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Stanley Furniture Co. Inc.GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED 
2008 ANNUAL REPORT
 SUSTAINABLE LIVING SOLUTIONS
contents
 1     Performance  
Highlights
  2   Chairman’s Review
 4     Managing Director’s 
Review of Operations
  8  Health and Safety
  10    Strategic Direction 
and Business Divisions
  15    GWA Sustainability  
and Innovation Story
  24   Board of Directors
  26    Corporate Governance 
Statement
  33  Directors’ Report
logical solutions
  41    Financial Statements
102    Other Statutory 
Information
104    Shareholder 
Information 
and Timetable
caroMa Dorf
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 
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
Leading Australian designer, manufacturer, importer and distributor of a 
comprehensive range of domestic and commercial door hardware and 
fittings, including security products.
rover 
One of Australia’s leading designers, importers and distributors of 
domestic and commercial lawn and garden care equipment.
sebel 
At the forefront of Australian design, manufacture, import and 
distribution of quality commercial furniture and seating.
Mission stateMent
GWA International Limited’s primary objective is to grow shareholder wealth. This 
coMpany profile
GWA International Limited was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange in 
objective will be achieved by continuing to invest in the development of its people, 
May 1993 and is one of Australia’s largest designers, manufacturers, importers 
new products and world leading technologies, to sustain and build premium 
and distributors of household consumer  products. The Company is the owner of 
profitability of its businesses over time.
an extensive range of well-known brands including Caroma, Dorf, Fowler, Stylus, 
Clark, Radiant, Irwell, Dux, Gainsborough, Sebel and Rover, and is the exclusive 
The Company’s core business segment is building fixtures and fittings which 
Australian distributor of other brands including Hansa and KWC.
will focus on the research and development of innovative new products to 
maximise market opportunities for the businesses. The Company will continue to 
GWA International Limited currently comprises five business divisions, Caroma Dorf, 
develop products which provide sustainable solutions for reducing domestic and 
Dux, Gainsborough, Rover and Sebel, all of which are well-established businesses 
commercial water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions.
with strong brand names and market positions. The Company is a large Australian 
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 
GWA International Limited invests significantly in research and new product 
Company will continue the pursuit of appropriate acquisitions that add value to its 
development which has enabled the businesses to maximise opportunities in 
existing businesses, and that support expansion into new markets.
a competitive marketplace. The Company is committed to the research and 
employer and has manufacturing facilities located throughout Australia.
Printed using Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper. 
All paper sourced from responsibly managed plantation forests. 
ISO14001 environmental management system in use.
development of innovative environmental products which provide sustainable 
solutions for reducing domestic and commercial water consumption, and 
greenhouse gas emissions.
GWA International Limited has achieved substantial growth since listing as a result 
of the strong operating performance of the businesses and successful acquisitions. 
The Company remains committed to growing shareholder wealth through improved 
business performance and the pursuit of further appropriate acquisitions that add 
value to its existing businesses, and that support expansion into new markets.
2007/08 YEAR 
PERFORMANCE 
HIGHLIGHTS
Sales revenue up 2.0% to $648.9 million
Trading earnings before interest and tax 
higher at $99.4 million
Cash from operating activities up $78 million
Fully franked dividend of 19.5 cents per share 
(including 1.5 cent special dividend)
Five Year Financial Summary 
2003/04  
$’000  
2004/05  
$’000  
2005/06  
$’000  
2006/07  
$’000  
2007/08 
$’000
Revenue (2) 
677,393 
626,866 
619,989 
636,124 
648,902
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation,  
amortisation and restructuring costs   
(%)  
Depreciation and amortisation  
Earnings before interest, tax 
and restructuring costs (1) 
(%)  
Interest (net)  
Trading profit before tax  
(%)  
Tax expense  
(%)  
Trading profit after tax  
Restructuring costs after tax  
Net profit after tax   
Net cash from operating activities (2) 
Capital expenditure  
Research and development  
Net debt (2) 
Shareholders’ equity 
Other Ratios and Statistics
Return on shareholders’ equity  
(%)  
Interest cover 
 (times)  
Net debt / (net debt + equity) 
 (%)  
Earnings per share  
Trading earnings per share  
(cents)  
(cents)  
Ordinary dividend per share 
 (cents)  
Special dividend per share  
Total dividend per share 
(cents)  
 (cents)  
Franking  
Ordinary dividend payout ratio  
Share price (30 June) 
Dividend yield (total dividend)  
Number of employees  
(%)  
(%)  
 ($)  
 (%)  
131,564  
130,067  
117,617  
118,533 
117,314
19.4  
20.7  
19.0 
18.6  
18.1
30,549  
26,714  
22,420   
19,779  
17,920
101,015   
103,353  
95,197  
98,754 
99,394
14.9  
12,614 
88,401  
13.1  
16.5   
11,137  
92,216  
14.7 
15.4  
11,490 
83,707  
13.5  
15.5  
12,366  
86,388  
13.6  
15.3
14,623
84,771
13.1
26,348 
28,328  
23,628 
24,975  
24,612
29.8 
30.7  
28.2   
28.9  
62,053  
63,888  
60,079 
61,413  
–  
–   
62,053  
114,653   
63,888  
83,767 
20,579  
21,331   
5,485 
6,488 
3,227  
56,852  
60,038  
30,966  
5,775  
29.0
60,159
14,269
45,890
5,095 
56,318  
24,841  
102,992
21,516  
22,235
5,360  
6,056
159,451 
161,706  
141,000 
225,614  
193,557
428,510  
 409,546  
411,968  
408,802  
389,120
14.5   
10.4  
27.1  
22.3  
22.3 
18.0  
2.5  
20.5   
100  
80.7  
2.95  
6.9   
15.6  
11.7 
28.3   
23.0 
23.0  
18.0  
4.5  
22.5  
100  
78.3  
2.92   
7.7  
13.8  
10.2   
25.5 
20.4  
21.6 
18.0  
3.5  
21.5 
100  
88.2 
3.11  
6.9  
13.8 
9.6  
35.6 
20.2  
22.0 
18.0  
4.0  
22.0 
100  
89.1  
4.42  
5.0 
11.8 
8.0
33.2
16.4
21.5
18.0
1.5
19.5
100
109.8
2.50 
7.8
2,565   
2,474  
2,226  
1,957  
1,786
Note:   (1)  EBIT for financial year 2004 has been calculated in accordance with previous Australian GAAP. 
EBIT for financial years 2005 to 2008 has been calculated in accordance with Australian equivalents to IFRS (AIFRS).
(2)  Financial years 2007 and 2008 have been re-calculated in accordance with the revised accounting policies as described in note 1(y) to the Financial Statements. Financial Years 2004 
to 2006 have not been re-stated.
1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
CHAIRMAN’S REvIEW
The significant restructuring 
activities undertaken to date 
have enabled the Group to 
maintain profitability in the 
difficult market conditions. 
A sound financial performance was achieved in the 2007/08 year 
11.5 cents per share, this brings the total fully franked dividend 
in the difficult domestic market conditions. Rising market interest 
for the 2007/08 year to 19.5 cents per share (inclusive of the 1.5 
rates and a weak domestic economy have lead to further declines 
cents per share special dividend paid in April 2008). This continues 
in dwelling construction and renovation activity, and together with 
the Company’s track record of paying fully franked dividends to 
rising business input costs created a challenging environment for 
shareholders.
the Group’s businesses. The significant restructuring activities 
undertaken to date have enabled the Group to maintain profitability 
The directors have announced the cessation of the special 
in the difficult market conditions. 
dividend, and the re-introduction of the Dividend Reinvestment 
Plan (“DRP”). This will assist the Group to fund acquisition 
The Group achieved a trading profit after tax of $60.2 million in 
opportunities as they arise. In the current market, there are more 
the 2007/08 year on sales revenue of $648.9 million. Net profit 
acquisition opportunities becoming available at realistic asset 
after tax of $45.9 million was after restructuring expenses and the 
prices, and the Group needs to be in a position to move quickly 
write-down in Wisa book value. Trading earnings before interest and 
to fund opportunities that are consistent with the strategic 
tax of $99.4 million represented a 0.6% increase on the prior year’s 
growth plans.
performance, and is in line with guidance provided to the market in 
February 2008.
The DRP will be in place for the final dividend payable in October 
2008 and a discount of 5% will apply to shares subscribed for 
In early August, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed for 
under the plan. The DRP has received strong support from 
the sale of Wisa Beheer in the Netherlands to management for Euro 
shareholders in the past, and I encourage shareholders to continue 
14 million. This business is of small scale, low profitability and is 
to support the plan, and the growth aspirations of the Company.
not compatible with the Board’s future growth plans for 
the Company.
DIvIDENDS AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
The Group’s impressive operating cash flow enabled the directors to 
ExECuTIvE REMuNERATION
Together with the Company’s external remuneration consultants, 
the Board conducted a review during the year on the incentive 
arrangements for executives and senior management. The objective 
declare a final fully franked ordinary dividend of 8.0 cents per share 
of the review was to ensure that the incentive arrangements enable 
to be paid in October 2008. Together with the interim dividend of 
the Group to attract, motivate and retain a high quality executive 
team, and to more closely align the incentive arrangements with 
shareholder wealth creation. Following the review, the Board 
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
Given the current trading conditions and the expectation that these 
approved changes to the Short Term Incentive and Long Term 
challenging conditions will continue throughout the 2008/09 year, it 
Incentive plans as outlined in the Remuneration Report.
will be difficult to achieve growth in profitability in this environment.
The Group will focus on maximising opportunities for the existing 
The Long Term Incentive (“LTI”) has been changed to an equity 
businesses through the development and marketing of innovative 
performance plan, following the expiry of the former cash based 
new products, and will continue the search for suitable acquisition 
plan. The LTI incorporates performance hurdles based on Earnings 
opportunities. The Group is actively searching for suitable 
Per Share and Total Shareholder Return targets. The performance 
acquisitions that will enable the expansion of the core building 
hurdles have been selected by the Board and will focus 
fixtures and fittings business. The cessation of the special dividend 
management on sustained long term performance. The LTI will be 
and the re-introduction of the DRP will assist with funding for 
put to shareholders for approval at the Annual General Meeting in 
acquisitions as required.
October 2008 and I encourage shareholders to support the plan. 
Further information on the LTI can be found in the Explanatory 
The financial results for the 2007/08 year demonstrates the strength 
Memorandum to the 2008 Notice of Meeting.
of the Group’s businesses in challenging market conditions. The 
The existing GWA International Employee Share Plan will continue to 
to improve their cost competitiveness in the market conditions, 
operate, but will be restricted to lower level management and 
and the full benefits of the restructuring will be realised when the 
senior staff.
domestic dwelling construction and renovation market recovers in 
restructuring activities of recent years has enabled the businesses 
SuSTAINAbILITY AND 
PRODuCT INNOvATION
The Board is committed to reducing energy and water usage in the 
Group’s operations and significant progress has been made.  
A new section has been included in the Annual Report outlining 
the Group’s water and energy saving initiatives during the year. I 
congratulate Caroma Dorf on receiving the 2008 Endeavour Awards 
Environmental Solution of the Year for the Glaze Reclamation 
System at the Wetherill Park factory which has lead to substantial 
waste and water reductions. Gainsborough has also put in place 
initiatives to reduce water consumption at the Blackburn factory 
with impressive results to date.  
The Group has invested significantly in research and new product 
development to maintain competitive advantage and develop new 
market opportunities. The Company is a key manufacturer and 
distributor of products which deliver environmental sustainability 
benefits including Caroma Dorf’s market leading water efficient 
sanitaryware and tapware, and Dux Hot Water’s environmental 
products which reduce household energy usage. Further 
information on the Group’s sustainability focus and 
product innovations is included in the Annual Report.
CORPORATE GOvERNANCE
The Board of GWA International Limited comprise experienced 
and long serving directors who have overseen the growth of the 
Company, and the significant restructuring activities of recent 
years. Succession plans have been developed for the retirement of 
individual directors and in accordance with the plans, Mr Martin 
Kriewaldt will retire as a director at the Annual General Meeting in 
October 2008. I wish to thank Mr Kriewaldt for his contributions as 
a director and wish him well for the future.
The Board succession planning process will continue and I expect 
to announce the appointment of a new director early next year.
future periods. 
In closing, I would like to thank management and staff for their 
efforts to achieve a sound financial result in the 2007/08 year, and 
look forward to a strong performance in the 2008/09 year, despite 
the current economic uncertainty.
Trading Earnings Per Share
cents
25
20
15
10
5
0
03/04
04/05
05/06
06/07
07/08
Dividend Per Share
cents
25
20
15
10
5
0
03/04
04/05
05/06
06/07
07/08
Ordinary Dividend
Special Dividend
3
4
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
MANAGING DIRECTOR’S 
REvIEW OF OPERATIONS
A real highlight for the year has 
been the very strong cashflow 
which is a function of efficiency 
improvements across all operating 
divisions within the Company. 
OvERvIEW – STRONG CASH FLOW 
uNDERPINS STEADY PROFIT RESuLT
$ million   
2007/08   2006/07
Cash Flow before Financing Activities   
95.2  
5.7
Trading EBIT   
Trading Profit after Tax  
99.4  
60.2  
98.8
61.4
Restructure Costs after Tax   
(14.3)  
(5.1)
Our restructuring initiatives have helped sustain the Company’s 
performance and with the Movex ERP system on track for 
deployment in Caroma Dorf during 2008/09 we are continuing to 
build a stronger base for the future.
The Company’s Building Fixtures and Fittings businesses segment 
is comprised of the Caroma Dorf, Gainsborough and Dux 
business units.
During the financial year the segment’s revenue and trading 
earnings before interest and tax benefited from improved sales of 
environmentally sustainable water heaters through Dux as well as 
Profit after Tax   
45.9  
56.3
continuing strong sales through Gainsborough as this business 
expands its product range and customer reach.
During the 2007/08 financial year GWA International Limited 
Caroma Dorf’s sales and trading profit were down principally due 
reported trading earnings before interest and tax of $99.4 million, 
to weak new housing activity in Australia and New Zealand.  Profits 
slightly above the previous year’s result.  This was a credible result 
were also impacted as a result of significant underperformance 
given the difficult trading conditions experienced during the year.
by our Wisa sanitaryware business in Europe and poor sales of 
stainless steel kitchen and laundry products as the Clark business 
A real highlight for the year has been the very strong cashflow 
was restructured from a domestic manufacturer to an importer.  
which is a function of efficiency improvements across all operating 
Significant restructuring charges were raised in the first half as the 
divisions within the Company.  Improved supply chain management 
Clark business exited the Revesby manufacturing site.
and continuing improvements in productivity at the upgraded 
Wetherill Park vitreous china factory have resulted in lower 
Caroma Dorf’s restructuring initiatives were largely completed 
inventory levels for all our operating businesses.
during the 2008 financial year.  Manufacturing operations at 
the Clark site at Revesby have ceased with an updated and cost 
effective range of stainless steel sink and laundry tubs now available 
SEGMENT RESuLTS AND OPERATING PERFORMANCE 
  Sales  
  Revenue  
  $ Million   
2007/08  
2006/07  
  Trading  
  EbIT  
  $ Million  
2007/08  
2006/07  
building 
Fixtures and 
Fittings  
558.6  
546.9  
building 
Fixtures and 
Fittings   
109.5 
110.5  
Sebel  
Rover   
Other  
Total 
56.9  
56.8  
33.4  
32.4  
_ 
– 
648.9
636.1
Sebel   
Rover   
Other  
Total 
3.4  
3.6  
0.4  
(0.4)  
(13.9)  
(14.9)  
99.4
98.8
for the new financial year.  Major production issues at the Wetherill 
of the supply chain throughout the year.  With a restructured cost 
Park vitreous china factory which impacted on supply capability 
base and good rainfall expected across the eastern states, Rover is 
and profit in the first half of the year have now been resolved and 
expected to show improved performance in the new financial year.
substantial progress has also been made in optimizing our supply 
channels for imported products.
During the 2009 financial year we expect to see a significant 
increase in output from the Wetherill Park factory with minimal 
increases in factory overheads.
In the 2008 financial year Dux revenue increased by 13% and 
CASH FLOW 
The strong net cash flow from operating activities of $103.0 million 
resulted from reduced inventory levels across all divisions and the 
benefit of tax refunds from the previous year. 
Expenditure on acquisition of plant and equipment of $18.3 million 
was in line with depreciation and was partially offset by cash inflows 
has benefited from the regulatory driven change to environmental 
from sale of property and equipment totalling $14.5 million. 
products which have a higher unit sales value.  Improved 
performance of new products and investment in distribution is 
As a result of this strong cash flow the Company’s net debt reduced 
flowing through to higher revenue and profitability.  The business 
by $32.1 million during the financial year.
is focussing on enhancing its range of energy efficient products 
based on technology developed in-house and key partnerships with 
offshore suppliers. 
Gainsborough is supplementing its strong presence in the builder 
segment with a broader product offering targeting the architectural 
market segment.  Sales have improved in the DIY market and we 
expect the broader product offering to translate into higher sales in 
2008/09.
Sebel has performed credibly given the adverse impact of the strong 
Australian currency on export competitiveness, reporting sales and 
trading profit in line with the prior financial year.  Restructuring of 
the Bankstown operations is now complete following sale of the site 
and consolidation of activities has been completed into an area 30% 
less than previously required. 
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND 
CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
The Company has a strong balance sheet, established lines of 
funding and quality financial metrics which will support  
future growth. 
During the 2007/08 financial year the Company paid $61.6 million 
in dividends all fully franked.  The balance of franking credits at 
year end was $22.5 million and the Company remains well placed 
to continue paying fully franked ordinary dividends. 
As mentioned in the Chairman’s Review, the Board has decided 
to cease paying special dividends and reintroduce the Dividend 
Reinvestment Plan. These initiatives will further position the 
Company for growth and provide shareholders with the opportunity 
to cost effectively invest in the Company.  
While sales were in line with the previous year, Rover’s profitability 
while an improvement on the prior year’s loss was impacted by 
the sell through of high cost domestically made product while our 
Chinese suppliers came on stream.  Some supply disruptions from 
China also impacted on our ability to meet the market’s needs.
Net debt at June 2008 totalled $193.6 million representing gearing 
of 33.2% as measured by net debt / net debt plus equity.  Debt 
funding is provided under a Master Financing Agreement with 
utilized debt facilities totalling A$235 million and Euro 7.3 million.
In 2007/08 Rover completed the transition of its business model to 
fully imported mowers and has progressively improved the reliability 
These loans and other facilities are extended annually under 2 and 
3 year evergreen arrangements.  No loan facilities are set to mature 
in the 2008/09 financial year. 
5
 
 
 
