Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Furnishings, Fixtures & Appliances / Gowest Gold Ltd. / FY2007 Annual Report

Gowest Gold Ltd.
Annual Report 2007

GWA · ASX Consumer Cyclical
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Ticker GWA
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Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Furnishings, Fixtures & Appliances
Employees 1001-5000
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FY2007 Annual Report · Gowest Gold Ltd.
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GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED 

2007 ANNUAL REPORT

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED 

ABN 15 055 964 380

Level 14 10 Market Street Brisbane Queensland 4000 Australia
Telephone: 61 7 3109 6000  Facsimile: 61 7 3236 0522
Website: www.gwail.com.au

 BUILT ON STRONG BRANDS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1

Performance Highlights

2

Chairman’s Review

5

Managing Director’s 
Review of Operations

10

Strategic Direction 
and Business Divisions

15 

GWA Sustainability Story

18

Board of Directors

20

Corporate Governance 
Statement

29

Directors’ Report

38

Financial Statements

83

Other Statutory 
Information

85

Shareholder 
Information 
and Timetable

Caroma Dorf is 
Australia’s foremost 
designer, manufacturer, 
importer and distributor of 
domestic and commercial 
bathroom and kitchen 
products, including 
sanitaryware, tapware, 
accessories, bathware, 
stainless steel sinks and 
laundry tubs. Caroma 
Dorf is at the forefront 
of product innovation 
incorporating water saving 
technologies, and is the 
market leader in water 
efficient sanitaryware 
and tapware.

Dux is an Australian 
designer, manufacturer, 
importer and distributor 
of a range of hot water 
systems. The range 
includes mains pressure 
gas and electric storage, 
continuous flow gas, 
electric and gas boosted 
solar and heat pump 
products. Dux has 
developed an extensive 
range of innovative 
environmental products 
to meet the changing 
regulatory requirements, 
and which assist in 
reducing domestic energy 
consumption.

Gainsborough is 
a leading Australian 
designer, manufacturer, 
importer and distributor of 
a comprehensive range of 
domestic and commercial 
door hardware and 
fittings, including security 
products.

Rover is one of 
Australia’s leading 
designers, importers and 
distributors of domestic 
and commercial lawn and 
garden care equipment.

Sebel is at the forefront 
of Australian design, 
manufacture, import and 
distribution of quality 
commercial furniture 
and seating.

GWA International Limited was listed on the 
Australian Securities Exchange in May 1993 and is 
one of Australia’s largest designers, manufacturers, 
importers and distributors of household consumer  
products. The Company is the owner of an extensive 
range of well-known brands including Caroma, 
Dorf, Fowler, Stylus, Clark, Radiant, Irwell, Dux, 
Gainsborough, Sebel and Rover, and is the exclusive 
Australian distributor of other brands including 
Hansa and KWC.

GWA International Limited currently comprises 
five business divisions, Caroma Dorf, Dux, 
Gainsborough, Rover and Sebel, all of which are 
well-established businesses with strong brand 
names and market positions. The Company 
is a significant Australian employer and has 
manufacturing facilities located throughout Australia.

GWA International Limited invests significantly in 
research and new product development which has 
enabled the businesses to maximise opportunities 
in a competitive marketplace. The Company is 
committed to the research and development of 
innovative environmental products which provide 
sustainable solutions for reducing domestic and 
commercial water consumption, and greenhouse 
gas emissions.

GWA International Limited has grown significantly 
since listing as a result of the strong operating 
performance of the businesses and successful 
acquisitions. The Company remains committed 
to growing long term shareholder wealth through 
improved business performance and the pursuit of 
further appropriate domestic acquisitions that add 
value to its existing businesses, and that support 
expansion into new markets.

Mission Statement

GWA International Limited’s primary objective is 
to grow shareholder wealth. This objective will be 
achieved by continuing to invest in the development 
of its people, new products and world leading 
technologies, to sustain and build premium 
profitability of its businesses over time.

The Company’s core business segment is building 
fixtures and fittings which will focus on the research 
and development of innovative new products to 
maximise market opportunities for the businesses. 
The Company will continue to develop products 
which provide sustainable solutions for reducing 
domestic and commercial water consumption, and 
greenhouse gas emissions.

GWA International Limited will grow the profitability 
of its businesses by investing for sustainable growth 
and adapting its business models for a changing 
market. The Company will continue the pursuit of 
appropriate domestic acquisitions that add value to 
its existing businesses, and that support expansion 
into new markets.

CORPORATE DIRECTORY

HEAD OFFICE LOCATIONS

Directors
B Thornton, Chairman
J J Kennedy, Deputy Chairman
P C Crowley, Managing Director
D R Barry, Non-Executive Director
R M Anderson, Non-Executive Director
M D E Kriewaldt, Non-Executive Director
G J McGrath, Non-Executive Director
W J Bartlett, Non-Executive Director

Company Secretary
R J Thornton, CA B Com (Acc) LLB (Hons) LLM 

Registered Office
Level 14, 10 Market Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
AUSTRALIA
Telephone: 61 7 3109 6000
Facsimile: 61 7 3236 0522
Website: www.gwail.com.au
ASX code: GWT

Auditor
KPMG
10 Shelley Street
Sydney NSW 2000
AUSTRALIA
Telephone: 61 2 9335 7000
Facsimile: 61 2 9299 7077

Share Registry
Computershare Investor Services Pty Ltd
Level 19, 307 Queen Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
AUSTRALIA

GPO Box 523
Brisbane  QLD 4001
AUSTRALIA

Telephone: 1300 552 270
Facsimile: 61 7 3237 2152
Website: www.computershare.com.au

Group Bankers
BNP Paribas
Citibank
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
National Australia Bank

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
Level 14
10 Market Street
Brisbane  QLD 4000
AUSTRALIA

Telephone: 61 7 3109 6000
Facsimile: 61 7 3236 0522
Website: www.gwail.com.au

CAROMA DORF
4 Ray Road
EPPING  NSW 2121
Telephone: 61 2 9202 7000
Facsimile: 61 2 9869 0625
Websites:   www.caroma.com.au

 www.smartflush.com.au
 www.fowler.com.au
 www.stylus.com.au
 www.wisa-sanitair.com
 www.starion-industries.com
 www.dorf.com.au
 www.clark.com.au

DUX MANUFACTURING LIMITED
Lackey Road
Moss Vale  NSW 2577
AUSTRALIA
Telephone: 61 2 4868 0200
Facsimile: 61 2 4868 2014
Websites:  www.dux.com.au
                 www.ecosmart.com.au

GAINSBOROUGH HARDWARE INDUSTRIES LIMITED
31-33 Alfred Street
Blackburn VIC 3130
AUSTRALIA
Telephone: 61 3 9877 1555
Facsimile: 61 3 9894 1599
Website: www.gainsboroughhardware.com.au

ROVER MOWERS LIMITED 
155 Fison Avenue West
Eagle Farm  QLD 4009
AUSTRALIA
Telephone: 61 7 3213 0222
Facsimile: 61 7 3868 1010
Website: www.rovermowers.com.au

SEBEL FURNITURE LIMITED 
96 Canterbury Road
Bankstown NSW 2200
AUSTRALIA
Telephone: 61 2 9780 2222
Facsimile: 61 2 9793 3152
Website: www.sebel.com.au

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1

2006/07 YEAR PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

•   Sales revenue up 4.1% to $645.7 million

•   Trading earnings before interest and tax up 3.7% to $98.75 million

•   Trading earnings per share of 22.0 cents

•   Fully franked dividend of 22.0 cents per share (including 4.0 cents in special dividends)

Five Year Financial Summary  

2002/03  

2003/04  

2004/05  

2005/06  

2006/07

$’000  

$’000  

$’000  

$’000  

$’000

Revenue  

666,525  

677,393  

626,866  

619,989  

645,669

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation,  
amortisation and restructuring costs   

120,426  

131,564  

130,067  

117,617  

118,533

(%)  

18.1  

19.4  

20.7  

19.0  

18.4

Depreciation and amortisation  

28,034  

30,549  

26,714  

22,420  

19,779

Earnings before interest, tax 
and restructuring costs  

(%)  

Interest (net)  

Trading profit before tax  

(%)  

Tax expense  

(%)  

92,392  

101,015  

103,353  

95,197  

98,754

13.9  

13,816  

78,576  

11.8  

14.9  

12,614  

88,401  

13.1  

16.5  

11,137 

92,216  

14.7  

15.4  

11,490  

83,707  

13.5  

15.3

12,366

86,388

13.4

23,569  

26,348  

28,328  

23,628  

24,975

30.0  

29.8  

30.7  

28.2  

28.9

Trading profit after tax  

55,007  

62,053  

63,888  

60,079  

61,413

Restructuring costs after tax  

-  

-  

-  

3,227  

5,095

Net profit after tax   

55,007  

62,053  

63,888  

56,852  

56,318

Net cash flow provided from operating 
activities before debt cost and tax  

Capital expenditure  

Research and development  

Net debt  

Shareholders’ equity 

Other Ratios and Statistics

128,200  

162,104  

130,157  

24,392  

5,770  

20,579  

5,485  

21,331  

6,488  

98,234  

30,966  

5,775  

63,584

21,516

5,360

207,678  

159,451  

161,706  

141,000  

191,146

 413,787 

 428,510  

409,546  

411,968  

408,802

Return on shareholders’ equity  

(%)  

Interest cover  

Net debt / equity  

Earnings per share  

Trading earnings per share  

Ordinary dividend per share  

Special dividend per share  

(times)  

(%)  

(cents)  

(cents)  

(cents)  

(cents)  

Total dividend per share 

 (cents)  

Franking  

Ordinary dividend payout ratio  

Share price (30 June)  

Dividend yield (total dividend) 

(%)  

(%)  

($)  

(%)  

13.3  

6.7  

50.2  

19.8  

19.8  

15.5  

2.5  

18.0  

100  

78.3  

2.70  

6.7  

14.5  

8.0  

37.2  

22.3  

22.3  

18.0  

2.5  

20.5  

100  

80.7  

2.95  

6.9  

15.6  

9.3  

39.5  

23.0  

23.0  

18.0  

4.5  

22.5  

100  

78.3  

2.92  

7.7  

13.8 

8.3  

34.2 

20.4  

21.6  

18.0  

3.5  

21.5  

100  

88.2  

3.11  

6.9  

13.8 

8.0

 46.8

20.2

22.0

18.0

4.0

22.0

100

89.1

4.42 

5.0

Number of employees  

2,646  

2,565  

2,474  

2,226  

1,957

Note:   EBIT for financial years 2003 and 2004 has been calculated in accordance with previous Australian GAAP. 

EBIT for financial years 2005 to 2007 has been calculated in accordance with Australian equivalents to IFRS (AIFRS).

 
 
 
 
2

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

CHAIRMAN’S REVIEW

A sound financial performance was achieved 
for the 2006/07 financial year against the 
backdrop of the extensive restructuring 
activities of the Group’s businesses and a 
continued soft domestic dwelling construction 
and renovation market. The decline in market 
demand, particularly in the major markets of 
New South Wales and Victoria, together with 
rising business input costs contributed to 
difficult domestic market conditions during 
the year. Importantly, the Group is beginning 
to realise the benefits of the restructuring 
activities undertaken to date to reduce costs 
and improve the long term competitiveness 
and profitability of the businesses.

The Group achieved a trading profit after tax 
of $61.4 million for the 2006/07 year on sales 
revenue of $645.7 million. Restructuring expenses 
after tax of $5.1 million were incurred during the 
year, reducing net profit after tax to $56.3 million. 
Trading earnings before interest and tax of $98.75 
million represents a 3.7% increase from the prior 
year, and was in line with guidance provided to the 
market in February 2007. This is a commendable 
financial result and demonstrates the strength 
of the Group’s core building fixtures and fittings 
businesses in challenging market conditions.

DIVIDENDS

The Board recognises the importance of fully 
franked cash dividends to shareholders, and 
aims to increase ordinary dividends in line with 
growth in trading profitability. The sound financial 
performance for the 2006/07 year has enabled 
the Board to declare a final fully franked dividend 
of 10.5 cents per share comprising an ordinary 
dividend of 8.0 cents per share and a special 
dividend of 2.5 cents per share, which will be paid 
in October 2007. Together with the interim dividend 
of 11.5 cents per share paid in April 2007, this 
brings the total dividend for the 2006/07 year to 
22.0 cents per share which represents an after tax 
yield of 5.0% based on the closing share price at 
30 June of $4.42.

The payment of further special dividends of in total 
4.0 cents per share for the 2006/07 year continues 
the Group’s impressive track record in delivering 
fully franked special dividends to shareholders. 
In this regard, a total of 17.0 cents per share in 
fully franked special dividends has been paid to 
shareholders in the past 5 years. The Group will 
give consideration to further special dividends 
and other capital management initiatives in future 
periods as a means of distributing surplus cash and 
franking credits to shareholders.

The Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase 
Plans remain suspended, but the Board will give 
consideration to the re-introduction of these plans 
when a major acquisition is undertaken.

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES

The Group has realised opportunities to restructure 
the businesses aimed at reducing costs and 
creating further competitive advantage. These 
activities will increase shareholder wealth into the 
future through improved business performance, 
and the Group is beginning to realise the benefits 
of these changes as demonstrated by the sound 
financial result for the 2006/07 year in difficult 
market conditions. Some of the restructuring 
activities undertaken to date include the following:

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

 Upgrade of the Caroma sanitaryware factory 
at Wetherill Park, including the significant 
investment in plant automation and a new 
Caroma Dorf National Distribution Centre;

 Closure of the sanitaryware factory at Coburg 
and the movement of the production to the 
upgraded Wetherill Park factory;

 The establishment of a wholly-owned China 
subsidiary, GWA Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd, to 
provide sourcing and quality assurance services 
to the Australian businesses;

 Closure of the Dorf tapware factory at Penrith 
with the movement of production to overseas 
suppliers;

 Closure of the Rover lawn mower assembly 
operation at Eagle Farm with the activities 
moved to overseas suppliers; and

 Closure of the acrylic bath and shower tray 
factory at Smithfield with product sourced from 
overseas suppliers.

Barry Thornton
Chairman

 
3

The restructuring activities are an ongoing 
transformation process of the businesses to meet 
the challenges of the changing market place. 
Opportunities will be considered for further 
restructuring activities in future periods that are 
consistent with the Group’s strategic objectives. The 
restructuring activities undertaken to date will place 
the Group in a strong position when the domestic 
dwelling construction and renovation market 
recovers in future periods.

PRODUCT INNOVATIONS

The Group is a significant investor in research 
and new product development. This has enabled 
the Group to remain at the forefront of product 
innovation, particularly in the area of water 
efficiency through dual flush sanitaryware and 
tapware products developed by the Caroma 
Dorf business.

It is well known that Caroma was the first 
sanitaryware company in the world to introduce 
dual flush technology, and continues to lead the 
market in developing water efficient dual flush 
sanitaryware and tapware products. Recent 
examples include Caroma Smartflush which was 
the first Water Efficiency Labelling Standards 
(WELS) 4A rated dual flush sanitaryware product 
on the market, and Caroma Profile with Integrated 
Hand Basin which was developed in collaboration 
with the Brisbane City Council and was the first 
WELS 5A rated dual flush sanitaryware product on 
the market.

In May 2007, Caroma Dorf was the inaugural 
recipient of the Standards Australia Award for 
Excellence in Sustainable Design for the Caroma 
H2Zero Cube Urinal. This product is a waterless 
urinal and has the potential to save billions of 
litres of water, further enhancing Caroma Dorf’s 
environmental credentials.

Caroma Dorf continues to work with all levels of 
Government in Australia and its overseas markets 
in developing solutions to reduce domestic and 
commercial water consumption. In this regard, 
Caroma Dorf has assisted with consumer and 
commercial retrofit programs of water efficient dual 
flush toilets and tapware. These measures have 
had a substantial impact on reducing domestic 
and commercial water consumption which in 
turn has reduced pressure on the country’s water 
infrastructure. This is an immediate solution to 
address this critical water shortage problem, rather 
than infrastructure solutions which can take many 
years to have an impact.

The Board is proud of Caroma Dorf’s achievements 
in developing sustainable solutions through the 
development of innovative products incorporating 
world leading water saving technologies. The 
Board is committed to the significant investment 
in research and development to maintain Caroma 
Dorf’s position as the market leader in water 
efficient sanitaryware and tapware.

For further information on the Group’s 
environmental product innovations, I refer you 
to page 15 of the Annual Report.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Board of GWA International Limited comprises 
long serving directors who have overseen the 
growth of the Company since listing. A stable and 
effective Board is critical to a successful business, 
and is particularly important during the current 
Group restructuring activities. Succession plans 
have been developed by the Board for the future 
retirement plans of individual Board members, 
whilst ensuring the necessary skills and experience 
are maintained on the Board.

In accordance with the Board’s succession 
plans, Mr Bill Bartlett joined the Board of GWA 
International Limited on 21 February 2007. Mr 
Bartlett is a valuable addition to the Board and his 
skills and experience as a company director will 
ensure that shareholders are well served by his 
appointment. Mr Bartlett  is a Fellow of the Institute 
of Chartered Accountants and has been appointed 
a member of the Audit Committee. Mr Bartlett will 
hold office until the 2007 Annual General Meeting 
where he will be eligible for re-election.

The Board continues to review and monitor the 
corporate governance practices of the Group to 
ensure that current good practice is maintained. 
A review will be conducted on the corporate 
governance practices in light of the recent 
release of the revised ASX Corporate Governance 
Council’s Corporate Governance Principles and 
Recommendations. The Group will report by 
reference to these revised guidelines in next year’s 
Annual Report. For a comprehensive overview of 
the Group’s corporate governance practices, I refer 
you to page 20 of the Annual Report.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

The Board recognises the benefits to the Group 
from investing in the development of staff to 
improve productivity and individual skills. During 
the year, the Group has continued the investment 
in the GWA Leadership Development Program in 

4

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

conjunction with Monash University. The program’s 
objectives are to identify and develop talent within 
the organisation for the benefit of both the Group’s 
businesses and the individuals. The Board views 
the program as critical in developing future leaders 
in the organisation which is essential to the Group’s 
future success.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION

The sound financial performance for the 2006/07 
year demonstrates the strength of the Group’s core 
building fixtures and fittings businesses in a difficult 
operating environment. Based on recent housing 
indicators, it is unlikely there will be a sustained 
recovery in domestic dwelling construction during 
the 2007/08 year. 

Together with the recent interest rate increases, 
rising business input costs and record low housing 
affordability, this means a continued difficult 
operating environment for the Group’s 
core businesses.

The upturn in the domestic dwelling construction 
market is forecast to commence during the 
2008/09 year, and the introduction of Federal and 
State Government initiatives to address the housing 
affordability problem will assist the recovery. I am 
confident that the Group’s businesses are well 
managed with good prospects for growth, and can 
build on the sound financial performance of the 
2006/07 year as the domestic dwelling construction 
market recovers.

The restructuring activities undertaken by the 
Group to date will underpin the future success of 
the business and provide the Group with flexibility 
in meeting the needs of a changing market place. 
The Group is beginning to realise the benefits of the 
restructuring activities, as evidenced by the sound 
financial performance for the 2006/07 year in 
difficult market conditions. The full benefits of the 
restructuring activities will be realised over future 
periods and will add to shareholder wealth in the 
long term.

During the year, the Group announced that 
following a strategic review, the Sebel Furniture 
and Rover Mowers businesses would be divested. 
These businesses are small contributors to Group 
profitability and are non-core in the Group’s 
business portfolio. To date, the Group has been 
unsuccessful in divesting the businesses, and 
the opportunity has been taken to restructure the 

businesses to improve their competitiveness 
and profitability.

The Group is focused on maximising the long term 
profitability of its businesses, which are all well 
established businesses with strong brand names 
and market positions. The Group is committed to 
acquiring another major domestic business division 
or bolt-on acquisitions to add value to the existing 
core businesses and to support expansion into 
new markets. The Group will continue to review 
and evaluate potential acquisitions, but will only 
proceed with acquisitions which are in the best 
interests of shareholders.

In closing, I would like to thank management 
and staff for their contributions towards the 
commendable 2006/07 year financial result. The 
Group has undergone significant change over the 
past few years and I am confident that the Group 
will realise the benefits of the changes in future 
periods through the generation of increasing 
shareholder returns.

B Thornton

Chairman

Trading Earnings Per Share
cents

25

20

15

10

5

0

02/03

03/04

04/05

05/06

06/07

Dividend Per Share
cents

25

20

15

10

5

0

02/03

03/04

04/05

05/06

06/07

Ordinary Dividend

Special Dividend

5

Peter Crowley
Managing Director

MANAGING DIRECTOR’S REVIEW 
OF OPERATIONS

The GWA Group has recorded a sound trading 
result for the 2006/07 year in tight domestic 
trading conditions and has completed further 
business restructuring for sustainable cost 
competitiveness. The trading highlights 
for the year were the performances of the 
Caroma Dorf and Gainsborough businesses 
in a market where new dwelling completions 
tightened further and raw material costs rose 
significantly, with this impact being partly 
offset by the rising Australian dollar.

Following on the extensive business transformation 
initiatives of the prior year, two further supply 
reorganisation opportunities were realised 
during the year. The continuing development of 
international supply markets enabled Rover to 
access sustainably lower cost supply from China, 
and Rover closed its mower production facility at 
the end of the 2006/07 season. In the first half 
of the year, Caroma Dorf transferred production 
of its acrylic products, baths and shower trays, to 
manufacturers of greater scale in China.

The Group’s overall trading performance for 
the year demonstrates the value of scale and 
market position which is being leveraged with 
supply restructuring to build sustainable total cost 
competitiveness. The year’s result also highlights 
the impact of industry change with the trading 
results of both Rover and Dux being significantly 
reduced on the prior year.

The 2006/07 year is the third consecutive year 
of reduced domestic demand from dwelling 
construction and the Group’s businesses have 
contributed sound earnings through this tight 
trading period in changing markets whilst also 
delivering extensive successful 
business restructuring.

The Group’s businesses expected a challenging 
trading environment for the 2006/07 year 
with continued low levels of domestic dwelling 
construction, legislation driven market change in 
the hot water business and rising raw materials 
and energy prices.

2006/07 TRADING EBIT UP 3.7% TO $98.75 million

Trading EBIT for the Group of $98.75 million 
was a pleasing result on sales revenue of $645.7 
million up 4.1% on the prior year. Property rentals 
increased in the year with the sale and leaseback of 
Sebel’s Bankstown site at a rental of $1.8 million for 
the 2006/07 year.

2006/07  

2005/06 

$M  

$M

Trading EBIT  

Trading Profit after Tax  

Reorganisation costs net of tax  

Profit after Tax  

98.75  

61.4  

(5.1)  

56.3  

95.2

60.1

(3.2)

56.9

The growth in sales revenue was in the Building 
Fixtures and Fittings segment. Sebel recorded sales 
in line with the prior year and Rover’s sales reduced 
on lower market demand in the drought season.

Building  

Fixtures 

& Fittings  

Sebel  

Rover  

$M 

$M 

$M 

Total 

$M 

Sales revenue  

2006/07  

2005/06  

555.6  

57.0  

33.1  

645.7

523.1  

56.7  

40.2  

620.0

The sales revenue for Building Fixtures and Fittings 
was a very good result including revenue growth 
in hot water flowing from environmental products. 
Sales growth in Caroma Dorf and Gainsborough 
was in a market where dwelling construction was at 
low levels for the third consecutive year.

2003/04   2004/05   2005/06  2006/07 

Dwelling construction
Starts  

172,400   157,500   150,600   149,300

Completions  

157,900   160,600   155,800   147,400

Sales revenue includes increases in selling prices 
as rising product costs are being recovered in 
market prices.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

2006/07  

$000’s  

2005/06                              

$000’s

Interest paid  

Interest received  

Interest Net  

18,084  

(5,718)  

12,366  

17,586

(6,096)

11,490

Borrowing costs, net of interest income, increased 
over the prior year by 7.6%. The effect of increased 
interest rates was partly offset by the interest rate 
swaps in place during the year. Interest income was 
reduced by a repayment of borrowings from funds 
on deposit during the year, also reducing interest 
expense, and the lower funds on deposit flowing 
principally from an increase in working capital 
across the year.

Income tax expense for the year, and in the prior 
year, benefited from recoveries of past capital 
losses, consequent to the capital gains flowing 
from the sale of properties under the business 
reorganisation initiatives.

Profit after tax of $56.3 million is after the 
expensing of reorganisation costs net of tax of 
$5.1 million.

CASH FLOW

Net cash from operating activities was $28.3 
million for the year and this result is net of cash 
expenditures relating to reorganisation costs of 
$12.1 million.  

Trading cash flow from operations was reduced 
for the year by the increase in stocks across the 
Group’s businesses of $32.9 million. Cash receipts 
from customers of $714.4 million was 4.5% 
above the prior year reflecting the sound debtors 
management performance.

New plant capital expenditures of $18.2 million 
were well below the prior year’s $30.2 million 
which included the Wetherill Park warehouse 
construction costs.

OPERATING PERFORMANCE

Strong sales revenue and trading EBIT results were 
achieved even though the difficult domestic trading 
conditions of the first half continued through the full 
year across the Group’s businesses.

Caroma Dorf and Gainsborough recorded strong 
sales performances in these trading conditions 
contributing increased profits over the prior year.  
Caroma Dorf is continuing to implement initiatives 
aimed at strengthening total cost competitiveness 
and extending market reach, through leveraging 

on the supply reorganisation and investment of 
prior years. The Group’s European business, Wisa, 
performed strongly in the 2006/07 year growing 
sales revenue by 23% and recording an increased 
profit also in tight market conditions. Caroma Dorf’s 
international business in North America continues 
to realise its opportunities for growth within niche 
market segments with all product now competitively 
supplied ex Asia.

Dux, the Group’s hot water business, suffered a 
significant decline in profit contribution for the 
year even though sales revenue increased by 
7.9%. The changes in market demand flowing 
from energy conservation legislation are reducing 
market sales of electric water heaters and whilst 
sales of environmental products are growing, the 
profitability of these new products was reduced by 
a number of factors. The severe fall in the market 
value of Renewable Energy Certificates in the first 
half impacted on profitability, combined with the 
development expenditures and increased marketing 
and distribution costs of these new products. The 
expanded product range and more complex supply 
channels also resulted in higher stock levels which 
will be reduced to a sustainably lower level in the 
2007/08 year. Going forward higher stock levels is 
one outcome of these changes in the hot 
water industry.

The Rover business has been transforming to 
meet the new challenges of its industry. Rover’s 
profitability suffered from the impacts of further 
reduction in industry margins as imports benefited 
from the rising exchange rate combined with the 
impact on demand of the drought. At the end of the 
season, Rover closed its mower production facility 
and its products will be cost competitively produced 
in China. To reflect this outsourcing for both its 
domestic and international markets, mower stocks 
have been increased at year end and these stocks 
will progressively reduce over the 2007/08 selling 
season. The early winter rains stimulated sales 
in May and June and Rover has now established 
a strong cost competitive position going forward, 
however, industry profitability is likely to remain at a 
low level in the 2007/08 year.

In the 2005/06 year, Sebel, the Group’s commercial 
furniture business, reorganised supply of its 
timber and metal products and also sold and 
leased back its Bankstown site, preparatory to 
relocating. The 2006/07 year profit contribution is 
reduced by this leasing cost with assets employed 
significantly lower. This business contributed a 
sound sales result, in line with the prior year, 
with the weakness of its core New South Wales 
market offsetting growth in other markets. A strong 
international sales result was achieved even though 

 
 
 
 
7

competitiveness in these markets was impacted by 
the rising Australian dollar.

INVESTMENT IN FUTURE PERFORMANCE

In the 2006/07 year, the Group has realised 
opportunities to improve cost competitiveness 
and build competitive advantage through 
further restructuring. The Group’s businesses 
are continuing to invest with new plant capital 
expenditure projects approved in the year of 
$9 million.

RESTRUCTURING

In the first half of the year, Caroma Dorf ceased 
manufacturing acrylic products (baths, shower 
trays) at the leased Smithfield site. Remaining 
activities at this site will be progressively relocated 
prior to termination of the lease in the 2007/08 
year. Acrylic products are now entirely sourced cost 
competitively from Asia.

The mower manufacturing facilities of Rover at 
Eagle Farm were closed in the second half. The 
Rover business is now transformed to a significantly 
lower investment base with competitive operating 
costs in this highly price competitive market.

The cost incurred in these reorganisation activities 
in the 2006/07 year were $7.3 million and this cost 
was expensed in the year’s results.

OVERSEAS SOURCING SERVICE

GWA Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, the Group’s 
operating entity in China, has expanded its 
resources and scope through the 2006/07 year to 
meet the growing needs of the Group’s businesses 
within China and the Asia region. This Company 
now employs 24 personnel in quality assurance, 
vendor management and trading.

NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Each of the Group’s businesses conducts ongoing 
research and product development. In the 2006/07 
year Caroma’s H2Zero Cube waterless urinal won 
the Award for Excellence in Sustainable Design 
at the Australian Design Awards. This product 
features another successful innovation in Caroma’s 
long history of the development of water saving 
Sanitaryware products.

