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FY2006 Annual Report · Commonwealth Bank of Australia
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2006

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www.commbank.com.au

Commonwealth Bank of Australia ACN 123 123 124
AnnuAl RepoRt 2006

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chairman’s Statement  

Chief Executive Officer’s Statement  

Highlights 

Banking Analysis 

Funds Management Analysis 

Insurance Analysis 

Shareholder Investment Returns 

Presentation of Financial Information 

Integrated Risk Management 

Description of Business Environment 

Corporate Governance 

Directors’ Report 

Five Year Financial Summary 

Financial Statements 

Income Statements 

Balance Sheets 

Statements of Recognised Income and Expense 

Statements of Cash Flows 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Directors’ Declaration 

Independent Audit Report 

Shareholding Information 

International Representation 

Contact Us 

Corporate Directory 

Contents 

2 

4 

6 

10 

20 

24 

27 

28 

29 

33 

36 

43 

71 

73 

74 

75 

76 

77 

79 

233 

234 

236 

239 

240 

241 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium,  Business  and  Corporate  and  Institutional  businesses 
delivered a solid result driven by moderate revenue growth and 
good expense control. Demand from the corporate sector led to 
an increase of 18 percent in lending and finance assets during 
the  period.  CommSec  continued  to  trade  well,  confirming  its 
position as the country’s leading online broker. 

In the competitive New Zealand banking market, our subsidiary, 
ASB,  again  significantly  outperformed  its  major  competitors 
delivering  underlying  NPAT  growth  of  22  percent  to  NZ$400 
million. ASB achievements included its fifteenth straight year of 
market share growth in home loans, strong commercial lending 
and continued productivity improvement. Credit quality remained 
sound. 

The  Funds  Management  business  produced  an  outstanding 
result. Underlying net profit before tax increased 23 percent over 
the prior  year to  $563 million.  Underlying  NPAT,  which  was  up 
14  percent,  was  impacted  by  one-off  costs  and  an  increase  in 
the  effective  tax  rate  from  21.9  percent  to  28.4  percent  due  to 
the  phasing  out  of 
tax  relief.  Funds  under 
Administration grew by 23 percent to $152 billion as a result of 
strong  net  fund  flows  and  favourable  investment  markets.  First 
Choice  maintained  its  retail  support  base  attracting  over  25 
percent of retail inflows in the platform market. First Choice has 
now  exceeded  $25  billion  in  funds  under  administration  in  less 
than four years. 

transitional 

The  Insurance  business  delivered  a  38  percent  increase  in 
underlying NPAT to $215 million. 

Dividends & Capital 

The  Board  again  declared  a  record  final  dividend  of  130  cents 
per share – a 16 percent increase on last year’s final dividend. 
The  final  dividend,  which  is  fully  franked,  will  be  paid  on  5 
October 2006. This  will take total dividends for the  year  to  224 
cents per share – up 14 percent on last year. Over the last three 
years dividends have grown at an annual compound rate of 13 
percent. 

The  Bank  continues  to  issue  new  shares  to  satisfy  the 
requirements of its Dividend Reinvestment Plan which is capped 
at 10,000 shares per shareholder. 

During the year dividend and interest payments were also made 
to  the  holders  of  the  Bank’s  various  capital  securities:  PERLS, 
PERLS  II,  Trust  Preferred  Securities,  ASB  Capital  Preference 
Shares and ASB Capital No 2 Preference Shares. 

to  actively  manage 

It 
The  Bank  continued 
successfully completed an issue of US$700 million Tier 1 hybrid 
capital and an issue of $1,166 million of PERLS III. These capital 
issues  were  off-set  by  the  redemption  of  the  total  $700m  of 
PERLS and a $500 million share buyback in the second half of 
the year. 

its  capital. 

The Bank’s credit ratings remained unchanged.  

Chairman’s Statement 

Introduction 

The  2006  financial  year  has  been  an  important  one  for  the 
Commonwealth  Bank.  We  have  again  delivered  a  very  good 
financial  result  and  made  a  record  dividend  payment  to 
shareholders.  The  Which  new  Bank  program  has  been 
financial  benefits  and 
completed,  delivering  significant 
productivity  gains  to  the  Bank.  We  have  also  seen  a  smooth 
transition from outgoing CEO David Murray to Ralph Norris, who 
has  put  in  place  a  strategy  which  will  build  on  the  significant 
Which new Bank benefits. 

Results 

The Bank reported a statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) for the 
12 months to 30 June 2006 of $3,928 million – an increase of 16 
percent  on  the  prior  year.  Cash  NPAT  grew  16  percent  to 
$4,053  million  with  cash  return  on  equity  increasing  from  18.8 
percent to 21.3 percent. 

Excluding  the  one-off  gain  of  $145  million  from  the  sale  of  the 
Bank’s  Hong  Kong  based  insurance  business,  cash  earnings 
per share were up 15 percent to 304.6 cents per share. Over the 
past  three  years,  the  Bank  has  delivered  earnings  per  share 
growth (excluding the profit on the Hong Kong sale) at an annual 
compound  rate  of  14  percent,  exceeding  the  initial  Which  new 
Bank earnings target. 

Some of the highlights were: 

•  Strong growth in banking income, underpinned by profitable 

growth across all major product lines; 

•  A  substantial  increase  in  Funds  under  Administration,  to 
$152 billion, reflecting robust inflows and continued strength 
in investment markets; 

• 

Increases  in  insurance  premiums,  operating  margins  and  a 
favourable claims experience; 

•  Strong growth in earnings from ASB in the competitive New 

Zealand market; 

•  Sound  expense  management  and  continued  productivity 

improvement; and 

•  Continued strength in credit quality across the portfolio. 
The Banking business delivered a full year underlying NPAT of 
$3,227 million – an increase of 11 percent on the prior year. This 
performance  was  underpinned  by  continued  volume  growth  in 
home  loans,  improvements  in  business  lending  volumes  and 
good  expense  control.  Credit  quality  remained  sound  with  bad 
debts expense as a proportion to risk weighted assets stable. 

The  Australian  Retail  Banking  business  performed  well  with 
underlying NPAT up 13 percent. Highlights for the year included 
strong  revenue  growth,  good  margin  and  expense  control  and 
further  productivity  gains.  Home  loan  revenues  in  particular, 
were up 16 percent on the prior year driven, in the second half, 
by  an  improvement  in  the  performance  of  our  branches.  The 
personal  lending  and  credit  cards  segments  of  the  market, 
where  the  low  rate  “Yellow”  credit  card  was  launched  in  the 
second half, remained competitive. Deposit balances grew with 
NetBank  Saver  continuing 
inflows  with 
approximately 63 percent being new funds to the Bank. 

to  attract  good 

2     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
Outlook 

The  Australian  economy  performed  well  in  the  2006  financial 
year.  Business  credit  growth  has  been  solid,  supported  by 
infrastructure  and  capacity  expansion  while  consumer  credit 
growth moderated. 

The  overall  environment  for  the  financial  services  industry  is 
expected  to  remain  highly  competitive  and  as  a  result  margin 
pressure will continue. Domestic credit quality, high employment 
levels and business confidence are strong and provide a positive 
outlook.  Economic  growth  is  likely  to  remain  solid  although 
higher  oil  prices,  increasing  domestic  and  international  interest 
rates,  geopolitical  instability  particularly  in  the  Middle  East  and 
the  health  of  the  Chinese  economy  are  all  factors  which  could 
potentially impact the Australian economy. 

Going  into  the  new  financial  year  we  remain  confident  that  we 
will  be  a  tougher  competitor  and  will  continue  to  deliver  both 
revenue  growth  and  productivity  improvements.  Taking  all  of 
these factors into account, and in the absence of any exogenous 
shocks, we expect to see good profit growth for the 2007 fiscal 
year  with  the  Bank  delivering  earnings  per  share  growth  which 
meets or exceeds the average of our peers. 

Corporate Governance and Board Performance 

This year has been another busy year for the Board and I would 
like  to  thank  my  fellow  Directors  for  their  contribution  and 
commitment.  I  would  especially  like  to  acknowledge  the 
contribution  of  Tony  Daniels  and  Barbara  Ward  who  will  retire 
from  the  Board  at  the  Bank’s  Annual  General  Meeting  on  3 
November. 

Tony and Barbara have been Directors during a period when the 
Bank  has  undergone  considerable  change.  Their  contributions 
to  the  functions  of  the  Board  have  been  significant  and  their 
expert insights into the specific issues dealt with by the People & 
Remuneration Committee (of which Tony has been a member) 
and the Audit Committee (on which Barbara served) have been 
a  great  assistance  in  dealing  with  complex  issues  covered  by 
those Committees. We wish Tony and Barbara well in the future. 

Chairman’s Statement 

I  also  want  to  formally  welcome  our  new  CEO,  Ralph  Norris, 
who  replaced  retiring  CEO  David  Murray  on  22  September 
2005. David and Ralph worked closely together to ensure that a 
seamless transition was achieved and on behalf of the Board I 
thank them for the significant contribution they both made to the 
Bank’s successful year. 

We have recently announced the appointment of two Directors. 
David  Turner,  CEO  of  Brambles,  and  Jane  Hemstritch, 
Managing  Director  for  Asia  Pacific,  Accenture,  join  the  Board 
effective 1 August 2006 and 9 October 2006 respectively. Both 
bring  a  wide  range  of  skills  to  the  Board  and  will,  I  am  sure, 
make significant contributions to the Bank. 

Conclusion 

This  has  been  a  challenging  year  for  the  Bank.  We  have 
witnessed  significant  change  with  the  appointment  of  Ralph 
Norris as CEO and with the successful completion of Which new 
Bank.  The  fact  that  we  have  also  been  able  to  maintain  the 
momentum  in  the  business  and  again  deliver  a  very  good 
financial result is a tribute to the commitment and hard work of 
all  of  our  people.  It  is  our  employees  who  deliver  our  success 
and they deserve to be congratulated for their efforts. 

Finally I would like to thank all our customers and shareholders 
for their continuing support of the Commonwealth Bank. 

John Schubert 

Chairman 

23 August 2006 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer’s Statement 

Introduction 

The  2006  financial  year  has  been  characterised  by  both 
significant  change  and  real  achievements.  The  year’s  success 
again demonstrates the depth of the talent pool that we have at 
the  Bank  and  the  commitment  of  our  people  to  realising  our 
vision of creating Australia’s finest financial services organisation 
through excelling in customer service. 

At an operational level the Bank maintained its momentum from 
last  year  and  reported  a  very  good  result.  In  a  competitive 
environment we have delivered cash earnings per share growth 
(excluding  the  impact  of  the  sale  of  our  Hong  Kong  insurance 
business) of 15 percent. Cash return on equity, again excluding 
the Hong Kong sale, was up 250 basis points to 21.3 percent. A 
particularly  pleasing  aspect  of  the  result  was  that  all  of  our 
business performed well.  

In  a  competitive  market  we  continued  to  focus  on  profitable 
growth,  avoiding  business  which  we  perceived  to  have  a  high 
risk profile or which did not meet our return criteria. As a result 
our credit quality remains strong. We are confident going into the 
new  financial  year  but  recognise  that  business  will  remain 
competitive. However, we do not plan to trade off credit quality 
for growth. 

As  well  as  delivering  a  very  good  financial  result,  Which  new 
Bank  concluded  successfully.  This  three  year  $1.5  billion 
program was brought in on time and within budget and delivered 
on all of its major financial and productivity goals. Total financial 
benefits for the year were $1,044 million against an initial target 
of  $900  million.  Annual  compound  earnings  per  share  growth 
over the three years (excluding the profit on the sale of the Hong 
Kong insurance business) was 14 percent – significantly ahead 
of the 10 percent promised at the outset. Dividends also grew at 
13  percent  ensuring  that  shareholders  benefited  from  Which 
new Bank. The productivity objectives we set for Banking, Funds 
Management and Insurance were also met. 

In addition Which new Bank has provided a strong platform on 
which to build for the future. In particular the successful roll out 
of  CommSee  within  the  Retail  Bank  has  provided  our  people 
with the tools to deliver improved service to our customers. We 
have also extended CommSee to our Business Bank which will 
help us grow that business in the future. 

With Which  new  Bank  drawing to  a close  we  have  focused on 
how  we  can  build  on  its  success  to  realise  our  vision  of 
becoming  Australia’s  finest  financial  services  organisation.  We 
identified four strategic priorities to lift business performance and 
growth:  Customer  service;  Business  Banking;  Technology  and 
Operational  Excellence;  and  Trust  and  Team  Spirit.  In  addition 
to  these  priorities  the  Bank  will  continue  to  consider  growth 
opportunities in selected markets. 

Customer Service 

Customer  service  remains  the  Bank’s  top  strategic  priority  and 
while  more  than  60  percent  of  our  customers  tell  us  they  are 
satisfied with our service we still have some way to go before we 
achieve  a  level  of  service  which  we  are  happy  with.  However, 
we have made real progress in 2006: 

•  We  have  begun  to  embed  our  Sales  and  Service  culture, 
which has been at the core of our subsidiary ASB’s success, 
and  have  appointed  a  senior  ASB  executive  to  lead  the 
program which we have called “SUCCESS”; 

4     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

•  We are continuing to invest in our branches: 
−  We refurbished another 133 branches; 
−  We  increased  customer  facing  staff  in  the  retail  bank  by 

450 and have plans to replicate this in 2007; 

−  We  are  building  new  branches  and  are  now  opening  65 

branches for business on Saturdays; and 

−  We  have  introduced  new  and  improved  products  which 
we believe will make us more competitive. These include 
the  new  “Yellow”  credit  card,  NetBank  Saver  and  new 
pricing  options  for  the  streamline  accounts.  We  also 
removed NetBank fees during the year. 

While we have yet to see these improvements reflected in formal 
customer satisfaction surveys we are beginning to see evidence 
of  improvements  in  service  levels  through  feedback  from  our 
customers  including  a  substantial  reduction  in  the  level  of 
customer complaints. 

Business Banking 

While we have strong relationships with a significant proportion 
of Australian businesses we have failed in the last few years to 
capture  an  appropriate  share  of  this  growing  market  segment. 
During the year we began a number of initiatives to improve our 
performance in business banking.  

These included: 

•  We have restructured the business to better align it with the 

needs of our business customers; 

•  We  are 

increasing  our  business  banking 
“footprint” 
increasing  the  number  of  business  bankers,  adding  new 
business banking centres and putting business bankers back 
into selected branches; 

•  We  have  rolled  out  our  CommSee  for  Business  across  the 
network  which  provides  us  with  the  information  platform  to 
support the selective growth of the “footprint”; 

•  We have built CommBiz, our new internet business banking 
offering,  which  we  will  begin  rolling  out  to  our  customers 
shortly; and 

•  We  have  developed  a  new  and  improved  portfolio  of 
business  banking  products  and  simplified  our  business 
banking processes and approval procedures. 

Technology and Operational Excellence 

The  initiatives  in  this  area  are  designed  to  deliver  greater 
efficiency  across  the  Bank  and  we  have  already  made  good 
progress in achieving our objectives which include $200 million 
in cost savings.  

Progress to date includes: 

• 

In  Technology  we  have  a  new  team  in  place  and  we  have 
reorganised  our  Enterprise  IT  function  into  a  co-ordinated 
structure; 

•  We have taken the first steps to restructure our relationship 
with  our  IT  providers  with  the  execution  of  new  Enterprise 
Processing  Systems  and  telecommunications  agreements 
which will deliver savings and improved service levels to the 
Bank; and 

•  We  have  introduced  a  more  focussed  approach  to  group 
wide procurement – building on the progress we have made 
over the last three years.  

Our  goal  is  to  improve  our  efficiency  and  achieve  cost  savings 
including the reduction of IT costs by approximately $200 million. 

 
Chief Executive Officer’s Statement 

Trust and Team Spirit 

The commitment, engagement and enthusiasm of our people go 
to the heart of our success as an organisation and our ability to 
deliver on our strategies. Over the year we have put in place a 
number of initiatives in this area including: 

•  Recent management changes have strengthened the Bank’s 
leadership  team  while  building  greater  collaboration  across 
the organisation and better aligning the organisation with the 
needs of our customers; 

•  We  have  increased  our  focus  on  our  people  with  the 
introduction  of  a  number  of  initiatives  designed  to  enhance 
their wellbeing; and 

•  We  have  continued  to  support  our  community  making 
significant  commitments  to  a  range  of  initiatives  including 
financial  literacy,  environmental  partnerships  and  one-off 
assistance for communities in need of help. 

We are already beginning to see positive results with improved 
engagement,  positive  feedback  from  our  people  and  the 
community and a substantial decrease in employee injury rates.  

Looking Ahead 

I  am  very  pleased  with  the  progress  we  made  in  2006. 
Financially  we  had  a  very  good  year  and  we  have  momentum 
going  into  the  2007  year.  The  successful  completion  of  Which 
new Bank and the strategic initiatives which we are building on 
this  platform  will  enhance  our  competitiveness  in  the  coming 
year. Obviously the changes associated with the transition to a 
new CEO placed some pressures on the organisation last year 
but these are abating as we move into the new year. As a result 
I  believe  that  we  will  be  a  tougher  competitor  this  year,  better 
able  to  meet  the  challenges  of  what  continues  to  be  a 
competitive market place.  

The  Bank’s  ability  to  deliver  the  strong  performance  we  have 
seen  over  the  last  three  years  would  not  have  been  possible 
without  the  goodwill  and  commitment  of  our  people.  In  taking 
over  as  CEO,  I  am  very  grateful  for  the  high  level  of  support  I 
the  organisation  and  have  been 
have  received  across 
enormously impressed with the quality and skills of our people. 
As  far  as  the  transition  into  this  role  is  concerned  I  would 
particularly  like  to  thank  David  Murray  and  the  Board  for  their 
encouragement, counsel and support. 

It is a great privilege to lead this organisation and I am confident 
that  we  can  continue  to  deliver  for  our  people,  our  customers 
and our shareholders. 

Thank you. 

Ralph Norris 

Chief Executive Officer 

23 August 2006 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     5 

 
 
 
 
 
Highlights 

Financial Performance and Business Review 

Performance Highlights 

Net Profit after 
Income Tax 

Statutory basis 
Cash basis 
Cash basis ex HK sale 

Full year 

Half year 

30/06/06 
$M 
3,928 
4,053 
3,908 

30/06/05 
$M 
3,400 
3,492 
3,492 

30/06/06 
$M 
1,929 
1,992 
1,992 

31/12/05 
$M 
1,999 
2,061 
1,916 

The  Bank’s  net  profit  after  tax  (“statutory  basis”)  for  the  year 
ended 30 June 2006 was $3,928 million, an increase of 16% on 
the prior year. The final dividend of $1.30 is another record and 
the total dividend for the year is $2.24 per share.  

The net profit after tax on a cash basis excluding the profit from 
the sale  of  the  Hong  Kong insurance business  (“cash basis ex 
HK sale”) increased 12% to $3,908 million.  

A more consistent comparison of profit growth is cash earnings 
per share  (excluding  the  profit from the sale of the Hong Kong 
insurance  business)  which  increased  15%  on  the  prior  year  to 
304.6 cents. 

The  cash  EPS  compound  annual  growth  rate  (excluding  the 
profit from the sale of the Hong Kong insurance business) for the 
three years covering the Which new Bank strategy (2004-2006) 
was 15%.  

The performance over the year was supported by: 

•  Strong growth in banking income, following average interest 
earning asset growth of 12% to $275 billion and net interest 
margin  contraction  of  seven  basis  points  (after  adjusting  for 
the impact of AIFRS); 

•  Growth in Funds under Administration of 23% to $152 billion 
supported  by  both  strong  inflows  and  continued  strength  in 
investment markets; 

•  Solid growth in insurance premiums, operating margins and 

favourable claims experience; 

•  Continued strength in credit quality across the portfolio; and 
•  Underlying expense growth of 5% with continued productivity 

improvements. 

to 

The  Bank’s  results  include  the  full  impact  of  the  adoption  of 
Australian  equivalent 
International  Financial  Reporting 
Standards  (“AIFRS”)  from  1  July  2005.  Comparative  figures 
have also  been adjusted  to  an AIFRS  basis,  other  than for the 
impact  of  those  standards  related  to  financial  instruments  and 
insurance.  Most  significantly,  the  current  year  includes  the 
expense  of  $123  million  associated  with  distributions  on  hybrid 
financial instruments. Changes to the Bank’s accounting policies 
and  explanations  of  the  key  changes  are  covered  in  Note  1  to 
the Financial Statements on pages 79-114. 

