Part 4: Financial statements (continued)

Notes to and forming part of the financial statements

Note 1: Summary of significant accounting policies

1.1 Objectives of the Treasury

The Treasury's mission is to improve the wellbeing of the Australian people by providing sound and timely advice to the Government, based on objective and thorough analysis of options, and by assisting Treasury Ministers in the administration of their responsibilities and the implementation of government decisions.

The Treasury is structured to meet one outcome:

Outcome 1: Informed decisions on the development and implementation of policies to improve the wellbeing of the Australian people, including by achieving strong, sustainable economic growth, through the provision of advice to government and the efficient administration of federal financial relations.

The reporting entity, hereafter referred to as 'the Treasury', comprises the Treasury and the Australian Government Actuary.

Activities contributing towards the outcome detailed above are classified as either departmental or administered. Departmental activities involve the use of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses controlled or incurred by the Treasury in its own right. Administered activities involve the management or oversight by the Treasury, on behalf of the Government, of items controlled or incurred by the Government.

Departmental activities are identified under Program 1.1. Administered activities are identified under Programs 1.1 to 1.10 listed below:

• Program 1.1 - Department of the Treasury
• Program 1.2 - Payments to International Financial Institutions
• Program 1.3 - Support for Markets and Business
• Program 1.4 - General Revenue Assistance
• Program 1.5 - Assistance to the States for Healthcare Services
• Program 1.6 - Assistance to the States for Schools
• Program 1.7 - Assistance to the States for Skills and Workforce Development
• Program 1.8 - Assistance to the States for Disability Services
• Program 1.9 - Assistance to the States for Affordable Housing
• Program 1.10 - National Partnership Payments to the States

Program 1.2 provides for administered payments to International Financial Institutions as required to:

• promote international monetary cooperation, exchange stability and orderly exchange arrangements;
• strengthen the international financial system; and
• support development objectives through the multilateral development banks.

Program 1.3 provides for administered activities in respect of:

• insurance claims arising from the residual Housing Loans Insurance Corporation (HLIC) portfolio;
• assistance under the HIH Claims Support Scheme (HCSS);
• the Guarantee of State and Territory Borrowing in assisting State and Territory governments to access funding;
• the Guarantee Scheme for Large Deposits and Wholesale Funding to promote financial system stability in Australia; and
• developing the Centre for International Finance and Regulation.

Program 1.4 provides for administered payments of general revenue assistance to the States and Territories, including payments of revenue received from the GST.

Programs 1.5 to 1.9 provide for administered payments to the States and Territories for healthcare services, schools services, skills and workforce development services, disability services and affordable housing services; according to the payment arrangements specified in the Intergovernmental Agreement on Federal Financial Relations.

Program 1.10 provides for administered payments to the States and Territories, according to National Partnership agreements, providing financial support for the States and Territories to be spent on improving outcomes in the areas specified.

The continued existence of the Treasury in its present form and with its present programs is dependent on government policy and on continuing appropriations by Parliament for the Treasury's policy advice, administration and programs.

1.2 Basis of preparation of the financial statements

The financial statements are required by section 49 of the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 and are general purpose financial statements.

The Financial Statements and notes have been prepared in accordance with:

• Finance Minister's Orders (FMOs) for reporting periods ending on or after 1 July 2011; and
• Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) that apply for the reporting period.

The financial statements have been prepared on an accrual basis and are in accordance with the historical cost convention, except for certain assets at fair value. Except where stated, no allowance is made for the effect of changing prices on the results or the financial position.

The financial statements are presented in Australian dollars and values are rounded to the nearest thousand dollars unless otherwise specified.

Unless alternative treatment is specifically required by an accounting standard or the FMOs, assets and liabilities are recognised in the balance sheet when and only when it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the Treasury or a future sacrifice of economic benefits will be required and the amounts of the assets or liabilities can be reliably measured. However, assets and liabilities arising under executory contracts are not recognised unless required by an accounting standard. Liabilities and assets that are unrecognised are reported in the schedule of commitments or the schedule of contingencies.

Unless alternative treatment is specifically required by an accounting standard or the FMOs, income and expenses are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income when and only when the flow, consumption or loss of economic benefits has occurred and can be reliably measured.

1.3 Significant accounting judgements and estimates

Apart from the Australian Government Actuary’s reconsideration of their 2008‑9 review of employee benefits, which resulted in changes to on‑ost calculations and discount factors, no accounting assumptions or estimates have been identified for departmental items that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next accounting period.

