text:
2006-07 Annual Report
© Commonwealth of Australia 2007
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11 September 2007
The Hon Peter Costello MP
Parliament House
Dear Treasurer
I have pleasure in presenting to you the Annual Report of the Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation for the year ended 30 June 2007. The report has been prepared under section 9 of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 and in accordance with the Finance Minister's Orders made under that Act.
Subsection 9(3) of the Act provides that the report is to be tabled in each House of the Parliament as soon as practicable.
Yours sincerely
J I Gersh AM
Report from the Chair
It is with great pleasure I present ARPC's annual report for 2006-07.
ARPC's financial record over the past four years is highly satisfactory. Total revenue has grown from $19.740 million in 2003-04 to $115.698 million in 2006-07. Total gross written premium over the four years of the scheme's operation amounts to $355.922. As at 30 June 2007 the reserve for claims stood at $332.01 million, up from $18.16 million in 2003-04.
Investment income has also experienced significant growth: from $0.53 million in 2003-04 to $18.80 million in 2006-07. ARPC will continue to pursue a prudent investment policy consistent with its obligations under the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 and the need to ensure its funds are reasonably liquid if a call is made on them.
In addition to the increase in revenue and investment income, active treaty numbers have grown significantly. As at 30 June 2004, ARPC had 187 active treaties. That number had grown to 228 as at 30 June 2007.
ARPC will continue to ensure that insurance companies writing eligible insurance contracts are aware of the scheme established by the Terrorism Insurance Act 2003 and ARPC's role in administering the scheme. The educative role undertaken by ARPC will include a continuation of its program to ensure industry participants are aware of the effect of the refinements to the scheme introduced by the review undertaken in 2006. These refinements include progressively increased company and industry retentions and changes to the way reinsurance premiums are calculated on bundled insurance premiums.
Consistent with Government policy, the refinements to the scheme are designed to encourage the re-emergence of the commercial terrorism market. The next review of the scheme is due to be completed by June 2009 and it is likely that 2009 review will include an evaluation of the effect of the scheme as a whole and the recently introduced refinements on the commercial terrorism insurance market.
Neil Weeks and I continue to work together to ensure that contact is maintained with industry and Government bodies in Australia and with various bodies overseas which perform a function similar to that of ARPC.
To this end, the attendance of Mr Weeks at various meetings of the OECD Network on the Financial Management of Large-scale Catastrophes and the High Level Advisory Board to the Network provides opportunities for ARPC to increase its awareness of developments in other OECD countries. It also ensures that ARPC is a part of a global network pursuing projects on the financial management and compensation of large-scale disasters, covering natural catastrophes, accidental man-made disasters and terrorist acts.
I continue to attend meetings of the Business-Government Advisory Group on National Security. My membership of this body has strengthened ARPC's relationships with industry and Government bodies concerned with security issues.
The Statement of Expectations and Statement of Intent contemplated by the Review of the Corporate Governance of Statutory Authorities and Office Holders (the Uhrig Report) are discussed at Chapter 3. However, it is pleasing to note from the Statement of Expectations that the Government considers that ARPC is a high performing and responsive advisory body.
In this connection, I would like to take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge the Chief Executive, Mr Neil Weeks, and his team for their professionalism and dedication. I should also like to thank the Members of the Board, Andrew Lumsden, Marian Micalizzi, James Murphy, Margot Rathbone and Geoff Vogt for their outstanding contributions.
I look forward to working with my fellow Members, the CEO and ARPC employees to ensure that ARPC remains a high performance and responsive advisory body.
J I Gersh AM
11 September 2007
Report from the Chief Executive
ARPC has again enjoyed a successful year, both financially and operationally, and the annual report highlights its achievements.
The overview contained in Chapter 1 of the annual report includes a discussion on ARPC's role and functions, the structure of the scheme and how premiums are calculated. Chapter 2 highlights some income and exposure information. ARPC's commitment to good corporate governance practice is documented in Chapter 3. The general information provided in Chapter 4 includes statutory reporting requirements not published elsewhere in the report.
The refinements foreshadowed by the Terrorism Insurance Act Review: 2006 came into effect on 1 July 2007. ARPC continues to work to ensure that insurance companies which write eligible insurance contracts are aware of ARPC and the scheme it administers. In addition, ARPC has worked with clients and the wider industry to try to ensure that the implications of the refinements are understood. I wish to express my appreciation of the contribution of the industry, both to the design of the refinements and their implementation.
The refinements required amendments to be made to the reinsurance agreements between ARPC and its clients. Notices of amendment were issued to each client in March 2007. No other amendments have been made to the standard reinsurance agreement other than the modifications required to suit the particular circumstances of foreign insurers, dedicated insurance subsidiaries of corporate groups (captives) and Lloyd's syndicates.
During 2006-07 the cedant review program focussed on revisiting clients to discuss the implementation of recommendations made during the initial review. The program continues to produce positive results, for both ARPC and its clients. Consequently, ARPC intends to maintain the program. A new round of reviews will be designed for 2007-08 and those clients selected for review will be contacted to arrange a mutually convenient time for ARPC's review team to visit.
ARPC appreciates the opportunities afforded by the cedant review program for it to gain a greater understanding of the challenges faced by its clients, and for it to continue to inform and educate clients on ARPC and the operation of scheme.
The standard reinsurance agreement obliges each cedant to provide ARPC with an annual aggregate report. The report summarises the cedant's aggregate exposures to building, contents and business interruption risks at post code level. This information allows ARPC to analyse the distribution of exposure risk across Australia. The web-based submission of this information assists clients in the submission of the report and makes it easier for ARPC to analyse that data.
In addition to evaluating the annual aggregate reports, ARPC has undertaken considerable work towards developing loss estimation models which will enable it to estimate its potential exposure in the event of a declared terrorist incident. ARPC will continue to develop these models and will test the models using various disaster scenarios. ARPC will also foster alliances with industry bodies and other agencies which are undertaking similar work.
ARPC continues to publish its quarterly newsletter with a view to keeping clients and other stakeholders informed on ARPC, its operations and its product. The newsletter is posted on ARPC's website to ensure any interest party has easy access to relevant information.
I greatly appreciate the support and guidance afforded to me by the Chair and other Members. I also appreciate the confidence afforded to ARPC by the Government, clients and the industry more generally.
ARPC's success is due, in no small measure, to the hard work and dedication of its staff. To all staff members, I extend my thanks for your commitment and loyalty, both to the organisation and to me personally. I look forward to working with Members and my colleagues to ensure that ARPC maintains its high standards and good reputation.
N E Weeks
Chief Executive
11 September 2007
Report of operations
The Members of the Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation are pleased to present their annual report on the operations of the Corporation for the financial year ended 30 June 2007. This report is made in accordance with a resolution of the Members.
The Members are responsible under section 9 of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 for the preparation and content of the report of operations in accordance with the Finance Minister's Orders.
Signed for and on behalf of Members in accordance with a resolution of the Members.
J I Gersh AM
Chair 11 September 2007
A J Lumsden
Member and Chair of the Audit
and Compliance Committee
11 September 2007
Chapter 1: Overview
Role and functions
The Terrorism Insurance Act 2003 (TI Act) establishes a scheme for replacement terrorism insurance coverage for commercial property and business interruption. The scheme commenced on 1 July 2003.
The TI Act also establishes ARPC as a statutory authority to administer the scheme. ARPC began operations on 1 July 2003.
The terrorism reinsurance scheme established by the TI Act is the Government's response to the withdrawal of terrorism insurance cover following terrorist attacks around the world, particularly the events of 11 September 2001 in the United States of America. The scheme was introduced as a result of calls from the community for the Government to intervene in an area of clear market failure and after discussions with key industry stakeholders — including insurance and reinsurance companies, banks, representatives of property owners, industry associations, insurance brokers and actuaries.
Before introducing the scheme, the Government considered the broad economic impacts which could result from a large pool of assets uninsured for terrorism risk. The potential impacts included delaying commencement of investment projects and altering portfolio management decisions as banks and commercial property trusts became concerned with the amount of property without adequate cover. The Government was concerned that lack of comprehensive insurance cover for commercial property or infrastructure would lead to a reduction in financing and investment in the Australian property sector and that this would subsequently have wide economic impacts. These considerations led to the Government to conclude that intervention was necessary.
The Government decided that any intervention should be consistent with the need to:
- maintain, to the greatest extent possible, private sector provision of insurance;
- ensure that risk transferred to the Commonwealth is appropriately priced to minimise the impact on the Commonwealth's financial position;
- ensure that the Commonwealth is being compensated by those benefiting from the assistance;
- allow the commercial insurance and reinsurance markets to re-enter the market when they are able (that is, ensuring an appropriate exit strategy for Government); and
- be compatible with global solutions.
Consistent with the Government's intention that the scheme should operate only while terrorism insurance cover is unavailable commercially on reasonable terms, the TI Act includes a requirement for a review to be conducted, at least every three years, for the need for the TI Act to continue.
The first review was completed in June 2006. The review concluded that it appears unlikely that an adequate supply of terrorism risk insurance will return in the short to medium term in either the domestic or global markets at a reasonable price. Consequently, the Government accepted the recommendation that the TI Act continue in operation, subject to a further review in no more than three years. The next review is scheduled to be completed by 30 June 2009.
Legislative function
ARPC's function is to provide insurance cover for eligible terrorism losses (whether by entering into contracts or by other means).
ARPC has the power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection with the performance of its functions, including:
- the power to charge premiums in respect of contracts of insurance for which it is the insurer; and
- the power to charge fees for services that it provides in connection with the performance of its functions.
ARPC's mission is to ensure that:
- all insurers of eligible insurance contracts have the opportunity to reinsure with ARPC for eligible terrorism losses; and
- the commitments under the reinsurance agreements are met in a timely manner.
ARPC seeks to ensure that all issuers of eligible insurance contracts are aware of their exposure to eligible terrorism losses by virtue of the operation of the TI Act and that, if the exposure is not reinsured with ARPC, the insurer has made a conscious decision not to accept ARPC's offer of reinsurance.
A key objective is to ensure that ARPC is in a position to pay claims in an equitable and timely manner.
ARPC also considers that it should be in a position to advise on the magnitude of its probable losses in the event of a declared terrorist incident and, consequently, an appropriate reduction percentage.
With these ends in mind, ARPC has identified its objectives as:
- to promote the objectives of the TI Act;
- to meet the terrorism reinsurance needs of insurers writing eligible insurance contracts;
- to provide advice on current trends in the terrorism insurance market;
- to be in a position to pay claims efficiently in the event of a declared terrorist incident;
- to be in a position to accurately estimate the likely damage in the event of a declared terrorist incident and to give credible advice in relation to an appropriate reduction percentage;
- to operate successfully and efficiently;
- to be an employer of choice; and
- to assist in community based activities which employ and develop the professional skills of its staff.