The result for the six months to 30 June 2006 was solid with net 
profit after tax (“cash basis”), excluding the profit from the sale of 
the  Hong  Kong  insurance  business  in  the  first  half  result, 
increasing by 4% to $1,992 million. 

Financial Condition 

The  Group’s  assets  increased  by  $32  billion  to  $369  billion 
(2005: $337 billion) over the year. 

Total lending assets increased by $30 billion from $236 billion to 
$266 billion at 30 June 2006 reflecting growth across a range of 
lending products. 

6     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

The  Bank  maintains  a  strong  capital  position.  The  Tier  One 
Capital  Ratio  increased  from  7.46%  to  7.56%  during  the  year 
reflecting the issue of hybrid securities during the second half of 
the  year.  The  Total  Capital  Ratio  decreased  from  9.75%  at  30 
June 2005 to 9.66% at 30 June 2006 impacted by the growth in 
Risk  Weighted  Assets.  Risk  Weighted  Assets  increased  from 
$190 billion to $216 billion at 30 June 2006 attributable to strong 
growth  in  lending  assets  particularly  in  the  business/corporate 
sector. The Bank’s credit ratings remained unchanged. 

The  Bank  adopted  the  Australian  equivalent  of  International 
Financial Reporting Standards (“AIFRS”) on 1 July 2005. APRA 
required 
the  previous  Australian  GAAP 
(“AGAAP”)  accounting  principles  to  continue  for  regulatory 
capital  purposes  until  the  introduction  of  revised  prudential 
standards which take effect on 1 July 2006. 

reporting  under 

The revised prudential standards that apply from 1 July 2006 will 
impact  Tier  1  Capital  and  Capital  Base.  However,  APRA  has 
granted transition relief in relation to changes to their prudential 
regulations from 1 July 2006, until 31 December 2007. 

A  number  of  significant  capital  management  initiatives  were 
undertaken  to  actively  manage  the  Bank’s  Tier  One  capital 
during  the  year,  including  the  Dividend  Reinvestment  Plan 
(“DRP”), issue of Tier One hybrid capital, issue of PERLS III to 
replace expiring PERLS instruments, and completion of a $500 
million on-market share buyback. 

As required by APRA, the Bank’s investment in its life insurance 
and funds management companies is deducted from regulatory 
capital  to  arrive  at  the  Bank’s  Capital  Ratios.  The  Bank’s 
insurance and funds management companies held an estimated 
$642  million  excess  over  regulatory  capital  requirements  at  30 
June 2006 in aggregate. 

The  Bank  has  an  integrated  risk  management  framework  to 
identify,  assess  and  manage  risks  in  the  business.  The  Bank’s 
risk  profile  is  measured  by  the  difference  between  capital 
available  to  absorb  loss  and  risk  as  assessed  by  economic 
capital  required.  This  risk  framework  is  described  more  fully 
elsewhere in this report. 

Dividends 

The final dividend declared is 130 cents per share which takes 
the full year dividend to a record of 224 cents, an increase of 27 
cents  or  14%  on  the  prior  year.  The  dividend  payment  is  fully 
franked  and  will  be  paid  on  5  October  2006  to  owners  of 
ordinary  shares  at  the  close  of  business  on  18  August  2006 
(“record date”). Shares  were quoted ex–dividend on 14 August 
2006.  

Dividends per Share (cents) 

240

220

200

180

160

140

120

100

224

197

183

150

154

Jun 02

Jun 03

Jun 04

Jun 05

Jun 06

 
 
 
 
 
Group Performance Summary 
Net interest income (1) 
Other banking income (1) 
Total Banking Income 
Funds management income 
Insurance income 
Total Operating Income 
Shareholder investment returns 
Profit on sale of the Hong Kong insurance business 
Total Income 
Operating expenses 
Which new Bank  
Total Operating Expenses 
Bad debts expense 
Net profit before income tax 
Corporate tax expense (2) 
Minority interests (3) 
NPAT (“cash basis”) 
Defined benefit superannuation plan expense 
Treasury shares 
NPAT (“statutory basis”) 

Represented by: 
Banking 
Funds management 
Insurance 
NPAT (“underlying basis”) 
Shareholder investment returns 
Which new Bank 
Cash NPAT ex Hong Kong Sale 
Profit on sale of Hong Kong insurance business 
NPAT (“cash basis”) 

Highlights 

Full Year Ended 

Half Year Ended 

30/06/06 
$M 
6,514 
3,036 
9,550 
1,543 
742 
11,835 
101 
145 
12,081 
5,994 
- 
5,994 
398 
5,689 
1,605 
31 
4,053 
(25)
(100)
3,928 

3,277 
400 
215 
3,842 
66 
- 
3,908 
145 
4,053 

30/06/05 
$M 
6,026 
2,845 
8,871 
1,247 
747 
10,865 
237 
- 
11,102 
5,719 
150 
5,869 
322 
4,911 
1,409 
10 
3,492 
(53)
(39)
3,400 

2,913 
351 
156 
3,420 
177 
(105)
3,492 
- 
3,492 

Jun 06 vs 
Jun 05 % 
8 
7 
8 
24 
(1)
9 
(57)
- 
9 
(5)
- 
(2)
(24)
16 
(14)
large 
16 
53 
large 
16 

11 
14 
38 
12 
(63)
- 
12 
- 
16 

30/06/06 
$M 
3,259 
1,591 
4,850 
828 
356 
6,034 
37 
- 
6,071 
3,027 
- 
3,027 
210 
2,834 
829 
13 
1,992 
(6) 
(57) 
1,929 

1,638 
217 
112 
1,967 
25 
- 
1,992 
- 
1,992 

31/12/05 
$M 
3,255 
1,445 
4,700 
715 
386 
5,801 
64 
145 
6,010 
2,967 
- 
2,967 
188 
2,855 
776 
18 
2,061 
(19)
(43)
1,999 

1,589 
183 
103 
1,875 
41 
- 
1,916 
145 
2,061 

Jun 06 vs 
Dec 05 %  
- 
10 
3 
16 
(8)
4 
(42)
- 
1 
(2)
- 
(2)
(12)
(1)
(7)
28
(3)
68 
(33)
(4)

3 
19 
9 
5 
(39)
- 
4 
- 
(3)

(1) Due to a change in accounting policy regarding classification of interest expense on certain non traded derivatives, a reclassification of $29 million between Net Interest 

Income and Other Banking Income has occurred in the half year ended 31 December 2005. There was no impact on total banking income or on profit. 

(2) For purposes of presentation, Policyholder tax benefit and Policyholder tax expense are shown on a net basis. 

(3) Minority interests includes preference dividends paid to holders of preference shares in ASB Capital. 

Shareholder Summary 

Full Year Ended 

30/06/06 

30/06/05 

Jun 06 vs 
Jun 05 % 

Half Year Ended 

30/06/06 

31/12/05 

Dividend per share – fully franked (cents) 
Dividend cover – cash (times) 
Earnings per share (cents) (1) 

Statutory – basic 
Cash basis – basic 
Cash basis – basic excluding the sale of Hong Kong 

Dividend payout ratio (%) 

Statutory 
Cash basis 

Weighted avg no. of shares – statutory basic (M) 
Weighted avg no. of shares – cash basic (M) (1) 
Return on equity – cash (%) 

224 
1. 4 

308. 2 
315. 9 
304. 6 

73. 3 
71. 0 
1,275 
1,283 
21. 3 

197 
1. 3 

259. 6 
264. 8 
264. 8 

77. 0 
74. 9 
1,260 
1,269 
18. 8 

14 
n/a 

19 
19 
15 

(370)bpts 
(390)bpts 
1 
1 
250bpts 

130 
1. 2 

151. 1 
154. 9 
154. 9 

86. 5 
83. 7 
1,277 
1,285 
20. 8 

94 
1. 7 

157. 1 
160. 9 
149. 5 

60. 6 
58. 8 
1,273 
1,281 
21. 7 

(1) Fully diluted EPS and weighted average number of shares (fully diluted) are disclosed in Note 7 to Financial Statements. 

Jun 06 vs 
Dec 05 % 

38 
n/a 

(4)
(4)
4 

large 
large 
- 
- 
(90)bpts 

Credit Ratings 

Fitch Ratings 
Moody’s Investor Services 
Standards & Poor's 

Long–term 
AA 
Aa3 
AA- 

Short–term 
F1+ 
P-1 
A-1+ 

Affirmed 
Jun 06 
Jun 06 
Jun 06 

The  Bank  continues  to  maintain  a  strong  capital  position  which  is  reflected  in  its  credit  ratings  which  remained  unchanged  for  the  year. 
Additional information regarding the Bank’s capital is disclosed in Note 35 to the Financial Statements. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Highlights 

Balance Sheet Summary 
Lending assets (1) 

Total assets 
Total liabilities 
Shareholders’ equity 

Assets held and FUA 
On balance sheet: 
Banking assets 
Insurance funds under administration 
Other insurance and internal funds management assets 

Off balance sheet: 
Funds under administration 

30/06/06 
$M 
266,096 

369,103 
347,760 
21,343 

340,254 
20,792 
8,057 
369,103 

130,721 
499,824 

31/12/05 
$M 
254,947 

351,193 
331,343 
19,850 

321,477 
21,217 
8,499 
351,193 

115,757 
466,950 

As at 

30/06/05 
$M 
235,862 

337,404 
314,761 
22,643 

304,620 
22,959 
9,825 
337,404 

100,105 
437,509 

Jun 06 vs 
Dec 05 % 
4 

Jun 06 vs 
Jun 05 % 
13 

5 
5 
8 

6 
(2) 
(5) 
5 

13 
7 

9 
10 
(6)

12 
(9)
(18)
9 

31 
14 

(1)  Lending assets comprise Loans, Advances, and Other Receivables (gross of provisions for impairment and excluding securitisation) and bank acceptances of 

customers. 

Key Performance Indicators 

Banking 
Underlying NPAT ($M) (1) 
Net interest margin (%) (2) (3) 
Average interest earning assets ($M) (4) 
Average interest bearing liabilities ($M) (4) 
Expense to income (%) 

Funds Management 
Underlying NPAT ($M) (1) 
Operating income to average funds under 
administration (%) 
Funds under administration – spot ($M) 
Expense to average FUA (%) 

Insurance 
Underlying NPAT ($M) (1) 
Inforce premiums ($M) 
Expense to average inforce premium (%) 

Capital Adequacy 
Tier 1 (%) 
Total (%) 
Adjusted Common Equity (%) 

Full Year Ended 

30/06/06 

30/06/05 

3,227 
2. 34 
274,798 
255,100 
47. 7 

2,913 
2. 43 
244,708 
255,597 
50. 6 

Jun 06 vs 
Jun 05 %  

11 
(9)bpts 
12 
14 
6 

Half Year Ended 

30/06/06 

31/12/05 

1,638 
2. 29 
282,553 
263,203 
47. 4 

1,589 
2. 39 
267,169 
247,129 
48. 1 

400 

351 

14 

217 

183 

1. 12 
151,513 
0. 71 

1. 08 
123,064 
0. 72 

4bpts 
23 
1 

1. 14 
151,513 
0. 72 

1. 10 
136,974 
0. 70 

215 
1,223 
36. 7 

7. 56 
9. 66 
4. 50 

156 
1,265 
45. 5 

7. 46 
9. 75 
4. 91 

38
(3)
19 

10bpts 
(9)bpts 
(41)bpts 

112 
1,223 
33. 6 

7. 56 
9. 66 
4. 50 

103 
1,216 
40. 5 

7. 54 
9. 81 
5. 00 

Jun 06 vs 
Dec 05 %  

3 
(10)bpts 
6 
7 
1 

19 

4bpts 
11 
(3)

9 
1 
17 

2bpts 
(15)bpts 
(50)bpts 

(1) Underlying NPAT excludes Which new Bank expenses and shareholder investment returns. 

(2) Net Interest Margin for the half year ended 31 December 2005 has been restated due to a change in accounting policy regarding classification of interest expense on 

certain non traded derivatives. 

(3) After adjusting for AIFRS the underlying variance is seven basis points (full year) and nine basis points (half year). Refer to Note 4 to the Financial Statement for the 

reconciliation of Net Interest Margin. 

(4) Average interest earning assets and average interest bearing liabilities have been adjusted to remove the impact of securitisation. Refer to Note 4 to the Financial 

Statements, Average Balance Sheet. 

Important Dates for Shareholders 

Ex-Dividend Date 
Record Date 
Final Dividend Payment  
Annual General Meeting  
2007 Interim Results Announced 

8     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

14 August 2006 
18 August 2006 
5 October 2006 
3 November 2006 
14 February 2007 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Highlights 

Cash EPS Performance 2003-2006 (cents) (1) 

Underlying NPAT By Segment ($M) (1) 

304.6

+ 15%

264.8

202.6

206.6

Banking

Funds Management

Insurance

3,842

400

3,420

351

4,000

3,500

3,000

3,078

2,674

274

2,500

233

2,000

Jun 03

Jun 04

Jun 05

Jun 06

Jun 03

Jun 04

Jun 05

 Jun 06

Banking Underlying Expense to Income 

Lending Assets ($B) 

52.0%

50.8%

49.4%

47.7%

266

+ 13%

236

206

175

280

100

Jun 03

Jun 04

Jun 05

Jun 06

Jun 03

Jun 04

Jun 05

Jun 06

320

300

280

260

240

220

200

180

160

55%

54%

53%

52%

51%

50%

49%

48%

47%

46%

45%

Funds Under Administration ($B) 

Annual Inforce Premiums – Australia & New Zealand ($M) 

152

+ 23%

123

110

99

1,223

+ 6%

1,152

1,073

992

90

900

Jun 03 Jun 04 Jun 05 Jun 06

Jun 03

Jun 04

Jun 05

Jun 06

(1) 2006 and 2005 presented on an AIFRS basis excluding the profit from sale of the Hong Kong insurance business. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Banking Analysis 

Financial Performance and Business Review 

Performance Highlights  

The  full  year  underlying  net profit  after  tax  of  $3,227 million for 
the Banking business increased 11% on the prior year.  

The performance during the year was underpinned by: 

•  Continued  strong  volume  growth  in  home  loans,  up  10% 

since June 2005 to $155 billion;  

•  Domestic  deposit  volume  growth  of  7%  since  June  2005  to 

Personal  Lending  average  balances  have  increased  by  11% 
since June 2005 and 4% since December 2005. This result has 
been  driven  by  strong  growth  in  margin  loans.  Credit  card  and 
personal  loan  growth  has  been  impacted  by  the  repayment  of 
low  margin  student  loans  and  strong  price  based  competition 
particularly in credit cards. 

Average  balances  for  Business,  Corporate  and  Institutional 
lending  increased  17%  since  June  2005  and  12%  since 
December 2005.  

$151 billion including 11% growth in savings accounts;  

Net Interest Margin 

•  Significant  improvement  in  business  lending  volumes,  up 

20% since June 2005 to $76 billion; 

•  Net  interest  margin  (after  adjusting  for  AIFRS)  decreased 
seven basis points over the year in a competitive market;  
•  Good  expense  control,  with  operating  expenses  increasing 

4% compared with the prior year; and  

•  Credit quality of the overall portfolio remaining sound. 
The underlying NPAT for the second half of the year increased 
3% to $1,638 million. The second half performance is impacted 
by  seasonality,  including  three  fewer  days,  but  reflects  similar 
themes to those for the full year.  

More  comprehensive  disclosure  of  business  highlights  by  key 
product category is contained on pages 14-19. 

Net Interest Income 

Net  interest  income  increased  by  8%  compared  with  the  prior 
year  to  $6,514  million.  The  growth  was  driven  by  a  strong 
increase  in  average  interest  earning  assets  of  12%  offset  by  a 
seven basis point reduction in net interest margin, excluding the 
impact  of  AIFRS.  The  introduction  of  AIFRS  has  not  had  a 
material impact on the growth rates for the year.  

During the second half of the year, net interest income increased 
2%  compared  to  the  prior  half  after  adjusting  for  AIFRS  and 
three  fewer  days. This  was the result  of  6% growth in  average 
interest earning assets offset by net interest margin contraction 
of nine basis points (after adjusting for AIFRS). 

Average Interest Earnings Assets 

12%

274,798

42,175

232,623

244,708

39,276

205,432

)

M
$
(

s
t
e
s
s
A
g
n
n
r
a
E

i

t
s
e
r
e
n

t

I

e
g
a
r
e
v
A

300,000

250,000

200,000

150,000

100,000

50,000

0

Jun 05

Jun 06

Non-Lending Interest Earning Assets (Excl Bank Accept)

Lending Interest Earning Assets

Average  interest  earning  assets  increased  by  $30  billion  over 
the  year  to  $275  billion,  reflecting  a  $27  billion  increase  in 
average lending interest earning assets and a $3 billion increase 
in average non-lending interest earning assets. 

Home lending  growth continues  to be  the largest  contributor  to 
the increase in average interest earning assets. Average home 
loan  balances  increased  by  12%  since  30  June  2005  and  4% 
since December 2005.  Following a slight decline in the first six 
months, domestic home loan market share has remained stable 
over  the  second  half.  In  New  Zealand,  ASB  Bank  continues  to 
grow ahead of the industry. 

10     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

After  adjusting  for  the  impact  of  AIFRS,  net  interest  margin  of 
2.34%  decreased  seven  basis  points  compared  with  the  prior 
year. The key drivers of the margin reduction were: 

Pricing:  includes  asset  and  deposit  price  margin  which  has 
contributed  a  reduction  of  three  basis  points.  Most  of  the  price 
margin pressure is due to strong competition in the business and 
corporate segment. Both home loan  and  deposit  margins  were 
relatively stable over the year; 

Funding mix: average lending asset growth of 13% continues to 
outpace  average  retail  deposit  growth  of  8%,  resulting  in  a 
greater  reliance  on  wholesale  funding  which  has  moved  from 
43% in June 2005 to 45% in June 2006. The change in funding 
mix has resulted in a two basis point margin contraction; and  

Asset  mix:  strength  in  business  and  corporate  lending  has  out 
paced  home  loan  growth.  This  has  increased  margin  by  one 
basis  point.  Average  non  lending  interest  earning  assets  have 
increased  by  $3  billion  resulting  in  margin  reduction  of  three 
basis points. 

NIM Movement since June 2005 

2.45% (0.02%)

2.43%

(0.02%)

(0.03%)

7 bpts

(0.02%)

(0.02%)

2.34%

2.60%

2.50%

2.40%

2.30%

2.20%

2.10%

2.00%

 Jun 05
AGAAP

AIFRS
Transition

Jun 05
Restated

AIFRS
Volatility

Pricing

Funding
Mix

Asset Mix
(including
liquids) 

Jun 06 
Year

During the second half of the year net interest margin excluding 
the  volatility  associated  with  AIFRS,  decreased  by  nine  basis 
points.  

This was mainly due to:  

•  Business Lending price pressure of four basis points due to 
competitive pricing and the full impact of large, lower margin 
institutional loans written in the first half of the year;  

•  Home  Loan  margin  pressure  of  three  basis  points  due  to 
timing of the cash rate increase and strong price competition; 
and 

•  Funding  mix,  asset  mix,  deposit  pricing  and  non  lending 
interest  earning  assets  contributed  two  basis  points  to  the 
decline.  

Over the last quarter of the year net interest margin was stable 
at approximately 2.29%. 

Additional  information,  including  the  average  balance  sheet,  is 
set out Note 4 to the Financial Statements. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Key Performance Indicators 

Net interest income 
Other banking income 
Total banking income 
Operating expenses 
Which new Bank 
Total operating expenses 
Bad debts expense 
Net profit before income tax 
Income tax expense 
Minority interests 
NPAT ("cash basis") 
NPAT("underlying basis") (1) 

(1) Underlying basis excludes Which new Bank expenses. 

