Latest news with #Goyder
Sydney Morning Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Agitated presidents consider move to oust Goyder from AFL's top job
The key candidates to join the commission are Jeff Browne, Craig Drummond and David Koch. Browne (Collingwood) and Drummond (Geelong) are former club presidents who presided over premierships and Koch has overseen the resurrection of Port Adelaide since he took over with the strong support of the AFL in 2012. Browne, the former long-time AFL general counsel, brings strong media credentials at a time when that landscape looks unpredictable. Loading Although both Eddie McGuire and investment banker and former Australian Sports Commission chairman John Wylie have been floated as candidates, neither has been contacted by the AFL's global recruiters Spencer Stuart, and they are not expected to be interviewed. Neither, contrary to recent reports, is former Bulldogs chairman Peter Gordon in the running for a commission role. 'I've had a number of approaches from people about commission-related things in the past few months,' Gordon said. 'But I've had no official approach, have made no application and I'm not even aware there is a forthcoming commission vacancy. 'If they approached me, I'd consider it.' Former commissioner and ex-governor of Victoria Linda Dessau is also not expected to be a candidate in what is emerging as less a power struggle between the three candidates, but between the key club presidents and Goyder. Three commissioners, Goyder, leading businessman and company director Paul Bassat and retired army officer Simone Wilkie, are coming to the end of their terms. Only Bassat, a key Goyder supporter, looks certain not to seek another term. Wilkie's position remains unclear, but she appears to have support to stay on and continue her role as the commissioner in charge of the challenging AFLW competition. Both Goyder and Wilkie sit on the nominations committee alongside a third commissioner, Andrew Ireland. The club representatives are Andrew Bassat (Paul's brother, St Kilda), Hood (North), former South Australian premier John Olsen (Adelaide), Andrew Pridham (Sydney) and Andrew Wellington (Brisbane Lions). Pridham was seen as a commission chairman candidate and had some support among the clubs but chose not to nominate and has reaffirmed his commitment to the Swans following the appointment of his CEO Tom Harley to the role of Andrew Dillon's deputy at the AFL. Attempts by some in AFL circles to frame Browne as a stalking horse for Pridham, due to their friendship and strong business connections, have been firmly shut down by Browne's supporters. Not only have the clubs been frustrated by the lack of clarity and the slow-moving process, but primarily at Goyder's failure to put in place a commission succession plan during his almost decade-long reign as chairman. Not one of his eight fellow commissioners have shown any keen interest or been strongly encouraged to consider replacing Goyder. This has never occurred before in the history of the commission. Loading Of the key candidates, all have support in certain club and commission circles, but Browne appears to be the leading contender. Whether he would be prepared to serve on the commission for two to three years before becoming chairman is unclear. Goyder supporters insist that he is unlikely to serve the full three years of his next term as chairman, which would extend his time at the helm of the game until the start of 2029. While the clubs' mutinous angst against the AFL has been alleviated following the recent popular appointments of Harley and Greg Swann, who took over as football boss this week, the presidents remain determined to have a bigger say in the selection of the game's governors. While they remain divided on equalisation measures and key issues, notably including the northern academies and the father-son rule, they are united in pushing for better governance at commission level including a more professional process for selecting those governors.