The scheme
The TI Act effectively deems terrorism risk cover into eligible insurance contracts by rendering terrorism exclusions clauses void. Insurance companies may reinsure their additional risk with ARPC.
As terrorism exclusion clauses are rendered ineffective by the TI Act, payouts available to holders of eligible insurance contracts for terrorism losses depend on the underlying coverage in the eligible insurance contract. For example, if a terrorist act caused a fire, then a policyholder would be able to claim for subsequent loss if their insurance policy would normally cover damage from fire. Conversely, if a terrorist act involved biological contamination and the underlying insurance policy does not include cover for biological contamination, then the reinsurance provided by the scheme would not respond.
The compulsory application of the scheme to all eligible insurance contracts is essential to allow the accumulation of a credible pool of funds within a reasonable period. Universal terrorism insurance is also designed to avoid problems of undiversified risk (for example, insuring only high risk buildings) and uncertainty as to who will be eligible for compensation in the event of a declared terrorist incident.
Contracts of insurance covered by the scheme are those that provide insurance for:
- loss of, or damage to, eligible property that is owned by the insured;
- business interruption and consequential loss arising from:
- loss of, or damage to, eligible property that is owned or occupied by the insured; or
- inability to use eligible property, or part of eligible property, that is owned or occupied by the insured; and
- liability of the insured that arises out of the insured being the owner or occupier of eligible property.
The TI Act includes (at section 5) a definition of terrorist act. In order to have consistency across Commonwealth legislation, the definition draws on the meaning of terrorist act contained in the Criminal Code. The Minister, in consultation with the Attorney-General, determines whether a terrorist act has happened in Australia. Once that determination has been made the Minister will announce a declared terrorist incident under section 6 of the TI Act. Upon that declaration, the provisions of the TI Act in respect of eligible terrorism losses become effective.
The scheme covers eligible terrorism losses for any declared terrorist incident covered by an eligible insurance contract where the insurer has a reinsurance agreement with ARPC. The TI Act excludes from the definition of eligible terrorism losses any loss or liability arising from the hazardous properties (including radioactive, toxic or explosive properties) of nuclear fuel, nuclear material or nuclear waste.
Coverage is available for Commonwealth and State business enterprises as well as Commonwealth-owned airports leased commercially. As a result of the 2006 review the scheme has been extended to include all public authorities which have taken out commercial insurance. Farms benefit from cover for terrorism risk if they hold insurance against business interruption. Private residential property is not included in the scheme.
The Regulations also exclude certain other types of insurance coverage, including: marine insurance, aviation insurance, motor vehicle insurance, life insurance, health insurance, private mortgage insurance, medical indemnity insurance, and professional indemnity insurance.
The pool
Insurance companies which write eligible insurance contracts may reinsure through ARPC the risk of claims for eligible terrorism losses. Premium income will build up ARPC's first layer of funds available to cover claims from declared terrorist incidents. The pool is supplemented by a bank line of credit of $1 billion, underwritten by the Commonwealth, as well as a Commonwealth indemnity of $9 billion.
ARPC's exposure is effectively capped at $10 billion plus the accumulated reserve for claims. This is done by way of the declaration by the Treasurer of a reduction percentage under section 6 of the TI Act.
Reduction percentage
If the Minister considers that, in the absence of a reduction percentage, the total amounts paid or payable by the Commonwealth under the guarantee contained in section 35 of the TI Act would exceed $10 billion, then the announcement of a declared terrorist incident must be accompanied by the specification of a reduction percentage. The effect of a reduction percentage is to reduce the amounts payable under eligible insurance contracts as a result of eligible terrorism losses. The reduction percentage may be varied, but only by making it smaller.
Insurers who reinsure their terrorism risks through ARPC retain part of the risk of liability from a declared terrorist incident. As a result of the 2006 review, retentions have been increased. These increases take effect in three increments (respectively, from 1 July 2007, 1 July 2008 and 1 July 2009), as follows:
|Annual insurer retention
|Maximum industry retention per incident
|Pre 1 July 2007
|The lesser of $1 million or 4 per cent of fire and ISR premiums collected
|$10 million
|1 July 2007
|The lesser of $1 million or 4 per cent of fire and ISR premiums collected
|$25 million
|1 July 2008
|The lesser of $5 million or 4 per cent of fire and ISR premiums collected
|$50 million
|1 July 2009
|The lesser of $10 million or 4 per cent of fire and ISR premiums collected
|$100 million
The Ministerial direction in relation to these increases is discussed in Chapter 3.
Layers of the scheme
The scheme effectively provides a six-layer model that operates to spread the cost of any claims.
|First layer
|Policyholder's liability for some risk through a possible excess or deductible
|Second layer
|Retention of some risk by insurers
|Third layer
|Pool of premiums paid to ARPC for reinsurance
|Fourth layer
|Commercial line of credit for $1 billion funded by the pool of premiums
|Fifth layer
|Commonwealth indemnity for up to $9 billion
|Sixth layer
|Possible liability for some risk by policyholder, through the operation of the reduction percentage or policy limits
As noted above, a commercial policy holder retains some risk. For example:
- there may be an excess or deductible set in the insurance policy;
- a commercial policy holder will not receive a full payout under the insurance policy if a reduction percentage is specified; and
- the actual loss may be greater than the upper limit of cover provided by the policy.
The premium charged for reinsurance is determined by Ministerial direction. The premiums have been set having regard to the level of risk. There are three broad tiers based on geographic location and identified by postcode. Postcodes allocated to Tier A are those covering the CBD areas of Australian cities with a population of over 1 million (that is, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide). Postcodes allocated to Tier B are those covering the urban areas of all state capital cities and cities with a population of over 100,000 (that is, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Canberra, Newcastle, Central Coast of New South Wales, Wollongong, Hobart, Geelong, Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Townsville and Darwin). Postcodes allocated to Tier C are those postcodes not allocated to either Tier A or B.
Any property not on the mainland of Australia or Tasmania, but within the coastal sea of Australia within the definition included in section 3 of the TI Act, is Tier C.
Reinsurance premiums are calculated as a percentage of the reinsured's gross base premium in accordance with the following table. There is also provision to increase the percentage after a declared terrorist incident in order to finance ARPC's liabilities and rebuild the pool.
|Class of insurance
|Initial rate from 1 October 2003
per cent
|Maximum rate (after an event)
per cent
|Commercial property
|Business interruption
|Public liability
ARPC's premium and investment income is used to fund its operations and build the pool available to meet future claims. While the TI Act provides that the Minister may direct ARPC to pay dividends to the Commonwealth, no such payments have been required to date.
Premiums on bundled insurance policies
As a result of the 2006 review, a new Ministerial direction was issued instructing ARPC to charge reinsurance premiums on only those sections of a bundled insurance policy that exclude terrorism risks. A bundled insurance policy is one that:
- is comprised of two or more distinct covers that have been packaged or bundled together; and
- was offered on the basis that the insured must take out one or more of a number of covers offered; and
- precisely quantifies the premiums attributable to each cover comprising that contract of insurance; and
- contains covers that (if provided individually) would be an eligible insurance contract.
Organisational structure
The TI Act provides that the Members are the Chair and at least four, but not more than six, other Members. The Members are appointed by the Minister.
Mr Joseph Gersh AM, Chair — appointed 1 July 2003
Mr Andrew Lumsden — appointed 1 July 2003
Ms Marian Micalizzi — appointed 1 July 2003
Mr James Murphy — appointed 1 July 2003
Ms Margot Rathbone — appointed 25 April 2005
Mr Geoffrey Vogt — appointed 29 August 2005
Chief Executive
The TI Act provides for the appointment by ARPC of a Chief Executive. The Chief Executive is responsible for the management of the affairs of ARPC subject to the directions of, and in accordance with policies determined by, ARPC.
Other staff
ARPC may also employ those people it considers necessary for the performance of its functions and the exercise of its powers. As at 30 June 2006, ARPC had fifteen employees (including the Chief Executive). Twelve employees work full-time, two work part-time and one employee is on maternity leave. An organisational chart is attached at Appendix A.
Twelve employees are located in ARPC's Canberra office. Three employees are located in Sydney where ARPC shares premises with the Inspector-General of Taxation.
Chapter 2: Report on performance
Summary of financial information
Financial highlights
|Net premium revenue
|Acquisition costs
|Investment income
|Other income
|Revenues from government
|Other operating expenses
|Operating result
|Gross written premium
|Expense ratio
|Cash and cash equivalents
|Reserve for claims
ARPC's 2006-07 financial result continues to build on the impressive financial achievements produced by ARPC since its inception on 1 July 2003. In its four years of operation, ARPC has written a total of $355.922 million in gross written premium; generated $34.958 million in investment income; built its holdings of cash and investments to $354.508 million and the reserve for claims has grown to $332.010 million.
ARPC continues to prudently manage its financial resources in line with its statutory obligations and the objectives outlined in chapter 1.
Gross written premium
The gross written premium for the 2006-07 financial year was $94.729 million (2006: $103.204 million). The variation against the prior year's result was due mainly to two premium refunds totalling $5.782 million which, after investigation, ARPC agreed to refund. It should be noted the 2006-07 unclosed business estimate reduced to $22.430 million (2006: $24.294 million) as a result of the impact of the premium refunds.
The breakdown of gross written premium for 2006-07 is outlined in the following charts. ARPC will continue to monitor the quarterly returns, analysing the effects of market pricing on its gross written premium.
As at 30 June 2007 ARPC had 227 (2006: 221) active treaties in place. The gross written premium booked from the additional cedants was $0.331 million.
The proportion of Australian cedants increased slightly to 23 per cent while oversees cedants increased 1 per cent to 37 per cent, with corresponding reductions in the proportions of captives and Lloyd's syndicates.
There has been a slight reduction of 3 per cent in the proportion of gross written premium attributable to Australian cedants.
There was a slight variation in the collection pattern for tiers A, B and C with Tier A reducing by 2 per cent.
The relatively consistent pattern in the gross written premium collections is also apparent by State. NSW was the only state to register a decline (2 per cent) with both Victoria and Queensland registering a 1 per cent increase.
Investment income
The following table provides a breakdown of ARPC's investment income as at 30 June 2007.