Productivity and other measures 
Net interest margin (%) (1) 
Expense to income (%) 
Expense to income – underlying (%) 
Effective corporate tax rate (%) 

Banking Analysis 

Full Year Ended 

Half Year Ended 

30/06/06 
$M 
6,514 
3,036 
9,550 
4,558 
- 
4,558 
398 
4,594 
1,339 
28 
3,227 
3,227 

30/06/05 
$M 
6,026 
2,845 
8,871 
4,380 
112 
4,492 
322 
4,057 
1,220 
3 
2,834 
2,913 

Jun 06 vs 
Jun 05 % 
8 
7 
8 
(4)
- 
(1)
(24)
13 
(10)
large 
14 
11 

30/06/06 
$M 
3,259 
1,591 
4,850 
2,298 
- 
2,298 
210 
2,342 
691 
13 
1,638 
1,638 

31/12/05 
$M 
3,255 
1,445 
4,700 
2,260 
- 
2,260 
188 
2,252 
648 
15 
1,589 
1,589 

Jun 06 vs 
Dec 05 %  
- 
10 
3 
(2)
- 
(2)
(12)
4 
(7)
13 
3 
3 

2. 34 
47. 7 
47. 7 
29. 1 

2. 43 
50. 6 
49. 4 
30. 1 

(9)bpts 
6 
3 
(100)bpts 

2. 29 
47. 4 
47. 4 
29. 5 

2. 39 
48. 1 
48. 1 
28. 8 

(10)bpts 
1 
1 
70bpts 

(1) After adjusting for AIFRS the underlying variance is seven basis points (full year) and nine basis points (half year). Refer to Note 4 to the Financial Statements for the 

reconciliation of Net Interest Margin. 

Total Banking NPAT (“Underlying Basis”) 

Australian Retail Products 
Premium, Business & Corporate and Institutional 
Products 
Asia Pacific 
Other 
Total Banking NPAT (“Underlying Basis”) 

Other Banking Income 

30/06/06 
$M 
1,635 
800 
505 
175 
3,115 
(79) 
3,036 

Full year 

30/06/05 
$M 
1,545 
733 
440 
127 
2,845 
- 
2,845 

Commissions 
Lending fees 
Trading income  
Other income 

Non trading derivatives  
Other banking income 

30/06/06 
$M 
820 
411 
261 
138 
1,630 
(39)
1,591 

31/12/05 
$M 
815 
389 
244 
37 
1,485 
(40)
1,445 

Excluding  the  non-trading  derivatives  impact  of  AIFRS,  other 
banking income increased 9% over the year. 

The  introduction  of  AIFRS  requires  certain  derivatives  to  be 
measured at fair value which may result in increased volatility in 
future periods. 

Other Banking Income 

$M

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

2,845
 127
440

733

1,545

3,115
175
505

800

1,635

Jun 05

 Jun 06

Commissions

Lending Fees

Trading Income Other

1,794 

1,038 
364 
31 
3,227 

1,589 

1,009 
291 
24 
2,913 

13 

3 
25 
29 
11 

900 

537 
182 
19 
1,638 

894 

501 
182 
12 
1,589 

1 

7 
- 
58 
3 

Half year 

Factors impacting other banking income were: 

•  Commissions:  increased  by  6%  on  the  prior  year  to  $1,635 
million. The increase was mainly driven by volume increases 
including a 30% increase in CommSec trading volume; 

•  Lending fees: increased by 9% compared with the prior year 
to $800 million. After adjusting for AIFRS which required $25 
million  of  net fee  income to be deferred, lending fee growth 
was  up  13%  compared  with  the  prior  year.  The  result  was 
driven by an increase in lending volumes in the business and 
corporate  lending  portfolios  together  with  higher  volumes  in 
overdraft facilities;  

•  Trading  income  increased  15%  on  the  prior  year  to  $505 

million reflecting favourable market conditions; and 

•  Other  income  increased  $48  million  on  the  prior  year.  The 
current year includes $32 million in relation to the Mastercard 
initial  public  offering.  The  prior  year  includes  $52  million 
relating to tax consolidation legislation impacting the leasing 
business.  Excluding  these  items,  the  increase  was  mainly 
due to structured transactions and leasing income.  

Other income in the second half increased by $101 million to 
$138  million.  After  adjusting  for  the  impact  of  AIFRS  and 
timing of asset sales, other income was flat. 

The other banking income result excluding the impact of AIFRS 
and  timing  of  asset  sales,  increased  by  5%  compared  to  the 
prior half. This result was driven by similar themes to those for 
the full year. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Banking Analysis 

Operating Expenses 

Provisions for Impairment 

Underlying  operating  expenses  within  the  Banking  business 
increased by 4% from the prior year to $4,558 million. Operating 
expenses were impacted by: 

•  Average  salary  increases  of  4%  reflecting  labour  market 
movements and other inflation-related expense increases; 

•  Commencement  of  a  number  of  projects  supporting  the 
strategic  priorities  of  the  Bank  (including  customer  service 
and  business  banking  initiatives)  totalling  $40  million;  partly 
offset by 

•  Ongoing realisation of expense savings as a result of Which 

new Bank efficiency initiatives. 

Impairment provisions as at 30 June 2006 have been assessed 
under AIFRS. The prior year provisions have not been restated 
for  AIFRS,  but  have  been  assessed  using  the  previous 
Australian  GAAP  methodology  and  are  not  comparable  to  the 
current period. 

Total  provisions  for  impairment  at  30  June  2006  were  $1,217 
million  excluding  the  pre-tax  equivalent  General  Reserve  for 
Credit  Losses  ($500  million).  The  addition  of  the  collective 
provision  and  General  Reserve  for  Credit  Losses  (which  is 
required by APRA) is 0.71% expressed as a percentage of risk 
weighted assets. The current level continues to reflect: 

During the second half of the year operating expenses increased 
2%  to  $2,298  million,  mainly  driven  by  the  commencement  of 
initiatives supporting the Bank’s strategic priorities. 

•  A major portion of the credit portfolio is in home loans which 
have a lower risk weighting compared with other portfolios; 
•  The  continuing  strong  asset  quality  in  the  business  lending 

Banking Expense to Income Ratio 

book; and  

•  A level of impaired assets which is at the lower end of levels 

achieved over the past decade. 

Risk Weighted Assets on Balance Sheet ($M) 

160,000

140,000

120,000

100,000

80,000

60,000

40,000

20,000

110,971

92,510

78,981

71,873

0

0

0

2,951

3,348

Risk Weighting
0%

Risk Weighting
20%

Risk Weighting
50%

Risk Weighting
100%

Jun 2005

Jun 2006

Gross Impaired Assets ($M) 

400

300

200

100

0

395

396

326

Jun 05

Dec 05

Jun 06

The underlying Banking expense to income ratio improved from 
49.4%  as  at  June  2005  to  47.7%  in  June  2006  representing  a 
productivity improvement of 3%. On an AGAAP basis, the Bank 
met  its  Which  new  Bank  productivity  target  of  48%,  with  the 
expense  to  income  ratio  down  to  47.1%.  The  improvement 
reflects  strong  income  growth  and  good  expense  control, 
including the ongoing realisation of Which new Bank savings. 

Productivity 

49.4%

47.7%

48.0%

47.1%

52%

50%

48%

46%

44%

42%

40%

Jun 05

Jun 06

Which new Bank
Target

AGAAP Equivalent

AIFRS

Bad Debts Expense 

The  total  charge  for  Bad  Debts  for  the  year  was  $398  million, 
which is 18 basis points of Risk Weighted Assets. This is the first 
year where provisions are calculated in accordance with AIFRS. 

During  the  second  half  the  Bad  Debts  expense  increased  by 
12% to $210 million. This was driven by growth in risk weighted 
assets and an increase in provisioning for unsecured lending.  

Gross  impaired  assets  were  $326  million  as  at  30  June  2006, 
compared with $395 million at June 2005. 

The  Bank  remains  well  provisioned,  with  total  provisions  for 
impairment as a percentage of gross impaired assets of 373%. 

Taxation Expense 

The  corporate  tax  charge  for  the  year  was  $1,339  million,  an 
effective tax rate of 29.1%. 

The effective tax rate for the second half of the year was 29.5% 
compared to 28.8% in the first half. 

12     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
Total Banking Assets & Liabilities 

Interest earning assets 
Home loans including securitisation 
Less: securitisation 
Home loans 
Personal 
Business and corporate 
Loans, advances and other receivables (1) 
Non lending interest earning assets 
Total interest earning assets 
Other assets (2) 
Total assets 

Interest bearing liabilities 
Transaction deposits 
Savings deposits 
Investment deposits 
Other demand deposits 
Total interest bearing deposits 
Deposits not bearing interest 
Deposits and other public borrowings 
Other interest bearing liabilities 
Total interest bearing liabilities 
Securitisation debt issues 
Non interest bearing liabilities 
Total liabilities 

Provisions for Impairment 
Collective Provisions 
Individually assessed provisions 
Total provisions 
General reserve for credit losses (pre-tax equivalent) 
Total provisions including general reserve for credit losses 

Banking Analysis 

30/06/06 
$M 

31/12/05 
$M 

30/06/05 
$M 

Jun 06 vs 
Dec 05 % 

Jun 06 vs 
Jun 05 % 

As at 

167,121 
(12,607)
154,514 
17,228 
76,044 
247,768 
40,283 
288,069 
52,185 
340,254 

37,079 
41,421 
67,364 
20,325 
166,189 
7,037 
173,226 
99,976 
266,165 
13,505 
44,515 
324,185 

1,046 
171 
1,217 
500 
1,717 

159,339 
(9,124)
150,215 
15,967 
71,502 
237,684 
39,431 
277,115 
44,362 
321,477 

34,287 
40,030 
67,462 
19,573 
161,352 
7,371 
168,723 
95,538 
256,890 
9,849 
40,316 
307,055 

1,041 
179 
1,220 
404 
1,624 

150,678 
(10,818) 
139,859 
15,668 
63,549 
219,076 
36,273 
255,349 
49,271 
304,620 

34,694 
38,461 
66,087 
21,806 
161,048 
6,978 
168,026 
72,935 
233,983 
12,144 
41,422 
287,549 

1,390 
157 
1,547 
- 
1,547 

5 
38 
3 
8 
6 
4 
2 
4 
18 
6 

8 
3 
- 
4 
3 
(5) 
3 
5 
4 
37 
10 
6 

- 
(4) 
- 
24 
6 

11 
17 
10 
10 
20 
13 
11 
13 
6 
12 

7 
8 
2 
(7)
3 
1 
3 
37 
14 
11 
7 
13 

(25)
9 
(21)
- 
11 

Asset Quality (3) 
Risk weighted assets ($M) (4) 
Net impaired assets ($M) 
General provisions as a % of risk weighted assets 
Collective provisions plus general reserve for credit 
losses (pre-tax equivalent)/risk weighted assets (%) 
Specific provisions for impairment as a % of gross 
impairment assets net of interest reserved (%)  
Individually assessed provisions for impairment as a % 
of gross impaired assets net of interest reserved  
Bad debt expense as a % of risk weighted assets 
annualised (%) 

Full Year Ended 

Half Year Ended 

30/06/06 
$M 
216,438 
155 
- 

30/06/05 
$M 
189,559 
219 
0. 73 

Jun 06 vs 
Jun 05 % 
14 
(29)
- 

30/06/06 
$M 
216,438 
155 
- 

30/06/06 
$M 
202,667 
217 
- 

Jun 06 vs 
Dec 05 % 
7 
(29)
- 

0.71 

- 

- 

41. 8 

- 

52. 5 

0. 18 

0. 17 

1bpt 

- 

- 

- 

0. 71 

0. 71 

- 

52. 5 

0. 19 

- 

45. 2 

0. 19 

- 

- 

16 

- 

(1) Gross of provisions for impairment which are included in Other Assets. 

(2) Other assets include Bank acceptances of customers, provision for impairment and securitisation assets. 

(3) Asset quality coverage ratios are not comparable to prior periods due to AIFRS. 

(4) No AIFRS adjustment is made to Risk Weighted Assets in the prior periods as the APRA prudential requirement is to apply previous Australian GAAP 

(‘AGAAP’). 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Banking Analysis 

Australian Retail 

The Australian Retail Product segment performed strongly over 
the  year,  with  underlying  profit  after  tax  increasing  by  13%  to 
$1,794  million.  This  result  is  highlighted  by  strong  revenue 
growth, good expense control and further productivity gains.  

Business Review 

Over  the  year,  a  number  of  initiatives  were  introduced  to 
improve the service experience for our customers including: 

•  The 

rollout  of  CommSee, 

the  Bank’s  state-of-the-art 
customer  management  system,  across  our  1,000  strong 
branch network and seven call centres; 

•  The  implementation  of  CommServe,  a  training  program 
designed to ensure our people are able to obtain maximum 
value  from  CommSee  in  improving  Sales  and  Service 
outcomes. Over 14,000 staff undertook CommServe training 
during the 2006 financial year; 

•  The  refurbishment  of  a  further  133  branches,  taking  to  384 
the  number  of  branches  refurbished  over  the  past  three 
years into a design/layout more conducive to effective sales 
and service; 

•  An additional 450 frontline customer service staff; 
• 

Improved access to Australia’s largest electronic banking and 
branch  network  through  two  new  Streamline  products  with 
flat  monthly  fees,  and  the  removal  of  transaction  fees  from 
NetBank; 

•  The introduction of a low interest rate credit card (“Yellow”) to 
meet  growing  customer  demand  in  this  segment  of  the 
market; and  

•  The pilot of a new customer service model which enables our 
frontline  staff  to  spend  more  time  on  customer  service  and 
empowers  our  branch  managers  to  make  decisions  about 
their business best suited to local conditions. 

Home Loans 

Home  loan  income  has  been  impacted  by  the  transition  to 
AIFRS  which  required  $35  million  of  net  expenses  to  be 
deferred.  After  adjusting  for  this,  revenue  increased  13% 
compared  to  the  prior  year  and  was  driven  by  solid  volume 
growth of 11% and stable margins over the year. 

Whilst  second  half  revenue  growth  was  flat,  this  was  impacted 
by  seasonal  factors  including  three  fewer  calendar  days  in  the 
half.  From  a  product  growth  perspective,  second  half 
performance  was  strong,  underpinned  by  record  volume 
approvals in the June quarter. Second half balance growth was 
7%. 

Market share fell by 26 basis points over the year to 18.8%. All 
of  this  reduction  occurred  in  the  first  half,  where  the  Bank’s 
internal  distribution  channels  underperformed  reflecting  in  part 
the changes to systems and training required. Market share has 
stabilised  over  the  second  half  through  improved  sales  in 
proprietary  channels,  and  selective  product  changes  to  raise 
competitiveness.  

Full year average margins have been stable, but were lower in 
the second half mainly due to timing factors relating to passing 
on  the  May  2006  cash  rate  increase  together  with  a  higher 
volume of lower margin fixed rate lending towards the end of the 
year. 

Consumer Finance (Personal Loans and Credit Cards) 

Total  income  in  the  Consumer  Finance  portfolio  grew  by  11% 
over the year. The current year includes $32 million in relation to 
the Mastercard initial public offering.  

14     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

Total  Consumer  Finance  balances  (combined  Personal  Loans 
and Credit Cards) decreased by 1% over the year to $11 billion. 
Second half growth was 1%. Full year growth was impacted by 
the repayment of low margin student loans in the first half. The 
market  has  been  characterised  by  strong  price  based 
competition particularly in credit cards. 

In  March,  the  Bank  launched  a  new  low-rate  credit  card 
(“Yellow”)  to  meet  customer  demand  in  this  segment  of  the 
results  have  been  encouraging,  with 
market.  Early 
approximately 80,000 accounts opened since it launched.  

Deposits 

Deposit  revenue  increased  6%  compared  to  the  prior  year, 
reflecting  a  combination  of  strong  volume  growth,  relatively 
stable margins and higher other banking income. 

Deposit balances grew by 8% over the year to $77 billion, with 
cyclical  factors  resulting in relatively  stronger  growth in the first 
half of the year. NetBank Saver balances grew by $4 billion, with 
approximately 63% being new funds to the Bank. Total deposit 
growth  was  slightly  below  market,  as  the  Bank  continues  to 
pursue a balanced strategy aimed at optimising both growth and 
revenue outcomes. Net interest margin reduced slightly over the 
year. 

In  May,  the  Bank  announced  new  pricing  options  on  its  main 
personal  transaction  account  “Streamline”,  allowing  customers 
unlimited  transactions  for  a  fixed  monthly  fee.  These  changes 
provide customers with a greater level of certainty in their day-to-
day  banking  whilst  further  consolidating  the  Bank’s  competitive 
position in this segment of the market.  

Operating Expenses 

Expense  growth  was  held  to  3%  over  the  full  year.  This  result 
reflects  further  productivity  gains  within  the  business,  with  the 
expense to income ratio falling from 46.2% as at June 2005 to 
43.6%  as  at  June  2006.  Employee  numbers  increased  by  475 
full-time  equivalents  to  17,253  full-time  equivalents  as  at  June 
2006, 
frontline  customer  service 
in 
employees.  Higher  frontline  employee  expenses  have  been 
substantially  offset  by  productivity  and  other  expense  savings 
elsewhere in the business. 

increases 

reflecting 

Bad Debts 

Total Bad Debts Expense for retail products for the full year was 
$354  million,  an  increase  of  33%.  Credit  quality  on  the  home 
loan  portfolio  remained  high  with  percentage  losses  at  historic 
lows.  Credit  card  losses  as  a  percentage  of  balances  were 
stable at 1.96%. Personal loan losses peaked mainly as a result 
of business booked in 2004. Subsequent tightening of policy and 
the  introduction  of  new  scorecards  has  improved  the  quality  of 
more recent business. 

Market Share Percentage 
Home Loans (1) 
Credit Cards (1) (2) 
Personal lending  
(APRA and other households) (3) 
Household Deposits 
Retail deposits 

30/06/06  31/12/05  30/06/05 
19. 0 
22. 8 

18. 8 
21. 4 

18. 8 
20. 5 

16. 1 
29. 3 
22. 2 

16. 0 
29. 6 
22. 9 

16. 7 
29. 8 
23. 0 

(1) Comparatives have been restated due to a reclassification between home 

loans and personal loans by another ADI. 

(2) As at 31 May 2006. 
(3) Personal lending market share includes personal loans and margin loans. 

 
 
 
 
Australian Retail 

Full Year to June 2006 

Banking Analysis 

Home loans 
Consumer finance 
Retail deposits  
Australian Retail products 

Home loans 
Consumer finance 
Retail deposits  
Australian Retail products 

Home loans 
Consumer finance 
Retail deposits  
Australian Retail products 

Net  
Interest 
Income $M  
1,239 
727 
1,953 
3,919 

Other 
Banking 
Income $M 
151 
368 
700 
1,219 

Total 
Banking 
Income $M  
1,390 
1,095 
2,653 
5,138 

Total 
Banking 
Income $M  
1,194 
985 
2,514 
4,693 

Expenses 
$M  

Bad Debts 
$M  

Underlying 
Profit after 
Tax $M  

2,240 

354 

1,794 

Full Year to June 2005 

Expenses 
$M  

Bad Debts 
$M  

Underlying 
Profit after 
Tax $M 

2,168 

266 

1,589 

Half Year to June 2006 

Net  
Interest 
Income $M  
615 
363 
978 
1,956 

Other 
Banking 
Income $M 
74 
195 
351 
620 

Total 
Banking 
Income $M  
689 
558 
1,329 
2,576 

Expenses 
$M  

Bad Debts 
$M  

Underlying 
Profit after 
Tax $M  

1,108 

198 

900 

As At 

30/06/05 
$M 
129,913 
10,720 
140,633 
119,094 

16,382 
34,061 
19,197 
2,172 

71,812 

Jun 06 vs 
Dec 05 % 
7 
1 
6 
4 

Jun 06 vs 
Jun 05 % 
11 
(1)
11 
11 

- 
5 
(1)
(5)

2 

4 
12 
3 
9 

8 

Major Balance Sheet Items (gross of impairment) 

Home loans (incl securitisation) 
Consumer finance (1) 
Total assets – Australian Retail products  
Home loans (net of securitisation) 

Transaction deposits 
Savings deposits 
Other demand deposits 
Deposits not bearing interest 

Total liabilities – Australia Retail products 

(1) Retail Consumer Finance includes personal loans and credit cards. 

