Go to top of page

Notes to and forming part of the Financial statements

Overview

Basis of Preparation

The financial statements are general purpose financial statements and are required by section 42 and section 105D of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act).

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the:

  • Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Financial Reporting) Rule 2015 (FRR); and
  • Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations – Reduced Disclosure Requirements issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) that apply for the reporting period

as amended by section 105D of the PGPA Act 2013.

The financial statements have been prepared on an accrual basis and in accordance with the historical cost convention, except where certain assets and liabilities are recorded 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 are rounded to the nearest thousand dollars unless otherwise specified.

Comparative figures have been adjusted, where required, to conform to changes in presentation of the financial statements in the current period.

New Australian Accounting Standards

All new, revised, amending standards and/or interpretations that were issued prior to the sign-off date and are applicable to the current reporting period are as follows:

Standard/ Interpretation

Nature of change in accounting policy, transitional provisions, and adjustment to financial statements

AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers / AASB 2016-8 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Australian Implementation Guidance for Not-for-Profit Entities and AASB 1058 Income of Not-For-Profit Entities

AASB 15, AASB 2016-8 and AASB 1058 became effective 1 July 2019. AASB 15 establishes a comprehensive framework for determining whether, how much and when revenue is recognised. It replaces existing revenue recognition guidance, including AASB 118 Revenue, AASB 111 Construction Contracts and Interpretation 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes. The core principle of AASB 15 is that an entity recognises revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.

ASB 1058 is relevant in circumstances where AASB 15 does not apply. AASB 1058 replaces most of the not-for-profit (NFP) provisions of AASB 1004 Contributions and applies to transactions where the consideration to acquire an asset is significantly less than fair value principally to enable the entity to further its objectives, and where volunteer services are received.

AASB 16 Leases

AASB 16 became effective on 1 July 2019.

This new standard has replaced AASB 117 Leases, Interpretation 4 Determining whether an Arrangement contains a Lease, Interpretation 115 Operating Leases—Incentives and Interpretation 127 Evaluating the Substance of Transactions Involving the Legal Form of a Lease.

AASB 16 provides a single lessee accounting model, requiring the recognition of assets and liabilities for all leases, together with options to exclude leases where the lease term is 12 months or less, or where the underlying asset is of low value. AASB 16 substantially carries forward the lessor accounting in AASB 117, with the distinction between operating leases and finance leases being retained. The details of the changes in accounting policies, transitional provisions and adjustments are disclosed below and in the relevant notes to the financial statements.

Application of AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers / AASB 1058 Income of Not-For-Profit Entities

ASD adopted AASB 15 and AASB 1058 using the modified retrospective approach, meaning any accounting impacts the initial application of the standards, prior to 1 July 2019, have been adjusted through retained earnings and the comparatives have not been restated.

In determining which revenue standard to use, ASD first determines whether an ‘enforceable agreement’ exists and whether the promises to transfer goods or services to the customer are ‘sufficiently specific’. If an enforceable agreement exists and the promises are ‘sufficiently specific’ (to a transaction or part of a transaction), ASD applies AASB 1. If the criteria are not met, ASD then assesses whether AASB 1058 applies.

In relation to AASB 15, ASD elected to apply the new standard to all newly agreed contracts and to uncompleted contracts from the date of initial application, being 1 July 2019. ASD is required to aggregate the effect of all of the contact modifications that occur before the date of initial application.

In terms of AASB 1058, where ASD received volunteer services free of charge that would have otherwise been purchased, the services are to be recorded at fair value if they can be reliably measured.

The transition to, and implementation of, AASB 1058 did not have a material impact on ASD. Therefore, no transition adjustments were required on 1 July 2019.

Application of AASB 16 Leases

ASD adopted AASB 16 using the modified retrospective approach, under which the cumulative effect of initial application is recognised in retained earnings at 1 July 2019. Accordingly, the comparative information presented for 2019 is not restated, that is, it is presented as previously reported under AASB 117 and related interpretations. AASB 16 provides several 'practical expedients' to ease a lessees' adoption process when initially adopting the Standard. As such, ASD has applied the following practical expedients:

  • For contracts entered into before 1 July 2019, ASD adopted the practical expedient to not reassess whether a contract is, or contains a lease at the date of initial application. Therefore, for the contracts that were not identified as a lease under AASB 117, no reassessment was performed, except for the Defence Shared Services Arrangement, which was reassessed for clarity within the financial statements. Notwithstanding the aforementioned Defence Shared Services Arrangement, the definition of a lease under AASB 16 was applied only to contracts entered into or changed on or after 1 July 2019.
  • For contracts entered into before 1 July 2019 and were previously classified as 'operating leases' under AASB 117, the following practical expedients were applied:
    • A single discount rate was applied to a group of leases with reasonably similar characteristics; and
    • right-of-use assets and liabilities for leases with less than 12 months of lease term remaining as at 1 July 2019 were not recorded.

