Board Committees

The Board also uses a number of committees to support the Board in matters, which require more intensive review. 

Audit Committee

There is no legal requirement for Panthers to have an Audit Committee.  However as Panthers is an entity in which there is significant public interest, we believe it was sound business practice in 1998 to establish an Audit Committee.  The Committee is comprised of three members of the Board, independent of the day to day running of Panthers.

The Audit Committee operates under a charter approved by the Board.  It is the Board's responsibility to ensure that an effective internal control framework exists within Panthers.  This includes internal controls to deal with both the effectiveness and efficiency of significant business processes. This includes the safeguarding of assets, the maintenance of proper accounting records, the reliability of financial information as well as non-financial considerations such as the benchmarking of operational key performance indicators.  The board has delegated the responsibility for the establishment and maintenance of a framework of internal control and ethical standards for the management of Panthers to the Audit Committee.

The Audit Committee also provides the Board with additional assurance regarding the reliability of financial information for inclusion in the financial statements. Current members of the Audit Committee are Bill Wheeler (Chairman), Denis Merrick, Steve Robinson, Group CEO, Group CFO, External Auditor.

The Audit Committee is also responsible for directing and monitoring the internal audit function; and nomination of the external auditor and reviewing the adequacy of the scope and quality of the annual statutory audit.

Remuneration Sub-Committee

The Remuneration Committee was established during the year.  It assists the Board by ensuring that Panthers remuneration policies and practices fairly and responsibly reward executive management having regard to their performance, the law and the highest standards of governance.  The Committee operates under guidelines that have been formulated to ensure compliance with the recently introduced Clubs NSW Code of Practice as well as industry standards. Current members are Kerry Lowe (Chairman), Denis Merrick and Terry Heidtmann, Group CEO.

Governance Committee

This committee was established in 2005 to introduce and monitor a compliance program for governance reporting.  Current members are Kath Evans, John Hiatt and Keith Rhind.

Constitutional Committee

Don Feltis (chairman), Denis Merrick, John Hiatt, Group CEO, Group Operations Manager and Representatives from Marketing.


Gaming Sub Committee

The Board has established a Gaming Sub Committee comprising three Board Members. Gaming Sub Committee members may nominate an alternative delegate when and as required from the Board.

In addition to the Board Members the CEO, Group Operations Manager and the Group Gaming Manager will be invited to the meetings.
The Sub Committee will meet on a monthly basis

The principal responsibility and function of the Gaming Committee is to review and provide guidance to the full PRLC Board and Management on:

1. Device RTP% strategy, reporting and monitoring;
2. Link usage, selection and RTP% strategy, reporting and monitoring ;
3. Loyalty % strategy, reporting and monitoring;
4. Customer service strategy, reporting and monitoring;
5. Promotional strategy, reporting and monitoring;
6. Machine hardware and software maintenance and replacement strategy, reporting and monitoring;
7. Operating all gaming equipment and systems in compliance with approved standards/regulations;
8. Ensuring compliance with relevant RCG requirements at all levels of government regulation under all forms of authorised gaming activities;
9. Gaming regulatory compliance reports;
10. Strategies to maximize the returns on the groups gaming assets;
11. All other issues relating to gaming including, but not limited to Keno and TAB.

The Gaming Committee should at all times seek to ensure;

12. The integrity of the groups operations in relation to all gaming related activity.
13. The provision of up to date and modern facilities and equipment to facilitate an enjoyable gaming experience.
14. Best practice Responsible Conduct of Gaming operations that continually exceed relevant legislation within all Panthers sites.
15. Suitable and substantive intervention for affected patrons seeking assistance, noting the Committee should not be advised of personal details – just actions/activities/outcomes.
16. The best return on investment regarding all approved capital on a group and site basis.
17. The needs of all members and the wider community are provided for where relevant to this Committee.

Members of the Gaming Sub Committee are: Bob Anderson (chairman), Jim Geyer, John Hiatt, Group CEO, Group Operations Manager and Group Gaming Manager.

 Finance Sub Committee

Members are: Denis Merrick (chairman), John Hiatt, Brian Fletcher, Group CEO and the Group CFO.