In April 2007, Caroma Dorf launched the first 
toilet suite in Australia to achieve a WELS 5 star 
rating. The Caroma ProfileTM Toilet Suite with 
Integrated Hand Basin is an all-in one toilet, basin 
and tapware system. The Profile incorporates an 
innovative system whereby water used for hand 
washing is re-used to fill the toilet’s cistern following 
flushing. The flush cycle activation controls the flow 

of fresh water through the basin tap allowing time 
for thorough hand washing before the water fills the 
cistern tank. This product offers upwards of a 70% 
water saving when compared with older style toilet 
suites used in combination with a separate hand 
basin and tap.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Caroma Dorf is currently preparing for the 
implementation of the Movex Enterprise Resource 
Planning systems and the amount expended 
during the 2006/07 year of $2.7 million has 
been capitalised to Intangibles in the financial 
accounts. The Movex system will be progressively 
implemented through Caroma Dorf’s activities and 
subsequently across the Group’s other businesses.

TALENT IDENTIFICATION AND DEVELOPMENT

The collaboration with Monash University, which 
commenced in the 2004/05 year, has successfully 
progressed further in the current year with more 
than 150 senior staff having participated in the 
programs conducted to date.

EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND SAFETY

The Group’s OH&S information systems were 
successfully upgraded during the 2006/07 year and 
these improved systems are assisting to identify 
areas of risk and to track the actions implemented 
to mitigate these risks, and also to improve the 
reporting and escalation of priority risks.

The Group’s businesses have undertaken 
capital projects to mitigate identified risks and 
management recognise the challenges in creating 
and maintaining the workplace behaviour and 
management emphasis required to achieve a safe 
working environment.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

The Company is committed to reducing energy 
and water usage. By way of example, during the 
2006/07 year Gainsborough has reduced liquid 
waste by 22.7%, solid waste by 13.4% and water 
usage by 38.7%. Capital expenditure has recently 
been approved for two major recycling initiatives 
at Caroma’s Wetherill Park factory. The first 
involves the recycling of water on site to be used 
for both process and cleaning activities. When 
commissioned in February 2008 an estimated 
166,000 litres per day of water will be saved 
and recycled. The second initiative involves the 
recycling of the glaze over-spray. This will reduce 
glaze use by 30% (approximately 500 tonnes per 
year), which in turn will further reduce water use 
and solid waste disposal. 

8

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

HOUSING INDICATORS

s
r
e
b
m
u
N
y
l
r
a
e
Y

200,000

180,000

160,000

140,000

120,000

100,000

6
9

n
u
J

7
9

n
u
J

8
9

n
u
J

9
9

n
u
J

0
0

n
u
J

1
0

n
u
J

2
0

n
u
J

3
0

n
u
J

4
0

n
u
J

5
0

n
u
J

6
0

n
u
J

)
f
(
7
0

n
u
J

)
f
(
8
0

n
u
J

)
f
(
9
0

n
u
J

)
f
(
0
1

n
u
J

)
f
(
1
1

n
u
J

Source: BIS Shrapnel

Commencements

Completions

Approvals

OUTLOOK FOR THE 2007/08 YEAR

The strong and improving trading performance of 
the Group’s Building Fixtures and Fittings segment 
and, in particular, the Caroma Dorf business will 
underpin another sound performance for the Group 
in the 2007/08 year.

I expect some recovery in the trading performance 
of Dux and Rover over the reduced contributions 
of the 2006/07 year and also expect the 
Gainsborough and Sebel businesses to contribute 
sound results for the 2007/08 year.

Dwelling commencements are forecast to weaken 
further in the 2007/08 year. No real improvement in 
dwelling construction activity is expected until the 
2008/09 year.

With the benefit of major restructuring initiatives 
flowing through the business, I expect that Trading 
EBIT for the 2007/08 year will exceed the 2006/07 
result of $98.75 million.

The Group’s businesses continue to consider and 
evaluate further opportunities for restructuring 
and the Group’s 2007/08 profit after tax may 
be reduced by such initiatives with the benefits 
boosting profitability in future years.

LONGER TERM OUTLOOK

The current growth in profitability of the GWA Group 
has been generated from the Building Fixtures 
and Fittings segment and, within that segment, 
principally by the Caroma Dorf business.

Dwelling construction and renovation activity are 
major drivers of market demand for this segment. 
The level of dwelling construction has been at low 
levels relative to underlying demand for the last 
three years and is expected to remain so through 
the 2007/08 year. Dwelling completions are forecast 
to grow from the 2008/09 year as illustrated in the 
chart above and this recovery will be positive to 

the Group’s longer term outlook. The findings of 
the recent census suggest that underlying demand 
may be near 180,000 new dwellings per annum 
whereas dwelling starts in the 2006/07 year were 
slightly under 150,000 dwellings.The current and 
ongoing water crisis in Australia and other countries 
provides a significant market opportunity for 
Caroma Dorf, which is recognised as a world leader 
in the development and sale of water efficient 
plumbing products.

Community, business and Government 
stakeholders are all increasing their efforts to 
replace inefficient toilets, showers and tapware, 
as water demand management is recognised as 
the critical first step in the execution of large scale 
water capital programs.

The community water grants program has seen 
hundreds of schools replace inefficient products, 
with many hundreds still to go. Businesses are 
increasingly adopting a “green“ position and 
retrofitting their bathrooms and washrooms. 
All levels of Government and water authorities 
are developing and implementing aggressive 
demand management plans that target product 
replacement, and consumers are showing a real 
willingness to support the changes.

We expect retrofitting of inefficient toilets, tapware 
and showers will gain momentum over the 
coming years.

The benefits of the Group’s extensive business 
reorganisation initiatives which have strengthened 
cost competitiveness and competitive advantage 
will enable the Company to harness the market 
positions of the businesses to grow domestic 
market profitability in the long term. The Company 
also has opportunities in international markets 
which, with the sustainable low cost supply 
established through supply reorganisation, offer 
profitable growth in niche market segments.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9

GWA International Limited continues to strengthen 
its strong financial position and is in a position to 
acquire businesses complementary to our core 
activities and also to invest further in our industries 
and markets.

I remain confident that the Company has 
the growth opportunities to continue to build 
shareholder wealth through both profitable growth 
from the current portfolio of businesses and 
through further acquisitions as opportunities arise.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

The Group’s financial condition remains strong 
with Cash Assets of $80.4 million at balance date. 
During the 2006/07 year, Cash Assets reduced 
with increases in working capital, principally higher 
levels of stock and the repayment of $25 million in 
borrowings.

The increased stock levels result from a number 
of factors and include both short term, related to 
supply restructuring initiatives, and underlying, 
reflecting expanded product range requirements. 
Stock levels will reduce through the 2007/08 year 
from the current high levels.

The major expenditures in the current year were 
with respect to the factory upgrade project at 
Wetherill Park and further investment in this factory 
is committed for the 2007/08 year.

The Company paid $64 million in dividends in 
the 2006/07 year, all fully franked. The balance of 
franking credits at year end was $30.2 million and 
the Company remains in a position to continue to 
pay fully franked ordinary and special dividends.

During the year, the Group’s businesses expended 
$12.1 million in cash relating to business 
reorganisation initiatives, having expended $10.6 
million in the prior year. These cash expenditures 
have been funded from the Group’s operating 
cash flow.

Debt funding and other financing facilities are 
provided to the Company under a Master Financing 
Agreement. At balance date, bank loans were made 
up of:

Australian Currency   $260 million 
Euro  

€7.3 million

These loans and other facilities are extended 
annually under 2 year and 3 year evergreen 
arrangements.

Over the 2006/07 year the Company held interest 
rate swaps totalling $125 million at rates between 
5.50% and 5.67% and these swaps have deferred 

the impact of domestic interest rate rises through 
the year on the amount of the swaps.

The major proportion of these swaps will expire in 
the 2007/08 year in the period August 2007 to 
November 2007.

The Group’s businesses enter into foreign currency 
hedges with respect to purchases of goods. At 
balance date the Group held forward exchange 
contracts principally in US dollars.

The ratio undertakings under the Master Financing 
Agreement have been comfortably met throughout 
the 2006/07 year and the Group has maintained 
the capability to increase borrowings to fund 
acquisition opportunities.

In the 2006/07 year, the Company issued 1.6 
million ordinary shares with respect to an employee 
share issue which added $6.2 million to share 
capital. At balance date, 3.4 million shares were on 
issue under the scheme with a nominal loan value 
of $9.6 million.

SUMMARY

The 2006/07 year has been challenging for the 
Group’s businesses and the trading results have 
been very pleasing in the context of the scope and 
scale of business restructuring and 
industry change.

The domestic dwelling construction market has 
now operated at low levels for the past three years 
and the increasing interest rates and low housing 
affordability environment can be expected to hold 
back any recovery through the 2007/08 year. With 
underlying demand for new dwellings estimated 
at up to 180,000 per annum, I am confident 
that dwelling construction levels will increase 
progressively and sustainably to the level of 
underlying demand in the medium term.

The Company’s management and staff have 
achieved sound trading results whilst strengthening 
the Group’s businesses through restructuring 
initiatives, and further benefits of these initiatives 
are expected to flow through to profitability in the 
near term.

I am confident that the improved cost 
competitiveness and strong market positions of the 
Group’s businesses will contribute sustainable and 
profitable growth going forward for the benefit of 
our shareholders, customers and staff.

P C Crowley

Managing Director

 
10

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

STRATEGIC DIRECTION AND BUSINESS DIVISIONS

Business Division

Business Description

Main Products 
and Sevices

Major Brands

Caroma Dorf is Australia’s foremost designer, manufacturer, importer and 
distributor of domestic and commercial bathroom and kitchen products, including 
sanitaryware, tapware, accessories, bathware, stainless steel sinks and laundry 
tubs. Caroma Dorf is at the forefront of product innovation incorporating water 
saving technologies, and is the market leader in water efficient sanitaryware 
and tapware

Vitreous china toilet suites, urinals, bidets, basins, plastic cisterns, bathroom 
accessories and fittings. Acrylic and pressed steel spas, baths and shower trays. 
Tapware and accessories, stainless steel sinks and laundry tubs

Owned: Caroma, Dorf, Fowler, Stylus, Clark, Radiant, Irwell, Wisa
Exclusive:  Hansa, Keuco, Schell, KWC, Virtu

Operating Locations

Australia, New Zealand, North America, Europe, China

Major Markets

New dwellings, renovation, replacement and commercial markets in Australia, 
New Zealand and selected international markets

Strategic Direction

Head Office Location

Caroma Dorf will maintain leadership in the domestic market through its 
investment in the research and development of innovative products incorporating 
water saving technologies. Caroma Dorf is world leading in water efficient 
sanitaryware and tapware and will continue to work with authorities in Australia 
and its overseas markets in developing solutions for reducing domestic and 
commercial water consumption

Caroma Dorf
4 Ray Road
EPPING NSW 2121
Telephone: 61 2 9202 7000
Facsimile: 61 2 9869 0625
Websites:  www.caroma.com.au  

www.dorf.com.au    
www.stylus.com.au  
www.wisa-sanitair.com  

www.smartflush.com.au
www.fowler.com.au                
www.clark.com.au
www.starion-industries.com          

 
 
 
              
                                                  
11

GWA International Limited’s primary objective is to grow shareholder wealth. This objective will be 
achieved by continuing to invest in the development of its people, new products and world leading 
technologies, to sustain and build premium profitability of its businesses over time.

Business Division

Business Description

Dux is an Australian designer, manufacturer, importer and distributor of a range of 
hot water systems.  The range includes mains pressure gas and electric storage, 
continuous flow gas, electric and gas boosted solar and heat pump products. 
Dux has developed an extensive range of innovative environmental products 
to meet the changing regulatory requirements, and which assist in reducing 
domestic energy consumption

Main Products 
and Sevices

Range of hot water systems including mains pressure gas and electric storage, 
continuous flow gas, electric and gas boosted solar and heat pump products

Major Brands

Owned: Dux, EcoSmart

Operating Locations

Australia, overseas distributors

Major Markets

Dux participates actively in the new home and replacement markets. The primary 
market for hot water systems is the replacement or breakdown market

Strategic Direction

Head Office Location

Dux will continue to focus on improving business performance by developing 
new innovative environmental products to meet emerging market requirements 
and regulations, and that will assist in reducing domestic energy consumption.  
Dux will continue to strengthen its key customer relationships, and reduce costs 
through improved factory performance and selective sourcing of products 
and components

Dux Manufacturing Limited
Lackey Road
Moss Vale NSW 2577
AUSTRALIA
Telephone: 61 2 4868 0200
Facsimile: 61 2 4868 2014
Websites:  www.dux.com.au
               www.ecosmart.com.au                                                  

12

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

STRATEGIC DIRECTION AND BUSINESS DIVISIONS

Business Division

Business Description

Gainsborough is a leading Australian designer, manufacturer, importer and 
distributor of a comprehensive range of domestic and commercial door hardware 
and fittings, including security products

Main Products 
and Sevices

Major Brands

A comprehensive range of door hardware comprising door handles (knobs and 
levers), door locks, door closers, hinges and other metal door accessories

Owned: Gainsborough, Trilock, Homecraft, Stronghold Series, Contractor Series, 
In Style, Mode, Aspect

Operating Locations

Australia, New Zealand, export markets

Major Markets

Main Products 
Strategic Direction
and Sevice

Domestic home builders, DIY and building projects, commercial buildings and 
multi-dwelling developments

Dux is an Australia designer, manufacturer, importer and distributor of a range of 
Gainsborough’s strategic direction encompasses the development of additional 
hot water systems. The range includes mains pressure gas and electric storage, 
door hardware products to suit domestic buildings, continued development of 
continuous flow gas, electric and gas boosted solar and heat pump products.
commercial markets and development of export markets

Brand Names

Dux, Ecosmart

Operating Locations

Australia, overseas distributors

Major Markets
Head Office Location

Strategic Direction

Dux participates actively in the new home and replacement markets. However, the 
Gainsborough Hardware Industries Limited
primary market for hot water systems is the replacement or breakdown market
31-33 Alfred Street
Blackburn VIC 3130
Dux will continue to focus on improving business performance by developing new 
AUSTRALIA
environmentally friendly products to meet emerging market requirements and 
Telephone: 61 3 9877 1555
regulations, strengthening key customer service to drive slaes through increased 
Facsimile: 61 3 9894 1599
market share. Current export markets will also be expanded, with the division pursuing 
Website: www.gainsboroughhardware.com.au
opportunities in education and stadia markets overseas

          
              
                                                  
13

GWA International Limited invests significantly in research and new product development which 
has enabled the businesses to maximise opportunities in a competitive marketplace. 
The Company is committed to the research and development of innovative environmental 
products which provide sustainable solutions for reducing domestic and commercial water 
consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Business Division

Business Division

Main Products 
and Sevice

Dux is an Australia designer, manufacturer, importer and distributor of a range of 
hot water systems. The range includes mains pressure gas and electric storage, 
continuous flow gas, electric and gas boosted solar and heat pump products.

Brand Names

Dux, Ecosmart

Operating Locations

Australia, overseas distributors

Major Markets
Business Description

Strategic Direction

Main Products 
and Sevices

Dux participates actively in the new home and replacement markets. However, the 
Rover is a leading Australian designer, importer and distributor of domestic and 
primary market for hot water systems is the replacement or breakdown market
commercial lawn and garden care equipment

Dux will continue to focus on improving business performance by developing new 
environmentally friendly products to meet emerging market requirements and 
regulations, strengthening key customer service to drive slaes through increased 
market share. Current export markets will also be expanded, with the division pursuing 
opportunities in education and stadia markets overseas
Range of walk-behind and ride-on mower equipment, garden chip and shred 
products and spare parts

Business Division
Major Brands

Owned: Rover

Operating Locations

Australia, overseas distributors

Major Markets

Domestic and commercial lawn care and garden products and equipment, 
marketed in over 35 countries

Main Products 
Strategic Direction
and Sevice

Dux is an Australia designer, manufacturer, importer and distributor of a range of 
Rover will continue to target market growth segments in Australia and overseas 
hot water systems. The range includes mains pressure gas and electric storage, 
through its focus on new product development and its relationships with its key 
continuous flow gas, electric and gas boosted solar and heat pump products.
customers

Brand Names

Dux, Ecosmart

Operating Locations

Australia, overseas distributors

Major Markets
Head Office Location

Strategic Direction

Dux participates actively in the new home and replacement markets. However, the 
Rover Mowers Limited
primary market for hot water systems is the replacement or breakdown market
155 Fison Avenue West
Eagle Farm QLD 4009
Dux will continue to focus on improving business performance by developing new 
AUSTRALIA
environmentally friendly products to meet emerging market requirements and 
Telephone: 61 7 3213 0222
regulations, strengthening key customer service to drive slaes through increased 
Facsimile: 61 7 3868 1010
market share. Current export markets will also be expanded, with the division pursuing 
Website: www.rovermowers.com.au
opportunities in education and stadia markets overseas

                                                 
14

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

STRATEGIC DIRECTION AND BUSINESS DIVISIONS

Business Division

Business Description

Sebel is at the forefront of Australian design, manufacture, import and distribution 
of quality commercial furniture and seating

Main Products 
and Sevices

Broad range of commercial furniture suited to its target markets. The range 
includes dining seating and tables, outdoor furniture, mass seating for stadia 
and public areas, casual corporate markets, and tables, desks and chairs for 
the education market

Major Brands

Owned: Sebel

Operating Locations

Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, export markets

Major Markets

Main Products 
Strategic Direction
and Sevice

Brand Names

Entertainment, hospitality, healthcare, public seating, sports stadia, corporate 
and educational markets.  Sells direct to builders, developers, clubs and hotels

Dux is an Australia designer, manufacturer, importer and distributor of a range of 
As well as its strong emphasis on new product development, Sebel will continue to 
hot water systems. The range includes mains pressure gas and electric storage, 
pursue traditional markets using its strong brand name and good customer service 
continuous flow gas, electric and gas boosted solar and heat pump products.
to drive sales through increased market share.  Current export markets will also 
be expanded, with the division pursuing opportunities in education and stadia 
Dux, Ecosmart
markets overseas

Operating Locations

Australia, overseas distributors

Major Markets
Head Office Location

Strategic Direction

Dux participates actively in the new home and replacement markets. However, the 
Sebel Furniture Limited
primary market for hot water systems is the replacement or breakdown market
96 Canterbury Road
Bankstown NSW 2200
Dux will continue to focus on improving business performance by developing new 
AUSTRALIA
environmentally friendly products to meet emerging market requirements and 
Telephone: 61 2 9780 2222
regulations, strengthening key customer service to drive slaes through increased 
Facsimile: 61 2 9793 3152
market share. Current export markets will also be expanded, with the division pursuing 
Website: www.sebel.com.au
opportunities in education and stadia markets overseas

          
              
                                                  
15

THE GWA SUSTAINABILITY STORY 

Leading the way in eco efficient technology

SAVING WATER FROM THE BEGINNING

Caroma Dorf has always been at the forefront 
of product innovation, corporate responsibility 
and the development of environmentally sound 
technologies. A long-standing commitment 
to helping Australians save water has made 
Caroma Dorf an international market leader in the 
development of water efficient products.

A HISTORY OF WATER SAVING INNOVATION

Over the last 25 years, as shown in the below chart, 
Caroma has designed toilets that have progressively 
reduced water consumption, from the 11/6 litre, 
to the 9/4.5 litre, to the 6/3 litre dual flush to 
today’s Caroma Smartflush®, Australia’s first 4.5/3 
litre dual flush toilet, which can save the average 
household 35,000 litres of water per year. 

CAROMA DORF ECO LOGICAL SOLUTIONS

Given the nature of our product portfolio, Caroma 
Dorf has a vested interest in ongoing water saving 
opportunities. Devising sustainable solutions 
for homes and businesses is key to our market 
positioning, whilst ensuring we maintain a 
leadership position in water saving 
product innovation. 

With around 156,000 new dwellings built in 
Australia every year, there remains an existing 
stock of seven million dwellings where there is 
significant potential to replace inefficient fittings 
and appliances with the latest water 
efficient technologies.

The practise of retrofitting inefficient toilets and 
urinals is often overlooked or considered too hard, 
as part of a ‘demand management’ water saving 
strategy, both within the community and within 
various levels of government.

It is Caroma Dorf’s endeavour to change this 
perception by devising fully installed solutions that 
can easily be adopted and implemented by the 
relevant party resulting in greater levels of water 
saving, as flushing a toilet involves no behavioural 
changes and the savings are immediate  
and profound.

Ongoing government lobbying to recognise the 
potential water saving benefits of retrofitting and as 
a result legislate the mandatory retrofitting of water 
saving products and innovations in established 
households, is a key objective of our 
sustainability business.

ECO LOGICAL SOLUTIONS

To support the development of our sustainability 
business, a dedicated team has been appointed 
both at a national and state level to drive the new 
initiatives. A Caroma Dorf Eco Logical SolutionsTM 
brand platform has been devised to sell the 
concept at a high level.

ECO LOGICAL SOLUTIONS CASE STUDIES

Locally

•	

•	

•	

 Queanbeyan Council utilised Caroma dual flush 
toilet suites to retrofit over 6,000 toilet suites, 
resulting in significant water and waste savings

 In NSW Caroma Dorf managed a toilet retrofit 
pilot program for Sydney Water

 In Victoria Caroma Dorf devised a fully installed 
retrofit program with the Green Plumbers and 
have retrofitting in excess of 2,000 suites to 
Smartflush

Average
daily water
consumption
(litres/person/day)

80

60

40

20

0

13 litre flush (65l/p/d)

10 litre flush (55l/p/d)

11/5.5 litre flush (33l/p/d)

9/4.5 litre flush (27l/p/d)

6/3 litre flush (18l/p/d)

4.5/3 litre flush (14l/p/d)
PROFILE 4.5/3 litre flush (12.5l/p/d)

1900

1910

1920

1930

1940

1950

1960

1970

1980

1990

2000

2010

Year

Reduction in maximum WC flush volumes (for new installations) and corresponding average daily per capita WC water usage in Australia 
with particular reference to the period since 1982. 

logical solutions

logical solutions

logical  solutions

logical  solutions

16

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

•	

•	

 In coordination with the QLD Department 
of Public Works Caroma Dorf managed a 
commercial retrofit program, which has lead the 
way to numerous QLD government buildings 
being made more water efficient

 In Brisbane Caroma Dorf conducted a mail out 
to 5,000 swimming pool owners to coincide with 
moving to Level 4 water restrictions, resulting in 
over 100 toilet retrofits

Internationally

•	

•	

 In San Antonio, Texas over 50,000 toilet suites 
have been converted to Smartflush

 Consulting with the Beijing Olympics Committee 
on water saving initiatives

OUR HIGHLY AWARDED PRODUCT PORTFOLIO

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

 2004 Green Plumbers ‘Product of the Year’ – 
Caroma Smartflush®

 2005 Australian Design Award – Caroma 
Smartflush®

 2005 Green Plumbers ‘Water Efficient Product 
of the Year’ – Smartflush® Urinals

 2005 Home Beautiful ‘Product of the Year’ – 
Caroma Smartflush®

 2007 Inaugural winner of the ‘Excellence in 
Sustainable Design’ Australian Design Award

 2007 Winner Australian Design Award for 
‘Excellence in Australian Design’ in the Housing 
& Building category

 2007 nominee for ‘Global Index’ Award – 
Copenhagen (International Design Competition) 
H2Zero Waterless Urinal

Caroma Profile™ Toilet Suite with Integrated 
Hand Basin

The first toilet in Australia to achieve a 5-star 
Water Efficiency Labelling Standards WELS rating, 
the Caroma Profile™ Toilet Suite with Integrated 
Hand Basin provides a simple, effective way to 
re-use water in the bathroom. Profile™ achieves 
this leading water rating by using the same water 
twice, for hand washing followed by toilet flushing. 
Resulting in water saving 10% greater than that of 
the 4.5/3L Smartflush® System.

Given the high degree of innovation of the Profile™ 
Toilet Suite, the launch of this product has further 
consolidated Caroma Dorf’s position both in 
Australia and internationally as a leader in water 
saving technology. The Profile™ has enhanced 
Caroma Dorf’s already extensive range of water 
efficient bathroom products, whilst ensuring 
Caroma Dorf sets the innovation benchmarks within 
the markets in which it operates.

The ‘demand management’ approach to bathroom 
water usage demonstrates the company is well 
connected with the market place needs. The 
innovation attached to the Profile™ Toilet Suite 
is providing new opportunities for new 
sustainability based discussions with 
new and existing audiences.

Researched and designed in Australia, Caroma 
Dorf are ensuring this unique technology is 
fully accessible to the Australian market from a 
distribution, ease of installation and price position 
so the water saving benefits of this innovation can 
be carried through to our environment.

Caroma H2Zero™ Cube Urinal

The Caroma H2Zero™ Cube Urinal won the 
inaugural Award for Excellence in Sustainable 
Design at the Australian Design Awards. The 
H2Zero™ Cube Urinal was selected from a shortlist 
of 32 environmentally friendly entries for its 
breakthrough design, allowing it to be the first truly 
viable and sustainable high-performance, waterless 
urinal option.

The H2Zero™ Urinal also won the Australian 
Design Award for Excellence in Australian Design in 
the Housing and Building category, as well as being 
one of six products nominated for Australian Design 
Award of the year. Entries were judged against a 
common set of criteria, including innovation, visual 
appeal, functionality, originality, quality, ergonomics, 
safety, sustainability, and commercial viability. In 
addition, the urinal remains in the running for the 
International Index Award, which will be awarded in 
October this year.

Australian Designed Mixers Deliver Serious Style & 5 
Star Water Rating – Dorf Eclipse mixer range

The Eclipse Basin Mixer releases a low 6 litres of 
water per minute to achieve a superior WELS 5 star 
rating, while the WELS 3 star rated Eclipse Sink 
Mixer is durable enough to withstand even the most 
demanding of kitchen duties. The contemporary 
good looks of the Eclipse Bath/Shower Mixer, 
available with optional diverter, will make a stylish 
addition to any bathroom space. 

Smartflush – Brand Relaunch

With the market focus on water efficiency we are in 
the process of re-launching the Smartflush brand, 
to reinforce our market leading position and to 
continue educating the market on our superior 
level of innovation, teamed with the level of industry 
recognition in the form of awards the Smartflush® 
System has won.

We have also enhanced the system to include new 
XPV technology for even greater flushing power. 
The XPV (Express Power Valve) increases flushing 

 
17

®

CMYK

performance a further 25%, maximising flow rate 
performance and minimising water usage.

Dorf Smart – Brand Relaunch

which addresses all regulatory standards, provides 
the tradesperson with a product that is simple to 
install and importantly provides the consumer with 
no compromise to their hot water experience.

Additionally, the Dorf range is being enhanced to 
have Dorf smart as the next phase of the original 
Water Efficient Tapware W.E.T campaign.

Product Development
In simple terms water heaters are viewed by their 
energy source, either Gas or Electric. 

The Dorf smartTM range combines visual appeal 
with elegant style, advanced technology with 
innovative thinking, water-saving ideas with energy 
efficient solutions, and the reliability and reputation 
of Australia’s most respected brand of tapware.

Smart Styling – Wide range of innovative designs to 
suit all bathroom and kitchen styles

Smart Performance – Special features to improve 
water savings, water flow and temperature control

Smart Engineering – Beautifully crafted from solid 
brass for durability and longevity

Caroma Dorf is proud to be embracing the water 
saving aspect of our business and building a 
sustainable business around making water efficient 
decisions easier for Australians and beyond.

Dux Hot Water – At the Forefront of Energy Efficient 
Water Heating 

The Market Environment
®
“Energy Efficient”, previously this term meant 
different things to different people. 

50% Pantone 5425c

100% Pantone 5425c

For manufacturers of water heaters, the term 
energy efficiency is a constant. It reflects the 
regulatory standards, which set minimum 
performance and efficiency targets that all water 
heaters must comply if they are to be sold in the 
Australian market place. 

Given the need to reduce the levels of greenhouse 
gas emissions, these performance standards are 
becoming tougher, asking for greater gains in 
efficiency levels. As a result, manufacturers must 
look to develop new and better ways to heat water 
without compromising the consumer’s level 
of comfort.

State Regulation
Over and above the minimum performance 
standards set for these appliances are the new 
state regulations, which only allow the most efficient 
water heaters to be installed into new homes. 

Further to these restrictions, state based regulations 
are being implemented over a broader section of 
the community and are now putting limitations on 
the type of water heater that is used to replace an 
existing unit. 

Dux Approach to this Challenge
Given this challenging regulatory environment the 
Dux approach is to drive new product innovation, 

Gas Fuel Source 
With the gas market in mind, Dux offers 5 star 
storage heaters, and 5 star continuous flow heaters, 
the award winning Sunpro continuous gas boosted 
solar heater, and now the Sunpro 305 gas boosted 
heater. The Sunpro 305 takes a different approach 
to traditional gas boosted solar units, by using a 
pre-boost system. This means that the consumer 
receives full flow mains pressure hot water, meeting 
their expectations. 

Electric Fuel Source
Most efficiency arguments are focused toward 
electric powered water heaters, and the challenge 
for Dux is to maintain our share of this critical 
market. Our electric boosted solar market 
continues to grow strongly where Gas fuel is not 
available. Recently the Solarone was launched in 
Queensland, which is a single panel solar water 
heater, perfect for the new home market.

Airoheat
The most significant event for Dux was the release 
of the new Dux Airoheat, heat pump water heater. 

The Dux Airoheat, features NHT (new heat 
technology), and through this offers the most 
efficient domestic heat pump water heater 
available. Over the years heat pump water heaters 
have developed a reputation as being noisy, 
Airoheat on the other hand is the quiet achiever, 
registering half the sound level of some other 
units tested. It has been described as being “as 
quiet as a refrigerator” providing lots of appeal to 
the consumer. Airoheat reportedly reduces the 
electricity consumption by approx 65%, compared 
to an electric water heater.