 
6
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
MANAGING DIRECTOR’S 
REvIEW OF OPERATIONS
SAFETY 
Management is determined to improve the Company’s safety 
well as the waste produced through our processes and packing.  In 
2008 GWA became a signatory to the National Packaging Covenant 
performance through better safety systems and processes, through 
which establishes a 3 year programme to reduce waste.  The 
extensive communication with our workforce and increased 
Board also approved the expenditure of $1.9 million to increase 
diligence in identifying safety risks in our workplace.
water recycling at Wetherill Park.  In recognition of this initiative, 
the Wetherill Park factory won the 2008 Endeavour Awards - 
During the 2008 year, 19 of our employees suffered workplace 
Environmental Solutions of the Year.  This is real acknowledgement 
injuries requiring them to take time off work.  While these lost time 
of the innovation and commitment of our people to contribute to a 
injuries represent a 25% reduction on the prior year, our safety 
more sustainable environment.
performance remains an area of ongoing management focus.
Our emphasis on identifying and rectifying safety risks across all our 
requirements for carbon reporting and trading will be properly 
sites has resulted in a 30% reduction in the injury frequency rate 
addressed by GWA to ensure a profitable and sustainable future for 
(injuries per million man hours worked).
the business.
The current focus on carbon reduction and the evolving 
SuSTAINAbILITY AND CARbON REDuCTION 
GWA is committed to improving the environment both through 
STRATEGIC DIRECTION 
GWA is well placed to pursue future growth opportunities.  Our 
the products we make and sell and the manufacturing processes 
strong cashflow, supportive shareholders and bankers ensures the 
we utilise.  The Company is at the forefront of technology with the 
Company will be able to continue pursing internal and external 
development of water efficient toilets and energy efficient water 
investment opportunities which will grow shareholder value.
heaters.  Our environmentally sustainable products are a major 
source of competitive advantage for the Company.  In recognition of 
Management will continue to focus on growing our Building Fixtures 
the Company’s innovative products, the new water heater marketed 
and Fittings segment by expanding on our core strategies of low 
as the Dux Airoheat heat pump was awarded the prestigious 
cost supply, product innovation and high quality products and 
Australian International Design Mark.
service levels.  The business has been significantly restructured to 
better withstand any down turn in economic cycles while also being 
GWA manufacturing operations are continually seeking ways in 
able to expand quickly as the market recovers.
which to reduce the levels of energy and water usage at our sites as 
The Company is also well positioned to capitalize on acquisition 
opportunities which compliment our Building Fixtures and Fittings 
businesses.  The recent share market correction means that asset 
values are now more realistic and our strong balance sheet provides 
us with the capacity to take advantage of acquisition opportunities.
GWA’s current business model of managing local and offshore 
supply sources means that supply chain management is developing 
as a core skill in the organisation. We have 30 staff engaged in 
China undertaking quality assurance, vendor management and 
trading as well as improved management systems and processes.  
These capabilities open up broader options for creating value 
through growth and acquisitions. 
We will continue to look at options to divest non core businesses but 
we have not been successful in identifying a way to achieve this and 
create value for the Sebel and Rover businesses.  We have signed 
a non binding MOU for the sale of WISA after a strategic review 
indicated that this business had limited growth options under 
GWA management.
PEOPLE 
GWA’s long term success has been due to the efforts of a committed 
and talented workforce.  We are continuing to look for ways to bring 
new thinking and skills into the business while also developing our 
people to provide succession opportunities.
In support of these objectives a significant investment has been 
made through the GWA Leadership Program, with the aim of 
underpinning a high performance culture through the development 
of personnel with superior skills and capabilities supported by 
rigorous goal setting and performance management systems 
OuTLOOk  
While there is undoubtedly a strong underlying demand for 
dwellings in Australia as a result of rising population and a sustained 
under supply of new dwellings, continuing high interest rates and 
low affordability will effectively cap demand.
Until economic conditions ease and constraints on new housing 
supply are addressed, there is little prospect of any meaningful 
upturn in house building activity during the 2008/09 financial year 
with most forecasters predicting a continuation of the current 
flat demand.
Rising cost pressures both in Australia and offshore will also impact 
on our cost base.  The effective management of price increases in 
the subdued domestic market will be essential to protect margins.
Against this challenging economic outlook, management is certain 
the benefits of our extensive restructuring program will flow through 
during the new financial year.  Our large investment in innovative 
environmentally sustainable products also positions the Company 
well to capitalize on changing consumer demands and Government 
legislation.
In the current economic environment, the outlook for the 2008/09 
financial year is difficult to assess.  Further market guidance for 
2008/09 will be provided at the Company’s Annual General Meeting 
in October when we can make a more informed assessment of 
the market.
7
 
8
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
HEALTH AND SAFETY
GWA continues to ensure that it 
provides a safe workplace for its 
employees, contractors, visitors 
and customers in an efficient and 
compliant manner.
GWA continues to ensure that it provides a safe workplace for its 
•   The health and safety advisors have been working to standardise 
employees, contractors, visitors and customers in an efficient and 
safe operating procedures across GWA. This means we are able 
compliant manner.
to adopt best practice and maximise the collective resources of 
the health and safety advisors.
GWA has a team of health and safety professionals. Some health 
and safety advisors also have responsibilities for environment and 
•   Internal operational risk audits are conducted at major sites and 
sustainability.
cross site auditing by health and safety advisors from different 
GWA businesses is encouraged.
The health and safety advisor’s report to a senior manager within 
each GWA business thus ensuring focus at all levels. The advisor’s 
•   Early in 2008/09 year a new training and compliance system 
meet regularly with the Group Risk Manager who provides 
will be introduced into GWA. Key induction and training material 
overall advice and company strategic direction in a continuous 
for employees and contractors will be able to be delivered 
improvement environment.
online. Compliance testing, also delivered online via computer, 
will ensure employee and contractor understanding in areas of 
During 2007/08 new initiatives have been introduced and existing 
health, safety, environment and site safe operating procedures.
systems improved:
•   The Corporate Risk Database continues to be the core system 
employed at GWA. The system records all incidents, including 
injuries, near misses and other non lost time injuries. Every 
HEALTH AND SAFETY PERFORMANCE
GWA measures a range of balanced safety performance indicators.  
Proactive indicators such as number of hazards identified, risk 
assessments undertaken and actions issues and completed on time 
month records are analysed for trends and adequate treatment to 
are recorded for each GWA site.
reduce likelihood of reoccurrence. The software issues and track 
actions from hazards identified, risk assessments undertaken 
as well as incident investigations. A new software upgrade is 
scheduled for the first quarter of 2008/09. This will provide a 
better shop floor interface to report near misses and identify 
hazards. There is also an enhanced dashboard that will give real 
time key performance indicators of safety performance.    
 
10
8
6
4
2
0
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
2006
2007
2008
2006
2007
2008
THREE kEY MEASuRES OF SAFETY 
OuTCOMES ARE:
•   Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) which measures Lost Time 
•   Injury Severity Rate which measures the number of hours for a 
(injury that results in an inability to work for at least one full shift)
lost time injury per million hours worked
10
8
10
6
8
4
6
2
4
0
2
0
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
2006
2006
2007
2007
2008
2008
2006
2007
2008
•   Medical Treatment Injury Frequency Rate (MTIFR) which measures 
The trends for all three KPIs are positive and targets will continue to 
the number of doctor treated injuries per million hours worked
be reset each year.
The group achieved a relatively good result for 2007/08. LTIFR is 
below average for the manufacturing sector. Individual sites such as 
Caroma at Norwood in SA achieved a zero LTIFR, whilst at Caroma 
at Wetherill Park in NSW (GWA’s largest site) LTIFR was less than 2.  
MTIFR also continues to display a downward trend.
One of the flow-on effects of good safety performance has been the 
reduction of Workers Compensation premiums. All GWA businesses 
have seen a significant saving in premiums for 2007/08.
9
35
30
35
25
30
20
25
15
20
10
15
5
10
0
5
0
6000
5000
6000
4000
5000
3000
4000
2000
3000
1000
2000
0
1000
0
2006
2006
2007
2007
2008
2008
2006
2006
2007
2007
2008
2008
 
 
 
10
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
STRATEGIC DIRECTION 
AND buSINESS DIvISIONS
buSINESS DESCRIPTION
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.
MAIN PRODuCTS AND SERvICES
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.
MAjOR bRANDS 
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 
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.
HEAD OFFICE LOCATION 
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.fowler.com.au    www.stylus.com.au  
www.clark.com.au    www.starion-industries.com    www.smartinnovation.com.au  www.wisa-sanitair.com   
www.ecologicalsolutions.com   www.irwell.com.au   www.radiantstainless.com.au 
 
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 SERvICES
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 
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.
HEAD OFFICE LOCATION 
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
11
                 
12
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
STRATEGIC DIRECTION 
AND buSINESS DIvISIONS
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 SERvICES
A comprehensive range of door hardware comprising door handles (knobs and levers), door locks, door closers, 
hinges and other metal door accessories.
MAjOR bRANDS 
Owned: Gainsborough, Trilock, Homecraft, Stronghold Series, Contractor Series, In Style, Mode, Aspect
OPERATING LOCATIONS 
Australia, New Zealand, export markets
MAjOR MARkETS 
Domestic home builders, DIY and building projects, commercial buildings and multi-dwelling developments.
STRATEGIC DIRECTION 
Gainsborough’s strategic direction encompasses the development of new and innovative door hardware products to 
suit domestic buildings and commercial projects. 
HEAD OFFICE LOCATION 
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
                 
buSINESS DESCRIPTION
Rover is a leading Australian designer, importer and distributor of domestic and commercial lawn and garden 
care equipment.
MAIN PRODuCTS AND SERvICES
Range of walk-behind and ride-on mower equipment, garden chip and shred products and spare parts.
MAjOR bRANDS 
Owned: Rover
OPERATING LOCATIONS 
Australia, New Zealand, export markets
MAjOR MARkETS 
Domestic and commercial lawn care and garden products and equipment, marketed in over 35 countries.
STRATEGIC DIRECTION 
Rover will continue to target market growth segments in Australia and overseas through its focus on new product 
development and its relationships with its key customers.
HEAD OFFICE LOCATION 
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
13
14
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
STRATEGIC DIRECTION 
AND buSINESS DIvISIONS
buSINESS DESCRIPTION
Sebel is at the forefront of Australian design, manufacture, import and distribution of quality commercial furniture 
and seating.
MAIN PRODuCTS AND SERvICES
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 
Entertainment, hospitality, healthcare, public seating, sports stadia, corporate and educational markets. Sells direct 
to builders, developers, clubs and hotels.
STRATEGIC DIRECTION 
As well as its strong emphasis on new product development, Sebel will continue to pursue traditional markets using 
its strong brand name and good customer service to drive sales through increased market share. Current export 
markets will also be expanded, with the division pursuing opportunities in education and stadia markets overseas.
HEAD OFFICE LOCATION 
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
                 
The GWA 
SuSTAINAbILITY and 
INNOvATION  STORY
15
16
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
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.
Caroma Dorf has always been at the forefront of product innovation, 
corporate responsibility and the development of environmentally 
ExAMPLES OF CAROMA DORF’S WATER 
SAvING PRODuCTS INCLuDE:
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. 
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.
CAROMA PROFILE TM TOILET SuITE WITH 
INTEGRATED HAND bASIN
The first toilet in Australia to achieve a 5-star WELS rating, the 
Caroma ProfileTM Toilet Suite with Integrated Hand Basin provides 
a simple, effective way to re-use water in the bathroom. ProfileTM 
achieves this leading water rating by using the same water twice, 
firstly for hand washing followed by toilet flushing. Resulting in 
water savings of over 10% compared to the 4.5/3L Smartflush® 
System with separate hand basin.
A HISTORY OF WATER SAvING INNOvATION
Over the last 25 years, Caroma has designed toilets that have 
Given the high degree of innovation of the ProfileTM Toilet Suite, 
the launch of this product has further consolidated Caroma Dorf’s 
progressively reduced water consumption, from the 11/6 litre, to the 
position both in Australia and internationally as a leader in water 
9/4.5 litre, the 6/3 litre dual flush to today’s Caroma Smartflush®, 
saving technology. The ProfileTM has enhanced Caroma Dorf’s 
Australia’s first 4.5/3 litre dual flush toilet, which can save the 
already extensive range of water efficient bathroom products, whilst 
average household 35,000 litres of water per year compared to an 
ensuring Caroma Dorf sets the innovation benchmarks within the 
11 litre single flush toilet suite. 
markets in which it operates.
SuSTAINAbILITY IS OuR PRIORITY
Caroma Dorf is well placed to assist homes, and businesses, in 
Researched and designed in Australia, Caroma Dorf are ensuring 
this unique technology is fully accessible to the Australian market 
reducing total bathroom water usage with a complete portfolio of 
from a distribution, ease of installation and price position so the 
water efficient products. A large percentage of households have 
water saving benefits of this innovation can be carried through to 
inefficient toilets, taps and showerheads. Replacing these heavy 
our environment. 
water using products with sophisticated and advanced technology, 
like products created by Caroma Dorf, can have an immediate 
impact on water saving. 
vanadal Resistant Metal Grate
Replaceable bio Fresh block
Replaceable bio SealTM
CAROMA H2ZEROTM CubE uRINAL
The Caroma H2ZeroTM Cube Urinal won the inaugural Award for 
THE CAROMA DORF COMMITMENT
Recognising the need for a solutions approach to address the 
Excellence in Sustainable Design at the 2007 Australian Design 
current water situation, devising sustainable water management 
Awards. The H2ZeroTM Cube Urinal was selected from a shortlist 
solutions for homes and businesses is now a core focus for the 
of 32 environmentally friendly entries for its breakthrough design, 
Caroma Dorf business under the banner of Eco Logical Solutions.
allowing it to be the first truly viable and sustainable high-
performance, waterless urinal option.
As an industry leader, Caroma Dorf is working closely with key 
government bodies, water authorities, plumbing organisations and 
The H2ZeroTM Urinal also won the Australian Design Award for 
the building industry to develop responsible alternatives to save 
Excellence in Australian Design in the Housing and Building 
water through retrofitting initiatives.
category, as well as being one of six products nominated for 
Australian Design Award of the year. Entries were judged against 
The benefits of saving water through retrofitting initiatives include:
a common set of criteria, including innovation, visual appeal, 
functionality, originality, quality, ergonomics, safety, sustainability, 
•  speed at which water saving benefits are realised
and commercial viability.
•   a reduction of demand on mains water supplies for toilet flushing 
AuSTRALIAN DESIGNED MIxERS DELIvER 
SERIOuS STYLE & 5 STAR WATER RATING - 
The Dorf Eclipse Basin Mixer releases a low 6 litres of water per 
minute to achieve a superior WELS 5 star rating, while the WELS 4 
star rated Eclipse Sink Mixer is durable enough to withstand even 
the most demanding of kitchen duties. The contemporary good 
purposes
•    reduction of waste volume flowing through sewerage plants and 
associated infrastructure
•  no need for change to current behaviour
RESIDENTIAL RETROFIT SOLuTIONS
Caroma Dorf has strategically positioned itself as an expert in 
looks of the Eclipse Bath/Shower Mixer, available with optional 
developing residential retrofit programs with water authorities, 
diverter, will make a stylish addition to any bathroom space.
local councils, and consumers. As part of its commitment to 
residential retrofitting, Caroma Dorf is providing fully installed 
solutions for replacing inefficient toilets and showers with immediate 
water saving results that can be easily implemented.
17
18
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
Developing and manufacturing 
market-leading water saving 
products including toilet suites, 
urinals, tapware, showers and 
flush valves is an integral part of 
Caroma Dorf’s philosophy.
LEADING THE WAY IN COMMERCIAL 
RETROFITTING
In an effort to support sustainable living, Caroma Dorf, in joint 
partnership with business organisations, is offering viable 
alternatives to help save water. Through tailored fully installed 
commercial initiatives, Caroma Dorf is assisting business to realise 
SOFITEL HOTEL, bRISbANE
The 429 room luxury five star hotel achieved their water saving 
targets and found a cost effective solution to do so on advice from 
Caroma Dorf. Products featured included Caroma Liano Inset Vanity 
Basins, Caroma Cube 0.8L Electronic Smartflush® Urinal Suites 
(WELS 6 star rated) and Fowler Newport Smartflush® Toilet Suites 
their water saving potential. We are also providing assistance in 
(WELS 4 star rated).
ensuring commercial premises select the most water efficient 
bathroom products to overcome issues associated with high water-
using fittings and fixtures.
DEFENCE PLAZA, SYDNEY
Over a six month period the water savings were over 2.1 million 
litres per month after Caroma Dorf completed a retrofit of bathroom 
To improve the use of commercial retrofits, Caroma Dorf is 
fittings and fixtures. Products featured included Caroma Caravelle 
developing retrofit specific products including commercial pans, 
2000 Smartflush® Toilet Suites (WELS 4 star rated), Schell Flush 
retrofit cisterns and retrofit specific urinal solutions, as well as 
Valves (WELS 4 star rated) and Hansa Polo Tapware (WELS 4 
partnering with retrofit specialist plumbing companies to ensure the 
star rated).
process is completed as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Some of the high profile Australian names who have already 
teamed-up with Caroma Dorf for a sustainable future include:
WESLEY HOSPITAL PROFESSIONAL SuITES, 
bRISbANE
Major reductions in water usage were possible after the partnership 
with Caroma Dorf ensured the most suitable sanitaryware and 
tapware products were retrofitted. Products featured included 
Caroma Cube 0.8L Electronic Smartflush® Urinal Suites (WELS 6 
star rated), Caroma Leda InvisiTM Care Toilet Suites (WELS 4 star 
rated), Hansa Prado Medica Mixers (WELS 4 star rated).
Caroma Dorf’s technology has also been put to good use in overseas 
Open to architects, interior designers, builders, plumbers and 
projects including:
home renovators, the Caroma Dorf Concepts Centre is a destination 
GENZYME CENTRE, bOSTON, uSA
Soaring twelve story central atrium with skylight, living roof and 
extensive indoor gardens. Uses 34% less water than a comparable 
designed to inspire ideas, present product solutions and offer 
advice. It is also a valuable resource for those renovating their 
bathroom or kitchen, or embarking on building a new home.
building. Electricity costs are 42% less than a comparable building. 
Full-scale designer bathrooms are on display as well as kitchen 
Features Caroma Walvit InvisiTM toilet suites.
SANTA MONICA’S SuSTAINAbLE CITY PLAN, 
uSA
Introduced a retrofit program designed to help a community to 
think, plan and act in a more sustainable manner. By replacing 
water-wasting plumbing fixtures with ultra-low flow toilets and 
low-flow showerheads and aerators, residents helped achieve its 
“Sustainable City Water Efficiency Goals” as they reduce their water 
and wastewater charges.
NEW APPROACHES TO SHOWCASE OuR 
PRODuCTS- CAROMA DORF CONCEPT 
CENTRE
May 2008 saw the opening of a new showroom known as the 
and laundries. Visitors can also familiarise themselves with 
our innovative water and energy efficient products to suit their 
environmental needs and applications.
A place where all great ideas come together, this unique resource 
helps ease the selection process. A team of experienced Caroma 
Dorf consultants are on hand to offer advice that will help assist the 
decision making process before committing to a look or design.
Open six days a week, this high quality showroom showcases 
products from all of Caroma Dorf brands (Caroma, Dorf, 
Fowler, Stylus, Clark, Irwell, Radiant, Hansa) as well as Dux 
and Gainsborough, in user friendly, hands-on displays, allowing 
homeowners, architects and builders to see, touch, and feel the 
Caroma Dorf Concepts Centre in the heart of South Melbourne’s 
products before purchasing them.
design precinct.
19
20
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
Dux HOT WATER
AWARD WINNING 
ENvIRONMENTAL 
INNOvATION
The Dux product development 
team is heavily focused on 
developing further competitive 
advantage in its already 
impressive sustainable 
products range.
THE MARkET IS CHANGING
Most states have already regulated against the installation of a 
The more efficient gas continuous solar range, which combines a 
larger tank coupled with the Endurance® continuous flow system, 
standard electric hot water system in new homes and the Federal 
has been a popular choice for prestige home builders. This type 
Government has indicated that the replacement market won’t be 
of system is the most efficient on the market and is designed to 
far behind. With this in mind, the Dux product development team 
maximise solar gain and provide unlimited hot water.
is heavily focused on developing further competitive advantage 
in its already impressive sustainable products range. To further 
complement its highly efficient Sunpro® solar and Airoheat® hot 
water systems, Dux is also assisting the market with its professional 
installation offer called DuxConnect. 
GAS HOT WATER SYSTEMS
Dux currently has a range of high efficiency gas storage and gas 
continuous flow water heaters. Reticulated natural gas is viewed as 
a cheap, environmentally friendly fuel source for heating water.  
The future for this segment of the market is in highly efficient gas 
systems, which are typically rated at 5 stars or higher. Dux currently 
has, and will continue to have, both the storage and continuous 
flow products, that meet or exceed market requirements.
GAS bOOSTED SOLAR SYSTEMS
Gas boosted solar is the most environmentally friendly hot water solution 
available. Dux continues to be a strong player in this market. 
ELECTRIC bOOSTED SOLAR SYSTEMS
The Sunpro® range of electric boosted solar hot water systems is 
proving popular with home owners, builders and plumbers when 
gas is not available. Dux is well-equipped, having some of the most 
efficient systems available, and they will prove to be a crucial part of 
the Dux business moving forward.
AIROHEAT®
The most significant recent event for Dux has been the release of 
the Airoheat Subzero model of heat pump water heater. The original 
Airoheat model met with great success and the new Subzero model 
is further improved, as it rates higher in efficiency and also gives 
the capability of heating water in sub-zero air temperatures.
Airoheat has proven a very popular alternative with plumbers, as 
the installation is much simpler. Unlike solar, Airoheat doesn’t 
require the installation of solar collectors.  
In May Airoheat Subzero was awarded the prestigious 2008 
There are two types of gas solar in the Dux range. Sunpro 305 
Australian International Design Mark. Commemorating their 50th 
provides a lower entry point price whilst still maintaining all of the 
anniversary, the Australian Design Awards went global in 2008 with 
benefits of mains pressure hot water. Its compact footprint has 
both Australian and internationally designed products eligible 
made it an ideal choice on smaller building blocks, particularly 
to enter. 
in Victoria.
GAINSbOROuGH
FINE QuALITY DOOR 
FuRNITuRE
Developed and made 
in Australia, Trilock 
Contemporary features 
modern escutcheon and 
handle styling, world 
renowned ‘3 in 1’ locking 
technology and world class 
tarnish resistant finishes. 
TRILOCk CONTEMPORARY SETS THE 
STANDARD IN DOOR HARDWARE
Developed and made in Australia, Trilock Contemporary features 
Designed and manufactured in Australia, the Gainsborough 2000 
series (23mm backset for narrow stile doors) and 3000 Series 
(60mm backset) feature the key cylinder below the lever, for greater 
convenience and ease of operation. The location of cylinder under 
the lever (rather than above) provides a more convenient position in 
which to lock or unlock with the key. 
A more proportionate distance between the furniture and the 
cylinder has also been created, adding an element of style and 
aesthetics to the lock. This distance is the same for both 2000 
series and 3000 series, allowing uniformity throughout the building.
The Gainsborough 2000 and 3000 series cylinder mortice locks 
feature a range of functions for any commercial or residential 
specification.
Through fixing of cylinder and/or turn knob escutcheons and greater 
modern escutcheon and handle styling, world renowned ‘3 in 1’ 
door gap deadlatching, along with 45 degree rotation to retract 
locking technology and world class tarnish resistant finishes. 
latchbolt, are just some of the features offered with this range 
Choose from the “Precise” and “Angular” leverset options; or the 
of locks.
“Circular” knob. All are non-handed to suit left or right-handed 
Function and handing can be switched on site for ease of operation, 
doors.
from combination to vestibule, simply by operating a slide contained 
in the lock mechanism. Latchbolt and deadlatching auxiliary bolt 
The ‘3 in 1’ locking technology offers the security and convenience 
can also be altered on site to suit either inward or outward opening 
of lockset, deadbolt and passage functions combined into the 
doors by twisting both bolts in the direction required.
one lock. This 3 in 1 locking technology is also the recipient of an 
Australian Design Mark for good design.
The full 20mm deadbolt extension helps keep possessions and 
valuables safe when leaving the home; and the four installation 
fixing points provide added strength against attack from outside.
Higher escutcheon plates create greater visual impact and presence 
on the door and feature convex styling, aesthetic design grooves 
and contoured cylinder surrounds. The rectangular styled push-
button on the inside escutcheon plate further contributes to the 
contemporary feel and the concealed fixing enhancement on the 
external escutcheon plate provides a smooth and modern look.
HEAvY DuTY CYLINDER MORTICE LOCkS
Gainsborough offers an exciting range of Architectural heavy duty 
mortice locks, setting new standards in mortice lock design.
INNOvATIvE NEW COLOuR RANGES FROM 
GAINSbOROuGH
Gainsborough now offers a range of door hardware products in 
stylish new decorative colours to add class to today’s residential 
building activities. These include the new “Synergy” range, which 
offers satin chrome levers with “Ocean Mist” and “Expresso 
Black” coloured rosettes or backplates. The new “Couture” range 
features an alternative range of Chrome levers with “Expresso 
Black” and “White” rosettes or backplates. The new “Accent” 
range features leversets on round rosettes or square backplates 
and Trilock Contemporary leversets in an impressive new Brushed 
Satin Chrome finish. The new “Estilo” range offers a leversets on 
round rosettes or square backplates as well as Trilock Contemporary 
leversets in an innovative soft gold “Fusion” finish.
21
22
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
SuSTAINAbILITY 
AND ENvIRONMENT 
(OPERATIONS)
GROuP INITIATIvES
GWA’s product range in the building fixtures sector have continued 
WATER TREATMENT
When completed the ultimate objective is to reuse most of the 
to provide innovative products that enhance water and energy 
166,000 litres per day for cleaning and for the process of making 
savings. GWA’s commitment to sustainability and the environment 
extends to its operations. 2007/08 has seen some significant 
raw materials for manufacturing.
Significant savings achieved by:
developments in water and energy savings.
Highlights include:
•   not having to treat 30,000 litres per day through the waste 
treatment plant from waste glaze
•   reduced sludge (combined glaze and water) going to landfill 
   CAROMA, WETHERILL PARk WATER 
TREATMENT AND GLAZE RECYCLING
The ultimate objective of the Caroma Wetherill Park manufacturing 
(approximately 5 tonnes per day)
• reduced glaze raw materials
facility is to recycle all process water. This objective has significant 
All up both projects are estimated to save over $900,000 per year.
cost advantages as well as enhancing Caroma’s image as a 
Company aware of the need for efficient water use. Caroma 
Wetherill Park treats 166,000 litres of water per day. Caroma was 
aware that in order to reduce its water use the water treatment plant 
needed to be upgraded to enable water recycling. At the same 
time the amount of solid waste going to the treatment plant had to 
be reduced. A capital expenditure programme of $1.9 million was 
approved by the Board for the project. The engineering is complete 
for the glaze recycling, and commissioning and testing for the new 
treatment plant will be completed late first quarter 2008/09.
GLAZE RECYCLING
Glazing, which is sprayed on, gives vitreous china its brilliant gloss 
appearance, which also serves to protect the product and ensure 
an easy clean finish. Glazing carousels and robots are used to spray 
pieces prior to being fired. They are washed regularly to remove 
over spray from the booths. This water – which is essentially dilute 
glaze – represents a significant source of dirty water within the 
factory. Technology exists to extract excess water from this diluted 
glaze and recover the glaze for use. The advantages of such a 
system are two fold; reusable glaze is extracted and therefore raw 
material costs are reduced, and, the resultant clean water from the 
system can be re-used within the factory rather than be discharged 
to the sewer.
As recognition, Caroma Wetherill Park recently won the Endeavour 
Award for the best Environmental Solution of the Year, 2008
REDuCING WATER AND EFFLuENT COST AT 
GAINSbOROuGH, bLACkbuRN
Electroplating operations at Gainsborough consume large amounts 
of fresh water. 
A number of measures have been implemented to minimise water 
flows. As a result, casual, uncontrolled use of water has been largely 
eliminated through simple plumbing modifications. 
Good housekeeping, and low-cost control devices, resulted in a 
significant reduction in water use and effluent volumes.
Installation of a new soak cleaner with greater life than previous 
saved 35,000 litres of water per year and approximately $7,500 
worth of chemicals.
Reducing the flow through the effluent treatment plant has 
improved its performance and reduced the use of treatment 
chemicals. Significant reduction in the quantity of hazardous waste 
generation liquid and final effluent has occurred at the site.
GWA’s commitment to 
sustainability and the 
environment extends to 
its operations. 2007/08 
has seen some significant 
developments in water and 
energy savings.
During 2006, Company water consumption dropped by 30%.
packaging has across all its business activities. Over the term of the 
plan, Gainsborough will activate projects across the whole business 
In 2007 further changes were made to the electroplating line to 
to reduce waste packaging by up to 25%. 
further reduce solid waste and water usage. A significant decision 
was made to reuse effluent water. A waste water storage tank has 
All senior management have been briefed about the objectives of, 
been installed in the effluent area. The filtrated effluent has been 
and role the National Packaging Covenant has to play, in reducing 
collected and returned to the process. The treated effluent is used 
packaging waste from the business. Leading from the top, a working 
in a number of different processes including floor washing and 
group of senior managers (including the General Manager) has 
cleaning of filters.
been formed to assess and execute the action plan activities 
ENERGY /WATER SAvINGS INITIATIvE 
CAROMA SOuTH MELbOuRNE
The new Caroma Concepts Centre (showroom) has a number 
of energy saving initiatives that have been built into the building 
including:
•  Extensive use of low energy T5 fluorescent lighting
•   Reuse of water from working tap and shower displays (reused in 
staff toilets)
and initiatives. 
Other GWA divisions will submit action plans to the National 
Packaging Covenant for approval by September 2008.
GREENHOuSE GAS INITIATIvES 
AND REPORTING
In 2008/09 GWA will increase its focus around energy efficiency and 
carbon (CO2) abatement strategies in preparedness for the National 
Greenhouse Emissions Reporting Scheme (NGER), and ultimately 
•   Integration of air conditioning, security system and lighting control 
the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS).
via computer system. This allows a user to secure the site, turn 
off air-conditioning and other key appliances in one operation
•  Solar Hot Water
•   Dux readyhot water reticulation system that ensures immediate 
hot water and saves on water usage
•  Light sensors in toilets 
•  Use of sky lights
NATIONAL PACkAGING 
COvENANT SIGNATORY
During 2007/08 GWA joined the National Packaging Covenant. The 
aim of the scheme is to reduce packaging to waste by encouraging 
recycling, minimisation and reuse. Each GWA division will be 
putting an action plan together for the next three years. The plan 
at Gainsborough has already been developed, submitted and 
approved. As a signatory to the National Packaging Covenant, 
Gainsborough committed to minimising the environmental impacts 
Recently an online database has been configured to track energy 
usage and carbon emissions across the GWA Group within Australia. 
The database will also track water usage and waste to landfill. Water 
initiatives are seen by GWA as important as energy and carbon 
reduction. From the database, key policy will be developed to 
ensure minimum standard for engineering projects and purchased 
items where practicable. Performance indicators will be developed 
for key sites to track progress. The database will also track carbon 
offset initiatives.
Key sites will undergo internal and external energy audits 
during 2008/09.
23
 