Under AASB 16, ASD recognises right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for most leases. However, ASD has elected not to recognise right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for some leases of low value assets based on the value of the underlying asset when new or for short-term leases with a lease term of 12 months or less.

ASD recognised right-of-use assets and lease liabilities in relation to leases of office space, which had previously been classified as operating leases. The right-of-use assets were measured as follows:

  1. Office space: measured at an amount equal to the lease liability, adjusted by the amount of any prepaid or accrued lease payments.
  2. All other leases: measured at an amount equal to the lease liability.

The lease liabilities were measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using ASD's incremental borrowing rate as at 1 July 2019. ASD's incremental borrowing rate is the rate at which a similar borrowing could be obtained from an independent creditor under comparable terms and conditions. The weighted-average rate applied was 1.067%.

Impact on transition

On transition to AASB 16, ASD recognised additional right-of-use assets and additional lease liabilities, recognising the difference in retained earnings. The impact on transition is summarised below:

Impact on Transition of AASB 16

Departmental

1 July 2019

Right-of-use assets - property, plant and equipment

444,116

Lease liabilities

408,983

Retained earnings

1,542

The following table reconciles the Departmental minimum lease commitments disclosed in the ASD's 30 June 2019 annual financial statements to the amount of lease liabilities recognised on 1 July 2019:

1 July 2019

Minimum operating lease commitment at 30 June 2019

239

Less: short-term leases not recognised under AASB 16

(239)

Add: Adjustments as a result of reassessed under AASB 16

338,792

Plus: effect of extension options reasonable certain to be exercised

110,156

Undiscounted lease payments

448,948

Less: effect of discounting using the incremental borrowing rate as at the date of initial application

(39,965)

Lease liabilities recognised at 1 July 2019

408,983

Significant Accounting Judgements and Estimates

Except where specifically identified and disclosed, ASD has determined that no accounting assumptions and estimates have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next accounting period.

Taxation

ASD is exempt from all forms of taxation except Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT), the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and certain excise and customs duties.

Reporting of Administered activities

Administered revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities and cash flows are disclosed in the Administered schedules and related notes.

Except where otherwise stated, 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.

Events after the reporting period

There are no post balance date events with a material effect on the Departmental or Administered financial statements.

1. Financial Performance

This section analyses the financial performance of the ASD for the year ended 30 June 2020.

1.1 Expenses

2020

2019

$'000

$'000

1.1A: Employee benefits

Wages and salaries

193,570

172,712

Superannuation

Defined contribution plans

21,614

18,774

Defined benefit plans

11,706

11,684

Leave and other entitlements

29,998

30,012

Separation and redundancies

285

444

Other employee benefits

5,623

6,793

Total employee benefits

262,976

240,419

Accounting Policy

Employee benefits are based on the relevant employment agreements and legislation. Liabilities for wages and salaries (including non-monetary benefits), annual leave and other entitlements expected to be wholly settled within 12 months of the reporting date are measured at their nominal amounts. All other employee benefit liabilities (including long service leave) are measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date.

(a) Leave

The liability for employee benefits includes provisions 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 ASD is estimated to be less than the annual entitlement for sick leave. The leave liabilities are calculated on the basis of employees’ remuneration, including ASD’s employer superannuation contribution, at the estimated rates that will be applied at the time that leave is taken, to the extent that leave is likely to be taken during service rather than paid out on termination.

The liability for long service leave has been determined by reference to the work of the Australian Government Actuary in the current year. The estimate of the present value of the liability takes into account attrition rates and pay increases through promotion and inflation.

(b) Separation and Redundancy

Provision is made for separation and redundancy benefit payments. ASD recognises a provision for termination when it has a detailed formal plan for the terminations and has informed those employees affected that the terminations will be carried out.

(c) Superannuation

Employees of ASD are members of the Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme (CSS), the Public Sector Superannuation Scheme (PSS), the PSS Accumulation Plan (PSSap) and other superannuation schemes held outside the Commonwealth. The CSS and PSS are defined benefit schemes for the Australian Government.

The PSSap is a defined contribution scheme.

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 by the Department of Finance as an administered item. ASD makes employer contributions to the employee superannuation schemes at rates determined by an actuary to be sufficient to meet the current cost to the Government of the superannuation entitlements of ASD’s employees. ASD accounts for these contributions as if they were contributions to defined contribution plans in accordance with AASB 119.

