Segment Results 

2012 

$ 

2011 

$ 

2012 

$ 

2011 

$ 

Carrying Amount of 
Segment Assets

2012 

$ 

2011

$

503,034	

345,545	

(4,112,617)	

(3,524,449)	

3,327,085	

6,848,328

-	

-	

-	

-	

-	

-	

(2,803)	

(7,621)	

194,121	

17,030

-	

-

503,034	

345,545	

(4,112,617)	

(3,534,873)	

3,521,206	

6,865,358

Accounting Policies 
Segment revenues and expenses are directly attributable to the identified segments and include joint venture revenue and expenses where a 
reasonable allocation basis exists. Segment assets include all assets used by a segment and consist mainly of cash, receivables, inventories, 
intangibles and property, plant and equipment, net of any allowances, accumulated depreciation and amortisation. Where joint assets correspond 
to two or more segments, allocation of the net carrying amount has been made on a reasonable basis to a particular segment. Segment liabilities 
include mainly accounts payable, employee entitlements, accrued expenses, provisions and borrowings. Deferred income tax provisions are not 
included in segment assets and liabilities.

Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012      Page	35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
Notes	to	the	Financial	Statements	for	the	Year	Ended	30	June	2012

NOTE 19: FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
The	Group’s	principal	financial	instruments	comprise	receivables,	payables,	cash	and	short-term	deposits.	The	Group	manages	its	exposure	to	key	
financial risks, including interest rate and currency risk in accordance with the Company financial risk management policy. The objective of the 
policy is to protect the assets and provide a solid return.

The main risks arising from the financial instruments are interest rate risk, liquidity risk, foreign currency risk and credit risk. The Board reviews 
and agrees policies for managing each of these risks and they are summarised below.  

Risk Exposures and Responses

Interest rate risk
The	Group	generates	income	from	interest	on	surplus	funds.	At	reporting	date,	the	Group	had	the	following	mix	of	financial	assets	and	liabilities	
exposed to Australian variable interest rate risk that are not designated in cash flow hedges:

Financial Assets 
Cash	and	cash	equivalents	

Financial Liabilities 

Net	Exposure	

2012 
$ 

3,075,880	

- 

3,075,880	

2011
$

6,654,097

-

6,654,097

The	policy	is	to	analyse	its	interest	rate	exposure	across	the	Groups	financial	assets	and	liabilities.	Consideration	is	given	to	the	return	on	funds	
invested,	alternative	financing,	the	mix	of	fixed	and	variable	interest	rates	and	hedging	positions.	The	Group	currently	has	short	term	deposits	at	
variable	interest	rates.	The	average	interest	rate	applying	to	cash	in	the	year	was	4.25%	(2011:	2.62%).

The following sensitivity analysis is based on the interest rate risk exposures in existence at the reporting date:

At	30	June	2012,	if	interest	rates	had	moved,	as	illustrated	in	the	table	below,	with	all	other	variables	held	constant,	the	judgment	of	reasonably	
possible movements in post-tax profit and equity would have been as follows:

+1%	(100	basis	points)	

-0.5%	(50	basis	points)	

Liquidity risk

Post Tax Result 
Higher/ (Lower) 

Equity 
Higher/ (Lower)

2012 

$ 

44,560	

(22,730)	

2011 

$ 

15,753	

(7,876)	

2012 

$ 

44,560	

(22,730)	

2011

$

15,753

(7,876)

The	Group’s	objective	is	to	obtain	revenue	from	commercialisation	and	to	continue	to	access	funding	markets	which	over	recent	years	has	been	
through	the	equities	or	convertible	notes.	The	Group	has	a	pipeline	of	programs	to	take	its	research	and	development	to	the	clinic	and	potentially	
originate licensing transactions with pharmaceutical companies. Trade payables and other financial liabilities originate from the financing of the 
ongoing research and development programs in addition to the operations of the business generally.

The table below reflects all contractually fixed pay-offs and receivables for settlement, repayments and interest resulting from recognised financial 
assets	and	liabilities	as	at	30	June	2012.	Cash	flows	for	financial	assets	and	liabilities	with	fixed	amount	or	timing	are	presented	with	their	
respective discounted cash flows for the respective upcoming fiscal years.