Water Recirculation
Although Dux is in the business of creating hot 
water, substantial water and energy can be wasted 
waiting for hot water to be delivered. As a result 
Dux released the Readyhot water recirculation 
system. Proudly, this innovative system won the 
HIA Greensmart “Product of the Year” Award, in 
September 2006. In the same month Readyhot also 
won the Green Plumbers “Water Saving Product of 
the Year” Award.

Regulation and Government incentives continues to 
impact on all areas of the water heater market and 
Dux is proud to be at the leading edge of 
this change.

 
18

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Peter Crowley BA BEcon FAICD
Managing Director, Appointed 6 May 2003

Barry Thornton KSJ FCA FAICD FAIM FCIS
Chairman and Non-Executive Director, Elected to 

the Board 1992

Expertise: Chartered Accountant, corporate and 
financial management.
Special Responsibilities: Chairman of the Board, 
Chairman of Nomination Committee and member 
of Audit Committee. 

Mr Thornton joined GWA Limited in 1974 as 
Finance Director and was appointed Chief 
Executive in 1981. In 1986, he was appointed 
Executive Chairman and, following the privatisation 
of GWA Limited in 1989 and the public float of 
the Manufacturing Division as GWA International 
Limited in 1993, he became Non-Executive 
Chairman. He is also a member of the Brisbane 
Advisory Board of the Salvation Army, and is 
the former Chairman of the Brisbane Airport 
Corporation Limited where he served from 1997 to 
January 2007.

During the past three years, Mr Thornton has 
served as a director of the following other listed 
company, and the period in which the directorship 
was held:

> Stockland Corporation Limited 1995-2004

Jim Kennedy AO CBE DUniv (QUT) FCA FCPA
Deputy Chairman and Non-Executive Director, Elected to 

the Board 1992

Expertise: Chartered Accountant and director of a 
number of public and other corporations.
Special Responsibilities: Deputy Chairman of the 
Board, Chairman of Audit Committee and member 
of Nomination Committee.

During the past three years, Mr Kennedy has 
served as a director of the following other 
listed companies, and the period in which the 
directorships have been held:

> Suncorp-Metway Limited 1997 – 2006
> Australian Stock Exchange Limited 1990 – 2006
>  Macquarie Goodman Funds Management 

Limited 1994 – 2004

> Qantas Airways Limited 1995 – 2006

Expertise: Broad manufacturing experience in 
Australia and overseas.

2001:  Managing Director and Chief Executive, 

Austrim Nylex Limited, a diversified industrial 
company;  

1999:  Executive Director, Cement and Lime, The 
Rugby Group PLC, a UK Public Company 
with extensive international cement 
operations. During this period, also served as 
a director of Adelaide Brighton Limited;  

1997:  Chief Executive, Cockburn Cement Limited 

(a subsidiary of The Rugby Group PLC), 
Western Australia’s largest cement producer 
and Australia’s largest lime producer; 

1982:  Various roles with Queensland Cement 

Limited and its parent company Holderbank 
culminating in General Management 
responsibilities within Australia and 
South-East Asia.

David Barry FAIM
Non-Executive Director, Elected to the Board 1992

Expertise: Importation, distribution and retailing.
Special Responsibilities: Member of Remuneration 
Committee.

Mr Barry was appointed a director of GWA Limited 
in 1979, and was primarily responsible for one of its 
major divisions involved in importation, wholesaling 
and retailing.

Mr Barry was appointed a Non-Executive Director 
of GWA International Limited in 1992.

Robert Anderson
Non-Executive Director, Elected to the Board 1992

Expertise: Property investment and transport 
logistics.

Mr Anderson was appointed a director of GWA 
Limited in 1979 after joining the Group in 1955 
where he gained wide experience in management, 
investment and property matters.

Mr Anderson was appointed a Non-Executive 
Director of GWA International Limited in 1992.

19

Martin Kriewaldt BA LLB FAICD
Non-Executive Director, Elected to the Board 1992

Bill Bartlett FCA, CPA, FCMA, CA(SA)
Non-Executive Director, Elected to the Board 

21 February 2007

Expertise: Lawyer and director of a number of 
public and other corporations.
Special Responsibilities: Member of Remuneration 
Committee, member of Audit Committee and 
member of Nomination Committee.

Mr Kriewaldt provides advice to the law firm 
Allens Arthur Robinson and to Aon insurance 
brokers. He formerly practised in a wide range of 
areas including banking and finance, insurance, 
insolvency and receivership and intellectual 
property. Mr Kriewaldt is Chairman of Opera 
Queensland Limited.

Expertise: Chartered Accountant, actuarial, 
insurance and financial services.
Special Responsibilities: Member of Audit 
Committee.

Mr Bartlett is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered 
Accountants, with over 35 years experience in 
accounting, and was a partner at Ernst & Young in 
Australia for 23 years, retiring on 30 June 2003. 
He is a director of the Bradman Foundation and 
Museum and Moneyswitch Limited.

During the past three years, Mr Kriewaldt has 
served as a director of the following other 
listed companies, and the period in which the 
directorships have been held:

During the past three years, Mr Bartlett has served 
as a director of the following other listed companies, 
and the period in which the directorships have 
been held:

> Suncorp-Metway Limited * since 2003
> Reinsurance Group of America Inc (NYSE) 
   *since 2004
> Peptech Limited* since 2004
> Abacus Property Group* since 14 February 2007
> Retail Cube Limited 2004 - 2006

*denotes current directorship

Company Secretary
R J Thornton CA B Com LLB (Hons) LLM FTIA

Appointed 4 July 2003

 Expertise: Chartered Accountant, taxation 
and finance.

Mr Thornton joined GWA International Limited in 
2002 as Group Taxation Manager and Treasurer. He 
is experienced in accounting, taxation and finance 
through positions at Coopers & Lybrand, Citibank 
and Ernst & Young in Australia and overseas.

> Campbell Brothers Limited* since 2001
> Oil Search Limited* 
since 2002
> Suncorp-Metway Limited*  since 1996
> Peptech Limited 

2003 – 2007

*denotes current directorship

Geoff McGrath MIIE

Non-Executive Director, Elected to the Board 2004

Expertise: Manufacturing and general management.

Special Responsibilities: Chairman of Remuneration 
Committee.

2003:  Mr McGrath retired as Managing Director of 
GWA International Limited on 6 May 2003, 
and continued his involvement with the 
Group as an adviser to the Board; 

1992:  Mr McGrath was appointed Managing 
Director of GWA International Limited;

1982:  After the takeover of UPL Group 

by GWA Limited, Mr McGrath was 
appointed Managing Director of the GWA 
Manufacturing Group companies comprising 
Caroma, Sebel and Rover Mowers.

During the past three years, Mr McGrath has 
served as a director of the following other 
listed companies, and the period in which the 
directorships have been held:

> Campbell Brothers Limited*+ since 2003
> Fletcher Building Limited* since 2003
* denotes current directorship 
+ denotes Chairman

20

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
STATEMENT
for the year ended 30 June 2007

The Board of Directors is responsible for the 
corporate governance of GWA International 
Limited (“the Company”) which is an essential 
part of the role of the Board. Corporate 
governance is about the Board undertaking an 
active monitoring of the Company’s systems 
and procedures and ensuring that integrity 
prevails within the Company. The governance 
principles adopted by the Board are designed 
to achieve this outcome.

The corporate governance practices of the 
Company have been in place since listing and are 
constantly reassessed in the light of experience 
(within the Company and in other organisations), 
contemporary views and good practice guidelines 
on corporate governance practices. The Board 
adopts practices it considers to be superior 
and which will lead to better outcomes for the 
Company’s shareholders, whilst endeavouring to 
avoid those which are based on unsound principles 
or represent temporary fads.

The Board supports the Principles of Good 
Corporate Governance and Best Practice 
Recommendations (“the recommendations”) of 
the ASX Corporate Governance Council. The Board 
confirms that the current corporate governance 
practices of the Company meet or exceed the 
recommendations, except for Recommendation 
2.2 which provides that the chairperson should 
be an independent director. The Chairman of 
the Company, Mr Barry Thornton, would not be 
considered an independent director in accordance 
with the definition of independence outlined in 
the recommendations, as he is associated with a 
substantial shareholder. This matter is outlined in 
more detail below – refer Independence 
of Directors.

As part of its responsibilities, the Board has 
ensured that management has put in place a 
comprehensive system of risk management and 
internal controls. These are outlined in more detail 
below – refer Risk Management and Internal 
Controls. The Board continues to review and 
monitor the Company’s risk management and 

internal control practices to ensure that good 
practice is maintained. 

For further information on the corporate 
governance practices of the Company, please refer 
to the corporate website at www.gwail.com.au in the 
Corporate Governance section.

1. ROLE OF THE BOARD

The Board is responsible for the long term growth 
and profitability of the Company. The Board charts 
the strategic direction of the Company and monitors 
executive and senior management performance on 
behalf of shareholders. To achieve this, the Board is 
engaged in the following activities:

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

 Final approval of corporate strategies and 
performance objectives developed by senior 
management, with Board input

 Approval and monitoring of financial and other 
reporting

 Monitoring of executive and senior management 
performance, including the implementation of 
corporate strategies, and ensuring appropriate 
resources are available

 Appointment and monitoring of the performance 
of the Managing Director

 Liaison with the Company’s External Auditor 
through the Audit Committee

 Ensuring that the Company has appropriate 
systems of risk management and internal 
controls, reporting mechanisms and delegation 
authority limits in place

 Approval and monitoring of the progress of 
major capital expenditure, capital management, 
acquisitions and divestments

 Any other matters required to be dealt with by 
the Board from time to time depending upon 
circumstances of the Company

•	

 Other matters referred to in the Board 
Committee charters

The Board operates under a charter that details 
the functions and responsibilities of the Board. 
The charter is regularly reviewed to ensure it 
remains consistent with the Board’s objectives 
and responsibilities. The Board charter has been 
posted on the Company’s website in the Corporate 
Governance section.

21

2. BOARD MEETINGS

The Board meets at least 11 times each year for 
scheduled meetings and may, on other occasions, 
meet to deal with specific matters that require 
attention between scheduled meetings. Together 
with the Board Committees, the directors use the 
Board meetings to challenge and fully understand 
the business and its operational issues. To assist 
with the Board’s understanding of the businesses, 
the Board regularly conducts Board meetings at the 
factories, followed by management presentations 
and factory tours. 

The General Managers of the business divisions 
are required to regularly attend and present at 
the Board meetings on corporate strategies and 
performance. A Group strategy meeting is held 
annually, which enables the Board to review 
corporate strategies and performance with the 
Managing Director. This ensures that the Board 
is effectively carrying out its duty of approving 
corporate strategies and performance objectives.

The Chief Financial Officer is required to attend 
Board meetings and present the Finance 
Department Monthly Report, and to answer 
questions from the directors on financial 
performance, accounting, risk management and 
treasury matters.

The Company Secretary is responsible for the 
completion and dispatch of the agenda and Board 
papers for each meeting. The Company Secretary 
prepares the draft minutes for each meeting, which 
are tabled at the next Board meeting for review and 
approval. The Company Secretary is accountable to 
the Board, through the Chairman, on all corporate 
governance matters.

3. COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD

The Board presently comprises 8 Directors, 7 
of whom, including the Chairman and Deputy 
Chairman, are non-executive directors and one, the 
Managing Director, is an executive director. 

Profiles of the directors are set out on page 18 of 
the Annual Report. The profiles outline the skills, 
experience and expertise of each Board member.

The composition of the Board is determined by the 
Nomination Committee and, where appropriate, 
external advice is sought. The following principles 
and guidelines are adhered to:

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

 The Board should maintain a majority of non-
executive directors

 The Board should maintain a majority of 
independent directors

 The Chairperson should be a non-executive 
director

 The role of Chairperson and Managing Director 
should not be exercised by the same individual

 Non-executive directors should not be involved 
in management of the day to day operations of 
the Company

 All Board members should have financial 
expertise and relevant experience in the 
industries in which the Company operates

Re-Election of Directors

In accordance with the Company’s constitution, 
at each Annual General Meeting, a number of 
directors will face re-election. One third of the 
Board (excluding the Managing Director and any 
director not specifically required to stand for re-
election) must stand for re-election. In addition, 
no director (other than the Managing Director) 
may hold office for more than three years without 
standing for re-election, and any director appointed 
by the Board since the last Annual General Meeting 
must stand for re-election at the next Annual 
General Meeting. All retiring directors are eligible 
for re-election.

4. INDEPENDENCE OF DIRECTORS

The Board considers that directors must be 
independent from management and free of any 
business or other relationship that could interfere, 
or reasonably be perceived to interfere, with the 
exercise of their unfettered and independent 
judgment. In applying the definition of 
independence outlined in the recommendations of 
the ASX Corporate Governance Council, it has been 
determined that the majority of the Board members 
of GWA International Limited are independent.

The following directors are considered by the Board 
to constitute the independent directors of 
the Company:

	 •		 	Mr	Jim	Kennedy,	Deputy	Chairman	and 

Non-Executive Director

	 •		 Mr	Martin	Kriewaldt,	Non-Executive	Director
	 •		 Mr	David	Barry,	Non-Executive	Director
	 •		 Mr	Robert	Anderson,	Non-	Executive	Director
	 •		 Mr	Bill	Bartlett,	Non-Executive	Director

22

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

The Board is responsible for ensuring that 
the action of individual directors in the 
Boardroom is that of independent persons. The 
Board distinguishes between the concept of 
independence and issues of conflict of interest or 
material personal interest which may arise from 
time to time – refer Conflicts of Interest below.

In recognising the importance of the independence 
of directors and the immediate disclosure of 
conflicts of interest, the Board has included both 
matters as permanent items on the agenda at 
Board meetings. Any independence or conflict of 
interest issues arising during the relevant period 
must be disclosed to the Chairman prior to each 
Board meeting. The disclosure is recorded in the 
Register of Directors’ Interests and in the 
Board minutes.

(i)  Mr Barry Thornton – Chairman and 

Non-Executive Director

As indicated above, the Chairman, Mr Barry 
Thornton, would not be considered an independent 
director based on the definition of independence 
outlined in the recommendations of the ASX 
Corporate Governance Council. This is on the basis 
that Mr Thornton is associated with a substantial 
shareholder. In the Board’s view, Mr Thornton’s 
association with a substantial shareholder in no way 
prevents Mr Thornton from exercising independent 
judgment in carrying out his duties as Chairman of 
the Board. Mr Thornton is a long serving Chairman 
and has overseen the efficient and effective 
conduct of the Board’s functions since listing 
in 1993.

In the event that any independence or conflict of 
interest issue arises with respect to Mr Thornton’s 
association with a substantial shareholder, the 
Company has procedures in place for the Deputy 
Chairman, Mr Jim Kennedy to assume the role as 
acting Chairman of the Board.

(ii) Mr Geoff McGrath – Non-Executive Director

At the Annual General Meeting on 28 October 2004 
shareholders approved the re-election of Mr Geoff 
McGrath as director. As disclosed in the 2003/04 
Annual Report, Mr McGrath was the former 
Managing Director of the Company and accordingly, 
does not meet the definition of an independent 
director as outlined in the recommendations of the 
ASX Corporate Governance Council. In the Board’s 
view, this in no way impacts on Mr McGrath’s 
effectiveness and performance as a director, nor 
does it affect Mr McGrath’s ability to exercise 

independent judgment in carrying out his duties as 
a Director.

(iii) Director Tenure

The current Non-Executive Board members have 
been in office for many years, as disclosed on 
page 18 of the Annual Report (excluding Mr Geoff 
McGrath and Mr Bill Bartlett who were appointed in 
the 2003/04 and 2006/07 years respectively). The 
Board does not consider that the independence 
of a director can be assessed by reference to an 
arbitrary and set period of time. The Board has 
overseen the growth and development of the 
Company since listing and in the Board’s view 
the Company derives benefits from having long 
serving directors with a detailed knowledge of 
the Company’s operations. The Board considers 
this a significant factor in their effectiveness and 
performance in their roles as directors of 
the Company. 

The Board has developed succession plans for 
the future retirement of individual directors. In 
formulating the succession plans, the Board 
recognises the importance of maintaining corporate 
memory and ensuring the appropriate balance of 
skills required to maintain an efficient and 
effective Board.

In accordance with the succession plans, Mr Bill 
Bartlett was appointed Non-Executive Director of 
GWA International Limited on 21 February 2007. 
Mr Bartlett is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered 
Accountants and is an experienced company 
director, and has been appointed a member of the 
Audit Committee.

5. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The directors are required to disclose to the 
Board any relationships from which a conflict 
of interest might arise. A director who has an 
actual or potential conflict of interest or a material 
personal interest in a matter is required to absent 
himself from any meeting of the Board or Board 
Committee, whenever the matter is considered. In 
addition, the director does not receive any Board 
papers or other documents in which there is a 
reference to the matter.

This process is applied to business and trading 
relationships, dealings with the directors, dealings 
with companies with common directors and 
dealings with any significant shareholders of 
the Company.

23

The materiality thresholds used for the 
determination of independence and issues of 
conflict of interest has been considered from the 
point-of-view of the Company and Directors. For 
the Company, a relationship which accounts for 5% 
or more of its revenue is considered material. For 
a director, a relationship which accounts for 5% or 
more of the total income of a director is considered 
material. Directors’ fees are not subject to this test.

6. ACCESS TO INDEPENDENT ADVICE

Directors and the Board Committees have the right 
in connection with their duties and responsibilities 
to seek independent advice at the Company’s 
expense. Prior written approval of the Chairman is 
required, but this will not be unreasonably withheld.  
Where appropriate, directors share such advice 
with the other directors.

7. BOARD COMMITTEES

The Board has a number of standing Board 
Committees to assist in carrying out its duties and 
responsibilities as outlined in the Board charter. 
All members of Board Committees are 
Non-Executive Directors.

The standing Board Committees are:

(i) Audit Committee

The Audit Committee consists of the following 
Non-Executive Directors:

•	

•	

•	

•	

 J J Kennedy (Chairman) 

AO CBE DUniv (QUT) 

FCA FCPA

M D E Kriewaldt 

BA LLB FAICD

B Thornton 

KSJ FCA FAICD FAIM FCIS

W J Bartlett 

FCA, CPA, FCMA, CA (SA)

The Audit Committee meets as required and 
on several occasions throughout the year. For 
attendance details of the Audit Committee, refer to 
page 37 of the Annual Report.

The composition of the Audit Committee is based 
on the following principles:

•	

•	

•	

 The Audit Committee should consist of 
Non-Executive Directors only

 The Audit Committee should maintain a majority 
of Independent Directors

 The Chairperson must be independent, and not 
Chairperson of the Board

•	

•	

 The Audit Committee should consist of at least 
three members

 The Audit Committee should include members 
who are financially literate with at least one 
member who has financial expertise

The Audit Committee was established in 1993 
and is governed by a charter which outlines the 
Committee’s role and responsibilities, composition, 
structure and membership requirements. The 
charter is regularly reviewed to ensure it remains 
consistent with the Board’s objectives and 
responsibilities. The Audit Committee charter has 
been posted on the Company’s website in the 
Corporate Governance section.

The External Auditor, Managing Director, Chief 
Financial Officer, Company Secretary, Group 
Commercial Manager and other Company 
executives (as required) attend Audit Committee 
meetings, by invitation, to present the relevant 
statutory information, Financial Statements, reports, 
and to answer the questions of the Audit Committee 
members. At the Audit Committee meetings to 
consider the half and full year financial results, 
the Audit Committee members will meet with the 
External Auditor without management present.

The main responsibilities of the Audit Committee 
include:

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

 Review of financial statements and external 
financial reporting

 Assess the management processes supporting 
external reporting

 Assess whether the external reporting is 
adequate to meet the information needs for 
shareholders

 Recommendations on the appointment and 
removal of the External Auditor

 Review and monitor the performance and 
independence of the external audit

 Review of tax planning and tax compliance 
systems and processes

 Review and monitor risk management and 
internal compliance and control systems

 Assess the performance and objectivity of the 
internal audit function

 Reporting to the Board on the Committee’s role 
and responsibilities covering all the functions in 
its charter

 
24

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

The Company Secretary prepares the draft minutes 
for each Audit Committee meeting, which are 
tabled at the next Audit Committee meeting for 
review and approval. The draft minutes are also 
included in the Board papers of the next Board 
meeting following the Audit Committee meeting.

the Board’s objectives and responsibilities. The 
Nomination Committee charter has been posted 
on the Company’s website in the Corporate 
Governance section.

The main responsibilities of the Committee include:

Certification of Financial Reports

The Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer 
state in writing to the Board each reporting period 
that in their opinion the Company’s financial reports 
present a true and fair view of the Company’s 
financial position and performance, and are in 
accordance with relevant Accounting Standards. 
The statements from the Managing Director and 
Chief Financial Officer are based on a formal sign-
off framework established throughout the Company 
and reviewed by the Audit Committee as part of the 
financial reporting process.

(ii) Nomination Committee

The Nomination Committee consists of the following 
Non-Executive Directors:

•	

•	

•	

 B Thornton (Chairman) 

KSJ FCA FAICD FAIM FCIS

J J Kennedy 

AO CBE DUniv (QUT) FCA FCPA

M D E Kriewaldt 

BA LLB FAICD

The Nomination Committee meets as required 
and on several occasions throughout the year. For 
attendance details of the Nomination Committee, 
refer to page 37 of the Annual Report.

The composition of the Nomination Committee is 
based on the following principles:

•	

•	

•	

•	

 The Nomination Committee should consist of 
Non-Executive Directors only

 The Nomination Committee should maintain a 
majority of Independent Directors

 The Nomination Committee should consist of a 
minimum of three members

 The Chairperson should be the Chairperson of 
the Board or another Non-Executive Director

The Nomination Committee operates under a 
charter that details the Committee’s role and 
responsibilities, composition, structure and 
membership requirements. The charter is regularly 
reviewed to ensure it remains consistent with 

•	

 Assessment of the necessary and desirable 
competencies of Board members

•	

Review of the Board succession plans

•	

•	

•	

•	

 Evaluation of the performance and contributions 
of Board members

 Recommendations for the appointment and 
removal of Directors

 Review of the remuneration framework for the 
Non-Executive Directors

 Reporting to the Board on the Committee’s role 
and responsibilities covering all the functions in 
its charter

In performing its responsibilities, the Nomination 
Committee receives appropriate advice from 
external consultants and other advisers as required.

The Company Secretary prepares the draft minutes 
for each Nomination Committee meeting, which 
are tabled at the next Nomination Committee 
meeting for review and approval. The draft minutes 
are also included in the Board papers of the next 
Board meeting following the Nomination Committee 
meeting.

Selection and Appointment of Directors

The Nomination Committee is responsible for the 
selection and appointment of directors. In the 
circumstances where there is a need to appoint a 
director, whether due to the retirement of a director, 
growth of the Company, or changed circumstances 
of the Company, certain procedures will be 
followed, including the following:

•	

•	

 Determination of the skills and experience 
appropriate for an appointee, having regard to 
those of the existing directors and other likely 
changes to the Board

 Upon identifying a potential appointee, 
consider the competency and qualifications, 
independence, other directorships, time 
availability, and the effect that their appointment 
would have on the overall balance of the 
composition of the Board

•	

 The Board members consent to the 
proposed appointee

 
25

Induction Program

The Nomination Committee is responsible for 
ensuring that an effective induction program for 
new directors is in place, and regularly reviewed 
to ensure its effectiveness. The Board has 
developed a comprehensive induction program 
for new directors to allow the new appointees to 
participate fully and actively in Board decision 
making. The Board views the induction program 
as critical in enabling the new directors to gain an 
understanding of the Company and the markets in 
which it operates.

A similar induction program is also available for key 
executives.

Performance Evaluation

On an annual basis, the Nomination Committee 
conducts a formal evaluation of the performance 
of Board members to determine whether the 
Board and Committees are functioning effectively 
by reference to current good practice. The 
performance evaluation is conducted by the 
Chairman of the Board through interviews with 
individual Board members, the results of which are 
reported to the Board.

(iii) Remuneration Committee

The Remuneration Committee consists of the 
following Non-Executive Directors:

•	

G J McGrath (Chairman) 

MIIE

•	

M D E Kriewaldt 

BA LLB FAICD

•	

D R Barry 

FAIM

The Remuneration Committee meets as required 
and on several occasions throughout the year. For 
attendance details of the Remuneration Committee, 
refer to page 37 of the Annual Report.

The composition of the Remuneration Committee is 
based on the following principles:

 The Remuneration Committee should consist of 
Non-Executive Directors only

 The Remuneration Committee should maintain a 
majority of Independent Directors

 The Remuneration Committee should consist of 
a minimum of three members

•	

•	

•	

•	

The Remuneration Committee operates under 
a charter that details the Committee’s role and 
responsibilities, composition, structure and 
membership requirements. The charter is regularly 
reviewed to ensure it remains consistent with 
the Board’s objectives and responsibilities. The 
Remuneration Committee Charter has been 
posted on the Company’s website in the Corporate 
Governance section.

The main responsibilities of the Committee include:

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

 Review of the Company’s remuneration and 
incentive policies

 Review of executive and senior management 
remuneration packages

 Review of the Company’s recruitment, retention 
and termination policies and procedures

 Review of the Company’s superannuation 
arrangements 

 Reporting to the Board on the Committee’s role 
and responsibilities covering all the functions in 
its charter

In performing its responsibilities, the Remuneration 
Committee receives advice from external 
remuneration consultants and other advisers 
as required.

The Company Secretary prepares the draft minutes 
for each Remuneration Committee meeting, which 
are tabled at the next Remuneration Committee 
meeting for review and approval. The draft minutes 
are also included in the Board papers of the 
next Board meeting following the Remuneration 
Committee meeting.

8. CODE OF CONDUCT

The Company conducts its business with the 
highest standards of personal and corporate 
integrity. To assist employees in achieving 
this objective, the Company has developed a 
comprehensive Code of Conduct which guides the 
behaviour of directors, officers and employees and 
demonstrates the commitment of the Company 
to ethical practices. The Code of Conduct is 
incorporated as part of new employees’ induction 
training and an acceptance form is signed by new 
employees acknowledging their understanding and 
on-going compliance.

 The Chairperson of the Remuneration 
Committee should be a Non-Executive Director

The Code of Conduct states the values and policies 
of the Company and complements the Company’s 

26

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

risk management and internal control practices. 
The Code of Conduct is regularly reviewed and 
updated to ensure that it reflects current good 
practice, and to promote the ethical behaviour 
of all employees. The Code of Conduct has been 
posted on the Company’s website in the Corporate 
Governance section. In addition, a whistleblowing 
policy has been put in place to enable employees to 
report unacceptable workplace behaviour.

9. SHARE TRADING POLICY

The Company has developed a share trading 
policy which prohibits directors, officers and 
other “potential insiders” from trading in GWA 
International Limited shares during designated 
periods. The designated periods are 30 June until 
the release of the Company’s full year results to the 
Australian Securities Exchange and 31 December 
until the release of the Company’s half year results 
to the Australian Securities Exchange, unless 
otherwise determined by the directors.

Outside of these designated periods, there are no 
trading restrictions where the directors, officers and 
other “potential insiders” are not in the possession 
of unpublished insider information. At all times, 
if an employee possesses unpublished insider 
information about the Company, that person is 
prohibited from trading. In addition, employees 
must not engage in any short term trading in the 
Company’s shares.

As an additional restriction, the directors must 
advise the Chairman prior to trading outside the 
designated periods and confirm to the Chairman 
that they do not possess unpublished insider 
information. The policy also requires the directors 
to notify the Company Secretary within three 
business days after trading, to enable the Company 
Secretary to lodge the required disclosures with the 
Australian Securities Exchange.

10. RISK MANAGEMENT AND INTERNAL CONTROLS

The Board recognises that effective risk 
management processes help ensure the business 
is more likely to achieve its business objectives, 
and that the Board meets its Corporate Governance 
responsibilities. In meeting its responsibilities, the 
Board has ensured that management has put in 
place comprehensive risk management policies and 
practices across the Company which addresses 
each of the key elements and requirements of AS/
NZS Standard 4360: 2004 - Risk Management.

Such processes include defining the risk oversight 
responsibilities of the Board and the responsibilities 
of management in ensuring risks are both identified 
and effectively managed. The agreed policies and 
practices are made effective through the combined 
activities of:

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

 An Audit Committee that reports to the Board on 
risk management and internal control matters 
in accordance with its main responsibilities as 
outlined in the Audit Committee Charter 
(refer above)

 An Executive Risk Committee (ERC), comprising 
the senior management of the Company, which 
has been established to review and monitor 
the day to day risk activities of the businesses. 
The ERC reports to the Audit Committee on its 
activities as outlined in the ERC Charter

 A Group Commercial Manager who has primary 
responsibility for designing, implementing and 
co-ordinating the overall risk management and 
internal control practices of the Company. Whilst 
reporting to the Managing Director on a day to 
day basis, the Group Commercial Manager has 
the authority to report directly to the Board on 
any matter

 A Group Risk Manager, who has specific 
responsibilities in respect of employee 
health and safety, business continuity and 
environmental risks. The Group Risk Manager 
reports to the Managing Director on 
such matters

 Internal audit activities, undertaken by a 
combination of internal and appropriately 
qualified external resources, based on a Board 
approved programme of work. Such activities 
link to the risk management practices of the 
Company by ensuring risks are being adequately 
identified and managed through the effective 
and efficient operation of control procedures

The Company has implemented risk management 
software across the Group for the purpose of 
identifying and managing employee health and 
safety, business continuity and environmental 
risks. The software is a critical tool for senior 
management and has enhanced the identification, 
reporting and monitoring of actions in this 
important area, in order to support 
management’s objectives.