The Age
6 days ago
- Business
- The Age
Agitated presidents consider move to oust Goyder from AFL's top job
The key candidates to join the commission are Jeff Browne, Craig Drummond and David Koch. Browne (Collingwood) and Drummond (Geelong) are former club presidents who presided over premierships and Koch has overseen the resurrection of Port Adelaide since he took over with the strong support of the AFL in 2012. Browne, the former long-time AFL general counsel, brings strong media credentials at a time when that landscape looks unpredictable. Loading Although both Eddie McGuire and investment banker and former Australian Sports Commission chairman John Wylie have been floated as candidates, neither has been contacted by the AFL's global recruiters Spencer Stuart, and they are not expected to be interviewed. Neither, contrary to recent reports, is former Bulldogs chairman Peter Gordon in the running for a commission role. 'I've had a number of approaches from people about commission-related things in the past few months,' Gordon said. 'But I've had no official approach, have made no application and I'm not even aware there is a forthcoming commission vacancy. 'If they approached me, I'd consider it.' Former commissioner and ex-governor of Victoria Linda Dessau is also not expected to be a candidate in what is emerging as less a power struggle between the three candidates, but between the key club presidents and Goyder. Three commissioners, Goyder, leading businessman and company director Paul Bassat and retired army officer Simone Wilkie, are coming to the end of their terms. Only Bassat, a key Goyder supporter, looks certain not to seek another term. Wilkie's position remains unclear, but she appears to have support to stay on and continue her role as the commissioner in charge of the challenging AFLW competition. Both Goyder and Wilkie sit on the nominations committee alongside a third commissioner, Andrew Ireland. The club representatives are Andrew Bassat (Paul's brother, St Kilda), Hood (North), former South Australian premier John Olsen (Adelaide), Andrew Pridham (Sydney) and Andrew Wellington (Brisbane Lions). Pridham was seen as a commission chairman candidate and had some support among the clubs but chose not to nominate and has reaffirmed his commitment to the Swans following the appointment of his CEO Tom Harley to the role of Andrew Dillon's deputy at the AFL. Attempts by some in AFL circles to frame Browne as a stalking horse for Pridham, due to their friendship and strong business connections, have been firmly shut down by Browne's supporters. Not only have the clubs been frustrated by the lack of clarity and the slow-moving process, but primarily at Goyder's failure to put in place a commission succession plan during his almost decade-long reign as chairman. Not one of his eight fellow commissioners have shown any keen interest or been strongly encouraged to consider replacing Goyder. This has never occurred before in the history of the commission. Loading Of the key candidates, all have support in certain club and commission circles, but Browne appears to be the leading contender. Whether he would be prepared to serve on the commission for two to three years before becoming chairman is unclear. Goyder supporters insist that he is unlikely to serve the full three years of his next term as chairman, which would extend his time at the helm of the game until the start of 2029. While the clubs' mutinous angst against the AFL has been alleviated following the recent popular appointments of Harley and Greg Swann, who took over as football boss this week, the presidents remain determined to have a bigger say in the selection of the game's governors. While they remain divided on equalisation measures and key issues, notably including the northern academies and the father-son rule, they are united in pushing for better governance at commission level including a more professional process for selecting those governors.
The Advertiser
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Woodside blocks climate questions as protesters blow up
Woodside's annual general meeting has been disrupted by noisy protesters furious about a perceived lack of progress on climate change. The oil and gas giant's chief executive Meg O'Neill tried to drown out protesters with repeated promotional and sponsorship videos, as the activists blew high-pitched sport whistles during her opening remarks. "We are not inclined to tolerate disruptions. We're happy to field your questions, though we've got plenty of those videos," Ms O'Neill told the meeting. "Let's show that (Fremantle) Dockers video again." The chief asked to cut to the promotional videos several times as protesters were removed. "Well, I wish folks would have watched that video, because it really illustrates the point we're trying to make," Ms O'Neill said. Woodside chair Richard Goyder later interrupted and called an end to questions on climate issues from environmental groups and concerned shareholders. "I reckon we've given environmental issues a really good go today, so I'm not proposing to take any questions on that," Mr Goyder said. "Are there any questions from general retail shareholders in the room?" In his opening address, Mr Goyder defended Woodside's sustainability goals. "We have not walked back from our climate targets and commitments," he said. "As outlined in our 2024 climate update, we are making good progress towards the targets we have set." The Conservation Council of WA called the move to cut off environmental questions "a slap in the face to shareholders and West Australians". "The lack of transparency and accountability reflected Woodside's