30/06/06 
$M 
144,834 
10,640 
155,474 
132,227 

16,993 
38,071 
19,818 
2,362 

77,244 

31/12/05 
$M 
135,990 
10,507 
146,497 
126,866 

17,077 
36,306 
19,977 
2,478 

75,838 

Australian Home Loan Approvals by State (1) (2) 

Australian Home Loan Balances by State (2) 

QLD 19%

(Jun 05: 18%)

QLD 17%

(Jun 05: 16%)

NSW 34%
  (Jun 05: 37%)

NSW 39%

(Jun 05: 40%)

VIC 24%

(Jun 05: 25%)

VIC 27%
(Jun 05: 28%)

Other 8%

 (Jun 05: 8%)

WA 9%

  (Jun 05: 8%)

Other 9%
(Jun 05: 10%)

WA 14%

(Jun 05: 10%)

(1) As at 31 May 2006. 

(2) Half year averages. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Banking Analysis 

Premium, Business & Corporate and 
Institutional 

The  Premium,  Business  &  Corporate  and  Institutional  product 
segment  delivered  underlying  net  profit  after  tax  of  $1,038 
million, an increase of 3% compared to the prior year. The result 
has  been  impacted  by  the  transition  to  AIFRS,  which  has 
decreased  current  year  income  by  $55  million  in  relation  to 
deferrals, and one-off inclusion of income recognised in relation 
to tax consolidation legislation changes in the prior year of $52 
million. After adjusting for these items, underlying net profit after 
tax growth was 11%. 

structured  products,  capital  markets  services  (including  IPOs 
and placements) and margin lending. 

Financial  markets income has increased 14% compared to the 
prior  year  following  improved  trading  conditions  and  increased 
customer  flows.  Continued  strength  in  investment  markets  has 
also resulted in strong CommSec trading volumes while margin 
lending balances increased 34% over the year. 

During  the  second  half,  revenue  increased  by  5%  due  to  a 
strong  March  quarter  which  saw  high  levels  of  retail  equities 
trades  and  increased  leverage  of  high  value  clients  from  the 
Institutional Banking segment. 

Business Review 

Lending and Finance 

The  Premium,  Business  &  Corporate  and  Institutional  product 
segment  performed  well  over  the  year,  with  the  performance 
highlights including: 

• 

Institutional  Banking  customers  gave  the  Bank  a  strong 
rating  in  the  latest  East  &  Partners  customer  satisfaction 
survey. Of the major banks, CBA retained number one status 
as principal and secondary transaction bank of the Top 500 
corporates  and  the  highest  average  rating  in  all  key 
relationship management categories; 

•  Development  of  dedicated  mobile  lenders,  strong  servicing 
for  third  party  brokers,  the  introduction  of  a  dedicated 
acquisition  sales  force  for  corporate  clients  and  foreign 
exchange sales force; 

•  Recent  establishment  of 

five  distribution 

teams  being 
Institutional  Banking,  Corporate  Financial  Services, 
Agribusiness,  Local  Business  Banking  and  Private  Client 
Services  which  all  provide  greater  focus  on  each  of  these 
segments  as  the  Bank  expands  its  business  banking 
footprint; 

•  The  introduction  of  the  Business  Online  Saver  high  yield 
investment  account,  the  Commonwealth  Portfolio  Loan 
product  and  the  Business  Line  of  Credit,  all  of  which  have 
reached $1 billion in balances; 
•  CommSec  has  achieved  record 

trading  volumes  and 
substantial  margin  lending  balance  growth  during  the  year. 
On 30 June 2006, CommSec executed 47,406 trades to the 
value  of  $683  million  in  turnover.  This  set  an  Australian 
broking industry record for the highest number of trades and 
turnover by a broker in a single day; 

•  Successful 

implementation  of 

the  CommSee  customer 
management  system  across  the  business  providing  Bank 
employees  with  a  common  IT  platform  and  access  to 
common client information; and 

•  Further  extended  specialised  client  service  teams  that  are 
now  capable  of  supporting  all  business  clients  centrally  for 
most servicing activities. 

Outcomes by key product category are summarised below. 

Corporate Banking 

Corporate  Banking 
transaction services and merchant acquiring. 

includes  commercial  and  corporate 

This line of business achieved income growth of 1% for the year 
reflecting  an  increasingly  competitive  environment.  Merchant 
acquiring in particular has been subject to intense competition in 
the  second  half  of  the  year  but  has  increased  transaction 
volumes  over  the  year,  which  allows  the  Bank  to  continue  to 
leverage its scale position.  

Financial Markets 

Financial  Markets  includes  financial  markets  and  wholesale 
(including  CommSec)  and 
operations,  equities  broking 

16     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

Lending and Finance includes asset finance, structured finance 
and general business lending. 

Lending  and  Finance  income  has  been  impacted  by  the 
transition to AIFRS which required $55 million of net income to 
be  deferred.  In  addition,  the  one-off  inclusion  of  income 
recognised  in  relation  to  tax  consolidation  legislation  changes 
impacted  the  leasing  business  by  $52  million  in  the  prior  year. 
After  adjusting  for  these  items,  Lending  and  Finance  income 
increased by 8%.  

Lending and Finance assets have increased $16 billion or 18% 
compared with the prior year. The increase has been driven by 
continued growth in the Australian and New Zealand syndicated 
loan  market  and  an  increase  in  volume  in  structured  finance 
transactions.  Bank  acceptances  have  increased  by  9%  since 
June 2005 (6% growth since December 2005).  

During  the  second  half,  revenue  increased  by  12%  due  to  the 
continued strong volume of structured finance transactions and 
the timing of asset sales in the second half including Bankstown 
and Camden Airports. 

Operating Expenses 

Operating  expenses  of  $1,570  million  was  contained  to  2% 
growth compared to the prior  year. This  was driven  by general 
salary  increases  and  higher  employee  numbers,  mainly  to 
support volume growth in the Financial Markets business, partly 
offset by significant IT related savings.  

Market Share 

Business  lending  market  share  (including  bank  acceptances) 
declined  during  the  year  by  10  basis  points  to  13.1%.  The 
movement  from  half  to  half  reflects  the  volatility  in  the 
institutional  and  corporate  lending  businesses.  Institutional 
lending  is  particularly  sensitive  to  major  funding  requirements 
and  is  heavily  impacted  by  relative  levels  of  participations  in 
syndicated loan deals. 

Asset Finance market share has decreased by 90 basis points 
to  14.5%  since  June  2005.  The  decline  reflects  the  maturity  of 
this  business  segment,  which  has  been  characterised  by 
aggressive price competition coupled with competitor expansion. 

Equities  Trading  market  share  increased  70  basis  points  over 
the year. This result was supported by a 51% increase in value 
traded compared to market growth of 26%. 

Market Share Percentage 

Business Lending 
Asset finance 
Equities trading (CommSec) 

30/06/06  31/12/05  30/06/05 
13. 2 
15. 4 
3. 6 

13. 5 
15. 1 
4. 3 

13. 1 
14. 5 
4. 3 

 
 
Banking Analysis 

Premium, Business & Corporate and 
Institutional 

Full Year to June 2006 

Corporate Banking 
Financial Markets  
Lending and Finance  
Premium, Business & Corporate and 
Institutional products  

Corporate Banking 
Financial Markets  
Lending and Finance  
Premium, Business & Corporate and 
Institutional products  

Corporate Banking 
Financial Markets  
Lending and Finance  
Premium, Business & Corporate and 
Institutional products  

Net 
Interest 
Income $M 
558 
287 
751 

Other 
Banking 
Income $M 
394 
642 
441 

Total 
Banking 
Income $M 
952 
929 
1,192 

Expenses 
$M 

Bad Debts 
$M 

Underlying 
Profit after 
Tax $M 

1,596 

1,477 

3,073 

1,570 

68 

1,038 

Full Year to June 2005 

Expenses 
$M 

Bad Debts 
$M 

Underlying 
Profit after 
Tax $M 

Total 
Banking 
Income $M 
945 
814 
1,204 

2,963 

1,536 

39 

1,009 

Half Year to June 2006 

Net 
Interest 
Income $M 
282 
144 
382 

Other 
Banking 
Income $M 
184 
331 
249 

Total 
Banking 
Income $M 
466 
475 
631 

Expenses 
$M 

Bad Debts 
$M 

Underlying 
Profit after 
Tax $M 

808 

764 

1,572 

791 

31 

537 

Major Balance Sheet Items (gross of impairment) 

Interest earning lending assets 
Bank acceptances of customers 
Non lending interest earning assets 
Margin loans 
Other assets (1) 
Total assets – Premium, Business & Corporate and 
Institutional products (2) 
Transaction deposits 
Other demand deposits 
Deposits not bearing interest 
Certificates of deposits and other 
Dues to other financial institutions 
Liabilities at fair value through the Income Statement 
Debt issues 
Loan capital 
Other non interest bearing Liabilities 
Total liabilities – Business, Corporate and Institutional 
products Australia (2) 

Banking Sheet by Product Segment 

Assets 
Corporate Banking 
Financial Markets 
Lending and Finance 
Other (2) 
Total assets – Premium, Business & Corporate and 
Institutional products   
Liabilities 
Corporate Banking 
Financial Markets 
Lending and Finance 
Other (2) 
Total liabilities – Business, Corporate and Institutional 
products Australia 

(1) Other assets include intangible assets and derivative assets. 

30/06/06 
$M 
66,343 
18,310 
35,471 
5,758 
19,947 

145,829 
16,426 
37,821 
3,520 
20,178 
11,333 
2,085 
77,848 
9,744 
36,703 

31/12/05 
$M 
60,949 
17,263 
35,320 
4,664 
15,711 

133,907 
14,155 
37,074 
3,675 
19,243 
9,852 
2,630 
69,854 
9,129 
31,628 

As At 

30/06/05 
$M 
51,584 
16,786 
33,993 
4,311 
19,773 

126,447 
14,457 
34,601 
3,651 
16,367 
7,964 
1,580 
65,463 
8,356 
32,927 

215,658 

197,240 

185,366 

3,546 
36,228 
101,601 
4,454 

2,982 
29,680 
94,671 
6,574 

3,299 
34,104 
85,935 
3,109 

145,829 

133,907 

126,447 

20,799 
71,594 
27,303 
95,962 

18,592 
70,098 
25,145 
83,405 

18,659 
67,398 
21,658 
77,651 

215,658 

197,240 

185,366 

Jun 06 vs 
Dec 05 % 
9 
6 
- 
23 
27 

Jun 06 vs 
Jun 05 % 
29 
9 
4 
34 
1 

9 
16 
2 
(4)
5 
15 
(21)
11 
7 
16 

9 

19 
22 
7 
(32)

9 

12 
2 
9 
15 

9 

15 
14 
9 
(4)
23 
42 
32 
19 
17 
11 

16 

7 
6 
18 
43 

15 

11 
6 
26 
24 

16 

(2) Includes Group Funding, Balance Sheet Management and other capital not directly attributed to the product based segments above. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Asia Pacific Business 

The highlights in this region during the year were: 

•  Purchase of the remaining 49% of the Colonial National Bank 
in  Fiji  from  the  Fiji  Government  in  January  2006.  Fiji  loans 
and advances increased by 34% during 2006 to $484 million 
although  liquidity  and  interest  rate  volatility  issues  in  the  Fiji 
economy  resulted  in  a  more  subdued  performance  in  the 
second half of the year;  

•  Acquisition of a 19.9% interest in Hangzhou City Commercial 
Bank (HZB) for $102 million. HZB is one of the top five City 
Commercial  Banks  by  assets  in  mainland  China.  When 
combined  with  our  investment  in  Jinan  City  Commercial 
Bank, the Bank now holds interests in two of the top 10 City 
Commercial Banks in China; 

•  Finalisation  of  the  first  stage  of  the  Capability  Transfer 

Program with Jinan City Commercial Bank;  

•  Development  of  a  mortgage  broking  business  in  Shanghai; 

and 

•  Continuation  of  the  branch  expansion  program  in  PT  Bank 
Commonwealth  in  Indonesia  with  six  new  branches  added 
during the year. 

Market Share 

Market  share  in  New  Zealand  increased  in  all  major  asset 
categories  and  retail  deposits.  Home  loan  market  share 
increased  seven  basis  points  to  23.1%  ranking  ASB  Bank 
second in the market. 

Retail  deposit  market  share  in  New  Zealand  was  20.3%  at  30 
June 2006, an increase of 82 basis points from June 2005. 

Fiji lending asset market share increased from 20.5% at 30 June 
2005 to 22.5% as at 31 May 2006. 

Market Share Percentage 

NZ lending for housing 
NZ retail deposits 

30/06/06  31/12/05  30/06/05 
23. 0 
19. 5 

23. 1 
20. 3 

23. 2 
19. 9 

Banking Analysis 

Asia Pacific 

Asia  Pacific  Banking 
retail, 
business/commercial  and  rural  banking  operations  in  New 
Zealand, Fiji, Indonesia and China. 

the  Bank’s 

incorporates 

Underlying  net  profit  after  tax  for  Asia  Pacific  businesses 
increased  25%  to  $364  million(1)  compared  to  the  prior  year. 
ASB  Bank  in  New  Zealand  represents  the  majority  of  the 
business. 

ASB Bank 

The  New  Zealand  economy  was  characterised  during  2006  by 
higher interest rates under the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s 
tightening  of  monetary  policy  and  strong  competition  in  both 
deposits and lending. Despite these pressures ASB Bank again 
achieved  solid  growth  in  its  asset  and  liability  products.  New 
Zealand lending balances grew strongly again in 2006, however, 
growth  rates  were  slower  than  2005  due  to  tighter  economic 
conditions.  Home  lending  balances  grew  by  18%  to  NZD  26.0 
billion,  commercial  loans  by  13%  to  NZD  4.5  billion  and  rural 
loans also by 13% to NZD 3.8 billion. 

Retail  deposit  balances  of  NZD  20.4  billion  were  12%  higher 
than 2005. FastSaver and term investments contributed most of 
the growth in deposits. 

Margins continued to come under pressure although competitive 
pressure eased in the second half of the year. 

ASB  Bank  underlying  net  profit  after  tax  for  the  year  was  NZD 
400 million,(1) an increase of 22% over the prior year. This was 
driven by: 

•  Continued  growth  in  home  lending  volumes  above  market 
growth rates. This is the 15th year of market share growth in 
this segment;  

•  Strong growth in commercial/business and rural lending; 
•  Success  of  the  Fastsaver  deposit  product  introduced  in 
November 2004 with balances growing by more than 75% by 
the end of the year; 

•  Net  interest  margin  pressure  over  the  year  in  a  very 
competitive  environment.  Most  of 
this  pressure  was 
evidenced in the first half with net interest margin flat in the 
second half; 

•  Continued  productivity 

improvements  with  expense 

to 

income ratio of 43.1% for the year; and 

•  Sound credit quality. 
Other performance highlights include: 

•  For  the  fourth  consecutive  year,  ASB  Bank  was  recognised 
as  New  Zealand’s  “Bank  of  the  Year”  by  the  UK  based 
Banker Magazine; and 

•  ASB  Bank  continued  its  leading  position  in  Personal  and 
Business  Banking  customer  satisfaction  among  the  major 
banks. 

Underlying net profit after tax increased 6% in the second half to 
NZD 205 million.(1) This reflected slower market volume growth, 
stabilisation of margins and three fewer days. 

(1) Represents Group Management view for the product segment rather than 

statutory view. 

18     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asia Pacific 

ASB 
Other  
Asia Pacific  

ASB 
Other  
Asia Pacific  

ASB 
Other  
Total Banking Income – Asia Pacific  

Major Balance Sheet Items 

(gross of impairment) (1) 

Home lending 
Other lending assets  
Non lending interest earning assets 
Other assets 
Total Assets – Asia Pacific 

Debt Issues 
Deposits (2) 
Liabilities at fair value through the Income Statement
Other Liabilities 
Total Liabilities – Asia Pacific 

Balance Sheet by Segment 

Assets 
ASB 
Other 
Total Assets – Asia Pacific 

Liabilities 
ASB 
Other 
Total Liabilities – Asia Pacific 

Banking Analysis 

Full Year to June 2006 

Net 
Interest 
Income $M 
680 
43 
723 

Other 
Banking 
Income $M 
291 
52 
343 

Total 
Banking 
Income $M 
971 
95 
1,066 

Expenses 
$M 

Bad Debts 
$M 

Underlying 
Profit after 
Tax $M 

521 

20 

364 

Total 
Banking 
Income $M 
878 
39 
917 

Full Year to June 2005 

Expenses 
$M 

Bad Debts 
$M 

Underlying 
Profit after 
Tax $M 

490 

18 

291 

Half Year to June 2006 

Net 
Interest 
Income $M 
338 
23 
361 

Other 
Banking 
Income $M 
138 
38 
176 

Total 
Banking 
Income $M 
476 
61 
537 

Expenses 
$M 

Bad Debts 
$M 

Underlying 
Profit after 
Tax $M 

261 

8 

182 

30/06/06 
$M 
22,287 
10,531 
4,812 
1,321 
38,951 

744 
18,040 
11,727 
772 
31,283 

36,724 
2,227 
38,951 

29,306 
1,977 
31,283 

31/12/05 
$M 
23,349 
11,157 
5,523 
1,044 
41,073 

182 
19,256 
13,691 
848 
33,977 

38,981 
2,092 
41,073 

31,933 
2,044 
33,977 

As At 

30/06/05 
$M 
20,765 
12,132 
3,664 
979 
37,540 

6,939 
23,006 
- 
426 
30,371 

35,593 
1,947 
37,540 

29,658 
713 
30,371 

Jun 06 vs 
Dec 05 % 
(5)
(6)
(13)
27 
(5)

Jun 06 vs 
Jun 05 % 
7 
(13)
31 
35 
4 

large 
(6)
(14)
(9)
(8)

(6)
6 
(5)

(8)
(3)
(8)

(89)
(22)
- 
81 
3 

3 
14 
4 

(1)
large 
3 

(1) 30 June 2006 balance sheet impacted by deterioration of the NZD (11% over the full year). 

(2) Asia Pacific Deposits exclude deposits held in other overseas countries (30 June 2006: A$4 billion and 31 December 2005: A$4 billion and 30 June 2005: A$4 billion).   

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Funds Management Analysis 

Financial Performance and Business Review 

•  The  continued  rationalisation  of 

legacy  systems  and 

products; and  

•  Strengthening  of  the  control  and  operating  environment, 
particularly  around  unit  pricing  of  investment  style  products 
within the life insurance entities. 

Investment Performance 

Investment performance has been good with 14 out of 18 major 
funds exceeding benchmark on a one year basis and 11 out of 
18 major funds exceeding benchmark on a three year basis. 

Importantly,  the  investment  performance  of  the  two  flagship 
Australian Equity funds were well ahead of benchmark on a one 
year basis with rankings in first and second quartiles.  

Operating Income 

Operating  income  for  the  year  increased  by  23%  to  $1,552 
million.  Income  growth  was  supported  by  a  23%  increase  in 
funds under administration to $152 billion at 30 June 2006 and a 
significant improvement in sales, particularly within the offshore 
businesses. The acquisition of Gandel’s Joint Venture interest in 
October 2005 has also contributed $45 million in revenue during 
the year. This contributed three basis points to gross margin. 

During the second half of the year, operating income increased 
by  16%  to  $832  million.  This  result  was  driven  by  an  11% 
increase in the funds under administration and an additional $29 
million contribution from the Gandel Joint Venture acquisition. 

Excluding  the  impact  of  the  Gandel  acquisition,  margin  was 
stable. This reflects good margins on FirstChoice, strong inflows 
into higher margin International products and the maintenance of 
funds  under  administration  levels  on  the  higher  margin  legacy 
retail products. 