Investment income for the period ended 30 June 2007
|Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)
|Cash at bank
|Fixed interest deposits
|Total RBA income
|External fund managers
|Cash at bank
|Fixed interest deposits
|Government (guaranteed securities)
|Total external fund managers income
|Total investment income
The growth in investment income continued to gather pace in 2006-07 with a result of $18.803 million (2005: $10.833 million). The major reasons for the increase were:
- the increasing size of the pool of funds;
- the continued increase in the use of fixed term deposits with the Reserve Bank of Australia;
- the appointment of a professional funds manager to manage a portion of funds on behalf of ARPC; and
- two increases in official interest rates during 2006-07.
The following table provides a breakdown of ARPC's cash and investment balances as at 30 June 2007.
Cash and investment balances as at 30 June 2007
|Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)
|Cash at bank
|Fixed interest deposits
|Total RBA cash and investments
|External fund manager
|Cash at bank
|Fixed interest deposits
|Government (guaranteed) securities
|Total external fund manager cash and investments
|Total cash and investments
ARPC manages its investments within a conservative framework. ARPC's objectives are to ensure that:
- the investment strategy complies with the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 in relation to investing ARPC's surplus funds, including all investments being held in ARPC's name;
- capital stability of the funds is maintained;
- funds are available at short notice; and
- the fund is returning a rate of return acceptable to the Board. The Board approved benchmark return for ARPC is the official cash rate.
In May 2006 the Board approved allocation of $100 million was transferred to the external fund manager with a subsequent allocation of $50 million approved and transferred in May 2007. All bank accounts managed by the external fund manager are held in ARPC's name.
In 2005-06 ARPC received advice from the Department of Finance and Administration, the Australian Government Solicitor, the Department of the Treasury and the Australian National Audit Office that the arrangement with the external fund manager complies with section 18 of the CAC Act.
ARPC's expense ratio for 2006-07 was 4.53 per cent (2006: 3.87 per cent). The increase is attributable to the following:
- a reduction in the net premium revenue;
- an increase in employee expenses represented by an additional staff member, part-time staff increasing the hours worked and general pay reviews;
- additional expenses relating to the development of the loss exposure model and the expensing of deferred acquisition costs from 2005-06; and
- an increase in the depreciation and amortisation expense.
ARPC continues to tightly control expenses, ensuring it receives value for money from its service providers and is in a position to meet its statutory obligations.
Influences on future performance
The reinsurance premiums collected by ARPC are dependent on the underlying premiums charged by its cedants. Any softening of those underlying premiums will have a negative effect on ARPC's premium income.
ARPC relies on its cedants to return the correct amount in reinsurance premiums. The incorrect calculation of premiums could have a negative effect on ARPC's premium income. ARPC's cedant review program addresses, inter alia, the identification of eligible insurance contracts for the purpose of ceding terrorism reinsurance premium to ARPC and premium calculation and remittance.
Any movement in interest rates will have an impact on ARPC's investment income.
Exposure Risk Management
ARPC objective
One of ARPC's objectives is to be in a position to accurately estimate its likely exposures in the event of a declared terrorist incident (DTI) and to give credible advice in relation to an appropriate reduction percentage.
The Government also expects ARPC to seek to be in a position to advise the responsible Treasury Minister of likely costs to ARPC in the event of a DTI. The Statement of Expectations received from the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer is discussed in Chapter 3.
When ARPC first entered the terrorism reinsurance market in July 2003, it did not have the ability to estimate losses from a potential terrorist attack. To address this issue ARPC implemented a strategy to enable it to develop the capability to accurately estimate its possible exposures in the event of a DTI and provide credible advice to the Government on an appropriate reduction percentage.
Details of the work undertaken by ARPC to meet its objective and fulfil the Government's expectations follow.
ARPC risk aggregator system
Each cedant is required under clause 10(b) of the reinsurance agreement to provide an annual aggregate report. The report summarises the cedant's aggregate exposure amounts at a post code level and is split into buildings, contents and business interruptions risks. This exposure information is considered important in allowing ARPC to analyse the distribution of exposure risk across Australia.
A web-based reporting system was developed to facilitate the submission of reports by cedants and allow ARPC to quickly obtain reports based on the large volume of data provided by cedants.
The following charts provide an overview of ARPC's total exposure for 2006 based on information provided by cedants. The largest gross exposure is recorded in Tier B at 53 per cent, with Tier A accounting for 13 per cent.
There is a general correlation between the aggregate exposure by State and the premium collection by State. Victoria cedes 24 per cent of premium and represents 20 per cent of aggregate exposure, while NSW cedes 35 per cent of premium and represents 41 per cent of aggregate exposure.
Initial loss estimation model
One of ARPC's first priorities was to build a loss estimation model. The initial modelling work was completed in conjunction with Finity Consulting.
This model uses average floor area values for high rise buildings, the expected contents values by floor, an average business interruption figure and the known maximum public liability sum insured.
No further development is expected to be undertaken on this model.
MapInfo loss estimation modelARPC progressed from its initial model to the Mapinfo model. The Mapinfo system is a spatial application that captures and graphically displays geographical details and other relevant information.
Through its good relationships with cedants, ARPC sought and received detailed information from selected cedants. This data has been geo-coded in MapInfo and utilised in scenario tests.
ARPC will approach cedants again during 2007-08 seeking updated data. ARPC recognises and appreciates that cedants provide this information on a voluntary and confidential basis.
Additional work will be undertaken to incorporate damage foot-prints into the MapInfo database.
Continued development
During 2006-07 Risk Frontiers of Macquarie University commenced work on an enhanced loss estimation model. This model incorporates the main characteristics of the MapInfo system plus data for some capital city centres and will eventually have the capacity to model other exposures such as associated business interruption from major infrastructure losses. ARPC is working with Risk Frontiers and Finity Consulting to ensure the reasonableness of the assumptions on which the model is built.
Stage 1 of this model has been completed. The model superimposes damage footprints over CBD cadastral maps and calculates estimated loss values for each land parcel. The loss estimate is then fine-tuned by adjusting the damage footprint based on actual damage reported from the subject locations. Estimates can be categorised between buildings, contents, business interruption and public liability. Additional development will continue to extend and enhance the model.
ARPC will continue to foster co-operative relationships within the industry and government to fully utilise available expertise and resources in the development of its loss estimation modelling capabilities.
Outcomes and outputs
ARPC measures itself against the objectives (both financial and non-financial) identified in its business plan. The business planning process is conducted towards the end of each financial year and measures the outcomes from the current financial year and sets targets for the coming financial year. The business plan is presented to the Members for discussion and endorsement at their last meeting in the current financial year, which is usually scheduled for the last week in June.
ARPC has developed a balanced scorecard as a means of measuring its financial and non-financial performance. The components of the balanced scorecard are:
- financial;
- corporate governance;
- growth;
- monitoring service level agreements;
- human resource management;
- client satisfaction; and
- social/community.
Within each component, key performance indicators measure ARPC's performance against set targets.
The balanced scorecard is produced and issued monthly. It is included in the Chief Executive's report to the Board.
Awareness campaign
Since its inception ARPC has undertaken, and will continue, an extensive industry awareness campaign to ensure that all insurers are aware of the scheme and their obligations under it and to offer reinsurance contracts to all those insurers which write eligible insurance contracts. The awareness campaign includes initiating and maintaining contact with industry bodies, delivering presentations and addresses to industry bodies and individual insurers and conducting an advertising campaign both in Australia and overseas.
ARPC will continue to communicate its offer of reinsurance to the market by giving presentations to local bodies such as the Insurance Council of Australia, Reinsurance Discussion Group, the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance and at other forums it considers appropriate. Contact with foreign insurers and captives have been made by way of industry advertisements and presentations given to overseas markets and brokers.
ARPC has worked closely with the industry and clients to ensure there is awareness of the changes made to the scheme as a result of the Terrorism Insurance Act Review: 2006. ARPC will do as much as it can to assist clients in their understanding of the impact any changes may have on their business. This cedant review program is a vital tool in the provision of this assistance by ARPC to individual insurance companies.
Market coverage
Through the feedback received from the awareness campaign and the cedant review program, ARPC is confident that all insurers which write eligible insurance contracts have had the opportunity to reinsure their terrorism risk with ARPC.
A number of companies have entered into reinsurance agreements with ARPC but do not remit premium. This is due to an element of retrospectivity in ARPC's standard reinsurance agreement. If a company has a contract of reinsurance with ARPC and incurs a liability solely because of section 8 of the TI Act, it is entitled to cover under the reinsurance agreement provided it complies with the terms of the agreement and pays the relevant premium (whether or not it was obvious or apparent that the contract under which it incurs a liability was an eligible insurance contract under the TI Act).
Significant events
No significant events occurred during the year which required notification to the Minister under section 15 of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997.
There have been no developments since the end of the 2006-07 financial year which has significantly affected or may significantly affect:
- ARPC's operations in future financial years;
- the results of those operations in future financial years; or
- ARPC's state of affairs in future financial years.
Chapter 3: Management and accountability
Corporate governance
ARPC has a part-time non-executive Chair and five other part-time non-executive Members. All Members are appointed by the Minister.
The Members who held office at the date of this report, and during the period covered by this report, are:
Mr Joseph Gersh AM, Chair — appointed 1 July 2003 (current term expires 30 June 2009);
Mr Andrew Lumsden — appointed 1 July 2003 (current term expires 30 June 2009);
Ms Marian Micalizzi — appointed 1 July 2003 (current term expires 30 June 2009);
Mr James Murphy — appointed 1 July 2003 (current term expires 24 April 2008);
Ms Margot Rathbone — appointed 25 April 2005 (current term expires 24 April 2008); and
Mr Geoff Vogt — appointed 29 August 2005 (current term expires 28 August 2008).
There were six meetings of Members held during 2006-07. The table below sets out the number of meetings attended by each Member.
|Number of meetings entitled to attend
|Number of meetings attended
|Mr Joseph Gersh AM
|Mr Andrew Lumsden
|Ms Marian Micalizzi
|Mr James Murphy
|Ms Margot Rathbone
|Mr Geoff Vogt
Corporate governance practices
ARPC is committed to following corporate governance best practice. To this end, it monitors developments in corporate governance from a range of sources, including the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) and the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO). While ARPC is not regulated by APRA, it considers that APRA's standards for general insurers represent best practice and benchmarks itself against those standards.
ARPC has documented its corporate governance framework in a board charter, the terms of reference of its committees and the delegations to the Chief Executive.