The	remaining	contractual	maturities	of	the	Group’s	financial	liabilities	are::

6	months	or	less	
6-12	months	
1-5	years	
Over	5	years	

Page	36   Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012

2012 
$ 

475,215	
57,955	
-	
-	

533,170	

2011
$

912,556
57,955
171,048
-

1,141,559

 
 
 
 
 
	
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
Notes	to	the	Financial	Statements	for	the	Year	Ended	30	June	2012

Maturity analysis of financial assets and liabilities based on management’s expectation

The table below reflects management’s expectation of the maturity of financial assets and liabilities. 

These	assets	are	considered	in	the	context	of	the	Group’s	overall	liquidity	risk.	The	Group	has	established	a	risk	reporting	process	overseen	by	the	
board which monitors existing financial assets and liabilities and provides information to enable effective risk management. The Board regularly 
evaluates managements rolling forecasts of liquidity which includes assessments of cash income and outgoings. 

≤6 months 

6-12 months 

1-5 years 

>5 years 

$ 

Financial assets 

Cash	and	cash	equivalents	 3,075,880	

Trade	and	other	receivables	 144,523	

Financial Liabilities 

Trade	and	other	payables	

(475,215)	

Net	Maturity	

2,745,188	

$ 

-	

-	

(57,955)	

(57,955)	

$ 

-	

-	

-	

-	

$ 

-	

-	

-	

-	

Total

$

3,075,880

144,523

(533,170)

2,687,233

Foreign currency risk
The	Group	has	transactional	currency	exposures.	Such	exposure	arises	from	licensing	fees	and	royalties	as	well	as	expenditure	by	the	Group	
in	currencies	other	than	the	unit’s	measurement	currency.	Foreign	currency	income	and	expenditure	accounts	for	less	than	10%	of	the	Groups	
transactions. 

Credit risk
Credit	risk	arises	from	the	financial	assets	of	the	Group,	which	comprise	cash	and	cash	equivalents,	and	trade	and	other	receivables.	The	Group’s	
exposure to credit risk arises from potential counter party payment default, with a maximum exposure equal to the carrying amount. Exposures at 
each reporting date are assessed and disclosed in the financial statements.

The	Group	does	not	hold	any	credit	derivatives	to	offset	its	credit	exposure.	The	Group	trades	only	with	recognised,	creditworthy	third	parties	and	
as	such	collateral	is	not	requested.	The	Group	does	not	securitise	its	trade	and	other	receivables.	

Customers who wish to trade on credit terms are subject to credit assessment procedures which may include an assessment of their independent 
credit rating, financial position, past experience and industry reputation. Receivable balances are regularly monitored. There are no significant 
concentrations	of	credit	risk	within	the	Group.

NOTE 20: FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Fair values

Fair values of financial assets and liabilities are equivalent to carrying values due their short term to maturity.

Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012   Page	37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes	to	the	Financial	Statements	for	the	Year	Ended	30	June	2012

NOTE 21: SHARE BASED PAYMENTS 

Benitec Biopharma Limited Employees Share Option Plan (ESOP): 

Description of plan 

The	Group	may	from	time	to	time	issue	employees	options	to	acquire	shares	in	the	parent	at	a	fixed	price.	Each	option	when	exercised	entitles	the	
option holder to one share in the Company. Options are exercisable on or before an expiry date, do not carry any voting or dividend rights and are 
not transferable except on death of the option holder.

Share Options granted during the year 

The	following	options	were	issued	to	executives	by	Benitec	Biopharma	Limited	under	its	ESOP	and	are	unlisted.	

Executive 

Peter	French	

Michael	Graham	

Greg	West	

Grant Date 

Number  

Exercise Price 

Expiry Date

17	November	2011	

17	November	2011	

7	February	2012	

30,000,000	

15,000,000	

3,000,000	

48,000,000	

$0.050	

$0.050	

$0.050	

17	November	2016

17	November	2016

7	February	2017

The	following	options	were	issued	Directors	and	approved	by	shareholders	at	the	Annual	General	Meeting	of	shareholders	on	17	November	2011.	
They	were	not	issued	as	part	of	the	ESOP.	