complete disregard for the growing tide of community push-back against its ongoing pursuit of new gas developments and poor environmental track record," executive director Matt Roberts said. Almost 20 per cent of shareholders voted against the re-election of director Ann Pickard, who is also chair of Woodside's sustainability committee. Just over 15 per cent voted against the adoption of the renumeration report. The pattern of investor dissent indicated a serious governance problem at Woodside, Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility lead analyst Alex Hillman said. "It is time for Ann Pickard to step aside as chair of the sustainability committee - not only does she not have the support of nearly 20 per cent of investors, but she has overseen two climate plans that have failed to win the support of investors," Mr Hillman said. "Alarmingly though, looking at the current board it is hard to see a director sufficiently qualified to take on this critical leadership role ... which speaks to the weakness of this Woodside board on managing climate risk." Multiple environmental groups, proxy advisors and larger investors had called for shareholders to oppose Ms Pickard's re-election. Ms Pickard said the sustainability chair role wasn't "the most popular job" and noted it would be her last term on the board. "Throughout my career, I've been involved in climate change impact assessments," she told the meeting. "That's one of the reasons I've been a big supporter of liquefied natural gas, as I see gas as a superb fuel to help transition us to a non-carbon world in the future and in the community." Market Forces senior analyst Brett Morgan said some investors had shown conviction by opposing Woodside's growth strategy. "Others are falling for corporate greenwash and failing to pressure the company to rein in its rampant expansion plans," he said. Greenpeace Australia Pacific chief executive David Ritter called on shareholders to reject Woodside's plans to drill in Scott Reef off Western Australia's coast. He said it would turn the reef into an industrial gas zone, threatening nesting sea turtles and endangered pygmy blue whales. In April, Woodside announced it would forge ahead with a $US17.5 billion ($A27.2 billion) Louisiana liquefied natural gas project, which it said would not impact its greenhouse gas emissions targets. Woodside's annual general meeting has been disrupted by noisy protesters furious about a perceived lack of progress on climate change. The oil and gas giant's chief executive Meg O'Neill tried to drown out protesters with repeated promotional and sponsorship videos, as the activists blew high-pitched sport whistles during her opening remarks. "We are not inclined to tolerate disruptions. We're happy to field your questions, though we've got plenty of those videos," Ms O'Neill told the meeting. "Let's show that (Fremantle) Dockers video again." The chief asked to cut to the promotional videos several times as protesters were removed. "Well, I wish folks would have watched that video, because it really illustrates the point we're trying to make," Ms O'Neill said. Woodside chair Richard Goyder later interrupted and called an end to questions on climate issues from environmental groups and concerned shareholders. "I reckon we've given environmental issues a really good go today, so I'm not proposing to take any questions on that," Mr Goyder said. "Are there any questions from general retail shareholders in the room?" In his opening address, Mr Goyder defended Woodside's sustainability goals. "We have not walked back from our climate targets and commitments," he said. "As outlined in our 2024 climate update, we are making good progress towards the targets we have set." The Conservation Council of WA called the move to cut off environmental questions "a slap in the face to shareholders and West Australians". "The lack of transparency and accountability reflected Woodside's complete disregard for the growing tide of community push-back against its ongoing pursuit of new gas developments and poor environmental track record," executive director Matt Roberts said. Almost 20 per cent of shareholders voted against the re-election of director Ann Pickard, who is also chair of Woodside's sustainability committee. Just over 15 per cent voted against the adoption of the renumeration report. The pattern of investor dissent indicated a serious governance problem at Woodside, Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility lead analyst Alex Hillman said. "It is time for Ann Pickard to step aside as chair of the sustainability committee - not only does she not have the support of nearly 20 per cent of investors, but she has overseen two climate plans that have failed to win the support of investors," Mr Hillman said. "Alarmingly though, looking at the current board it is hard to see a director sufficiently qualified to take on this critical leadership role ... which speaks to the weakness of this Woodside board on managing climate risk." Multiple environmental groups, proxy advisors and larger investors had called for shareholders to oppose Ms Pickard's re-election. Ms Pickard said the sustainability chair role wasn't "the most popular job" and noted it would be her last term on the board. "Throughout my career, I've been involved in climate change impact assessments," she told the meeting. "That's one of the reasons I've been a big supporter of liquefied natural gas, as I see gas as a superb fuel to help transition us to a non-carbon world in the future and in the community." Market Forces senior analyst Brett Morgan said some investors had shown conviction by opposing Woodside's growth strategy. "Others