PRINCIPLE 8. REMUNERATE FAIRLY AND RESPONSIBLY Neuren believes having highly skilled and motivated people will allow the organisation to best pursue its mission and achieve its goals for the benefit of shareholders and stakeholders more broadly. The ability to attract and retain the best people is critical to the Company’s future success. The Board believes remuneration policies are a key part of ensuring this success. The Board has a Remuneration Committee, which consists of only independent non-executive directors, has at least three members and is chaired by an independent director as suggested in Recommendation 8.1. The Committee met twice during 2024. The Committee operates under a charter approved by the Board, a summary of which is available on the Neuren website. It is responsible for undertaking a broad review of, ensuring compliance with, and making recommendations in respect of, the Group’s remuneration policies. It is also responsible for: – setting and reviewing compensation policies and practices of the Company; – setting and reviewing all elements of remuneration of the directors and members of the executive team; and – setting and reviewing long term incentive plans for employees and/or directors. In undertaking these tasks the Remuneration Committee meets separately with management where required. The Group’s remuneration policies and practices are summarised below, in accordance with Recommendation 8.2. The Remuneration Committee assesses the appropriateness of the nature and amount of remuneration of executive directors and senior executives on a regular basis by reference to relevant employment market conditions, with the overall objective of ensuring maximum shareholder benefit from the retention of a high quality executive team. To assist in achieving these objectives, the nature and amount of executive remuneration is linked to the Company’s performance. Remuneration consists of fixed cash remuneration, including superannuation contributions required by law, and equity-based remuneration. Fixed cash remuneration takes into account labour market conditions, as well as the scale and nature of the Group’s business. Equity-based remuneration is provided by participation in a share option plan and/or a loan funded share plan. These are designed to ensure that key executives are aligned with shareholders through an interest in the long-term growth and value of the Company. Senior executive service agreements generally include a requirement for 3 months’ notice of termination by the executive or the Group. There are no other termination payments. Termination for misconduct does not require notice or payment. The Group does not operate a short-term incentive plan, however discretionary bonuses may be approved to recognise exceptional achievement. There were no bonuses paid in 2024. Remuneration of non-executive directors comprises fixed cash fees only. The fees are determined by the Board within the aggregate limit for directors’ fees approved by shareholders. Non-executive directors on payroll receive retirement benefits as part of their fixed fee. Participants in equity based remuneration schemes are not permitted to enter into transactions which limit the economic risk of participating in the scheme (Recommendation 8.3). PRINCIPLE 9. ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS Neuren is incorporated in New Zealand and ensures meetings of security holders are held at a reasonable place and time (Recommendation 9.2). Since Neuren is incorporated in New Zealand and applies New Zealand financial reporting standards, its auditor is located in New Zealand. The Board has considered it impractical and an unnecessary expense for the auditor to travel to Australia to attend the annual general meeting in person, as suggested in Recommendation 9.3. The Company’s constitution enables the Board to convene virtual shareholder meetings, with participation by electronic means. ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) CONTINUED Neuren Pharmaceuticals Limited Annual Report 2024 22
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