While ARPC is not bound by the ASX's Principles of Good Corporate Governance and Best Practice Recommendations, it has used those principles as benchmarks to evaluate its corporate governance practices. The principles below are those contained in the ASX' Principles of Good Corporate Governance and Best Practice Recommendations released in March 2003. The second edition of the principles (Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations) released on 2 August 2007 will be reviewed by ARPC during 2007-08. While the effective date for the revised principles is an entity's first financial year commencing on or after 1 January 2008, ARPC intends to report against the revised principles in its 2007-08 annual report.
Principle 1 — Lay solid foundations for management and oversight
- The roles and responsibilities of Members have been documented in a board charter.
- The charter was reviewed by Members in 2006-07.
- The delegation of powers and functions to the Chief Executive has been documented in a delegations authority.
- Certain matters are reserved for Members.
Principle 2 — Structure the board to add value
- A majority of Members are independent.
- The Chair is an independent Member.
- Different individuals exercise the roles of Chair and Chief Executive.
- A nominations committee is not necessary because the TI Act provides that Members are appointed by the responsible Minister.
Principle 3 — Promote ethical and responsible decision-making
- The Members have adopted a code of conduct which is documented in the board charter.
- Employees are bound by ARPC's code of conduct and values which have been formally documented.
- ARPC's fraud control plan gives guidance on the responsibility and accountability of employees for reporting and investigating reports of unethical practices.
Principle 4 — Safeguard integrity in financial reporting
- The Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer state in writing to the Members that the financial reports present a true and fair view, in all material respects, of ARPC's financial condition and operational results and are in accordance with relevant accounting standards.
- An audit and compliance committee has been established.
- The audit and compliance committee consists of a majority of independent Members.
- The chair of the audit and compliance committee is an independent Member who is not the chair of the board.
- The committee has formal terms of reference.
Principle 5 — Make timely and balanced disclosure
- Media releases, announcements and ARPC's annual report are available on its website.
- ARPC's annual report is given to the responsible Minister and tabled in both Houses of Parliament in accordance with the provisions of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997.
Principle 6 — Respect the rights of shareholders
- ARPC does not have shareholders. However, it maintains good working relationships with its stakeholders (clients and government).
Principle 7 — Recognise and manage risk
- ARPC has documented its risk management policy and strategy.
- It has identified, assessed and documented its risks and has policies in place to minimise and manage those risks.
- The Chief Executive and the Chief Financial Officer state to the Members in writing that:
- the statement given by them regarding the integrity of the financial statements is founded on a sound system of risk management and internal compliance and control which implements the policies adopted by the Members; and
- ARPC's risk management and internal compliance and control system is operating efficiently and effectively in all material respects.
Principle 8 — Encourage enhanced performance
- During 2006-07 the Members conducted an internal evaluation of their performance. The evaluation addressed such issues as strategy and planning, board structure and role, meeting effectiveness, quality of information and performance monitoring.
- The results of that review were discussed at the board meeting held on 24 April 2007.
- The Members assess the performance of the Chief Executive against key performance indicators.
- The Chief Executive has designed a performance management system for all other staff members, including senior management.
Principle 9 — Remunerate fairly and responsibly
- Members' remuneration is determined by the Remuneration Tribunal.
- Remuneration packages for employees are determined having regard to salaries payable for similar positions within the public and private sectors.
Principle 10 — Recognise the legitimate interests of stakeholders
- ARPC regularly consults those with an interest in its operations, including industry associations, government agencies and clients.
Right to legal advice
With the consent of the Chair, Members have the right to seek independent advice, including legal, accounting and financial advice, at ARPC's expense. The terms of reference of each committee authorises the committee to take whatever independent advice it considers necessary.
ARPC has established two committees, the Audit and Compliance Committee and the Risk Committee. Both committees have terms of reference which were approved and adopted by Members. The terms of reference govern the powers, composition, duties and responsibilities of each committee and the conduct of committee meetings. The terms of reference of each committee were reviewed by Members during 2005-06.
Audit and Compliance Committee
The purpose of the Committee is to:
- assist the Board to:
- fulfil its responsibilities in relation to ARPC's accounting and financial reporting obligations;
- comply with ARPC's statutory obligations;
- oversee the work of the internal auditors; and
- provide a forum for communication between Members, the senior management of ARPC, the internal auditor and ANAO.
The members of the Committee are:
Mr Andrew Lumsden, Chair;
Ms Marian Micalizzi; and
Mr James Murphy.
There were three meetings of the Committee held during 2006-07. The table below sets out the number of meetings attended by each Committee member.
|Number of meetings entitled to attend
|Number of meetings attended
|Mr Andrew Lumsden
|Ms Marian Micalizzi
|Mr James Murphy
Risk Committee
The purpose of the Committee is to:
- review and endorse ARPC's risk management framework to ensure that appropriate strategies are in place for identification, assessment and mitigation of risk;
- identify and understand the risks faced by ARPC in meeting its goals;
- ensure that management monitors the effectiveness of the risk management and control system; and
- encourage the adoption of an effective risk management culture within ARPC.
The Members consider that risk is a matter for the board as a whole. However, a Risk Committee has been established to ensure that risk is considered as a separate issue and not merely as another agenda item at a meeting of Members. All Members are members of the Committee and one of its main tasks is to review (at least annually) ARPC's risk management strategy.
There were two meetings of the committee held during 2006-07. The table below sets out the number of meetings attended by each Committee member.
|Number of meetings entitled to attend
|Number of meetings attended
|Mr Joseph Gersh AM
|Mr Andrew Lumsden
|Ms Marian Micalizzi
|Mr James Murphy
|Ms Margot Rathbone
|Mr Geoff Vogt
Uhrig report
On 6 March 2006 ARPC received a letter from the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer advising that the assessment of the governance arrangements for ARPC against the principles and templates outlined in the Review of the Corporate Governance of Statutory Authorities and Office Holders (the Uhrig report) had been completed. The outcome of the assessment is that the board template and the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 will continue to apply to ARPC.
ARPC received a Statement of Expectations from the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer on 3 May 2007. The statement outlined the Government's expectations of ARPC in the areas of its role and responsibilities, its relationships with the Minister, Treasury and clients, transparency and accountability, operational issues and its contribution to the review process required by the TI Act. ARPC responded to the Statement of Expectations with its Statement of Intent which was issued by the Chair on 24 July 2007.
The statement of intent outlines how ARPC intends to undertake its operations and how its approach to operations will be consistent with the Government's expectations. There is no inconsistency between the Government's expectations as outlined in the Statement of Expectations and ARPC's approach to its operations as outlined in the Statement of Intent.
The Statement of Expectations is attached at Appendix B and the Statement of Intent is attached at Appendix C. Both statements are published on ARPC's website under the 'Corporate Governance' navigation aid.
Code of conduct
The Members have adopted a code of conduct by which they have agreed to be bound. The code provides that Members must:
- exercise the powers and discharge the duties of office:
- with due care and diligence;
- in good faith in the best interests of ARPC; and
- for a proper purpose;
- not improperly use their position;
- not improperly use information gained as a result of holding the position;
- act honestly and ethically;
- not allow personal interests, or the interests of any other person or organisation, to influence their conduct;
- bring an independent judgment to bear on all matters considered by the board;
- not engage in conduct likely to discredit ARPC;
- treat fellow Members and ARPC's employees with courtesy and respect; and
- comply with the spirit, as well as the letter, of the law.
Internal audit
ARPC has appointed Ernst & Young as its internal auditors. Ernst & Young undertook the following audit work for ARPC during 2006-07:
- a high level review of ARPC's business continuity plan against ANAO and global best practice;
- a review of ARPC's investment strategy and policy;
- a review of the premium collection process; and
- an administrative functions review, including management of ARPC's service level agreement with Treasury.
During 2005-06, and in consultation with management and the Audit and Compliance Committee, Ernst & Young developed an internal audit program for 2006-2009. In addition to general audit management, the detailed plan for 2007-08 provides for the following audit reviews to be undertaken:
- the preparedness of ARPC to respond to a terrorist incident;
- a review of ARPC's business risk assessments and mitigation strategies;
- ARPC's investment controls;
- the premium collection process, including IT security;
- ARPC's procurement and contracting policies; and
- the quality and timeliness of management reports to the Board.
Risk management
During 2006-07 ARPC reviewed its risk management policy and risk management strategy. It also updated its risk register after reviewing the identification, assessment and mitigation strategies developed in 2005-06. The updated risk register was tabled at the Risk Committee meeting held on 24 April 2007.
Risk identification, assessment and analysis will be conducted for any proposed new project, business process or system. Mitigation strategies will be developed for any risk identified and the risk register will be updated to include newly identified risks.
During 2007-08 ARPC will conduct a workshop to review its identified risks and the effectiveness of its mitigation strategies.
Business continuity
During 2006-07 a new business impact analysis was conducted. From that analysis ARPC updated its business continuity plan. Ernst & Young reviewed the plan against ANAO standards and global best practice.
Development and testing of the business continuity plan will continue during 2007-08 and it will be reviewed as part of the 2008-09 internal audit program.
Promoting an ethical working environment
Employees are bound by ARPC's code of conduct and values which have been formally documented.
ARPC promotes an ethical work environment by which it encourages staff to:
- strive for excellence;
- value teamwork, consultation and sharing ideas;
- value diversity among its people;
- treat everyone with respect;
- exhibit honesty in all their dealings; and
- treat colleagues with fairness.
With assistance from Ernst & Young, and in accordance with the Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines (2002), ARPC developed a fraud control plan. The plan includes policies, procedures and guidelines to advise staff of the steps to be taken if a fraud is suspected or a breach of ARPC's code of conduct is alleged. The policies include whistleblower protection.
The plan will be reviewed during 2007-08 and fraud awareness training will be conducted.
Cedant review program
ARPC's cedant review program was introduced with the intention of assisting clients to meet their obligations under the reinsurance agreement. The philosophy behind the program is to further strengthen the relationship between ARPC and its clients. This is achieved by assisting clients to raise their awareness of the processes involved in the identification of eligible insurance contracts, premium calculation, premium remittance, aggregate reporting and claims procedures. ARPC has found all clients to be extremely receptive, helpful and co-operative. The program has achieved its objective of enhancing the collegiate relationship between ARPC and its clients.
In the first two years of the program, reviews of all Australian, New Zealand, Singaporean and Irish cedants as well as many Lloyd's syndicates were conducted. The results of the reviews revealed few systemic problems. Consequently, ARPC changed the focus of the program. During 2006-07 the program concentrated on revisiting cedants where agreement has been reached about the implementation of recommendations made during the initial review. This stage of the program is expected to be completed in 2007-08.
Because of the positive outcomes achieved by the cedant review program, ARPC intends to maintain the program. To this end, a new program will be designed with a view to continuing to foster the positive relationships ARPC has developed with clients.