Operating Expenses 

Operating  expenses  (excluding  volume  expenses)  of  $765 
million were up $123 million or 19% compared to the prior year.  

This includes:  

•  The  acquisition  of  Gandel’s  Joint  Venture  interest  which 

increased expenses $28 million in the current year; and 

•  Expenses in relation to the Unit Pricing control and process 
improvement program, totalling $55 million. This is expected 
to incur additional expenses of $20-30 million in the next 12 
months. 

Excluding  the  expenses  associated  with  Gandel  and  the  Unit 
Pricing initiative, expenses increased 6% compared to the prior 
year, reflecting average salary increases of 4% and performance 
based remuneration within the asset management business.  

Volume  expenses,  driven  predominantly  by  stronger  sales  and 
growth in funds under administration, increased 44%. 

Expenses  to  average  funds  under  administration  for  the  year 
was 0.71%, an improvement on the prior year of one basis point. 

Taxation 

The  corporate  tax  expense  for  the  year  was  $164  million, 
representing  an  effective  tax  rate  of  28.4%  compared  with 
21.9% for the  prior  year.  The increase in the effective tax  rate, 
amounting to $27 million, is due to the phasing out of transitional 
tax relief on investment style funds management products within 
life insurance legal entities. 

Performance Highlights 

Full year underlying net profit after tax of $400 million increased 
14%  over  the  year  for  the  Funds  Management  business 
reflecting strong revenue growth across the business.  

Underlying  profit  before  tax  increased  by  23%.  The  after  tax 
result was impacted by $27 million due to a significantly higher 
effective  tax  rate  primarily  due  to  the  phasing  out  of  the 
transitional tax relief on investment style products within the life 
insurance entities, which ceased at the end of the last financial 
year ($27 million). 

The  underlying  profit  after  tax  result  for  the  second  half  of  the 
year increased 19% to $217 million also underpinned by strong 
revenue growth.  

Funds under administration grew by 23% to $152 billion as at 30 
June  2006.  The  growth  in  funds  under  administration  was  the 
result  of  strong  net  fund  flows  and  favourable  investment 
markets.  

Business Review  

Industry growth has been positive and industry retail flows have 
remained strong over the year. 

Total  funds  flow  performance  for  the  year  was  strong  with  $11 
billion of net inflows (up $10 billion on the prior year) due to the 
continuing  success  of  FirstChoice,  significant 
into 
Avanteos,  including  $5  billion  in  net  flows  from  the  Goldman 
Sachs JB Were strategic alliance, excellent sales results in the 
International  businesses  and  good 
into  domestic 
wholesale  funds.  An  improvement  in  fund  flows  was  achieved 
across  most  channels, 
Independent  Financial 
including 
Advisors, Institutional Clients and the Bank Network.  

inflows 

inflows 

The  success  of  FirstChoice  has  underpinned  recent  growth  in 
retail  market  share,  with  the  Bank  increasing  share  and 
maintaining its number one position in the overall retail market. 
In  the  latest  Plan  for  Life  market  share  statistics,  FirstChoice 
received  in  excess  of  25%  of  net  flows  in  the  platform  market 
over the year. A recently published survey from ASSIRT showed 
that 50% of  advisors in  the market used  FirstChoice  as  one of 
their platforms. 

Investment  performance  during  the  year  was  good,  in  both 
absolute  terms  and  against  benchmark  and  this  contributed  to 
the improving fund flows. 

Other  key  developments  within  the  business  during  the  year 
included: 

•  Continued platform enhancements and new product offerings 
including the development of a self managed super offering 
“YourChoice”,  to  capitalise  on  this  rapidly  growing  sector  of 
the market; 

•  Strategic  alliance  formed  between  Avanteos  and  Goldman 
Sachs JB Were, which has contributed $5 billion of additional 
net funds flow; 

•  A  funds  management  joint  venture  has  been  established  to 
operate within China, with approval being received from the 
China Securities Regulatory Commission; 

•  Further  improvement  in  Bank  planner  performance,  with  a 

16% increase in productivity for the year; 

•  Acquisition  of  the  Gandel  Group’s  interests  in  the  Colonial 
First  State  Property  Retail  Trust  Limited  and  Gandel  Retail 
Management  Trust  Ltd,  which  provides  funds  management 
and property management services to a number of Colonial 
First State Retail Property trusts; 

20     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
Funds Management Analysis 

Key Performance Indicators 

Operating income – external 
Operating income – internal 
Total operating income 
Shareholder investment returns 
Funds management income 
Volume expense 
Operating expenses 
Which new Bank 
Total operating expenses 
Net profit before income tax (“cash basis”) 
Net profit before income tax (“underlying basis”) (1)
Corporate tax expense (2) 
Minority interests 
Net profit after income tax (“cash basis”) 
Net profit after income tax (underlying basis) (1) 

Full Year Ended 

Half Year Ended 

30/06/06 
$M 
1,543 
9 
1,552 
14 
1,566 
224 
765 
- 
989 
577 
563 
164 
3 
410 
400 

30/06/05 
$M 
1,247 
10 
1,257 
33 
1,290 
156 
642 
36 
834 
456 
459 
100 
7 
349 
351 

Jun 06 vs 
Jun 05 % 
24 
(10)
23 
(58)
21 
(44)
(19)
- 
(19)
27 
23 
(64)
(57)
17 
14 

30/06/06 
$M 
828 
4 
832 
7 
839 
125 
405 
- 
530 
309 
302 
87 
- 
222 
217 

31/12/05 
$M 
715 
5 
720 
7 
727 
99 
360 
- 
459 
268 
261 
77 
3 
188 
183 

Jun 06 vs 
Dec 05 %  
16 
(20)
16 
- 
15 
(26)
(13)
- 
(15)
15 
16 
(13)
- 
18 
19 

(1) Underlying basis excludes shareholder investment returns and Which new Bank expenses.  

(2) For purpose of presentation, Policyholder tax benefit and Policyholder tax expense are shown on a net basis (2006: $193 million). 

Funds under Administration 

Funds under administration – average 
Funds under administration – spot 
Net flows 
Total retail net flows 

Productivity and Other Measures 

Operating income to average funds under 
administration (%) 
Operating expenses to average funds under 
administration (%) 
Effective corporate tax rate (%) 

139,082 
151,513 
10,830 
8,235 

116,262 
123,064 
456 
2,190 

20 
23 
large 
large 

147,684 
151,513 
8,135 
6,870 

130,179 
136,974 
2,695 
1,365 

13 
11 
large 
large 

1. 12 

0. 71 
28. 4 

1. 08 

0. 72 
21. 9 

4bpts 

1 
large 

1. 14 

0. 72 
28. 2 

1. 10 

0. 70 
28. 7 

4bpts 

(3)
(50)bpts 

$M

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

351

T
A
P
N
g
n
y
l
r
e
d
n
U

i

5
0

n
u
J

Underlying Net Profit After Tax growth of 14% on the prior year 

295

(68)

(123)

(55)

400

10

410

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m
o
c
n

i

g
n
i
t
a
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e
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-

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6
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Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Funds Management Analysis 

Funds under Administration 

Market Share 

Funds  under  Administration  (spot  balances)  have  increased  by 
23%  over  the  year  to  $152  billion.  The  growth  in  Funds  under 
Administration has been driven by a combination of positive net 
fund flows, strong investment markets, albeit lower in the second 
half  of  the  year,  and  positive  absolute  investment  performance 
which  exceeded  benchmark  across  many  of  our  funds.  Net 
inflows  for  the  year  were $11 billion,  representing a substantial 
improvement  on  the  prior  year.  Investment  returns  contributed 
$17 billion for the year and $6 billion for the second half of the 
year.  

Average  Funds  under  Administration  of  $139  billion  were  20% 
higher than the prior year.  

The key drivers of net funds flows were: 

•  Continuation  of  market 

into  FirstChoice 
leading 
capturing  in  excess  of  25%(1)  of  the  market  net  flows. 
FirstChoice  has  now  exceeded  $25  billion  in  funds  under 
administration in less than four years; 

flows 

The  Australian  retail  market  share  increased  from  14.5%  at  30 
June  2005  to  15.7%  at  31  March  2006.  The  business  has 
achieved strong net flows in retail Funds under Administration in 
recent  quarters  and  has  also  been  favourably  impacted  by  the 
inflow from the strategic alliance with Goldman Sachs JB Were 
which contributed 1% to market share growth.  

The most recent Plan for Life survey (March 2006) showed the 
Bank ranking No. 1 for total retail net flows and No. 1 for retail 
investment 
Improvement 
flows  excluding  cash 
performance has also aided market share gains. 

trusts. 

in 

Market Share Percentage (2) 

Australian retail – administrator view
New Zealand retail 
Platforms (Masterfunds) 

(2) 2006 figures are as at 31 March.. 

30/06/06  31/12/05  30/06/05 
14. 5 
15. 2 
10. 2 

15. 7 
15. 0 
12. 5 

14. 6 
15. 0 
10. 8 

•  Significant  inflows  associated  with  the  Goldman  Sachs  JB 

Were strategic alliance of $5 billion;  

•  Reduced  net  outflows  on  Australian  equity  funds  due  partly 

to improved investment performance; 

•  A  turnaround  in  net  flows  into  wholesale  products,  which 

achieved positive net flows of $1.3 billion for the year;  

•  Good flows into higher margin equity products and mandates 

in the International business; 

•  Net  outflows  from  the  cash  management  product  due  to 
competition from attractively priced retail deposit products;  
•  Property  net  outflows  following  the  planned  sell-down  of 

assets within a closed end fund; and 

•  Net  outflows  in  other  retail  products  which  include  closed 

legacy products, which is consistent with prior periods. 

(1) Nine months to March 2006 (source: Plan for Life). 

2006 FirstChoice - Fund Manager Destination 

2006 FirstChoice - Sources of Funds 

CBA Third 
party 9%

(Jun 05: 10%)

Online brokers 
1%

(Jun 05: 1%)

Other advisors 
35%

(Jun 05: 31%)

Self Directed 
9%

(Jun 05: 11%)

CBA 44%
(Jun 05: 45%)

Branch 
Network 46%

(Jun 05: 47%)

External 56%

(Jun 05: 55%)

22     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Funds Management Analysis 

Funds under Administration 

FirstChoice & Avanteos  
Cash management 
Other retail (1) 

Australian retail 
Wholesale 
Property 
Other (2) 
Domestically sourced 
Internationally sourced 
Total – Funds under Administration 

Funds under Administration 

FirstChoice & Avanteos  
Cash management 
Other retail  

Australian retail 
Wholesale  
Property  
Other 
Domestically sourced 
Internationally sourced 
Total – Funds under Administration 

Funds under Administration 

FirstChoice & Avanteos  
Cash management 
Other retail  

Australian retail 
Wholesale  
Property  
Other 
Domestically sourced 
Internationally sourced 
Total – Funds under Administration 

Opening 
Balance 
30/06/05 
$M 
19,069 
4,182 
36,069 

59,320 
24,894 
13,456 
2,886 
100,556 
22,508 
123,064 

Opening 
Balance 
30/06/04 
$M 
12,075 
4,414 
34,705 

51,194 
23,955 
12,624 
3,033 
90,806 
19,077 
109,883 

Opening 
Balance 
31/12/05 
$M 
24,770 
3,966 
36,647 

65,383 
28,012 
13,750 
3,349 
110,494 
26,480 
136,974 

Full Year Ended 30 June 2006 

Outflows 
$M 
(5,886)
(3,061)
(7,904)

(16,851)
(11,810)
(2,144)
(481)
(31,286)
(9,432)
(40,718)

Investment 
Income 
$M 
3,190 
152 
4,353 

7,695 
3,682 
1,520 
454 
13,351 
3,835 
17,186 

Full Year Ended 30 June 2005 

Outflows 
$M 
(4,265)
(3,425)
(7,875)

(15,565)
(13,350)
(1,172)
(786)
(30,873)
(7,931)
(38,804)

Investment 
Income 
$M 
1,153 
232 
3,951 

5,336 
3,177 
1,668 
391 
10,572 
2,453 
13,025 

Half Year Ended 30 June 2006 

Outflows 
$M 
(3,258)
(1,548)
(3,937)

(8,743)
(5,901)
(1,008)
(308)
(15,960)
(4,551)
(20,511)

Investment 
Income 
$M 
1,425 
113 
1,459 

2,997 
1,753 
859 
(85) 
5,524 
805 
6,329 

Inflows 
$M 
19,219 
2,417 
3,450 

25,086 
13,099 
1,074 
192 
39,451 
12,097 
51,548 

Inflows 
$M 
10,377 
2,961 
4,417 

17,755 
10,841 
1,207 
248 
30,051 
9,209 
39,260 

Inflows 
$M 
12,655 
1,159 
1,799 

15,613 
6,001 
304 
95 
22,013 
6,633 
28,646 

FX 

(3)

 & 
Other 
(4)

Movements 

$M 
(217) 
- 
(413) 

(630) 
(50) 
3 
657 
(20) 
453 
433 

FX 

(3)

 & 
Other 
(4)

Movements 

$M 
(271) 
- 
871 

600 
271 
(871) 
- 
- 
(300) 
(300) 

FX 

(3)

 & 
Other 
(4)

Movements 

$M 
(217) 
- 
(413) 

(630) 
(50) 
4 
657 
(19) 
94 
75 

Closing 
Balance 
30/06/06 
$M 
35,375 
3,690 
35,555 

74,620 
29,185 
13,909 
3,708 
122,052 
29,461 
151,513 

Closing 
Balance 
30/06/05 
$M 
19,069 
4,182 
36,069 

59,320 
24,894 
13,456 
2,886 
100,556 
22,508 
123,064 

Closing 
Balance 
30/06/06 
$M 
35,375 
3,690 
35,555 

74,620 
29,815 
13,909 
3,708 
122,052 
29,461 
151,513 

(1) Includes stand alone retail and legacy retail products. 

(2) Includes life company assets sourced from retail investors but not attributable to a funds management product (e.g. premiums from risk products). These amounts 

do not appear in retail market share data. 

(3) Includes foreign exchange gains and losses from translation of internationally sourced business.  

(4) Other movements represent the re-alignment of funds to correctly classify source of funds. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance Analysis 

Financial Performance and Business Review 

Performance Highlights 

The  Insurance  business  has  delivered  a  strong  result  for  the 
year  to June  2006  with underlying profit  after tax increasing by 
38% to $215 million. 

After  adjusting(1)  the  operating  results  following  the  sale  of  the 
Hong  Kong  insurance  business,  underlying  net  profit  after  tax 
increased by 35% to $206 million. 

The result was underpinned by: 

•  Solid  inforce  premium  and  operating  margin  growth  in 

Australia and New Zealand; 

•  Positive experience variations; and  
•  Good expense control. 
The underlying net profit after tax result, on the same basis, for 
the  second  half  increased  19%  and  was  driven  by  similar 
themes to those mentioned above. 

The full year cash net profit after tax of $416 million includes the 
profit  from  the  sale  of  the  Hong  Kong  insurance  business  of 
$145 million. The cash net profit after tax for the year, excluding 
the  profit  on  sale  of  the  Hong  Kong  insurance  business, 
decreased by 12% mainly due to lower shareholder investment 
returns. This was the result of the relative strength of investment 
market indices in the prior year. 

The  Bank  continues  to  be  the  largest  life  insurer  in  the 
Australian, New Zealand and Fiji markets.  

Business Review 

Australia 

The Australian business, CommInsure, delivered a strong result 
for the year. Highlights include: 

•  Maintaining number one market share position for Australian 
risk premiums with 13.5% of the life insurance risk market; 

•  Launch of a Guaranteed Index Tracked Annuity Product and 

a Travel Insurance product; and 

•  Productivity  improvements  through  continued  simplification 

and rationalisation of systems and processes.  

Underlying  net  profit  after  tax  was  up  32%  to  $125  million 
compared to the prior year.  

Key drivers of the performance for the year were:  

The  Sovereign  strategy  has  been  to  focus  on  growth  in  new 
business  market  share  and  this  was  successfully  achieved  in 
2006  with  33.2%  of  new  business  sales  at  31  March  2006 
compared to 30.4% for the same period last year. This enabled 
Sovereign to grow inforce premiums to NZD 367 million or 14%. 
Sovereign  retained  it’s  number  1  market  share  in  inforce 
premium growing from 30.7% to 31.1% at 30 April 2006. 

Asia 

During  the  year the Hong Kong  based  life insurance, pensions 
administration  and  financial  planning  businesses  were  sold  to 
Sun Life Financial on 18 October 2005.  

The Asian insurance businesses now consist of the joint venture 
life insurance businesses in China, Vietnam and Indonesia. 

The  underlying  profit  after  tax  in  the  Asia  business  was  $13 
million. 

Operating Income 

After  adjusting(1)  the  operating  results  following  the  sale  of  the 
Hong  Kong  insurance  business,  operating  income  of  $700 
million was up 13% compared to the prior year.  

Life insurance income on the same basis increased 11% on the 
prior  year.  This  reflects  strong  volume  growth  and  favourable 
claims  experience  in  both  the  Australian  and  New  Zealand 
businesses.  

General  Insurance  income  of  $73  million  was  up  35%  on  the 
prior year. The result was supported by inforce premium growth 
of 10% over the year together with favourable claims experience 
despite the impact of claims associated with Cyclone Larry. 

Operating Expenses 

After adjusting(1) for the operating results following the sale of the 
Hong  Kong  insurance  business,  operating  expenses  of  $423 
million were slightly lower compared to the prior year. 

On  an  AGAAP  basis,  underlying  expenses  to  average  inforce 
premiums of 36% has exceeded the Which new Bank target of 
42%.  Productivity  improved  over  the  second  half  following 
continued strength in revenue growth.  

Volume  expenses  have  increased  as  a  result  of  increased 
inforce premiums.  

•  Life  and  General  Insurance  premium  growth,  with  inforce 

Corporate Taxation 

premiums increasing by 8% for the year; 

•  Sales  volume  growth,  particularly  within  General  Insurance 

(up 13%) and Group Risk products (up 8%); and 

•  Positive  claims  experience 

in  both  Life  and  General 
Insurance products, despite the impact of claims associated 
with Cyclone Larry in the second half of the year. 

Cash  net  profit  after  tax  decreased  3%  for  the  year,  impacted 
mainly by lower shareholder investment returns. 

New Zealand 

The effective corporate tax rate (excluding the impact of the sale 
of the Hong Kong insurance business) for the year was 27.3% 
compared  with  22.4%  in  the  prior  year.  The  increase  in  the 
effective corporate tax rate is due to recognition of tax losses in 
the prior year. 

life 

The 
predominantly under the Sovereign brand. 

insurance  operations 

in  New  Zealand  operate 

Sovereign’s  underlying  profit  after  tax  was  $77  million  for  the 
year, an increase of 48% on the prior year. The main drivers of 
this result were: 

•  Strong  growth  in  new  business  sales  of  risk  products 
resulting in market share growth and improved margins; 

•  Positive persistency experience; and 
•  Good investment returns. 

