DefinitionsDefinitions

Definitions

Definitions for data reporting items required by this form have been provided where possible in the instructions under the section headed ‘Specific Instructions’.

Unit of measurement

Amounts denominated in foreign currency are to be converted to AUD in accordance with AASB 121 ‘The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates’.

The general requirements of AASB 121 ‘The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates’ are:

1. Foreign currency monetary items outstanding at the reporting date[1] must be translated at the spot rate[2] at the reporting date.

2. Foreign currency non-monetary items[3] that are measured at historical cost in a foreign currency must be translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction.

3. Foreign currency non-monetary items that are measured at fair value will be translated at the exchange rate at the date when fair value was determined.

Transactions arising under foreign currency derivative contracts at the reporting date must be prepared in accordance with AASB 139 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’. However, those foreign currency derivatives that are not within the scope of AASB 139 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’ (eg some foreign currency derivatives that are embedded in other contracts) remain within the scope of AASB 121 ‘The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates’.

For APRA purposes equity items must be translated using the foreign currency exchange rate at the date of investment or acquisition. Post acquisition changes in equity are required to be translated on the date of the movement.

As foreign currency derivatives are measured at fair value, the currency derivative contracts are translated at the spot rate at the reporting date.

Exchange differences should be recognised in profit and loss in the period which they arise. For foreign currency derivatives, the exchange differences would be recognised immediately in profit and loss if the hedging instrument is a fair value hedge. For derivatives used in a cash flow hedge, the exchange differences should be recognised directly in equity.

The ineffective portion of the exchange differences in all hedges would be recognised in profit and loss.

4. Translation of financial reports of foreign operations.

A foreign operation is defined in AASB 121 ‘The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates’ as meaning an entity that is a subsidiary, associate, joint venture or branch of a reporting entity, the activities of which are based or conducted in a country or currency other than those of the reporting entity.