The liability for superannuation recognised in the departmental statements as at 30 June represents outstanding contributions yet to be paid.

(d) Paid Parental Leave

ASD provides payments to employees under the Government Paid Parental Scheme. The receipts received are offset by the payments made to the employees and any balance outstanding at the end of the year is recognised as a liability.

Accounting Judgements and Estimates

As required by AASB 119 Employee Benefits, liabilities for short-term employee benefits expected to be paid within 12 months of the end of reporting period are measured at the one year Commonwealth government bond rate of 0.25 per cent. Liabilities for long term employee benefits are discounted using the 10 year Commonwealth government bond rate of 1.00 per cent.

2020

2019

$'000

$'000

1.1B: Suppliers expenses

Goods supplied

24,065

19,057

Services rendered

413,671

454,115

Short-term leases

52

75

Workers compensation expenses

589

2,624

Total suppliers

438,377

475,871

1. ASD has applied AASB 16 using the modified retrospective approach and therefore the comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under AASB 117.

ASD has short-term lease commitments of $1,756,000 as at 30 June 2020.

The above lease disclosures should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes 2.2A and 2.4A.

Financial statement audit services valued at $155,000 were provided free of charge to ASD by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) and are recorded at the fair value of resources received (2019: $168,000). No other services were provided by the auditors of the financial statements.

Accounting Policy

Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets

ASD has elected not to recognise right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases of assets that have a lease term of 12 months or less and leases of low-value assets (less than $10,000). ASD recognises the lease payments associated with these leases as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Resources received free of charge

Resources received free of charge are recognised as revenue when, and only when, a 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 revenue.

2020

2019

$'000

$'000

1.1C: Write-down and impairment of assets

Write-down and impairment of property, plant and equipment

22,928

2,058

Write-down and impairment of intangible assets

8,181

939

Total write-down and impairment of assets

31,109

2,997

2020

2019

$'000

$'000

1.1D: Foreign exchange losses

Foreign exchange gains

Non-speculative

(765)

(74)

Foreign exchange losses

Non-speculative

793

235

Total net (gain)/loss foreign exchange

28

161

Accounting Policy

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

Non-financial items that are measured at cost in a foreign currency are translated using the spot exchange rate at the date of the initial transaction. Non-financial items that are measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the spot exchange rates at the date when the fair value was determined.

All exchange gains and losses are reported in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

1.2 Own-Source Revenue and Gains

2020

2019

$'000

$'000

1.2A: Revenue from contract with customers

Rendering of services

3,031

4,347

Total revenue from contract with customers

3,031

4,347

Type of customer:

Australian Government entities (related parties)

2,702

Non-government entities

329

3,031

Timing of transfer of goods and services:

Over time

3,031

Point in time

-

3,031

Accounting Policy

Revenue from contracts with customers is recognised when control has been transferred to the buyer. ASD determines a contract is in scope of AASB 15 when the performance obligations are required by an enforceable contract and the performance obligations within the enforceable contract are sufficiently specific to enable ASD to determine when they have been satisfied. ASD determines there to be an enforceable contract when the agreement creates enforceable rights and obligations. Performance obligations are sufficiently specific where the promises within the contract are specific to the nature, type, value and quantity of the services to be provided and the period over which the services must be transferred.

The following is a description of principal activities from which ASD generates its revenue:

  • ICT services related to the provision of top secret network to the Department of Defence and other agencies, satisfied over the period of the contract which runs in line with the financial year.

The transaction price is the total amount of consideration to which the ASD expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring promised goods or services to a customer. The consideration promised in a contract with a customer may include fixed amounts, variable amounts, or both. All consideration promised in contracts with customers is included in the transaction price.

ASD expects to recognise as income any liability for unsatisfied obligations associated with revenue from contracts with customers within the next 12 months.

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

2020

2019

$'000

$'000

1.2B: Revenue from Government

Appropriations

Departmental appropriations

763,900

743,530

Total revenue from Government

763,900

743,530

Accounting Policy

Amounts appropriated for departmental appropriations for the year (adjusted for any formal additions and reductions) are recognised as revenue when ASD 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.

ASD draws down appropriations on a just-in-time basis. The undrawn appropriations as at 30 June 2020 are reflected as a receivable and are available to be drawn down to meet future obligations. Appropriations receivable are recognised at their nominal amounts.

2. Financial Position

This section analyses ASD’s assets used to conduct its operations and the operating liabilities incurred as a result.

