I recall buying some shares through a direct investment...

I recall buying some shares through a direct investment arrangement within an industry super account. The shares were held by a custodian and I could not vote them except for/against motions regarding takeovers, mergers etc.

It was difficult to establish whether those shares could be lent out to shorters by the super fund or the custodian. Eventually I received a response that said there would be no such dealings with shares listed on ASX but overseas listed shares could be lent to shorters according to the fund’s policy.

This assurance still left me in a position of some doubt so, after exiting that position, I decided to avoid such arrangements in favour of directly owning shares. In this way I can prevent my shares being lent to shorters and I can vote them in any way I choose.