are falling for corporate greenwash and failing to pressure the company to rein in its rampant expansion plans," he said. Greenpeace Australia Pacific chief executive David Ritter called on shareholders to reject Woodside's plans to drill in Scott Reef off Western Australia's coast. He said it would turn the reef into an industrial gas zone, threatening nesting sea turtles and endangered pygmy blue whales. In April, Woodside announced it would forge ahead with a $US17.5 billion ($A27.2 billion) Louisiana liquefied natural gas project, which it said would not impact its greenhouse gas emissions targets. Woodside's annual general meeting has been disrupted by noisy protesters furious about a perceived lack of progress on climate change. The oil and gas giant's chief executive Meg O'Neill tried to drown out protesters with repeated promotional and sponsorship videos, as the activists blew high-pitched sport whistles during her opening remarks. "We are not inclined to tolerate disruptions. We're happy to field your questions, though we've got plenty of those videos," Ms O'Neill told the meeting. "Let's show that (Fremantle) Dockers video again." The chief asked to cut to the promotional videos several times as protesters were removed. "Well, I wish folks would have watched that video, because it really illustrates the point we're trying to make," Ms O'Neill said. Woodside chair Richard Goyder later interrupted and called an end to questions on climate issues from environmental groups and concerned shareholders. "I reckon we've given environmental issues a really good go today, so I'm not proposing to take any questions on that," Mr Goyder said. "Are there any questions from general retail shareholders in the room?" In his opening address, Mr Goyder defended Woodside's sustainability goals. "We have not walked back from our climate targets and commitments," he said. "As outlined in our 2024 climate update, we are making good progress towards the targets we have set." The Conservation Council of WA called the move to cut off environmental questions "a slap in the face to shareholders and West Australians". "The lack of transparency and accountability reflected Woodside's complete disregard for the growing tide of community push-back against its ongoing pursuit of new gas developments and poor environmental track record," executive director Matt Roberts said. Almost 20 per cent of shareholders voted against the re-election of director Ann Pickard, who is also chair of Woodside's sustainability committee. Just over 15 per cent voted against the adoption of the renumeration report. The pattern of investor dissent indicated a serious governance problem at Woodside, Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility lead analyst Alex Hillman said. "It is time for Ann Pickard to step aside as chair of the sustainability committee - not only does she not have the support of nearly 20 per cent of investors, but she has overseen two climate plans that have failed to win the support of investors," Mr Hillman said. "Alarmingly though, looking at the current board it is hard to see a director sufficiently qualified to take on this critical leadership role ... which speaks to the weakness of this Woodside board on managing climate risk." Multiple environmental groups, proxy advisors and larger investors had called for shareholders to oppose Ms Pickard's re-election. Ms Pickard said the sustainability chair role wasn't "the most popular job" and noted it would be her last term on the board. "Throughout my career, I've been involved in climate change impact assessments," she told the meeting. "That's one of the reasons I've been a big supporter of liquefied natural gas, as I see gas as a superb fuel to help transition us to a non-carbon world in the future and in the community." Market Forces senior analyst Brett Morgan said some investors had shown conviction by opposing Woodside's growth strategy. "Others are falling for corporate greenwash and failing to pressure the company to rein in its rampant expansion plans," he said. Greenpeace Australia Pacific chief executive David Ritter called on shareholders to reject Woodside's plans to drill in Scott Reef off Western Australia's coast. He said it would turn the reef into an industrial gas zone, threatening nesting sea turtles and endangered pygmy blue whales. In April, Woodside announced it would forge ahead with a $US17.5 billion ($A27.2 billion) Louisiana liquefied natural gas project, which it said would not impact its greenhouse gas emissions targets. Woodside's annual general meeting has been disrupted by noisy protesters furious about a perceived lack of progress on climate change. The oil and gas giant's chief executive Meg O'Neill tried to drown out protesters with repeated promotional and sponsorship videos, as the activists blew high-pitched sport whistles during her opening remarks. "We are not inclined to tolerate disruptions. We're happy to field your questions, though we've got plenty of those videos," Ms O'Neill told the meeting. "Let's show that (Fremantle) Dockers video again." The chief asked to cut to the promotional videos several times as protesters were removed. "Well, I wish folks would have watched that video, because it really illustrates the point we're trying to make," Ms O'Neill said. Woodside chair Richard Goyder later interrupted and called an end to questions on climate issues from environmental groups and concerned shareholders. "I reckon we've given environmental issues a really good go today, so I'm not proposing to take any questions on that," Mr Goyder said. "Are there any questions from general retail shareholders in the room?" In his