In the process of applying the accounting policies for administered items listed in Notes 1.29 and 1.30 on pages 196 and 197, the Treasury has obtained independent actuarial assessments of the HLIC premiums, recoveries, claims and acquisition costs, and the HCS Scheme liability.

In relation to uncalled shares disclosed in the administered contingencies table, the Treasury has judged the risk of these shares being called as low for the foreseeable future.
This judgment is based on historic and current performance of the international financial institutions. Some of the factors considered are the financial strength of the development banks (that is, most have AAA credit ratings), established risk management policies, healthy debt ratios and no adverse financial statement audit opinions.

1.4 Changes in Australian Accounting Standards

Adoption of new Australian Accounting Standard requirements

No accounting standard has been adopted earlier than the application date as stated in the standard. None of the new standards, amendments to standards and interpreta
tions issued by the AASB that are applicable to the current period have had a material financial impact on the Treasury. The following standards or amendments to standards have become effective but have had no financial impact to the operations of the Treasury.

Standards

• AASB 3 –Business combinations
• AASB 4 –Insurance contracts
• AASB 107 – Statement of cash flows
• AASB 116 – Property, Plant and Equipment
• AASB 117 – Leases
• AASB 118 – Reveune
• AASB 121 – The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates
• AASB 127 – Consolidated and separate finanacial tatement
• AASB 128 – Investments in associates
• AASB 131 – Interests in Joint Ventures
• AASB 132 – Financial Instruments: Presentations
• AABS 134 – Interim Financial Reporting
• AASB 136 – Impairment of assets
• AASB 138 – Intangible assets
• AASB 1048 – Interpretation of standards
• 2013-3 Amendments to Australian avvounting Standards arising from the Annual Improvements Project

Future Australian Accounting Standard requirements

Of the new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations issued by the AASB that are applicable to future periods, it is estimated that the impact of adopting the pronouncements when effective will have no material financial impact on future reporting periods, but may affect disclosures in future financial reports.

1.5 Revenue

Revenue from Government

Amounts appropriated for departmental outputs for the year (adjusted for any formal additions and reductions) are recognised as revenue when the agency gains control of the appropriation, except for certain amounts that relate to activities that are reciprocal in nature, in which case revenue is recognised only when it has been earned.

Appropriations receivable are recognised at their nominal amounts.

Other types of revenue

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when:

• the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer;
• the agency retains no managerial involvement or effective control over the goods;
• the revenue and transaction costs incurred for the transaction can be reliably measured; and
• it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity.

Revenue from rendering of services is recognised by reference to the stage of completion of contracts at the reporting date. The revenue is recognised when:

• the amount of revenue, stage of completion and transaction costs incurred can be reliably measured; and
• it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity.

The stage of completion of contracts at the reporting date is determined by reference to the proportion that costs incurred to date bear to the estimated total costs of the transaction.

Receivables for goods and services, which have 30 day terms, are recognised at the nominal amounts due less any impairment allowance account. Collectability of debts is reviewed at balance date. Allowances are made when collectability of the debt is no longer probable.

1.6 Gains

Resources received free of charge

Resources received free of charge are recognised as gains when and only when fair value can be reliably determined and the services would have been purchased if they had not been donated. Use of those resources is recognised as an expense. Resources received free of charge are recorded as either revenue or gains depending on their nature.

Contributions of assets at no cost of acquisition or for nominal consideration are recognised as gains at their fair value when the asset qualifies for recognition, unless received from another government agency or authority as a consequence of a restructuring of administrative arrangements (refer to Note 1.8).

Sale of assets

Gains from disposal of assets are recognised when control of the asset has passed to the buyer.

1.7 Transactions with the Government as owner

Equity injections

Amounts appropriated which are designated as 'equity injections' for a year (less any formal reductions) and Departmental Capital Budgets (DCBs) are recognised directly in contributed equity in that year.

Restructuring of administrative arrangements

Net assets received from or relinquished to another Government entity under a restructuring of administrative arrangements are adjusted at their book value directly against contributed equity.

Other distributions to owners

The FMOs require that distributions to owners be debited to contributed equity unless it is in the nature of a dividend.

1.8 Employee benefits

Liabilities for services rendered by employees are recognised at the reporting date to the extent that they have not been settled.

Liabilities for 'short-term employee benefits' (as defined by AASB 119 Employee Benefits) and termination benefits due within twelve months of balance date are measured at their nominal amounts.

The nominal amount is calculated with regard to the rates expected to be paid on settlement of the liability.

Other long-term employee benefits are measured as the total net present value of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting period minus the fair value at the end of the reporting period of the plan assets (if any) out of which the obligations are to be settled directly.