24     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

(1) Adjusted to remove the contribution to income, expenses, and operating 

result, of the Hong Kong insurance business for 2005 and 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance Analysis 

Key Performance Indicators 

Insurance 
Life insurance operating income 
General insurance operating income 
Total operating income 
Shareholder investment returns 
Profit on sale of the Hong Kong insurance business 
Total insurance income 
Volume expense  
Other operating expenses (1) 
Which new Bank 

Total operating expenses 
Net profit before income tax 
Corporate tax expense (2) 
Net profit after income tax (“cash basis”) 
Net profit after income tax (“underlying basis”) (3) 

Productivity and Other Measures 

Expenses to average inforce premiums (%) 
Expenses to average inforce premiums  
(underlying %) (3) 
Effective corporate tax rate including impact of profit on 
sale of Hong Kong insurance business (%) 

Full Year Ended 

Half Year Ended 

30/06/06 
$M 

30/06/05 
$M 

Jun 06 vs 
Jun 05 % 

30/06/06  
$M 

31/12/05 
$M 

Jun 06 vs 
Dec 05 % 

669 
73 
742 
87 
145 
974 
181 
275 
- 

456 
518 
102 
416 
215 

36. 7 

36. 7 

27. 3 

693 
54 
747 
204 
- 
951 
218 
333 
2 

553 
398 
89 
309 
156 

45. 5 

45. 3 

22. 4 

(3)
35 
(1)
(57)
- 
2 
17 
17 
- 

18 
30 
(15)
35 
38 

19% 

19% 

large 

332 
34 
356 
30 
- 
386 
86 
117 
- 

203 
183 
51 
132 
112 

33. 6 

33. 6 

27. 9 

347 
39 
386 
57 
145 
588 
95 
158 
- 

253 
335 
51 
284 
103 

40. 5 

40. 5 

26. 8 

(7)
(13)
(8)
(47)
- 
(34)
9 
26 
- 

20 
(45)
- 
(54)
9 

17% 

17% 

large 

(1) Operating expenses include $9 million internal expenses relating to the asset management of shareholder funds (June 2005: $10 million). 

(2) For purpose of presentation, Policyholder tax benefit and Policyholder tax expense are shown on a net basis (2006: $138 million). 

(3) Underlying basis excludes shareholder investment returns, the profit on the sale of the Hong Kong insurance business and Which new Bank expenses.   

Sources of Profit from Insurance Activities 

The Margin on Services profit from ordinary activities 
after income tax is represented by: 

Planned profit margins 
Experience variations 
Other 
General insurance operating margins 

Operating margins 
After tax shareholder investment returns 
Profit on sale of the Hong Kong insurance business 
Net profit after income tax (“cash basis”) 

Full Year Ended 

Half Year Ended 

30/06/06 
 $M 

30/06/05 
 $M 

Jun 06 vs 
Jun 05 % 

30/06/06 
$M 

31/12/05 
$M 

Jun 06 vs 
Dec 05 % 

146 
48 
- 
21 
215 
56 
145 
416 

122 
27 
(8)
13 
154 
155 
- 
309 

20 
78 
- 
62 
40 
(64)
- 
35 

77 
29 
(2) 
8 
112 
20 
- 
132 

69 
19 
2 
13 
103 
36 
145 
284 

12 
53 
large 
(38)
9 
(44)
- 
(54)

Geographical Analysis of Business Performance 

Australia 

New Zealand 

Asia 

Total 

Full Year Ended 

Net Profit after Income Tax 
(“cash basis”) 

Operating margins 
After tax shareholder investment returns 
Profit on sale of Hong Kong business 
Net profit after income tax 

30/06/06 
$M 
125 
56 
- 
181 

30/06/05 
$M 
94 
92 
- 
186 

30/06/06 
$M 
77 
17 
- 
94 

30/06/05 
$M 
52 
22 
- 
74 

30/06/06 
$M 
13 
(17)
145 
141 

30/06/05 
$M 
8 
41 
- 
49 

30/06/06 
$M 
215 
56 
145 
416 

30/06/05 
$M 
154 
155 
- 
309 

Australia 

New Zealand 

Asia 

Total 

Half Year Ended 

Net Profit after Income Tax 
(“cash basis”) 

Operating margins 
After tax shareholder investment returns 
Profit on sale of Hong Kong business 
Net profit after income tax 

30/06/06 
$M 
70 
21 
- 
91 

31/12/05 
$M 
55 
35 
- 
90 

30/06/06 
$M 
39 
7 
- 
46 

31/12/05 
$M 
38 
10 
- 
48 

30/06/06 
$M 
3 
(8)
- 
(5)

31/12/05 
$M 
10 
(9) 
145 
146 

30/06/06 
$M 
112 
20 
- 
132 

31/12/05 
$M 
103 
36 
145 
284 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insurance Analysis 

Annual Inforce Premiums (1) 
General insurance (3) 
Personal life 
Group life 
Total 

Australia 
New Zealand 
Asia (4) 
Total 

Annual Inforce Premiums (1) 
General insurance (3) 
Personal life 
Group life 
Total 

Australia 
New Zealand 
Asia (4) 
Total 

Annual Inforce Premiums (1) 

General insurance  
Personal life 
Group life 
Total 

Australia 
New Zealand 
Asia 
Total 

Opening 
Balance 
30/06/05 
 $M 
215 
785 
265 
1,265 

856 
296 
113 
1,265 

Opening 
Balance 
30/06/04 
 $M 
192 
703 
272 
1,167 

815 
258 
94 
1,167 

Opening 
Balance 
31/12/06 
 $M 
225 
740 
251 
1,216 

895 
321 
- 
1,216 

Full Year Ended 30 June 2006 

Sales/New 
Balances 
 $M 
70 
137 
71 
278 

231 
47 
- 
278 

Lapses  
$M 
(49)
(81)
(48)
(178)

(166)
(12)
- 
(178)

Other 
(2) 

Movements 

$M 
- 
(109) 
(33) 
(142) 

- 
(29) 
(113) 
(178) 

Full Year Ended 30 June 2005 

Sales/New 
Balances 
 $M 
62 
164 
74 
300 

228 
48 
24 
300 

Lapses  
$M 
(39)
(89)
(87)
(215)

(187)
(15)
(13)
(215)

Other 
(2) 

Movements 

$M 
- 
7 
6 
13 

- 
5 
8 
13 

Half Year Ended 30 June 2006 

Sales/New 
Balances 
 $M 
35 
65 
31 
131 

110 
21 
- 
131 

Lapses  
$M 
(24)
(39)
(24)
(87)

(83)
(4)
- 
(87)

Other 
(2) 

Movements 

$M 
- 
(34) 
(3) 
(37) 

(1) 
(36) 
- 
(37) 

Closing 
Balance 
30/06/06 
$M 
236 
732 
255 
1,233 

921 
302 
- 
1,223 

Closing 
Balance 
30/06/05 
$M 
215 
785 
265 
1,265 

856 
296 
113 
1,265 

Closing 
Balance 
30/06/06 
$M 
236 
732 
255 
1,223 

921 
302 
- 
1,223 

(1) Inforce premium relates to risk business. Savings products are disclosed within Funds Management. 

(2) Includes foreign exchange movements. 

(3) General insurance inforce premiums includes approximately $46 million of badged premium (June 2005: $40 million). 

(4) Other movements represent the sale of the Hong Kong insurance business. 

Inforce Premiums 

Inforce  premiums  increased  by  9%  on  the  prior  year  excluding 
the impact of the sale of the Hong Kong insurance business and 
the  deterioration  of  the  New  Zealand  dollar  against  the 
Australian  dollar  in  the  second  half  of  the  year.  This  was 
achieved  through  consistent  growth  in  both  Australia  and  New 
Zealand. General Insurance premiums increased by 10% for the 
year. 

Market Share Percentage – Annual Inforce Premiums 
Australia (total risk) (1) 
Australia (individual risk) (1) 
New Zealand (1) 

(1) As at 31 March 2006. 

Australia maintained its leading position of inforce premiums with 
13.5% of market share in total life insurance at 31 March 2006.  

Sovereign increased its leading market position in New Zealand 
with an increase to 31.1%, from 30.7% in June 2005. 

30/06/06  
13. 5 
12. 4 
31. 1 

31/12/05 
13. 5 
12. 6 
30. 9 

30/06/05 
13. 8 
13. 0 
30. 7 

26     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder Investment Returns 

Shareholder Investment Returns 

Funds management business 
Insurance business (1) 
Profit on sale of Hong Kong insurance business 
Shareholder investment returns before 
income tax 
Income tax expense 
Shareholder investment returns after tax 

Full Year Ended 

Half Year Ended 

30/06/06 
$M 
14 
87 
145 

246 
35 
211 

30/06/05 
$M 
33 
204 
- 

Jun 06 vs 
Jun 05 % 
(58)
(57)
- 

237 
60 
177 

4 
42 
19 

30/06/06 
$M 
7 
30 
- 

37 
12 
25 

31/12/05 
$M 
7 
57 
145 

Jun 06 vs 
Dec 05 % 
- 
(47)
- 

209 
23 
186 

(82)
48 
(87)

(1) Excluding profit on sale of the Hong Kong insurance business. 

Shareholder Investment Asset Mix ($M) 

Local equities 
International equities 
Property 
Sub-total 

Fixed interest 
Cash 
Income 
Total 

Shareholder Investment Asset Mix (%) 

Local equities 

International equities 

Property 

Sub-total 

Fixed interest 

Cash 

Income 

Total 

Shareholder investment returns of $246 million pre tax include a 
$145  million  profit  on  the  sale  of  the  Bank’s  Hong  Kong 
insurance business.  

international 

Domestic  and 
investment  markets  performed 
strongly  for  the  year  to  June  2006,  with  the  benchmark 
S&P/ASX200  price  index  increasing  by  19%  and  the  MSCI 
World  index  by  15%.  All  other  asset  classes  (fixed  interest, 
property and cash) posted positive returns. 

As at 30 June 2006 

Australia 
$M 
41 
- 
307 
348 

New Zealand 
$M 
1 
25 
8 
34 

342 
823 
1,165 
1,513 

191 
132 
323 
357 

Asia 
$M 
- 
- 
- 
- 

23 
9 
32 
32 

Total 
$M 
42 
25 
315 
382 

556 
964 
1,520 
1,902 

As at 30 June 2006 

Australia 
% 

New Zealand 
% 

Asia 
% 

Total 
% 

3 

- 

20 

23 

23 

54 

77 

100 

- 

7 

2 

9 

54 

37 

91 

100 

- 

- 

- 

- 

72 

28 

100 

100 

2 

1 

17 

20 

29 

51 

80 

100 

Excluding  the  profit  on  sale  of  the  Hong  Kong  insurance 
business,  shareholder  investment  returns  for  the  year  of  $101 
million  (pre  tax)  represent  a  significant  decrease  due  to  the 
relative strength of the indices in the prior year. 

the  second  half  shareholder 

returns, 
During 
excluding  the  profit  from  the  sale  of  the  Hong  Kong  insurance 
business,  decreased  42%  to  $37  million.  This  was  also  mainly 
due to weakening in the indices over the second half. 

investment 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Presentation of Financial Information 

"Operating Expenses – Which new Bank” refers to incremental 
expenses associated with the Which new Bank Program. These 
incremental  costs  principally  relate  to  restructuring  and  IT 
development  expenses.  “Operating  expenses  –  Which  new 
Bank”  plus  “operating  expenses  —  comparable  business”  is 
equal 
"operating  expenses". 
Management believes it is meaningful to highlight these items in 
an analysis of our results. 

the  AIFRS  measure 

to 

"Underlying profit"  refers  to profit  after tax,  “cash basis”,  before 
operating  expenses  -  initiatives  including  Which  new  Bank  and 
shareholder  investment  returns,  and  profit  on  sale  of  the  Hong 
Kong  insurance  business.  "Underlying  profit"  is  referred  to 
across  all  our  businesses.  The  underlying  profit  is  the  result  of 
our  core  operating  performance.  Management  believes  it  is 
meaningful  to  highlight  the  underlying  profit  in  order  to  show 
performance on a comparable basis, in particular excluding the 
volatility of equity markets and Which new Bank expenses.  

"Underlying" productivity ratios: 

•  Exclude expenses of “Which new Bank”; 
•  Exclude  shareholder 

investment 

returns 

from 

funds 

management and life insurance income;  

•  Exclude policyholder tax from the funds management income 

and life insurance income lines; and 

•  Exclude  the  effect  of  profit  on  sale  of  the  Hong  Kong 

insurance business. 

"Underlying" productivity ratios have been presented to provide 
what management believes to be a more relevant presentation 
of  our  productivity  ratios.  Management  believes  that  these 
adjustments  enable  comparison  of  our  productivity  ratios  from 
period  to  period  to  be  more  meaningful  as  it  reflects  our  core 
operating performance. 

Definitions 

In this Annual Report, the Bank presents its profit from ordinary 
activities  after  tax  on  a  “statutory  basis”,  which  is  calculated  in 
accordance  with  the  Australian  equivalent  of  International 
Financial Reporting Standards (“AIFRS”). This Annual Report is 
the  first  under  AIFRS  (for  more  details  refer  to  the  Financial 
Statements,  Note  1).  The  Bank  also  presents  its  results  on  a 
“cash  basis”.  "Cash  basis"  is  defined  by  management  as  net 
profit  after  tax  and  minority  interests,  before  treasury  share 
valuation  adjustments  and  defined  benefit  superannuation  plan 
expense.  Management  believes  "cash  basis"  is  a  meaningful 
measure of the Bank’s performance and provides the basis for 
the  determination  of  the  Bank’s  dividends.  Also  for  the  year 
ended  30  June  2004  the  Bank  added  back  the  non-recurring 
‘Which  new  Bank’  costs  in  considering  the  amount  to  be 
distributed as dividends to shareholders. 

The  Bank  also  presents  its  earnings  per  share  on  a  statutory 
basis  and  on  a  cash  basis.  Earnings  per  share  on  a  statutory 
basis  are  affected  by  the  impact  of  changes  in  the  treasury 
share valuation adjustments and defined benefit superannuation 
plan  expense.  "Earnings  per  share  (cash  basis)"  is  defined  by 
management as net profit after tax and outside equity interests, 
before treasury share valuation adjustments and defined benefit 
superannuation plan expense, divided by the weighted average 
of  the  Bank’s  ordinary  shares  outstanding  over  the  relevant 
period. This measure shows the "cash basis" net profit after tax, 
as described above, per share. 

28      Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
Risk Management  

The integrated risk management framework identifies, assesses, 
manages  and  reports  risks  and  risk  adjusted  returns  on  a 
consistent and reliable basis. 

Independent  review  is  carried  out  through  the  audit  task 
assurance roles. 

The  Bank’s  risk  profile  is  measured  by  the  difference  between 
capital  available  to  absorb  loss  and  risk  as  assessed  by 
economic capital required. 

Economic  capital  is  defined  as  the  potential  risk  of  loss  of  one 
year’s earnings, measured at a standard consistent with an AA 
credit rating. 

Economic capital is derived from underlying exposures to credit, 
market,  operational  and  insurance  risks  in  the  banking,  and 
wealth  management  (insurance  and 
funds  management) 
businesses  of  the  Bank.  In  the  banking  business,  economic 
capital is a measure of the potential risk of loss of cash earnings. 
In  the  wealth  management  businesses,  economic  capital  is  a 
measure  of  the  potential  risk  of  loss  of  the  fair  value  of  the 
business.  This  is  then  adjusted  so  as  to  allow  comparison 
between  the  banking  and  wealth  management  businesses 
economic capital. 

The following sections describe the integrated risk management 
framework components. 

Credit Risk  

Credit risk is the potential of loss arising from failure of a debtor 
or  counterparty  to  meet  their  contractual  obligations.  The 
measurement  of  credit  risk  is  based  on  an  internal  credit  risk 
rating system, and utilises analytical tools to calculate expected 
and  unexpected  loss  for  the  credit  portfolio.  This  includes 
consideration of the probability of default (PD) and the loss given 
default (LGD) that would consequently be experienced.   

Various  risks  are  considered  when  calculating  both  PD  and 
LGD. Such consideration includes the potential for default by a 
borrower 
economic, 
environmental  and/or  other  risks.  Similarly,  consideration  is 
given to any potential adverse impact arising from these risks in 
relation to any security offered in support of loan facilities.  

to  management, 

industry, 

due 

Credit risk arises in the banking business from lending activities, 
the  provision  of  guarantees  including  letters  of  credit  and 
commitments  to  lend,  investment  in  bonds  and  notes,  financial 
markets  transactions  and  other  associated  activities.  In  the 
insurance  business  credit  risk  arises  from  investment  in  bonds 
and  notes,  loans,  and  from  reliance  on  reinsurance.  The  funds 
management  business  does  not  generally  involve  credit  risk 
from a shareholder perspective. 

the 
The  Bank  uses  a  diversified  portfolio  approach 
management  of  credit  risk  (refer  to  Note  16  to  the  Financial 
Statements) comprised of the following: 

for 

•  A  system  of  industry  limits  and  targets  for  exposures  by 

industry; 
•  A  process 

for  considering 

the 

risk  associated  with 

correlations between large exposures; 

Integrated Risk Management 

•  A  large  credit  exposure  policy  for  aggregate  exposures  to 
individual,  commercial  and  industrial  client  groups  tiered  by 
credit risk rating and loan duration; and 

•  A system of country limits for geographic exposures. 
These policies assist in the diversification of the credit portfolio. 

The credit portfolio is managed in two distinct segments: 

Retail Segment: 

Comprises exposures that are generally less than $1 million and 
is dominated by the housing loan portfolio. Secured commercial 
lending  within  this  limit  is  presently  being  trialled  using  a 
scorecard model. Other consumer products managed within this 
segment  are  credit  cards,  personal  loans  and  some  leasing 
business.  

Risk Rated Segment: 

Comprises all other credit exposures. Management is based on 
the 
internal  credit  risk  rating  system,  which  makes  an 
assessment  of  the  potential  for  default  for  each  exposure  and 
the amount of loss if default should occur. 

Provisions  for  impairment  are  raised  where  there  is  objective 
evidence  of  impairment  and  at  an  amount  adequate  to  cover 
assessed credit related losses. Credit losses arise primarily from 
loans  but  also  from  other  credit  instruments  such  as  bank 
acceptances,  contingent 
liabilities,  guarantees  and  other 
financial  instruments  and  assets  acquired  through  security 
enforcement. 

A  centralised  exposure  management  system  records  all 
significant  credit  exposures  of  the  Bank.  Customers,  industry, 
geographic  and  other  significant  groupings  of  exposure  are 
regularly monitored. 

A centralised portfolio model is used to assess risk and return on 
an overall portfolio basis and for segments of the portfolio. The 
model  also  assists  in  determining  economic  capital,  collective 
provision requirements, and credit portfolio stress testing.  

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements 

As  detailed  in  Note  1  (ii),  the  Bank  conducts  a  Loan 
Securitisation  program  through  which  it  packages  and  sells 
loans as securities to investors. Liquidity facilities are provided at 
arm’s length to the program by the Bank in accordance with the 
Australian  Prudential  Regulation  Authority  (“APRA”)  Prudential 
Guidelines.  These 
facilities  are  disclosed  within 
Contingent Liabilities as commitments to provide credit.  

liquidity 

The Bank is involved with a number of special purpose entities 
(“SPEs”) in the ordinary course of business, primarily to provide 
funding  and  financial  services  to  our  customers.  Under  AIFRS 
these entities are consolidated in the financial statements if they 
meet  the  criteria  of  control.  The  definition  of  control  depends 
upon  substance  rather  than  form  including  consideration  of 
exposure  to  the  majority  of  benefits  or  risks  of  the  SPE,  and 
accordingly,  determination  of  the  existence  of  control  involves 
management  judgment.  The  Bank  has  no  off  balance  sheet 
financing entities that it is considered to control. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     29 

Integrated Risk Management 

Market Risk 

Market risk is the potential for change in the value of on and off 
balance  sheet  positions  caused  by  a  change  in  the  value, 
volatility or relationship between market rates and prices. 

Market  risk  arises  from  the  mismatch  between  assets  and 
liabilities in both the banking and insurance businesses and from 
controlled  trading  undertaken  in  pursuit  of  profit.  The  Bank  is 
exposed to diverse financial instruments including interest rates, 
foreign  currencies,  equities  and  commodities  and  transacts  in 
both physical and derivative instruments. 

A discussion and analysis of the Bank’s market risk is contained 
in  Note  43  to  the  Financial  Statements.  Information  on  trading 
securities  is  further  contained  in  Note  10  to  the  Financial 
Statements.  Note  2  to  the  Financial  Statements  contains 
financial markets trading income contribution to the Bank. 

The following table provides a summary of VaR by product.  