24
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
bOARD OF DIRECTORS
bARRY THORNTON AM 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 the former public company, 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 a 
former director of many public companies, including Stockland 
Corporation Limited and Suncorp-Metway Limited. He is also the 
former Chairman of the Brisbane Airport Corporation Limited and 
the Ports Corporation of Queensland.
jIM kENNEDY AO CbE DuNIv (QuT) FCA FCPA
Deputy Chairman and Non-Executive Director, Elected to the 
Board 1992
PETER CROWLEY bA bECON FAICD
Managing Director, Appointed 2003
•   Expertise: Broad manufacturing experience in Australia 
•   Expertise: Chartered Accountant, corporate and financial 
and overseas
management
2001:   Managing Director and Chief Executive, Austrim Nylex 
•    Special Responsibilities: Deputy Chairman of the Board, 
Limited, a diversified industrial company;  
Chairman of Audit Committee and member of Nomination 
Committee
Mr Kennedy is one of Australia’s most experienced major listed 
public company directors.
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;  
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:
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;  
•  Suncorp-Metway Limited 1997 - 2006
1982:   Various roles with Queensland Cement Limited and its 
•  Australian Securities Exchange Limited 1990 - 2006
•  Qantas Airways Limited 1995 - 2006
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
MARTIN kRIEWALDT bA LLb FAICD
Non-Executive Director, Elected to the Board 1992
•  Expertise: Importation, distribution and retailing
•  Special Responsibilities: Member of Remuneration Committee
•   Expertise: Lawyer and director of a number of public and other 
corporations
Mr Barry was appointed a director of the former public company, 
GWA Limited in 1979 and was primarily responsible for one of its 
major divisions involved in importation, wholesaling and retailing.
•   Special Responsibilities: Member of Remuneration Committee, 
member of Audit Committee and member of Nomination 
Committee
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 the former public 
company, 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.
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.
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:
•  Campbell Brothers Limited* since 2001
•  Oil Search Limited* since 2002
•  Suncorp-Metway Limited* since 1996
•  Impedimed Limited* since 2005 (listed on ASX October 2007)
•  Peptech Limited  2003-2007 
*denotes current directorship
GEOFF MCGRATH MIIE
Non-Executive Director, Elected to the Board 2004
bILL bARTLETT FCA, CPA, FCMA, CA(SA)
Non-Executive Director, Elected to the Board 2007
•  Expertise: Manufacturing and general management
•   Expertise: Chartered Accountant, actuarial, insurance and 
•  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 the former public 
company, GWA Limited, Mr McGrath was appointed Managing 
Director of the GWA Manufacturing Group companies comprising 
Caroma, Sebel and Rover Mowers.
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. 
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
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:
•  Abacus Property Group* since 2007
•  Retail Cube Limited 2004 – 2006
•  Peptech Limited 2004 – 2007
•  Campbell Brothers Limited*+  since 2003
*denotes current directorship
•  Fletcher Building Limited*  since 2003
*denotes current directorship  
+denotes Chairman
RICHARD THORNTON CA b COM LLb (HONS) LLM FTIA
Company Secretary, Appointed 2003
•  Expertise: Chartered Accountant, taxation and finance
Mr Thornton joined GWA International Limited in 2002 as Group 
Taxation Manager and Treasurer and was appointed Company 
Secretary in 2003. He is experienced in accounting, taxation and 
finance through positions at Coopers & Lybrand, Citibank and Ernst 
& Young in Australia and overseas.
25
26
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
CORPORATE GOvERNANCE 
STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR 
ENDED 30 juNE 2008
The corporate governance 
practices of the Company have 
been in place since listing and 
are constantly reassessed in the 
light of experience, contemporary 
views and guidelines on corporate 
governance practices.
The Board of Directors is responsible for the corporate governance 
of GWA International Limited (“the Company”) which is an essential 
PRINCIPLE 1 – LAY SOLID FOuNDATIONS 
FOR MANAGEMENT AND OvERSIGHT
part of the role of the Board.  The corporate governance practices 
of the Company have been in place since listing and are constantly 
reassessed in the light of experience, contemporary views and 
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.
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
The Board supports the Corporate Governance Principles and 
•  Approval and monitoring of financial and other reporting
Recommendations (“the recommendations”) of the ASX Corporate 
•   Monitoring of executive and senior management performance, 
Governance Council. The Board confirms that the current 
including the implementation of corporate strategies, and 
corporate governance practices of the Company meet or exceed 
ensuring appropriate resources are available
the recommendations, except for Recommendation 2.2 which 
•   Appointment and monitoring of the performance of the Managing 
provides that the chairperson should be an independent director. 
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.
For further information on the corporate governance practices 
of the Company, please refer to the Company’s website in the 
Corporate Governance section.
•   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 
Company Secretary prepares the draft minutes for each meeting, 
responsibilities of the Board. The charter is regularly reviewed 
which are tabled at the next Board meeting for review and approval. 
to ensure it remains consistent with the Board’s objectives and 
The Company Secretary is accountable to the Board, through the 
responsibilities. The Board charter has been posted on the 
Chairman, on all corporate governance matters.
Company’s website in the Corporate Governance section.
SuMMARY OF DELEGATIONS
The Board has approved a Summary of Delegations Policy which 
clearly outlines the authorities of the Board and those which have 
been delegated to senior management. The policy ensures that 
senior management understand the authorities delegated by the 
Board and are accountable to the Board for its compliance. Regular 
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 in the Annual Report. The 
profiles outline the skills, experience and expertise of each Board 
reviews are conducted on the appropriateness of the delegated 
member.
authorities, and any material breaches are reported to the Board. 
LETTER OF APPOINTMENT
New directors of the Company are provided with a formal letter of 
appointment which outlines the key terms and conditions of their 
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:
appointment. Similarly, senior executives including the Managing 
•  The Board should maintain a majority of non-executive directors
Director and Chief Financial Officer have formal job descriptions 
•  The Board should maintain a majority of independent directors
and letter of appointment describing their salary arrangements, 
rights and responsibilities and entitlements on termination. 
PERFORMANCE REvIEWS
Performance reviews of staff including senior executives are 
conducted formally on an annual basis. The performance 
review process is critical to the development of staff and enables 
performance issues to be addressed. The Company has identified 
core competencies for the key roles in the organisation and these 
are incorporated into the job descriptions. During the performance 
review process, the performance of staff is assessed against the 
core competencies.
PRINCIPLE 2 – STRuCTuRE THE bOARD TO 
ADD vALuE
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 
•  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.
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 
considering the relationships which may affect independent 
status as 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
27
28
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
The Board is responsible for ensuring that the action of individual 
The materiality thresholds used for the determination of 
directors in the Boardroom is that of independent persons. The 
independence and issues of conflict of interest has been 
Board distinguishes between the concept of independence and 
considered from the point of view of the Company and directors. 
issues of conflict of interest or material personal interest which may 
For the Company, a relationship which accounts for 5% or 
arise from time to time – refer Conflicts of Interest below.
more of its revenue is considered material. For a director, a 
relationship which accounts for 5% or more of the total income 
In recognising the importance of the independence of directors 
of a director is considered material. Directors’ fees are not 
and the immediate disclosure of conflicts of interest, the Board has 
subject to this test.
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 
ACCESS TO INDEPENDENT ADvICE
Directors and the Board Committees have the right in connection 
to each Board meeting. The disclosure is recorded in the Register 
with their duties and responsibilities to seek independent 
of Directors’ Interests and in the Board minutes.
advice at the Company’s expense. Prior written approval of the 
Chairman is required, but this will not be unreasonably withheld. 
(I)   MR bARRY THORNTON – CHAIRMAN AND 
Where appropriate, directors share such advice with the other 
NON-ExECuTIvE DIRECTOR
directors.
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 
NOMINATION COMMITTEE
The Nomination Committee meets as required and on several 
of the ASX Corporate Governance Council. This is on the basis 
occasions throughout the year. For membership and attendance 
that Mr Thornton is associated with a substantial shareholder. 
details of the Nomination Committee, refer to the Directors’ Report.
In the Board’s view, Mr Thornton’s association with a substantial 
shareholder in no way prevents Mr Thornton from exercising 
The composition of the Nomination Committee is based on the 
independent judgment in carrying out his duties as Chairman 
following principles:
of the Board. Mr Thornton is a long serving Chairman and has 
overseen the efficient and effective conduct of the Board’s 
•   The Nomination Committee should consist of non-executive 
functions since listing.
directors only
•   The Nomination Committee should maintain a majority of 
In the event that any independence or conflict of interest issue 
independent directors
arises with respect to Mr Thornton’s association with a substantial 
•   The Nomination Committee should consist of a minimum of three 
shareholder, the Company has procedures in place for the Deputy 
members
Chairman, Mr Jim Kennedy to assume the role as acting Chairman 
•   The Chairperson should be the Chairperson of the Board or 
of the Board.
another non-executive director
(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.
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.
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 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:
•   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 
The Code of Conduct states the values and policies of the Company 
Nomination Committee meeting, which are tabled at the next 
and complements the Company’s risk management and internal 
Nomination Committee meeting for review and approval. The draft 
control practices. The Code of Conduct is regularly reviewed 
minutes are also included in the Board papers of the next Board 
and updated to ensure that it reflects current good practice, and 
meeting following the Nomination Committee meeting.
to promote the ethical behaviour of all employees. The Code 
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 
of Conduct has been posted on the Company’s website in the 
Corporate Governance section.
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 
appointee, having regard to those of the existing directors and 
the directors.
other likely changes to the Board;
•   Upon identifying a potential appointee, consider the competency 
Outside of these designated periods, there are no trading restrictions 
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; and
•  The Board members consent to the proposed appointee.
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.
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.
A similar induction program is also available for key senior 
executives.
PRINCIPLE 4 – SAFEGuARD INTEGRITY IN 
FINANCIAL REPORTING
PERFORMANCE EvALuATION
On an annual basis, the Nomination Committee conducts a formal 
AuDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee meets as required and on several occasions 
evaluation of the performance of Board, the Board Committees and 
throughout the year. For membership and attendance details of the 
the individual Board members to determine whether functioning 
Audit Committee, refer to the Directors’ Report.
effectively by reference to current good practice. The performance 
evaluation is conducted by the Chairman of the Board through 
The composition of the Audit Committee is based on the following 
interviews with individual Board members, the results of which are 
principles:
reported to the Board.
PRINCIPLE 3 – PROMOTE ETHICAL AND 
RESPONSIbLE DECISION-MAkING
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 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 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 
29
30
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
responsibilities. The Audit Committee charter has been posted on 
to an independent audit firm, a policy has been approved by the 
the Company’s website in the Corporate Governance section.
Board on the role of the External Auditor, which is designed to 
ensure the independence of the external audit function.
The External Auditor, Managing Director, Chief Financial 
Officer, Company Secretary, Group Commercial Manager, 
During each year, the Audit Committee examines the non-audit 
Group Risk Manager and other Company executives (as 
roles performed by the audit firm and other potential audit 
required) attend Audit Committee meetings, by invitation, 
service providers to satisfy itself that the auditor’s independence 
to present the relevant statutory information, Financial 
will not be compromised and that alternate providers are 
Statements, reports, and to answer the questions of the Audit 
available, if considered desirable. Whilst the value of the 
Committee members. At the Audit Committee meetings, the 
non-audit services could, in extreme cases, compromise audit 
Audit Committee members will meet with the External Auditor 
independence, more important is to ensure that the External 
without management present.
Auditor is not passing an audit opinion on the non-audit work of 
The main responsibilities of the Audit Committee include:
its own firm.  
During the year, the Company’s External Auditor, KPMG, provided 
•  Review of financial statements and external financial reporting
an Auditor Independence Declaration to the Board (refer to the 
•  Assess the management processes supporting external reporting
•   Assess whether the external reporting is adequate to meet the 
information needs for shareholders
Directors’ Report) that, to the best of their knowledge and belief, 
there have been no contraventions of:
•   the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 
•   Recommendations on the appointment and removal of the 
2001 in relation to the audit; and
External Auditor
•   Review and monitor the performance and independence of the 
external audit
•   any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the 
audit.
In considering this declaration, the Board were satisfied with the 
•   Review of tax planning and tax compliance systems and 
continuing independence of the audit function.
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
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.
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.
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 
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.
PRINCIPLE 5 – MAkE TIMELY AND 
bALANCED DISCLOSuRE
The Company is committed to ensuring the timely disclosure of 
material information through compliance with the continuous 
disclosure obligations 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.
The Company Secretary is responsible for communications with the 
Australian Securities Exchange including ensuring compliance with 
regulatory requirements and overseeing information released to the 
ASX, shareholders and other interested parties. Announcements 
made to the ASX by the Company are published on the Company’s 
website immediately after release.
A summary of the policies and procedures the Company has 
in place to ensure compliance with the continuous disclosure 
obligation in the ASX Listing Rules and Corporation Act 2001 is 
published on the Company’s website.
PRINCIPLE 6 – RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF 
SHAREHOLDERS
The Company is committed to ensuring shareholders and the 
management policies and practices across the Company which 
addresses each of the key elements and requirements of AS/NZS 
Standard 4360: 2004 – Risk Management.
financial markets are provided with full, open and timely information 
about its activities. This is achieved by the following:
Such processes include defining the risk oversight responsibilities of 
the Board and the responsibilities of management in ensuring risks 
•   Ensuring that shareholder communications (including Annual 
are both identified and effectively managed. The agreed policies 
Report, Half Year Report and Notice of Annual General Meeting) 
and practices are made effective through the combined activities of:
satisfy relevant regulatory requirements and guidelines. 
The Company is committed to producing shareholder 
•   an Audit Committee that reports to the Board on risk 
communications in plain English with full and open disclosure 
about the Company’s policies and procedures, operations and 
management and internal control matters in accordance with its 
main responsibilities as outlined in the Audit Committee Charter 
performance.
(refer above);
•    Ensuring that shareholders have the opportunity to receive 
external announcements by the Company through the corporate 
website. 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 enhancement of electronic 
communications with shareholders. Shareholders can elect to 
•   an Executive Risk Committee (ERC), comprising the executive 
and senior management of the Company, which has been 
established to identify business risks in the organisation and 
review status and risk mitigation activities. Formal enterprise 
risk profiles have been prepared for the businesses and these 
are reviewed quarterly by the ERC. The major business risks 
are reported to the Audit Committee at the June and December 
meetings together with risk mitigation activities. The ERC reports 
to the Audit Committee on its activities as outlined in the ERC 
Charter;
receive Company communications electronically, although not 
•   a Group Commercial Manager who has primary responsibility 
all communications are made available electronically. Annual 
for designing, implementing and co-ordinating the overall risk 
Reports are no longer printed and mailed to shareholders, unless 
management and internal control practices of the Company. 
specifically requested. Annual Reports are made available to 
Whilst reporting to the Managing Director on a day to day basis, 
shareholders on the Company’s website in an accessible and user 
the Group Commercial Manager has the authority to report 
friendly format. Shareholders are mailed the Notice of Annual 
directly to the Board on any matter;
General Meeting and Proxy Form, which includes details on 
accessing the online Annual Report and proxy voting.
•   The Company encourages shareholders to attend and participate 
at the Annual General Meeting to canvass the relevant issues 
of interest with the Board. If shareholders are unable to attend 
the Annual General Meeting personally, they are encouraged to 
participate through proxy voting. The Company endeavours to set 
the timing and the location of the Annual General Meeting so that 
it is convenient for shareholders generally.
•   The External Auditor attends the Annual General Meeting and 
is available 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.
PRINCIPLE 7 – RECOGNISE AND 
MANAGE RISk
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 
•   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 Chief 
Financial Officer on such matters; and
•   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 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.  
31
32
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 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 
In performing its responsibilities, the Remuneration Committee 
receives appropriate advice from external consultants and other 
advisers as required.
writing to the Board each reporting period that in their opinion:
The Company Secretary prepares the draft minutes for each 
•   the statement is founded on a sound system of risk management 
Remuneration Committee meeting for review and approval. The 
Remuneration Committee meeting, which are tabled at the next 
and internal compliance and control which implements the 
policies adopted by the Board; and
•   the Company’s risk management and internal compliance 
and control system is operating efficiently and effectively in all 
material respects.
draft minutes are also included in the Board papers of the next 
Board meeting following the Remuneration Committee meeting.
REMuNERATION POLICIES
The Board’s objective in setting the Company’s remuneration 
policies is to provide maximum stakeholder benefit from the 
The statements from the Managing Director and Chief Financial 
retention of a high quality Board and executive team. This is 
Officer are based on a formal sign-off framework established 
achieved by remunerating directors and executives fairly and 
throughout the Company and reviewed by the Audit Committee 
appropriately based on relevant employment market conditions, 
as part of the financial reporting process.
and the linking of the Managing Director’s and executives 
PRINCIPLE 8 – REMuNERATE FAIRLY AND 
RESPONSIbLY
REMuNERATION COMMITTEE
The Remuneration Committee meets as required and on several 
occasions throughout the year. For membership and attendance 
details of the Remuneration Committee, refer to the 
Directors’ 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 Chairperson of the Remuneration Committee should be a 
non-executive director
emoluments to the Company’s financial and operating performance 
to align with shareholder wealth creation.
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 been structured to ensure that performance is fairly rewarded 
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.
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 
EMPLOYEE SHARE PLAN
The Company has operated an Employee Share Plan since listing 
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 
responsibilities. The Remuneration Committee Charter has been 
posted on the Company’s website in the Corporate Governance 
Report.
section.
The main responsibilities of the Committee include:
The Employee Share Plan does not provide for the issue of options 
and no options have been issued by the Company.
•  Review of the Company’s remuneration and incentive policies
LONG TERM INCENTIvE (EQuITY) PLAN
The Board proposes to implement a new Long Term Incentive 
•   Review of executive and senior management remuneration 
(Equity) Plan for executives and senior management following 
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
the expiry of the former cash based plan. Shareholders will be 
requested to approve the Long Term Incentive (Equity) Plan as 
outlined in the 2008 Notice of Annual General Meeting.  
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
AS AT 30 juNE 2008
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 2008.
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 2008.
DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS
At the date of this report, the relevant interest (as defined in the 
Corporations Act 2001) of the directors in shares of the 
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
Details of the directors’ qualifications, experience and special 
responsibilities are located in the Annual Report.
Company were: 
Director 
Ordinary Shares 
Interest 
(see notes below) 
B Thornton 
J J Kennedy 
D R Barry 
R M Anderson 
M D E Kriewaldt 
P C Crowley 
G J McGrath 
W J Bartlett 
Nil 
Note 4
101,000 
Notes 1 and 4
3,406,869 
8,198,000 
100,000 
750,000 
300,000 
5,000 
Notes 2 and 4
Notes 2 and 4
Notes 2 and 4
Notes 3 and 4
Notes 1 and 4
Note 4
Details of the directorships of other listed companies held by each 
director in the three years prior to the end of the 2007/08 financial 
year, and the period for which each directorship has been held, are 
listed in the Annual Report.
COMPANY SECRETARY
Mr R J Thornton was appointed Company Secretary of GWA 
International Limited in 2003. Details of Mr Thornton’s qualifications 
and experience are located in the Annual Report.
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 resolutions of shareholders at the Annual General 
Meetings on 30 October 2003 and 25 October 2007, Mr Crowley was 
issued 500,000 and 250,000 shares respectively under the terms and 
conditions of the GWA International Employee Share Plan.
Note 4:  Note 31 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 
58,719,673 shares (last year 57,221,623 shares). 
33
 