Members' appointment and remuneration
Members are appointed in writing by the Minister. All appointments are on a part-time basis and the period of appointment must not exceed four years. The Minister must not appoint a person as a Member unless the Minister is satisfied that the person:
- has suitable qualifications and experience; and
- is of good character.
Members' remuneration is set by the Remuneration Tribunal.
Role of the responsible Minister
The Minister responsible for ARPC is the Treasurer, the Hon Peter Costello, MP. The Minister appoints ARPC's members.
Members will continue to report formally to the Minister through their annual report of operations.
The TI Act permits the Minister to give written directions to ARPC in relation to the performance of its functions and the exercise of its powers. The Minister issued two new directions to ARPC during the year ended 30 June 2007. Effective from 1 July 2007, the new directions replaced the Ministerial directions issued on 30 September 2003.
The directions in force for the 2006-07 financial year and their effect are set out below.
- A direction in respect of the risk to be retained by reinsureds. The effect of this direction is that for all declared terrorist incidents which occur during the same financial year, the risk to be retained by a reinsured is an amount equal to the lesser of $1 million or 4 per cent of the gross fire/industrial special risks premium revenue. If all retentions in respect of a single declared terrorist incident would otherwise exceed $10 million, the retentions will be reduced proportionately. The effect of this reduction is to limit the retention for all reinsureds in relation to a single declared terrorist incident to $10 million.
- A direction in respect of premiums. The effect of this direction is to set the premium rates to be charged by ARPC under its reinsurance contracts. The rates are set as a percentage of the gross base premium written by a reinsured in respect of eligible insurance contracts according to the postcode tier in which the eligible property is situated.
The directions in force from 1 July 2007and their effect are set out below.
- A direction in respect of the risk to be retained by reinsureds.
The effect of this direction is that for all declared terrorist incidents which occur during the same financial year, the risk to be retained by a reinsured is an amount equal to the lesser of the default figure, 4 per cent of the gross fire/industrial special risks premium revenue or the minimum retention. If all retentions in respect of a single declared terrorist incident would otherwise exceed the maximum industry retention, the retentions will be reduced proportionately. The effect of this reduction is to limit the retention for all reinsureds in relation to a single declared terrorist incident to the maximum industry retention.
The default figure is to increase progressively as follows:
1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008 — $1 million
1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009 — $5 million
occurring after 30 June 2009 — $10 million
The minimum retention is set at $100,000.
The maximum industry retention is to increase progressively as follows:
1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008 — $25 million
1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009 — $50 million
occurring after 30 June 2009 — $100 million
- A direction in respect of premiums.
The effect of this direction is to set the premium rates to be charged by ARPC under its reinsurance contracts. The rates are set as a percentage of the gross base premium written by a reinsured in respect of eligible insurance contracts according to the postcode tier in which the eligible property is situated. The direction also instructs ARPC to charge reinsurance premiums on only those sections of a bundled insurance policy that exclude terrorism risks.
The responsible Minister has not notified ARPC of any general policies of the Australian Government that are to apply to ARPC by virtue of section 28 of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997.
Chapter 4: General information
Human resource management
All employees are employed on fixed term contracts. The fixed terms contracts of all employees, other than the Chief Executive, are due to expire on 30 June 2009. This date coincides with the date on which the next review of ARPC and its legislation is likely to occur. These employees also benefit from individual Australian workplace agreements which sets out the employee's terms and conditions of employment.
The Chief Executive is employed on an individual fixed term contract. His term of office is due to expire on 31 March 2009.
ARPC has outsourced many of its human resource management functions to Treasury through a service level agreement. The functions outsourced include payroll, occupational health and safety and recruitment procedures.
ARPC's performance management system is a tool to assist ARPC to improve its organisation capability. It provides a mechanism for performance review and feedback, coaching, skills development, reward and recognition.
There is one formal appraisal in each year. An informal discussion is conducted between formal appraisals. The purpose of this discussion is to consider how the employee is performing against the benchmarks agreed at the formal appraisal, to identify any impediments to performance and means to overcome those impediments.
In additional to the formal and informal appraisals, managers assist employees by providing regular feedback and coaching and by identifying and encouraging appropriate career development opportunities.
Training and development
ARPC recognises the value of investing in employee and career development to maximise the performance of ARPC and its attractiveness as an employer.
ARPC is committed to employee training and development including leadership development, skills development training and relevant technical training and support. It also supports employee attendance at industry conferences, seminars and external courses.
ARPC provides support, in the form of leave and financial assistance, to employees undertaking part time courses of study that will enhance their contribution to ARPC. Studies assistance is an integral part of ARPC's human resources strategy, as it responds to the employee development needs identified through such means as corporate planning, performance management and career development processes.
ARPC has an agreement with the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance, a leading provider of insurance education, training and professional services, to provide employees with an online learning facility InSite. The InSite Continuing Education and Learning Management System has been developed specifically to address the ongoing education and training requirements in the financial services reform environment. ARPC encourages employees to use the InSite learning facility to further develop their knowledge in insurance and finance.
Occupational health and safety
ARPC is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all its employees. It will take all reasonable, practical, effective and efficient steps to do so.
ARPC's occupational health and safety (OH&S) function has been outsourced to Treasury through a service level agreement. Treasury's OH&S policy is designed to foster and maintain a safe and healthy working environment in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991. One of ARPC's employees is a member of Treasury's OH&S Committee. The OH&S Committee meets quarterly to discuss occupational health and safety issues and policies, employee wellbeing, health and safety performance reporting, accommodation issues and accident and incident reports.
During 2006-07, ARPC received no accident or incident reports which resulted in a compensation claim. ARPC's policy is to thoroughly investigate all reported incidents and to take action to ensure employee health and safety is not compromised.
During 2006-07, no directions were given under section 45 and no notices were given under sections 29, 46 or 47 of the Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991.
ARPC's health and safety representative conducts quarterly workplace inspections to identify and help rectify workplace hazards such as slippery walking surfaces, poor lighting and obstructed passageways. Reports on these inspections are given to Treasury's OH&S Officer.
ARPC employees have access to Treasury's employee assistance program provided by Davidson Trahaire Corpsych. This program provides confidential counselling on work-related and personal matters to employees and their families. Six-monthly reports allow Treasury's OH&S Committee to monitor use and identify workplace issues that need addressing. The employee assistance program also provides managerAssistTM, a consultative resource for employee management issues including advice on people management.
Free flu vaccinations were offered to employees during 2006-07.
Workplace diversity
Workplace diversity program
ARPC's workplace diversity and equal employment opportunity policies are covered by its service level agreement with Treasury.
ARPC is committed to implementing workplace diversity. As part of this commitment, ARPC will implement the strategies and initiatives of Treasury's Workplace Diversity Program which seeks to foster an environment that attracts, develops, values and retains people from varying cultural backgrounds as well as those of different ages, gender, talents, experiences, perspectives and backgrounds.
In implementing the workplace diversity program ARPC will seek to:
- ensure all employees practise and promote workplace diversity principles and objectives;
- ensure the recruitment process reflects workplace diversity principles;
- promote an environment where all employees are given the opportunity to develop to their full potential;
- create an environment where employees have the opportunity to balance their work and personal life style choices; and
- encourage and support a safe and healthy working environment.
ARPC has a number of family friendly and work/life balance practices, including flexible working arrangements and leave. In 2005-06, three of ARPC's 13 employees worked part-time.
Disability action plan
ARPC provides reinsurance to insurers writing eligible insurance contracts. Its role requires limited contact with the general public and it does not formulate policy. However, ARPC recognises the necessity of ensuring that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to access information regarding its activities and to have access to its premises as appropriate.
As an equal employment opportunity employer, ARPC recognises the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities are able to access information about employment opportunities with ARPC, and are able to compete for such opportunities on an equal basis through the merit selection process.
ARPC has adopted and applies the principles contained in Treasury's Disability Action Plan.
Indemnities and insurance premiums for officers
ARPC has entered into a deed of indemnity with each of its Members. The indemnity is consistent with the requirements of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 in relation to such indemnities.
During the year, ARPC maintained and paid premiums for insurance covering Members and certain employees. The premium paid for the insurance, which includes liability for legal costs, was $67,566.43 (2006: $ $26,691.58).*
Judicial and administrative decisions and reviews
During the year ended 30 June 2007, there were no judicial decisions or reviews by outside bodies (other than ANAO's report on the financial statements) affecting ARPC of which it is aware.
Ecologically sustainable development
ARPC implements strategies designed to minimise waste and conserve energy.
ARPC recycles paper products, cardboard products and used toner cartridges.
Freedom of information
There were no freedom of information requests during the year ended 30 June 2007. The following statements are made as required by section 8 of the Freedom of Information Act 1982.
Functions, organisation and powers
ARPC's functions and powers are detailed in Chapter 1. An organisation chart is contained in Appendix 1.
Arrangements for outside participation
People or organisations outside ARPC may participate in policy formulation or the administration of its enactments by making representations to the Treasurer or to ARPC.
In addition, employees of ARPC meet regularly with industry bodies, clients and other interested parties outside the Australian Government for discussions on various matters.
ARPC documents and publications
ARPC produces a number of publications aimed at informing clients and others of ARPC and its functions. Key publications in 2006-07 included:
- 2005-06 Annual Report;
- a paper entitled Financial Management of Catastrophes in Australia by Neil Weeks — this paper formed the basis of Mr Weeks' presentation to the OECD International Network on the Financial Management of Large-scale Catastrophes held in Hyderabad, India on 26-27 February 2007;
- Terrorism Insurance Scheme — a brochure outlining the basis of the scheme;
- a brochure of frequently asked questions; and
- Under the Cover — a quarterly electronic newsletter distributed to clients and other stakeholders.
Facilities for access
Facilities for inspecting documents are provided at ARPC's head office at:
Level 2 London Court
13 London Circuit
Access may also be given at our Sydney office by prior arrangement.
Freedom of information procedures and initial contact point
Inquiries concerning access to documents or other matters relating to freedom of information should be directed to:
Chief Executive
Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation
GPO Box 3024
Tel: 02 6279 2100
Fax: 02 6279 2111
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
For the html version of Appendix B & C please visit http://arpc.gov.au/?p=3025
* The difference in premium is explained by the fact that a decision was taken in 2005-06 to align the expiry dates of all ARPC's insurance policies to 30 June in each year. Consequently, the premium paid in 2005-06 was for the period 12 March 2006 to 30 June 2006.