In  the  trading  book  of  the  banking  business,  market  risk  is 
measured by a Value-at-Risk (VaR) model. This model uses the 
distribution of historical changes in market prices to assess the 
potential  for  future  losses.  The  VaR  model  takes  into  account 
correlations  between  risks  and  the  potential  for  movements  in 
one portfolio to offset movements in another. Actual results are 
back-tested to check the validity of the VaR model. In addition, 
because  the  VaR  model  cannot  encompass  all  possible 
outcomes,  tests  covering  a  variety  of  stress  scenarios  are 
regularly  performed  to  simulate  the  effect  of  extreme  market 
conditions. 

VaR Expressed based on 97.5% 
confidence 

Average VaR During  
June 2006 
 Half Year $M 

Average VaR During 
December 2005  
Half Year $M 

Average VaR During 
June 2005  
Half Year $M 

Average VaR During 
December 2004  
Half Year $M 

Group 
Interest rate risk  
Exchange rate risk 
Implied volatility risk 
Equities risk  
Commodities risk 
Prepayment risk 
ASB Bank 
Diversification benefit 

Credit speed 
Total 

3. 16 
0. 65 
0. 61 
0. 10 
1. 20 
0. 33 
0. 30 
(2. 26)
4. 09 
5. 97 
10. 06 

2. 65 
0. 53 
0. 61 
0. 08 
0. 36 
0. 28 
0. 36 
(1. 40) 
3. 47 
5. 74 
9. 21 

3. 44 
0. 26 
0. 49 
0. 04 
0. 18 
0. 38 
0. 22 
(0. 98) 
4. 03 
4. 85 
8. 88 

3. 68 
0. 58 
0. 53 
0. 22 
0. 34 
0. 54 
0. 26 
(1. 64)
4. 51 
4. 67 
9. 18 

VaR Expressed based on 99.0% 
confidence 

Average VaR During  
June 2006 
 Half Year $M 

Average VaR During 
December 2005  
Half Year $M 

Average VaR During 
June 2005  
Half Year $M 

Average VaR During 
December 2004  
Half Year $M 

Group 
Interest rate risk  
Exchange rate risk 
Implied volatility risk 
Equities risk  
Commodities risk 
Prepayment risk 
ASB Bank 
Diversification benefit 

Credit speed 
Total 

4. 01 
0. 77 
0. 80 
0. 13 
1. 61 
0. 33 
0. 40 
(3. 04)
5. 01 
7. 09 
12. 10 

3. 36 
0. 62 
0. 95 
0. 09 
0. 45 
0. 28 
0. 48 
(1. 93) 
4. 30 
6. 81 
11. 11 

4. 78 
0. 31 
0. 73 
0. 05 
0. 21 
0. 38 
0. 32 
(1. 28) 
5. 50 
5. 75 
11. 25 

4. 72 
0. 70 
0. 70 
0. 30 
0. 41 
0. 54 
0. 34 
(2. 01)
5. 70 
5. 54 
11. 24 

In  the  non-traded  book  of  the  banking  business,  a  range  of 
techniques  is  adopted  to  measure  market  risk.  These  include 
simulation of the effects of market price changes on assets and 
liabilities  for  business  activities  where  there  are  no  direct 
measures of the effects of market prices on those activities. 

Liquidity risk is the risk that assets cannot be liquidated in time to 
meet maturing obligations. Limits are set to ensure that holdings 
of liquid assets do not fall below prudent levels. The liquid assets 
held  include  assets  that  are  eligible  for  repurchase  by  the 
Reserve  Bank  of  Australia  (over  and  above  those  required  to 
meet the Real Time Gross Settlement obligations), certificates of 
deposits  and  bills  of  exchange  accepted  by  other  banks, 
overnight  interbank  loans  and  high  quality  securities.  More 
detailed comments on the Bank’s liquidity and funding risks are 
provided in Note 43. 

30     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

in 

life 

the 

insurance  business  arises 

Market  risk 
from 
mismatches  between  assets  and  liabilities.  Guaranteed  returns 
are offered on some classes of policy. These liabilities may not 
be  capable  of  being  easily  hedged  through  matching  assets. 
Wherever  possible,  the  Bank  segregates  policyholder’s  funds 
from shareholder’s funds and sets investment mandates that are 
appropriate for each.  

The  investment  mandates  for  assets  in  policyholder’s  funds 
attempt  to  match  asset  characteristics  with  the  nature  of  policy 
obligations. The ability to match asset characteristics with policy 
obligations may be constrained by a number of factors including 
regulatory constraints, the lack of suitable investments as well as 
by  the  nature  of  the  policy  liabilities  themselves.  A  large 
proportion of policyholder’s assets are held for investment linked 
policies  where  the  policyholder  takes  the  risk  of  falls  in  the 
market value of the assets.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A smaller proportion of policyholder’s assets are held to support 
policies  where  life  companies  have  guaranteed  either  the 
principal invested or the investment return (‘guaranteed policies’) 
where  investment  mandates  for  these  classes  of  policies 
emphasise  lower  volatility  assets  such  as  cash  and  fixed 
interest.  The  Bank  no  longer  sells  guaranteed  policies.  Inforce 
business  contains  guaranteed  policies  sold  in  the  past  and  on 
which the Bank continues to collect premiums. 

Liquidity  risk  is  not  a  significant  issue  in  life  insurance 
companies.  The  life  insurance  companies  in  the  Bank  hold 
substantial  investments  in  highly  liquid  assets  such  as  listed 
shares,  government  bonds  and  bank  deposits.  Furthermore, 
processing  time  for  claims  and  redemptions  enables  each 
company to forecast and manage its liquidity needs. 

Derivatives 

Derivative instruments are contracts whose value is derived from 
one or more underlying financial instruments or indices defined 
in  the  contract.  The  Bank  enters  into  derivatives  transactions 
including swaps, forward rate agreements, futures, options and 
combinations  of  these  instruments.  The  sale  of  derivatives  to 
customers  as  risk  management  products  and  their  use  for 
trading  purposes  is  integral  to  the  Bank’s  financial  markets 
activities. Derivatives are also used to manage the Bank’s own 
exposure to market risk. The Bank participates in both exchange 
traded and Over the Counter (“OTC”) derivatives markets. 

The  Bank  recognises  all  derivative  financial  instruments  in  the 
balance sheet at their fair value. Refer Note 1 (ff) to the financial 
statements for further information. 

Exchange Traded Derivatives 

Exchange traded derivatives are executed through a registered 
exchange,  for  example  the  Sydney  Futures  Exchange  and  the 
Australian  Stock  Exchange.  The  contracts  have  standardised 
terms  and  require  lodgement  of  initial  and  variation  margins  in 
cash  or  other  collateral  at  the  Exchange,  which  guarantees 
ultimate settlement. 

OTC Traded Derivatives 

The  Bank  buys  and  sells  financial  instruments  that  are  traded 
‘over-the-counter’,  rather  than  on  recognised  exchanges.  The 
terms  and  conditions  of  these  transactions  are  negotiated 
between the parties, although the majority conform to accepted 
market  conventions.  Industry  standard  documentation  is  used, 
most commonly in the form of a master agreement supported by 
individual transaction confirmations. The documentation protects 
the  Bank’s  interests  should  the  counterparty  default,  and 
provides  the  ability  to  net  outstanding  balances  in  jurisdictions 
where the relevant law allows. 

Operational and Strategic Business Risk 

The Bank’s operational and strategic business risk management 
framework  supports  the  achievement  of  its  financial  and 
business goals.  

Operational Risk is defined as the risk of economic gain or loss 
resulting from: 

Inadequate or failed internal processes and methodologies; 

• 
•  People; 
•  Systems; or 
•  External events. 

Integrated Risk Management 

Strategic Business Risk is defined as the risk of economic gain 
or  loss  resulting  from  changes  in  the  business  environment 
caused by the following factors: 

•  Economic; 
•  Competitive; 
•  Social trends; or 
•  Regulatory. 
Each business manager is responsible for the identification and 
assessment  of  these  risks,  and  for  maintaining  appropriate 
internal  controls.  The  Bank’s  operational  risk  framework  and 
governance structures supports these efforts through a suite of 
risk  mitigating  policies,  the  reporting  of  internal  loss  incidents 
and key risk indicators, qualitative and quantitative assessment 
of  risk  exposures,  and  skilled  operational  risk  professionals 
embedded throughout the Bank. 

The  Bank’s  operational 
risk  measurement  methodology 
combines  expert  assessment  of  individual  risk  exposures  with 
internal  loss  data  to  calculate  operational  risk  economic  capital 
and determine potential loss. 

The Bank continues to benchmark and monitor its insurance risk 
transfer  program  for  efficiency  and  effectiveness.  This  is 
primarily  achieved  through  a  methodology  that  optimises  total 
shareholder returns and determines the most appropriate blend 
of insurance risk transfer and economic capital. 

Business Continuity Management 

Business  Continuity  Management  (“BCM”)  within  the  Bank 
involves the development, maintenance and testing of advance 
action plans to respond to defined risk events. This ensures that 
business  processes  continue  with  minimal  adverse  impact  on 
customers, staff, products, services and brands. 

BCM  constitutes  an  essential  component  of  the  Bank’s  risk 
management  process  by  providing  a  controlled  response  to 
potential operational risks that could have a significant impact on 
the  Bank’s  critical  processes  and  revenue  streams.  It  includes 
both  cost-effective  responses  to  mitigate  the  impact  of  risk 
events or disasters and crisis management plans to respond to 
crisis events. 

A  comprehensive  BCM  program  including  plan  development, 
implemented  across  all 
testing  and  education  has  been 
business units. 

Compliance Risk Management 

Compliance  risk  is  the  risk  of  legal  or  regulatory  sanctions, 
material  financial  loss,  or  loss  of  reputation  that  the  Bank  may 
suffer as a result of its failure to comply with the requirements of 
relevant 
industry  and  Bank  standards  and  codes, 
principles  of  good  governance  and  accepted  community  and 
ethical standards.   

laws, 

The Bank’s Compliance Risk Management Framework (CRMF) 
is  a  key  element  of  the  Bank’s  integrated  risk  management 
framework. The CRMF is broadly consistent with the Australian 
Standard on Compliance Programs; as such it fulfils the Bank’s 
obligations  under  the  Corporations  Act  2001  and  its  Australian 
Financial  Services  Licence.  The  CRMF  incorporates  a  number 
of  components  including  Minimum  Group  Standards,  Group 
Obligations  Register  and  Guidance  Notes  that  detail  specific 
requirements and accountabilities. These are complemented by 
Business  Unit  compliance  frameworks  including  obligations 
registers, standards and procedures.   

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     31 

Integrated Risk Management 

The  Framework  provides  for  the  assessment  of  compliance 
risks,  implementation  of  controls,  monitoring  and  testing  of 
framework  effectiveness, 
the  escalation,  remediation  and 
reporting of compliance incidents and control weaknesses. 

The  Bank's  compliance  strategy  is  based  on  two  fundamental 
principles:  

•  Line Management in each Business Unit are responsible for 
ensuring  their  business  is  and  remains  compliant  with 
legislative,  regulatory,  industry  code  and  organisational 
requirements by implementing and monitoring controls; and  
•  Business  Unit  Compliance  and  Group  Compliance  work 
together  to  independently  monitor,  overview  and  report  on 
compliance to management, compliance committees and the 
Board. 

Security Risk 

Security  risk  is  defined  as  threats  associated  with  theft  and 
fraud,  information  and  IT  security,  protective  security  and  crisis 
management. 

The  Bank’s  security  risk  management  framework  forms  part  of 
the  operational  risk  framework  and  sets  out  the  key  roles, 
responsibilities  and  processes  for  security  risk  management 
across the Bank.   

Insurance Risk 

There are two risk types that are considered to be unique to life 
insurance businesses. These are the risks that the incidence of 
mortality  (death)  and  morbidity  (illness  and  injury)  claims  are 
higher  than  assumed  when  pricing  life  insurance  policies,  or  is 
greater  than  best  estimate  assumptions  used  to  determine  the 
fair value of the business. 

Insurance risk may arise through reassessment of the incidence 
of claims, the trend of future claims and the effect of unforeseen 
diseases or epidemics. In addition, in the case of morbidity, the 
time to recovery may be longer than assumed. Insurance risk is 
controlled  by  ensuring  underwriting  standards  adequately 
identify potential risk, retaining the right to amend premiums on 
the  use  of 
risk  policies  where  appropriate  and 
reinsurance.  The  experience  of  the  Bank’s  life  insurance 
business  and  those  of  the  industry  as  a  whole  are  reviewed 
annually. 

through 

32     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
Description of Business Environment 

Australia 

Competitive Landscape  

Financial  services  providers  in  Australia  offer  a  wide  range  of 
products  and  services  to  retail  and  business  customers, 
encompassing  for  the  most  part  banking,  funds  management 
and insurance. 

The  domestic  competitive  landscape  includes  the  four  major 
banks  (including  Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia),  regional 
banks,  smaller  players  (including  foreign  banks)  and  both  local 
and international non-bank financial intermediaries.  

Each of the major banks offers a full range of financial products 
and services through branch networks, electronic channels and 
third  party  intermediaries  across  Australia.  The  regional  banks, 
whilst smaller than the majors, now mostly operate across state 
borders,  or  nationally.  They  have  experienced  strong  growth 
primarily  in  mortgage  lending,  facilitated  by  the  proliferation  of 
non-bank mortgage originators and brokers. Non-bank financial 
intermediaries  such  as  building  societies  and  credit  unions 
compete  strongly  in  the  areas  of  accepting  deposits  and 
for  owner-occupied 
residential  mortgage 
lending,  mainly 
housing.  Other  non-bank 
include 
investment  banks,  fund  managers,  finance  companies,  and  a 
diverse range of product and service specialists.   

intermediaries 

financial 

In recent years, a number of local and global new entrants are 
attacking  segments  of  the  market  where  margins  are  typically 
the widest, including product markets such as deposits, housing 
loans  and  credit  cards,  and  on  distribution  markets  such  as 
mortgage broking and business banking broking. 

Trends  

The Australian financial services sector has performed strongly 
in  the  last  decade,  largely  driven  by  strong  growth  in  lending. 
More recently however, the expectation is for lower credit growth 
going  forward.  This,  together  with  the  encroachment  of  new 
entrants,  may  lead  to  intensifying  competition,  and  to  ongoing 
downward pressure on margins.  

in 

Substantial  growth  has  also  occurred 
funds  under 
management,  especially  within  the  superannuation  (pension 
funds)  industry.  Future  growth  will  be  underpinned  by  the 
Australian Government’s continued encouragement of long-term 
through  private  superannuation  and  compulsory 
saving 
employer  pension  contributions,  as  well  as 
recent 
establishment  of  the  Future  Fund  (designed  to  address  the 
public  sector’s  superannuation  liabilities).  This  growth  potential 
from 
continues 
international  fund  managers  to  boutique  players.  The  major 
banks have expanded into funds management and/or insurance, 
either  through  acquisition  or  through  agreements  with  third 
parties.  The  corporate  bond  market  in  Australia  has  also 
benefited  from  the  growth  in  funds  under  management  with 
many of the major Australian corporates now directly accessing 
capital markets domestically and around the world.  

to  attract  new  entrants 

this  market, 

the 

to 

Changes in the financial needs of consumers, deregulation, and 
technology  developments  have  also  changed  the  mode  of 
competition. In particular, the development of electronic delivery 
channels  and  the  reduced  reliance  on  a  physical  network 
facilitate  the  entry  of  new  players  from  related  industries,  such 
telecommunication  companies  and  utilities. 
as 
Technological  change  has  provided  opportunities  for  new 
entrants  with  differing  combinations  of  expertise  and  has 
enabled the unbundling of the value chain. 

retailers, 

New Zealand 

in  Australia, 

the  New  Zealand  banking  system 

As 
is 
characterised  by  strong  competition.  The  Bank’s  activities  in 
New Zealand are conducted through ASB Group. Banks in New 
Zealand  are  free  to  compete  in  almost  any  area  of  financial 
activity.  There  is  strong  competition  with  non-bank  financial 
institutions in the areas of funds management and the provision 
of insurance. 

New Zealand banking activities are led by four financial services 
groups, all owned by Australian based banks operating through 
nationwide  branch  networks.  There  is  also  the  Government-
owned  Kiwibank,  operating  nationwide,  and  TSB  Bank, 
operating  in  the  main  centres.  Both  banks  offer  retail  and 
business  banking  services  through  branches.  In  addition,  there 
are  several 
the 
wholesale banking sector. 

institutions  operating 

financial 

largely 

in 

Through  its  wholly  owned  subsidiaries,  Sovereign  Group  and 
ASB Group Investments, ASB Group also competes in the New 
Zealand insurance and investment market. 

Financial System Regulation in Australia 

Australia  has  by  international  standards  a  high  quality  financial 
financial  products  and  services 
system  which 
consistently  regardless  of  the  type  of  financial  institutions 
providing them. 

regulates 

Since  July  1998,  financial  services  regulators  in  Australia  have 
comprised  four  separate  agencies:  The  Reserve  Bank  of 
Australia,  the  Australian  Prudential  Regulation  Authority,  the 
Australian  Securities  and  Investments  Commission  and  the 
Australian  Competition  and  Consumer  Commission.  Each 
agency  has  system  wide  responsibilities  for  the  different 
objectives  of  government  oversight  of  the  financial  system.  A 
description  of  these  agencies  and  their  general  responsibilities 
and functions is set out below. 

Reserve Bank of Australia (“RBA”) – is responsible for monetary 
policy, financial system stability and regulation of the payments 
system. 

Australian  Prudential  Regulation  Authority  (“APRA”)  –  has 
responsibility  for  the  prudential  supervision  of  banks,  building 
insurance 
societies  and  credit  unions, 
companies, 
funds 
(pension  funds).  Unless  an  institution  is  authorised  under  the 
Banking  Act  1959  or  exempted  by  APRA,  it  is  prohibited  from 
engaging in the general business of deposit-taking. 

friendly  societies  and  superannuation 

life  and  general 

Australian  Securities  and  Investments  Commission  (“ASIC”)  – 
has  responsibility  for  monitoring,  regulating  and  enforcing 
company  and  financial  services  laws  and  promoting  market 
integrity  and  consumer  protection  across  the  financial  services 
sector and the payments system. 

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (“ACCC”) – 
has responsibility for competition policy and consumer protection 
across all sectors of the economy. 

The  Corporations  Act  2001  provides  for  a  single  licensing 
regime for sales, advice  and  dealings in financial  products  and 
services, consistent and comparable financial product disclosure 
and a single authorisation procedure for financial exchanges and 
clearing  and  settlement  facilities.  The  current  financial  services 
regulatory  framework  is  intended  to  facilitate  innovation  and 
promote  business  while  at  the  same  time  ensuring  consumer 
protection and market integrity.  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     33 

Description of Business Environment 

The  Government  passed  into  law  in  June  2004  a  package  of 
proposals (known as CLERP 9) dealing with audit regulation and 
corporate disclosure. CLERP 9 is  designed  to  ensure Australia 
has  an  effective  regulatory  and  disclosure  framework  that 
provides  the  structures  and  incentives  for  a  fully  informed 
market. 

Supervisory Arrangements 

The  Bank  is  an  authorised  deposit-taking  institution  under  the 
Banking Act and is subject to prudential regulation by APRA as 
a bank.  

In  carrying  out  its  prudential  responsibilities,  APRA  closely 
monitors  the  operations  of  banks  to  ensure  that  they  operate 
within  the  prudential  framework  it  has  laid  down,  and  that  they 
follow sound management practices. 

APRA  currently  supervises  banks  by  a  system  of  off-site 
examination. It closely monitors the operations of banks through 
the collection of regular statistical returns and regular prudential 
consultations  with  each  bank’s  management.  APRA  also 
conducts  a  program  of  specialised  on-site  visits  to  assess  the 
adequacy of individual banks’ systems for identifying, measuring 
and  controlling  risks  associated  with  the  conduct  of  these 
activities. 

In  addition,  APRA  has  established  arrangements  under  which 
each  bank’s  external  auditor  reports  to  APRA  regarding 
observance  of  prudential  standards  and  other  supervisory 
requirements. 