Director 

Peter	Francis	

Mel	Bridges	

John	Chiplin	

Iain	Ross	

Grant Date 

Number  

Exercise Price 

Expiry Date

26	September	2011	

26	September	2011	

26	September	2011	

26	September	2011	

40,000,000	

10,000,000	

10,000,000	

10,000,000	

70,000,000 

$0.050	

$0.050	

$0.050	

$0.050	

26	September	2016

26	September	2016

26	September	2016

26	September	2016

The closing market price of an ordinary share of Benitec Biopharma Limited (ASX Code: BLT) on the Australian Securities Exchange at  
30	June	2012	was	$0.017	(30	June	2011:	$0.028)

The	following	table	illustrates	the	number	and	weighted	average	exercise	price	(WAEP)	of	share	options	issued	under	the	ESOP:

Outstanding	at	the	beginning	of	the	year	
Granted	during	the	year	
Exercised	during	the	year	
Lapsed	or	forfeited	during	the	year	
Outstanding	at	the	end	of	the	year	

2012 
Number 

12,800,000	
49,200,000	
-	
(1,000,000)	
61,000,000	

2012 
WAEP 

$0.0267	
$0.0500	
-	
$0.0407	
$0.0453	

2011 
Number 

7,300,000	
11,500,000	
(420,000)	
(5,580,000)	
12,800,000	

2011 
WAEP

$0.0710
$0.0371
$0.0224
$0.0722
$0.0267

Page	38   Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
Notes	to	the	Financial	Statements	for	the	Year	Ended	30	June	2012

Details of ESOP share options outstanding as at end of year: 

Expiry Date 

14	December	2011	

21	February	2013	

10	June	2013	

19	August	2014	

17	November	2016	

7	February	2017	

Grant Date 

2012 Number  

Exercise Price 

2011 Number

14	December	2006	

21	February	2008	

13	July	2010	

13	July	2010	

17	November	2011	

7	February	2012	

300,000	

5,000,000	

6,500,000	

45,000,000		

4,200,000		

61,000,000	

$0.0407	

$0.0781	

$0.0289	

$0.0204	

$0.0500	

$0.0500	

$0.0453	

1,000,000

300,000

5,000,000

6,500,000

12,800,000

NOTE 22: EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO REPORTING DATE  
There have been no material events subsequent to reporting date. 

NOTE 23: CONTINGENT LIABILITIES 
In	January	2010,	the	Company	reached	a	settlement	with	the	CSIRO	to	replace	the	existing	Licence	Agreement	and	Commercial	Agreement	with	a	
new	exclusive	Licence	Agreement	for	the	use	of	intellectual	property	and	the	Capital	Growth	Agreement	with	the	issue	of	ordinary	shares.	As	part	
of the settlement, a Transition Agreement was put in place in order to facilitate the change from the old agreements to the new agreement and to 
deal with a number of other matters. 

Under	the	terms	of	the	Transition	Agreement,	the	Company	agreed	to	pay	CSIRO	an	amount	of	$297,293	for	past	patent	costs	only	in	the	event	of	
a trigger event, being either a corporate transaction or an insolvency event.

The	Company	has	contracted	for	scientific	work	on	the	therapeutic	programs,	and	payments	are	due	within	the	next	six	months	totalling	$240,704	
(2011: nil)  

NOTE 24: RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 
Transactions between related parties are on normal commercial terms and conditions no more favourable than those available to other parties 
unless otherwise stated:

Transactions with Directors and Director-related Entities: 

Legal	services	paid	/	payable	to	Francis	Abourizk	Lightowlers,	 
a	law	firm	in	which	Mr	Peter	Francis	is	a	partner	and	has	a	beneficial	interest.	
Consultancy	fees	for	executive	duties	paid/payable	to	Parma	Corporation	Pty	Ltd,	 
a	company	in	which	Dr	Mel	Bridges	is	a	director	and	has	a	beneficial	interest.	
Consultancy	fees	for	executive	duties	paid/payable	to	NewStar	Ventures	Ltd,	 
a	corporation	in	which	Dr	John	Chiplin	is	a	director	and	has	a	beneficial	interest.	
Consultancy	fees	for	executive	duties	paid/payable	to	Gladstone	Partnership,	 
an	entity	in	which	Mr	Iain	Ross	is	a	principal	and	has	a	beneficial	interest	
Transactions between related parties are on normal commercial terms and the  
conditions no more favourable than those available to other non-related parties.