Leave

The liability for employee benefits includes provision for annual leave and long service leave. No provision has been made for sick leave as all sick leave is non-vesting and the average sick leave taken in future years by employees of the Treasury is estimated to be less than the annual entitlement for sick leave.

The leave liabilities are calculated on the basis of employees' remuneration, including the Treasury's employer superannuation contribution rates to the extent that the leave is likely to be taken during service rather than paid out on termination.

The liability for both annual and long service leave has been determined by reference to standard parameters provided by the Department of Finance and Deregulation. The estimate of the present value of the liability takes into account attrition rates and pay increases through promotion and general pay increases.

Separation and redundancy

No provision has been made for separation and redundancy benefit payments during the year (2009: Nil).

Superannuation

Staff of the Treasury are members of the Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme (CSS), the Public Sector Superannuation Scheme (PSS), the PSS accumulation plan (PSSap) or other defined contribution schemes.

The CSS and PSS are defined benefit schemes of the Australian Government. The PSSap is a defined contribution scheme which opened for new employees on 1 July 2005.

The liability for defined benefits is recognised in the financial statements of the Australian Government and is settled by the Australian Government in due course. This liability is reported in the Department of Finance and Deregulation's administered schedules and notes.

The Treasury makes employer contributions to the employee superannuation scheme at rates determined by an actuary to be sufficient to meet the current cost to the Government. The Treasury accounts for the contributions as if they were contributions to defined contribution plans.

The liability for superannuation recognised as at 30 June 2010 represents outstanding contributions for the final fortnight of the year.

1.9 L
eases

A distinction is made between finance leases and operating leases. Finance leases effectively transfer substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of leased non-current assets (from the lessor to the lessee). An operating lease is a lease that is not a finance lease. In operating leases, the lessor effectively retains substantially all such risks and benefits.

Where a non-current asset is acquired by means of a finance lease, the asset is capitalised at either the fair value of the leased property or, if lower, the present value of minimum lease payments at the inception of the contract and a liability is recognised at the same time and for the same amount.

The Treasury does not currently hold any assets under finance lease.

Operating lease payments are expensed on a straight line basis which is representative of the pattern of benefits derived from the leased assets.

1.10 Borrowing costs

All borrowing costs are expensed as incurred.

1.11 Cash

Cash and cash equivalents includes notes and coins held and any deposits in bank accounts with an original maturity of 3 months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and subject to insignificant risk of changes in value. Cash is recognised at its nominal amount. Any interest receivable is credited to revenue as it accrues. The Treasury maintains bank accounts with the Reserve Bank of Australia for administration of the receipt and payment of monies.

1.12 Financial risk management

The Treasury's activities expose it to normal commercial financial risk. As a result of the nature of the Treasury's business and Australian Government policies dealing with the management of financial risk, the Treasury's exposure to market, credit and liquidity risk is considered to be low.

1.13 Other financial instruments

Loans and receivables

Trade receivables, loans and other receivables that have fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market are classified as ‘loans and receivables’. They are included in current assets, except for maturities greater than 12 months after the balance date. These are classified as non‑urrent assets. Loans and receivables are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest methods less impairment. Interest is usually recognised by applying the effective interest rate. Collectability of debts is reviewed regularly throughout the year and at balance date. Provisions are made when collection of the debt is judged to be less rather than more likely. Credit terms are net 30 days (2009: 30 days).

Trade Creditors 

Trade creditors and accruals are recognised at amortised cost. Liabilities are recognised to the extent that the goods or services have been received (and irrespective of having been invoiced). Settlement is usually made net 30 days.

1.14 Impairment of financial assets

Financial assets are assessed for impairment at the end of each reporting period.

Financial assets held at amortised cost

If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss has been incurred for loans and receivables, the amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the asset's original effective interest rate. The carrying amount is reduced by way of an allowance account. The loss is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.

Available for sale financial assets

If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss on an available for sale financial asset has been incurred, the amount of the difference between its cost, less principal repayments and amortisation, and its current fair value, less any impairment loss previously recognised in expenses, is transferred from equity to the statement of comprehensive income.

Financial assets held at cost

If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss has been incurred the amount of the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount of the asset and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the current market rate for similar assets.

1.15 Contingent liabilities and contingent assets

Contingent liabilities and contingent assets are not recognised in the balance sheet but are reported in the relevant schedules and notes. They may arise from uncertainty as to the existence of a liability or asset, or represent an asset or liability in respect of which the amount cannot be reliably measured. Contingent assets are reported when settlement is probable but not virtually certain and contingent liabilities are recognised when the probability of settlement is greater than remote.