Chapter 5: Financial statements
Statement by Members and Chief Executive
In our opinion, the attached financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2007 have been prepared based on properly maintained financial records and give a true and fair view of the matters required by the Finance Minister's Orders made under the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997.
In our opinion, at the date of this statement, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable.
This statement is made in accordance with a resolution of the Members.
J I Gersh
11 September 2007
N E Weeks
Chief Executive
11 September 2007
T R Ament
Chief Financial Officer
11 September 2007
Link to Independent Auditor's Report HTML page: http://arpc.gov.au/?p=3032
Income statement for the period ended 30 June 2007
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|Premium revenue
|Outwards reinsurance expense
|Net premium revenue
|Claims expense
|Retrocession and other recoveries revenue
|Net claims incurred
|Acquisition costs
|Underwriting result
|Investment income
|Other income
|Other operating expenses
|Operating result
The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
Balance sheet as at 30 June 2007
Balance sheet as at 30 June 2007
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|Current assets
|Cash and cash equivalents
|Deferred acquisition costs
|Other non-financial assets
|Total current assets
|Non-current assets
|Property, plant and equipment
|Total non-current assets
|Total assets
|Current liabilities
|Unearned premium liability
|Other interest bearing liabilities
|Employee provisions
|Total current liabilities
|Non-current liabilities
|Other interest bearing liabilities
|Employee provisions
|Other provisions
|Total non-current liabilities
|Total liabilities
|Net assets
|Accumulated reserves
|Reserve for claims
|Total equity
The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
Cash flow statement for the year ended 30 June 2007
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|Operating activities
|Cash received
|Premiums received
|Interest received
|Total cash received
|Cash used
|Creditors and employees
|Interest and other costs of finance paid
|Net goods and services tax paid to ATO
|Total cash used
|Net cash from or (used by) operating activities
|Investing activities
|Cash used
|Purchase of property, plant and equipment
|Purchase of intangibles
|Purchase of investments
|Total cash used
|Net cash from or (used by) investing activities
|Net increase or (decrease) in cash held
|Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period
|Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period
The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
Statement of changes in equity as at 30 June 2007
|Accumulated reserves
|Reserve for claims
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|Opening balance
|Income and expenses
|Net operating result
|Total income and expenses
|Transfers between equity components
|Transfer to reserve for claims
|Transfer to reserve for claims from accumulated reserves
|Closing balance as at 30 June
The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
Schedule of commitments as at 30 June 2007
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|By type
|Other commitments
|Service level agreements*
|Software license agreement**
|Software development agreement***
|Operating leases****
|Total other commitments
|Commitments receivable
|Net commitments by type
|By maturity
|Service level agreements commitments
|One year or less
|From one to five years
|Total service level agreements commitments
|Software licence agreement commitments
|One year or less
|From one to five years
|Total software licence agreement commitments
|Software development agreement commitments
|One year or less
|From one to five years
|Total software development agreement commitments
|Operating lease commitments
|One year or less
|From one to five years
|Total operating lease commitments
|Commitments receivable
|Net commitments by maturity
NB: Commitments are GST inclusive where relevant.
- *
- Outstanding contractual payments for service level agreements.
- **
- Outstanding contractual payments for software licence agreement.
- ***
- Outstanding contractual payments for software support and development agreement.
- ****
- Operating leases included are effectively non-cancellable and comprise:
Nature of lease General description of leasing agreement Lease for office accommodation Upon exercising the three year lease option the rent will be reviewed in accordance with prevailing market
Schedule of contingencies as at 30 June 2007
ARPC has no contingent assets or liabilities.
The above schedules should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
Notes to and forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2007
Note 1: Summary of significant accounting policies
ARPC is a statutory authority that was established as an independent entity wholly owned by the Commonwealth of Australia (Commonwealth) on 1 July 2003 by the Terrorism Insurance Act 2003 (TI Act).
The TI Act effectively deems terrorism risk cover into eligible insurance contracts by rendering terrorism exclusions void. Insurance companies may reinsure this additional risk with ARPC.
ARPC has the power to do all things necessary in connection with the performance of its functions.
The following accounting policies have been adopted in the financial statements.
(a) Basis of preparation of the financial statements
The financial statements and notes are required by clause 1(b) of Schedule 1 to the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 and are a general purpose financial report.
The continued existence of ARPC in its present form and with its present programs is dependent on Government policy.
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 2006; 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 historical cost convention, except for certain assets and liabilities which, as noted, are 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 disclosure of the full amount is specifically required (Note 1(y)).
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 ARPC and the amounts of the assets or liabilities can be reliably measured. However, assets and liabilities arising under agreements equally proportionately unperformed are not recognised unless required by an Accounting Standard. Liabilities and assets that are unrealised are reported in the Schedule of Commitments and the Schedule of Contingencies (Note 22).
Unless alternative treatment is specifically required by an accounting standard, revenues and expenses are recognised in the Income Statement when and only when the flow, consumption or loss of economic benefits has occurred and can be reliably measured.
(b) Going concern
These financial statements have been prepared on the basis that ARPC is a going concern.
(c) Significant accounting judgements and estimates
In the process of applying the accounting policies listed in this note, ARPC has made the following estimate based on historical experience and other factors that have the most significant impact on the amounts recorded in the financial statements:
- the unclosed business estimate required by note 1(e) for premium revenue was based on the previous year's actual unclosed business with due allowance made for any changes in the pattern of new business and renewals.
No accounting assumptions or estimates have been identified that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next accounting period.
(d) Statement of compliance
Australian Accounting Standards require a statement of compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) to be made where the financial report complies with these standards. Some Australian equivalents to IFRSs and other Australian Accounting Standards contain requirements specific to not-for-profit entities that are inconsistent with IFRS requirements. ARPC is a not-for-profit entity and has applied these requirements, so while the financial statements comply with Australian Accounting Standards including Australian Equivalents to International Reporting Standards (AEIFRSs) it cannot make this statement.
Adoption of new Australian Accounting Standard requirements
No accounting standard has been adopted earlier than the effective date in this current period.
ARPC is required to disclose Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations which have been issued but are not yet effective that have not been early adopted by ARPC. The following amendments, revised standards or interpretations have become effective but have had no financial impact or do not apply to the operations of ARPC.
- 2005-4 amendments to Australian Accounting Standards [AASB 139, AASB 132, AASB 1, AASB 1023 and AASB 1038];
- 2005-5 amendments to Australian Accounting Standards [AASB 1 and AASB 139];
- 2005-9 amendments to Australian Accounting Standards [AASB 4, AASB 1023, AASB 139 and AASB 132];
- 2005–1 amendments to Australian Accounting Standards [AASBs 1, 101, 124];
- 2005–6 amendments to Australian Accounting Standards [AASB 3];
- 2006–1 amendments to Australian Accounting Standards [AASB 121]; and
- 2006–3 amendments to Australian Accounting Standards [AASB 1045].
- UIG 4 Determining whether an arrangement contains a Lease;
- UIG 5 Rights to Interests arising from Decommissioning, Restoration and Environment Rehabilitation Funds;
- UIG 7 Applying the Restatement Approach under AASB 129 Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies;
- UIG 8 Scope of AASB 2; and
- UIG 9 Reassessment of Embedded Derivatives.
UIG 4 and UIG 9 might have impacts in future periods, subject to existing contracts being renegotiated.
Future Australian Accounting Standard requirements
The following new standards, amendments to standards or interpretations have been issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board but are effective for future reporting periods. It is estimated that the impact of adopting these pronouncements when effective will have no material financial impact on future reporting periods.
Financial instrument disclosure
AASB 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosure is effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2007 (the 2007–08 financial year) and amends the disclosure requirements for financial instruments. In general AASB 7 requires greater disclosure than that presently required. Associated with the introduction of AASB 7 a number of accounting standards were amended to reference the new standard or remove the present disclosure requirements through 2005 — 10 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards [AASB 132, AASB 101, AASB 114, AASB 117, AASB 133, AASB 139, AASB 1, AASB 4, AASB 1023 and AASB 1038]. These changes have no financial impact but will affect the disclosure presented in future financial reports.
The following standards and interpretations have been issued but are not applicable to the operations of ARPC.
- AASB 1049 Financial Reporting of General Government Sectors by Governments; and
- UIG 10 Interim Financial Reporting and Impairment.
(e) Revenue
Premium revenue
Premium revenue comprises amounts charged to insurers excluding taxes collected on behalf of third parties. The earned portion of premiums received and receivable, including unclosed business, is recognised as revenue in the Income Statement. Premiums are recognised as earned based on time from the date of attachment of risk. Premiums not received at reporting date and for the quarter ended 30 June 2007 are recognised as premiums receivable in the Balance Sheet.
The proportion of premium received or receivable not earned in the Income Statement at the reporting date is recognised in the Balance Sheet as unearned premium.
Unearned premiums are determined using the eighth system, a fractional method of calculation of the balance. This method is driven by the assumption that the risk attached to the revenue ceded expires evenly over each quarter of the financial year.
Premiums on unclosed business are brought to account using estimates based on the previous year's actual unclosed business with due allowance made for any changes in the pattern of new business and renewals.
Investment revenue
Interest revenue is recognised using the effective interest method as set out in AASB 139.
(f) Unexpired risk liability
ARPC has compared the net present value of the expected future cash flows relating to future claims arising under general insurance contracts with the reported unearned premium liability.
There is no deficiency noted or recorded in these financial statements (2006: $0). Accordingly, there has been no write down in ARPC's deferred acquisition costs.
(g) Outstanding claims liability
The financial statements have not included a provision for outstanding claims (2006: $0). ARPC has not engaged an actuarial assessment to independently assess this balance as:
- a declared terrorist incident has not been announced since the inception of ARPC; and
- any such declaration must be announced by the Treasurer after consultation with the Attorney-General.
ARPC considers that there are no significant inherent uncertainties in respect of the liability estimate. Accordingly, ARPC has not applied a central estimate to the provision and has not, therefore, applied a prudential or safety margin in respect of the provision.
(h) Net claims incurred
A declared terrorist incident has not been announced since the inception of ARPC.
(i) Assets backing general insurance liabilities
With the exception of property plant and equipment and intangibles, ARPC has determined that all assets are held to back general insurance liabilities and their accounting treatment is described below.
Financial assets
Financial assets are designated at fair value through the Income Statement. Initial recognition is at cost in the Balance Sheet and subsequent measurement is at fair value with any resultant unrealised profits and losses recognised in the Income Statement.
Details of fair value for the different types of financial assets are listed below
- Cash assets are carried at face value of the amounts deposited or drawn. The carrying amounts of cash assets are approximate to their fair value. For the purposes of the Statement of Cash Flows, cash includes cash on hand and deposits held at call with banks.