2.1 Financial Assets

2020

2019

$'000

$'000

2.1A: Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash on hand or on deposit

35,630

-

Total cash and cash equivalents

35,630

-

Accounting Policy

Cash and cash equivalents includes notes and coins held, any deposits in bank accounts held at call with a bank, and cash held in special accounts. Cash is measured at its nominal amount. Cash and cash equivalents denominated in a foreign currency are converted at the exchange rate at the balance date.

2020

2019

$'000

$'000

2.1B: Trade and Other Receivables

Goods and services receivables

Goods and services

3,845

1,542

Total goods and services receivable

3,845

1,542

Appropriations receivables

For existing programs

69,259

8,178

Total appropriations receivable

69,259

8,178

Other receivables

GST receivable from the Australian Taxation Office

5,611

3,127

Other

1,453

3,210

Total other receivables

7,064

6,337

Total trade and other receivables (gross)

80,168

16,057

Less impairment allowance

-

-

Total trade and other receivables (net)

80,168

16,057

Accounting Policy

Trade receivables and other receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost, less any loss allowance.

The receivables for goods and services are generally receivable within 30 days.

Trade and other receivable assets at amortised cost are assessed for impairment at the end of each reporting period. The simplified approach has been adopted in measuring the impairment loss allowance at an amount equal to lifetime 'expected credit loss' (ECL).

Financial assets

Trade receivables, loans and other receivables that are held for the purpose of collecting the contractual cash flows where the cash flows are solely payments of principal and interest, which are not provided at below-market interest rates, are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method adjusted for any loss allowance.

2.2 Non-Financial Assets

2.2A: Reconciliation of the opening and closing balances of property, plant and equipment and intangibles

Buildings and Infrastructure

Plant and Equipment

Intangibles

Heritage Assets

Total

$'000

$'000

$'000

$'000

$'000

As at 1 July 2019

Gross book value

42,124

292,876

41,783

244

377,027

Accumulated depreciation and amortisation and impairment

(91)

(30,619)

(17,668)

-

(48,378)

Net book value 1 July 2019

42,033

262,257

24,115

244

328,649

Recognition of right of use asset on initial application of AASB 16

444,116

-

-

-

444,116

Adjusted total as at 1 July 2019

486,149

262,257

24,115

244

772,765

Additions

By purchase

24,428

110,937

16,963

-

152,328

Revaluations and impairments recognised in other comprehensive income

(87)

18,171

-

-

18,084

Depreciation and amortisation expense

(2,455)

(80,401)

(6,891)

-

(89,747)

Depreciation on right-of-use assets

(41,727)

-

-

-

(41,727)

Revaluations, write-off, write-downs and impairments recognised in net cost of services

-

(22,928)

(8,181)

-

(31,109)

Other movements

-

Reversal of previous asset write-downs

-

2,602

-

-

Net book value 30 June 2020

466,308

290,638

26,006

244

2,602

Net book value as at 30 June 2020 represented by:

783,196

Gross book value

508,717

354,794

50,565

244

Accumulated depreciation and amortisation

(42,409)

(64,156)

(24,559)

-

914,320

Closing net book value as at 30 June 2020

466,308

290,638

26,006

244

(131,124)

783,196

Carrying amount of right-of-use assets

402,389

-

-

-

402,389

All revaluations were conducted in accordance with the revaluation policy stated at Note 2.2A (d). ASD’s shared service provider, the Department of Defence, engaged JLL Valuation & Advisory to undertake a valuation. The date of this valuation was 1 May 2020.

2020

2019

$'000

$'000

Commitments payable relating to property, plant and equipment and intangibles

Infrastructure, plant and equipment1

44,374

3,671

Intangibles2

23,586

2,667

Total capital commitments

67,960

6,338

1. Infrastructure, plant and equipment capital commitments include outstanding contractual payments, including for items under construction.

2. Intangible commitments include contractual payments for software under construction.

Accounting Policy

(a) Individual Asset Recognition Threshold

Purchases of property, plant and equipment including buildings and infrastructure are recognised initially at cost where they meet the individual asset recognition threshold. Individual items are capitalised where the individual value is equal to or exceeds $5,000 for buildings, infrastructure and other assets; and $2,000 for other plant and equipment. Assets costing below these thresholds are expensed in the year of acquisition.

(b) Reversal of Previous Asset Write-Downs

These are amounts relating to assets which have been previously written down or expensed in prior periods. In the current year, these items have been previously reversed as a write down or capitalised for the first time due to either exceeding the capitalisation threshold or through identification during stock takes.

(c) Assets under construction

Assets under construction (AUC) include expenditure to date on major capability and facilities projects. AUC projects are reviewed annually for indicators of impairment. Prior to rollout into service, the accumulated AUC balance is reviewed to ensure accurate capitalisation.