opening address, Mr Goyder defended Woodside's sustainability goals. "We have not walked back from our climate targets and commitments," he said. "As outlined in our 2024 climate update, we are making good progress towards the targets we have set." The Conservation Council of WA called the move to cut off environmental questions "a slap in the face to shareholders and West Australians". "The lack of transparency and accountability reflected Woodside's complete disregard for the growing tide of community push-back against its ongoing pursuit of new gas developments and poor environmental track record," executive director Matt Roberts said. Almost 20 per cent of shareholders voted against the re-election of director Ann Pickard, who is also chair of Woodside's sustainability committee. Just over 15 per cent voted against the adoption of the renumeration report. The pattern of investor dissent indicated a serious governance problem at Woodside, Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility lead analyst Alex Hillman said. "It is time for Ann Pickard to step aside as chair of the sustainability committee - not only does she not have the support of nearly 20 per cent of investors, but she has overseen two climate plans that have failed to win the support of investors," Mr Hillman said. "Alarmingly though, looking at the current board it is hard to see a director sufficiently qualified to take on this critical leadership role ... which speaks to the weakness of this Woodside board on managing climate risk." Multiple environmental groups, proxy advisors and larger investors had called for shareholders to oppose Ms Pickard's re-election. Ms Pickard said the sustainability chair role wasn't "the most popular job" and noted it would be her last term on the board. "Throughout my career, I've been involved in climate change impact assessments," she told the meeting. "That's one of the reasons I've been a big supporter of liquefied natural gas, as I see gas as a superb fuel to help transition us to a non-carbon world in the future and in the community." Market Forces senior analyst Brett Morgan said some investors had shown conviction by opposing Woodside's growth strategy. "Others are falling for corporate greenwash and failing to pressure the company to rein in its rampant expansion plans," he said. Greenpeace Australia Pacific chief executive David Ritter called on shareholders to reject Woodside's plans to drill in Scott Reef off Western Australia's coast. He said it would turn the reef into an industrial gas zone, threatening nesting sea turtles and endangered pygmy blue whales. In April, Woodside announced it would forge ahead with a $US17.5 billion ($A27.2 billion) Louisiana liquefied natural gas project, which it said would not impact its greenhouse gas emissions targets.
The Independent
28-02-2025
- Business
- The Independent
When ‘Mr Charisma' met ‘Mr Logic': body language expert's verdict on the Trump-Starmer meeting
When Keir Starmer met Donald Trump in the White House for Thursday's high-stakes meeting over the future of US - UK relations, the messaging each projected wasn't confined to words alone. From the power of the handshakes, to their tender gestures during the televised Oval Office chat, and the way each stood apart during the later White House press conference, the pair could not be more 'mismatched', according to body language expert Caroline Goyder. 'Trump is the silverback, totally relaxed, totally grounded, you know, on his home turf. And the difference, it couldn't be starker,' Ms Goyder told ITV on Thursday night after viewing footage of the US and UK leaders as they prepared to discuss advances in security and trade. 'Whatever you think about Donald Trump, he is Mr Charisma with Mr Logic... Mr Legal. And so it's amazing, It's like Mars and Venus.' Ms Goyder said Trump appeared 'totally comfortable in his leadership' while Mr Starmer, when arriving at the White House to shake hands with the president looked like a 'boy in his new school uniform, at school on the first day'. She added that Mr Starmer appeared stiff and 'held in that moment' and could be seen pulling his sleeves down. Later, during the pair's conversation in the Oval Office, Starmer slightly touched his stomach, which Ms Goyder described as 'self-soothing'. 'And I can't blame him, if I'm totally honest, because the pressure of this political historical moment on him is huge, even if the special relationship is not what it was, but you could see the pressure of that in how held his body language was,' she said. Trump dominated the televised proceedings in the room, and at one point mocked Sir Keir, asking if the UK could take on the Russians 'on your own?' However, the prime minister was also able to interject when Trump asserted European nations would be getting their money back from the Ukraine war while the US would not. The PM said: "We're not getting all of ours. Quite a bit of ours was gifted, it was given, there were some loans, but mainly it was gifted, actually". But Ms Goyder said the comparison between Sir Keir's body language and French president Emmanuel Macron 's during his earlier meeting with the US president couldn't be starker. She said Mr Macron, who was physically playful with Trump during their meeting, was also a very charismatic person and was able to engage with Trump on that level. 'Sir Keir needs to meet Trump on a more intuitive, passionate, instinctive level, and he needs to get into his body,' Ms Goyder told ITV. 'He needs to be more physically engaged, because that will give him a different kind of presence, a more powerful presence in a room with someone like Trump, who is all about charisma.'