 
34
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
CORPORATE STRuCTuRE
GWA International Limited is a Company limited by shares that is 
EMPLOYEES
The Company employed 1,786 employees as at 30 June 2008 (last 
incorporated and domiciled in Australia. GWA International Limited 
year 1,957 employees).
has prepared a Consolidated Financial Report incorporating the 
entities that it controlled during the financial year ended 30 June 
The Company recognises the productivity benefits to be gained 
2008, which are outlined in Note 29 of the Financial Statements.
from investing in its employees to improve motivation and individual 
PRINCIPAL ACTIvITIES
The principal activities during the year within the consolidated entity 
skills. The Company remains committed to ensuring that staff are 
provided access to appropriate training and development programs.
were the research, design, manufacturing, importing, and marketing 
All companies in the consolidated entity are active equal opportunity 
of household consumer products as well as the distribution of 
employers.
these various products through a range of distribution channels in 
Australia and overseas.
SEGMENT SALES AND PROFIT
The segment sales and profit of the Company for the financial year 
There have been no significant changes in the nature of these 
ended 30 June 2008 is as follows:
activities during the year.
business Segment  
Segment Sales  
Segment Profit
Building fixtures and fittings 
Commercial furniture 
Other 
Total 
Earnings Per Share 
Basic earning per share 
Trading earnings per share  
2007/08 
$’000  
 2006/07  
$’000  
558,657 
  56,864 
  33,381 
648,902 
546,938 
  56,794 
  32,392 
636,124 
2007/08 
$’000 
109,552 
    3,369 
2006/07
$’000
110,521
     3,619
 (13,527) 
  (15,386)
99,394 
  98,754
2007/08  
2006/07
cents  
cents
16.4 
21.5 
20.2
22.0
REvIEW OF OPERATIONS AND STATE 
OF AFFAIRS
A review of the operations of the Company and the results of those 
operations for the financial year ended 30 June 2008 is provided 
in the Managing Director’s Review of Operations which is located in 
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.
DIvIDENDS
Dividends paid or declared by the Company to shareholders since 
the end of the previous financial year were:
DECLARED AND PAID DuRING 2007/08 FINANCIAL YEAR
Dividends 
Cents per share   Total amount  
Franked/unfranked  
Date of payment
Final 2006/07 ordinary  
Special 2006/07  
Interim 2007/08 ordinary  
Special 2007/08  
$’000
8.0  
2.5  
10.0 
1.5  
22,394  
Fully Franked  
2 Oct 2007
6,998  
Fully Franked  
2 Oct 2007
 28,017  
Fully Franked  
2 April 2008
4,203  
Fully Franked  
2 April 2008
Franked dividends declared and paid during the year were franked at the corporate tax rate of 30%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DECLARED AFTER END OF THE 2007/08 FINANCIAL YEAR
Dividends 
Cents per share   Total amount  
Franked/unfranked  
Date of payment
$’000
Final 2007/08 ordinary 
8.0 
22,414 
Fully Franked 
7 Oct 2008 
After the balance sheet date the above dividend was approved by 
the directors. The dividend has not been provided and there are no 
ENvIRONMENTAL REGuLATION AND 
PERFORMANCE
income tax consequences.
The financial effect of the dividend has not been brought to account 
in the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2008 and 
will be recognised in subsequent Financial Reports.
SIGNIFICANT EvENTS AFTER 
bALANCE DATE
On 12 August 2008, the Company announced that a Memorandum 
ENvIRONMENTAL LICENCES
The Company holds licences issued by environmental protection 
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 
of Understanding has been signed for the sale of Wisa Beheer 
conditions is made by external advisors.
to management for Euro 14 million. The agreement is subject to 
management arranging a financial partner and will expire at the 
The Company in conjunction with external advisors monitors storage 
end of November 2008, at which time the sale of the business is 
and treatment of hazardous materials within particular operations. 
expected to be completed. The sale is $9.4 million below book value 
Prior to any discharge to sewers, effluent is treated and monitored to 
which has been written-off in the Financial Statements for the year 
ensure strict observance with licence conditions.
ended 30 June 2008.
On 19 August 2008, the directors declared a final ordinary dividend 
licence conditions during the financial year ended 30 June 2008.
The directors are not aware of any breaches of the Company’s 
of 8.0 cents per share in respect of the financial year ended 30 
June 2008. The dividend will be fully franked at the 30% corporate 
tax rate. The total amount of the dividend is $22.414 million (last 
year $29.392 million). In accordance with Accounting Standards, 
the dividend has not been provided for in the Financial Statements 
for the year ended 30 June 2008.
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 in 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 REMEDIATION
In the previous financial year, the Company investigated and 
reported two environmental contamination issues at factory sites 
at Eagle Farm, Queensland and Revesby, NSW. The Eagle Farm 
site was sold during the year and is leased and occupied by Rover 
Mowers Limited, and the Revesby site is leased and occupied 
by McIlwraith-Davey Pty Ltd. Both entities are wholly owned 
subsidiaries of GWA International Limited. 
There is currently no obligation to remediate the Eagle Farm site, 
and testing is on-going to verify there are no issues for employee 
health and safety. The costs to remediate the Revesby site have 
been provided for in the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 
June 2008.
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.
35
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
36
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
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 in the Directors’ 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 - AuDITED
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 
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.
For details of the emoluments paid to the non-executive directors for 
the year ended 30 June 2008, refer to the Remuneration Tables in 
the Remuneration 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.
hurdles in relation to variable executive remuneration
The executives’ remuneration consists of the following key elements:
•   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 
•  Fixed Remuneration
•  Variable Remuneration
    – Short Term Incentive
    – Long Term Incentive
•  Employee Share Plan
The fixed remuneration component includes base salary, statutory 
superannuation and non-monetary benefits including medical 
benefits membership, salary continuance and life insurance and the 
provision of motor vehicles. The variable remuneration component 
includes a short term incentive and long term incentive under the 
Executive Incentive Scheme. Lower level management and senior 
staff of the Company may be invited to participate in the GWA 
International Employee Share Plan.
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.
The fixed remuneration of the five most highly remunerated 
executives and other key management personnel is detailed in the 
Remuneration Tables in the Remuneration 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. 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. During the year, the Remuneration Committee 
has reviewed and revised the scheme based on advice from external 
remuneration consultants to better align the incentive arrangements 
with shareholder wealth creation. Under the scheme, there are 
two incentives including a Short Term Incentive and a Long Term 
Incentive. The objectives of the scheme are to maximise short term 
operating performance and long term performance compared to 
peer companies.
The Short Term Incentive for senior executives operates from 
divisional performance targets for divisional executives and group 
performance targets for corporate executives. Where the yearly 
targets are achieved, the Managing Director will receive an incentive 
payment in the range of 40% to 60% of fixed remuneration 
depending on the level of performance. Other senior executive 
participants will receive an incentive payment in the range of 30% 
to 40% of fixed remuneration depending on the level 
of performance.  
Short term incentive payments are subject to a cap such that two 
thirds of the incentive is designed to be reasonably achievable 
based on good business performance, with the balance rewarding 
high growth performance. The yearly targets are based on personal 
goals and financial targets approved by the Remuneration 
Committee at the beginning of the financial year. These targets are 
based on profit growth which are aimed at improving performance 
consistent with shareholder wealth creation. Lower levels of 
incentives are also paid to key senior staff to reward 
personal performance.
The Long Term Incentive is provided as performance rights under 
the rules of the GWA International Long Term Incentive (Equity) 
Plan. The plan replaces the previous cash based Long Term 
Incentive which has now expired, and the new plan will be put to 
shareholders for approval at the Annual General Meeting on 30 
October 2008. Under the plan, the Board may offer performance 
rights to participants which entitle the holder to ordinary shares in 
the Company (or in limited cases cash payments made), subject to 
meeting financial performance hurdles and the holder remaining in 
employment with the Company until the nominated vesting date.
The performance hurdles are selected by the Remuneration 
Committee and are subject to financial performance conditions 
which measure Total Shareholder Returns compared to a peer 
group of companies, and growth in Earnings Per Share. The 
performance hurdles are challenging and achievable and focus 
senior executives on sustained long term growth consistent with 
shareholder wealth creation. The performance rights will be issued 
for five years and vest progressively in equal tranches over the first 
three years, subject to achieving the performance hurdles. If the 
vesting conditions and performance hurdles are achieved, ordinary 
shares will be issued to the participants at no cost. If the targets are 
not met, then the rights are cancelled after five years.
The Long Term Incentive is aligned to shareholder interests as 
performance rights only vest if Earnings per Share and Total 
Shareholder Return targets are achieved. For further details of the 
Long Term Incentive including information on the performance 
hurdles, please refer to the Explanatory Memorandum in the 2008 
Notice of Annual General Meeting. 
EMPLOYEE SHARE PLAN
As a further component of remuneration for lower level 
management and senior staff, the Company may invite employees 
to participate in the GWA International Employee Share Plan. This 
plan was previously available to senior executives, but following the 
recent review by the Remuneration Committee and introduction 
of the GWA International Long Term Incentive (Equity) Plan, it is 
now limited to lower level management and senior staff. 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 2008 there are currently 3.85 million 
shares issued under the GWA International Employee Share Plan, 
which have an outstanding loan balance of $10.4 million. The plan 
does not provide for the issue of options and no options have been 
issued by the Company.
The GWA International Employee Share Plan is an effective incentive 
in encouraging and rewarding sustained higher performance 
from management and senior staff who merit recognition of 
their performance and are integral to the future success of the 
Company. Participation in the plan represents a long term financial 
commitment to their employment with the Company.
SHAREHOLDER WEALTH
The following is a summary of key shareholder wealth statistics for 
the Company over the last five years.
Trading EBIT has been flat since the 2003/04 year due to the weak 
domestic dwelling construction and renovation market, increased 
import competition and rising business input costs. Despite the 
difficult market conditions, the Company’s core building fixtures 
and fittings business has 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. The 
Company has taken the opportunity in the weak domestic market 
to restructure the businesses with the aim to improve long term 
competitiveness. The restructuring activities will place the Company 
in a strong position when the market recovers and will underpin 
profitability growth into the future.
37
 