1.16 Acquisition of assets

Assets are recorded at cost on acquisition except as stated below. The cost of acquisition includes the fair value of assets transferred in exchange and liabilities undertaken. Financial assets are initially measured at their fair value plus transaction costs where appropriate.

Assets acquired at no cost, or for nominal consideration, are initially recognised as assets and income at their fair value at the date of acquisition, unless acquired as a consequence of restructuring of administrative arrangements. In the latter case, assets are initially recognised as contributions by owners at the amounts at which they were recognised in the transferor's accounts immediately prior to the restructuring.

1.18 Property, plant and equipment

Asset recognition threshold

Purchases of property, plant and equipment are recognised initially at cost in the balance sheet, except for purchases costing less than $2,000 which are expensed in the year of acquisition (other than where they form part of a group of similar items which are significant and total $20,000 or more).

Assets acquired at no cost, or for nominal consideration, are initially recognised as assets and revenues at their fair value at the date of acquisition, unless acquired as a consequence of restructuring of administrative arrangements. In the latter case, assets are initially recognised as contributions by owners at the amounts at which they were recognised in the transferor agency’s accounts immediately prior to the restructuring.

Revaluations

Fair values for each class of asset are determined as shown below.

Asset class	Fair value measured at
Buildings – leasehold improvements	Depreciated replacement cost
Plant and equipment	Market selling price

Following initial recognition at cost, buildings – leasehold improvements and plant and equipment are carried at fair value less subsequent accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Valuations are conducted with sufficient frequency to ensure that the carrying amounts of assets do not differ materially from the assets' fair values as at the reporting date. The regularity of independent valuations depends upon the volatility of movements in market values for the relevant assets.

Revaluation adjustments are made on a class basis. Any revaluation increment is credited to equity under the heading of asset revaluation reserve except to the extent that it reverses a previous revaluation decrement of the same class that was previously recognised in the surplus/deficit. Revaluation decrements for a class of assets are recognised directly in the surplus/deficit except to the extent that they reverse a previous revaluation increment for that class.

Any accumulated depreciation as at the revaluation date is eliminated a
gainst the gross carrying amount of the asset and the asset is restated to the revalued amount.

The Treasury performed a valuation of leasehold improvements, infrastructure, plant and equipment assets on 30 November 2007. The valuation was performed by independent valuers Preston Rowe Paterson NS W Pty Limited and was based on valuing the assets at fair value. Preston Rowe Paterson NS W Pty Limited confirmed that net asset values materially reflected fair value at 30 June 2010.

Depreciation

Depreciable property, plant and equipment assets are written-off to their estimated residual values over their estimated useful lives to the Treasury using, in all cases, the straightline method of depreciation.

Depreciation rates (useful lives), residual values and methods are reviewed at each reporting date and necessary adjustments are recognised in the current, or current and future reporting periods, as appropriate.

Depreciation rates applying to each class of depreciable asset are based on the following useful lives:

	2009-10	2008-09
Computers, plant and equipment	3-10 years	3-10 years
Leasehold improvements	5-10 years	5-10 years
Motor vehicles	4 years	4 years
Office equipment	5 years	5 years

The aggregate amount of depreciation allocated for each class of asset during the reporting period is disclosed in Note 3D on page 201.

Impairment

All assets were assessed for impairment at 30 June 201. Where indications of impairment exist, the asset's recoverable amount is estimated and an impairment adjustment made if the asset's recoverable amount is less than its carrying amount.

The recoverable amount of an asset is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. Value in use is the present value of the future cash flows expected to be derived from the asset. Where the future economic benefit of an asset is not primarily dependent on the asset's ability to generate future cash flows, and the asset would be replaced if the Treasury were deprived of the asset, its value in use is taken to be its depreciated replacement cost.

1.18 Intangibles

The Treasury’s intangible assets comprise internally developed and purchased software for internal use. These assets are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Software is amortised on a straight‑ine basis over its anticipated useful life. The useful lives of the Treasury’s software are three to five years(2008‑9: 3 to 5 years).

The Treasury’s largest intangible asset under construction is for Standard Business Reporting (SBR). SBR is a multi‑gency initiative that will simplify business‑to‑overnment reporting by introducing a single secure way to interact on‑ine with participating agencies. For further information visit www.sbr.gov.au.

1.19 Taxation/competitive neutrality

The Treasury is exempt from all forms of taxation except Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) and the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of GST except:

• where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office; and
• for receivables and payables.

1.20 Foreign currency

Transactions denominated in a foreign currency are converted at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Foreign currency receivables and payables are translated at the exchange rates current as at balance date.