(d) Subsequent valuations

All property, plant and equipment is measured and disclosed at fair value, less any accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Valuations are conducted with sufficient frequency to ensure that the carrying amounts of assets did not differ materially from the assets’ fair values as at the reporting date. The regularity of independent valuations depended upon the volatility of movements in market values for the relevant assets.

The basis for determining fair value is by reference to the highest and best use that is physically possible, legally permissible and financially feasible. Where an active and liquid market exists, fair value is determined by reference to market values, noting the highest and best use criteria and any specific factors that have been noted by the valuer.

Valuation for buildings, infrastructure and other plant and equipment assets are performed by independent external valuers using inputs such as sales prices of comparable assets, replacement cost, expected useful life and adjustments for obsolescence.

Following initial recognition at cost, valuations for buildings, and infrastructure are conducted every year; and other plant and equipment are revalued annually on a sample basis.

Revaluation adjustments are made on a class basis. Any revaluation increment is recognised as Other Comprehensive Income under the heading of Changes in Asset Revaluation Reserves 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 against the gross carrying amount of the asset and the asset is restated to the revalued amount.

(e) Depreciation

Property, plant and equipment items having limited useful lives are systematically depreciated over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis.

Depreciation rates (useful lives) are determined upon acquisition and are reviewed at each subsequent reporting date, and necessary adjustments are made in the current, or current and future reporting periods, as appropriate. Residual values are re-estimated only when assets are revalued.

The following are minimum and maximum useful lives for the different asset classes. These are not necessarily indicative of typical useful lives for these asset classes.

2019-20
Buildings and Infrastructure: 9 to 40 years
Plant and Equipment: 2 to 40 years
Heritage Assets: Indefinite

(f) Intangible Assets

ASD’s intangibles comprise externally acquired and internally developed computer software for internal use and other externally acquired and internally developed intangibles. Intangibles with gross values greater than $150,000 are capitalised when they meet the recognition criteria in AASB 138.

All intangibles are amortised on a straight–line basis over their anticipated useful lives. The useful lives of ASD software are 2 to 22 years and the useful lives of ASD's other intangibles are 1 to 6 years. All intangible assets are assessed annually for indications of impairment.

ASD recognises its intangible assets initially at cost and measures those which have an active market at fair value subsequent to initial recognition. If an intangible asset is acquired at no cost or for nominal consideration, other than those acquired through restructuring, it is recognised initially at fair value as at the date of acquisition.

All ASD intangible assets are currently stated at cost less any subsequent accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.

Acquired intellectual property may form part of the acquisition of particular tangible assets. Where the acquired intellectual property is inseparable from the underlying tangible asset it is reflected in the value of the tangible asset in the statement of financial position.

ASD reviews the useful life of intangible assets annually based on the service potential of the assets. All ASD intangible assets have finite useful lives and are amortised over their anticipated useful lives. Where there is an indication that the service potential of an intangible asset is impaired, the recoverable amount of that asset is determined based on the remaining service potential. Where the recoverable amount is lower than the carrying amount, the asset is written down to its recoverable amount.

(g) Acquisition of Assets

Assets are initially recorded at cost on acquisition which includes the fair value of assets exchanged 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 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 at the amounts at which they were recognised in the transferor agency’s accounts immediately prior to the restructuring.

(h) Impairment of Assets

All relevant assets were assessed for impairment during the year. 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 ASD was deprived of the asset, its value in use is taken to be its depreciated replacement cost.

(i) Derecognition of Assets

Assets are derecognised upon disposal or when no further economic benefits or capability are expected from their use or disposal.

(j) Heritage and Cultural Assets

Heritage and cultural items include artefacts and memorabilia that are or may be of national historical or cultural significance.

(k) Lease Right of Use (ROU) Assets

Leased ROU assets are capitalised at the commencement date of the lease and comprise of the initial lease liability amount, initial direct costs incurred when entering into the lease less any lease incentives received. These assets are accounted for by Commonwealth lessees as separate asset classes to corresponding assets owned outright, but included in the same column as where the corresponding underlying assets would be presented if they were owned.

On initial adoption of AASB 16 ASD has adjusted the ROU assets at the date of initial application by the amount of any provision for onerous leases recognised immediately before the date of initial application. Following initial application, an impairment review is undertaken for any right of use lease asset that shows indicators of impairment and an impairment loss is recognised against any right of use lease asset that is impaired. Lease ROU assets continue to be measured at cost after initial recognition in Commonwealth agency, GGS and Whole of Government financial statements.

Significant Accounting Judgements and Estimates

ASD assesses non-financial assets for impairment by monitoring impairment indicators specific to an asset’s use in the ASD context. Where these indicators signify that an asset is impaired, management has made an estimate of the recoverable amount of those assets to determine any impairment loss.