- Fixed interest deposits are carried at face value of the amounts deposited. The carrying amounts are approximate to their fair value.
- Government (guaranteed) securities are initially recognised at cost and the subsequent fair value is taken as the quoted bid price of the security at the Balance Sheet date. All Government securities are classified as available for sale.
All purchases and sales of financial assets that require delivery of the asset with the time frame established by regulation or market convention are recognised at trade date, being the date on which ARPC commits to buy or sell the asset.
In cases where the period between trade and settlement exceeds the time frame, the transaction is recognised at settlement date. Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive future cash flows from the assets have expired, or have been transferred, and ARPC has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership.
Amounts due from policyholders and intermediaries are held for trading and are initially recognised at fair value, being the amounts due. They are subsequently measured at fair value which is approximated by taking the initially recognised amount and reducing it for impairment as appropriate.
A provision for impairment of receivables is established when there is objective evidence that ARPC will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. The amount of the provision is the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows. The discount is calculated using a risk free rate. The impairment charge is recognised in the Income Statement.
(j) Impairment of financial assets
Financial assets are assessed for impairment at each balance date.
Financial assets held at amortised cost
If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss has been incurred for 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 Income Statement.
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 Income Statement.
(k) Deferred acquisition costs
Acquisition costs are incurred in obtaining and recording policies of insurance. They include legal, advertising, risk assessment and other administrative costs.
A portion of acquisition costs relating to unearned premium revenue is deferred in recognition that it represents future benefits to the organisation where they can be reliably measured and where it is probable that they will give rise to premium revenue that will be recognised in the Income Statement in subsequent reporting periods. Deferred acquisition costs are measured at the lower of cost and recoverable amount. These costs are amortised on the same basis as the earning pattern of the corresponding premium revenue.
(l) Dividends
Pursuant to section 38(3)(b) of the TI Act, the Minister may give written direction to require ARPC to make payments to the Commonwealth in the nature of dividends. No direction has been received for these financial statements (2006: $0).
(m) Reserves
The intention of the Government in establishing ARPC was that premiums would be used to fund a pool and to repay any loan required in the event that claims exceed the resources of the pool. The reserve for claims has been created to enable ARPC to build up the required pool.
(n) Foreign currency
All foreign transactions are converted to Australian dollars at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. There has been no foreign currency transactions recognised in the financial statements (2006: $0).
(o) 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 in AASB 119) 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.
All other employee benefit liabilities are measured as the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date.
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 ARPC is estimated to be less than the annual entitlement for sick leave.
The leave liabilities are calculated on the basis of employees' remuneration, including ARPC's employer superannuation contribution rates to the extent that the leave is likely to be taken during service rather than being paid out on termination.
The liability for long service leave has been determined by reference to the work of an actuary as at 30 June 2006. The estimate of the present value of the liability takes into account attrition rates and pay increases through promotion and inflation.
Superannuation guarantee contributions are made by ARPC for employees and certain Members.
The Australian Workplace Agreements between ARPC and its employees allow for choice of superannuation fund. The default superannuation scheme is the Australian Government Employees Superannuation Trust.
The liability for superannuation recognised as at 30 June represents outstanding contributions for the final fortnight of the year.
(p) Leases
A distinction is made between finance leases and operating leases. Finance leases effectively transfer from the lessor to the lessee substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of leased non-current assets. 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.
ARPC entered into an operating lease agreement for office accommodation. Operating lease payments are expensed on a straight line basis which is representative of the pattern of benefits derived from the leased assets.
(q) Financial risk management
ARPC's activities expose it to normal commercial financial risks. As a result of the nature of ARPC's business and internal and Australian Government policies, dealing with the management of financial risk, ARPC's exposure to credit, liquidity and cash flow and fair value interest rate risk is considered to be low.
(r) Derecognition of financial assets and liabilities
Financial assets are derecognised when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial assets expire or the asset is transferred to another entity. In the case of a transfer to another entity, it is necessary that the risks and rewards of ownership are also transferred.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the obligation under the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires.
No financial assets or liabilities were derecognised in these financial statements (2006: $0).
(s) Trade creditors
ARPC's trade creditors and accruals are recognised at their nominal amounts, being the amounts at which the liabilities will be settled. Liabilities are recognised to the extent that the goods or services have been received (irrespective of having been invoiced).
All payables are unsecured and are paid within credit terms.
(t) Contingent liabilities and contingent assets
Contingent liabilities and 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 existing liability or asset in respect of which settlement is not probable or the amount cannot be reliably measured. Contingent assets are reported when settlement is probable, and contingent liabilities are recognised when settlement is greater than remote.
There are no contingent liabilities or assets noted in these financial statements (2006: $0).
(u) 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 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 authority's accounts immediately prior to the restructuring.
(v) Property, plant and equipment
Asset recognition and 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 in total).
The initial cost of an asset includes an estimate of the cost of dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site on which it is located. This is particularly relevant to 'makegood' provisions in property leases taken up by ARPC where there exists an obligation to restore the property to its original condition. These costs are included in the value of ARPC's leasehold improvements with a corresponding provision for the 'makegood' taken up.
Fair values for each class of asset are determined as shown below:
|Asset class
|Fair value measured at:
|Leasehold improvements
|Plant & equipment
|Depreciated replacement cost
|Market selling price
Following initial recognition at cost, property, plant and equipment are carried at fair value less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Independent valuations are conducted with sufficient frequency to ensure that the carrying amount of assets do not differ materially from the asset's fair value at the reporting date. The regularity of independent valuation depends upon the volatility of movements in market values for the relevant assets.
ARPC engaged an independent valuer, Herron Todd White, to conduct a valuation to determine the fair value of the property, plant and equipment as at 1 July 2004 and 30 June 2005.
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 asset class that was previously recognised through surplus and deficit. Revaluation decrements for a class of assets are recognised directly through surplus and 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 restated to the revalued amount.
Depreciable property, plant and equipment assets are written-off to their estimated residual values over their estimated useful lives to ARPC using, in all cases, the straight-line method of depreciation. Leasehold improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the improvements or the unexpired period of the lease.
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:
|Leasehold improvements
|Lease term
|Lease term
|Plant and equipment
|3 to 7 years
|3 to 7 years
The aggregate amount of depreciation allocated for each class of asset during the reporting period is disclosed in Note 11.
All assets were assessed for impairment at 30 June 2007. 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 ARPC were deprived of the asset, its value in use is taken to be its depreciated replacement cost.
All property, plant and equipment assets were assessed for indications of impairment as at 30 June 2007. There has been no impairment adjustment recognised in these financial statements (2006: $0).
(w) Intangibles
ARPC's intangibles comprise externally acquired and internally developed software for internal use. These assets are carried at cost.
Software is amortised on a straight-line basis over its anticipated useful life. The useful life of ARPC's externally purchased and internally developed software is 4 years (2006: 4 years).
All software assets were assessed for indications of impairment as at 30 June 2007. There has been no impairment adjustment recognised in these financial statements (2006: $0).
(x) Taxation
Income tax
ARPC is exempt from income tax by virtue of section 36 of the TI Act. ARPC is subject to fringe benefits tax and the goods and services tax (GST).
Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST:
- except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO); and
- except for receivables and payables.
(y) Rounding of amounts
Amounts in these financial statements have been rounded to the nearest thousand dollars in accordance with policy 13.1(a) of the FMOs with the exception of:
- Executive remuneration;
- Members' remuneration;
- Auditor's remuneration; and
- transactions with related entities.
Note 2: Events after the Balance Sheet date
There have been no significant events occurring after the Balance Sheet date that would significantly affect these financial statements.
Note 3: Insurance contracts — risk management
The financial condition and operation of ARPC is affected by a number of key risks including insurance risk, liquidity risk, compliance risk, operational risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. Notes on ARPC's policies and procedures in respect of managing these risks are set out in this note.
Objectives in managing risks arising from insurance contracts and policies for mitigating those risks
Section 8 of the TI Act renders terrorism exclusion clauses in eligible insurance contracts ineffective. Insurers have the right to reinsure this risk with ARPC. ARPC's insurance risk is limited to eligible terrorism losses arising in respect of eligible insurance contracts.
ARPC's approach to managing risk is consistent with the Australian/New Zealand Standard for Risk Management (AS/NZS 4360:2004) and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority's Prudential Standard GPS 220. The Board and senior management of ARPC have developed, implemented and maintain a sound and prudent Risk Management Strategy (RMS).
The RMS identifies ARPC's policies and procedures, processes and controls that comprise its risk management and control systems. These systems address all material risks, financial and non-financial, likely to be faced by ARPC. Annually, the Board reviews the RMS and confirms there are systems in place to ensure compliance with legislative and prudential requirements and that the Board has satisfied itself as to the compliance with the RMS. The RMS has been approved by the Board.
Key aspects of the process established to mitigate risks include:
- the capping of ARPC's liabilities at $10 billion plus the amount of the reserve for claims as a result of the effect of section 6(7) of the TI Act (specification of a reduction percentage if the Minister considers that, in the absence of a reduction percentage, the total amounts paid or payable by the Commonwealth would be more than $10 billion);
- the guarantee contained in section 35 of the TI Act by which the Commonwealth guarantees the payment of money that may become payable by ARPC to any person other than the Commonwealth. This guarantee would extend to any payments required to be made under the $1 billion commercial line of credit which ARPC has entered into;
- the development, maintenance and use of sophisticated management information systems, which provide up to date, reliable data on the risk to which the business is exposed at any point in time;
- the development of a standard reinsurance agreement for underwriting and accepting insurance risks;
- the collection of annual aggregate exposure data from clients to support advice given regarding a reduction percentage;
- the TI Act applies to all eligible insurance contracts. The wording of the TI Act was designed to ensure that ARPC's risk was diversified both geographically and by type of risk; and
- the mix of assets in which ARPC invests is regulated by section 18 of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997. The management of investments is closely monitored to ensure the liquidity of funds match the potential liabilities.
Interest rate risk
No financial assets or liabilities arising from insurance contracts entered into by ARPC are directly exposed to interest rate risk.
Credit risk
Financial assets and liabilities arising from insurance contracts are stated in the Balance Sheet at the amount that best represents the maximum credit risk exposure at balance date.
There are no significant concentrations of credit risk.
Terms and conditions of insurance
The terms and conditions attaching to insurance contracts affect the level of insurance risk accepted by ARPC. All insurance contracts are entered into in a standard form basis. There are no special terms and conditions in any contracts that have an impact on the financial statements.