1.21 Insurance

The Treasury is insured for risks through the Government's insurable risk managed fund, Comcover. Workers compensation is insured through the Government's insurable risk managed fund, Comcare Australia.

1.22 Reporting of administered activities

Administered revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities and cash flows are disclosed in the schedule of administered items and related notes.

Except where otherwise stated below, administered items are accounted for on the same basis and using the same policies as for departmental items, including the application of Australian Accounting Standards.

1.23 Administered cash transfers to and from the Official Public Account

Revenue collected by the Treasury for use by the Australian Government rather than the Treasury is administered revenue. Collections are transferred to the Official Public Account (OPA) maintained by the Department of Finance and Deregulation. Conversely, cash is drawn from the OPA to make payments under Parliamentary appropriation on behalf of the Australian Government. These transfers to and from the OPA are adjustments to administered cash held by the Treasury on behalf of the Australian Government and reported as such in the statement of cash flows in the schedule of administered items and in the administered reconciliation table in Note 21 on page 223. The schedule of administered items largely reflects the Australian Government's transactions, through the Treasury, with parties outside the Australian Government.

1.24 Administered revenue

All administered revenues relate to the course of ordinary activities performed by the Treasury on behalf of the Australian Government.

Reserve Bank of Australia dividend

Dividends from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) are recognised when a determination is made by the Treasurer and thus control of the income stream has been established. On this basis, the RBA’s dividend for 2008‑9 is recognised in the Treasury’s financial statements in 2009‑0. Dividends are measured at nominal amounts.

The Treasurer is able to determine what portion of the RBA’s earnings is made available as a dividend to the Australian Government having regard to the Reserve Bank Board’s advice and in accordance with section 30 of the Reserve Bank Act 1959.

International Monetary Fund remuneration

Remuneration is interest paid by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to Australia for the use of its funds. It is paid on the proportion of Australia's IMF capital subscription (quota) that was paid in Special Drawing Rights (SDR), and on the money lent by Australia under the IMF's Financial Transaction Plan, under which members in a strong external position provide quota resources to support IMF lending to borrowing member countries.

Where the IMF's holdings of Australian dollars fall below a specified level, it pays remuneration on Australia's average remunerated reserve tranche position. The rate of remuneration is equal to the SDR interest rate. This rate is then adjusted to account for the financial consequences of overdue obligations to the IMF which are shared between members and reflected in Note 17 as 'burden sharing'.

Remuneration is calculated and paid at the end of the IMF's financial quarters. An annual maintenance of value adjustment is made to the IMF's holdings of Australia's quota paid in Australian dollars to maintain their value in terms of the SDR.

Guarantee Scheme for Large Deposits and Wholesale Funding

Under the Guarantee Scheme for Large Deposits and Wholesale Funding, a fee is paid by Authorised Deposit Taking Institutions to the Government, to guarantee the portion of eligible deposits over $1 million and for wholesale funding issuances.

The fees are reported as a fee for service in accordance with AAS B 118 - Revenue. On 7 February 2010, the Government announced the closure of the Guarantee Scheme from 31 March 2010.

The Guarantee of State and Territory Borrowing

Under the Guarantee of State and Territory Borrowing, a fee is paid to provide the guarantee over new and nominated existing State and Territory securities. The fees are reported as a fee for service in accordance with AASB 118 Revenue. The guarantee closed to new issuances of guaranteed liabilities on 31 December 2010.

Financial Guarantee Contracts

Financial guarantee contracts are accounted for in accordance with AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. They are not treated as contingent liabilities, as they are regarded as financial instruments outside the scope of AASB 137 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets. The Treasury's administered financial guarantee contracts relate to components of the Guarantee Scheme for Large Deposits and Wholesale Funding and the Guarantee of State and Territory Borrowing.

1.25 Administered capital

Appropriations of administered capital are recognised in administered equity when the amounts appropriated by Parliament are drawn down. For the purposes of the Treasury annual report, administered equity transactions are not disclosed separately.

1.26 Grants

The Treasury administers a number of grant schemes on behalf of the Australian Government.

Grant liabilities are recognised to the extent that (i) the services required to be performed by the grantee have been performed or (ii) the grant eligibility criteria have been satisfied, but payments due have not been made. A commitment is recorded when the AustralianGovernment enters into an agreement to make grants but services have not been performed or criteria satisfied.

Grants to the IMF

This represents Australia’s contribution to the IM F’s Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (interest subsidy account) to support increased IMF concessional lending to low‑income countries in the context of the global financial crisis. This contribution is part of the Government’s commitment to increase Australia’s overseas development assistance over the long term. Australia’s contribution involved $30 million during 2009‑10.