Property, plant and equipment is measured at fair value using revaluation techniques that require significant judgements and estimates to be made.

2020

2019

$'000

$'000

2.2B: Prepayments

Capital prepayments

-

1,384

Non-capital prepayments

95,276

106,464

Total prepayments

95,276

107,848

59% of Prepayments relate to the shared services arrangement with the Department of Defence (2019: 83%)

Accounting Policy

Prepayments, excluding those paid to employees as retention benefit payments, are recognised if the value of the payment is $50,000 or greater.

2.3 Payables

2020

2019

$'000

$'000

2.3A: Employee payables

Salaries and wages

9,245

4,169

Superannuation

530

237

Total employee payables

9,775

4,406

Accounting Policy

Liabilities for services rendered by employees are recognised at the reporting date to the extent that they have not been settled. The liability for superannuation recognised in the departmental statements as at 30 June represents outstanding contributions yet to be paid.

2020

2019

$'000

$'000

2.3B: Other payables

Statutory payable

-

3,677

Other

860

2,307

Total other payables

860

5,984

2.4 Interest Bearing Liabilities

2020

2019

$'000

$'000

2.4A: Leases

Lease Liabilities

Buildings

379,619

-

Total leases

379,619

-

Total cash outflow for leases for the year ended 30 June 2020 was $36,122,951

Accounting Policy

Lease Liabilities

Refer to Overview for accounting policy on leases.

3. Funding

This section identifies ASD’s funding structure.

3.1 Appropriations

3.1A: Annual appropriations ('Recoverable GST exclusive')

Annual Appropriations for 2019-20

Annual Appropriation1

Adjustment to Appropriation2

Total Appropriation

Appropriation applied in 2020 (Current and prior years)

Variance3

$'000

$'000

$'000

$'000

$'000

DEPARTMENTAL

Ordinary annual services

763,900

13,418

777,318

(711,247)

66,071

Capital budget

-

-

-

-

-

Other services

Equity Injection

176,836

-

176,836

(144,601)

32,235

Total departmental

940,736

13,418

954,154

(855,848)

98,306

Notes

1. No amounts of appropriation have been withheld under Section 51 of the PGPA Act.

2. Adjustments to appropriations comprise of PGPA Act Section 74 receipts. There were no transfers of current year appropriations under Section 75 of the PGPA Act.

3. The variance of departmental ordinary annual services primarily represents the timing difference of payments to suppliers and employees. The variance for departmental equity relates to the use of prior year unspent appropriations.

Annual Appropriations for 2018-19

Annual Appropriation

Adjustment to Appropriation1

Total Appropriation

Appropriation applied in 2019 (Current and prior years)

Variance2

$'000

$'000

$'000

$'000

$'000

DEPARTMENTAL

Ordinary annual services

740,726

14,269

754,995

(747,064)

7,931

Capital budget

-

-

-

-

-

Other services

Equity Injection

124,200

2,531

126,731

(124,200)

2,531

Total departmental

864,926

16,800

881,726

(871,264)

10,462

Ordinary annual services

Equity

$'000

$'000

Undrawn departmental annual appropriations 2018-19

57

-

Net GST payments made not yet recovered

2,284

-

Undrawn departmental annual appropriations 2017-18

5,590

2,531

Total

7,931

2,531

3.1B: Unspent annual appropriations ('recoverable GST exclusive')

2020

2019

$'000

$'000

DEPARTMENTAL

Operating

Act 1 2017-18

-

5,590

Act 3 2018-19

-

2,341

Act 1 2019-201

37,372

-

Act 3 2019-20

30,877

-

Total Operating

68,249

7,931

Equity

Act 4 2017-18

-

2,531

Act 4 2019-202

360

-

Total Equity

360

2,531

Total

68,609

10,462

Cash and cash equivalents

35,630

(2,245)

Total unspent annual appropriations

104,239

8,217

3.2 Net Cash Appropriation Arrangements

The Government funds ASD on a net cash appropriation basis, where appropriation revenue is not provided for depreciation and amortisation expenses.

ASD's accountability for its operating result is at its result net of unfunded depreciation and amortisation.

2020

2019

$'000

$'000

Total comprehensive income/(loss) - as per the Statement of Comprehensive Income

(81,098)

(20,013)

Plus: depreciation/amortisation expenses previously funded through revenue appropriation

89,747

60,027

Plus: depreciation on right-of-use assets

41,727

-

Less: principal repayments - leased assets

(31,037)

-

Total comprehensive income/(loss) net of depreciation/amortisation expenses previously funded through revenue appropriations

19,339

40,014

The inclusion of depreciation/amortisation expenses related to ROU leased assets and the lease liability principle repayment amount reflects the cash impact on implementation of AASB 16 Leases, it does not directly reflect a change in appropriation arrangements.