Risk management is embedded in the Company’s 
policies and procedures which has enabled the 
Company to pro-actively identify and manage all 

27

types of risk within the organisation. The Board 
aims to continually evaluate and re-assess the 
risk management and internal control practices of 
the Company to ensure current good practice is 
maintained, and to preserve and create value within 
the organisation.  

been structured to ensure that performance is 
fairlyrewarded and to attract, motivate and retain a 
high quality executive team.

For details of the Company’s remuneration policies 
and disclosures, refer to the Remuneration Report 
on page 32 of the Annual Report.

Certification of Risk Management Controls

In conjunction with the certification of financial 
reports (refer above), the Managing Director and 
Chief Financial Officer state in writing to the Board 
each reporting period that in their opinion:

•	

•	

 The statement is founded on a sound system of 
risk management and internal compliance and 
control which implements the policies adopted 
by the Board

 The Company’s risk management and internal 
compliance and control system is operating 
efficiently and effectively in all material respects.

The statements from the Managing Director and 
Chief Financial Officer are based on a formal sign-
off framework established throughout the Company 
and reviewed by the Audit Committee as part of the 
financial reporting process.

11. REMUNERATION POLICIES

The Board’s objective in setting the Company’s 
remuneration policies is to provide maximum 
stakeholder benefit from the retention of a high 
quality Board and executive team. This is achieved 
by remunerating directors and executives fairly 
and appropriately based on relevant employment 
market conditions, and the linking of the Managing 
Director’s and executives emoluments to the 
Company’s financial and operating performance.

The Nomination Committee is responsible for 
determining the remuneration for the non-executive 
directors, with the maximum aggregate amount 
approved by shareholders. The directors receive 
their remuneration by way of directors’ fees only 
(including statutory superannuation), and are 
not able to participate in the Executive Incentive 
Scheme or the GWA International Employee 
Share Plan.

The Remuneration Committee is responsible 
for reviewing and determining the remuneration 
and incentive arrangements for the executives. 
The Remuneration Committee takes advice from 
external remuneration consultants to assist in 
determining market remuneration levels. The 
remuneration and incentive arrangements have 

12. EMPLOYEE SHARE PLAN

The Company has operated an Employee 
Share Plan since listing in 1993 as part of the 
remuneration and incentive arrangements for 
executives and senior management. Full details 
of the operation of the Employee Share Plan are 
described in the Remuneration Report on page 32 
of the Annual Report.

The Employee Share Plan does not provide for the 
issue of options and no options have been issued 
by the Company.

13. AUDIT AND AUDITOR INDEPENDENCE

The Board recognises the importance of a truly 
independent audit firm to ensure that the audit 
function delivers, for the benefit of the Board and 
all other stakeholders, an unbiased confirmation 
of both the Financial Statements and the state of 
affairs of the Company. Consistent with the Board’s 
commitment to an independent audit firm, a policy 
has been prepared and approved by the Board on 
the role of the External Auditor, which is designed 
to ensure the independence of the external 
audit function.

During each year, the Audit Committee examines 
the non-audit roles performed by the audit firm 
and other potential audit service providers to satisfy 
itself that the auditor’s independence will not be 
compromised and that alternate providers are 
available, if considered desirable. Whilst the value 
of the non-audit services could, in extreme cases, 
compromise audit independence, more important 
is to ensure that the External Auditor is not passing 
an audit opinion on the non-audit work of its 
own firm. 

At the Annual General Meeting on 28 October 
2004, shareholders approved the appointment 
of KPMG as the Company’s External Auditor for 
the financial year commencing 1 July 2004. This 
followed a comprehensive tender process for the 
external audit conducted by the Audit Committee. 
KPMG replaced Ernst & Young who had been 
the Company’s External Auditor since the 1995 
financial year. 

28

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

During the year, KPMG provided an Auditor 
Independence Declaration to the Board (refer 
page 37 of the Annual Report) that, to the best of 
their knowledge and belief, there have been no 
contraventions of:

•	

•	

 The auditor independence requirements of the 
Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the audit

 Any applicable code of professional conduct in 
relation to the audit.

In considering this declaration, the Board were 
satisfied with the continuing independence of the 
audit function.

For details of the non-audit roles performed by 
KPMG during the year, please refer to Note 6 of the 
Financial Statements.

Rotation of External Auditor

KPMG has advised the Company that their policy 
of audit partner rotation requires a change in the 
lead engagement partner and review partner after a 
period of five years.

14. SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS

The Company is committed to ensuring 
shareholders and the financial markets are 
provided with full, open and timely information 
about its activities. This is achieved by 
the following:

•	

•	

 Complying with the continuous disclosure 
obligations contained in the ASX Listing Rules 
and the Corporations Act 2001. The Company 
has for many years included continuous 
disclosure as a permanent item on the agenda 
for Board meetings. The Board has approved 
a Continuous Disclosure Policy to ensure 
the Company complies with the continuous 
disclosure requirements, and to ensure 
accountability at the executive and senior 
management level for that compliance

 Ensuring that all shareholder communications 
(including Annual Report, Half Year Report 
and Notice of Annual General Meeting) satisfy 
relevant statutory requirements and the 
guidelines of the ASX Corporate Governance 
Council and other professional bodies. The 
Company is committed to producing shareholder 
communications in plain English with full and 
open disclosure about the Company’s policies 
and procedures, operations and performance

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

 Ensuring that all shareholders have the 
opportunity to receive externally available 
information issued by the Company. The 
Company has a corporate website at 
www.gwail.com.au for the purpose of enhancing 
communication with shareholders and 
other parties. All Company announcements 
and information released to the market are 
located on the website and may be accessed 
by shareholders. There is also a Corporate 
Governance section on the website which 
outlines the practices of the Company and other 
Company information

 The Board is committed to the continued 
development and enhancement of electronic 
communications to shareholders. Shareholders 
are able to register with its Share Registry to 
receive Company communications electronically, 
although not all Company communications 
are made available electronically. Electronic 
communications is a developing area for all 
publicly listed companies and the Company 
will continue to monitor what is happening in 
the market place, particularly regarding cost 
savings, take-up rates and service features

 Pursuant to new legislation recently passed 
by the Federal Government, the Company has 
communicated to shareholders that Annual 
Reports will no longer be mailed to shareholders, 
unless specifically requested. Annual Reports 
are made available to shareholders on the 
Company’s website at www.gwail.com.au in 
an easily accessible and user friendly format. 
Shareholders are mailed the Notice of Annual 
General Meeting and Proxy Form, which include 
details on accessing the online Annual Report

 The Company encourages shareholders to 
attend the Company’s Annual General Meeting 
to canvass the relevant issues of interest. If 
shareholders are unable to attend the Annual 
General Meeting personally, they are encouraged 
to participate through the appointment of a 
proxy or proxies. The Company endeavours to 
set the timing and the location of the Annual 
General Meeting so that it is convenient for 
shareholders generally

 The attendance at the Annual General Meeting 
by the External Auditor to answer questions from 
shareholders about the conduct of the audit and 
the preparation and content of the Independent 
Audit Report. Shareholders attending the Annual 
General Meeting are made aware they can ask 
questions of the External Auditor concerning the 
conduct of the audit.

29

DIRECTORS’ REPORT 
as at 30 June 2007

Your Directors present their report on the 
consolidated entity of GWA International 
Limited and the entities it controlled (“the 
Company”) during the financial year ended 
30 June 2007.

DIRECTORS

The following persons were directors of the 
Company during the financial year and up to the 
date of this report. Directors were in office this 
entire period unless otherwise stated.

B Thornton 
Chairman and Non-Executive Director

J J Kennedy 
Deputy Chairman and Non-Executive Director

P C Crowley 
Managing Director

D R Barry 
Non-Executive Director

R M Anderson 
Non-Executive Director

M D E Kriewaldt 
Non-Executive Director

G J McGrath 
Non-Executive Director

W J Bartlett 
Non-Executive Director

Mr W J Bartlett was appointed Non-Executive 
Director of GWA International Limited on 21 
February 2007.

Details of the Directors’ qualifications, experience 
and special responsibilities are located on page 18 
of the Annual Report.

Details of the directorships of other listed 
companies held by each director in the three years 
prior to the end of the 2006/07 financial year, and 
the period for which each directorship has been 
held, are listed on page 18 of the Annual Report.

Company Secretary
Mr R J Thornton was appointed Company 
Secretary of GWA International Limited on 4 July 
2003. Details of Mr Thornton’s qualifications and 
experience are located on page 19 of the 
Annual Report.

DIRECTORS’ INTEREST

At the date of this report, the relevant interest 
(as defined in the Corporations Act 2001) of the 
directors in shares of the Company were:

Director  

Ordinary Shares  

Interest

B Thornton  

J J Kennedy  

Nil  

Note 4

1,000  

Notes 1 and 4

D R Barry  

3,398,961  

Notes 2 and 4

R M Anderson  

8,198,000  

Notes 2 and 4

M D E Kriewaldt  

100,000  

Notes 2 and 4

P C Crowley  

500,000  

Notes 3 and 4

G J McGrath  

300,000  

Notes 1 and 4

W J Bartlett  

Nil  

Note 4

Note 1: Beneficially and legally owned.

Note 2:  The relevant interest is the power to exercise control over 

the disposal of the shares and the power to control the 

right to vote.

Note 3:  In accordance with a resolution of shareholders at the 

Annual General Meeting on 30 October 2003, Mr Crowley 

was issued 500,000 shares on 14 November 2003 

under the terms and conditions of the GWA International 

Employee Share Plan.

Note 4:  Note 30 to the Financial Statements sets out the 

number of shares held directly, indirectly or beneficially 

by directors or their related entities at balance date as 

prescribed in Accounting Standard AASB 124, this being 

57,221,623 shares (last year 57,317,081 shares).

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

GWA International Limited is a Company limited 
by shares that is incorporated and domiciled in 
Australia. GWA International Limited has prepared 
a Consolidated Financial Report incorporating the 
entities that it controlled during the financial year 
ended 30 June 2007, which are outlined in Note 
28 of the Financial Statements.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

The principal activities during the year within the 
consolidated entity were the research, design, 
manufacturing, importing, and marketing of 
household consumer products as well as the 
distribution of these various products through a 
range of distribution channels in Australia 
and overseas.

There have been no significant changes in the 
nature of these activities during the year.

 
 
 
30

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

EMPLOYEES

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS AND STATE OF AFFAIRS

The Company employed 1,957 employees as at 30 
June 2007 (last year 2,226 employees).

The Company recognises the productivity benefits 
to be gained from investing in its employees to 
improve motivation and individual skills. The 
Company remains committed to ensuring that staff 
are provided access to appropriate training and 
development programs.

All companies in the consolidated entity are active 
equal opportunity employers.

A review of the operations of the Company and the 
results of those operations for the financial year 
ended 30 June 2007 is provided in the Managing 
Director’s Review of Operations which is located on 
page 5 of the Annual Report.

In the opinion of the directors, there were no 
significant changes in the state of affairs of the 
Company during the financial year, other than that 
referred to in the Financial Statements or 
notes thereto.

SEGMENT SALES AND PROFIT

The segment sales and profit of the Company for 
the financial year ended 30 June 2007 is  
as follows:

Business Segment  

Segment Sales  

Segment Profit

2006/07 

$’000  

555,633  

56,973  

33,063  

645,669  

Buildings, fixtures and fittings  

Commercial furniture  

Other  

Total  

Restructuring expenses  

Profit before interest and tax  

EARNINGS PER SHARE 

Basic earning per share  

Basic earnings per share (prior to restructuring expenses)  

DIVIDENDS

 2005/06  

$’000  

2006/07  

$’000 

523,100  

110,521  

56,738   

40,151  

619,989  

2005/06

$’000

102,858

4,655

3,619  

(15,386)  

(12,316)

98,754  

(7,279)  

91,475  

95,197

(5,944)

89,253

2006/07  

2005/06

cents  

cents

20.2  

22.0  

20.4

21.6

Dividends paid or declared by the Company to shareholders since the end of the previous financial 
year were:

Declared and paid during 2006/07 financial year

Dividends 

Cents per share  

Total amount  

Franked/unfranked  

Date of payment

Final 2005/06 ordinary  

Special 2005/06  

Interim 2006/07 ordinary  

Special 2006/07  

$’000

22,264  

9,741  

 27,830  

4,175  

64,010

8.0  

3.5  

10.0 

1.5  

23.0  

Franked  

Franked  

Franked  

Franked  

3 Oct 2006

3 Oct 2006

2 April 2007

2 April 2007

Franked dividends declared and paid during the year were franked at the corporate tax rate of 30%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31

Declared  after end of the 2006/07 financial year

Dividends 

Cents per share  

Total amount  

Franked/unfranked  

Date of payment

Final 2006/07 ordinary  

Special 2006/07  

$’000

22,394  

6,998  

 29,392  

8.0  

2.5  

10.5 

Franked  

Franked  

2 Oct 2007

2 Oct 2007

After the balance sheet date the above dividends 
were proposed by the directors. The dividends have 
not been provided and there are no income 
tax consequences.

The financial effect of these dividends has not been 
brought to account in the Financial Statements 
for the year ended 30 June 2007 and will be 
recognised in subsequent Financial Reports.

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS AFTER BALANCE DATE

On 21 August 2007, the directors of GWA 
International Limited declared a final ordinary 
dividend of 8.0 cents per share and a special 
dividend of 2.5 cents per share in respect of the 
financial year ended 30 June 2007. The dividends 
will be fully franked at the 30% corporate tax rate. 
The total amount of the dividend is $29.392 million 
(last year $32.005 million). In accordance with 
Accounting Standards, the dividends have not been 
provided for in the Financial Statements for the year 
ended 30 June 2007.

There has not been any other matter or 
circumstance, other than that referred to in the 
Financial Statements or notes thereto, that has 
arisen since the end of the financial year, that has 
significantly affected, or may significantly affect, 
the operations of the Company, the results of those 
operations, or the state of affairs of the Company.

LIKELY DEVELOPMENTS AND EXPECTED RESULTS

Likely developments and expected results of the 
operations of the Company are provided in the 
Managing Director’s Review of Operations which is 
located on page 05 of the Annual Report.

In the next financial year, the Company will 
continue to pursue strategies for increasing the 
profitability and market share of the businesses. 
There will be further investment in research and 
new product development to ensure that the 
Company generates the best possible returns from 
the businesses.

Further information on likely developments and 
expected results of the operations of the Company 
have not been included in this report because 
the directors believe it would be likely to result in 
unreasonable prejudice to the Company.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION AND PERFORMANCE

Environmental Licences

The Company holds licences issued by 
Environmental Protection Authorities and Water 
Authorities that specify limits for discharges to the 
environment, which arise from the operations of 
entities that it controls. These licences regulate 
the management of discharge to air, storm water 
run-off, removal and transport of waste associated 
with the manufacturing operations in Australia. 
Where appropriate, an independent review of the 
Company’s compliance with licence conditions is 
made by external advisors.

Designated entities comply with the Australian 
National Pollutant Inventory by reporting on 
emissions annually.

The Company in conjunction with external advisors 
monitors storage and treatment of hazardous 
materials within particular operations. Prior to 
any discharge to sewers, effluent is treated and 
monitored to ensure strict observance with licence 
conditions.

The directors are not aware of any breaches of the 
Company’s licence conditions during the financial 
year ended 30 June 2007.

Environmental Remediation

During the year, the Company investigated and 
reported two environmental contamination issues 
at factory sites at Eagle Farm, Queensland and 
Revesby, NSW. The Eagle Farm site is an owned 
site and is currently occupied by Rover Mowers 
Limited and the Revesby site is a leased site and 
is currently occupied by McIlwraith Davey Pty Ltd. 
Both entities are wholly owned subsidiaries of GWA 
International Limited.

 
 
 
 
  
32

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

In conjunction with the Company’s external 
environmental consultant, investigations and testing 
at both the sites is continuing, the results of which 
will form the basis of any remediation plans for the 
sites. For further information in relation to these 
environmental contamination issues, please refer to 
Note 26 of the Financial Statements.

INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE OF DIRECTORS 
AND EXECUTIVES

Indemnification

The Company’s Constitution provides that, to the 
extent permitted by the law, every current (and 
former) director or secretary of the Company 
shall be indemnified out of the assets of the 
Company against all costs, expenses and liabilities 
which results directly or indirectly from facts or 
circumstances relating to the person serving 
(or having served) in their capacity as director 
or secretary of the Company, but excluding any 
liability arising out of conduct involving a lack of 
good faith or conduct known to the person to be 
wrongful or any liability to the Company or related 
body corporate.

Insurance Premiums

The Company has paid premiums in respect of 
insurance contracts which provide cover against 
certain liabilities of every current (and former) 
director and officer of the Company and its 
controlled entities. The contracts of insurance 
prohibit disclosure of the total amount of the 
premiums paid, or the nature of the liabilities 
covered under the policies.

Premiums were paid in respect of every current 
(and former) director and officer of the Company 
and controlled entities, including the directors 
named on page 18 of the Annual Report, the 
Chief Financial Officer, the Company Secretary 
and all persons concerned or taking part in the 
management of the Company and its 
controlled entities.

REMUNERATION REPORT

This report outlines the remuneration arrangements 
in place for the directors and executives of 
the Company.

Remuneration Objectives

The performance of the Company depends 
upon the quality of its directors and executives. 
To maximise the performance of the Company’s 
businesses, the Company must attract, motivate 
and retain a highly skilled director and executive 
team. This is achieved through a remuneration and 

incentive framework which has been put in place 
by the Board, and is guided by the 
following objectives:

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

 Provide fair and competitive rewards to attract 
high quality executives

 Linking of executive reward to improvement in 
Company performance

 Significant proportion of executive remuneration 
is “at risk”, dependent upon meeting pre-
determined performance benchmarks

 The establishment of challenging and achievable 
performance hurdles in relation to variable 
executive remuneration

 An employee share plan which rewards 
performance and represents a long term 
financial commitment to employment with 
the Company

Remuneration Structure

The remuneration structure for the non-executive 
directors is separate and distinct from the 
remuneration structure for the executives.

Non-Executive Directors’ Remuneration Policy

The Nomination Committee is responsible for 
determining the remuneration arrangements for the 
non-executive directors, with the annual maximum 
aggregate amount approved by shareholders. At 
the Annual General Meeting on 28 October 2004, 
shareholders approved an annual maximum 
aggregate amount of $1 million (excluding 
statutory superannuation).

The non-executive directors are remunerated by 
way of directors’ fees only (including statutory 
superannuation) and are not able to participate 
in the Executive Incentive Scheme or the GWA 
International Employee Share Plan (refer below). 
An additional fee is also paid for each Board 
Committee on which a director sits. The payment 
of additional fees for serving on a Committee 
recognises the additional time commitment 
required by directors who serve on one or 
more Committees. The Company permits directors 
to salary sacrifice directors’ fees 
into superannuation.

In setting the level of non-executive Directors fees’ 
and the manner in which it is to be apportioned 
amongst the directors, the Nomination Committee 
takes advice from external remuneration 
consultants to determine market remuneration 
levels, with the objective of ensuring that the 

33

levels are market based and fairly represent 
the responsibilities and time spent by the Non-
Executive Directors on Company matters.

Following shareholder approval of the termination 
of the Directors’ Retirement Scheme for Non-
Executive Directors at the Annual General Meeting 
on 30 October 2003, retirement benefits are not 
available for any new non-executive directors of the 
Company, other than statutory superannuation.

Fixed Remuneration

The level of fixed remuneration is set so as to 
provide a base level of remuneration which is both 
appropriate to the position and is competitive in the 
market. Fixed remuneration is reviewed annually by 
the Remuneration Committee based on advice from 
external remuneration consultants for determining 
market remuneration levels, as well as having 
regard to Company, divisional and 
individual performance.

At the Annual General Meeting on 28 October 
2004, shareholders approved the payment of the 
accrued benefits to the non-executive directors 
under the former Directors’ Retirement Scheme, 
when each director requests that payment 
be made.

For details of the emoluments paid to the non-
executive directors for the year ended 30 June 
2007, refer to the Remuneration Tables on 
page 35 of the Annual Report.

Executives’ Remuneration Policy

The Remuneration Committee is responsible 
for determining and reviewing the remuneration 
arrangements for the executives. The Remuneration 
Committee takes advice from external remuneration 
consultants to ensure the appropriateness of the 
nature and amount of emoluments of such officers, 
with the overall objective of ensuring maximum 
stakeholder benefits from the retention of a high 
quality executive team.

The executives’ remuneration consists of the 
following key elements:

•	

•	

Fixed Remuneration

Variable Remuneration

– Short Term Incentive

– Medium Term Incentive

•	

Employee Share Plan

The fixed remuneration component includes base 
salary, statutory superannuation and non-monetary 
benefits including medical benefits membership, 
life and disability insurance and the provision 
of motor vehicles. The variable remuneration 
component includes a short term incentive and 
medium term incentive under the Executive 
Incentive Scheme. As a further component of 
remuneration, employees of the Company may 
be invited to participate in the GWA International 
Employee Share Plan.

The fixed remuneration of the five most highly 
remunerated executives is detailed in the 
Remuneration Tables on page 35 of the 
Annual Report.

Variable Remuneration

To assist in achieving the objective of retaining a 
high quality executive team, the Remuneration 
Committee links the nature and amount of the 
executive emoluments to the Company’s financial 
and operating performance. Executives have 
the opportunity to qualify for participation in the 
Executive Incentive Scheme. Under the scheme 
there are two incentives, one based on yearly 
performance and one based on discrete three year 
periods. All performance plan payments are subject 
to maximum amounts. 

Executive Incentive Scheme

The Executive Incentive Scheme came into effect 
on 1 July 2001 and its participants include the 
members of the divisional and corporate executive. 
There are two incentives including an Operating 
Performance Incentive and a Strategic Growth 
Incentive, with the objective of maximising short 
term operating performance and long term 
strategic growth.

The Operating Performance Incentive operates 
from divisional operating profit targets for divisional 
executives, and group earnings before interest 
and tax targets for corporate executives. Where 
the yearly profit targets are achieved, participating 
executives receive an incentive payment, subject to 
a cap of 30% to 35% of their base salary. 
The yearly profit targets are set by the 
Remuneration Committee at the beginning of the 
year having regard to the major external factors 
which are expected to impact each division 
including forecast economic conditions, expected 
benefits from new products, capital expenditure 
and other relevant factors. The Remuneration 
Committee ensures that the profit targets are 
challenging yet achievable, and will assist in 

 
 
 
34

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

focusing divisional and corporate executives 
on maximising operating performance of the 
Company’s businesses.

The Strategic Growth Incentive rewards progressive 
growth in underlying divisional profitability and 
earnings per share over time. The incentive is 
calculated based on divisional profit targets for 
divisional executives, and earnings per share 
targets for corporate executives, within discrete 
three year periods. Where the three year profit 
and earnings per share targets are achieved, 
participating executives receive an incentive 
payment, subject to a cap of 20% to 30% of 
their base salary.

The three year profit and earnings per share targets 
are set by the Remuneration Committee at the 
beginning of the three year period having regard 
to current performance and forecast external 
factors expected to impact each division, and are 
also subject to minimum return on investment 
achievement. The Remuneration Committee 
ensures that the three year profit and earnings 
per share targets are challenging yet achievable, 
and will assist in focusing divisional and corporate 
executives on maximising growth in profitability and 
return on investment.

The total combined payments under the 
abovementioned two incentives are capped at 50% 
to 65% of salary for each participating executive. 
Payments are delivered by way of cash bonus, and 
are paid when the Company’s annual Financial 
Statements are completed.

Employee Share Plan

As a further component of remuneration, 
employees of the Company may be invited to 
participate in the GWA International Employee 
Share Plan which commenced on the listing of 
the Company in 1993. Under the plan, employees 
are provided with a non-interest bearing loan from 
the Company to acquire shares in the Company at 
market value. The loan is repaid through dividends, 
or in full upon an employee ceasing employment 
with the Company. The employee bears the risk of 
share price movements below the issue price.

In accordance with the rules of the plan, the 
total number of employee shares on issue may 
not exceed 5% of the total Company shares on 
issue. At 30 June 2007 there are currently 3.44 
million shares issued under the GWA International 
Employee Share Plan, which have an outstanding 
loan balance of $9.6 million. The plan does not 

provide for the issue of options and no options have 
been issued by the Company.

There are three events which trigger employee 
share issues, all of which must be approved by the 
Remuneration Committee, including:

•	

•	

•	

 Appointment of new divisional and corporate 
executives as recommended by the Managing 
Director

 Achievement of three year targets by divisional 
and corporate executives pursuant to the 
Executive Incentive Scheme (refer above)

 The periodic issue to employees who merit 
additional recognition of their performance 
and are integral to the future success of the 
Company, as recommended by the 
Managing Director

The GWA International Employee Share Plan is an 
effective incentive in encouraging and rewarding 
sustained higher performance from executives and 
senior management, and represents a long term 
financial commitment to their employment with 
the Company.

Shareholder Wealth

The table on page 35 is a summary of key 
shareholder wealth statistics for the Company over 
the last five years.

EBIT has been flat since the year ended 30 
June 2004 due to the softer domestic dwelling 
construction and renovation market, and rising 
business input costs. Despite the difficult market 
conditions, the Company’s core building fixtures 
and fittings businesses have performed strongly 
enabling the Company to maintain its high dividend 
pay-out ratio, and continue its track record in 
paying fully franked dividends to shareholders 
including special dividends. The Company has 
realised opportunities to restructure the businesses 
aimed at reducing costs and creating further 
competitive advantage. The restructuring activities 
will place the Company in a strong position when 
the market recovers and will underpin profitability 
growth into the future.

The remuneration and incentive framework, which 
has been put in place by the Board, has ensured 
that executives are focused on both maximising 
short term operating performance and long term 
strategic growth. This has contributed to the 
Company generating the shareholder returns as set 

35

out in the below table, including a total of $1.045 
in fully franked dividends paid to shareholders in 
the last five financial years, which includes 17.0 
cents in special dividends.

The Board will continue to review and monitor 
the remuneration and incentive framework to 
ensure that performance is fairly rewarded and 
encouraged, and to attract, motivate and retain a 
high quality executive team.

Termination of Employment

The specified executives on page 36 of the Annual 
Report are on open-ended contracts, except for 
the Executive Director, Mr Peter Crowley, whose 
employment contract specifies an initial term of 
twelve months with subsequent rolling terms of 
twelve months.

The employment contract for Mr Crowley provides 
that if either the Company or Mr Crowley wishes 
to terminate employment for any reason, three 
months notice of termination is required, or 
payment in lieu, based upon current salary levels. 
On termination by the Company, Mr Crowley will be 
entitled to receive payment of twelve months salary.

For the other specified executives, the Company 
is legally required to give reasonable notice of 
termination, or payment in lieu, based upon 
current salary levels.

Under the Executive Incentive Scheme, no 
incentive is payable in the event of termination of 
employment during the incentive period.

Any loan to an executive under the GWA 
International Employee Share Plan, must be repaid 
in full upon the cessation of employment with 
the Company.

SHAREHOLDER WEALTH 

Financial Year  

30 June 2003  

30 June 2004  

30 June 2005  

30 June 2006  

30 June 2007  

EBIT(3)  

($m)  

92.4  

101.0  

103.4  

95.2  

98.8  

EPS(3)  

(cents)  

19.8  

22.3  

23.0  

21.6  

22.0  

DPS(2)  

Share Price

(cents)  

18.0  

20.5  

22.5  

21.5  

22.0  

($) 

2.70 

2.95

2.92

3.11

4.42

Notes:   (1)    EBIT for financial years 2003 and 2004 has been calculated in accordance with previous Australian GAAP. EBIT for financial 

years 2005 to 2007 has been calculated in accordance with Australian equivalents to IFRS (AIFRS)  

(2)   Total dividends per share including special dividends
(3)   EBIT and EPS is prior to restructuring costs

REMUNERATION TABLES

Table 1: Emoluments of the Directors of GWA International Limited

Directors’  
Fees  

Incentives  

Other  
  Benefits  

Superannuation   Termination  
Payments  

Total  

Proportion  
Emoluments 
Performance
Related

$  

$ 

 $ 

 $  

$  

$ 

%

Non-Executive

Directors

B Thornton  

177,873 

J J Kennedy  

144,024  

D R Barry  

90,948  

R M Anderson  

85,800  

M D E Kriewaldt  

102,960  

G J McGrath  

22,737  

W J Bartlett 

 -  

 -  

-  

-  

-  

-  

-  

-  

250  

250  

250  

250  

250  

250  

250  

102,693 

 -  

280,816 

-  

8,185  

7,722  

9,266  

76,396  

36,434  

-  

-  

-  

-  

-  

-  

144,274  

99,383  

93,772  

112,476  

99,383  

36,684  

 -

-

-

-

-

-

-

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
36

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

Table 1: Emoluments of the Directors of GWA International Limited (Continued)

          Incentives     

Salary 

and Leave   1 Year    3 Year  
Plan  
$  

Entitlements  
$  

Plan  
$  

Other  
 Benefits 
$  

Super-   Termination  
Payments  
$  

annuation 
$  

  Proportion of
Emoluments
   Performance 
Related 
%

Total 
$ 

Executive Director

P Crowley  

1,057,228  

-  

-   164,730  

36,000  

-   1,257,958 

-

Table 2: Emoluments of the Five Most Highly Paid Executives of the Company and the Consolidated Entity 

          Incentives     

Salary 

and Leave   1 Year    3 Year  
Plan  
$  

Entitlements  
$  

Plan  
$  

Other  
 Benefits 
$  

Super-   Termination  
Payments  
$  

annuation 
$  

  Proportion of
Emoluments
   Performance 
Related 
%

Total 
$ 

Executives

S Wright  
Group Operations 
Manager

E Harrison  
Chief Financial 
Officer

R Watkins  
General Manager, 
Rover

G Oliver  
General Manager, 
Gainsborough

L Patterson  
General Manager, 
Dux 

417,957  

-  

-  

54,542  

123,420  

-  

595,919  

365,707  

-  

-  

87,605  

105,000  

-  

558,312  

161,844  

-  

-  

47,235  

70,000  

250,000  

529,079  

- 

- 

- 

194,603  

84,810 

 -  

49,119  

147,695  

-  

476,227  

17.8 

285,269 

 -  

-  

79,903  

28,163  

-  

393,335  

- 

Notes:  Incentives and Vesting

 The incentive for Mr G Oliver of $84,810 is based on his entitlement under the yearly Executive Incentive Scheme, and is fully 
vested in the 2006/07 year. None of the other executives are entitled to any incentive payments under the Executive Incentive 
Scheme for the 2006/07 year.
Other Benefits
 Other benefits for the Executive Director and executives include the provision of fringe benefits including motor vehicles, loans 
under the Employee Share Plan, insurances and applicable fringe benefits tax.
Termination Payments 
Mr R Watkins received a payment from the Company of $250,000 on termination of employment on 14 February 2007. 

