Ann: Notice of Annual General Meeting & Proxy Form, page-44

I would think a big part of it was to avoid Perth based shareholders. I note there is no webcast, so no facility to ask questions. The last AGM was one of the interesting ones that I have attended.

There will likely be other reasons.

Directors would also prefer shareholders do not attend AGMs where discussions may ensue about issues they find sensitive (remuneration, performance incentives etc - and there are a few doosies this time around) and things they can't easily control.

Not doubt there is also the optics of moving the company away from Perth. Some holders have criticised the Perth-centric nature of SMN in the past.

And of course, things have not exactly gone to plan this year. No good news story to hoot about.

Communication has dropped right off a cliff.

I am guessing/hoping that we get an announcement this week that SMN is done with testing - but in the event that it is not, no doubt it's easier to field questions received via email (where they might not be responded to at all) than to be asked on the spot.