Octagon Supplements is a company registered in Australia. It is a seller of organic health and nutrition supplements. The company's directors approved a resolution to invest the company's money in a new business venture. This resolution was approved only after the company hired a management consultant, someone who possessed expert knowledge of the health and nutrition supplement industry who researched and prepared a report on the viability of the new business venture. The expert advised the company that the new business venture would very likely be successful and make the company $5 million in the first year.

Eight months after the company has made this investment, the company has lost money on it. The expert's revenue projections now look impossible. And in hindsight, it is now clear to the directors that investing in the new business venture was a bad idea. The shareholders now blame the directors for their decision.

1) Have the directors violated any of their DUTIES under Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)? If so, which DUTY or DUTIES did they violate? (5 Marks)

2) Is there any DEFENCE available to the directors? If so, is this DEFENCE valid? (5 Marks)

Explain your answer citing specific sections of the Corporations Act and case law.