DIRECTORS’ MEETING

The number of meetings of directors (including meetings of Committees of directors) held during the 
financial year ended 30 June 2007 and the number of meetings attended by each director 
are outlined in the table on page 37.

 
  
  
 
 
   
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
   
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
37

Director 

Board 

Committee 

Committee 

Audit  

Remuneration  

B Thornton  

J J Kennedy  

P C Crowley (2)  

D R Barry  

R M Anderson  

M D E Kriewaldt  

G J McGrath  

W J Bartlett (1)  

A  

11  

10  

11  

11  

11  

11  

9  

3  

B  

11  

11  

11

11  

11

11  

11  

3  

A  

3  

3 

3  

1  

B  

3  

 3  

3  

1

A  

B  

2  

2  

2  

2

2  

2

Nomination 

Committee 

A 

3  

3  

B 

3

3

3  

3

Notes:  A - Number of meetings attended

B - Number of meetings held during the time the director held office during the year
(1) W J Bartlett was appointed Non-Executive Director on 21 February 2007
(2) P C Crowley attends Committee meetings by invitation of the Board

As at the date of this report, the Company had an Audit 
Committee, a Remuneration Committee and a Nomination 
Committee  of the Board of Directors. The charter for each 
Committee outlines its role and responsibilities, a summary of 
which is provided in the Corporate Governance Statement on 
page 20 of the Annual Report.

 The members of the Audit Committee are:

•		 Mr	J	J	Kennedy	(Chairman)

•		 Mr	B	Thornton	

•		 Mr	M	D	E	Kriewaldt

•		 Mr	W	J	Bartlett	 

Mr W J Bartlett was appointed a member of the Audit Committee 
on 21 February 2007.

NON-AUDIT SERVICES

Details of the non-audit services provided by the 
Company’s External Auditor, KPMG, during the 
financial year ended 30 June 2007 are outlined 
in Note 6 of the Financial Statements. Based on 
advice from the Company’s Audit Committee, 
the directors are satisfied that the provision of 
non-audit services is compatible with the general 
standard of independence for auditors imposed by 
the Corporations Act 2001. The nature and scope 
of each type of non-audit service provided means 
that auditor independence was not compromised.

LEAD AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARTION

The members of the Remuneration Committee are:

•		 Mr	G	J	McGrath	(Chairman)

•		 Mr	M	D	E	Kriewaldt

•		 Mr	D	R	Barry

During the year, the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 
was rotated and Mr Geoff McGrath was appointed the new 
Chairman, in replace of Mr Martin Kriewaldt who remains a 
member of the Committee.

The members of the Nomination Committee are:

•		 Mr	B	Thornton	(Chairman)

•		 Mr	J	J	Kennedy

•		 Mr	M	D	E	Kriewaldt

Details of the Committee members qualifications and experience 
are located on page 18 of the Annual Report.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of 
the Directors.

B Thornton 
Chairman   
Brisbane, 21 August 2007

P C Crowley 
Managing Director 

Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration under 
Section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001
To the Directors of GWA International Limited:

The Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration is set 
out below and forms part of the Directors’ Report 
for the financial year ended 30 June 2007.

I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and 
belief, in relation to the audit for the financial year 
ended 30 June 2007 there have been:

ROUNDING

The Company is of a kind referred to in Class 
Order 98/100 issued by the Australian Securities 
Investment Commission relating to the rounding of 
amounts in the Directors’ Report.

Amounts in the Directors’ Report have been 
rounded off in accordance with that Class Order to 
the nearest thousand dollars, unless 
otherwise stated.

(i)    no contraventions of the auditor independence 
requirements as set out in the Corporations Act 
2001 in relation to the audit; and

(ii)   no contraventions of any applicable code of 
professional conduct in relation to the audit.

KPMG 
21 August 2007 

Mark Epper

Partner

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
38

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

CONTENTS

Income Statements  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Statements of Recognised Income and Expense   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Balance Sheets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Statements of Cash Flows  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Note

1  

2  

Significant accounting policies   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Segment reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

3   Other income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

4   Other expenses   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

5   Personnel expenses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

6   Auditors’ remuneration  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

7 

Net financing costs  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

8   Restructuring expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

9  

Income tax xpense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

10   Earnings per share  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

11   Cash and cash equivalents  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

12   Trade and other receivables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

13  

Inventories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

14  Current tax assets and liabilities   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

15   Deferred tax assets and liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

16   Property, plant and equipment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

17  

Intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

18   Trade and other payables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

19  

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

20   Employee benefits   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

21   Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

22  Capital and reserves  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

23   Financial instruments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

24   Operating leases  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

25   Capital and other commitments   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

26   Contingencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

27   Deed of cross guarantee  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

28   Consolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

29   Reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

30   Related parties  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

31   Subsequent events  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Directors’ Declaration  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Independent Auditor’s Report to the members of GWA International Limited   . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

 
 
 
39

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
INCOME STATEMENTS  

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007 

In thousands of AUD 

CONSOLIDATED 

 THE COMPANY

Note 

2007 

2006 

2007 

2006

Revenue  

Cost of sales  

Gross profit  

Other income  

Distribution expenses  

Administrative expenses  

Restructuring expenses  

Other expenses  

Results from operating activities 

Financial income  

Financial expenses  

Net financing costs  

Profit before tax  

Income tax expense  

Profit for the year  

2  

645,669  

619,989  

(345,222)  

(326,128) 

300,447  

293,861  

– 

 – 

–  

 –

 –

–

3  

4,998  

15,797  

75,000  

30,734

8  

4  

7  

7  

(139,709)  

(135,818)  

–  

(62,440)  

(61,004)  

(502)  

(7,279)  

(21,963)  

(4,542)  

(1,620)  

–  

–  

–

(1)

– 

–

 91,475  

89,253  

74,498  

30,733

5,718  

6,096  

(18,084) 

 (17,586)  

(12,366)  

(11,490)  

502  

–  

502  

27

–

27

79,109  

77,763  

75,000  

30,760

9  

(22,791)  

(20,911)  

–  

624

56,318  

56,852  

75,000  

31,384

Basic and diluted earnings per share (cents per share)  

10  

20.2  

20.4

Dividends per share 
Ordinary shares (cents per share)  

22  

23.0  

20.0

The income statements are to be read in conjunction with the notes of the financial statements set out on pages 43 to 80.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 40

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
STATEMENTS OF RECOGNISED INCOME AND EXPENSE 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007 

In thousands of AUD 

Foreign exchange translation differences  

Cash flow hedges:

Gains/(losses) taken to equity  

Net income recognised directly in equity  

Profit for the year  

CONSOLIDATED 

 THE COMPANY

Note 

2007 

(1,158)  

2006 

688  

(525)  

385  

(1,683)  

1,073  

2007 

2006

–  

–  

–  

–

–

–

56,318  

56,852  

75,000  

31,384

Total recognised income and expense for the period  

22  

54,635  

57,925  

75,000  

31,384

Effects of change in accounting policy – adjustment 
on adoption of AASB 132 and 139  

–  

157 

 –  

–

Other movements in equity arising from transactions with owners as owners are set out in note 22.

The statements of recognised income and expense are to be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements set out on 

pages 43 to 80.

 
 
 
 
 
41

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
BALANCE SHEETS 

AS AT 30 JUNE 2007 

In thousands of AUD 

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents  

Trade and other receivables  

Inventories  

Income tax receivable  

Other – prepayments  

Total current assets  

Receivables  

Deferred tax assets  

Investment in subsidiaries  

Property, plant and equipment  

Intangible assets  

Other – prepayments  

Total non–current assets  

Total assets  

Liabilities

Trade and other payables  

Employee benefits  

Income tax payable  

Provisions  

Total current liabilities  

Interest–bearing loans and borrowings  

Payables  

Employee benefits  

Provisions  

Total non–current liabilities  

Total liabilities  

Net assets  

Equity

Issued capital  

Reserves  

Retained earnings  

Total equity  

CONSOLIDATED 

 THE COMPANY

Note 

2007 

2006 

2007 

2006

11  

12  

13  

14  

12  

15  

28  

16  

17  

18  

20  

14  

21  

19  

18 

20  

21  

80,421  

156,498  

75,508  

67,853  

128,211  

95,342  

1,440  

5,043  

2,512  

4,399  

232  

576  

–  

348  

724  

–

518

–

2,512

413

290,623  

326,604  

1,880  

3,443

4,983  

3,676  

598,992  

512,482

24,531  

25,034  

–  

–

–  

–  

325,646  

325,646

113,019  

117,839  

344,463  

343,786 

–  

 –  

–

–

3,549  

2,333  

3,381  

1,771

490,545  

492,668  

928,019  

839,899

781,168  

819,272  

929,899  

843,342

51,440  

48,664  

16,056  

17,451 

–  

258  

13,570  

19,586 

81,066  

85,959  

271,567  

297,498 

–  

–  

–  

 –  

–  

 –  

54

–

–

–

54

–

 – 

–  

527,430  

458,018

11,015  

12,503  

8,718  

11,344  

–  

–  

–

–

291,300  

321,345  

527,430  

458,018

372,366  

407,304  

527,430  

458,072

408,802  

411,968  

402,469  

385,270

353,062  

346,853  

353,062  

346,853

(2,536)  

(853) 

 –  

–

58,276  

65,968  

49,407  

38,417

22  

408,802  

411,968  

402,469  

385,270

The balance sheets are to be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements set out on pages 43 to 80.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 42

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007 

In thousands of AUD 

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash receipts from customers  

Dividends and trust distributions received  

Cash paid to suppliers and employees  

Cash generated from operations 

Interest paid  

Interest received  

Income taxes paid  

CONSOLIDATED 

 THE COMPANY

Note 

2007 

2006 

2007 

2006

714,364  

683,805 

 –  

–

–  

–  

75,000  

13,142

(650,780)  

(585,571)  

(1)  

(1)

 63,584  

98,234  

74,999  

13,141

(19,366)  

(14,717)  

5,180  

5,540  

–  

–  

–

27

(21,100)  

(29,019)  

(18,220)  

(27,927)

Net cash from operating activities  

29  

28,298  

60,038  

56,779  

(14,759)

Cash flows from investing activities

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment  

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment  

Acquisition of intangibles  

Net cash from investing activities  

Cash flows from financing activities

Issue of employee shares  

Proceeds from issue of shares  

Repayment of employee share loans  

Repayment of loans by controlled entities  

Repayment of loans from controlled entities  

Issue of loans to other parties  

Repayment of loans by related parties  

Repayment of bank bills  

Dividends paid  

Net cash from financing activities 

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,719  

46,422  

(18,161)  

(30,228)  

(2,717)  

(738)  

(19,159)  

15,456  

–  

–  

–  

–  

(7,828)  

6,208  

4,387  

–  

–  

–  

510  

(25,000)  

–  

–  

(7,828)  

6,208  

1,792  

4,387  

1,792

–  

–  

(7)  

284  

–  

4,750  

68,621

–  

–  

–  

–  

–

–

–

–

(64,010)  

(55,660)  

(64,010)  

(55,660)

(85,733)  

(53,591)  

(56,493)  

14,753

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 July  

Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held  

(76,594)  

21,903  

156,498  

134,854  

517  

(259)  

Cash and cash equivalents at 30 June 

11 

80,421  

156,498  

286  

(54)  

– 

232  

(6)

(48)

 –

(54)

The statements of cash flows are to be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements set out on pages 43 to 80.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
43

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

1.   Significant accounting policies

and future periods if the revision affects both current and 

 GWA International Limited (the ‘Company’) is a company 

domiciled in Australia. The consolidated financial report of the 

Company for the financial year ended 30 June 2007 comprises 

the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the 

‘consolidated entity’).

 The financial report was authorised for issue by the directors 

on 21 August 2007.

(a)  Statement of compliance 

 The financial report is a general purpose financial report which 

has been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting 

Standards (‘AASBs’) adopted by the Australian Accounting 

Standards Board (‘AASB’) and the Corporations Act 2001. The 

consolidated entity’s financial report and the financial report 

of the Company comply with International Financial Reporting 

Standards (‘IFRSs’) and interpretations adopted by the 

International Accounting Standard Board.

(b)  Basis of preparation 

 The financial report is presented in Australian dollars. The 

entity has elected not to early adopt any accounting standards 

or amendments.

 The financial report is prepared on the historical cost basis 

except that derivative financial instruments are measured at 

their fair value.

 The Company is of a kind referred to in ASIC Class Order 

98/100 dated 10 July 1998 (updated by CO 05/641 effective 

28 July 2005 and CO 06/51 effective 31 January 2006) and in 

accordance with that Class Order, amounts in the financial 

report and Directors’ Report have been rounded off to the 

nearest thousand dollars, unless otherwise stated.

 The preparation of a financial report in conformity with 

Australian Accounting Standards requires management to 

make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect 

the application of policies and reported amounts of assets 

and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and 

associated assumptions are based on historical experience 

and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable 

under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis 

of making the judgements about carrying values of assets and 

liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. 

future periods.

 The accounting policies set out below have been applied 

consistently to all periods presented in the consolidated 

financial report. The accounting policies have been applied 

consistently by all entities in the consolidated entity.

 Accounting standards not yet effective 
The AASB has issued additional standards and interpretations 

that are effective for periods commencing after the date 

of this financial report. The following standards have been 

identified as those which are relevant to the consolidated 

entity. These standards are available for early adoption at 30 

June 2007, but have not yet been adopted by the 

consolidated entity:

	•		AASB	7	Financial	Instruments	and	Disclosures	–	
applicable to annual reporting periods beginning 
on or after 1 January 2007. Adoption of AASB 7 will 
result in additional disclosures in respect of financial 
instruments.

	•		AASB	8	Operating	Segments	–	and	consequential	

amendments to other accounting standards resulting 
from this issue – applicable to annual reporting periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2009. This standard 

relates to disclosure only.

 The consolidated entity does not anticipate that adoption of 

these standards will have a material impact on its financial 

reports on initial adoption.

(c)  Basis of consolidation

 (i) 

 Subsidiaries 
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Company. Control 

exists when the Company has the power, directly or indirectly, 

to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so 

as to obtain benefits from its activities. In assessing control, 

potential voting rights that presently are exercisable or 

convertible are taken into account. The financial statements 

of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial 

statements from the date that control commences until the 

date that control ceases.

 Investments in subsidiaries are carried at their cost of 

acquisition in the Company’s financial statements.

Actual results may differ from these estimates.

(ii)   Transactions eliminated on consolidation 

 The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on 

an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are 

recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the 

revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision 

Intragroup balances and any unrealised gains and losses or 

income and expenses arising from intragroup transactions, are 

eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 44

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

1.  Significant accounting policies (continued)

the nature of the item being hedged (see accounting policy(f)).

(d)  Foreign currency

(i)   Foreign currency transactions 

 Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the foreign 

exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary 

assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at 

the balance sheet date are translated to Australian dollars 

at the foreign exchange rate ruling at that date. Foreign 

 The fair value of interest rate swaps is the estimated amount 

that the consolidated entity would receive or pay to terminate 

the swap at the balance sheet date, taking into account 

current interest rates and the current creditworthiness of 

the swap counterparties. The fair value of forward exchange 

contracts is their quoted market price at the balance sheet 

date, being the present value of the quoted forward price.

exchange differences arising on translation are recognised in 

(f)   Hedging 

the income statement. Non–monetary assets and liabilities 

that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign 

currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date 

of the transaction. Non–monetary assets and liabilities 

denominated in foreign currencies that are stated at fair value 

are translated to Australian dollars at foreign exchange rates 

ruling at the dates the fair value was determined.

(ii)  Financial statements of foreign operations 

 The assets and liabilities of foreign operations including 

goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on consolidation 

are translated to Australian dollars at foreign exchange rates 

ruling at the balance sheet date. The revenues and expenses 

of foreign operations are translated to Australian dollars at 

rates approximating to the foreign exchange rates ruling at 

the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange differences 

arising on retranslation are recognised directly in the foreign 

currency translation reserve.

(iii)  Net investment in foreign operations 

 Exchange differences arising from the translation of the 

net investment in foreign operations, and of related hedges 

recognised in the foreign currency translation reserve. They are 

released into the income statement upon disposal.

(e)  Derivative financial instruments 

 On entering into a hedging relationship, the consolidated 

entity formally designates and documents the hedge 

relationship and the risk management objective and strategy 

for undertaking the hedge. The documentation includes 

identification of the hedging instrument, the hedged item 

or transaction, the nature of the risk being hedged and how 

the entity will assess the hedging instrument’s effectiveness 

in offsetting the exposure to changes in the hedged item’s 

fair value or cash flows attributable to the hedged risk. Such 

hedges are expected to be highly or fully effective in achieving 

offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows and are 

assessed on an ongoing basis to determine that they actually 

have been highly effective throughout the financial reporting 

periods for which they are designated.

(i)   Cash flow hedges 

 Where a derivative financial instrument is designated as a 

hedge of the variability in cash flows of a recognised asset 

or liability, or a highly probable forecasted transaction, the 

effective part of any gain or loss on the derivative financial 

instrument is recognised directly in equity. When the 

forecasted transaction subsequently results in the recognition 

of a non–financial asset or non–financial liability, or the 

forecast transaction for a non–financial asset or non–financial 

liability becomes a firm commitment for which fair value 

 The consolidated entity uses derivative financial instruments 

hedge accounting is applied, the associated cumulative gain 

to hedge its exposure to foreign exchange and interest 

or loss is removed from equity and included in the initial cost 

rate risks arising from operating, financing and investing 

or other carrying amount of the non–financial asset or liability. 

activities. In accordance with its treasury policy, the 

If a hedge of a forecasted transaction subsequently results in 

consolidated entity does not hold or issue derivative financial 

the recognition of a financial asset or a financial liability, the 

instruments for trading purposes.

 Derivative financial instruments are recognised initially at fair 

value. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivative financial 

instruments are stated at fair value. The gain or loss on 

remeasurement to fair value is recognised in profit or loss, 

unless the derivative qualifies for hedge accounting, in which 

case the recognition of any resultant gain or loss depends on 

associated gains and losses that were recognised directly in 

equity are reclassified into profit or loss in the same period or 

periods during which the asset acquired or liability assumed 

affects profit or loss. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
45

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

1.  Significant accounting policies (continued)

the item will flow to the consolidated entity and the cost of the 

(f)   Hedging (continued) 

 For cash flow hedges, other than those described above, the 

item can be measured reliably. All other costs are recognised in the 

income statement as an expense as incurred.

associated cumulative gain or loss is removed from equity 

(ii)  Depreciation 

and recognised in the income statement in the same period 

or periods during which the hedged forecast transaction 

affects profit or loss. The ineffective part of any gain or loss is 

recognised immediately in the income statement.

 When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated 

or exercised, or the entity revokes designation of the hedge 

relationship, but the hedged forecast transaction is still 

expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss at that point 

remains in equity and is recognised in accordance with the 

above policy when the transaction occurs. If the hedged 

transaction is no longer expected to take place, the cumulative 

unrealised gain or loss recognised in equity is recognised 

immediately in the income statement.

(ii)  Hedge of monetary assets and liabilities 

 Where a derivative financial instrument is used to hedge 

economically the foreign exchange exposure of a recognised 

monetary asset or liability, no hedge accounting is applied and 

any gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognised in 

the income statement.

(iii)  Hedge of net investment in foreign operation  

 The portion of the gain or loss on an instrument used to hedge 

a net investment in a foreign operation that is determined 

to be an effective hedge is recognised directly in equity. The 

ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the income 

statement.

(g)   Property, plant and equipment 

Items of property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less 

accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. The cost 

of self–constructed assets includes the cost of materials, 

direct labour, the initial estimate, where relevant, of the costs 

of dismantling and removing the items and restoring the site 

on which they are located, and an appropriate proportion of 

production overheads.

 Where parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have 

different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items 

of property, plant and equipment.

(i)  Subsequent costs 

 The consolidated entity recognises in the carrying amount of 

an item of property, plant and equipment the cost of replacing 

part of such an item when that cost is incurred if it is probable 

that the future economic benefits embodied within 

 With the exception of freehold land, depreciation is charged 

to the income statement on a straight–line basis over the 

estimated useful lives of each part of an item of property, 

plant and equipment. Land is not depreciated. The estimated 

useful lives in the current and comparative periods are 

as follows:

•		buildings	

•		plant	and	equipment	

•		fixtures	and	fittings	

40	years

3–10	years

7–15	years

 The residual value, the useful life and the deprecation method 

applied to an asset are reassessed annually.

(h)  Intangible assets

(i) 

 Research and development 
Expenditure on research activities, undertaken with the 

prospect of gaining new scientific or technical knowledge and 

understanding, is recognised in the income statement as an 

expense as incurred.

 Expenditure on development activities, whereby research 

findings are applied to a plan or design for the production 

of new or substantially improved products and processes, 

is capitalised if the product or process is technically and 

commercially feasible and the consolidated entity has 

sufficient resources to complete development. Capitalised 

development expenditure is stated at cost less accumulated 

amortisation and impairment losses.

(ii)    Brand names 

Expenditure incurred in developing, maintaining or enhancing 

brand names is written–off against profit from ordinary 

activities in the year in which it is incurred. The brand names 

are not amortised as the directors believe that the brand 

names have an indefinite useful life. The carrying value of 

these brand names is reviewed each year to ensure that no 

impairment exists.

(iii)   Other intangible assets 

 Other intangible assets that are acquired by the consolidated 

entity are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and 

impairment losses.

(iv)   Subsequent expenditure 

Subsequent expenditure on capitalised intangible assets 

is capitalised only when it increases the future economic 

benefits embodied in the specific asset to which it relates.  

All other expenditure is expensed as incurred.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 46

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

1.  Significant accounting policies (continued)

(h)  Intangible assets (continued)

(v)   Amortisation 

 Amortisation is charged to the income statement on a 

straight–line basis over the estimated useful lives of 

intangible assets unless such lives are indefinite. Intangible 

assets with an indefinite useful life are systematically tested 

for impairment at each balance sheet date. Other intangible 

assets are amortised from the date they are available for use. 

The estimated useful lives in the current and comparative 

periods are as follows:

•	capitalised	software	development	costs	

5	years

 For intangible assets that have an indefinite useful life, the 

recoverable amount is estimated at each balance sheet date.

 An impairment loss is recognised whenever the carrying 

amount of an asset or its cash–generating unit exceeds its 

recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognised in 

the income statement, unless an asset has previously been 

revalued, in which case the impairment loss is recognised as 

a reversal to the extent of that previous revaluation with any 

excess recognised through profit or loss.

 Impairment losses recognised in respect of cash–generating 

units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any 

goodwill allocated to cash–generating units (group of units) 

and then, to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in 

(i)   Trade and other receivables 

the unit (group of units) on a pro rata basis.

 Trade and other receivables are stated at their amortised cost 

less impairment losses.

(j)  Inventories 

(i)   Calculation of recoverable amount 

 The recoverable amount of the consolidated entity’s 

receivables carried at amortised cost is calculated as the 

 Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable 

present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at 

value. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in 

the original effective interest rate (i.e. the effective interest 

the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of 

rate computed at initial recognition of these financial assets). 

completion and selling expenses.

Receivables with a short duration are not discounted.

 The cost of inventories is based on the first–in first–out 

 Impairment of receivables is not recognised until objective 

principle and includes expenditure incurred in acquiring the 

evidence is available that a loss event has occurred. 

inventories and bringing them to their existing location and 

Significant receivables are individually assessed for 

condition. In the case of manufactured inventories and work 

impairment. Impairment testing of significant receivables 

in progress, cost includes an appropriate share of overheads 

that are not assessed as impaired individually is performed 

based on normal operating capacity.

(k)  Cash and cash equivalents 

 Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call 

deposits with an original maturity date of three months or 

less. Bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form 

an integral part of the consolidated entity’s cash management 

are included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for 

the purpose of the statement of cash flows.

(l)  Impairment 

 The carrying amounts of the consolidated entity’s assets, 

other than inventories and deferred tax assets, are reviewed 

at each balance sheet date to determine whether there is any 

indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, the 

asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. 

by placing them into portfolios of significant receivables 

with similar risk profiles and undertaking a collective 

assessment of impairment. Non–significant receivables are 

not individually assessed. Instead, impairment testing is 

performed by placing non–significant receivables in portfolios 

of similar risk profiles, based on objective evidence from 

historical experience adjusted for any effects of conditions 

existing at each balance sheet date.

 The recoverable amount of other assets is the greater of their 

fair value less costs to sell and value in use. 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. For an asset that does not 

generate largely independent cash inflows, the recoverable 

amount is determined for the cash–generating unit to which 

the asset belongs.

 
	
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
47

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

1.  Significant accounting policies (continued)

(iii)    Wages, salaries, annual leave, sick leave and 

(l)  Impairment (continued)

(ii)  Reversals of impairment 

non–monetary benefits 
Liabilities for employee benefits for wages, salaries, annual 

leave and sick leave that are expected to be settled within 12 

 Impairment losses are reversed when there is an indication 

months of the reporting date represent present obligations 

that the impairment loss may no longer exist and there 

has been a change in the estimate used to determine the 

recoverable amount. An impairment loss in respect of 

a receivable carried at amortised cost is reversed if the 

resulting from employees’ services provided to reporting 

date, are calculated at undiscounted amounts based on 

remuneration wage and salary rates that the consolidated 

entity expects to pay as at reporting date including related 

subsequent increase in recoverable amount can be related 

on–costs, such as workers compensation insurance and 

objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss 

payroll tax. Non–accumulating non–monetary benefits, such 

was recognised.

 An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the 

asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount 

that would have been determined, net of depreciation or 

as medical care, housing, cars and free or subsidised goods 

and services, are expensed based on the net marginal cost to 

the consolidated entity as the benefits are taken by 

the employees.

amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.

(p)  Provisions 

(m)  Share capital 
(i)   Dividends 

 Dividends are recognised as a liability in the period in which 

they are declared.

(ii)   Transaction costs 

Transaction costs of an equity transaction are accounted for 

as a deduction from equity, net of any related income  

tax benefit.

(n)  Interest–bearing borrowings 
 Current accounting policy 
Interest–bearing borrowings are recognised initially at fair 

value less attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to 

initial recognition, interest–bearing borrowings are stated 

at amortised cost with any difference between cost and 

redemption value being recognised in the income statement 

over the period of the borrowings on an effective 

interest basis.

(o)  Employee benefits 
(i)    Defined contribution superannuation funds 

Obligations for contributions to defined contribution 

superannuation funds are recognised as an expense in the 

income statement as incurred.

(ii)  Long–term service benefits 

 The consolidated entity’s net obligation in respect of 

long–term service benefits is the amount of future benefit that 

employees have earned in return for their service in the current 

and prior periods. The obligation is calculated using expected 

future increases in wage and salary rates including related 

on–costs and expected settlement dates, and is discounted to 

present value.

 A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when the 

consolidated entity has a present legal or constructive 

obligation as a result of a past event, and it is probable that 

an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle 

the obligation. Provisions are determined by discounting the 

expected future cash flows at a pre–tax rate that reflects 

current market assessments of the time value of money and, 

where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability.

(i)    Warranties 

A provision for warranties is recognised when the underlying 

products or services are sold. The provision is based on 

historical warranty data and a weighting of all possible 

outcomes against their associated probabilities.

(ii)    Restructuring 

A provision for restructuring is recognised when the 

consolidated entity has approved a detailed and formal 

restructuring plan, and the restructuring has either 

commenced or has been announced publicly. Future operating 

costs are not provided for.

(iii)   Site restoration 

 A provision for restoration in respect of leased premises is 

recognised when the obligation to restore arises. The provision 

is the best estimate of the present value of the expenditure 

required to settle the restoration obligation at the reporting 

date. Future restoration obligations are reviewed annually and 

any changes are reflected in the present value of the provision 

at the end of the reporting period.

 The unwinding of the effect of discounting on the provision is 

recognised as a finance cost.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 48

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

1.  Significant accounting policies (continued)

(q)  Trade and other payables 

Trade and other payables are stated at their amortised cost.

(r)   Revenue 

Goods sold 
 Revenue from the sale of goods is measured at the fair 

value of the consideration received or receivable, net of 

returns, discounts and rebates and recognised in the income 

statement when the significant risks and rewards of ownership 

have been transferred to the buyer.