Grants to States and Territories

The current framework for federal financial relations, introduced on 1 January 2009, provides a strong foundation for the Council of Australian Governments (COA G) to pursue economic and social reform to underpin growth, prosperity and wellbeing into the future. Under the framework, the Treasurer is accountable for the efficient payment of National Partnership payments and general revenue assistance to the States and Territories. Portfolio Ministers are accountable for relevant government policies associated with those payments. In addition, the Treasurer is accountable for payments and policies associated with GST payments and National Specific Purpose Payments (National SPPs). An overview of the Government’s policy in respect of accountabilities under the new financial framework is presented in the 2010‑10 Budget Papers, Part 6 of Budget Paper No. 3, Australia’s Federal Relations 2010‑10. 

There are three main types of payments under the framework, as follows:

• National SPPs - a financial contribution to support a State or Territory to deliver services in a particular sector; and
• NP payments - a financial contribution in respect of a NP agreement to a State or Territory to support the delivery of specific projects, to facilitate reforms or to reward those jurisdictions that deliver on national reforms or achieve service delivery improvements.
• GST revenue payments - a financial contribution to a State or Territory which is available for use by the States and Territories for any purpose;
• General revenue assistance, other than GST revenue payments - a financial contribution to a State or Territory which is available for use by the States and Territories for any purpose;

The National SPPs and GST are paid under a special appropriation from the Federal Financial Relations Act 2009. After the end of the financial year, the Treasurer determines the amounts that should have been paid and an adjustment is made in respect of advances that were paid during the financial year. The authority to approve advance payments has been delegated to the General Manager, Commonwealth-State Relations Division.

The NP and other general revenue assistance payments are paid under the Federal Financial Relations Act 2009 through a determination process wherein the Treasurer may determine an amount to be paid to a State or Territory for the purpose of making a grant of financial assistance. Once determined, this amount must be credited to the COAG Reform Fund and the Treasurer must ensure that, as soon as practicable after the amount is credited, the COAG Reform Fund is debited for the purposes of making the grant. In addition, the Treasurer must have regard to the Intergovernmental Agreement on Federal Financial Relations. The Treasury advises the Treasurer on amounts to be determined, based on certified payment advices received from the Chief Financial Officers of Commonwealth agencies.

In 2008‑09, the Treasury recorded revenues and expenses in relation to payments to States and Territories for assistance to non‑government schools under the Schools Assistance Act 2008. During 2009‑10 it was agreed that the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) would recognise expenses and revenues for these payments and that the Treasury would act as paying agent for these amounts to the States and Territories. The Treasury has therefore not recognised any expenses or revenues for these amounts in 2009‑10. Cash receipts from DEEWR and cash payments made to States and Territories in relation to these amounts paid in 2009‑10 have been recorded in the schedule of administered cash flows.

Payments to the States and Territories through the Nation-Building Funds

The Nation-building Funds Act 2008 (the Funds Act) outlines the requirements for payments to be authorised from the three nation-building funds (collectively known as 'the Funds'); the responsibilities of Ministers; and the process for channelling payments to recipients through portfolio special accounts.

The Funds were established to provide financing sources to meet the Government's commitment to Australia's future by investment in critical areas of infrastructure.

The three Funds are the:

• Building Australia Fund - make payments in relation to the creation or development of transport, communications, eligible national broadband network matters, energy and water infrastructure;
• Education Investment Fund - make payments in relation to the creation or development of higher education infrastructure, vocational education and training infrastructure, eligible education and research infrastructure; and
• Health and Hospitals Fund - make payments in relation to the creation or development of health infrastructure.

The Treasury receives funds from the relevant portfolio agency and pays the amount to the States and Territories. These amounts are recorded as 'COAG receipts from Government Agencies' to recognise the income and a corresponding grant expense for the payment to the States and Territories.

Mirror taxes collected by State Governments

On behalf of the States, the Australian Government imposes mirror taxes which replace State taxes in relation to Australian Government places that may be constitutionally invalid. Mirror taxes are collected and retained by the States, under the Commonwealth Places (Mirror Taxes) Act 1998. State Governments bear the administration costs of collectin
g mirror taxes. Mirror taxes are disclosed at Note 26F.