38
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
SHAREHOLDER WEALTH
Financial Year  
2003/04  
2004/05 
2005/06  
2006/07  
2007/08  
Trading EBIT  
Trading EPS   
($m) 
(cents)  
Total DPS   
(cents)    
Share Price
($) 
 101.0  
 103.4  
  95.2  
  98.8  
  99.4  
  22.3  
  23.0  
  21.6  
  22.0  
  21.5  
  20.5 
  22.5  
  21.5  
  22.0  
  19.5  
 2.95 
 2.92
 3.11
 4.42
 2.50
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 out in the above table, including a 
total of $1.06 in fully franked dividends paid to shareholders in the 
last five financial years, which includes 16.0 cents in 
special dividends.
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.
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.
Any loan to management and senior staff under the GWA 
International Employee Share Plan, must be repaid in full upon the 
cessation of employment with the Company.
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
The specified executives in the Directors’ 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 
REMuNERATION TAbLES - AuDITED
DIRECTORS’ AND ExECuTIvE OFFICERS’ 
REMuNERATION
Details of the nature and amount of each major element of 
remuneration of each director of the Company, each of the five 
named Company executives and relevant consolidated entity 
executives who receive the highest remuneration and other key 
management personnel are:
Short-term 
Salary & Fees 
STI cash 
bonus 
Non-monetary 
Benefits 
$ 
$  
$ 
Total 
 $ 
Other 
$  
Total 
$ 
Proportion of  
remuneration 
performance 
related 
%
Post- 
employment
Super- 
annuation 
Benefits 
 $  
24,584 
102,693 
100,000  
– 
10,092  
9,266 
8,696  
8,185 
99,245  
7,722 
88,078  
76,396 
9,256  
36,434 
 –  
 –  
–  
 –  
–  
 –  
–  
 –  
–  
 –  
–  
 –  
–  
 –  
273,150  
177,873  
54,683  
144,024  
112,130  
102,960  
96,624  
90,948  
–  
85,800  
17,242  
22,737  
102,840  
–  
250  
 250  
250  
 250 
250  
250  
250  
250  
250  
250  
250  
250  
250  
250 
297,984 
280,816 
154,933  
144,274 
122,472  
112,476 
105,570  
99,383 
99,495  
93,772 
105,570  
99,383 
112,346  
36,684 
 – 
 –
– 
 –
– 
 –
– 
 –
– 
 –
– 
 –
– 
 –
– 
 –
194,139  
1,358,857  
100,000  
12,788   1,471,645  
 152,875  
1,210,103  
36,000 
 11,855   1,257,958 
Non-Executive Directors
B Thornton, Chairman 
J Kennedy, Deputy Chairman 
M Kriewaldt 
D Barry  
R Anderson 
G McGrath  
W Bartlett 
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007 
273,150 
177,873 
54,683 
144,024 
112,130 
102,960 
96,624 
90,948 
– 
85,800 
17,242 
22,737 
102,840 
– 
Executive Directors
P Crowley, Managing Director  
2008 
2007 
1,164,718 
1,057,228 
– 
– 
– 
– 
–  
– 
–  
– 
–  
– 
–  
– 
 –  
– 
–  
– 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Year  
Trading EBIT  
Trading EPS   
($m) 
(cents)  
Total DPS   
(cents)    
Share Price
($) 
2003/04  
2004/05 
2005/06  
2006/07  
2007/08  
 101.0  
 103.4  
  95.2  
  98.8  
  99.4  
  22.3  
  23.0  
  21.6  
  22.0  
  21.5  
  20.5 
  22.5  
  21.5  
  22.0  
  19.5  
 2.95 
 2.92
 3.11
 4.42
 2.50
DIRECTORS’ AND ExECuTIvE OFFICERS’ REMuNERATION (CONT’D)
Short-term 
Salary  
& Fees 
$ 
STI cash 
bonus 
$  
Non- 
monetary 
Benefits 
$ 
Total 
 $ 
Post- 
employment
Super- 
annuation 
Benefits 
 $  
Other 
$  
Termination 
benefits 
$ 
Total 
$ 
Proportion of 
remuneration 
performance 
related 
STI cash 
bonus 
vested 
in year 
STI cash 
bonus 
forfeited 
in year 
% 
% 
%
Executives
E Harrison 
Chief Financial Officer 
(terminated 31 August 2007)
S Wright 
Group Operations Manager 
A Rusten 
Group Marketing Manager 
R Watkins 
General Manager–Rover 
(terminated 14 February 2007)
2008 
2007 
243,419 
365,707 
– 
– 
23,006  
 83,345  
7,555 
266,425  
449,052   105,000 
1,244   500,000 
– 
 4,260  
 775,224 
 558,312 
 – 
– 
 – 
 – 
461,523 
417,957 
300,000 
– 
70,331  
50,473 
831,854   100,000  
468,430   123,420 
5,173  
 4,069 
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007 
300,224 
272,087 
– 
161,844 
–  
– 
–  
– 
92,799  
74,310  
393,023  
346,397  
29,680  
26,700 
3,598  
3,262  
–  
42,132 
–  
203,976  
– 
70,000 
–  
–  
5,103   250,000 
– 
 529,079 
–   937,027 
–  595,919 
–   426,301 
 376,359 
– 
G Douglas 
General Manager–Rover 
2008 
2007 
184,743 
– 
30,000 
– 
32,360  
 –  
247,103   100,000  
– 
–  
1,977  
– 
–   349,080 
 – 
– 
(commenced KMP status 1 July 2007)
J Measroch   
General Manager–Sebel 
2008 
2007 
271,092 
278,245 
–  
– 
41,309  
 50,168  
312,401  
328,413  
26,663  
26,663 
2008 
G Oliver   
General Manager–Gainsborough  2007 
255,676 
194,603 
45,000  
84,810 
40,294  
 47,027  
99,768  
340,970  
326,440   147,695 
W Saxelby   
Chief Financial Officer 
(commenced 14 January 2008)
2008 
2007 
223,245 
– 
200,000  
– 
29,721  
–  
452,966  
–  
77,619  
– 
3,258  
3,258  
2,942  
2,092  
2,501  
–  
–  342,322 
 358,334 
– 
–  443,680 
 476,227 
– 
–  533,086 
 – 
– 
T Dragicevich 
Chief Executive–Caroma Dorf 
2008 
2007 
45,833 
– 
100,000  
– 
–  
 –  
145,833  
–   
–  
–  
767 
–  
–    146,600 
 – 
–  
68.2 
 – 
 100 
 – 
(commenced 2 June 2008)
L Patterson 
General Manager–Dux 
2008 
2007 
309,429 
285,269 
150,000 
– 
117,832  
 76,476  
577,261 
361,745  
29,400  
28,163 
3,566  
 3,427  
–   610,227 
 393,335 
– 
 24.6 
 – 
 100 
 – 
 32.0 
– 
 100 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 8.6 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 10.1 
 – 
 37.5 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 50 
 – 
 – 
 – 
50 
 – 
 100 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 –
 – 
 –
 – 
 – 
50 
– 
 – 
 –
50 
 –
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 –
DIRECTORS’ MEETINGS
The number of meetings of directors (including meetings of Committees of directors) held during the financial year ended 30 June 2008 and 
the number of meetings attended by each director were as follows:
Director 
board 
B Thornton 
J J Kennedy 
P C Crowley(1) 
D R Barry 
R M Anderson 
M D E Kriewaldt 
G J McGrath 
W J Bartlett 
A 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
B 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
Audit 
Committee 
B 
A 
Remuneration 
Committee 
A 
B 
Nomination 
Committee
B
A 
4 
4 
4 
4 
4 
4 
4 
4 
1 
1 
1 
1
1
1
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
Note:
A –   Number of meetings attended 
B – Number of meetings held during the time the director held office during the year 
(1) P C Crowley attends Committee meetings by invitation of the Board
39
 
         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
40
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
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 in 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 
The members of the Remuneration Committee are:
•  Mr G J McGrath (Chairman)
•  Mr M D E Kriewaldt
•  Mr D R Barry
LEAD AuDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE 
DECLARATION uNDER SECTION 307C OF 
THE CORPORATIONS ACT 2001
To the Directors of GWA International Limited:
I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, in relation 
to the audit for the financial year ended 30 June 2008 there have 
been:
(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.
The members of the Nomination Committee are:
KPMG 
19 August 2008 
Mark Epper
Partner
•  Mr B Thornton (Chairman)
•  Mr J J Kennedy
•  Mr M D E Kriewaldt
Details of the Committee members qualifications and experience are 
located in the Annual Report.
NON-AuDIT SERvICES
Details of the non-audit services provided by the Company’s 
External Auditor, KPMG, during the financial year ended 30 June 
2008 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 
DECLARATION
The Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration is set out in the 
Annual Report and forms part of the Directors’ Report for the 
financial year ended 30 June 2008.
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.
Signed in accordance with a resolution of the directors.
B Thornton 
Chairman  
P C Crowley
Managing Director
Brisbane, 19 August 2008  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Statements  
Statements of Recognised Income and Expense  
Balance Sheets  
Statements of Cash Flows  
Note
1   Significant accounting policies  
2   Segment reporting 
3   Other income  
4   Other expenses   
5   Personnel expenses  
6   Auditors’ remuneration  
7  Net financing costs 
8   Restructuring expenses 
9  
Income tax expense 
10  Earnings per share  
11  Cash and cash equivalents  
12  Trade and other receivables 
13  Inventories 
14  Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale 
15  Current tax assets and liabilities  
16  Deferred tax assets and liabilities 
17  Property, plant and equipment  
18  Intangible assets  
19  Trade and other payables 
20  Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 
21  Employee benefits  
22  Provisions 
23  Capital and reserves  
24  Financial instruments and financial risk management 
25  Operating leases  
26  Capital and other commitments   
27  Contingencies 
28  Deed of cross guarantee  
29  Consolidated entities  
30  Reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities  
31  Related parties  
32  Subsequent events  
Directors’ Declaration  
42
43
44
45
46
57
59
59
59
60
60
60
61
62
62
63
63
64
65
65
67
69
70
71
73
74
75
78
87
88
88
88
91
93
94
98
99
Independent Auditor’s Report to the members of  
GWA International Limited  
100 
CONTENTS
41
42
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
Income statements
for the yeAr ended 30 june 2008 
consolIdAted 
the compAny
In thousands of Aud 
note 
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
revenue 
cost of sales 
Gross profIt 
other income 
selling expenses 
Administrative expenses 
other expenses 
2 
648,902 
636,124 
(405,539) 
(392,823) 
243,363 
243,301 
- 
- 
- 
-
-
-
3 
11,333 
4,998 
65,000 
75,000
(92,267) 
(90,826) 
- 
-
(55,023) 
(54,177) 
(745) 
(502)
4 
(24,828) 
(11,821) 
(2,359) 
-
results from operAtInG ActIvItIes 
82,578 
91,475 
61,896 
74,498
finance income 
finance expenses 
net fInAncInG costs 
7 
7 
5,068 
5,718 
(19,691) 
(18,084) 
(14,623) 
(12,366) 
745 
- 
745 
502
-
502
profit before tax 
67,955 
79,109 
62,641 
75,000
Income tax expense 
profIt for the yeAr 
9 
(22,065) 
(22,791) 
- 
-
45,890 
56,318 
62,641 
75,000
Basic and diluted earnings per share (cents per share) 
10 
16.4 
20.2
dividends per share
ordinary shares (cents per share) 
23 
22.0 
23.0
the income statements are to be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements set out on pages 46 to 98.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
statements of 
recognIsed Income and 
expense
for the yeAr ended 30 june 2008 
consolIdAted 
the compAny
In thousands of Aud 
note 
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
foreign exchange translation differences for foreign operations 
(5,012) 
(1,158) 
cash flow hedges:
Gains/(losses) taken to equity 
net Income recoGnIsed dIrectly In equIty 
176 
(525) 
(4,836) 
(1,683) 
- 
- 
- 
-
-
-
profIt for the yeAr 
45,890 
56,318 
62,641 
75,000
totAl recoGnIsed Income And expense for the yeAr 
23 
41,054 
54,635 
62,641 
75,000
other movements in equity arising from transactions with owners as owners are set out in note 23.
the statements of recognised income and expense are to be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements set out on pages 46 to 98.
43
 
 
 
 
 
44
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
BaLance sHeets
As At 30 june 2008 
In thousands of Aud 
Assets
cash and cash equivalents 
trade and other receivables 
Inventories 
Assets classified as held for sale 
Income tax receivable 
other  
totAl current Assets 
receivables 
deferred tax assets 
Investment in subsidiaries 
property, plant and equipment 
Intangible assets 
other  
totAl non-current Assets 
totAl Assets 
lIABIlItIes
trade and other payables 
employee benefits 
Income tax payable 
provisions 
liabilities classified as held for sale 
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 
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
12 
16 
29 
17 
18 
19 
21 
15 
22 
14 
20 
19 
21 
22 
53,418 
45,953 
127,821 
123,603 
100,806 
128,211 
26,018 
829 
4,565 
- 
1,440 
5,043 
- 
644 
- 
- 
- 
814 
232
576
-
-
348
724
313,457 
304,250 
1,458 
1,880
5,298 
4,983 
663,132 
598,992
22,845 
24,531 
- 
-
- 
- 
325,646 
325,646
101,441 
113,019 
328,636 
344,463 
- 
- 
-
-
3,777 
3,549 
3,699 
3,381
461,997 
490,545 
992,477 
928,019
775,454 
794,795 
993,935 
929,899
78,469 
15,736 
5,854 
65,067 
16,056 
54 
- 
- 
5,854 
17,091 
13,570 
3,873 
- 
- 
- 
121,023 
94,693 
5,908 
246,975 
271,567 
- 
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- 
- 
583,653 
527,430
10,524 
11,015 
7,812 
8,718 
- 
- 
-
-
265,311 
291,300 
583,653 
527,430
386,334 
385,993 
589,561 
527,430
389,120 
408,802 
404,374 
402,469
353,938 
353,062 
353,938 
353,062
(7,372) 
(2,536) 
- 
-
42,554 
58,276 
50,436 
49,407
23 
389,120 
408,802 
404,374 
402,469
the balance sheets are to be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements set out on pages 46 to 98.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
statements of  
casH fLoWs
for the yeAr ended 30 june 2008 
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 
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
726,256 
710,907 
- 
-
- 
- 
62,641 
75,000
(594,781) 
(650,780) 
- 
(1)
131,475 
60,127 
62,641 
74,999
(18,527) 
(19,366) 
4,323 
5,180 
- 
- 
-
-
(14,279) 
(21,100) 
(12,505) 
(18,220)
net cAsh from operAtInG ActIvItIes 
30 
102,992 
24,841 
50,136 
56,779
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 share capital 
repayment of employee share loans 
repayment of loans by controlled entities 
repayment of loans by related parties 
repayment of bank bills 
dividends paid 
net cAsh from fInAncInG ActIvItIes 
14,492 
1,719 
(18,305) 
(18,161) 
(3,930) 
(2,717) 
(7,743) 
(19,159) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-
-
-
-
(2,107) 
(7,828) 
(2,107) 
(7,828)
876 
1,270 
- 
81 
6,208 
4,387 
- 
510 
(25,000) 
(25,000) 
876 
1,270 
11,205 
- 
- 
6,208
4,387
4,750
-
-
(61,612) 
(64,010) 
(61,612) 
(64,010)
(86,492) 
(85,733) 
(50,368) 
(56,493)
net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
cash and cash equivalents at 1 july 
effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held 
8,757 
(80,051) 
45,953 
125,487 
(1,292) 
517 
cAsh And cAsh equIvAlents At 30 june 
11 
53,418 
45,953 
(232) 
232 
- 
- 
286
(54)
-
232
the statements of cash flows are to be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements set out on pages 46 to 98.
45
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
46
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
1.  sIgnIfIcant accountIng poLIcIes
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 2008 comprises the company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the ‘consolidated entity’). 
the financial report was authorised for issue by the directors on 19 August 2008.
(a)  Statement of compliance
the financial report is a general purpose financial report which has been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting standards 
(‘AAsBs’) (including Australian Interpretations) 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 standards Board (‘IAsB’).
(b)  Basis of preparation
the financial report is presented in Australian dollars which is the company’s functional currency and the functional currency of the majority 
of the consolidated entity. 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; and 
• available-for-sale financial assets are measured at their fair value.
the company is of a kind referred to in AsIc class order 98/100 dated 10 july 1998 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 requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of 
accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, 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. 
Actual results may differ from these estimates.
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 and future periods if the revision affects 
both current and future periods.
In particular, information about significant areas of estimation uncertainty and critical judgements in applying accounting policies that have 
the most significant effect on the amount recognised in the financial statements are described in the following notes:
• note 18 - measurement of the recoverable amounts of intangible assets 
• note 22 and 27- provisions and contingencies 
• note 24 - valuation of financial instruments
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.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
1.  sIgnIfIcant accountIng poLIcIes (continued)
(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.
(ii)  Transactions eliminated on consolidation
Intragroup balances and any unrealised gains and losses or income and expenses arising from intragroup transactions, are eliminated in 
preparing the consolidated financial statements.
(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 reporting date are retranslated to Australian dollars at the foreign exchange rate ruling at 
that date. foreign exchange differences arising on translation are recognised in the income statement. non-monetary assets and liabilities 
that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are retranslated to Australian dollars 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 acquisition, are translated to 
Australian dollars at foreign exchange rates ruling at the reporting 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 (fctr).
(iii) Net investment in foreign operations
foreign exchange differences arising from the retranslation of the net investment in foreign operations, and of related hedges are recognised 
in the fctr to the extent that the hedge is effective. they are released into the income statement upon disposal.
(e)  Derivative financial instruments
the consolidated entity uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to foreign exchange and interest rate risks arising from 
operating, financing and investing activities. In accordance with its treasury policy, the consolidated entity does not hold or issue derivative 
financial 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 the nature of the item being hedged (see accounting 
policy (f)).
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 reporting 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 reporting date, being the present value of the quoted forward price.
47
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
48
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
1.  sIgnIfIcant accountIng poLIcIes (continued)
(f)  Hedging
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 hedge accounting is applied, 
the associated cumulative gain or loss is removed from equity and included in the initial cost or other carrying amount of the non-financial 
asset or liability. If a hedge of a forecasted transaction subsequently results in the recognition of a financial asset or a financial liability, the 
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. 
for cash flow hedges, other than those described above, the associated cumulative gain or loss is removed from equity 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.
 