(s)   Expenses 
(i)   Operating lease payments 

 Payments made under operating leases are recognised in the 

income statement on a straight–line basis over the term of the 

lease. Lease incentives received are recognised in the income 

statement as an integral part of the total lease expense and 

spread over the lease term.

(ii)  Net financing costs 

 Net financing costs comprise interest payable on borrowings 

calculated using the effective interest method, interest 

receivable on funds invested and gains and losses on hedging 

instruments that are recognised in the income statement. 

Borrowing costs are expensed as incurred and included in net 

financing costs. Interest income is recognised in the income 

statement as it accrues, using the effective interest method.

(t)    Income tax 

Income tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises 

current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the 

income statement except to the extent that it relates to items 

recognised directly in equity, in which case it is recognised 

in equity.

 Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income 

for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted 

at the balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable 

in respect of previous years.

 The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected 

manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of 

assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively 

enacted at the balance sheet date.

 A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is 

probable that future taxable profits will be available against 

which the asset can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are 

reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the 

related tax benefit will be realised.

Tax consolidation 
 The Company and its wholly–owned Australian resident 

entities have formed a tax–consolidated group with effect 

from 1 July 2003 and are therefore taxed as a single entity 

from that date. The head entity within the tax–consolidated 

group is GWA International Limited. 

 Current tax expense/income, deferred tax liabilities and 

deferred tax assets arising from temporary differences of the 

members of the tax–consolidated group are recognised in the 

separate financial statements of the members of the tax–

consolidated group using the ‘separate taxpayer within group’ 

approach by reference to the carrying amounts of assets and 

liabilities in the separate financial statements of each entity 

and the tax values applying under tax consolidation.

 Any current tax liabilities (or assets) are assumed by the head 

entity in the tax–consolidated group and are recognised as 

amounts payable (receivable) to (from) other entities in the 

tax–consolidated group in conjunction with any tax funding 

arrangement amounts (refer below). Any difference between 

these amounts is recognised by the Company as an equity 

contribution or distribution.

 Nature of tax funding arrangements and tax 
sharing arrangements 
 The members of the tax–consolidated group have entered 

into a tax funding arrangement and a tax sharing agreement 

with the head entity. Under the terms of the tax funding 

arrangement GWA International Limited and each of the 

 Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability 

entities in the tax consolidated group recognise inter–entity 

method, providing for temporary differences between the 

receivables (payables) equal in amount to the tax liability 

carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial 

(asset) assumed by the head entity.

reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation 

purposes. The following temporary differences are not provided 

for: the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect 

neither accounting nor taxable profit and differences relating 

to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that they will 

probably not reverse in the foreseeable future.  

(u)   Segment reporting 

A segment is a distinguishable component of the consolidated 

entity that is engaged either in providing products or services 

(business segment), or in providing products or services within 

a particular economic environment (geographical segment), 

which is subject to risks and rewards that are different from 

those of other segments.

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
49

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

1.  Significant accounting policies (continued)

2.    Segment reporting 

(v)    Goods and services tax 

Revenue, expenses and assets are recognised net of the 

amount of goods and services tax (GST), except where the 

amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the taxation 

authority. In these circumstances, the GST is recognised as 

 Segment information is presented in respect of the 

consolidated entity’s business and geographical segments. 

The primary format, business segments, is based on the 

consolidated entity’s management and internal 

reporting structure.

part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of 

Inter–segment pricing is determined on an arm’s length basis.

the expense.

 Segment results, assets and liabilities include items 

 Receivables and payables are stated with the amount of GST 

directly attributable to a segment as well as those that 

included. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable 

can be allocated on a reasonable basis. Unallocated items 

to, the ATO is included as a current asset or liability in the 

comprise mainly the mower business, interest–bearing loans, 

balance sheet.

borrowings and expenses, and corporate assets and expenses.

 Cash flows are included in the statement of cash flows on a 

  Segment capital expenditure is the total cost incurred during 

gross basis. The GST components of cash flows arising from 

the period to acquire segment assets that are expected to be 

investing and financing activities which are recoverable from, 

used for more than one period.

or payable to, the ATO are classified as operating cash flows.

(w)   Accounting estimates and judgements 

Business segments 
 The consolidated entity comprises the following main business 

Management discussed with the Audit Committee the 

segments:

development, selection and disclosure of the consolidated 

entity’s critical accounting policies and estimates and the 

application of these policies and estimates. The estimates and 

judgements that have a significant risk of causing a material 

adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities 

within the next financial year are discussed below.

 Impairment of intangibles with indefinite useful lives 
The consolidated entity assesses whether intangibles with 

indefinite useful lives are impaired at least annually in 

accordance with the accounting policy. These calculations 

involve an estimation of the recoverable amount of the 

•		Building fixtures and fittings 

Sanitaryware 

Building hardware products 

Baths and spas 

Household accessories, sinks and tapware 

Hot water products

•	 Commercial furniture 
Education products 

Hospitality products 

Stadia seating

cash–generating units to which the intangibles with indefinite 

•		Unallocated 

useful lives are allocated.

Domestic and ride–on mowers 

Corporate administration

Geographical segments

The business segments are managed on a worldwide basis,  

but operate mainly in one geographical area being Australia.  

Sales offices are operated in New Zealand, Asia, United States 

and Europe, however the sales revenue from these    

geographical areas comprise only 16% of the consolidated  

entity’s total sales revenue and are individually less 

than 10%.

 In presenting information on the basis of geographical 

segments, segment revenue is based on the geographical 

location of customers. Segment assets are based on the 

geographical location of the assets.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 50

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Building fixtures  

Commercial  

and fittings *  

furniture* 

Unallocated* 

Eliminations 

Consolidated*

In thousands of AUD 

2007  

2006  

2007  

2006  

2007  

2006  

2007  

2006  

2007  

2006 

2.

Segment reporting 
(continued)

Business segments 

Revenue:

External sales  

555,633   523,100  

56,973  

56,738  

33,063  

40,151  

–  

–   645,669   619,989

Inter–segment sales  

–  

–  

1,993  

2,810  

– 

– 

(1,993)  

(2,810)  

– 

 –

Total sales revenue  

555,633   523,100  

58,966  

59,548  

33,063  

40,151  

(1,993)  

(2,810)   645,669   619,989

Segment result  

110,521   102,858  

3,619  

4,655  

(15,386)  

(12,316)  

(3,158)  

(12,228)  

–  

6,284  

(4,121)  

–  

–  

–  

–  

98,754  

95,197

–  

(7,279)  

(5,944)

107,363  

90,630  

3,619  

10,939  

(19,507)  

(12,316) 

 –  

–  

91,475  

89,253

Restructuring  
income/(expenses)  

Segment result after 
restructuring expenses  

Net financing costs  

Income tax expense  

Profit for the period  

(12,366)  

(11,490)

(22,791)  

(20,911)

56,318  

56,852

–   781,168   820,734

–   372,366   408,766

–  

–  

–  

–  

19,240  

21,929

539  

491

21,516  

30,966

1,227  

2,816

Segment assets  

595,294   570,143  

34,498  

36,941  

151,376  

213,650  

Segment liabilities  

76,517  

92,655  

6,331  

8,316  

289,518  

307,795  

Depreciation  

Amortisation  

15,689  

17,023  

2,325 

 3,418  

1,226  

1,488  

276  

276 

 – 

 –  

263  

215  

Capital expenditure  

18,726  

28,569  

156  

1,024  

2,634  

1,373 

Impairment losses  

 1,227  

1,206  

–  

1,610  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

 –  

–  

* All segments are continuing operations

Geographical segments

In thousands of AUD 

External sales revenue  

Segment assets  

Capital expenditure  

* All segments are continuing operations

Australia*  

Unallocated*  

Consolidated *

2007  

2006  

2007  

2006  

2007  

2006

544,939   521,265   100,730  

95,724  

645,669  

619,989

718,230   760,329  

63,491  

60,405  

781,721  

820,734

18,666  

29,175  

2,850  

1,791 

 21,516  

30,966

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
51

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

3.

4.

5.

6.

In thousands of AUD 

Other income 
Foreign currency gains – realised  
Foreign currency gains – unrealised  
Net gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment  
Impairment reversals  
Dividends received from controlled companies 
Distributions received from controlled trusts  

Other  

Other expenses
Foreign currency losses – realised  
Foreign currency losses – unrealised  

Net loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment  

Personnel expenses
Wages and salaries – including annual leave, 
long service leave and on–costs 

In AUD 

Auditors’ remuneration
Audit services
Auditors of the Company
  KPMG Australia:

Audit and review of financial reports  

  Other regulatory audit services  

  Overseas KPMG Firms:

Audit and review of financial reports  

Other services
Auditors of the Company
  KPMG Australia:

  Due diligence services 
Taxation services  

  Other   

In thousands of AUD 

7.

Net financing costs
Interest income  

Interest expense  

Net financing costs/(income)  

CONSOLIDATED 

 THE COMPANY

2007 

2006 

2007 

2006

2,288  
204  
–  
– 
 –  
–  

2,506  

4,998  

969  
2,278  

1,295 

4,542  

116  
551 
14,471  
 –  
–  
–  

659 

–  
 –  
–  
–  
75,000  
–  

–
–
– 
17,592
– 
13,142

 –  

–

15,797  

75,000  

30,734 

432  
1,188  

 –  

1,620  

–  
–  

–  

–  

–
–

–

– 

– 

140,785  

138,251 

 –  

CONSOLIDATED 

 THE COMPANY

2007 

2006 

2007 

2006

340,000  
–  

260,000  
36,329  

10,000  
–  

10,000
–

60,000  

62,559  

–  

–

400,000  

358,888  

10,000  

10,000

30,000  
102,819  

101,500  
– 

–  

27,500  

132,819  

129,000  

–  
 –  

–  

–  

–
–

– 

–

CONSOLIDATED 

 THE COMPANY

2007 

2006 

2007 

2006

(5,718)  

(6,096)  

(502)  

18,084  

17,586 

 –  

12,366  

11,490  

(502)  

(27)

–

(27)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 52

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

In thousands of AUD 

8.

Restructuring expenses 

Restructuring expenses  

Gains on property sales (included in other income)  

Net expense before tax  

Tax benefit  

Net restructuring expense after tax  

9.

Income tax expense
Recognised in the income statement

Current tax expense

Current year  

Adjustments for prior years  

Deferred tax expense

Origination and reversal of temporary differences  

Benefit of tax losses recognised  

Total income tax expense/(benefit) in income statement  

CONSOLIDATED 

 THE COMPANY

2007 

2006 

2007 

2006

7,279  

21,963  

–  

(16,019)  

7,279  

5,944  

(2,184)  

(2,717)  

5,095  

3,227  

23,487  

21,898  

(1,539)  

(1,411)  

21,948  

20,487  

706  

137  

843  

434  

(10)  

424  

22,791  

20,911  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

– 

– 

–

–

–

8

(632)

(624)

–

–

–

(624)

Numerical reconciliation between tax expense and pre–tax net profit

Profit before tax  

79,109  

77,763  

75,000  

30,760

Income tax using the domestic corporation tax rate of 30% (2006: 30%)  

23,733  

23,329  

22,500  

9,228

Increase in income tax expense due to:

Non–deductible building depreciation  

Non–deductible expenses  

Effect of tax rate in foreign jurisdictions  

Decrease in income tax expense due to:

Effect of tax losses recognised  

Non–assessable income  

Non–assessable capital profits  

Rebateable research and development   

Impairment reversals 

Rebateable trust distributions  

Rebateable dividends 

Under / (over) provided in prior years  

Income tax expense/(benefit) on pre–tax net profit  

Deferred tax recognised directly in equity

Derivatives  

63  

636  

39  

–  

–  

–  

(141)  

 –  

–  

 –  

76  

381 

156  

(10)  

(576)  

(934)  

(100)  

–  

–  

–  

24,330  

22,322  

(1,539)  

(1,411)  

22,791  

20,911  

–  

 –  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

(22,500)  

–  

–  

–  

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(5,278)

(3,942)

–

8

(632)

(624)

(340)  

232  

–  

–

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
53

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

10.

Earnings per share

Basic and diluted earnings per share 
Cents per share  

Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders

In thousands of AUD

Profit for the period  

Weighted average number of ordinary shares 

In thousands of shares

Issued ordinary shares at 1 July  

Effect of shares issued  

Weighted average number of ordinary shares at 30 June   

In thousands of AUD 

11.

Cash and cash equivalents

Bank balances  

Call deposits  

Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows  

12.

Trade and other receivables

Current

Trade receivables  

Provision for impairment 

Fair value derivatives  

Employee share loans  

Other  

Non–current

Receivables due from controlled entities  

Employee share loans  

Other  

CONSOLIDATED

2007 

2006

20.2  

20.4

56,318  

56,852

278,303  

278,303

453  

–

278,756  

278,303

CONSOLIDATED 

 THE COMPANY

2007 

2006 

2007 

2006

47,497  

93,011  

32,924  

63,487  

80,421  

156,498  

73,520  

65,407  

(804)  

(1,126)  

637  

576  

920  

518  

1,579  

2,134  

75,508  

67,853  

232  

–  

232  

–  

–  

–  

576  

–  

576  

–

–

–

–

–

–

518

–

518

–  

–  

594,069  

509,021

4,923  

3,461  

4,923  

3,461

60  

215  

–  

–

4,983  

3,676  

598,992  

512,482

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 54

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

In thousands of AUD 

13.

Inventories

Raw materials and consumables  

Work in progress  

Finished goods  

CONSOLIDATED 

 THE COMPANY

2007 

2006 

2007 

2006

22,205  

19,930 

10,220  

8,396  

95,786  

67,016  

128,211  

95,342  

 –  

–  

– 

–  

–

–

–

–

14.

Current tax assets and liabilities 

The current tax asset for the consolidated entity of $1,440,000 (2006: $2,512,000) and for the Company of $348,000 (2006: $2,512,000) 

represents the amount of income taxes recoverable in respect of prior periods and the current period. No current tax liability exists for the 

consolidated entity at balance date (2006: $258,000). The current tax asset for both the prior and current periods arise from the payment of 

tax in excess of the amounts due to the relevant tax authorities and also payment of non–resident withholding tax on payment of a dividend 

from a New Zealand subsidiary company to an Australian subsidiary company. This tax will be claimable against current year profits by 

New Zealand subsidiary companies. In accordance with the tax consolidation legislation, the Company as the head entity of the Australian 

tax–consolidated group has assumed the current tax asset / (liability) initially recognised by the members in the tax–consolidated group.

In thousands of AUD  

2007  

2006  

2007  

2006  

2007  

2006

ASSETS  

LIABILITIES  

NET

15.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities

Recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities

Deferred tax assets and liabilities 

are attributable to the following:

Consolidated

Property, plant and equipment  

Intangible assets  

Inventories  

Employee benefits  

Provisions  

Other items  

Tax loss carry–forwards 

Tax assets / (liabilities)  

Set off of tax  

Net tax assets / (liabilities)  

948  

–  

3,979  

7,524  

56  

–  

5,001  

8,987  

10,653  

10,628  

1,626  

 –  

370  

137  

(1)  

(197)  

–  

– 

–  

(1)  

–  

(50)  

(95)  

–  

 –  

–  

–  

–  

947  

(197)  

3,979  

7,524  

6

(95)

5,001

8,987

10,653  

10,628

1,625  

–  

370

137

24,730  

25,179  

(199)  

(145)  

24,531  

25,034

(199)  

(145)  

24,531  

25,034  

199  

–  

145  

–  

–

–  

24,531  

25,034

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
55

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

In thousands of AUD (net) 

15.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities (continued)

Unrecognised deferred tax assets

Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of the following items:

CONSOLIDATED 

 THE COMPANY

2007 

2006 

2007 

2006

Tax losses  

403  

2,160  

– 

 –

The deductible tax losses accumulated at balance date do not expire under current tax legislation. Deferred tax assets have not been 

recognised in respect of these items because it is not probable that future taxable profit will be available against which to offset the tax 

benefit of these losses.

Movement in temporary differences during the year 

CONSOLIDATED 

 THE COMPANY

In thousands of AUD 

Balance   Recognised   Recognised  
1 July 05  

Balance  
in equity   30 June 06  

in income  

 Balance   Recognised   Recognised  
 in income  
1 July 05 

Balance 
in equity   30 June 06

Property, plant and equipment  

233  

Intangible assets 

Inventories  

Employee benefits  

Provisions  

Other items  

Tax loss carry–forwards  

 65  

5,641  

9,005  

9,850  

769  

127  

(227)  

(160)  

(640) 

(18)  

778  

(167)  

10 

–  

–  

 –  

–  

–  

(232)  

 –  

6  

(95)  

5,001  

8,987 

10,628  

370  

137 

25,690  

(424)  

(232)  

25,034  

–  

–  

– 

 –  

–  

–  

 –  

–  

–  

–  

 –  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

In thousands of AUD 

Property, plant and equipment  

Intangible assets  

Inventories  

Employee benefits  

Provisions  

Other items  

Tax loss carry–forwards  

Balance   Recognised   Recognised  
1 July 06  

Balance  
in equity   30 June 07  

in income  

 Balance   Recognised   Recognised  
 in income  
1 July 06 

Balance 
in equity   30 June 07

6  

(95)  

5,001  

8,987  

10,628  

370  

137  

25,034  

941 

(102)  

(1,022)  

(1,463)  

25  

915  

(137)  

(843)  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

947  

(197)  

3,979  

7,524  

10,653  

340  

1,625  

–  

–  

340  

24,531  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 56

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

In thousands of AUD 

Land and   Plant and  
Motor   Work in  
buildings   equipment   vehicles   progress  

Motor   Work in  
Land and   Plant and  
buildings  equipment   vehicles   progress 

Total

Total 

CONSOLIDATED 

 THE COMPANY

16.

Property, plant 
and equipment
Cost 
Balance at 1 July 2005  

Additions  

Disposals  

Effect of movements in 
foreign exchange  

58,755  

216,207  

14,238  

9,417  

298,617  

14,415  

7,085  

2,463  

6,265  

30,228  

(18,469)  

(17,179)  

(2,603)  

–  

(38,251)  

287  

2,066 

 (54)  

25  

2,324  

Balance at 30 June 2006  

54,988  

208,179  

14,044  

15,707  

292,918  

Balance at 1 July 2006  

54,988  

208,179  

14,044  

15,707  

292,918 

Additions  

Transfers  

Disposals  

Effect of movements in 
foreign exchange 

518  

16,173  

2,108  

–  

18,799  

–  

4,929  

–  

(4,929)  

–  

(976)  

(38,554)  

(2,885)  

–  

(42,415)  

(303)  

(1,765)  

54  

(96)  

(2,110)  

Balance at 30 June 2007  

54,227  

188,962  

13,321  

10,682  

267,192  

Depreciation and 
impairment losses
Balance at 1 July 2005  

Depreciation charge 
for the year  

(7,872) 

(152,011) 

(4,816) 

– 

(164,699)  

(961)  

(18,317)  

(2,651) 

 –  

(21,929)  

Disposals  

2,449  

12,386  

1,555  

Impairment losses  

–  

(2,816)  

–  

–  

–  

16,390  

(2,816)  

Effect of movements in 
foreign exchange  

(222)  

(1,788)  

(15)  

–  

(2,025)  

Balance at 30 June 2006  

(6,606)  

(162,546)  

(5,927)  

–  

(175,079)  

Balance at 1 July 2006  

(6,606)  

(162,546)  

(5,927)  

–  

(175,079)  

Depreciation charge 
for the year  

Disposals 

Impairment losses 

Effect of movements in 
foreign exchange 

(1,025)  

(15,746)  

(2,469)  

–  

(19,240)  

– 

– 

37,262 

2,010 

(1,227) 

– 

229 

1,903 

(31) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

39,272 

(1,227) 

2,101 

(154,173) 

Balance at 30 June 2007 

(7,402) 

(140,354) 

(6,417) 

Carrying amounts

At 1 July 2005  

50,883 

64,196 

9,422 

9,417 

133,918 

At 30 June 2006 

48,382 

45,633 

8,117 

15,707 

117,839 

At 1 July 2006 

48,382 

45,633 

8,117 

15,707 

117,839 

At 30 June 2007 

46,825 

48,608 

6,904 

10,682 

113,019 

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

 –  

–  

–  

–  

– 

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–  

–  

–  

– 

–  

–  

– 

–  

–  

 –  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–  

–  

–  

 –  

–  

–  

 –  

–  

–  

–  

– 

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

– 

 –  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

 –

–

–

–

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Impairment losses 
During the 2007 financial year decisions were made to close certain operating sites. The consolidated entity assessed the recoverable amount 
of plant and equipment at these sites. Based on this assessment, the carrying amount of this plant and equipment was written down by 
$1,227,000 (2006: $2,816,000).

 
  
 
 
 
 
57

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

In thousands of AUD  

Software   Brand names  

Total  

Software   Brand names  

Total

CONSOLIDATED 

 THE COMPANY

17.

Intangible assets 

Cost

Balance at 1 July 2005  

Additions  

Effect of movements in foreign exchange  

Balance at 30 June 2006  

Balance at 1 July 2006  

Additions  

1,911  

340,338  

342,249  

738  

–  

–  

738  

1,508  

1,508  

2,649  

341,846  

344,495  

2,649  

2,717  

341,846  

344,495  

–  

2,717  

Effect of movements in foreign exchange  

–  

(1,501)  

(1,501)  

Balance at 30 June 2007  

5,366 

340,345  

345,711  

Amortisation and impairment losses

Balance at 1 July 2005 

Amortisation for the year 

Balance at 30 June 2006 

Balance at 1 July 2006  

Amortisation for the year 

Balance at 30 June 2007 

Carrying amounts

At 1 July 2005 

At 30 June 2006 

At 1 July 2006 

At 30 June 2007 

(218) 

(491) 

(709) 

(709) 

(539) 

(1,248) 

– 

– 

– 

 –  

– 

– 

(218) 

(491) 

(709) 

(709) 

(539) 

(1,248) 

1,693 

1,940 

1,940 

4,118 

340,338 

342,031 

341,846 

343,786 

341,846 

343,786 

340,345 

344,463 

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Impairment testing for brand names 
The values of brand names in the building fixtures and fittings segment were assessed by an independent valuer effective 30 June 
2006 and no impairment was identified. The carrying values of the CaromaDorf brand names at 30 June 2007 are $284,200,000 (2006: 
$284,200,000). The carrying value of the multiple units without significant brand name value is $60,263,000 (2006: $59,586,000). 
Business valuations were based on the capitalisation of earnings approach and brand name valuations on the relief from royalty approach.

Maintainable earnings were based on current divisional profitability adjusted for an allocation of corporate overheads. Earnings before 
interest and tax (EBIT) multiples for the cash generating units ranged from 8.1 to 9.2 except for the CaromaDorf cash generating unit for 
which the EBIT multiple was 12.7.

The royalty rates applied for brand name value calculation were in the range of 4% to 6.5% except for the CaromaDorf brand names for 
which the royalty rate was 12.5%.

The 30 June 2006 business valuation and brand name valuations with respect to the CaromaDorf brand names were significantly above 
the carrying values for the business and brand names respectively. The circumstances of the CaromaDorf business have not significantly 
changed during the 2007 financial year.

 
 
 
 58

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

In thousands of AUD 

18.

Trade and other payables

Current

Trade payables and accrued expenses   

Fair value derivatives  

Non–trade payables and accrued expenses  

Non–current

Payables to controlled entities  

19.

Interest–bearing loans and borrowings

This note provides information about the contractual terms 

of the consolidated entity’s interest–bearing loans and borrowings. 

For more information about the consolidated entity’s exposure to 

interest rate and foreign currency risk, see note 23.

Non–current liabilities

Unsecured bank loans  

Financing facilities

Bank overdraft  

Standby letters of credit  

Unsecured bank facility  

Facilities utilised at reporting date

Bank overdraft  

Standby letters of credit  

Unsecured bank facility  

Facilities not utilised at reporting date

Bank overdraft  

Standby letters of credit  

Unsecured bank facility 

CONSOLIDATED 

 THE COMPANY

2007 

2006 

2007 

2006

47,372  

42,363  

998 

146  

3,070  

6,155  

51,440  

48,664  

–  

–  

–  

–  

54

–

–

54

–  

–  

527,430  

458,018

271,567  

297,498  

–  

6,408  

6,370  

25,378  

27,320  

271,567  

312,498  

303,353  

346,188  

–  

–  

1,440  

6,967  

271,567  

297,498  

273,007  

304,465  

6,408  

6,370 

23,938  

20,353 

 –  

15,000  

30,346  

41,723  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

 –  

 –  

–  

–  

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
59

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

19.

Interest–bearing loans and borrowings (continued)

Financing arrangements

GWA International Limited, GWA Finance Pty Limited, a wholly owned controlled entity of GWA International Limited, and each other 

controlled entity of GWA International Limited, have entered into a Master Financing Agreement with a number of banks.

This document provides for the following:

(i)    GWA Finance Pty Limited and certain other operating controlled entities of GWA International Limited to borrow and enter into 

certain risk and hedging facilities

(ii)   Individual banks to provide facilities direct to GWA Finance Pty Limited and certain other operating controlled entities of GWA 

International Limited by joining the Master Financing Agreement and being bound by the common covenants and conditions 

contained therein.

Bank overdraft 
The bank overdraft facility available to the consolidated entity is unsecured. Interest on the bank overdraft facility is charged at prevailing 

market rates. No drawdowns against this facility had been made as at 30 June 2007.

Unsecured bank loans 
Bank loans are provided to GWA Finance Pty Limited under the facility agreements. The bank loans are denominated in Australian dollars, 

except for the Euro facility which is denominated in Euros. The bank loans are unsecured and have a maximum three year rolling maturity, 

subject to annual review.

The loans bear interest at market rates and interest is payable every 30 to 90 days. The consolidated entity hedges its exposure to variable 

interest rates through interest rate swap transactions.

Letter of credit 
The letter of credit facilities are committed facilities available to be drawn down under the facility agreements. The limits are specified in 

the facility agreements. 

In thousands of AUD 

20.

Employee benefits

Current 

Liability for long service–leave  

Liability for annual leave  

Liability for on–costs  

Non – current

Liability for long–service leave  

Liability for on–costs  

CONSOLIDATED 

 THE COMPANY

2007 

2006 

2007 

2006

1,792  

2,048  

11,773  

11,985  

2,491  

3,418  

16,056  

17,451  

10,157  

11,734  

858  

769  

11,015  

12,503  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 60

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

20.

Employee benefits (continued)

Defined contribution superannuation funds 
The consolidated entity makes contributions to a defined contribution superannuation fund. The amount recognised as expense was 
$9,326,000 for the financial year ended 30 June 2007 (2006: $10,101,000).

Employee share plan 
The employee share plan was established to assist in the retention and motivation of employees. All permanent employees of the Company, 
who are invited to participate, may participate in the plan.

The maximum number of shares subject to the Plan at any time may not exceed 5% of the nominal amount of all Ordinary Shares on issue. 
The Plan does not provide for the issue of options and no options have been issued by the Company.

Under the Plan, shares can either be issued to employees or purchased on market, and in both cases the employee will pay market price 
for the shares. During 2007, 540,000 ordinary shares were purchased on market for employees at an average share price of $2.98 and 
1,620,000 ordinary shares were issued to employees at the market price of $3.84, being total market value of $7,828,000. In the prior year, 
no ordinary shares were issued to employees.

As at 30 June 2007, loans are issued for 3,436,561 (2006: 3,081,250) shares and the remaining balances of these loans is $9,605,000 
(2006: $6,163,000) or $5,499,000 (2006: $3,979,000) at net present value. During 2007, dividends of $640,000 (2006: $735,000) were paid 
against the loans and a further $3,747,000 (2006: $1,057,000) was paid by employees against these loans.

21.

Provisions

In thousands of AUD  

Consolidated

Balance at 1 July 2006  

Provisions made during the year  

Provisions used during the year  

Provisions reversed during the year  

Effect of movements in foreign exchange  

Balance at 30 June 2007  

Current  

Non–current  

Warranties   Restructuring  

Site
restoration  

Other  

Total

9,104  

5,489  

9,176  

7,279  

(5,611)  

(13,857)  

–  

–  

4,486  

8,164 

160  

158  

30,930

13,086

–  

–  

–  

(899)  

(20,367)

(711)  

(1,305)

–  

(56)

2,598  

4,646  

6,712  

22,288

2,598  

–  

2,598  

–  

4,646  

4,646  

5,328  

1,384  

6,712  

13,570

8,718

22,288

(594)  

(56)  

8,332  

5,644  

2,688  

8,332  

Warranties 
The total provision for warranties at balance date of $8,332,000 relates to future warranty expense on products sold during the current and 
previous financial years. The major warranty expense relates to hot water systems. The provision is based on estimates made from historical 
warranty data associated with similar products and services. The consolidated entity expects to expend $3,541,000 of the total provision in 
the financial year ending 30 June 2008, and the majority of the balance of the liability over the following four years.

Restructuring 
During the financial year ended 30 June 2007, provisions of $7,279,000 were made to cover the estimated costs of redundancies and 
related costs with respect to the closure of manufacturing operations and other business restructuring. Of this amount, $2,598,000 remains 
provided for at balance date and this amount represents the estimate of costs to be expended in the financial year ending 30 June 2008. The 
restructuring is expected to be completed by May 2008.

Site restoration 
At balance date the balance of the site restoration provision was $4,646,000. No expenditures were made in the current financial year, the 
only movement being an adjustment to reflect the net present value of this provision. This provision relates to the removal of plant installed 
in leased premises where there is a liability under the lease for the plant to be removed on expiry and the leased premises made good, and 

for site remediation required. The net present value of the provision has been calculated using a discount rate of 6.5 per cent.