4. People and Relationships

4.1 Key Management Personnel Remuneration

Key management personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of ASD, directly or indirectly. The key management personnel of ASD are considered to be the:

  1. Minister for Defence;
  2. Director-General Australian Signals Directorate;
  3. Principal Deputy Director-General;
  4. Deputy Director-General Signals Intelligence & Network Operations
  5. Head of Australian Cyber Security Centre; and
  6. Deputy Director-General Corporate & Capability.

Key management personnel remuneration is reported in the table below.

2020

2019

$

$

Short-term employee benefits

2,061,740

2,174,679

Post-employment benefits

368,043

407,484

Long-term employee benefits

42,343

35,283

Total key management personnel remuneration expenses2

2,472,126

2,617,445

The total number of key management personnel that are included in the above table is 10 (2019: 5).

Notes

1. Note 4.1 is prepared on an accrual basis

2. The above key management personnel remuneration excludes the remuneration and other benefits of the Minister for Defence. The remuneration and other benefits of the Minister for Defence is set by the Remuneration Tribunal and is not paid by ASD.

4.2 Related Party Disclosures

Related party relationships:

ASD is an Australian Government controlled entity. Related parties to this entity are:

  1. Key Management Personnel (as detailed in Note 4.1);
  2. Spouse or domestic partners of (i);
  3. Children or dependents of (i);
  4. Entities, individually or jointly, controlled by the above individuals; and
  5. Other Australian Government entities.

Transactions with related parties:

Given the breadth of Government activities, related parties may transact with the government sector in the same capacity as ordinary citizens. These transactions have not been separately disclosed in this note.

Significant transactions with related parties can include:

  1. the payments of grants or loans;
  2. purchases of goods and services;
  3. asset purchases, sales transfers or leases;
  4. debts forgiven; and
  5. guarantees.

Giving consideration to relationships with related entities, and transactions entered into during the reporting period by the entity, it has been determined that there are no significant related party transactions to be separately disclosed.

5. Managing Uncertainties

5.1 Contingent Liabilities and Assets

Quantifiable Contingencies

As at 30 June 2020 there were no quantifiable contingent assets or liabilities (2019: nil).

Unquantifiable Contingencies

As at 30 June 2020 there were no unquantifiable contingent assets or liabilities (2019: nil).

Accounting Policy

Contingent liabilities and contingent assets are not recognised in the statement of financial position but are reported in the 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 disclosed when settlement is probable but not virtually certain and contingent liabilities are disclosed when settlement is greater than remote.

ASD applies Accounting Standard AASB 137 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets in determining disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.

5.2 Financial Instruments

2020

2019

Notes

$'000

$'000

5.2A: Categories of Financial Instruments

Financial assets at amortised cost

Cash and cash equivalents

2.1A

35,630

-

Trade and other receivables

2.1B

5,298

4,752

Total financial assets at amortised cost

40,928

4,752

Carrying amount of financial assets

40,928

4,752

Financial liabilities at amortised cost

Bank overdraft

-

2,245

Suppliers

90,848

38,145

Other payables

2.3B

860

5,983

Total financial liabilities at amortised cost

91,708

46,373

Carrying amount of financial liabilities

91,708

46,373

Carrying amount of financial liabilities is higher than financial assets as the financial assets do not include Appropriations and GST receivable (Note 2.1B).

Accounting Policy

Financial Assets

ASD classifies its financial assets in the following categories;

  1. financial assets at fair value through profit or loss;
  2. financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income; and
  3. financial assets measured at amortised cost.

The classification depends on both ASD's business model for managing the financial assets and contractual cash flow characteristics at the time of initial recognition. Financial assets are recognised when ASD becomes a party to the contract and, as a consequence, has a legal right to receive or a legal obligation to pay cash and derecognised when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or are transferred upon trade date.

(a) Financial Assets at Amortised Cost

Financial assets included in this category need to meet two criteria:

  1. the financial asset is held in order to collect the contractual cash flows; and
  2. the cash flows are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal outstanding amount.

Amortised cost is determined using the effective interest method.

(b) Effective Interest Method

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset and of allocating interest income over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.

Income is recognised on an effective interest rate basis for financial assets that are recognised at amortised cost.

(c) Impairment of Financial Assets

Financial assets are assessed for impairment at the end of each reporting period based on Expected Credit Losses, using the general approach which measures the loss allowance based on an amount equal to lifetime expected credit losses where risk has significantly increased, or an amount equal to 12-month expected credit losses if risk has not increased.