Insurance contracts are reviewed annually.
Note 4: Revenue
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|Gross written premium
|Movement in unearned premium reserve
|Total premium revenue
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|Investment income
|Total investment income
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|Realised gain/(losses) recognised through the income statement
|Unrealised gain/(losses) recognised through the income statement
|Total other income
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|Total revenue
During the year ARPC was notified of two overpayments of gross written premium relating predominately to the June 2006 quarter end. After investigation, ARPC agreed to refund these overpayments. The impact of the refunds was to reduce gross written premium by $5,782,207 and increase the movement in unearned premium revenue by $5,059,431 million, thereby reducing total premium revenue by $722,776. The impact of the refunds are reflected in the 2006-07 financial.
Note 5: Other operating expenses
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|Employee expenses
|Services from related entities
|Goods from external entities
|Services from external entities
|Operating lease rentals
|Depreciation and amortisation
|Bank fees and charges
|Total expenses by nature
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|Acquisition costs
|General and administration expenses
|Investment expense
|Total expenses by function
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|Wages and salaries
|Leave and other entitlements
|Workers compensation premiums
|Other employee expenses
|Total employee expenses
Note 6: Cash and cash equivalents
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|Cash at bank
|Total cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of at call deposits held with the Reserve Bank of Australia, Suncorp Metway Investment Management, Commonwealth Bank of Australia and St George Bank. (2008: Reserve Bank of Australia and Suncorp Metway Investment Management).
Note 7: Receivables
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|Premium receivable
|Interest receivable
|GST receivable from the Australian Taxation Office
|Total receivables
All receivables are with entities external to ARPC. Credit terms are net 30 days (2006: 30 days).
Trade debtors are non-interest bearing.
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|Aged less than 30 days
|Aged 30 to 60 days
|Aged 60 to 90 days
|Aged more than 90 days
Interest receivable
The interest rate ranges from 5.65% to 6.38% (2006: 4.5% to 5.75%) and the frequency of
payment is monthly.
Note 8: Investments under s18 of the CAC Act
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|Government securities
|Term deposits
|Total investments
Government Securities
Securities have terms of up to 3 years. They are guaranteed by the issuing Government and are traded in active markets. The effective interest rate is 0.00% (2006: 5.99%).
Term deposits
Term deposits are held with the Reserve Bank of Australia, Suncorp Metway Investment Management Ltd and St George Bank and earn an
effective rate of interest of 6.34% (2007: 5.89%). Interest is payable on maturity.
Terms are between 17 and 96 days (2008: 14 and 95 days).
Note 9: Deferred acquisition costs
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|Deferred acquisition costs as at 1 July
|Acquisition costs deferred
|Amortisation charged to income
|Deferred acquisition costs as at 30 June
Note 10: Other non-financial assets
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|Total other non-financial assets
All other non-financial assets are current assets.
Note 11: Property, plant and equipment and intangibles
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|Leasehold improvements at cost
|Leasehold improvements at valuation (fair value)
|Leasehold improvements accumulated depreciation
|Total leasehold improvements
|Total buildings
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|Plant and equipment at cost
|Plant and equipment at valuation (fair value)
|Plant and equipment accumulated depreciation
|Total plant and equipment
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|Total buildings leasehold improvements
|Total plant and equipment
|Total property, plant and equipment
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|Acquired – purchased
|Acquired – internally developed – in progress
|Acquired – internally developed – in use
|Acquired – accumulated amortisation
|Total computer software
|Total intangibles
All valuations are independent and are conducted in accordance with the revaluation policy stated at Note 1(v).
In 2004-05 the revaluations were performed by an independent valuer, Herron Todd and White (Canberra) Pty Limited.
No revaluation adhustment were made in the 2007 financial statements (2006: Nil).
|Buildings leasehold improvements
|Plant and equipment
|As at 1 July 2006
|Gross book value
|Accumulated depreciation/amortisation
|Net book value 1 July 2006
|Additions – by purchase
|Additions – internally developed
|Depreciation/amortisation expense
|Net book value 30 June 2007
|Net book value as of 30 June 2007 represented by:
|Gross book value
|Accumulated depreciation/amortisation
|Net book value 30 June 2007
|Buildings leasehold improvements
|Plant and equipment
|As at 1 July 2005
|Gross book value
|Accumulated depreciation/amortisation
|Net book value 1 July 2006
|Additions – by purchase
|Additions – internally developed
|Depreciation/amortisation expense
|Net book value 30 June 2006
|Net book value as of 30 June 2006 represented by:
|Gross book value
|Accumulated depreciation/amortisation
|Net book value 30 June 2006
Note 13: Unearned premium liability
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|Unearned premium liability as at 1 July
|Deferral of premiums on contracts written in the period
|Deferral of premiums on contracts written in the period
|Total unearned liability
During the year ARPC was notified of two overpayments of gross written premium relating predominately to the June 2006 quarter end. After investigation, ARPC agreed to refund these overpayments. The impact of these refunds are reflected in the 2006-07 financial results.
Unearned premiums are determined using the eighth system, a fractional method of calculation of the balance. This method is driven by the assumption that the risk attached to the revenue ceded expires evenly over each quarter of the financial year.
Note 13: Payables
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|Trade creditors
|Unsettled investment transaction
|Total payables
Trade creditors:
Settlement is usually made net 30 days.
All of ARPC's liabilities are guaranteed by the Commonwealth by virtue of section 35 of the TI Act.
Note 14: Other interest bearing liabilities
|Lease incentive
|Other interest bearing liabilities are represented by:
|Total other interest bearing liabilities
Note 15: Provisions
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|Salaries and wages
|Total employee provisions
|Total employee provisions
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|Make good provision
|Total other provisions
|Provision for make good ($'000)
|Total ($'000)
|Carrying amount at beginning of period
|Additional provisions made
|Present value adjustment
|Amount owing at end of period
ARPC currently has an agreement for the leasing of premises which has a provision requiring ARPC to restore the premises to its original condition at the conclusion of the lease. ARPC has made provision to reflect the present value of this obligation.
All other provisions are non-current liabilities.
Note 16: Cash flow reconciliation
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents as per balance sheet to Cash Flow statement
|Report cash and cash equivalents as per:
|Cash flow statement
|Balance sheet
|Reconciliation of operating result to net cash from operating activities:
|Operating result
|Depreciation/amortisation expense
|Impairment write-off
|(Increase)/decrease in receivables
|(Increase)/decrease in other non-financial assets
|(Increase)/decrease in deferred acquisition costs
|(Increase)/decrease in premium liability
|(Increase)/decrease in payables
|(Increase)/decrease in other interest bearing liabilities
|(Increase)/decrease in provisions
|Net cash from/(used by) operating activities
Note 17: Average staffing levels
|The average staffing levels for ARPC during the year were:
Note 18: Executive remuneration
|The aggregate amount of total remuneration of executives shown below
|The number of senior executives who received or were due to receive total remuneration of $130,000 or more:
|$130,000 – $144,999
|$160,000 – $174,999
|$190,000 – $204,999
|$205,000 – $219,999
|$340,000 – $354,999
Note 19: Members' remuneration
|Total remuneration received or due and receivable by Members of ARPC
|The number of Members of ARPC included in these figures are shown below in the relevant remuneration
|$Nil – $14,999
|$15,000 – $24,999
|Total number of Members of ARPC
Note 20: Auditor's remuneration
|2007 ($)
|2006 ($)
|The cost of financial statement audit services provided to ARPC was:
The financial statement audit services are provided to ARPC by the Auditor-General.
No other services were provided by the Auditor-General during the reporting period.
Note 21: Related party disclosures
The names of persons who were Members of ARPC during the financial year were:
Mr J Gersh, Mr A Lumsden, Ms M Micalizzi, Mr J Murphy, Ms M Rathbone and Mr G Vogt.
Changes in membership during the year
Mr Gersh, Mr Lumsden, Ms Micalizzi were re-appointed for a further three year term from 1 July 2006.
Information on remuneration of Members is disclosed in Note 19.
Transactions with Members and Member related entities
ARPC has not entered into any contract with Members or their related entities.
Transactions with related entities
The service level agreement with the Department of the Treasury is considered a related party transaction. This agreement is for the provision of corporate support services to ARPC at a cost of $177,086 (2006: $176,512).
Controlling entity
ARPC was established by section 9 of the TI Act.
The ultimate controlling entity is the Australian Government. ARPC is only authorised to transact business and carry out function as provided in the TI Act or as approved or directed by the Minister. ARPC's liabilities are guaranteed by the Commonwealth by virtue of section 35 of the TI Act.
Note 22: Contingent assets and contingent liabilities
Contingent assets
ARPC has no contingent assets
Contingent liabilities
ARPC has no contingent liabilities
Note 23: Segment reporting
ARPC was established under the TI Act to offer reinsurance for eligible properties within Australia against the risk of terrorism.
|Total gross written premium
All risks are located within the Australian market.
Note 24: Financial instruments
|Floating interest rate
|Fixed interest rate maturing in
|Non-interest bearing
|Weighted effective interest rate
|1 year or less
|1 to 5 years
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|2007 ($'000)
|2006 ($'000)
|Financial assets
|Cash and cash equivalents
|Receivables (gross)
|Government securities
|Fixed term deposits
|Total assets
|Financial liabilities
Note 24: Financial instruments (continued)
|Total carrying amount
|Aggregate net fair value
|Total carrying amount
|Aggregate net fair value
|Financial Assets
|Cash at bank
|Receivables (net)
|Government securities
|Fixed term deposits
|Total financial assets
|Financial liabilities
|Total financial liabilities
Financial assets
The net fair values of cash at bank, fixed term deposits and non-interest bearing monetary financial assets are recognised at their carrying amounts.
The net fair values of Government securities is market value.
Financial liabilities
The net fair value for payables, all of which are short term in nature, are recognised at their carrying amounts.
(c) Credit risk exposures
ARPC's maximum exposures to credit risk at reporting date in relation to each class of recognised financial assets is the carrying amount of those assets as indicated in the Balance Sheet.
ARPC has no significant exposures to any concentration of credit risk.
(d) Other disclosures
In the event of a declared terrorist incident ARPC has unrestricted access to the following line of credit.
|Bank standby facility
|Amount of facility used as at 30 June
|Facility available
Any payment which becomes due under the facility agreement is guaranteed by the Commonwealth by virtue of section 35 of the TI Act.
In the event of a declared terrorist incident ARPC has access to the following Commonwealth indemnity.
|Commonwealth indemntiy
|Amount of facility used as at 30 June
|Facility available