A financial asset is deemed to be impaired if, and only if, there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events (a “loss event”) having occurred, which has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset(s).
In the case of available-for-sale financial assets, a significant or prolonged decline in the market value of the instrument is considered a loss event. Impairment losses are recognised in profit or loss immediately. Also, any cumulative decline in fair value previously recognised in other comprehensive income is reclassified to profit or loss at this point.
In the case of financial assets carried at amortised cost, loss events may include: indications that the debtors or a group of debtors are experiencing significant financial difficulty, default or delinquency in interest or principal payments; indications that they will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganisation; and changes in arrears or economic conditions that correlate with defaults.
For financial assets carried at amortised cost (including loans and receivables), a separate allowance account is used to reduce the carrying amount of financial assets impaired by credit losses. After having taken all possible measures of recovery, if management establishes that the carrying amount cannot be recovered by any means, at that point the written-off amounts are charged to the allowance account or the carrying amount of impaired financial assets is reduced directly if no impairment amount was previously recognised in the allowance account.
Financial assets are derecognised where the contractual rights for receipt of cash flows expire or the asset is transferred to another party, whereby the Shire of Goomalling no longer has any significant continual involvement in the risks and benefits associated with the asset.
Financial liabilities are derecognised where the related obligations are discharged, cancelled or expired. The difference between the carrying amount of the financial liability extinguished or transferred to another party and the fair value of the consideration paid, including the transfer of non-cash assets or liabilities assumed, is recognised in profit or loss.
In accordance with Australian Accounting Standards the Shire of Goomalling assets, other than inventories, are assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication they may be impaired.
Where such an indication exists, an impairment test is carried out on the asset by comparing the recoverable amount of the asset, being the higher of the asset's fair value less costs to sell and value in use, to the asset's carrying amount.
Any excess of the asset's carrying amount over its recoverable amount is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount in accordance with another standard (e.g. AASB 116) whereby any impairment loss of a revaluation decrease in accordance with that other standard.