The simplified approach for trade, contract and lease receivables is used. This approach always measures the loss allowance as the amount equal to the lifetime expected credit losses. A write-off constitutes a derecognition event where the write-off directly reduces the gross carrying amount of the financial asset.

Financial Liabilities

Financial liabilities are classified as either financial liabilities ‘at fair value through profit or loss’ or other financial liabilities. Financial liabilities are recognised and derecognised upon ‘trade date’. Financial liabilities are derecognised when the obligation under the contract is discharged, cancelled or has expired.

(a) Financial Liabilities at Amortised Cost

Financial liabilities, including borrowings, are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs. These liabilities are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, with interest expense recognised on an effective interest basis.

Supplier and other payables 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).

2020

2019

$'000

$'000

5.2B: Net Gains or Losses on Financial Assets

Financial assets at amortised cost

Exchange gains/(losses)

765

1

Net gain/(loss) on financial assets at amortised cost

765

1

Net gain/(loss) on financial assets

765

1

There is no interest income from financial assets not at fair value through the net cost of services.

2020

2019

$'000

$'000

5.2C: Net Gains or Losses on Financial Liabilities

Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost

Exchange gains/(losses)

(793)

(162)

Net gain/(loss) financial liabilities measured at amortised cost

(793)

(162)

Net gain/(loss) on financial liabilities

(793)

(162)

There is no interest income from financial assets not at fair value through the net cost of services.

5.3 Fair Value Measurements

5.3A: Fair Value Measurement

Fair value measurements at the end of the reporting period

2020

2019

Notes

$000

$000

Non-financial assets

Buildings and infrastructure

2.2A

63,919

42,033

Heritage and cultural

2.2A

244

244

Plant and equipment

2.2A

290,638

262,257

Total non-financial assets fair value measurement

354,801

304,534

Accounting Policy

ASD's assets are held for operational purposes, not for the purposes of deriving a profit.

The different levels of the fair value are detailed below:

  • Level 1: Quote prices (unadjusted) in the active market for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at measurement date.
  • Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
  • Level 3: Unobservable inputs for an asset or liability.

In estimating the fair value of an asset or a liability, ASD uses market-observable data to the extent it is available. For level 2 and 3 inputs, ASD engages third party qualified valuers and internal experts to establish the appropriate valuation techniques and inputs to the models to ensure the valuations are in line with AASB 13.

ASD reviews all reports received from third party valuers and internal experts to ensure unobservable inputs used align with ASD's own assumptions and understanding of the market. This review includes investigation of significant fluctuations in the fair value of the assets and liabilities and that the report includes sufficient information to ensure compliance with AASB 13.

ASD deems transfers between levels of fair value hierarchy to have occurred when there has been a change to the inputs to the fair value measurement (for instance from observable to unobservable and vice versa) and the significance that the changed input has in determining the fair value measurement.

6. Other information

6.1 Restructuring

ASD became an independent statutory agency from 1 July 2018. As such, impacts related to the relevant machinery-of-government transfers are reflected in the comparatives.

6.1A: Restructuring in according to Section 75 of the PGPA Act

There were no restructures in 2019-20

2019

Defence

AGD

PMC

DTA

Total

$'000

$'000

$'000

$'000

$'000

FUNCTION ASSUMED

Assets recognised

Cash and cash equivalents

-

-

-

213

213

Trade and other receivables

296

10,086

72

-

10,454

Buildings and infrastructure

1,647

10,096

-

-

11,743

Plant and Equipment

199,886

1,389

-

26

201,301

Other Assets

244

-

-

-

244

Intangibles

30,352

71

-

-

30,423

Prepayments

30,586

1,485

-

-

32,071

Total assets recognised

263,011

23,127

72

239

286,449

Liabilities recognised

Suppliers payables

-

494

-

-

494

Employee Payables

-

-

-

10

10

Other Payables

-

1,677

-

-

1,677

Employee provisions

60,803

2,068

72

213

63,156

Total liabilities recognised

60,803

4,239

72

223

65,337

Net assets/(liabilities) recognised

202,208

18,888

-

16

221,112

1. In respect of functions assumed, the net book value of assets were transferred to ASD for no consideration.

6.2 Aggregate Assets and Liabilites

2020

2019

$'000

$'000

6.2A: Aggregate Assets and Liabitilities

Assets expected to be recovered in:

No more than 12 months

192,839

123,085

More than 12 months

801,431

329,468

Total assets

994.270

452,553

Liabilities expected to be settled in:

No more than 12 months

130,024

73,718

More than 12 months

444,301

53,536

Total liabilities

574,325

127,254