RMGs are guidance documents. The purpose of an RMG is to support PGPA Act entities and companies in meeting the requirements of the PGPA framework. As guides, RMGs explain the legislation and policy requirements in plain English. RMGs support accountable authorities and officials to apply the intent of the framework. It is an official’s responsibility to ensure that Finance guidance is monitored regularly for updates, including changes in policy/requirements.
Audience
This guide applies to officers in Commonwealth reporting entities with responsibility for preparing financial statements under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Financial Reporting) Rule 2015 (FRR).
Key points
The financial statements of Commonwealth reporting entities are to be prepared in accordance with the FRR and the Australian Accounting Standards.
This guide provides:
- guidance for the disclosure of maturity information in financial statements, as required under section 34B of the FRR and Australian Accounting Standard AASB 101 Presentation of Financial Statements.
- illustrative examples for breaking-down total assets and liabilities for maturity information disclosures.
What are financial statements?
Financial statements are a means by which a Commonwealth entity’s accountable authority discharges its financial accountability. The Australian Government’s accountability is also supported by the preparation and audit of the Commonwealth Consolidated Financial Statements (CFS), which presents the consolidated whole-of-government financial results, inclusive of all Australian Government controlled entities.
The framework for preparing Commonwealth entity financial statements, and the CFS, includes standards and requirements that support the integrity and consistency of financial information, as established in the:
- Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act),
- Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Financial Reporting) Rule 2015 (FRR), made under the PGPA Act, which requires all Commonwealth entities to comply with the Australian Accounting Standards.
The disclosure of maturity information (that is, the expected realisation dates of assets and liabilities) in financial statements is useful for assessing entity liquidity and solvency.