2012 
$ 

166,912	

-	

40,000	

18,999	

2011
$

133,068

15,000

62,250

40,000

Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012   Page	39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
Notes	to	the	Financial	Statements	for	the	Year	Ended	30	June	2012

NOTE 25: BENITEC LIMITED PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION 

ASSETS 
Current	assets	
Non-current	assets	

TOTAL ASSETS 

LIABILITIES 
Current	liabilities	
Non-current	liabilities	

TOTAL LIABILITIES 

NET ASSETS/(DEFICIENCY) 

EQUITY 
Contributed	equity	
Share	based	payments	reserve	
Convertible	note	equity	reserve	
Accumulated	losses	

TOTAL EQUITY 

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 
Loss	for	the	year	
Other comprehensive income 

2012 
$ 

3,025,922	
30,816	

3,056,738 

588,293	
0	

588,293 

2,468,445 

Parent Entity

20 11 
$

6,821,867
26,474

6,848,341

1,185,376
463,536

1,648,912

5,199,429

87,348,819	
1,394,142	
-	
(86,094,516)	

86,821,961
2,761,802
48,797
(84,433,131)

2,468,445 

5,199,429

(4,302,167)	
- 

(3,521,969)
-

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

(4,302,167) 

(3,521,969)

Contingent liabilities
The	parent	entity	had	no	contingent	liabilities	as	at	30	June	2012,	other	than	the	contingent	liabilities	described	in	note	23.

Capital commitments
The	parent	entity	has	no	capital	commitments	as	at	30	June	2012.

Significant accounting policies
The accounting policies of the parent are consistent with those of the consolidated entity (Note1).

Page	40   Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Declaration

In accordance with a resolution of the Directors of Benitec Biopharma Limited, I state that:

1. 

In the opinion of the Directors:

(a) 

the attached financial statements and notes thereto are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including

(i)		giving	a	true	and	fair	view	of	the	financial	position	and	performance	of	the	Company	and	consolidated	entity;	and

(ii)  complying with Australian Accounting Standards, including the Interpretations, and the Corporations Regulations 2001 .

(b)	

the	financial	statements	and	notes	thereto	also	comply	with	International	Financial	Reporting	Standards,	as	disclosed	in	Note	1;	and

(c) 

as indicated in note 1(w), there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they  
become due and payable.

2.	 The	Directors	have	been	given	the	declarations	by	the	Chief	Executive	Officer	and	Chief	Financial	Officer	required	by	section	295A	of	the	

Corporations Act 2001.

Signed	in	accordance	with	a	resolution	of	the	directors	made	pursuant	to	s.295(5)	of	the	Corporations	Act	2001..

On behalf of the Directors

Peter Francis 
Director

Sydney 
28	August	2012

Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012      Page	41

 
	
	
	
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent Audit Report

Page	42      Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012

Independent Audit Report

Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012      Page	43

Independent Audit Report

Page	44      Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012

Shareholder Information

1. SHARE AND OPTION HOLDING INFORMATION

a) Distribution of Equity Security Holders

The	number	of	holders	and	amount	of	holdings	by	a	range	of	holding	sizes	of	the	ordinary	shares	and	options	as	at	17	September	2012	are	
detailed below.

Range 

Fully Paid Ordinary 
Shares (ASX:BLT) 

Options 
(ASX:BLTOA) 

Options 
(ASX:BLTO)

1	-	1,000	

1,001	-	5,000	

5,001	-	10,000	

10,001	-	100,000	

100,001	-	9,999,999,999	

b) Marketable parcels

Number of 
holders 

Number of 
shares held 

Number of 
holders 

Number of 
options held 

Number of 

Number of  
holders  options held

162	

486	

323	

68,298	

1,570,248	

2,651,057	

1,282	

57,490,224	

857	

908,848,702	

3,110	

970,628,529	

59	

167	

105	

305	

172	

808	

28,076	

472,274	

795,302	

11,937,050	

188,076,664	

201,309,366	

37	

153	

67	

113	

30	

411	

24,461

401,021

469,186

3,569,991

42,209,248

46,673,907

The	number	of	holdings	of	ordinary	shares	less	than	a	marketable	parcel	of	$500	as	at	17	September	2012	is	1,562.

c) Substantial Shareholders

The names of substantial shareholders listed in the Company’s register as at 17 September 2012 were:

Holder 

Dr	Christopher	Bremner	

d) Voting rights

Number Of Ordinary 
Shares Held 

192,637,678	

% Of Issued  
Capital

20.24

The voting rights attached to each class of equity security are as follows:

Each ordinary share holder is entitled to one vote when a poll is called, otherwise each member present at a meeting or by proxy has one vote on 
a show of hands.