 
 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
1.  sIgnIfIcant accountIng poLIcIes (continued)
(g)  Property, plant and equipment
Items of property, plant and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. cost includes 
expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset. 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. purchased software that is integral to the functionality of the related 
equipment is capitalised as part of that equipment.
  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.
Gains and losses on disposal of an item of property, plant and equipment are determined by comparing proceeds from disposal with 
the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment and are recognised net within “other income” or “other expenses” in the income 
statement.
(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 the item will flow to the consolidated entity 
and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. the carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognised. All other costs are recognised 
in the income statement as an expense as incurred.
(ii)  Depreciation
  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 
3-11 years 
7-15 years
the residual value, the useful life and the depreciation 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 only if the product or process is technically and commercially feasible and the consolidated 
entity has sufficient resources to complete development. capitalised development expenditure is measured 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.
49
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
50
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
1.  sIgnIfIcant accountIng poLIcIes (continued)
(h)  Intangible assets (continued)
(iii) Other intangible assets
other intangible assets that are acquired by the consolidated entity are measured 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.
(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
(i)  Trade and other receivables
trade and other receivables are initially measured at fair value and subsequently at their amortised cost less impairment losses.
(j)  Inventories
Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value. net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary 
course of business, less the estimated costs of completion and selling expenses.
the cost of inventories is based on the first-in first-out principle and includes expenditure incurred in acquiring the inventories, production or 
conversion costs and other costs incurred in bringing them to their existing location and condition. In the case of manufactured inventories 
and work in progress, cost includes an appropriate share of production overheads 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.
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 the unit (group of units) on a pro rata 
basis.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
1.  sIgnIfIcant accountIng poLIcIes (continued)
(l)  Impairment (continued)
(i)  Calculation of recoverable amount
the recoverable amount of the consolidated entity’s receivables carried at amortised cost is calculated as the present value of estimated 
future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate (i.e. the effective interest rate computed at initial recognition of these 
financial assets). receivables with a short duration are not discounted.
Impairment of receivables is not recognised until objective evidence is available that a loss event has occurred. significant receivables 
are individually assessed for impairment. Impairment testing of significant receivables that are not assessed as impaired individually is 
performed 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.
(ii)  Reversals of impairment
Impairment losses are reversed when there is an indication 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 
subsequent increase in recoverable amount can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss 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 amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.
(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
Interest-bearing borrowings are recognised initially at fair value less attributable transaction costs. subsequent to initial recognition, interest-
bearing borrowings are measured 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
A defined contribution superannuation fund is a post-employment benefit plan under which an entity pays fixed contributions into a 
separate entity and will have no legal or constructive obligation to pay further amounts. obligations for contributions to defined contribution 
superannuation funds are recognised as an expense in the income statement as incurred.
51
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
52
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
1.  sIgnIfIcant accountIng poLIcIes (continued)
(o)  Employee benefits (continued)
(ii)  Other long-term employee benefits
the consolidated entity’s net obligation in respect of long-term employee 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.
(iii) Short-term benefits
liabilities for employee benefits for wages, salaries, annual leave and sick leave that are expected to be settled within 12 months of the 
reporting date represent present obligations 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 on-
costs, such as workers compensation insurance and payroll tax. non-accumulating non-monetary benefits, such 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.
(p)  Provisions
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.
(q)  Trade and other payables
trade and other payables are initially measured at fair value and subsequently 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. revenue is recognised in the income statement when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the 
buyer, recovery of the consideration is probable, the associated costs and possible return of goods can be estimated reliably, there is no 
continuing management involvement with the goods and the amount of revenue can be measured reliably.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
1.  sIgnIfIcant accountIng poLIcIes (continued)
(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 expense on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax expense 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 reporting 
date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.
deferred tax is recognised using the balance sheet liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts 
of assets and liabilities for financial 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. 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 reporting date.
deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax liabilities and assets and they relate to 
income taxes levied by the same tax authority on the same taxable entity, or on different tax entities, but they intend to settle current tax 
liabilities and assets on a net basis or their tax assets and liabilities will be realised simultaneously.
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.
53
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
54
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
1.  sIgnIfIcant accountIng poLIcIes (continued)
(t)  Income tax (continued)
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 entities in the tax consolidated group recognise 
inter-entity receivables (payables) equal in amount to the tax liability (asset) assumed by the head entity.
(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.
(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 part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or 
as part of the expense.
receivables and payables are stated with the amount of Gst included. the net amount of Gst recoverable from, or payable to, the Ato is 
included as a current asset or liability in the balance sheet.
cash flows are included in the statement of cash flows on a gross basis. the Gst components of cash flows arising from investing and 
financing activities which are recoverable from, or payable to, the Ato are classified as operating cash flows.
(w)  Non-current assets held for sale
non-current assets (or disposal groups comprising assets and liabilities) that are expected to be recovered primarily through sale rather 
than through continuing use are classified as held for sale. Immediately before classification as held for sale, the assets (or components 
of a disposal group) are remeasured in accordance with the consolidated entity’s accounting policies. thereafter generally the assets (or 
disposal group) are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less cost to sell. Any impairment loss on a disposal group 
first is allocated to goodwill, and then to remaining assets and liabilities on pro rata basis, except that no loss is allocated to inventories, 
financial assets, deferred tax assets, employee benefit assets and investment property, which continue to be measured in accordance with 
the consolidated entity’s accounting policies. Impairment losses on initial classification as held for sale and subsequent gains or losses on 
re-measurement are recognised in profit or loss. Gains are not recognised in excess of any cumulative impairment loss.
(x)  Earnings per share
the consolidated entity presents basic and diluted earnings per share (eps) data for its ordinary shares. Basic eps is calculated by dividing 
the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of the company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during 
the period. diluted eps is determined by adjusting the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders and the weighted average number 
of ordinary shares outstanding for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
1.  sIgnIfIcant accountIng poLIcIes (continued)
(y)  Changes in accounting policy
(i)  Cash in transit
during the reporting period, management changed its accounting policy in respect of cash in transit. due to the increasing use of electronic 
funds transfer by customers, it was determined that the cut-off for cash in transit should be on the last day of the reporting period, bringing 
this forward by two days. the impact on the balance sheet in the consolidated entity for the period ended 30 june 2008 is to decrease 
cash by $28,349,000 (2007:$34,468,000) and increase debtors by $28,349,000 (2007:$34,468,000). the impact on the statement of 
cash flows in the consolidated entity for the period ended 30 june 2008 is to increase cash from operating activities by $6,119,000 (2007: 
decrease $3,457,000). comparative amounts have been changed for consistency. there is no impact on the income statement for the 
consolidated entity. no adjustments have arisen for the company.
(ii)  Builders rebates 
 during the reporting period, management changed its accounting policy in respect of the classification of builders’ rebates expense in 
the income statement. the rebates are a primary factor in generating sales revenue by the consolidated entity and therefore should be 
recognised in the income statement against sales revenue. previously, the expense was recognised as an administrative expense.  
the change in accounting policy was applied retrospectively to sales revenue relating to builders’ rebates incurred and comparatives have 
been restated. the impact on the income statement in the consolidated entity for the year ended 30 june 2008 is to decrease sales revenue 
and administrative expenses by $10,022,000 (2007: $9,545,000). there is no impact on the balance sheet for the consolidated entity. no 
adjustments have arisen for the company.
(iii) Freight outwards 
during the reporting period, management changed its accounting policy in respect of the classification of freight outwards expenses in the 
income statement. the expenses represent costs incurred in transporting the consolidated entity’s products to its customers. In accordance 
with AAsB 2 Inventories, transportation costs that are necessary to get the inventory to a present location form part of the cost of inventory 
and the related cost of sale. these expenses therefore should be recognised in the income statement against cost of sales. previously, the 
expense was recognised as a selling expense.  
the change in accounting policy was applied retrospectively to cost of sales relating to freight outwards costs incurred and comparatives 
have been restated. the impact on the income statement in the consolidated entity for the year ended 30 june 2008 is to increase cost of 
sales and decrease selling expenses by $51,327,000 (2007: $48,883,000). there is no impact on the balance sheet for the consolidated 
entity. no adjustments have arisen for the company.
(z)  New standards and interpretations not yet adopted
the following standards, amendments to standards and interpretations have been identified as those which may impact the entity in the 
period of initial application. they are available for early adoption at 30 june 2008, but have not been applied in preparing this financial 
report:
•  Revised AASB 3 Business Combinations changes the application of acquisition accounting for business combinations and the accounting 
for non-controlling (minority) interests. Key changes include: the immediate expensing of all transaction costs; measurement of contingent 
consideration at acquisition date with subsequent changes through the income statement; measurement of non-controlling (minority) 
interests at full fair value or the proportionate share of the fair value of the underlying net assets; guidance on issues such as reacquired 
rights and vendor indemnities; and the inclusion of combinations by contract alone and those involving mutuals. The revised standard 
becomes mandatory for the consolidated entity’s 30 june 2010 financial statements. the consolidated entity has not yet determined the 
potential effect of the revised standard on the consolidated entity’s financial report.
55
 
 
 
 
 
 
56
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
1.  sIgnIfIcant accountIng poLIcIes (continued) 
(z)  New standards and interpretations not yet adopted (continued)
•  AASB 8 Operating Segments introduces the “management approach” to segment reporting. AAsB 8, which becomes mandatory for the 
consolidated entity’s 30 june 2010 financial statements, will require the disclosure of segment information based on the internal reports 
regularly reviewed by the consolidated entity’s chief operating decision maker in order to assess each segment’s performance and to 
allocate resources to them. currently the consolidated entity presents segment information in respect of its business and geographical 
segments (see note 2). the consolidated entity has not yet determined the potential effect of the revised standard on the consolidated 
entity’s financial report.
•  Revised AASB 101 Presentation of Financial Statements introduces as a financial statement (formerly “primary” statement) the “statement 
of comprehensive income”. the revised standard does not change the recognition, measurement or disclosure of transactions and events 
that are required by other AAsBs. the revised AAsB 101 will become mandatory for the consolidated entity’s 30 june 2010 financial 
statements. the consolidated entity has not yet determined the potential effect of the revised standard on the consolidated entity’s 
disclosures.
•  Revised AASB 123 Borrowing Costs removes the option to expense borrowing costs and requires that an entity capitalise borrowing costs 
directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset as part of the cost of that asset. the revised AAsB 
123 will become mandatory for the consolidated entity’s 30 june 2010 financial statements and will constitute a change in accounting 
policy for the consolidated entity. In accordance with the transitional provisions the consolidated entity will apply the revised AAsB 123 to 
qualifying assets for which capitalisation of borrowing costs commences on or after the effective date. the consolidated entity has not yet 
determined the potential effect of the revised standard on future earnings.
•  Revised AASB 127 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements changes the accounting for investments in subsidiaries. Key changes 
include: the re-measurement to fair value of any previous/retained investment when control is obtained/lost, with any resulting gain or 
loss being recognised in profit or loss; and the treatment of increases in ownership interest after control is obtained as transactions with 
equity holders in their capacity as equity holders. the revised standard will become mandatory for the consolidated entity’s 30 june 2010 
financial statements. the consolidated entity has not yet determined the potential effect of the revised standard on the consolidated entity’s 
financial report.
•  AASB 2008-1 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standard - Share-based Payment: Vesting Conditions and Cancellations changes 
the measurement of share-based payments that contain non-vesting conditions. AAsB 2008-1 becomes mandatory for the consolidated 
entity’s 30 june 2010 financial statements. the consolidated entity has not yet determined the potential effect of the amending standard 
on the consolidated entity’s financial report.
 
 
 
 
 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
2.  segment reportIng
 A segment is a distinguishable component of the consolidated entity that is engaged either in providing related 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.
 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.
 Inter-segment pricing is determined on an arm’s length basis.
 segment results, assets and liabilities include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis. 
unallocated items comprise mainly the mower business, interest-bearing loans, borrowings and expenses, and corporate assets and expenses.
 segment capital expenditure is the total cost incurred during the period to acquire segment assets that are expected to be used for more than one 
period.
 Business segments
 the consolidated entity comprises the following main business segments:
•   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
•   Unallocated 
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 15% 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.
57
58
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
2.  segment reportIng (continued)
BuSINESS SEGmENTS
Building Fixtures  
Commercial 
and Fittings* 
Furniture* 
unallocated* 
Eliminations 
Consolidated*
In thousands of Aud 
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
revenue:
external sales 
558,657 
546,938 
56,864 
56,794 
33,381 
32,392 
- 
- 
648,902 
636,124
Inter-segment sales 
- 
- 
1,852 
1,993 
- 
- 
(1,852) 
(1,993) 
- 
-
total sales revenue 
558,657 
546,938 
58,716 
58,787 
33,381 
32,392 
(1,852) 
(1,993) 
648,902 
636,124
segment result 
109,552 
110,521 
3,369 
3,619 
(13,527) 
(15,386) 
restructuring income/ 
(expenses) 
(21,629) 
(3,158) 
(614) 
- 
5,427 
(4,121) 
87,923 
107,363 
2,755 
3,619 
(8,100) 
(19,507) 
segment result after  
restructuring  
expenses 
net financing costs 
Income tax expense 
profit for the year 
segment assets 
627,265 
606,435 
35,087 
34,498 
113,102 
153,862 
segment liabilities 
106,358 
88,378 
9,457 
6,331 
270,519 
291,284 
depreciation 
14,895 
15,689 
1,690 
2,325 
801 
1,226 
Amortisation 
275 
276 
- 
- 
259 
263 
capital expenditure 
17,028 
18,726 
1,504 
156 
3,703 
2,634 
Impairment losses 
9,419 
1,227 
- 
- 
- 
- 
* All segments are continuing operations 
GEOGRAPHICAl SEGmENTS
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
99,394 
98,754
- 
(16,816) 
(7,279)
- 
82,578 
91,475
(14,623) 
(12,366)
(22,065) 
(22,791)
45,890 
56,318
775,454 
794,795
386,334 
385,993
17,386 
19,240
534 
539
22,235 
21,516
9,419 
1,227
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
Australia* 
unallocated* 
Consolidated *
In thousands of Aud 
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
external sales revenue 
551,587  535,394 
97,315 
100,730 
648,902 
636,124
segment assets 
727,045  731,304 
48,409 
63,491 
775,454 
794,795
capital expenditure 
19,433 
18,666 
2,802 
2,850 
22,235 
21,516
* All segments are continuing operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
3.  otHer Income
In thousands of Aud 
foreign currency gains - realised 
foreign currency gains - unrealised 
net gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment 
dividends received from controlled companies 
other 
4.  otHer expenses
In thousands of Aud 
foreign currency losses - realised 
foreign currency losses - unrealised 
distribution losses from controlled trusts 
net loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 
restructuring expenses 
Impairment loss on intangible assets 
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
2008 
2,082 
1,370 
6,879 
- 
2007 
2,288 
204 
- 
- 
2008 
2007
- 
- 
- 
-
-
-
65,000 
75,000
1,002 
2,506 
- 
-
11,333 
4,998 
65,000 
75,000
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
2008 
217 
2007 
969 
1,264 
2,278 
2008 
2007
- 
- 
- 
- 
13,928 
9,419 
- 
2,359 
1,295 
7,279 
- 
- 
- 
- 
24,828 
11,821 
2,359 
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5.  personneL expenses
In thousands of Aud 
Wages and salaries - including superannuation contributions,  
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
annual leave, long service leave and on-costs 
143,509 
140,785 
- 
-
59
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
60
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
6.  audItors’ remuneratIon
In Aud 
Audit services
Auditors of the company
KpmG Australia:
Audit and review of financial reports 
overseas KpmG firms:
Audit and review of financial reports 
Other services
Auditors of the company 
KpmG Australia:
due diligence services 
taxation services 
7.  net fInancIng costs
In thousands of Aud 
Interest income 
Interest expense 
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
360,000 
340,000 
10,000 
10,000
66,000 
60,000 
- 
-
426,000 
400,000 
10,000 
10,000
- 
30,000 
112,000 
102,819 
112,000 
132,819 
- 
- 
- 
-
-
-
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
(5,068) 
(5,718) 
(745) 
(502)
19,691 
18,084 
- 
-
net financing costs/(income) 
14,623 
12,366 
(745) 
(502)
8.  restructurIng expenses
In thousands of Aud 
restructuring expenses 
Impairment loss on intangible assets 
Gains on property sales (included in ‘other income’) 
net expense before tax 
tax benefit 
net restructuring expense after tax 
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
2008 
13,928 
9,419 
(6,531) 
2007 
7,279 
- 
- 
16,816 
7,279 
(2,547) 
(2,184) 
14,269 
5,095 
2008 
2007
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-
-
-
-
-
-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
9.  Income tax expense
Recognised in the income statement 
In thousands of Aud 
Current tax expense
current year 
Adjustments for prior years 
Deferred tax expense
origination and reversal of temporary differences 
Benefit of tax losses recognised 
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
20,572 
23,487 
- 
(1,539) 
20,572 
21,948 
1,493 
- 
1,493 
706 
137 
843 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
total income tax expense in income statement 
22,065 
22,791 
Numerical reconciliation between tax expense and pre-tax net profit 
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
In thousands of Aud 
profit before tax 
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
67,955 
79,109 
62,641 
75,000
Income tax using the domestic tax rate of 30% (2007: 30%) 
20,387 
23,733 
18,792 
22,500
Increase in income tax expense due to:
 non-deductible building depreciation 
 non-deductible expenses 
 non-deductible impairment loss 
 rebateable trust distributions 
 effect of tax rate in foreign jurisdictions 
decrease in income tax expense due to:
 effect of tax rate in foreign jurisdictions 
 non-assessable income 
 non-assessable capital profits 
- 
530 
2,825 
- 
- 
(97) 
(111) 
(1,280) 
63 
636 
- 
- 
39 
- 
- 
- 
 rebateable research and development  
(189) 
(141) 
- 
- 
- 
708 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
 rebateable dividends 
- 
- 
(19,500) 
(22,500)
under / (over) provided in prior years 
Income tax expense on pre-tax net profit 
22,065 
24,330 
- 
(1,539) 
22,065 
22,791 
- 
- 
- 
-
-
-
61
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
62
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
9.  Income tax expense (continued)
Deferred tax recognised directly in equity
In thousands of Aud 
derivatives 
10.  earnIngs per sHare
Basic and diluted earnings per share
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
2008 
193 
2007 
(340) 
2008 
2007
- 
-
calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share at 30 june 2008 was based on the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of $45,890,000 
(2007: $56,318,000) and a weighted average number of ordinary shares of 280,075,000 (2007: 278,756,000) calculated as follows: 
cents per share 
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders 
In thousands of Aud 
profit for the year 
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  
11.  casH and casH equIvaLents
In thousands of Aud 
Bank balances * 
call deposits 
cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows  
* refer change in accounting policy - note 1(y)
CONSOlIDATED
2008 
16.4 
2007
20.2
CONSOlIDATED
2008 
2007
45,890 
56,318
CONSOlIDATED
2008 
2007
279,923 
278,303
152 
453
280,075 
278,756
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
2008 
2007 
2008 
18,323 
13,029 
35,095 
32,924 
53,418 
45,953 
- 
- 
- 
2007
232
-
232
the consolidated entity’s exposure to interest rate risk and a sensitivity analysis for financial assets and liabilities are disclosed in note 24.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
12. trade and otHer receIvaBLes
In thousands of Aud 
Current
trade receivables * 
provision for impairment 
fair value derivatives 
employee share loans 
other 
Non-current
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
96,217 
107,988 
(832) 
(804) 
27,872 
14,264 
644 
576 
3,920 
1,579 
127,821 
123,603 
- 
- 
- 
644 
- 
644 
-
-
-
576
-
576
receivables due from controlled entities 
- 
- 
657,847 
594,069
employee share loans 
other 
* refer change in accounting policy - note 1(y)
5,285 
4,923 
5,285 
4,923
13 
60 
- 
-
5,298 
4,983 
663,132 
598,992
the consolidated entity’s exposure to credit and currency risk and impairment losses related to trade and other receivables are disclosed in note 24.
13.  InventorIes
In thousands of Aud 
raw materials and consumables 
Work in progress 
finished goods 
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
16,735 
22,205 
6,113 
10,220 
77,958 
95,786 
100,806 
128,211 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-
-
-
-
63
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
64
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
14.  assets and LIaBILItIes cLassIfIed as HeLd for saLe
the sanitaryware business Wisa Beheer, which forms part of the Building fixtures and fittings segment, is presented as a disposal group held 
for sale following the commitment of the consolidated entity’s management to a plan to sell the business to the management of Wisa Beheer. A 
memorandum of understanding for the sale was signed on 12 August 2008 granting Wisa Beheer management an exclusive dealing period to 
purchase the business for euro 14 million. the agreement is subject to Wisa Beheer management arranging a financial partner and will expire at the 
end of november 2008 at which time the sale of the business is expected to be complete.
An impairment loss of $9,419,000 on the re-measurement of the disposal group to the lower of its carrying value and its fair value less costs to sell 
has been recognised in “other expenses”.
In thousands of Aud 
Assets classified as held for sale
trade and other receivables 
Inventories 
property, plant and equipment 
Intangibles 
other 
liabilities classified as held for sale
trade and other payables 
Income tax payable 
employee benefits 
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
3,759 
6,702 
4,866 
10,424 
267 
26,018 
2,823 
36 
1,014 
3,873 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
15. current tax assets and LIaBILItIes
the current tax asset for the consolidated entity of $829,000 (2007: $1,440,000) represents the amount of income taxes recoverable in respect of 
prior periods. the current tax liability for the consolidated entity of $5,854,000 (2007: nil) and for the company of $5,854,000 (2007: nil) represents 
the amount of income taxes payable in respect of the current period. no current tax asset exists for the company at balance date (2007:$348,000). 
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.
16. deferred tax assets and LIaBILItIes
Recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities
deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following:
CONSOlIDATED 
In thousands of Aud 
property, plant and equipment 
Intangible assets 
Inventories 
employee benefits 
provisions 
other items 
tax assets / (liabilities) 
set off of tax 
net tax assets  
Assets 
liabilities 
Net
2008 
817 
- 
3,583 
7,879 
2007 
948 
- 
3,979 
7,524 
8,096 
10,653 
3,202 
1,626 
23,577 
24,730 
(732) 
(199) 
22,845 
24,531 
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
(181) 
(205) 
- 
- 
- 
(346) 
(732) 
732 
- 
(1) 
636 
947
(197) 
(205) 
(197)
- 
- 
- 
3,583 
3,979
7,879 
7,524
8,096 
10,653
(1) 
2,856 
1,625
(199) 
22,845 
24,531
199 
- 
-
- 
22,845 
24,531
unrecognised deferred tax assets
deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of the following items:
In thousands of Aud 
tax losses 
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
2008 
351 
2007 
403 
2008 
2007
- 
-
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.
65
 
 
 
