An Australian director for UK companies.
For UK groups establishing or running an Australian subsidiary.
UK companies often find Australian company law familiar, but there are important differences. One is the local director requirement: an Australian proprietary company must have at least one director who ordinarily resides in Australia (s 201A Corporations Act 2001). For most UK groups, that means appointing someone from outside the group.
What UK groups usually ask us
- How ASIC requirements compare with what the group is used to at Companies House
- Director IDs for UK-based directors, and how to plan the timing of the set-up
- How the Australian board fits with the UK parent's approvals and reporting
- Whether the Australian company needs to lodge financial reports with ASIC, which depends on its size and the relief available to foreign-controlled companies
- What stays with the UK team and local advisers, such as payroll, tax and day-to-day management
Working across UK time zones
Our mornings overlap with the UK evening, and our afternoons with the start of the UK day, so there is usually a practical window for calls. We turn board papers around promptly so decisions are not held up.
How we help
We act as a director of your Australian company, with the same legal duties as any other director. We review and sign board documents, keep oversight of Australian governance and compliance, and are your local point of contact, whether you are setting up in Australia or replacing a local director. See what the role involves and how an appointment works. For company set-up, Reservoir Legal's guide to setting up in Australia covers the steps.