Option holders do not have any voting rights until the option is converted into an ordinary share.

Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012      Page	45

 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
	
Shareholder Information

e) 20 Largest Ordinary Shareholders as at 17 September 2012

Holder 

National	Nominees	Limited	
CSIRO	
JP	Morgan	Nominees	Australia	Limited		
Sigma-Aldrich	Pty	Limited	
Mrs	Jaclyn	Stojanovski	+	MR	Chris	Retzos	+	Mrs	Susie	Retzos		
Mr	Paul	Leonard	Grimshaw	+	Mr	Dayne	Paul	Grimshaw		
Promega	Corporation	
Lonart	Pty	Ltd	
Blamnco	Trading	Pty	Ltd	
Dr	Russell	Kay	Hancock	
HSBC	Custody	Nominees	(Australia)	Limited	
SAO	Holdings	Pty	Ltd		
Fitel	Nominees	Limited	
Mr	Taner	Dilmac	
Mr	Aron	Malcolm	
Citicorp	Nominees	Pty	Limited	
Mr	James	Gordon	Pearce	+	Mrs	Pamela	Joy	Pearce			
Mr	Anthony	John	Baxter	
Mr	Ross	Dunstan	
Mr	Greg	Bernard	Hilton	+	Mr	Matthew	John	Hilton		
Totals: Top 20 holders of fully paid ordinary shares  
Total remaining holders balance 

Number Of Ordinary 
Shares Held 

% Of Issued  
Capital

219,890,356	
48,116,431	
33,016,173	
19,531,250	
15,706,419	
13,497,413	
12,996,339	
10,446,502	
10,000,000	
10,000,000	
9,066,775	
8,907,055	
7,103,625	
6,500,000	
6,500,000	
6,324,457	
5,647,415	
4,959,656	
4,834,651	
4,651,001	
457,695,518 
512,933,011 

22.65
4.96
3.40
2.01
1.62
1.39
1.34
1.08
1.03
1.03
0.93
0.92
0.73
0.67
0.67
0.65
0.58
0.51
0.50
0.48
47.15
52.85

Page	46      Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012

 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
Shareholder Information

f) 20 Largest BLTO Option holders (ASX: BLTO) as at 17 September 2012

Holder 

Number Of 
Options Held 

% Of BLTO 
Options

Dr	Christopher	Bremner	
Mr	Jeffrey	Connor	
National	Nominees	Limited	
Goffacan	Pty	Ltd	
Mr	Ian	Domaille	
Mrs	Felicity	Anne	Kissane	
JBWERE	(NZ)	Nominees	Limited		
Mrs	Debbie	Rice	
Mr	Arthur	Barrie	Wrigglesworth	
Resolute	Securities	Pty	Ltd		
HSBC	Custody	Nominees	(Australia)	Limited	
Mr	Wayne	Andrew	Gibson	
Mr	Larry	Raymond	Cook	
Mr	Adam	Matthew	Philippe	
UBS	Nominees	Pty	Ltd		
JYZ	Pair	Pty	Ltd	
Mr	Simon	John	Moran	+	Mrs	Christine	Joyce	Moran		
Mr	David	Burton	Gibson	
Palmi	Securities	Pty	Ltd	
Mr	Aidan	Moore	
Totals: Top 20 holders of BLTO  
Total Remaining Holders Balance 

25,408,240	
4,000,000	
2,062,556	
1,802,000	
1,666,000	
1,353,182	
670,268	
604,833	
544,894	
480,942	
374,832	
347,921	
284,969	
241,000	
240,000	
190,000	
186,708	
159,959	
154,556	
152,999	
40,925,859 
5,748,048 

54.44
8.57
4.42
3.86
3.57
2.90
1.44
1.30
1.17
1.03
0.80
0.75
0.61
0.52
0.51
0.41
0.40
0.34
0.33
0.33
87.68
12.32