66
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
16.  deferred tax assets and LIaBILItIes (continued)
movement in temporary differences during the year
In thousands of Aud 
1 July 06 
in income 
in equity 
30 June 07 
1 July 06 
in income 
in equity 
30 June 07
Balance  
Recognised 
Recognised 
Balance 
Balance  
Recognised  Recognised 
Balance 
                         CONSOlIDATED   
                     THE COmPANy
property, plant and equipment 
Intangible assets 
Inventories 
employee benefits 
provisions 
other items 
tax loss carry-forwards 
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 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
In thousands of Aud 
1 July 07 
in income 
in equity 
30 June 08 
1 July 07 
in income 
in equity 
30 June 08
Balance  
Recognised 
Recognised 
Balance 
Balance  
Recognised  Recognised 
Balance 
                           CONSOlIDATED  
                   THE COmPANy
property, plant and equipment 
Intangible assets 
Inventories 
employee benefits 
provisions 
other items 
947 
(197) 
3,979 
7,524 
(311) 
(8) 
(396) 
355 
10,653 
(2,557) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
636 
(205) 
3,583 
7,879 
8,096 
1,625 
1,424 
(193) 
2,856 
24,531 
(1,493) 
(193) 
22,845 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
17.  property, pLant and equIpment
In thousands of Aud 
buildings  equipment 
vehicles 
progress 
Total 
buildings 
equipment 
vehicles  progress 
Total
land and  Plant and 
motor 
Work in 
land and 
Plant and 
motor  Work in 
CONSOlIDATED 
                            THE COmPANy
Cost
Balance at 1 july 2006 
54,988  208,179 
14,044 
15,707 
292,918 
Additions 
transfers 
disposals 
518 
16,173 
2,108 
- 
18,799 
- 
4,929 
- 
(4,929) 
-
(976)  (38,554) 
(2,885) 
- 
(42,415) 
effect of movements in foreign  
exchange 
(303) 
(1,765) 
54 
(96) 
(2,110) 
Balance at 30 june 2007 
54,227  188,962 
13,321 
10,682 
267,192 
Balance at 1 july 2007 
54,227  188,962 
13,321 
10,682 
267,192 
Additions 
transfers 
disposals 
374 
13,281 
3,170 
1,480 
18,305 
- 
5,441 
- 
(5,441) 
- 
(4,420)  (19,638) 
(3,948) 
- 
(28,006) 
transfer to assets held for sale 
(4,026)  (27,696) 
- 
(1,024) 
(32,746) 
effect of movements in foreign  
exchange 
133 
721 
(119) 
(80) 
655 
Balance at 30 june 2008 
46,288  161,071 
12,424 
5,617 
225,400 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
67
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
68
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
17.  property, pLant and equIpment (continued)
In thousands of Aud 
buildings  equipment 
vehicles 
progress 
Total 
buildings 
equipment 
vehicles  progress 
Total
land and  Plant and 
motor 
Work in 
land and 
Plant and 
motor  Work in 
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
Depreciation and impairment losses
Balance at 1 july 2006 
(6,606) (162,546) 
(5,927) 
- 
(175,079) 
depreciation charge for the year 
(1,025)  (15,746) 
(2,469) 
disposals 
Impairment losses 
- 
- 
37,262 
2,010 
(1,227) 
- 
effect of movements in foreign  
exchange 
229 
1,903 
(31) 
Balance at 30 june 2007 
(7,402) (140,354) 
(6,417) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(19,240) 
39,272 
(1,227) 
2,101 
(154,173) 
Balance at 1 july 2007 
(7,402) (140,354) 
(6,417) 
- 
(154,173) 
depreciation charge for the year 
(984)  (13,985) 
(2,417) 
disposals 
942 
16,623 
2,828 
transfer to assets held for sale 
3,071 
24,809 
- 
effect of movements in foreign  
exchange 
(102) 
(653) 
82 
Balance at 30 june 2008 
(4,475) (113,560) 
(5,924) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(17,386) 
20,393 
27,880
(673) 
(123,959) 
Carrying amounts
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 
At 1 july 2007 
46,825 
48,608 
6,904 
10,682  113,019 
At 30 june 2008 
41,813 
47,511 
6,500 
5,617  101,441 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Impairment losses
there were no impairment losses to property, plant and equipment during the 2008 financial year (2007: $1,227,000).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
18.  IntangIBLe assets
In thousands of Aud 
Software 
Brand names 
Total 
Software 
Brand names 
Total
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
Cost
Balance at 1 july 2006 
2,649 
341,846 
344,495 
Additions 
2,717 
- 
2,717 
effect of movements in foreign exchange 
- 
(1,501) 
(1,501) 
Balance at 30 june 2007 
5,366 
340,345 
345,711 
Balance at 1 july 2007 
5,366 
340,345 
345,711 
Additions 
3,930 
- 
3,930 
effect of movements in foreign exchange 
transfer to assets held for sale 
- 
- 
620 
620 
(19,843) 
(19,843) 
Balance at 30 june 2008 
9,296 
321,122 
330,418 
Amortisation and impairment losses
Balance at 1 july 2006 
Amortisation for the year 
Balance at 30 june 2007 
Balance at 1 july 2007 
Amortisation for the year 
Impairment loss 
transfer to assets held for sale 
(709) 
(539) 
(1,248) 
(1,248) 
(534) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(709) 
(539) 
(1,248) 
(1,248) 
(534) 
(9,419) 
(9,419) 
9,419 
9,419 
Balance at 30 june 2008 
(1,782) 
- 
(1,782) 
Carrying amounts
At 1 july 2006 
At 30 june 2007 
At 1 july 2007 
At 30 june 2008 
1,940 
341,846 
343,786 
4,118 
340,345 
344,463 
4,118 
340,345 
344,463 
7,514 
321,122 
328,636 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
69
 
 
 
 
70
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
18.  IntangIBLe assets (continued)
Impairment testing for brand names
the recoverable amounts of all brand names were assessed at 30 june 2008 based on internal value in use calculations, (with exception of the 
Wisa brand name below) and no impairment was identified. value in use was determined by discounting the future cash flows generated from the 
continuing use of the business unit and to which the brand is attached was based on the following assumptions: 
•  Cash flows were projected based on actual operating results and business plans of the units, with projected cash flows ranging from two to five 
years, before a terminal value was calculated. maintainable earnings were adjusted for an allocation of corporate overheads. 
•  Management used a constant growth rate of 2.5% in calculating terminal values of the units, which does not exceed the long-term average growth 
rate for the industry. 
• A pre-tax discount rate of 13.9% was used in discounting the projected future cash flows.
Wisa Beheer brand name impairment 
the Wisa Beheer brand name impairment test was based on fair value less costs to sell. As discussed in note 14 to the financial statements, a 
memorandum of understanding has been signed granting the management of Wisa Beheer an exclusive dealing period to purchase the Wisa Beheer 
business for euro 14 million. Based on a selling price of euro 14 million less costs to sell, an impairment loss of $9,419,000 has been recognised 
during the year.
19. trade and otHer payaBLes
In thousands of Aud 
Current
trade payables and accrued expenses 
fair value derivatives 
non-trade payables and accrued expenses 
Non-current
payables to controlled entities 
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
47,464 
47,372 
27,592 
14,625 
3,413 
3,070 
78,469 
65,067 
54 
- 
- 
54 
-
-
-
-
- 
- 
583,653 
527,430
the consolidated entity’s exposure to currency risk and liquidity risk related to trade and other payables are disclosed in note 24.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
20. Interest-BearIng Loans and BorroWIngs
this note provides information about the contractual terms of the consolidated entity’s and the company’s interest-bearing loans and borrowings, 
which are measured at amortised cost. for more information about the consolidated entity’s exposure to interest rate and foreign currency risk,  
see note 24.
Non-current liabilities 
In thousands of Aud 
unsecured bank loans 
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
246,975 
271,567 
- 
-
Terms and debt repayment schedule 
                   CONSOlIDATED
In thousands of Aud 
Currency 
unsecured bank loan 
unsecured bank loan 
unsecured bank loan 
unsecured bank loan 
Aud 
Aud 
Aud 
Aud 
Nominal 
interest rate 
Rate at 
30 June 
2008 
BBsW+0.48% 
8.24% 
BBsW+0.55% 
8.31% 
BBsW+0.50% 
8.26% 
BBsW+0.50% 
8.25% 
unsecured bank loan 
eur 
eurIBor+0.65%  5.40% 
Financing facilities 
In thousands of Aud 
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 
year of 
maturity 
2010 
2010 
2010 
2010 
2010 
2008 
Face 
value 
2008 
Carrying 
amount 
2007 
Face 
value 
2007 
Carrying 
amount
60,000 
60,000 
60,000 
60,000
60,000 
60,000 
60,000 
60,000
65,000 
65,000 
90,000 
90,000
50,000 
50,000 
50,000 
50,000
11,975 
11,975 
11,567 
11,567
246,975 
246,975 
271,567 
271,567
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
2008 
6,357 
7,685 
2007 
6,408 
25,378 
286,975 
271,567 
301,017 
303,353 
- 
- 
1,578 
1,440 
246,975 
271,567 
248,553 
273,007 
6,357 
6,408 
6,107 
23,938 
40,000 
- 
52,464 
30,346 
2008 
2007
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
71
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
72
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
20. 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 2008.
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.
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. 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
21.  empLoyee BenefIts
In thousands of Aud 
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
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
1,728 
1,792 
10,494 
11,773 
3,514 
2,491 
15,736 
16,056 
9,794 
10,157 
730 
858 
10,524 
11,015 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Defined contribution superannuation funds
the consolidated entity makes contributions to a defined contribution superannuation fund. contributions are charged against income as they are 
made based on various percentages of each employee’s gross salaries. the amount recognised as expense was $8,656,000 for the financial year 
ended 30 june 2008 (2007: $9,326,000).
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 at 
balance date.
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 2008, 400,000 ordinary shares were purchased on market for employees at an average share price of $3.07 and 250,000 ordinary 
shares were issued to employees at the market price of $3.52, being total market value of $2,108,000. In the prior year, no ordinary shares were 
issued to employees.
As at 30 june 2008, loans are issued for 3,846,250 (2007: 3,436,561) shares and the remaining balances of these loans is $10,442,000 (2007: 
$9,605,000) or $5,929,000 (2007: $5,499,000) at net present value. during 2008, dividends of $814,000 (2007: $640,000) were paid against the 
loans and a further $456,000 (2007: $3,747,000) was paid by employees against these loans.
73
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
74
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
22. provIsIons
In thousands of Aud 
CONSOlIDATED
Balance at 1 july 2007 
provisions made during the year 
Warranties 
Restructuring 
Site restoration 
Other 
Total
8,332 
7,061 
2,598 
13,928 
4,646 
6,712 
22,288
21,870
729 
152 
- 
provisions used during the year 
(5,348) 
(10,556) 
(3,317) 
(19,221)
transfers during the year 
effect of movements in foreign exchange 
- 
(34) 
(1,692) 
1,692 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-
(34)
Balance at 30 june 2008 
10,011 
4,278 
6,490 
4,124 
24,903
current 
non-current 
Warranties
6,555 
3,456 
4,278 
- 
10,011 
4,278 
3,100 
3,390 
6,490 
3,158 
17,091
966 
7,812
4,124 
24,903
the total provision for warranties at balance date of $10,011,000 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 $6,555,000 of the total provision in the financial year 
ending 30 june 2009, and the majority of the balance of the liability over the following four years.
Restructuring
during the financial year ended 30 june 2008, provisions of $13,928,000 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, $4,278,000 remains provided for at 
balance date and this amount represents the estimate of costs to be expended in the financial year ending 30 june 2009.
Site restoration
At balance date the balance of the site restoration provision was $6,490,000. no expenditures were made in the current financial year, the only 
movements being an adjustment to reflect the net present value of this provision and a transfer from restructuring. 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 site restoration is expected to be completed by december 2009. the net present value of the 
provision has been calculated using a discount rate of 6.5 per cent.
 
 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
23. capItaL and reserves
Reconciliation of movement in capital and reserves
CONSOlIDATED 
In thousands of Aud 
Balance at 1 july 2006 
Share 
capital 
Translation 
reserve 
Hedging 
reserve 
Retained 
earnings 
Total
346,853 
(1,395) 
542 
65,968 
411,968
total recognised income and expense 
- 
(1,158) 
(525) 
56,318 
54,635
Issue of ordinary shares 
dividends to shareholders 
Balance at 30 june 2007 
Balance at 1 july 2007 
total recognised income and expense 
Issue of ordinary shares 
dividends to shareholders 
Balance at 30 june 2008 
THE COmPANy 
In thousands of Aud 
Balance at 1 july 2006 
total recognised income and expense 
Issue of ordinary shares 
dividends to shareholders 
Balance at 30 june 2007 
Balance at 1 july 2007 
total recognised income and expense 
Issue of ordinary shares 
dividends to shareholders 
Balance at 30 june 2008 
6,209 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
6,209
(64,010) 
(64,010)
353,062 
(2,553) 
17 
58,276 
408,802
353,062 
(2,553) 
- 
(5,012) 
876 
- 
- 
- 
17 
176 
- 
- 
58,276 
408,802
45,890 
41,054
- 
876
(61,612) 
(61,612)
353,938 
(7,565) 
193 
42,554 
389,120
Share 
capital 
Retained 
earnings 
Total
346,853 
38,417 
385,270
- 
75,000 
75,000
6,209 
- 
6,209
- 
(64,010) 
(64,010)
353,062 
49,407 
402,469
353,062 
49,407 
402,469
- 
62,641 
62,641
876 
- 
876
- 
(61,612) 
(61,612)
353,938 
50,436 
404,374
75
 
 
 
 
76
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
23. capItaL and reserves (continued)
Share capital 
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
2008 
2007
279,923 
278,303
250 
1,620
280,173 
279,923
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.
Translation reserve
the translation reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences arising from the retranslation 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 retranslation 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 consolidated entity and the company are:
In thousands of Aud 
2008
Interim 2008 ordinary 
Interim 2008 special 
final 2007 ordinary 
final 2007 special 
total amount 
Cents per share 
Total amount 
Franked  
Date of 
payment
10.0 
1.5 
8.0 
2.5 
22.0 
28,017 
4,203 
22,394 
6,998 
61,612
100% 
2nd April 2008
100% 
2nd April 2008
100% 
2nd oct 2007
100% 
2nd oct 2007
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
23. capItaL and reserves (continued)
Dividends (continued)
In thousands of Aud 
2007
Interim 2007 ordinary 
Interim 2007 special 
final 2006 ordinary 
final 2006 special 
total amount 
Cents per share 
Total amount 
Franked  
Date of 
payment
10.0 
1.5 
8.0 
3.5 
23.0 
27,830 
4,175 
22,264 
9,741 
64,010
100% 
2nd April 2007
100% 
2nd April 2007
100% 
100% 
3rd oct 2006
3rd oct 2006
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 for. the declaration and 
subsequent payment of dividends has no income tax consequences.
In thousands of Aud 
final ordinary 
Cents per share 
Total amount 
Franked  
Date of 
payment
8.0 
22,414 
100% 
7th oct 2008
the financial effect of these dividends has not been brought to account in the financial statements for the financial year ended 30 june 2008 and will 
be recognised in subsequent financial reports.
Dividend franking account 
In thousands of Aud 
THE COmPANy
2008 
2007
30 per cent franking credits available to shareholders of GWA International limited for subsequent financial years 
22,528 
30,225
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 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 $9,606,000 (2007: 
$12,597,000). In accordance with the tax consolidation legislation, the company as the head entity in the tax-consolidated group has also assumed 
the benefit of $22,528,000 (2007: $30,225,000) franking credits.
77
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
78
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
24. fInancIaL Instruments and fInancIaL rIsk management
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.
Risk management policy
the Board has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the risk management framework. the Board has established the executive 
risk committee, which is responsible for developing and monitoring risk management policies. the committee is required to report regularly to the 
Board on its activities.
risk management policies are established to identify and analyse the risks faced by the consolidated entity and the company, to set appropriate risk 
limits and controls, and to monitor risks and adherence to limits. risk management policies and systems are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in 
market conditions and the consolidated entity’s and the company’s activities.
the Board Audit committee oversees how management monitors compliance with the risk management policies and procedures and reviews the 
adequacy of the risk management framework in relation to the risks faced by the consolidated entity and the company. the Board Audit committee 
is assisted in its oversight role by the Internal Audit team. the Internal Audit team conducts both regular and ad hoc reviews of risk management 
controls and procedures. the results of the reviews are reported to the Board Audit committee.
Capital management policy
the Board’s policy is to maintain a strong capital base and grow shareholder wealth. the Board monitors debt levels, cash flows and financial 
forecasts to establish appropriate levels of dividends and funds available to reinvest in the businesses or invest in growth opportunities.
the Board focuses on growing shareholder wealth by monitoring the performance of the consolidated entity by reference to the return on funds 
employed. the Board defines return on funds employed as trading earnings before interest and tax divided by net assets after adding back net debt.
there were no changes to the Boards approach to capital management during the year.
Credit risk
credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the consolidated entity and the company if a customer or other counterparty to a financial instrument fails to 
discharge their obligations.
management has a credit policy in place and the exposure to credit risk is monitored on an ongoing basis. A risk assessment process is used for 
customers requiring credit over $50,000 and credit insurance is utilised for major concentrations of trade debts. Goods are sold subject to retention 
of title clauses in most circumstances. the consolidated entity does not require collateral in respect of financial assets.
the consolidated entity maintains an allowance for impairment that represents its estimate of incurred losses in respect of trade receivables.
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.
the consolidated entity has two major customers which comprise 46% of the trade receivables carrying amount at 30 june 2008 (2007: 36%). At 
the balance sheet date there were no uninsured concentrations of credit risk.
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
24. fInancIaL Instruments and fInancIaL rIsk management (continued)
Credit risk (continued)
the carrying amount of financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure of the consolidated entity and the company. the maximum 
exposure to credit risk at balance date was:
In thousands of Aud 
cash and cash equivalents 
Gross trade receivables 
employee share loans 
receivables due from controlled entities 
Assets classified as held for sale 
forward exchange contracts used for hedging 
Interest rate swaps used for hedging 
the ageing of gross trade receivables for the consolidated entity at balance date is as follows:
In thousands of Aud 
not yet due 
past due 0-30 days 
past due 31-60 days 
past due 61-90 days 
past due 91-120 days 
past due 120+ days 
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
53,418 
49,953 
118,683 
125,253 
- 
- 
232
-
5,929 
5,499 
5,929 
5,499
- 
26,018 
- 
- 
26,285 
13,627 
1,587 
637 
657,847 
594,069
- 
- 
- 
-
-
-
231,920 
194,969 
663,776 
599,800
CONSOlIDATED
2008 
2008 
2007 
2007
 Gross 
Impairment 
Gross 
Impairment
66,844 
(170) 
72,200 
41,517 
(7) 
45,872 
4,778 
3,092 
1,482 
970 
(116) 
(140) 
(216) 
(403) 
2,672 
3,676 
580 
253 
(95)
(24)
(190)
(168)
(245)
(82)
118,683 
(1,052) 
125,253 
(804)
79
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
80
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
24. fInancIaL Instruments and fInancIaL rIsk management (continued)
Credit risk (continued)
the carrying amount of gross trade receivables classified as not yet due at balance date for the consolidated entity that would be past due if terms 
had not been re-negotiated is as follows:
In thousands of Aud 
CONSOlIDATED
2008 
2008 
2007 
2007
 Gross 
Impairment 
Gross 
Impairment
Gross trade receivables with terms re-negotiated 
265 
(120) 
23 
(7)
the movement in the allowance for impairment in respect of trade receivables during the year for the consolidated entity was as follows:
In thousands of Aud 
Balance at 1 july 
Impairment loss recognised 
Impairment losses applied 
Balance at 30 june 
liquidity risk
CONSOlIDATED
2008 
2007
(804) 
(1,117)
(527) 
279 
-
313
(1,052) 
(804)
liquidity risk is the risk that the consolidated entity and the company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. the 
consolidated entity and the company prepares cash flow forecasts and maintains financing and overdraft facilities with a number of institutions 
to ensure sufficient funds will be available to meet obligations without incurring excessive costs. the cash flows of the consolidated entity and the 
company are controlled by management and reported monthly to the Board who is ultimately responsible for maintaining liquidity.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
24. fInancIaL Instruments and fInancIaL rIsk management (continued)
liquidity risk (continued)
the contractual maturities of financial liabilities and derivatives that are cash flow hedges of the consolidated entity and the company, including 
estimated interest payments are as follows:
maturity analysis 
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
In thousands of Aud 
amount 
cash flows  6 months 
months 
years 
amount  cash flows  6 months  months 
years
Carrying   Contractual  less than 
6-12 
1-2 
Carrying  Contractual  less than 
6-12 
1-2 
Non-derivative financial liabilities - 2007
unsecured bank loans 
(271,567)  (309,088) 
(9,380) 
(9,380)  (290,328) 
trade and other payables 
(47,372) 
(47,372) 
(47,272) 
(100) 
- 
Derivative financial liabilities - 2007
Interest rate swaps designated  
as hedges 
637 
1,691 
439 
408 
844 
forward exchange contracts  
designated as hedges - outflow 
(14,625) 
(14,625) 
(14,625) 
forward exchange contracts  
designated as hedges - inflow 
13,627 
13,627 
13,627 
- 
- 
- 
- 
total at 30 june 2007 
(319,300)  (355,767) 
(57,211) 
(9,072)  (289,484) 
Non-derivative financial liabilities - 2008
unsecured bank loans 
(246,975)  (287,830) 
(10,214)  (10,214)  (267,402) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
trade and other payables 
(50,287) 
(50,287) 
(50,262) 
(25) 
- 
(54) 
(54) 
(54) 
Derivative financial liabilities - 2008
Interest rate swaps designated  
as hedges 
1,587 
1,373 
569 
431 
373 
forward exchange contracts  
designated as hedges - outflow 
(27,592) 
(27,592) 
(27,592) 
forward exchange contracts  
designated as hedges - inflow 
26,285 
26,285 
26,285 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
total at 30 june 2008 
(296,982)  (338,051) 
(61,214) 
(9,808)  (267,029) 
(54) 
(54) 
(54) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
the unsecured bank loans have a maximum three year rolling maturity, subject to annual review. the periods in which the cash flows associated with 
derivatives arise match the periods of profit and loss impact.
81
 