1.27 Administered investments

Development banks

In 2009‑10, the Treasury changed its accounting policy in relation to investments in development banks. These investments are now classified as ‘monetary - available for sale financial assets’ rather than ‘non‑monetary -available for sale financial assets’ as in previous years. The impact of this change is that the foreign currency value of investments is translated into Australian dollars (AUD) using relevant foreign currency exchange rates at balance date. Previously, these investments were recorded at historical cost using foreign currency exchange rates at the date of transaction. This change was adopted as it provides a more reliable measure of the AUD amount the Government would receive if it decided to divest itself of these assets at balance date.

Consistent with the disclosure requirements of the FMO ’s and relevant accounting standards, the comparative year figures for investments in development banks have beenadjusted as if the new accounting policy had always applied. An adjustment of $55.6 million has also been included against ‘changes in accounting policies’ in Note 21: Administered reconciliation table, to reflect the change in AUD value of the investments in 2008‑9 under the new accounting policy.

International Monetary Fund

The quota is the current value in Australian dollars of Australia's subscription to the IMF. Quota subscriptions represent a member's shareholding in the IMF and generate most of the IMF's financial resources. Twenty five per cent of the quota increase will be paid in SDR and the remainder will be paid through issuing AUD denominated nonnegotiable, non-interest bearing promissory notes.

Australian Government entities

Administered investments in controlled entities are not consolidated because their consolidation is relevant only at the whole of government level.

The Australian Government's investment in controlled entities and companies in the Treasury portfolio are measured at their fair value as at 30 June 2010. Fair value has been taken to be the net assets of the entities as at balance date. These entities are listed below:

• Reserve Bank of Australia
• Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation; and

OzCar Special Purpose Vehicle

The Australian Government has guaranteed all non AAA‑rated securities issued by the OzCar SPV to facilitate the purchase of those securities by Australia’s four major domestic banks. The Car Dealership Financing Guarantee Appropriation Act 2009 provides an appropriation to support the Australian Government guarantee of those securities.

Based on the Treasury’s assessment of the arrangements underpinning the OzCar SPV, an administered investment with a nil balance has been recorded to reflect the Australian Government’s control of the OzCar SPV. As at 30 June 2010, the OzCar SPV Trust owed $4.9 million in guaranteed liabilities over and above available cash assets. The Treasury has recorded an impairment expense of $4.9 million and equivalent liability to recognise this impairment.

Impairment of administered investments

Administered investments were assessed for impairment at 30 June 2010. No indicators of impairment were identified with the exception of the Australian Government’s investment in the OzCar SPV mentioned above.

1.28 Promissory notes

Promissory notes have been issued to the IMF, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Asian Development Bank and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency.

Where promissory notes have been issued in foreign currencies, they are recorded at their nominal value by translating them at the spot rate at balance date. The promissory notes are noninterest bearing and relate to the undrawn paidin capital subscriptions.

Foreign currency gains and losses are recognised where applicable.

1.29 Mortgage insurance policies written by the Housing Loans Insurance Corporation up to 12 December 1997

The Australian Government sold HLIC on 12 December 1997. Under the terms and conditions of the sale the Australian Government retained ownership of all mortgage insurance policies written up to the time of the sale.

Accounting policies adopted are:

Premiums

Premiums comprise amounts charged to the policy holder or other insurer, excluding amounts collected on behalf of third parties, principally stamp duties. The earned portion of premiums received and receivable is recognised as revenue. Premiums are treated as earned from the date of attachment of risk.

Premiums received in respect of insured loans are apportioned over a number of years in accordance with an actuarial determination of the pattern of risk in relation to the loans. Premium amounts carried forward in this way are credited to ‘provision for unearned premiums’.

Given the maturity of the portfolio, the provision for unearned premiums is now zero.

Recoveries

Claims incurred recoveries and a receivable for outstanding recoveries are recognised in respect of insurance policies. The asset (HLIC premiums receivable) has been recognised in Note 19, based on the estimated discounted future cash flows.

Claims

Claims incurred expenses and a liability for outstanding claims are recognised in respect of insurance policies. The liability covers claims incurred but not yet paid, incurred but not yet reported and the anticipated direct and indirect costs of settling those claims. The liability has been recognised based on the estimated discounted future cash flows. Given the maturity of the portfolio, the liability is now estimated to be negligible.

Acquisition costs

A portion of acquisition costs relating to unearned premium revenue is deferred in recognition that it represents future benefits. Deferred acquisition costs are amortised on an actuarial basis over the reporting periods expected to benefit from the expenditure. Since the provision for unearned premium is now zero, the deferred acquisition cost asset is also now zero.