g) 20 Largest BLTOB Option holders (ASX: BLTOB) as at 17 September 2012
Name 

Number Of 
Options Held 

% Of BLTOB 
Options

Dr	Christopher	Bremner	
Retzos	Investments	Pty	Ltd		
ABN	Amro	Clearing	Sydney	Nominees	Pty	Ltd		
Sam	Goulopoulos	Pty	Ltd		
Yondro	Pty	Ltd		
Dr	Warnakulasooriya	Karunasena	+	Mrs	Alankarage	Karunasena		
Mr	Paul	Marten	
JP	Morgan	Nominees	Australia	Limited		
Goffacan	Pty	Ltd	
Annemc	Pty	Ltd		
Ms	Beverley	Chard	+	Mr	John	Sheraton		
Mr	Helmut	Rocker	
National	Nominees	Limited	
Mr	Sajith	Renuka	Karunasena	
Cohen	Family	Pty	Ltd		
Mr	Paul	James	Madden	
Mr	Peter	Jack	Walravens	+	Mrs	Madeleine	Louise	Walravens		
Mr	Colm	Patrick	Cunningham	
Atlantis	Mg	Pty	Ltd		
Atlantis	Mg	Pty	Ltd		
Totals: Top 20 holders of BLTOB  
Total Remaining Holders Balance 

45,297,373	
12,000,000	
7,340,000	
5,000,000	
5,000,000	
4,000,000	
3,600,000	
3,560,023	
3,458,622	
3,030,000	
2,900,000	
2,900,000	
2,725,895	
2,620,000	
2,500,000	
2,400,000	
2,164,116	
2,106,674	
2,000,000	
2,000,000	
116,602,703 
84,706,663 

22.50
5.96
3.65
2.48
2.48
1.99
1.79
1.77
1.72
1.51
1.44
1.44
1.35
1.30
1.24
1.19
1.08
1.05
0.99
0.99
57.92
42.08

Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012      Page	47

 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder Information

h) Restricted securities

There are no securities on issue subject to restriction agreements.

i) Unquoted securities

As at the date of this report, the Company has unquoted securities as follows:

Details 

Unlisted	Options	
Unlisted	Options	
Strategic	Advisor	Warrants	
Other	Options	
NED	Options	
NED	Options	
NED	Options	
ESOP	Options	
ESOP	Options	
ESOP	Options	
ESOP	Options	
ESOP	Options	
Directors’	Options	

Expiry Date 

Exercise Price 

31-Dec-12	
10-Apr-15	
4-Aug-14	
30-Sep-13	
31-Dec-12	
19-Aug-14	
26-Sep-16	
21-Feb-13	
10-Jun-13	
19-Aug-14	
17-Nov-16	
7-Feb-17	
23-Oct-15	

$0.10	
$0.10	
$0.90	
$0.03	
$0.09	
$0.02	
$0.05	
$0.08	
$0.03	
$0.02	
$0.05	
$0.05	
$0.17	

Number

22,244,444
12,000,000
6,126,962
17,560
4,666,666
3,000,000
70,000,000
300,000
5,000,000
6,500,000
45,000,000
4,200,000
1,953,125

181,008,757

2. On-Market Buy Back

There is currently no on-market buy back.

3. Listing on Exchanges

Trading of the Company’s securities is available on the Australian Securities Exchange Limited (ASX).

Page	48      Benitec Biopharma Ltd Annual Report 2012

 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contents

CHAIRMAN AND THE CEO’S LETTER 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT 

AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION 

INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT 

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 

CORPORATE DIRECTORY 

1

2

14

15

18

41

42 

45

INSIDE BACK COVER

BENITEC BIOPHARMA LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Corporate Directory

BENITEC BIOPHARMA LIMITED

ABN 64 068 943 662

Directors

Mr Peter Francis  
Dr Mel Bridges  
Dr John Chiplin 
Mr Iain Ross 

(Non-Executive Chairman)
(Non-Executive Director)
(Non-Executive Director)
(Non-Executive Director)

Company Secretary
Mr Greg West

Chief Executive Officer
Dr Peter French

Registered Office
Level 16
356 Collins Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
Australia

Principal Place of Business
F6A/1-15 Barr Street
Balmain NSW 2041
Australia

Auditors
Grant Thornton Audit Pty Ltd 
Level 17, 383 Kent Street 
Sydney NSW 2000

Bankers
Westpac Banking Corporation 
274 Darling Street 
Balmain NSW 2041

Share Registry
Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited
Yarra Falls
452 Johnston Street
Melbourne Vic 3067

Stock Exchange Listing
The Company is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange Limited 
ASX Code: BLT

Benitec Biopharma Ltd  
ABN 64 068 943 662 

F6A / 1-15 Barr Street 
Balmain NSW   2041 Australia

Tel:  +61 (0) 2 9555 6986   
Email: info@benitec.com

www.benitec.com

BENITEC BIOPHARMA LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2012