 
 
61

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

22.

Capital and reserves

Reconciliation of movement in capital and reserves attributable to equity holders of the parent

In thousands of AUD 

Balance at 1 July 2005  

Effect of change in accounting policy  

Balance at 1 July 2005 restated  

Total recognised income and expense  

Dividends to shareholders  

Balance at 30 June 2006  

Balance at 1 July 2006  

Total recognised income and expense  

Issue of ordinary shares  

Dividends to shareholders  

Balance at 30 June 2007  

Reconciliation of movement in capital and reserves

In thousands of AUD  

Balance at 1 July 2005  

Total recognised income and expense  

Dividends to shareholders  

Balance at 30 June 2006  

Balance at 1 July 2006  

Total recognised income and expense  

Issue of ordinary shares  

Dividends to shareholders  

Balance at 30 June 2007  

Share capital 

CONSOLIDATED

Share  
capital  

Translation  
reserve  

Hedging  
reserve  

Retained  
earnings  

Total

346,853  

(2,083)  

–  

–  

346,853  

(2,083)  

–  

–  

688  

– 

–  

157  

157  

385  

64,776  

409,546

–  

64,776  

56,852  

157

409,703

57,925

 –  

(55,660)  

(55,660)

346,853  

(1,395)  

542  

65,968  

411,968

346,853  

–  

6,209  

–  

(1,395)  

(1,158)  

–  

–  

353,062  

(2,553)  

542  

65,968  

411,968

(525)  

56,318  

54,635

6,209

–  

(64,010)  

(64,010)

58,276  

408,802

–  

–  

17  

 THE COMPANY

Share capital   Retained earnings  

Total equity

346,853  

–  

–  

346,853  

346,853  

–  

6,209  

–  

353,062  

62,693  

31,384  

(55,660)  

38,417  

38,417  

75,000  

–  

(64,010)  

49,407  

409,546

31,384

(55,660)

385,270

385,270

75,000

6,209

(64,010)

402,469

In thousands of shares  

On issue at 1 July – fully paid  

Issue of shares under the employee share plan  

On issue at 30 June – fully paid  

 THE COMPANY

Ordinary shares

2007  

278,303  

1,620  

279,923  

2006

278,303

–

278,303

Effective 1 July 1998, the Company Law Review Act abolished the concept of par value shares and the concept of authorised capital. 
Accordingly, the Company does not have authorised capital or par value in respect of its issued shares.

The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at 
meetings of the Company. All shares rank equally with regard to the Company’s residual assets.

 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 62

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

22.

Capital and reserves (continued)

Translation reserve 
The translation reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of foreign 
operations where their functional currency is different from the presentation currency of the reporting entity, as well as from the translation 
of liabilities that hedge the Company’s net investment in a foreign subsidiary.

Hedging reserve 
The hedging reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow hedging instruments related 

to hedged transactions that have not yet occurred.

Dividends 
Dividends recognised in the current year by the Company are:

In thousands of AUD  

2007

Interim 2007 ordinary  
Interim 2007 special  
Final 2006 ordinary  
Final 2006 special  
Total amount  

2006

Interim 2006 ordinary  
Final 2005 ordinary  
Final 2005 special  
Total amount  

Cents per share  

Total amount 

Franked  

Date of payment

10.0  
1.5  
8.0  
3.5  
23.0  

10.0  
8.0  
2.0  
20.0  

27,830  
4,175  
22,264  
9,741  
64,010

27,830  
22,264  
5,566  
55,660

100%  
100%  
100%  
100%  

100%  
100%  
100%  

2nd April 2007
2nd April 2007
3rd Oct 2006
3rd Oct 2006

3rd April 2006
3rd Oct 2005
3rd Oct 2005

Franked dividends declared or paid during the year were franked at the tax rate of 30%.

After the balance sheet date the following dividends were approved by the directors. The dividends have not been provided. The declaration 
and subsequent payment of dividends has no income tax consequences.

In thousands of AUD  

Final ordinary  
Final special  
Total amount  

Cents per share  

Total amount 

 Franked   

Date of payment

8.0  
2.5  
10.5  

22,394  
6,998  
29,392

100%  
100%  

2nd Oct 2007
2nd Oct 2007

The financial effect of these dividends have not been brought to account in the financial statements for the financial year ended 30 June 
2007 and will be recognised in subsequent financial reports.

Dividends

In thousands of AUD  

Dividend franking account:

 THE COMPANY

2007  

2006

30 per cent franking credits available to shareholders of 
GWA International Limited for subsequent financial years  

30,225  

37,274

The above available amounts are based on the balance of the dividend franking account at year-end adjusted for:

(a)  franking credits/debits that will arise from the payment/settlement of the current tax liabilities/assets; and 
(b)  franking debits that will arise from the payment of dividends recognised as a liability at the year-end.

The ability to utilise the franking credits is dependent upon there being sufficient available profits to declare dividends. The impact 
on the dividend franking account of dividends proposed after the balance sheet date, but not recognised as a liability, is to reduce it 
by $12,597,000 (2006: $13,716,000). In accordance with the tax consolidation legislation, the Company as the head entity in the tax-
consolidated group has also assumed the benefit of $30,225,000 (2006: $37,274,000) franking credits.

 
 
 
 
63

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

23.

Financial instruments

Exposure to credit, interest rate and currency risks arises in the normal course of the consolidated entity’s business. Derivative financial 

instruments are used to hedge exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and interest rates.

Credit risk 
Management has a credit policy in place and the exposure to credit risk is monitored on an ongoing basis. The consolidated entity 

minimises concentrations of credit risk by undertaking transactions with a large number of customers within the industries it trades. A risk 

assessment process is used for customers requiring credit over $50,000 and credit insurance is utilised for major concentrations of trade 

debts. The consolidated entity does not require collateral in respect of financial assets.

Transactions involving derivative financial instruments are with counterparties with sound credit ratings. Given their high credit ratings, 

management does not expect any counterparty to fail to meet its obligations.

At the balance sheet date there were no uninsured concentrations of credit risk. The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the 

carrying amount of each financial asset, including derivative financial instruments, in the balance sheet.

Interest rate risk 
The consolidated entity’s variable rate borrowings are exposed to a risk of change in cash flows due to changes in interest rates.

Hedging 
The consolidated entity adopts a policy of ensuring that its exposure to changes in interest rates on borrowings is reduced. Interest rate 

swaps, denominated in Australian dollars, have been entered into to achieve an appropriate mix of fixed and floating rate exposure. 

The swaps mature over the next 2 years and have fixed swap rates ranging from 5.52 per cent to 5.67 per cent. At 30 June 2007, the 

consolidated entity had interest rate swaps with a notional contract amount of $125,000,000 (2006: $125,000,000).

The consolidated entity classifies interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges and states them at fair value.

The net fair value of swaps at 30 June 2007 was $637,000 (2006: $920,000). These amounts were recognised as fair value derivative assets 

in the current financial year.

 64

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

23.

Financial instruments (continued)

Effective interest rates and repricing analysis

In respect of income-earning financial assets and interest-bearing financial liabilities, the following table indicates their effective interest 

rates at the balance sheet date and the periods in which they reprice.

CONSOLIDATED  

In thousands of AUD  

Average effective  
interest rate 

 Total  

6 months  
or less  

6–12 months   1–2 years  

  More than 
5 years

2–5 years  

2007 

Cash and cash equivalents  

6.10%  

80,421  

80,421  

Effect of interest rate 
swap derivatives*  

(0.79)%  

–  

25,000**  

Unsecured bank loans  

6.34% 

(271,567)  

(271,567)  

(191,146)  

(166,146)  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

(25,000)  

–  

(25,000)  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–

– 

– 

– 

CONSOLIDATED  

In thousands of AUD  

Average effective  
interest rate 

 Total  

6 months  
or less  

6–12 months   1–2 years  

  More than 
5 years

2–5 years  

2006 

Cash and cash equivalents 

5.57%  

156,498  

156,498  

Effect of interest rate 
swap derivatives* 

Unsecured bank loans 

(0.21)%  

–  

125,000  

5.80%  

(297,498)  

(297,498)  

(141,000)  

(16,000)  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

(100,000)  

(25,000)  

–  

–  

(100,000)  

(25,000)  

–

–

–

–

COMPANY  

2007 

In thousands of AUD  

Average effective  
interest rate 

Cash and cash equivalents 

 6.00%  

 Total  

232  

6 months  
or less  

232  

6–12 months   1–2 years  

  More than 
5 years

2–5 years  

–  

–  

–  

– 

COMPANY  

2006 

In thousands of AUD  

Average effective  
interest rate 

 Total  

6 months  
or less  

6–12 months   1–2 years  

  More than 
5 years

2–5 years  

5.57% 

 –  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–

*   These assets / liabilities bear interest at a fixed rate.

**   As at 30 June 2007, the consolidated entity holds interest rate swaps of $125,000,000. Of this total, $100,000,000 reprice within the 

next 6 months and $25,000,000 reprice within the next 2 years.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
65

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

23.

Financial instruments (continued)
Foreign currency risk 
The consolidated entity is exposed to foreign currency risk on sales, purchases and borrowings that are denominated in a currency other 
than the AUD. The currencies giving rise to this risk are primarily NZD, USD and EUR.

The consolidated entity hedges its foreign currency exposure in respect of forecasted sales and purchases by entering into forward exchange 
contracts. The forward exchange contracts have maturities of less than one year after the balance sheet date. Where necessary, the forward 
exchange contracts are rolled over at maturity.

Forecasted transactions 
The consolidated entity classifies its forward exchange contracts hedging forecasted transactions as cash flow hedges and states them at 
fair value.

The net fair value of forward exchange contracts used as hedges of forecasted transactions at 30 June 2007 was $728,000 (2006: 
$146,000). These amounts were recognised as fair value derivative liabilities in the current financial year.

Hedge of net investment in foreign subsidiary 
The consolidated entity’s EUR denominated bank loan is designated as a hedge of the consolidated entity’s investment in its subsidiary 
in the Netherlands. The carrying amount of the loan at 30 June 2007 was $11,567,000 (2006: $12,556,000). A foreign exchange gain of 
$989,000 (2006: loss of $996,000) was recognised in the foreign currency translation reserve on translation of the loan to AUD.

Fair values 
The fair values together with the carrying amounts shown in the balance sheet are as follows:

Consolidated  

In thousands of AUD  

Trade and other receivables  

Cash and cash equivalents  

Interest rate swaps:

Assets  

Forward exchange contracts:

Liabilities  

Unsecured bank loans  

 Carrying amount  

Fair value   Carrying amount  

Fair value

2007  

2007  

2006  

2006

79,854  

79,854  

70,609  

70,609

80,421  

80,421  

156,498  

156,498

637  

637  

920  

920

(998)  

(998)  

(146)  

(146)

(271,567)  

(271,567)  

(297,498)  

(297,498)

Trade payables and accrued expenses  

(50,442)  

(50,442)  

(48,518)  

(48,518)

The Company  

In thousands of AUD  

Cash and cash equivalents  

Trade and other receivables  

Payables to controlled entities  

(162,095)  

(162,095)  

(118,135)  

(118,135)

 Carrying amount  

Fair value   Carrying amount  

Fair value

2007  

232  

2007  

232  

2006  

2006

–  

–

599,568  

599,568  

513,000  

513,000

(527,430)  

(527,430)  

(458,018)  

(458,018)

Trade payables and accrued expenses  

– 

 –  

(54)  

(54)

72,370  

72,370  

54,928  

54,928

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 66

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

23.

Financial instruments (continued)
Estimation of fair values 
The following summarises the major methods and assumptions used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments reflected in 
the table.

Derivatives 
Forward exchange contracts are marked to market by discounting the contractual forward price and deducting the current spot rate. For 
interest rate swaps broker quotes are obtained. These quotes are back tested using discounted cash flow techniques.

Where discounted cash flow techniques are used, estimated future cash flows are based on management’s best estimates and the discount 
rate is a market related rate for a similar instrument at the balance sheet date. Where other pricing models are used, inputs are based on 
market related data at the balance sheet date.

Interest–bearing loans and borrowings 
The notional amount of the interest–bearing loans is deemed to reflect the fair value. The interest–bearing loans have a maximum 
three–year rolling maturity, however are rolled for periods no longer than 90 days. At balance date, the AUD loans were rolled over to 27 
August 2007 and the EUR loan was rolled over to 28 August 2007. 

Trade and other receivables / payables 
All receivables / payables are either repayable within twelve months or repayable on demand. Accordingly, the notional amount is deemed to 
reflect the fair value.

Employee share loans and other employee loans 
Employee share loans and other employee loans are carried at fair value using discounted cash flow techniques.

Interest rates used for determining fair value 
The entity uses the government yield curve as of 30 June 2007 plus an adequate constant credit spread to discount financial instruments. 

The interest rates used are as follows:

Derivatives  

Employee share loans and other loans  

Interest bearing loans and borrowings  

24.

Operating leases

Leases as lessee

Non–cancellable operating lease rentals are payable as follows:

In thousands of AUD  

Less than one year  

Between one and five years  

More than five years  

2007  

2006

6.49% – 6.96%  

5.98% – 6.21%

7.05% – 7.30%  

7.05% – 7.05%

5.80% – 6.35%  

5.53% – 5.80%

CONSOLIDATED 

THE COMPANY

2007  

2006  

2007  

2006

8,838  

10,055  

19,116  

23,440  

–  

1,868  

27,954  

35,363  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–

–

–

–

The consolidated entity leases a number of warehouse and factory facilities under operating leases. The leases typically run for a period of 5 
years, with an option to renew the lease after that date. None of the leases include contingent rentals.

One of the leased properties has been sublet by the consolidated entity. The lease and sublease expire in November 2009. Sublease 
payments of $273,000 will be received during the following financial year.

During the financial year ended 30 June 2007, $9,770,000 (2006: $9,497,000) was recognised as an expense in the income statement in 

respect of operating leases, which was net of sub–lease income.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
67

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

In thousands of AUD 

25.

Capital and other commitments

Capital expenditure commitments

Plant and equipment

Contracted but not provided for and payable:

Within one year  

26.

Contingencies

CONSOLIDATED 

 THE COMPANY

2007 

2006 

2007 

2006

2,274  

10,636  

– 

 –

The directors are of the opinion that provisions are not required in respect of these matters, as it is not probable that a future sacrifice of 

economic benefits will be required or the amount is not capable of reliable measurement.

CONSOLIDATED 

 THE COMPANY

2007 

2006 

2007 

2006

In thousands of AUD 

Contingent liabilities not considered remote

During the year, environmental testing conducted by the consolidated 

entity identified levels of contamination at two sites. Rectification costs 

of $200,000 have been expensed with respect to the Eagle Farm site. 

Two types of contaminants have been identified at the leased Revesby 

site and the scope and scale of rectification are being assessed. 

Further testing is proceeding at both sites and all costs incurred to 

date have been expensed. The costs of future rectification activities 

were not able to be reliably estimated with respect to either site and at 

balance date no amount has been provided in the consolidated accounts.  

–  

–  

–  

–

Contingent liabilities considered remote

Guarantees

(i)   Under the terms of a Deed of Cross Guarantee, described in note 27, 

the Company has guaranteed the repayment of all current and future 

creditors in the event any of the entities party to the Deed is wound up. 

No deficiency in net assets exists in these companies at reporting date.  

–  

–  

(ii) Bank guarantees  

4,387  

3,243 

–  

–  

–

–

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 68

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

27.

Deed of cross guarantee
Pursuant to ASIC Class Order 98/1418 (as amended) dated 13 August 1998, the wholly–owned subsidiaries as listed in Note 28 are relieved 
from the Corporations Act 2001 requirements for preparation, audit and lodgement of financial reports, and directors’ report.

It is a condition of the Class Order that the Company and each of the subsidiaries enter into a Deed of Cross Guarantee. The effect of the 
Deed is that the Company guarantees to each creditor payment in full of any debt in the event of winding up of any of the subsidiaries under 
certain provisions of the Corporations Act 2001. If a winding up occurs under other provisions of the Act, the Company will only be liable in 
the event that after six months any creditor has not been paid in full. The subsidiaries have also given similar guarantees in the event that 
the Company is wound up.

A consolidated income statement and consolidated balance sheet, comprising the Company and controlled entities which are a party to the 

Deed, after eliminating all transactions between parties to the Deed of Cross Guarantee, at 30 June 2007, is set out below.

Summarised income statement and retained profits

In thousands of AUD  

Profit before tax   

Income tax expense   

Profit after tax  

Retained profits at beginning of year  

Dividends recognised during the year 

Retained profits at end of year 

 CONSOLIDATED

2007  

80,072  

(21,751)  

58,321  

33,252  

(64,010) 

27,563 

2006 

63,137

(17,972)

45,165

43,747

(55,660)

33,252

 
 
69

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

In thousands of AUD  

27.

Deed of cross guarantee (continued)

Balance Sheet

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents  

Trade and other receivables  

Inventories  

Income tax receivable  

Other  

Total current assets  

Receivables 

Intercompany receivables  

Investments  

Deferred tax assets  

Property, plant and equipment  

Intangible assets  

Other  

Total non–current assets  

Total assets  

Liabilities

Trade and other payables  

Employee benefits  

Provisions  

Total current liabilities  

 CONSOLIDATED

2007  

2006

66,332  

65,627  

116,511  

320  

4,636  

138,298

61,045

85,869

4,905

3,969

253,426  

294,086

 4,982  

44,179  

15,600  

24,673  

77,287  

321,244  

3,542  

491,507  

744,933  

46,132  

14,618  

13,329  

74,079  

3,677

31,252

16,280

25,330

92,896

319,066

2,326

490,827

784,913

45,257

16,400

19,219

80,876

Interest–bearing loans and borrowings  

271,567  

297,498

Deferred tax liabilities  

Employee benefits  

Provisions  

Total non–current liabilities  

Total liabilities  

Net assets  

Equity

Issued capital  

Reserves  

Retained earnings  

Total equity  

512  

10,871  

8,720  

291,670  

365,749  

379,184  

967

12,369

11,344

322,178

403,054

381,859

353,062  

346,853

(1,441)  

27,563  

1,754

33,252

379,184  

381,859

 
 70

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

COUNTRY OF INCORPORATION  

OWNERSHIP INTEREST

Parties to  

Cross Guarantee   

2007  

2006

28.

Consolidated entities

Parent entity

GWA International Limited  

Subsidiaries 

GWA Group Limited  

Gainsborough Hardware Industries Limited 

Caroma Holdings Limited  

GWA (North America) Pty Ltd  

Sebel Furniture Inc  

Caroma Industries Limited 

G Subs Pty Ltd  

Sebel Furniture (Hong Kong) Ltd 

GWA Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd  

GWA International (Hong Kong) Limited  

Stylus Pty Ltd  

Ecohome Pty Ltd  

Fowler Manufacturing Pty Ltd  

Starion Tapware Pty Ltd  

Dorf Clark Industries Ltd  

Dorf Industries (NZ) Ltd  

McIlwraith Davey Pty Ltd  

Stylus Sales Limited  

Caroma Industries Europe BV  

Wisa Beheer BV  

Wisa BV  

Wisa Systems BV  

Wisa GmbH  

Stokis Kon Fav. Van Metaalwerken NV  

Caroma International Pty Ltd 

Caroma USA Inc  

Caroma Canada Industries Ltd  

Caroma Industries (UK) Ltd  

Canereb Pty Ltd  

Dux Manufacturing Limited  

GWA Taps Manufacturing Limited  

Lake Nakara Pty Ltd  

Mainrule Pty Ltd  

Warapave Pty Ltd  

Rover Mowers (NZ) Limited 

Caroma Industries (NZ) Limited  

GWAIL (NZ) Ltd  

Rover Mowers Limited  

Industrial Mowers (Australia) Limited 

Olliveri Pty Ltd  

Sebel Service & Installations Pty Ltd  

Sebel Properties Pty Ltd  

Y  

Y  

 Y  

Y  

Y  

N  

Y  

Y  

 N  

N  

N  

Y  

Y  

Y  

Y  

Y  

N  

Y  

N  

N 

N  

N  

N  

N  

N  

Y  

N  

N  

N 

N  

Y  

Y  

N  

N  

N  

 N  

N  

N  

Y  

 Y  

Y  

Y  

Y  

Australia

Australia  

Australia  

Australia  

Australia  

USA  

Australia  

Australia  

Hong Kong  

China  

Hong Kong  

Australia  

Australia  

Australia  

Australia  

Australia  

New Zealand  

Australia  

New Zealand  

 Netherlands  

Netherlands  

Netherlands  

Netherlands  

Germany  

Netherlands  

Australia  

USA  

Canada  

UK 

Australia  

Australia  

Australia  

Australia  

Australia  

Australia  

New Zealand  

New Zealand  

New Zealand  

Australia  

Australia  

Australia  

Australia  

Australia  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100% 

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

 100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

 
 
 
 
 
71

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

28.

Consolidated entities (continued)

Sebel Furniture Limited (NZ)  

Sebel Furniture Limited  

Sebel Furniture (SEA) Pte Ltd  

Sebel Sales Pty Limited  

Caroma Singapore Pte Limited  

GWA Finance Pty Limited  

Hetset (No. 5) Pty Ltd  

Gainsborough Hardware Limited  

Bankstown Unit Trust  

COUNTRY OF INCORPORATION  

OWNERSHIP INTEREST

Parties to  

Cross Guarantee   

2007  

2006

N  

Y  

N  

Y  

N  

Y  

Y  

N  

Y  

New Zealand  

Australia  

Singapore  

Australia  

Singapore  

Australia  

Australia  

UK  

Australia  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

In thousands of AUD 

29.

Reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit for the period  

Adjustments for:

Depreciation  

Amortisation  

Impairment/(reversal of) losses  

Foreign exchange (gains)/losses  

Interest expense/(income)  

Dividends from controlled entities  

Distributions from controlled trusts  

(Gain)/loss on sale of property, plant and equipment  

Income tax expense/(benefit)  

CONSOLIDATED 

 THE COMPANY

2007 

2006 

2007 

2006

56,318  

56,852  

75,000  

31,384

19,240  

21,929  

539  

491  

–  

–  

–

–

1,227  

2,816 

 –  

(17,592)

755  

755  

12,366  

11,490  

–  

–  

–  

–  

1,295  

(14,471) 

22,791  

20,911 

–  

–  

(75,000)  

–

(27)

–

–  

(13,142)

 –  

 –  

–  

–

(624)

(1)

Operating profit before changes in working capital and provisions  

114,531  

100,773  

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables  

(8,380)  

(8,235)  

12,806  

(41,778)

(Increase)/decrease in inventories  

Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables  

(32,869)  

2,148  

–  

–

1,986  

(4,498)  

62,193  

54,920

Increase/(decrease) in provisions and employee benefits  

(11,684)  

8,046  

–  

–

Interest received/(paid)  

Income taxes paid  

Net cash from operating activities  

63,584  

98,234  

74,999  

13,141

(14,186)  

(9,177)  

–  

27

(21,100)  

(29,019)  

(18,220)  

(27,927)

28,298  

60,038  

56,779  

(14,759)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 72

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

30.

Related parties

The following were key management personnel of the consolidated entity at any time during the reporting period and unless otherwise 

indicated were key management personnel for the entire period:

Non–executive Directors  

B Thornton (Chairperson)  

J Kennedy  

M Kriewaldt 

D Barry  

R Anderson 

G McGrath 

Executives

E Harrison (Chief Financial Officer)

S Wright (Group Operations Manager)

A Rusten (Group Marketing Manager)

R Watkins (General Manager – Rover) – terminated 14 February 2007

J Measroch (General Manager – Sebel)

G Oliver (General Manager – Gainsborough)

W Bartlett – appointed 21 February 2007  

D Duncan (General Manager – Dorf Clark) – ceased key management personnel

Executive Directors 
P Crowley (Managing Director) 

status 30 June 2006 

L Patterson (General Manager – Dux) 

Key management personnel compensation

The key management personnel compensation included in ‘personnel expenses’ (see note 5) are as follows:

In AUD 

Short–term employee benefits 

Post–employment benefits  

Termination benefits  

Other benefits  

Principles of compensation

Remuneration objectives

CONSOLIDATED 

 THE COMPANY

2007 

2006 

2007 

2006

4,318,898   4,263,776 

804,337  

570,997  

250,000  

–  

39,076  

39,054  

5,412,311   4,873,827 

 –  

–  

–  

–  

 –  

–

–

–

–

–

The performance of the Company depends upon the quality of its directors and executives. To maximise the performance of the Company’s 

businesses, the Company must attract, motivate and retain a highly skilled director and executive team. This is achieved through a 

remuneration and incentive framework which has been put in place by the Board, and is guided by the following objectives:

•		Provide	fair	and	competitive	rewards	to	attract	high	quality	executives

•		Linking	of	executive	reward	to	improvement	in	Company	performance

•		Significant	proportion	of	executive	remuneration	is	“at	risk”,	dependent	upon	meeting	pre–determined	performance	benchmarks

•		The	establishment	of	challenging	and	achievable	performance	hurdles	in	relation	to	variable	executive	remuneration

•			An	employee	share	plan	which	rewards	performance	and	represents	a	long	term	financial	commitment	to	employment	with 

the Company.

Remuneration structure 
The remuneration structure for the Non–Executive Directors is separate and distinct from the remuneration structure for the executives.

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
73

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

30.

Related parties (continued)

Principles of compensation (continued)

Non–executive directors’ remuneration policy 
The Nomination Committee is responsible for determining the remuneration arrangements for the Non–Executive Directors, with the annual 
maximum aggregate amount approved by shareholders. At the Annual General Meeting on 28 October 2004, shareholders approved an 
annual maximum aggregate amount of $1 million (excluding statutory superannuation).

The Non–Executive Directors are remunerated by way of directors’ fees only (including statutory superannuation) and are not able to 
participate in the Executive Incentive Scheme or the GWA International Employee Share Plan (refer below). An additional fee is also paid for 
each Board Committee on which a director sits. The payment of additional fees for serving on a Committee recognises the additional time 
commitment required by directors who serve on one or more Committees.

In setting the level of non–executive directors fees’ and the manner in which it is to be apportioned amongst the directors, the Nomination 
Committee takes advice from external remuneration consultants to determine market remuneration levels, with the objective of ensuring 
that the levels are market based and fairly represent the responsibilities and time spent by the Non–Executive Directors on 
Company matters.

Following shareholder approval of the termination of the Directors’ Retirement Scheme for  Non–Executive Directors at the Annual General 
Meeting on 30 October 2003, retirement benefits are not available for any new  Non–Executive Directors of the Company, other than 
statutory superannuation.

At the Annual General Meeting on 28 October 2004, shareholders approved the payment of the accrued benefits to the  Non–Executive 
Directors under the former Directors’ Retirement Scheme, when each director requests that payment be made.

Executives’ remuneration policy 
The Remuneration Committee is responsible for determining and reviewing the remuneration arrangements for the executives. The 
Remuneration Committee takes advice from external remuneration consultants to ensure the appropriateness of the nature and amount 
of emoluments of such officers, with the overall objective of ensuring maximum stakeholder benefits from the retention of a high quality 
executive team.

The executives’ remuneration consists of the following key elements:

•	 Fixed	Remuneration

•	 Variable	Remuneration

	 •	 Short-Term	Incentive

	 •	 Medium-Term	Incentive

•	 Employee	Share	Plan.

The fixed remuneration component includes base salary, statutory superannuation and non–monetary benefits including medical benefits 
membership, life and disability insurance and the provision of motor vehicles. The variable remuneration component includes a short-term 
incentive and medium-term incentive under the Executive Incentive Scheme. As a further component of remuneration, employees of the 
Company may be invited to participate in the GWA International Employee Share Plan.

 74

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

30.

Related parties (continued)

Principles of compensation (continued)

Fixed remuneration 
The level of fixed remuneration is set so as to provide a base level of remuneration which is both appropriate to the position and is 
competitive in the market. Fixed remuneration is reviewed annually by the Remuneration Committee based on advice from external 
remuneration consultants for determining market remuneration levels, as well as having regard to Company, divisional and 
individual performance.

Variable remuneration 
To assist in achieving the objective of retaining a high quality executive team, the Remuneration Committee links the nature and amount of 
the executive emoluments to the Company’s financial and operating performance. Executives have the opportunity to qualify for participation 
in the Executive Incentive Scheme. Under the scheme there are two incentives, one based on yearly performance and one based on discrete 
three year periods. All performance plan payments are subject to maximum amounts.

Executive incentive scheme 
The Executive Incentive Scheme came into effect on 1 July 2001 and its participants include the members of the divisional and corporate 
executive. There are two incentives including an Operating Performance Incentive and a Strategic Growth Incentive, with the objective of 
maximising short term operating performance and long term strategic growth.

The Operating Performance Incentive operates from divisional operating profit targets for divisional executives, and group earnings before 
interest and tax targets for corporate executives. Where the yearly profit targets are achieved, participating executives receive an incentive 
payment, subject to a cap of 30% to 35% of their base salary.

The yearly profit targets are set by the Remuneration Committee at the beginning of the year having regard to the major external factors 
which are expected to impact each division including forecast economic conditions, expected benefits from new products, capital 
expenditure and other relevant factors. The Remuneration Committee ensures that the profit targets are challenging and achievable, and 
will assist in focusing divisional and corporate executives on maximising operating performance of the Company’s businesses.

The Strategic Growth Incentive rewards progressive growth in underlying divisional profitability and earnings per share over time. The 
incentive is calculated based on divisional profit targets for divisional executives, and earnings per share targets for corporate executives, 
within discrete three year periods. Where the three year profit and earnings per share targets are achieved, participating executives receive 
an incentive payment, subject to a cap of 20% to 30% of their base salary.