 
 
82
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
24. fInancIaL Instruments and fInancIaL rIsk management (continued)
market risk
market risk is the risk that changes in market prices such as interest rates and foreign exchange rates will affect the consolidated entity’s and the 
company’s income or value of holdings of financial instruments. the objective of market risk management is to manage and control market risk 
exposures within acceptable parameters.
the consolidated entity enters into derivatives and also incurs financial liabilities in order to manage market risks. All transactions are carried out 
within the guidelines set by the executive risk committee.
a) Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates will affect the consolidated entity’s and the company’s income. the consolidated entity’s 
variable rate borrowings are exposed to a risk of change in cash flows due to changes in interest rates.
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 5.63 per cent to 7.36 per cent. At 30 june 2008, the consolidated entity had interest rate 
swaps with a notional contract amount of $125,000,000 (2007: $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 2008 was $1,587,000 (2007: $637,000). these amounts were recognised as fair value derivative assets.
(i) Profile
At balance date the consolidated entity’s and the company’s interest bearing financial instruments were:
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
2008 
2008 
2007 
2007 
2008 
2008 
2007 
2007 
Notional 
Carrying 
Notional 
Carrying 
Notional 
Carrying 
Notional 
Carrying 
In thousands of Aud 
value 
amount 
value 
amount 
value 
amount 
value 
amount
Variable rate financial  
instruments
unsecured bank loans 
(246,975) 
(246,975) 
(271,567) 
(271,567) 
Bank balances 
18,323 
18,323 
13,029 
13,029 
call deposits 
35,095 
35,095 
20,924 
20,924 
(193,557) 
(193,557) 
(237,614) 
(237,614) 
Fixed rate financial  
instruments
Interest rate swap derivatives 
125,000 
1,587 
125,000 
637 
call deposits 
- 
- 
12,000 
12,000 
125,000 
1,587 
137,000 
12,637 
total 
(68,557) 
(191,970) 
(100,614) 
(224,977) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
232 
- 
232 
- 
- 
- 
-
232
-
232
-
-
-
232 
232
 
 
 
 
 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
24. fInancIaL Instruments and fInancIaL rIsk management (continued)
market risk (continued)
a) Interest rate risk (continued)
(ii) Fair value sensitivity analysis for fixed rate instruments
the consolidated entity does not account for fixed rate financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss. therefore a change in interest 
rates at the reporting date would not affect profit or loss.
A change of 100 basis points in interest rates at balance date would have affected the consolidated entity’s and the company’s equity and financial 
assets and liabilities as follows:
In thousands of Aud 
Increase of 100 basis points
hedging reserve (increase)/decrease 
financial assets increase/(decrease) 
Decrease of 100 basis points
hedging reserve (increase)/decrease 
financial assets increase/(decrease) 
financial liabilities (increase)/decrease 
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
(1,311) 
(459) 
1,311 
- 
459 
- 
1,608 
619 
(1,587) 
(619) 
(21) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(iii) Cash flow sensitivity analysis for fixed and variable rate instruments
A change of 100 basis points in interest rates during the period would have affected the consolidated entity’s and the company’s profit as follows:
In thousands of Aud 
Increase of 100 basis points
unsecured bank loans (Aud) 
unsecured bank loans (eur) 
Bank balances 
Interest rate swap derivatives 
call deposits variable rate 
call deposits fixed rate 
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
(2,560) 
(2,650) 
(122) 
(125) 
183 
130 
1,049 
1,294 
351 
166 
209 
408 
(933) 
(734) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-
-
2
-
-
-
2
83
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
84
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
24. fInancIaL Instruments and fInancIaL rIsk management (continued)
market risk (continued)
a) Interest rate risk (continued)
(iii) Cash flow sensitivity analysis for fixed and variable rate instruments (continued)
In thousands of Aud 
Decrease of 100 basis points
unsecured bank loans (Aud) 
unsecured bank loans (eur) 
Bank balances 
Interest rate swap derivatives 
call deposits variable rate 
call deposits fixed rate 
b) Foreign currency risk
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
2,565 
2,658 
122 
125 
(183) 
(130) 
(1,049) 
(1,294) 
(351) 
(166) 
938 
(209) 
(408) 
742 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-
-
(2)
-
-
-
(2)
the consolidated entity is exposed to foreign currency risk on sales, purchases and asset and liability holdings that are denominated in a currency 
other than the respective functional currencies of its subsidiaries and retranslation of the financial statements of foreign subsidiaries. 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 six months after the balance sheet date. the consolidated entity classifies its 
forward exchange contracts hedging forecasted transactions as cash flow hedges and states them at fair value.
the consolidated entity’s euro denominated bank loan is designated as a hedge of the consolidated entity’s investment in its subsidiary in the 
netherlands.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
24. fInancIaL Instruments and fInancIaL rIsk management (continued)
market risk (continued)
b) Foreign currency risk (continued)
(i) Exposure to currency risk
In thousands of Aud equivalent 
AuD 
uSD 
NZD 
EuR 
HKD 
uKP 
yEN
411 
756 
- 
61 
95 
- 
2007
trade receivables 
trade payables 
cash 
Gross balance sheet exposure 
estimated forecast sales 
estimated forecast purchases 
Gross exposure 
forward exchange contracts 
- 
- 
4,166 
4,166 
- 
- 
- 
- 
453 
(1,131) 
372 
(306) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
13,092 
(34,364) 
- 
(4,187) 
(34,364) 
13,092 
(4,187) 
12,229 
(173) 
- 
364 
- 
(19) 
(50) 
- 
(50) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(1) 
- 
(1) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-
(15)
-
(15)
-
(1,041)
(1,041)
367
net exposure 30 june 2007 
4,166 
(22,441) 
12,919 
(3,431) 
(50) 
(1) 
(689)
foreign exchange rates at balance date 
1.0000 
0.8487 
1.1025 
0.6311 
6.6337 
0.4236 
104.70
2008
trade receivables 
trade payables 
cash 
- 
- 
3,246 
(2,301) 
6,658 
334 
Gross balance sheet exposure 
6,658 
1,279 
- 
- 
- 
- 
estimated forecast sales 
estimated forecast purchases 
Gross exposure 
forward exchange contracts 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
13,747 
(45,808) 
- 
(5,092) 
(45,808) 
13,747 
(5,092) 
22,092 
(2,195) 
2,442 
196 
300 
2 
(162) 
(12) 
(21) 
1 
289 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(19) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-
-
-
-
-
(842)
(842)
883
41
net exposure 30 june 2008 
6,658 
(22,437) 
11,552 
(2,555) 
289 
(19) 
foreign exchange rates at balance date 
1.0000 
0.9626 
1.2609 
0.6096 
7.5091 
0.4829 
101.93
(ii) Sensitivity analysis
the impact of exchange rate movements on profit is subject to other variables including competitor exchange rate positions and movement in market 
prices. the impact of exchange rate movements on equity is not material.
85
86
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
24. fInancIaL Instruments  and fInancIaL rIsk management (continued)
Fair values
the fair values of financial assets and liabilities, together with the carrying amounts shown in the balance sheet are as follows:
In thousands of Aud 
CONSOlIDATED 
trade and other receivables 
cash and cash equivalents 
Interest rate swaps:
Assets 
forward exchange contracts:
Assets 
liabilities 
Carrying 
amount 
2008 
Fair 
value 
2008 
Carrying 
amount 
Fair 
value
2007 
2007
109,006 
109,006 
114,322 
114,322
53,418 
53,418 
45,953 
45,953
1,587 
1,587 
637 
637
26,285 
26,285 
13,627 
13,627
(27,592) 
(27,592) 
(14,625) 
(14,625)
unsecured bank loans 
(246,975) 
(246,975) 
(271,567) 
(271,567)
trade payables and accrued expenses 
(53,700) 
(53,700) 
(50,442) 
(50,442)
THE COmPANy 
cash and cash equivalents 
trade and other receivables 
payables to controlled entities 
(137,971) 
(137,971) 
(162,095) 
(162,095)
- 
- 
232 
232
663,776 
663,776 
599,568 
599,568
(583,654) 
(583,654) 
(527,430) 
(527,430)
trade payables and accrued expenses 
(54) 
(54) 
- 
-
80,068 
80,068 
72,370 
72,370
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.
(i) 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.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
24. fInancIaL Instruments and fInancIaL rIsk management (continued)
Estimation of fair values (continued)
(ii) 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. 
(iii) 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.
(iv) Employee share loans and other employee loans
employee share loans and other employee loans are carried at fair value using discounted cash flow techniques.
(v) Interest rates used for determining fair value
the entity uses the government yield curve as of 30 june 2008 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 
25. 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 
2008 
2007
7.77% - 7.82% 
6.49% - 6.96%
7.30% - 7.55% 
7.05% - 7.30%
5.40% - 8.31% 
5.80% - 6.35%
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
10,127 
8,838 
28,014 
19,116 
4,317 
- 
42,458 
27,954 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-
-
-
-
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 
$282,000 will be received during the following financial year.
during the financial year ended 30 june 2008, $10,473,000 (2007: $9,770,000) was recognised as an expense in the income statement in respect 
of operating leases, which was net of sub-lease income.
87
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
88
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
26. capItaL and otHer commItments
In thousands of Aud 
Capital expenditure commitments
Plant and equipment
contracted but not provided for and payable:
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
Within one year 
3,152 
2,274 
- 
-
27. contIngencIes
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.
In thousands of Aud 
Contingent liabilities not considered remote
In the previous financial year, the consolidated entity investigated and identified  
levels of contamination at the eagle farm site. the site was sold during the year  
and is currently leased and occupied by rover mowers limited. there is currently  
no obligation to remediate the site, and testing is on-going to verify that there is no  
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
risk to employee health and safety. All costs incurred to date have been expensed. 
- 
- 
- 
Contingent liabilities considered remote
Guarantees
(i)   under the terms of a deed of cross Guarantee, described in note 28, 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 
- 
- 
3,865 
4,387 
- 
- 
-
-
-
28. 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 29 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.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
28. deed of cross guarantee (continued)
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 2008, 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
2008 
2007
69,138 
80,072
(20,337) 
(21,751)
48,801 
58,321
27,563 
33,252
(61,612) 
(64,010)
14,752 
27,563
89
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
90
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
28. deed of cross guarantee (continued)
Balance sheet 
In thousands of Aud 
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 
Income tax payable 
employee benefits 
provisions 
Total current liabilities 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 
employee benefits 
provisions 
Total non-current liabilities 
Total liabilities 
Net assets 
Equity
Issued capital 
reserves 
retained earnings 
Total equity 
CONSOlIDATED
2008 
2007
33,700 
32,837
121,355 
112,749
92,807 
116,511
- 
320
4,358 
4,636
252,220 
267,053
5,298 
4,982
55,493 
44,179
12,212 
15,600
22,553 
24,161
70,101 
77,287
324,640 
321,244
3,770 
3,542
494,067 
490,995
746,287 
758,048
77,336 
59,759
5,948 
-
15,537 
14,618
16,982 
13,329
115,803 
87,706
246,975 
271,567
10,514 
10,871
7,812 
8,720
265,301 
291,158
381,104 
378,864
365,183 
379,184
353,938 
353,062
(3,507) 
(1,441)
14,752 
27,563
365,183 
379,184
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
29. 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 (liquidated) 
caroma Industries limited 
G subs pty ltd 
sebel furniture (hong Kong) ltd 
GWA trading (shanghai) co ltd 
GWA International (hong Kong) limited (in liquidation) 
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 (liquidated) 
caroma Industries europe Bv 
Wisa Beheer Bv 
Wisa Bv 
Wisa systems Bv 
Wisa Gmbh 
stokis Kon fav. van metaalwerken nv 
Parties to  
coss  
Country of 
Ownership interest
guarantee  
incorporation 
2008 
2007
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 
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 
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%
netherlands 
100% 
100%
91
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
92
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
29. consoLIdated entItIes (continued)
Subsidiaries (continued)
caroma International pty ltd 
caroma usA Inc 
caroma canada Industries ltd (liquidated) 
caroma Industries (uK) ltd (liquidated) 
canereb pty ltd 
dux manufacturing limited 
GWA taps manufacturing limited 
lake nakara pty ltd 
mainrule pty ltd (deregistered) 
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 
sebel furniture limited (nZ) 
sebel furniture limited 
sebel furniture (seA) pte ltd (in liquidation) 
sebel sales pty limited 
caroma singapore pte limited (in liquidation) 
GWA finance pty limited 
hetset (no. 5) pty ltd 
Gainsborough hardware limited (liquidated) 
Bankstown unit trust 
Parties to  
cross  
Country of 
Ownership interest
guarantee  
incorporation 
2008 
2007
y 
n 
n 
n 
n 
y 
y 
n 
n 
n 
n 
n 
n 
y 
y 
y 
y 
y 
n 
y 
n 
y 
n 
y 
y 
n 
y 
Australia 
usA 
canada 
uK 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
new Zealand 
new Zealand 
new Zealand 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
new Zealand 
Australia 
singapore 
Australia 
singapore 
Australia 
Australia 
uK 
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%
Australia 
100% 
100%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
30. reconcILIatIon of casH fLoWs from operatIng actIvItIes
In thousands of Aud 
Cash flows from operating activities
profit for the period 
Adjustments for:
depreciation 
Amortisation 
Impairment 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 
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
45,890 
56,318 
62,641 
75,000
17,386 
19,240 
534 
539 
9,419 
1,227 
(1,971) 
755 
14,623 
12,366 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(6,879) 
1,295 
22,065 
22,791 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-
-
-
-
-
(65,000) 
(75,000)
2,359 
- 
- 
- 
-
-
-
-
Operating profit before changes in working capital and provisions 
101,067 
114,531 
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables 
(8,095) 
(11,837) 
(64,208) 
12,806
(Increase)/decrease in inventories 
20,703 
(32,869) 
- 
-
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables 
12,378 
1,986 
126,849 
62,193
Increase/(decrease) in provisions and employee benefits 
5,422 
(11,684) 
- 
-
Interest received/(paid) 
Income taxes paid 
131,475 
60,127 
62,641 
74,999
(14,204) 
(14,186) 
- 
-
(14,279) 
(21,100) 
(12,505) 
(18,220)
Net cash from operating activities 
102,992 
24,841 
50,136 
56,779
93
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
94
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
31. reLated partIes
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 
CONSOlIDATED 
THE COmPANy
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
5,583,364 
4,318,898 
910,634 
804,337 
500,000 
250,000 
39,564 
39,076 
7,033,562 
5,412,311 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-
-
-
-
-
Individual directors and executives compensation disclosures
Information regarding individual directors and executives compensation is provided in the remuneration report section of the director’s report. 
Apart from the details disclosed in this note, no director has entered into a material contract with the consolidated entity since the end of the previous 
financial year and there were no material contracts involving directors’ interests existing at year end.
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:
In Aud 
Directors
p crowley 
Executives
s Wright 
A rusten 
W saxelby 
l patterson 
Balance 
1 July 2007 
Balance 
in the reporting 
balance in 
30 June 2008 
period 
period
Interest paid 
and payable 
Highest 
980,000 
1,721,250 
486,457 
858,540 
- 
1,025,991 
427,332 
792,540 
886,100 
959,991 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1,778,750
486,457
858,540
920,600
1,025,991
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
31. reLated partIes (continued)
loans to key management personnel and their related parties (consolidated) (continued)
loans totalling $1,227,467 (2007: $2,525,040) 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:
In Aud 
total for key management personnel 2008 
total for key management personnel 2007 
Opening 
balance 
5,830,110 
3,706,901 
Closing 
balance 
4,787,213 
5,830,110 
Interest paid 
and payable 
in the reporting 
period 
- 
- 
Number 
in group 
at 
30 June
5
5
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 $282,731 (2007: $355,128) 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
2008 
2007 
2008 
2007
- 
41,679 
- 
-
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.
95
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
96
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
31. 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:
Held at 
1 July 2007 
Purchases 
Sales 
30 June 2008
Held at 
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 
G oliver 
W saxelby 
l patterson 
15,073,902 
1,112,820 
1,000 
100,000 
12,355,889 
28,890,832 
300,000 
100,000 
- 
30,230 
- 
- 
- 
5,000 
500,000 
250,000 
113,911 
268,750 
300,000 
156,250 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
300,000 
300,000 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(113,911) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
16,186,722
101,000
100,000
12,386,119
28,890,832
300,000
5,000
750,000
-
268,750
300,000
156,250
300,000
300,000
 
 
 
 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
31. reLated partIes (continued)
movements in shares (continued)
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 
l patterson 
Held at 
1 July 2006 
Purchases 
Sales 
30 June 2007
Held at 
15,023,402 
52,000 
(1,500) 
15,073,902
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 
(9,000) 
1,000
- 
100,000
(16,500) 
12,355,889
- 
28,890,832
(120,458) 
300,000
- 
500,000
(607,064) 
- 
- 
(100,000) 
(200,000) 
(100,000) 
- 
113,911
268,750
300,000
-
-
156,250
300,000
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 2008 was 60,044,673 (2007: 58,360,534).
97
 
 
 
 
98
GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
notes to tHe
consoLIdated 
fInancIaL statements
31. 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.
32. suBsequent events
subsequent to 30 june 2008, a memorandum of understanding has been signed granting Wisa Beheer management an exclusive dealing period to 
purchase the Wisa Beheer business for euro 14 million. the sale price of euro 14 million is below the carrying value of the Wisa Beheer business, 
and accordingly an impairment loss of $9,419,000 has been incurred in the year ended 30 june 2008. further details are outlined in note 14 to the 
financial statements.
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
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 2008 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; and
(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 28 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 2008 
pursuant to section 295A of the corporations Act 2001.
dated at Brisbane on 19 August 2008.
signed in accordance with a resolution of the directors:
Barry thornton
director
peter crowley
director
99
 
 
 
 
 
 
100 GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
Independent 
audItor’s report to 
tHe memBers of gWa 
InternatIonaL LImIted
report on tHe fInancIaL reports
We have audited the accompanying financial report of GWA International limited (the ‘company’), which comprises the balance sheets as at 30 
june 2008, and the income statements, statements of recognised income and expense and cash flow statements for the year ended on that date, a 
summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory notes 1 to 32 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 material 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, 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 purpose of expressing an opinion on the 
effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes 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.
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
Independent 
audItor’s report to 
tHe memBers of gWa 
InternatIonaL LImIted
Auditor’s opinion
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 the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 30 june 2008 and of their performance for 
the year ended on that date; and 
(ii)   complying with Australian Accounting standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the corporations 
regulations 2001.
(b)   the financial report also complies with International financial reporting standards as disclosed in note 1(a). 
report on tHe remuneratIon report
We have audited the remuneration report as included in the directors’ report for the year ended 30 june 2008. the directors of the company are 
responsible for the preparation and presentation of the remuneration report in accordance with section 300A of the corporations Act 2001. our 
responsibility is to express an opinion on the remuneration report, based on our audit conducted in accordance with auditing standards.
Auditor’s opinion
In our opinion, the remuneration report of GWA International limited for the year ended 30 june 2008, complies with section 300A of the 
corporations Act 2001.
KpmG
mark epper
partner
sydney, 19 August 2008
101
 
 
102 GWA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED   2008 ANNUAL REPORT
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
otHer statutory 
InformatIon
as at 18 august 2008
statement of sHareHoLdIng
In accordance with the Australian securities exchange listing rules, the directors state that, as at 18 August 2008, 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 
1,804 
6,989 
3,474 
2,341 
129 
14,737 
1,198,264 
21,193,072 
26,351,321 
50,272,389 
181,157,949 
280,172,995 
%
0.43
7.56
9.41
17.94
64.66
100
the number of shareholders with less than a marketable parcel of shares is 164.
votInG rIGhts
the voting rights attached to shares are as set out in clause 9.20 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;  and
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 18 August 2008:-
shareholder 
number of shares 
% of shares on Issue
hGt Investments pty ltd 
14,548,152 
5.19
 
 
 
 
GWA InternAtIonAl lImIted And Its controlled entItIes 
ABn 15 055 964 380
otHer statutory 
InformatIon
as at 18 august 2008
20 Largest sHareHoLders as at 18 august 2008
shareholder 
number of shares  % shares on Issue
hGt Investments pty ltd 
nAtIonAl nomInees lImIted 
rBc dexIA Investor servIces AustrAlIA nomInees pty lImIted 
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