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50 years of influential direction
The program began in 1975 as a correspondence course and has evolved over the years into the esteemed institution it is today.
The prestigious GAICD post-nominal is an instantly-recognisable qualification for senior executives and directors, with graduates joining a richly diverse cohort of alumni across every territory and state, and across every industry sector.
Five decades of governance
- 1980s
- 1990s
- 2000s
- 2010s
- 2020s
1980s
The 1980s were transformative for Australian governance. The Costigan Royal Commission investigated the Federated Ship Painters and Dockers Union, uncovering extensive tax evasion schemes. Interest rates soared, peaking at 17.5% as the decade ended, leading to economic strain and a subsequent recession. Directors were tasked with rooting out misconduct and dealing with tightening tax compliance.
1990s
The 1990s ushered in significant corporate law reforms aiming to unify and harmonise regulations across states. While the ASX Corporate Governance Council wasn’t established until 2002, the 1990s laid the groundwork for future governance frameworks. Despite these reforms, many boards approached governance as a compliance exercise, leading to a sense of complacency that would soon be challenged.
2000s
High-profile corporate failures shook investor confidence and led to tighter director liability laws. These collapses prompted a renewed focus on risk management and board accountability. Climate change began to emerge as a governance issue, with calls for increased transparency in environmental reporting.
2010s
The 2010s saw corporate culture take centre stage, especially after the 2019 Banking Royal Commission exposed systemic misconduct in financial services. Cybersecurity incidents, including a series of major data breaches, highlighted the need for robust digital governance. Directors faced growing expectations to oversee not just financial performance but also ethical conduct and technological resilience.
2020s
The COVID-19 pandemic forced boards to adapt quickly to remote operations and supply chain disruptions, its effects continuing to be felt five years on, exacerbated by growing geopolitical uncertainty. In 2024, Australia introduced mandatory climate-related financial disclosures. Ever more sophisticated cyber crimes put digital risk at the heart of every boardroom.
Start your journey to becoming a GAICD
The Company Directors Course can be taken online, in person or as a residential course. Find out more about upcoming courses near you and how you can join the ranks of graduates and become a proud GAICD.
Governance education designed for impact
PODCAST
Inside the Company Directors Course
This special podcast will take you inside the AICD’s flagship course. Whether you’re a current board member, aspiring director or senior executive, the Company Directors Course is the gold standard in governance education. For more than 50 years, the course has helped shape more informed, capable and confident directors.
Acknowledgement
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which we are located and pay our respects to Elders, past and present. We recognise First Nations peoples' cultural and spiritual relationships to the Skies, Land, Waters, and Seas, and their rich contribution to society.
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