Question
of the week
Question of the week

Curious. Interesting. Informative.

15 April 2016

So which is first and what is second...

Companies, Trusts, Partnerships & Superannuation
Federal

Asked

In order of precedence, if the constitution, shareholders agreement and replaceable rules say something different about the same scenario, which prevails in order?

  1. shareholders agreement
  2. constitution
  3. rules?

If so I assume then that the shareholder agreement needs to be clear that it overrides the terms of the constitution?

Answered

You are correct. The constitution is an agreement that shareholders become parties to when they acquire shares.

To the extent it deals with issues in the replaceable rules, it overrides them. It does not replace a rule that is capable of application without offending the constitution.

The shareholders agreement is a subsequent agreement so it overrides both. It is not necessary for the shareholders agreement to expressly provide it overrides inconsistent provisions of the constitution or rules because this is clearly inferred.

Regards

Mentor