The three year profit and earnings per share targets are set by the Remuneration Committee at the beginning of the three year period having 
regard to current performance and forecast external factors expected to impact each division, and are also subject to minimum return on 
investment achievement. The Remuneration Committee ensures that the three year profit and earnings per share targets are challenging 
and achievable, and will assist in focusing divisional and corporate executives on maximising growth in profitability and return 
on investment.

The total combined payments under the abovementioned two incentives are capped at 50% to 65% of salary for each participating 
executive. Payments are delivered by way of cash bonus, and are paid when the Company’s annual Financial Statements are completed.

75

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

30.

Related parties (continued)

Principles of compensation (continued)

Employee share plan 
As a further component of remuneration, employees of the Company may be invited to participate in the GWA International Employee Share 
Plan which commenced on the listing of the Company in 1993. Under the plan, employees are provided with a non–interest bearing loan 
from the Company to acquire shares in the Company at market value. The loan is repaid through dividends, or in full upon an employee 
ceasing employment with the Company. The employee bears the risk of share price movements below the issue price.

In accordance with the rules of the plan, the total number of employee shares on issue may not exceed 5% of the total Company shares 
on issue. At 30 June 2007 there are currently 3.44 million shares issued under the GWA International Employee Share Plan, which have an 
outstanding loan balance of $9.6 million. The plan does not provide for the issue of options and no options have been issued by 
the Company.

There are three events which trigger employee share issues, all of which must be approved by the Remuneration Committee, including:

•		 Appointment	of	new	divisional	and	corporate	executives	as	recommended	by	the	Managing	Director

•		 Achievement	of	three	year	targets	by	divisional	and	corporate	executives	pursuant	to	the	Executive	Incentive	Scheme	(refer	above)

•		

	The	periodic	issue	to	employees	who	merit	additional	recognition	of	their	performance	and	are	integral	to	the	future	success	of	the	
Company, as recommended by the Managing Director.

The GWA International Employee Share Plan is an effective incentive in encouraging and rewarding sustained higher performance from 
executives and senior management, and represents a long term financial commitment to their employment with the Company.

Termination of employment 
The executives are on open–ended contracts, except for the Executive Director, Mr Peter Crowley, whose employment contract specifies an 
initial term of twelve months with subsequent rolling terms of twelve months.

The employment contract for Mr Crowley provides that if either the Company or Mr Crowley wishes to terminate employment for any reason, 
three months notice of termination is required, or payment in lieu, based upon current salary levels. On termination by the Company, Mr 
Crowley will be entitled to receive payment of twelve months salary.

For the other executives, the Company is legally required to give reasonable notice of termination, or payment in lieu, based upon current 
salary levels.

Under the Executive Incentive Scheme, no incentive is payable in the event of termination of employment during the incentive period.

Any loan to an executive under the GWA International Employee Share Plan, must be repaid in full upon the cessation of employment with 
the Company.

 76

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

30.

Related parties (continued)

Key management personnel compensation (continued)

Individual directors and executives compensation 
Apart from the details disclosed in this note, no director has entered into a material contract with the Company or the consolidated entity 
since the end of the previous financial year and there were no material contracts involving directors’ interests existing at year–end.

Details of the nature and amount of each major element of remuneration of each director of the Company and other key management 

personnel are:

Directors:
Non-Executive

B Thornton  

SHORT-TERM 

POST- 
EMPLOYMENT

Non-  
1 year   monetary  
benefits 
$ 

incentive 
$ 

Salary  
& fees 
$ 

3 year *  
incentive 
$ 

Super- 
  annuation  
benefits  
$ 

Total 
$ 

Other 
$ 

Total 
$

2007  

177,873 

2006  

166,173  

J Kennedy  

2007  

144,024  

2006  

137,477 

M Kriewaldt  

2007  

102,960  

D Barry  

2006  

98,280 

2007 

 90,948  

2006  

86,814  

R Anderson  

2007  

85,800  

2006  

81,900  

G McGrath  

2007  

22,737  

2006  

86,814  

2007  

2006  

– 

– 

W Bartlett (appointed 

21 February 2007) 

Executive Directors

 –  

–  

–  

 –  

–  

 –  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

 –  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

177,873  

102,693  

250  

280,816

166,173  

101,640  

250  

268,063

144,024  

137,477  

–  

–  

250  

144,274

250  

137,727

102,960  

9,266  

250  

112,476

98,280  

8,845  

250  

107,375

90,948  

8,185  

250  

99,383

86,814  

7,813  

250  

94,877

85,800  

7,722  

250  

93,772

81,900  

7,371  

250  

89,521

22,737  

76,396  

250  

99,383

86,814  

7,813  

250  

94,877

–  

– 

36,434  

250  

36,684 

 –  

–  

–

P Crowley  

2007  

1,057,228  

–  

152,875 

 –  

1,210,103  

36,000  

11,855   1,257,958

2006  

917,997  

–  

158,916  

(190,000)  

886,913  

36,000  

10,727  

933,640

Total – Directors  

2007  

1,681,570  

–  

152,875  

–  

1,834,445  

276,696  

13,605   2,124,746

Total – Directors  

2006  

1,575,455  

–  

158,916  

(190,000)  

1,544,371  

169,482  

12,227   1,726,080

*  The incentives for the Executive Director and Executives under the three year Executive Incentive Scheme were provided for in the 2004/05 

year and were written back in the 2005/06 year as the targets were not expected to be achieved.

 
 
 
 
 
   
  
    
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
77

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

30.

Related parties (continued)

Key management personnel compensation (continued)

Individual directors and executives compensation (continued) 

SHORT-TERM 

POST- 
EMPLOYMENT

Salary  
& fees  incentive 

Non-  
1 year   monetary  
benefits 

3 year *  
incentive 

Super- 
  annuation  
benefits  

Total 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Termin-  
ation 
benefits 

$ 

Other 

$ 

Total 

$

Executives

E Harrison  

2007  

365,707  

2006  

447,268  

S Wright  

2007  

417,957  

2006  

387,089  

A Rusten 

 2007  

272,087 

2006 

 263,209 

R Watkins (terminated 
14 February 2007)

  2007  

161,844  

2006  

281,171  

J Measroch  

2007  

278,245  

2006 

275,764 

–  

–  

–  

–  

 –  

 –  

–  

–  

–  

–  

83,345  

–  

449,052  

105,000  

4,260  

–  

558,312

87,546  

(70,546)  

464,268  

–  

5,118  

–  

469,386

50,473 

 –  

468,430  

123,420  

4,069 

 –  

595,919

60,845  

(70,945)  

376,989  

100,592  

3,993  

– 

 481,574

74,310 

23,835 

 –  

346,397  

26,700  

3,262  

–  

376,359

 –  

287,044  

25,288  

3,070  

–  

315,402

42,132  

–  

203,976  

70,000  

5,103   250,000 

529,079

50,936  

–  

332,107  

58,725  

3,152  

–  

393,984 

50,168  

–  

328,413  

26,663  

3,258  

–  

358,334

67,223  

–  

342,987  

25,485  

3,125  

–  

371,597

G Oliver  

2007  

194,603   84,810  

47,027 

 –  

326,440  

147,695  

2,092  

–  

476,227

D Duncan (ceased 
key management 
personnel status 
30 June 2006) 

2006  

177,333   79,425  

62,289  

(47,505)  

271,542  

138,475 

1,973  

–  

411,990

2007  

– 

 –  

–  

– 

 –  

–  

–  

–  

–

 2006  

258,151  

–  

123,019  

(50,000)  

331,170  

27,420  

3,266  

–  

361,856

L Patterson  

2007  

285,269  

2006  

250,744  

–  

–  

76,476  

–  

361,745  

28,163  

3,427 

 –  

393,335

62,554 

 –  

313,298  

25,530  

3,130 

–  

341,958

Total – Executives  

2007   1,975,712   84,810  

423,931  

–   2,484,453  

527,641  

25,471   250,000   3,287,565

Total – Executives  

2006   2,340,729   79,425  

538,247   (238,996)   2,719,405  

401,515  

26,827  

–   3,147,747

Total –Directors and 

Executives 

2007   3,657,282   84,810  

576,806  

–   4,318,898  

804,337  

39,076   250,000   5,412,311

Total – Directors and 

Executives  

2006   3,916,184   79,425  

697,163   (428,996)   4,263,776  

570,997  

39,054  

–   4,873,827

*  The incentives for the Executive Director and Executives under the three year Executive Incentive Scheme were provided for in the 2004/05 

year and written back in the 2005/06 year as the targets are not expected to be achieved.

 
  
 
 
 
   
  
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 78

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

30.

Related parties (continued)

Loans to key management personnel and their related parties (consolidated) 
Details regarding loans outstanding at the reporting date to key management personnel and their related parties, where the individual’s 
aggregate loan balance exceeded $100,000 at any time in the reporting period, are as follows:

Directors

P Crowley  

Executives

E Harrison  

S Wright  

A Rusten  

J Measroch 

G Oliver  

L Patterson  

D Duncan  

Balance  
1 July 2006  
$  

Balance 
30 June 2007  
$  

Interest paid 
 and payable in  
the reporting period   
$  

Highest balance 
in period 
$ 

1,095,000  

980,000  

610,255  

141,269  

–  

339,745 

362,900 

97,303  

486,457  

858,540  

 –  

 –  

280,991  

1,025,991 

780,991  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

 –  

–  

1,095,000

845,986

486,457

893,040

379,745

362,900

1,025,991

780,991

Loans totalling $2,525,040 (2006: $nil) were made to key management personnel or their related parties during the year. The loans made in 
the current financial year related to the Employee Share Plan.

Details regarding the aggregate of loans made, guaranteed or secured by any entity in the consolidated entity to key management personnel 
and their related parties, and the number of individuals in each group, are as follows:

Opening  
Balance  
$  

Closing 
Balance  
$  

Interest paid 
 and payable in  
the reporting period   
$  

Total for key management personnel 2007  

3,706,901  

5,830,110  

Total for key management personnel 2006  

4,769,637  

3,706,901  

–  

–  

Number in 
group at 
30 June 
$ 

5

8

Mr E Harrison has an unsecured housing loan of $75,000. This loan is interest free and repayable on termination. Mr D Duncan repaid a 
$500,000 housing loan during the current financial year. All other loans are with respect to the Employee Share Plan. The Employee Share 
Plan loans are interest free and repayable over 15 years or earlier in certain circumstances. Dividends paid on the shares acquired under the 
Plan are applied against the balance of the loan outstanding.

Other key management personnel transactions with the Company or its controlled entities 
The consolidated entity purchased components and tooling of $355,128 (2006: $304,009) from Great Western Corporation Pty Ltd, a 
company of which Mr B Thornton is a director. Amounts were billed based on normal market rates for such supplies and were due and 
payable under normal payment terms. Amounts receivable from and payable to key management personnel at reporting date arising from 
these transactions were as follows:

In AUD 

Trade creditors  

CONSOLIDATED 

 THE COMPANY

2007 

2006 

2007 

2006

41,679  

3,982  

–  

–

From time to time, key management personnel of the Company or its controlled entities, or their related entities, may purchase goods from 
the consolidated entity. These purchases are on the same terms and conditions as those entered into by other consolidated entity employees 
or customers and are trivial or domestic in nature.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
79

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

30.

Related parties (continued)
Movements in shares 
The movement during the reporting period in the number of ordinary shares in GWA International Limited held, directly, indirectly or 
beneficially, by each key management person, including their related parties, is as follows:

Directors: Non–Executive

B Thornton 

J Kennedy  

M Kriewaldt  

D Barry  

R Anderson  

G McGrath 

W Bartlett 

Executive Directors

P Crowley  

Executives

E Harrison 

S Wright  

A Rusten 

R Watkins  

J Measroch  

G Oliver  

L Patterson  

Directors: non–executive

B Thornton  

J Kennedy  

M Kriewaldt  

D Barry  

R Anderson  

G McGrath  

Executive Directors

P Crowley  

Executives

E Harrison  

S Wright  

A Rusten 

R Watkins  

J Measroch  

G Oliver  

D Duncan  

L Patterson  

Held at 1 July 2006  

Purchases  

Sales   Held at 30 June 2007

 15,023,402  

52,000  

10,000  

100,000  

12,372,389  

28,890,832 

 420,458  

 – 

500,000  

 620,975  

168,750  

 –  

100,000  

200,000  

231,250  

100,000  

–  

–  

–  

 –  

–  

 –  

–  

100,000  

100,000  

300,000  

–  

–  

25,000  

200,000  

(1,500)  

(9,000) 

–  

(16,500)  

–  

(120,458)  

–  

–  

(607,064)  

–  

–  

(100,000)  

(200,000)  

(100,000)  

–  

15,073,902

 1,000

100,000

12,355,889

28,890,832

300,000

–

500,000

113,911

268,750

300,000

–

–

156,250

300,000

Held at 1 July 2005  

Purchases  

Sales   Held at 30 June 2006

15,025,902  

50,000  

100,000  

12,409,189  

20,692,832  

593,026 

500,000 

620,975  

418,750  

 –  

100,000  

200,000  

231,250  

100,000 

100,000  

–  

–  

– 

–  

8,198,000  

 –  

 –  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

 –  

–  

(2,500)  

(40,000)  

 –  

(36,800)  

–  

(172,568)  

–  

–  

(250,000)  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

15,023,402

10,000

100,000

12,372,389

28,890,832

420,458

500,000

620,975

168,750

– 

100,000

200,000

231,250

100,000

100,000

No shares were granted to key management personnel during the reporting period as compensation. The aggregate number of shares held by 

key management personnel or their related parties at 30 June 2007 was 58,360,534 (2006: 57,036,806).

 
 
 80

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AND ITS CONTROLLED ENTITIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

30.

Related parties (continued)

Subsidiaries 
Loans are made by the Company to its wholly owned subsidiaries. The loans have no fixed date of repayment and are non–interest bearing.

Loans are made by wholly owned subsidiaries to other wholly owned subsidiaries. These loans are categorised as funding or trading 

depending on the nature of transactions.

The funding loans represent funding for tax, capital expenditure and initial investment transactions. Where the funding loans are for tax 

or capital expenditure and are also between different countries, interest is charged on these loans at market rates. Where the funding 

loans are in relation to initial investment transactions, these loans are considered part of the net investment in the wholly owned foreign 

subsidiary and accordingly these loans have no fixed date of repayment and are non–interest bearing. All other funding loans have no fixed 

date of repayment and are non–interest bearing.

Trading transactions between wholly owned subsidiaries are generally transacted on 30 day credit terms.

31.

Subsequent events

To the best of our knowledge, since balance date, no matters have arisen which will, or may, significantly affect the operation or results of 

the consolidated entity in later years.

81

DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION

1.   In the opinion of the directors of GWA International Limited (‘the Company’):

(a) the financial statements and notes are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

(i)  giving a true and fair view of the financial position of the Company and the consolidated entity as at 30 June 2007 and of 

their performance, as represented by the results of their operations and their cash flows, for the financial year ended on that 
date; and

(ii) complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001

(b) 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.    There are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company and the controlled entities identified in Note 27 will be able to meet any 

obligations or liabilities to which they are or may become subject to by virtue of the Deed of Cross Guarantee between the Company and 
those controlled entities pursuant to ASIC Class Order 98/1418.

3.    The directors have been given the declarations by the Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer for the financial year ended 30 June 

2007 pursuant to Section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001.

Dated at Brisbane on 21 August 2007.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the directors:

Barry Thornton 

Director

Peter Crowley 

Director

 
 
 
 
 
 
 82

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF 
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED 

We	have	audited	the	accompanying	financial	report	of	GWA	International	Limited	(the	“Company”),	which	comprises	the	balance	sheets	

as at 30 June 2007, and the income statements, statements of recognised income and expense, and statements of cash flows for the year 

ended on that date, a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory notes 1 to 31 to the financial statements, and the 

Directors’ declaration of the consolidated entity comprising the Company and the entities it controlled at the year’s end or from time to time 

during the financial year.

Directors’ responsibility for the financial report 
The Directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in accordance with Australian 

Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Corporations Act 2001. This responsibility includes 

establishing and maintaining internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report that is free from mate-

rial misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies; and making accounting estimates 

that are reasonable in the circumstances. In note 1(a), the directors also state, in accordance with Australian Accounting Standard AASB 

101 Presentation of Financial Statements, that the financial report of the consolidated entity and the Company, comprising the financial 

statements and notes, complies with International Financial Reporting Standards.

Auditor’s responsibility 
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian 

Auditing Standards. These Auditing Standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and 

plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial report is free from material misstatement. 

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial report. The procedures 

selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether 

due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair 

presentation of the financial report in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purposes of 

expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control.

An audit also involves evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by 

the directors, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial report.

We performed the procedures to assess whether in all material respects the financial report presents fairly, in accordance with the 

Corporations Act 2001 and Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations), a view which is 

consistent with our understanding of the Company’s and the consolidated entity’s financial position and of their performance.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Auditor’s opinion on the financial report 
In our opinion:

(a)  the financial report of GWA International Limited is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

i.    giving a true and fair view of the Company’s and consolidated entity’s  financial position as at 30 June 2007 and of their performance 

for the year ended on that date

ii.  complying with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the 

Corporations Regulations 2001.

(b)  the financial report of the consolidated entity also complies with International Financial Reporting Standards as disclosed in note 1(a). 

KPMG  

Sydney, 21 August 2007 

Mark Epper  

Partner

 
 
 
83

OTHER STATUTORY INFORMATION AS AT 20 AUGUST 2007 

Statement of shareholding 
In accordance with the Australian Securities Exchange Listing Rules, the directors state that, as at 20 August 2007, the share capital in the 

Company was held as follows:

Range  

1 – 1,000  

1,001 – 5,000  

5,001 – 10,000  

10,001 – 100,000  

100,001 and over  

Total  

  Ordinary Shareholders  

Ordinary Shares  

1,679  

6,889  

3,495  

2,165  

122  

1,117,710  

20,913,050  

26,436,065  

45,904,363  

185,551,807  

%

0.4

7.5 

9.4

16.4

66.3

14,350  

279,922,995  

100.0

The number of shareholders with less than a marketable parcel of shares is 116.

Voting Rights 
The voting rights attached to shares are as set out in clause 10.20 of the Company’s Constitution. Subject to that clause, at General 

Meetings of the Company:

1.   On a show of hands, every person present as a member, proxy, attorney or representative of a member has one vote;

2.   On a poll, every person present as a member, proxy, attorney or representative of a member, has one vote for each fully paid share.

Substantial shareholders 
The following information is extracted from the Company’s Register of Substantial Shareholders as at 20 August 2007:

Shareholder  

HGT Investments Pty Ltd  

Number of Shares   % of Shares on Issue

14,448,152  

5.16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 84

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

OTHER STATUTORY INFORMATION AS AT 20 AUGUST 2007 

20 Largest shareholders as at 20 August 2007

Shareholder  

Number of Shares  

% Shares on Issue

J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited  

HGT Investments Pty Ltd  

National Nominees Limited  

Erand Pty Ltd  

KFA Investments Pty Ltd 

CJZ Investments Pty Ltd 

JMB Investments Pty Ltd  

Ashberg Pty Ltd  

Theme (No 3) Pty Ltd  

Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited  

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited  

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited  

RBC Dexia Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited (Bkcust A/c)  

ITA Investments Pty Ltd  

Mr Barry Thornton & Mr Chris Hamlin (The Sharp Family Account)  

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited (CFS Future Leaders Fund A/c)  

Dabary Investments Pty Ltd  

Cogent Nominees Pty Limited  

Harvest Home Holdings Pty Ltd  

ANZ Nominees Limited  

Total  

18,439,775  

14,448,152  

13,209,411  

9,898,229  

 9,863,817  

 9,700,651  

8,800,425  

8,198,000  

7,201,160  

6,612,136  

6,193,456  

6,014,585  

5,774,569  

5,152,338  

4,740,033  

3,842,940  

3,398,961  

2,656,460  

2,586,416  

2,286,165  

6.59

5.16

4.72

3.54

3.52

3.47

3.14

2.93

2.57

2.36

2.21

2.15

2.06

1.84

1.69

1.37

1.21

0.95

0.92

0.82

149,017,679  

53.24

85

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Annual General Meeting 
The Annual General Meeting of GWA International Limited will be held in The Grand Ballroom, Stamford Plaza Brisbane, Cnr Edward and 

Margaret Streets Brisbane on Thursday 25 October 2007 commencing at 10:30 am. Shareholders will be mailed their Notice of Annual 

General Meeting and Proxy Form during September 2007.

Shareholder Enquiries 
Shareholders with enquiries about their shareholding or dividend payments should contact the Company’s share registry, Computershare 

Investor Services Pty Ltd, on 1300 552 270 or write to GPO Box 523 Brisbane Queensland Australia 4001.

Change of Address 
Shareholders who have changed their address should immediately notify the Company’s share registry in writing.

Consolidation of Shareholdings 
Shareholders who wish to consolidate their separate shareholdings into one holding should notify the Company’s share registry in writing.

Annual Reports 
Annual Reports are made available to shareholders on the Company’s website. Shareholders wishing to be mailed an Annual Report should 

notify the Company’s share registry in writing. Shareholders will be mailed the Notice of Annual General Meeting and Proxy Form which will 

include details on accessing the online Annual Report.

Dividends 
Dividends are determined by the Board, having regard to the financial circumstances of the Company. Dividends are normally paid in April 

and October each year following the release of the Company’s half year and full year results to the market. The latest dividend details can be 

found on the Company’s website.

Direct Credit of Dividends 
Dividends may be paid directly to a bank, building society or credit union account in Australia. Payments are electronically credited on the 

dividend payment date and confirmed by an advice mailed to shareholders on that date, or emailed where shareholders have requested this 

form of communication.

To ensure the timely receipt of dividends, the Company encourages shareholders to provide direct credit instructions. Direct credit 

application forms can be obtained from the Company’s share registry.

Dividend Reinvestment Plan and Share Purchase Plan 
Both Plans were suspended on 8 February 2000. Past support from shareholders has provided sufficient funds to meet the growth needs of 

the Company. Directors keep this position under review.

Stock Exchange Listing 
The Company’s shares are listed on the Australian Securities Exchange under the ASX code: GWT. Details of the trading activity of the 

Company’s shares are published in most daily newspapers, generally under the abbreviation GWA Intl.

 86

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED  2007 ANNUAL REPORT

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Shareholder Timetable 2007

30 June  

21 August  

10 September  

14 September   

17 September  

2 October  

23 October  

25 October  

31 December  

Financial year end

Year end result and final dividend announcement

Ex dividend date for final dividend

Record date for determining final dividend entitlement

Notice of Annual General Meeting and Proxy Form mailed to shareholders

Final ordinary dividend and special dividend paid

Proxy returns close 10:30 am Brisbane

Annual General Meeting

Half year end

1

Performance Highlights

2

Chairman’s Review

5

Managing Director’s 
Review of Operations

10

Strategic Direction 
and Business Divisions

15 

GWA Sustainability Story

18

Board of Directors

20

Corporate Governance 
Statement

29

Directors’ Report

38

Financial Statements

83

Other Statutory 
Information

85

Shareholder 
Information 
and Timetable

Caroma Dorf is 
Australia’s foremost 
designer, manufacturer, 
importer and distributor of 
domestic and commercial 
bathroom and kitchen 
products, including 
sanitaryware, tapware, 
accessories, bathware, 
stainless steel sinks and 
laundry tubs. Caroma 
Dorf is at the forefront 
of product innovation 
incorporating water saving 
technologies, and is the 
market leader in water 
efficient sanitaryware 
and tapware.

Dux is an Australian 
designer, manufacturer, 
importer and distributor 
of a range of hot water 
systems. The range 
includes mains pressure 
gas and electric storage, 
continuous flow gas, 
electric and gas boosted 
solar and heat pump 
products. Dux has 
developed an extensive 
range of innovative 
environmental products 
to meet the changing 
regulatory requirements, 
and which assist in 
reducing domestic energy 
consumption.

Gainsborough is 
a leading Australian 
designer, manufacturer, 
importer and distributor of 
a comprehensive range of 
domestic and commercial 
door hardware and 
fittings, including security 
products.

Rover is one of 
Australia’s leading 
designers, importers and 
distributors of domestic 
and commercial lawn and 
garden care equipment.

Sebel is at the forefront 
of Australian design, 
manufacture, import and 
distribution of quality 
commercial furniture 
and seating.

GWA International Limited was listed on the 
Australian Securities Exchange in May 1993 and is 
one of Australia’s largest designers, manufacturers, 
importers and distributors of household consumer  
products. The Company is the owner of an extensive 
range of well-known brands including Caroma, 
Dorf, Fowler, Stylus, Clark, Radiant, Irwell, Dux, 
Gainsborough, Sebel and Rover, and is the exclusive 
Australian distributor of other brands including 
Hansa and KWC.

GWA International Limited currently comprises 
five business divisions, Caroma Dorf, Dux, 
Gainsborough, Rover and Sebel, all of which are 
well-established businesses with strong brand 
names and market positions. The Company 
is a significant Australian employer and has 
manufacturing facilities located throughout Australia.

GWA International Limited invests significantly in 
research and new product development which has 
enabled the businesses to maximise opportunities 
in a competitive marketplace. The Company is 
committed to the research and development of 
innovative environmental products which provide 
sustainable solutions for reducing domestic and 
commercial water consumption, and greenhouse 
gas emissions.

GWA International Limited has grown significantly 
since listing as a result of the strong operating 
performance of the businesses and successful 
acquisitions. The Company remains committed 
to growing long term shareholder wealth through 
improved business performance and the pursuit of 
further appropriate domestic acquisitions that add 
value to its existing businesses, and that support 
expansion into new markets.

Mission Statement

GWA International Limited’s primary objective is 
to grow shareholder wealth. This objective will be 
achieved by continuing to invest in the development 
of its people, new products and world leading 
technologies, to sustain and build premium 
profitability of its businesses over time.

The Company’s core business segment is building 
fixtures and fittings which will focus on the research 
and development of innovative new products to 
maximise market opportunities for the businesses. 
The Company will continue to develop products 
which provide sustainable solutions for reducing 
domestic and commercial water consumption, and 
greenhouse gas emissions.

GWA International Limited will grow the profitability 
of its businesses by investing for sustainable growth 
and adapting its business models for a changing 
market. The Company will continue the pursuit of 
appropriate domestic acquisitions that add value to 
its existing businesses, and that support expansion 
into new markets.

CORPORATE DIRECTORY

HEAD OFFICE LOCATIONS

Directors
B Thornton, Chairman
J J Kennedy, Deputy Chairman
P C Crowley, Managing Director
D R Barry, Non-Executive Director
R M Anderson, Non-Executive Director
M D E Kriewaldt, Non-Executive Director
G J McGrath, Non-Executive Director
W J Bartlett, Non-Executive Director

Company Secretary
R J Thornton, CA B Com (Acc) LLB (Hons) LLM 

Registered Office
Level 14, 10 Market Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
AUSTRALIA
Telephone: 61 7 3109 6000
Facsimile: 61 7 3236 0522
Website: www.gwail.com.au
ASX code: GWT

Auditor
KPMG
10 Shelley Street
Sydney NSW 2000
AUSTRALIA
Telephone: 61 2 9335 7000
Facsimile: 61 2 9299 7077

Share Registry
Computershare Investor Services Pty Ltd
Level 19, 307 Queen Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
AUSTRALIA

GPO Box 523
Brisbane  QLD 4001
AUSTRALIA

Telephone: 1300 552 270
Facsimile: 61 7 3237 2152
Website: www.computershare.com.au

Group Bankers
BNP Paribas
Citibank
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
National Australia Bank

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
Level 14
10 Market Street
Brisbane  QLD 4000
AUSTRALIA

Telephone: 61 7 3109 6000
Facsimile: 61 7 3236 0522
Website: www.gwail.com.au

CAROMA DORF
4 Ray Road
EPPING  NSW 2121
Telephone: 61 2 9202 7000
Facsimile: 61 2 9869 0625
Websites:   www.caroma.com.au

 www.smartflush.com.au
 www.fowler.com.au
 www.stylus.com.au
 www.wisa-sanitair.com
 www.starion-industries.com
 www.dorf.com.au
 www.clark.com.au

DUX MANUFACTURING LIMITED
Lackey Road
Moss Vale  NSW 2577
AUSTRALIA
Telephone: 61 2 4868 0200
Facsimile: 61 2 4868 2014
Websites:  www.dux.com.au
                 www.ecosmart.com.au

GAINSBOROUGH HARDWARE INDUSTRIES LIMITED
31-33 Alfred Street
Blackburn VIC 3130
AUSTRALIA
Telephone: 61 3 9877 1555
Facsimile: 61 3 9894 1599
Website: www.gainsboroughhardware.com.au

ROVER MOWERS LIMITED 
155 Fison Avenue West
Eagle Farm  QLD 4009
AUSTRALIA
Telephone: 61 7 3213 0222
Facsimile: 61 7 3868 1010
Website: www.rovermowers.com.au

SEBEL FURNITURE LIMITED 
96 Canterbury Road
Bankstown NSW 2200
AUSTRALIA
Telephone: 61 2 9780 2222
Facsimile: 61 2 9793 3152
Website: www.sebel.com.au

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED 

2007 ANNUAL REPORT

GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED 

ABN 15 055 964 380

Level 14 10 Market Street Brisbane Queensland 4000 Australia
Telephone: 61 7 3109 6000  Facsimile: 61 7 3236 0522
Website: www.gwail.com.au

 BUILT ON STRONG BRANDS