1.30 Provisions and contingent liabilities

HIH Claims Support Scheme liability

The HIH Claims Support Scheme (the Scheme) was established by the Australian Government following the collapse of the HIH Group of companies in March 2001. The purpose of the Scheme is to provide financial assistance to eligible HIH policyholders affected by the collapse of the group. Initial funding of $640 million was provided by special appropriation through the Appropriation (HIH Assistance) Act 2001.

HIH Claims Support Limited was established by the Insurance Council of Australia as a notforprofit company in May 2001 to manage claims made under the Scheme and to operate the HIH Claims Support Trust on behalf of the Australian Government. As the sole beneficiary of the trust the Australian Government is entitled to any residual balance of the trust.

Since 2001, a total of 10,900 claims have been granted eligibility for assistance. Each year an actuarial review of the claims portfolio has been conducted to assess the development of claims reserves and to estimate the overall liability associated with the Scheme portfolio. In 2006, approval was sought and obtained to increase the Scheme appropriation to a total of $861 million to meet the estimated cost of the Scheme portfolio. This additional fundi
ng is provided through annual appropriations.

The Australian Government Actuary reviews the portfolio annually to reassess the estimated Scheme liability in future years. The most recent review has indicated that the overall cost of the Scheme is estimated to be $735.9 million in discounted terms. This amount incorporates an allowance for future inflation and covers the expected cost of past and future claim payments and associated expenses of managing the Scheme. There is an estimated outstanding claims liability of $6.4m as at 30 June 2013 (2012: $18.6m) as calculated by the Australian Government Actuary.

1.31 Administered financial instruments

AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement requires financial instruments to be classified into one of four categories. The financial instruments specific to the Treasury's administered items are classified in three of the four categories as detailed below.

• Loans and receivables (these are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market):
  • IMF related monies receivable (measured initially at fair value and then measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method);
  • the Guarantee Scheme for Large Deposits and Wholesale Funding contractual fee receivable (measured initially at fair value and then measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method);
  • the Guarantee Scheme for State and Territory Borrowing contractual fee receivable (measured initially at fair value and then measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method);
• Available-for-sale financial assets:
  • investments in development banks (measured initially at cost or notional cost and then measured at fair value);
  • the IMF quota (measured at cost); and
  • Investments in Government Entities (measured at fair value based on net asset position of the entity at 30 June 2010).
• Financial liabilities:
  • the SDR allocation (measured initially at fair value and then measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method);
  • promissory notes (measured initially at fair value and then measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method);
  • IMF related monies payable (measured initially at fair value and then measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method); and
  • the Guarantee Scheme for Large Deposits and Wholesale Funding contractual guarantee service obligation (measured initially at fair value and then measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method).

Available-for-sale financial assets are those non-derivative financial assets that are designated as available for sale or that are not classified as (a) loans and receivables, (b) held-to-maturity investments or (c) financial assets at fair value through profit or loss.

Although a number of the Treasury's financial instruments are classified as 'available-for-sale', the Treasury does not hold these instruments for the purposes of trading. Assets that can be reliably measured at reporting date are valued at fair value, otherwise, at cost.

Promissory notes are financial liabilities that are required to be measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. The contractual terms of the promissory notes are non-interest bearing making the effective interest rate zero. Therefore, the measurement would be the initial value less any repayments plus or minus movements in exchange rates as a result of translation on the balance date.

The Guarantee Scheme for Large Deposits and Wholesale Funding and the Guarantee of State and Territory Borrowing contractual fee receivable represents the requirement under AASB 139 - Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement for the Treasury to recognise upfront, its entitlements under the financial guarantee contract to revenue received or receivable from authorised deposit-taking institutions over the contracted guarantee period. Conversely, the Treasury is required to recognise a corresponding initial liability for its contractual obligation to provide a guarantee service over the period covered by each guarantee contract (analogous to unearned income).

Recognition of these amounts only relates to fee revenue aspects of the financial guarantee contracts. These amounts do not reflect any expected liability under the Guarantee Scheme itself as these are considered remote and unquantifiable. Administered contingent liabilities and assets are disclosed at Note 22.

Administered financial instruments are accounted for in accordance with the accounting policies detailed above and are disclosed at Note 24.

Note 2. Events After the Reporting Period

The RBA has not declared a dividend to Government for 2009‑10 (2008‑09 $5.977 billion).

On 1 July 2010 SBR became available for use and will commence depreciating from this date.

On 20 July 2010 the Treasury paid $4,921,557 under the special appropriation provided for in the Car Dealership Financing Guarantee Appropriation Act 2009. The payment was made to extinguish the remaining liabilities of the OzCar SPV Trust over and above the available assets of the Trust. No further calls on the guarantee are expected and the Trust will be wound up during September 2010.