ASX: Clarification Of Article In The Australian

The following announcement is in response to today's article on page 25 of The Australian.

As previously disclosed, ASX has an application before the Minister to split the National Guarantee Fund which is currently subject to a public consultation process until 5 March 2004, preceding any decision by the Minister.

It is important to note in any event, any funds that ASX may receive as a result of a successful application would be quarantined for clearing purposes and not be available for distribution to shareholders. Any decision by ASX relating to dividend policy would involve only cash generated through ASX's business operations.

The Board of ASX regularly considers dividend policy, and will announce any decision on this matter as soon as it is made.