The  prudential  framework  applied  by  APRA  is  embodied  in  a 
series of prudential standards and other requirements including: 

(i) Capital Adequacy 

Under APRA capital adequacy guidelines, Australian banks are 
required to maintain a ratio of capital (comprising Tier One and 
Tier Two capital components) to risk-weighted assets of at least 
8%, of which at least half must be Tier One capital. Regulatory 
capital requirements are measured for the Bank (“Level 1”) and 
for  the  Bank  together  with  its  banking  subsidiaries  (“Level  2”). 
APRA  capital  requirements  are  generally  consistent  with  those 
agreed  upon  by  the  Basel  Committee  on  Banking  Supervision. 
APRA has advised that a third level of capital adequacy (“Level 
3”) for conglomerate groups will be implemented to coincide with 
Basel II. For information on the capital position of the Bank and 
Basel II, see Note 35 Capital Adequacy.  

(ii) Funding and Liquidity 

APRA  exercises  liquidity  control  by  requiring  each  bank  to 
develop  a  liquidity  management  strategy  that  is  appropriate  for 
itself. Each policy is formally approved by APRA. A key element 
of  the  Group’s  liquidity  policy  is  the  holding  of  a  stock  of  high 
quality  liquid  assets  to  meet  day  to  day  fluctuations  in  liquidity. 
The  liquid  assets  held  are  assets  that  are  available  for 
repurchase by the RBA (over and above those required to meet 
the  Real  Time  Gross  Settlement  (“RTGS”)  obligations,  AUD 
Certificates of Deposits/Bills of other banks  and AUD overnight 
interbank loans) and other highly liquid market securities. More 
detailed comments on the Group’s liquidity and funding risks are 
provided in Note 43. 

(iii) Large Credit Exposures 

APRA  requires  banks  to  ensure  that,  other  than  in  exceptional 
circumstances,  individual  credit  exposures  to  non-bank,  non-
government  clients  do  not  exceed  25%  of  the  capital  base. 
Exposure to authorised deposit taking institutions (“ADIs”) is not 
to  exceed  50%  of  the  capital  base.  Prior  consultation  must  be 
held with APRA if a bank intends to exceed set thresholds. For 
information  on  the  Bank’s  large  exposures  refer  to  Note  16  to 
the Financial Statements. 

34     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

(iv) Ownership and Control 

In  pursuit  of  transparency  and  risk  minimisation,  the  Financial 
Sector  (Shareholding)  Act  1998  embodies  the  principle  that 
regulated  financial  institutions  should  maintain  widespread 
ownership.  The  Act  applies  a  common  15%  shareholding  limit 
for  authorised  deposit  taking  institutions,  insurance  companies 
and  their  holding  companies.  The  Treasurer  has  the  power  to 
approve acquisitions exceeding 15% where this is in the national 
interest, taking into account advice from the ACCC in relation to 
competition  considerations  and  APRA  on  prudential  matters. 
The  Treasurer  may  also  delegate  approval  powers  to  APRA 
where one financial institution seeks to acquire another. 

The Government’s present policy is that mergers among the four 
major  banks  will  not  be  permitted  until  the  Government  is 
satisfied that competition from new and established participants 
in the financial industry, particularly in respect of small business 
lending, has increased sufficiently. 

Proposals for foreign acquisition of Australian banks are subject 
to approval by the Treasurer under the Foreign Acquisitions and 
Takeovers Act 1975. 

(v) Banks’ Association With Non-Banks 

There are formal guidelines (including maximum exposure limits) 
that  control  investments  and  dealings  with  subsidiaries  and 
associates.  A  bank’s  equity  associations  with  other  institutions 
should normally be in the field of finance. APRA has expressed 
an unwillingness to allow subsidiaries of a bank to exceed a size 
which  would  endanger  the  stability  of  the  parent.  No  bank  can 
enter  into  any  agreements  or  arrangements  for  the  sale  or 
disposal  of  its  business,  or  effect  a  reconstruction  or  carry  on 
business  in  partnership  with  another  bank,  without  the  consent 
of the Commonwealth Treasurer. 

(vi) Fit & Proper and Governance  

From  1  October  2006,  all  ADIs  will  be  subject  to  APRA’s  new 
“Fit  and  Proper”  and  “Governance”  prudential  standards.  All 
ADIs will be required to have and implement a Board approved 
Fit  and  Proper  policy  covering  all  of  their  responsible  persons 
(directors and designated members of senior management etc). 
ADIs  will  also  have  to  comply  with  APRA’s  Governance 
prudential  standard  which  sets  out  requirements  for  board  size 
and  composition,  independence  of  directors  and  other  APRA 
governance matters.    

(vii) Supervision of Non-Bank Group Entities 

The  Australian  life  insurance  company  subsidiaries,  general 
the  superannuation 
insurance  company  subsidiaries  and 
trustees of the group also come within the supervisory purview 
of APRA. 

APRA’s prudential supervision of both life insurance and general 
insurance  companies  is  exercised  through  the  setting  of 
minimum standards for solvency and financial strength to ensure 
obligations  to  policyholders  can  be  met.  Trustees  operating 
APRA  regulated  superannuation  entities  are  now  required  to 
hold  a  Registrable  Superannuation  Entity  (“RSE”)  licence  from 
APRA. 

insurance  companies  are  subject 

General 
to  prudential 
standards  including  capital  adequacy,  liability  valuation,  risk 
management  and  reinsurance  arrangements.  Compliance  with 
APRA regulation for general insurance companies is monitored 
through regular returns, lodgement of an audited annual return, 
and auditor certification covering prudential matters. 

Description of Business Environment 

financial  reporting, 

The financial condition of life insurance companies is monitored 
through  regular 
lodgement  of  audited 
accounts,  the  preparation  of  a  financial  conditions  report 
(prepared by the company’s approved actuary) and supervisory 
inspections.  

From 1 October 2006 life and general insurance companies will 
be subject to similar Fit & Proper and Governance requirements 
as those to apply to ADIs. 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 

The Notes to the Financial Statements contain a summary of the 
Group’s significant accounting policies. Certain of these policies 
are considered to be more important in the determination of the 
Group’s  financial  position,  since  they  require  management  to 
make difficult, complex or subjective judgements, some of which 
may  relate  to  matters  that  are  inherently  uncertain.  These 
decisions are reviewed by a Committee of the Board. 

These policies include judgements as to levels of provisions for 
impairment  for  loan  balances,  and  actuarial  assumptions  in 
determining  life  insurance  policy  liabilities.  An  explanation  of 
these  policies  and  the  related  judgements  and  estimates 
involved is set out below. 

Provisions for Impairment  

Provisions  for  impairment  are  raised  where  there  is  objective 
evidence  of  impairment  and  at  an  amount  adequate  to  cover 
assessed credit related losses. 

Credit losses arise primarily from loans but also from other credit 
instruments  such  as  bank  acceptances,  contingent  liabilities, 
financial  instruments  and  investments  and  assets  acquired 
through security enforcement. 

Individually Assessed Provisions 

Individually  Assessed  provisions  are  raised  where  there  is 
objective evidence of impairment and full recovery of principal is 
considered doubtful.  

Individually  Assessed  provisions  are  made  against  individual 
facilities  in  the  credit  risk  rated  managed  segment  where 
exposure  aggregates  to  $250,000  or  more,  and  a  loss  of 
$10,000  or  more  is  expected.  The  provisions  are  established 
based  primarily  on  estimates  of  the  realisable  (fair)  value  of 
collateral taken and are measured as the difference between the 
asset’s carrying  amount and the  present value of the expected 
future  cash  flows  (excluding  future  credit  losses  that  have  not 
been  incurred),  discounted  at  the  financial  asset’s  original 
effective interest rate. Short term balances are not discounted. 

Individually Assessed provisions (in bulk) are also made against 
retail segments to cover facilities which are not well secured and 
past due 180 days or more, against the credit risk rated segment 
for exposures aggregating to less than $250,000 and 90 days or 
more  past  due,  and  against  credit  risks  identified  in  specific 
segments in the credit risk rated portfolio. These provisions are 
derived primarily by reference to historical ratios of write-offs to 
balances in default. 

Individually  Assessed  provisions  are  provided  for  from  the 
collective provision. 

Collective Provision 

All  other  loans  and  advances  that  do  not  have  an  individually 
assessed provision are assessed collectively for impairment. 

The  collective  provision  is  maintained  to  reduce  the  carrying 
amount  of  portfolios  of  similar  loans  and  advances  to  their 
estimated recoverable amounts at the balance sheet date.  

The  evaluation  process  is  subject  to  a  series  of  estimates  and 
judgements.  

In the credit risk rated segment, the risk rating system, including 
the  frequency  of  default  and  loss  given  default  rates,  loss 
history, and the size, structure and diversity of individual credits 
are  considered.  Current  developments  in  portfolios  (industry, 
geographic and term) are reviewed.  

In the retail segment, the history of defaults and losses, and the 
size, structure and diversity of portfolios are considered. 

In addition, management considers overall indicators of portfolio 
performance,  quality  and  economic  conditions.  Changes  in 
these  estimates  could  have  a  direct  impact  on  the  level  of 
provision determined. 

The amount required to bring the collective provision to the level 
assessed is taken to profit and loss as set out in Note 15. 

Life Insurance Policyholder Liabilities 

Life  insurance  policyholder  liabilities  on  life  insurance  contracts 
are accounted for under AASB 1038: Life Insurance Business. A 
significant  area  of  judgement  is  in 
the  determination  of 
policyholder liabilities, which involve actuarial assumptions. 

All  policyholder  liabilities  are  recognised  in  the  Statement  of 
Financial Position and are measured at net present values or, if 
not materially different, on an accumulation basis after allowing 
for acquisition expenses. They are calculated in accordance with 
the  principles  of  Margin  on  Services  (“MoS”)  profit  reporting  as 
set  out  in  Actuarial  Standard  AS  1.04:  Valuation  of  Policy 
Liabilities  issued  by  the  Life  Insurance  Actuarial  Standards 
Board. 

The  areas  of  judgement  where  key  actuarial  assumptions  are 
made in the determination of policyholder liabilities are: 

•  Business assumptions including: 

−  Amount, timing and duration of claims/policy payments 
−  Policy lapse rates 
−  Long term maintenance expense levels 

•  Long  term  economic  assumptions  for  discount  and  interest 

rates, inflation rates and market earnings rates; and 

•  Selection  of  methodology,  either  projection  or  accumulation 
method.  The  selection  of  the  method  is  generally  governed 
by the product type. 

The determination of assumptions relies on making judgements 
on  variances  from  long  term  assumptions.  Where  experience 
differs from long term assumptions: 

•  Recent results may be a statistical aberration; or 
•  There  may  be  a  commencement  of  a  new  paradigm 

requiring a change in long term assumptions. 

The  Group’s  actuaries  arrive  at  conclusions  regarding  the 
statistical analysis using their experience and judgement.  

Additional information on the accounting policy is set out in Note 
1(hh)  Life  Insurance  Business,  and  Note  38  Life  Insurance 
Business details the key actuarial assumptions. 

International Financial Reporting Standards 

On  1  July  2005  the  Bank  commenced  application  of  the 
Australian  equivalent  of 
International  Financial  Reporting 
Standards (“AIFRS”). This is in line with the conversion deadline 
set out by the Financial Reporting Council of Australia. 

Descriptions of the key AIFRS issues are set out in Note 1 (nn) 
of the Financial Statements. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     35 

 
Corporate Governance 

Board of Directors 

Charter 

The  role  and  responsibilities  of  the  Board  of  Directors  are  set 
out in the document entitled “Board Charter and Description of 
Board and Management Roles”. The responsibilities include: 

•  The  corporate  governance  of  the  Bank,  including  the 

establishment of Committees;  

•  Oversight of the business and affairs of the Bank by: 

−  Establishing,  with  management,  and  approving 

the 

strategies and financial objectives; 

−  Approving  major  corporate  and  capital  initiatives  and 
limits 

in  excess  of 

approving  capital  expenditure 
delegated to management; 

−  Establishing  appropriate  systems  of  risk  management; 

and 

−  Monitoring the performance of management;  

•  Approving  documents  (including  reports  and  statements  to 
shareholders)  required  by  the  Bank’s  Constitution  and 
relevant regulation; 

•  Appointment of the Chief Executive Officer; and 
•  Approval of the Bank’s major HR policies and overseeing the 
development  strategies  for  senior  and  high  performing 
executives. 

The  Board  carries  out  the  legal  duties  of  its  role  in  accordance 
with the Bank’s values of trust, honesty and integrity and having 
regard 
the  Bank’s  customers,  staff, 
shareholders  and  the  broader  community  in  which  the  Bank 
operates. 

interests  of 

the 

to 

The Board delegates to the Chief Executive Officer the authority 
to  achieve  the  Bank  objective  of  creating  long  term  shareholder 
value  for  its  shareholders  through  providing  financial  services  to 
sustained  best-in-industry 
its 
performance  in  safety,  community  reputation  and  environmental 
impact. 

customers  and  providing 

Composition 

There  are  currently  11  Directors  of  the  Bank  and  details  of  their 
experience, qualifications, special responsibilities and attendance 
at meetings are set out in the Directors’ Report. 

Membership of the Board and Committees is set out below: 

Board Membership 

Committee Membership 

Director (1) 
J M Schubert 

R J Norris 
R J Clairs 

Non-Executive, 
independent 
Executive  
Non-Executive, 
independent 

A B Daniels (2)  Non-Executive, 

C R Galbraith 

S C H Kay 

W G Kent  

F D Ryan 

F J Swan 

B K Ward (2) 

D Turner (3) 

independent 
Non-Executive, 
independent 
Non-Executive, 
independent 
Non-Executive, 
independent 
Non-Executive, 
independent 
Non-Executive, 
independent 
Non-Executive, 
independent 
Non-Executive, 
independent 

J Hemstritch (4)  Non-Executive, 

independent 

Board Performance  
& Renewal 
Chairman 

People 
 & Remuneration 
Member 

Audit 

Chairman 

Chief Executive Officer  

Chairman 

Member 

Risk 
Member 

Member 
Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Member 

Chairman  Member 

Member 

Chairman 

Member  

Member 

Member 

(1) Mr. D V Murray retired as Chief Executive Officer and Director on 22 September 2005 

(2) Mr. A B Daniels and Ms. B K Ward will retire at the Bank’s Annual General Meeting on 3 November 2006. 

(3) Mr. D Turner was appointed to the Board with effect from 1 August 2006. In accordance with the Bank’s Constitution and the ASX Listing Rules, he will stand for 

election at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 3 November 2006. 

(4) Mrs. J Hemstritch was appointed to the Board with effect from 9 October 2006. In accordance with the Bank’s constitution and the ASX Listing Rules, she will stand for 

election at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 3 November 2006. 

The Constitution of the Bank specifies that: 

•  The Chief Executive Officer and any other executive director 
shall not be eligible to stand for election as Chairman of the 
Bank; 

•  The  number  of  Directors  shall  not  be  less  than  9  nor  more 
than 13 (or such lower number as the Board may from time 
to  time  determine).  The  Board  has  determined  that  the 
number of directors shall be 12; and 

•  At each Annual General Meeting one-third of Directors (other 
than the Chief Executive Officer) shall retire from office and 
may stand for re-election.  

36     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

for  existing  Directors, 

The  Board  has  established  a  policy  that,  with  a  phasing  in 
term  of  directors’ 
provision 
appointments  would  be  limited  to  12  years  (except  where 
succession planning for Chairman and appointment of Chairman 
requires an extended term. On appointment, the Chairman will be 
expected to be available for that position for five years). 

the 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independence 

Review 

Corporate Governance 

The  Board  regularly  assesses  the  independence  of  each 
Director.  For  this  purpose  an  independent  Director  is  a  non-
executive Director whom the Board considers to be independent 
of  management  and  free  of  any  business  or  other  relationship 
that could materially interfere with the exercise of unfettered and 
independent judgment. 

themselves 

to  conduct 

to  being  required 

In  addition 
in 
accordance  with  the  ethical  policies  of  the  Bank,  Directors  are 
required  to  be  meticulous  in  their  disclosure  of  any  material 
contract or relationship in accordance with the Corporations Act 
and this disclosure extends to the interests of family companies 
and  spouses.  Directors  are  required  to  strictly  adhere  to  the 
constraints on their participation and voting in relation to matters 
in  which  they  may  have  an  interest  in  accordance  with  the 
Corporations Act and the Bank's policies. 

Each Director may from time to time have personal dealings with 
the  Bank.  Each  Director  is  involved  with  other  companies  or 
professional  firms  which  may  from  time  to  time  have  dealings 
with  the  Bank.  Details  of  offices  held  by  Directors  with  other 
organisations  are  set  out  in  the  Directors'  Report  and  on  the 
Bank's website. Full details of related party dealings are set out 
in notes to the Company's accounts as required by law. 

All  the  current  non-executive  Directors  of  the  Bank  have  been 
assessed  as 
that 
determination,  the  Board  has  taken  into  account  (in  addition  to 
the matters set out above): 

independent  Directors. 

reaching 

In 

•  The specific disclosures made by each Director as referred to 

above;  

•  Where  applicable,  the  related  party  dealings  referrable  to 
each  Director,  noting  that  those  dealings  are  not  material 
under accounting standards; 

•  That  no  Director  is,  or  has  been  associated  directly  with,  a 

substantial shareholder of the Bank; 

•  That no non-executive Director has ever been employed by 

the Bank or any of its subsidiaries; 

•  That no  Director is, or  has been  associated  with a  supplier, 
professional  adviser,  consultant  to  or  customer  of  the  Bank 
which is material under accounting standards; and 

•  That no non-executive Director personally carries on any role 

for the Bank other than as a Director of the Bank. 

The Bank does not consider that term of service on the Board is 
a factor affecting a Director's ability to act in the best interests of 
the  Bank.  Independence  is  judged  against  the  ability,  integrity 
and willingness of the Director to act. The Board has established 
a policy limiting Directors' tenures to ensure that skill sets remain 
appropriate in a dynamic industry. 

Education 

Directors participate in an induction program upon appointment 
and  in  a  refresher  program  on  a  regular  basis.  The  Board  has 
established a program of continuing education to ensure that it is 
kept  up  to  date  with  developments  in  the  industry  both  locally 
and  globally.  This  includes  sessions  with  local  and  overseas 
experts in the particular fields relevant to the Bank’s operations. 

The  Board  has  in  place  a  process  for  annually  reviewing  its 
performance,  policies  and  practices.  These  reviews  seek  to 
identify where improvements can be made and also assess the 
quality  and  effectiveness  of  information  made  available  to 
Directors.  Every  two  years,  this  process  is  facilitated  by  an 
external  consultant,  with  an  internal  review  conducted  in  the 
intervening  years. The review  process includes an assessment 
of the performance of the Board Committees and each Director. 

the 

the  performance 
After  consideration  of 
assessment,  the  Board  will  determine  its  endorsement  of  the 
Directors  to  stand  for  re-election  at  the  next  Annual  General 
Meeting. 

results  of 

The  non-executive  Directors  meet  at  least  annually,  without 
management,  in  a  forum  intended  to  allow  for  an  open 
discussion  on  Board  and  management  performance.  This  is  in 
addition  to  the  consideration  of  the  Chief  Executive  Officer’s 
performance and remuneration which is conducted by the Board 
in the absence of the Chief Executive Officer. 

The  Chairman  meets  at  least  annually  with  members  of  the 
senior  executive  team  to  discuss  with  them  the  Board’s 
performance and level of involvement from their perspective. 

Selection of Directors 

The  Board  Performance  and  Renewal  Committee  has 
developed a set of criteria for director appointments which have 
been adopted by the Board. The criteria are aimed at creating a 
Board  capable  of  challenging,  stretching  and  motivating 
management 
to  achieve  sustained  outstanding  company 
performance in  all respects.  These criteria,  which are reviewed 
annually,  aim  to  ensure  that  any  new  appointee  is  able  to 
contribute to the Board constituting a competitive advantage for 
the Bank and: 

•  Be capable of operating as part of an exceptional team; 
•  Contribute  outstanding  performance  and  exhibit  impeccable 

values; 

•  Be capable of inputting strongly to risk management, strategy 

and policy; 

•  Provide  skills  and  experience  required  currently  and  for  the 

future strategy of the Bank; 

•  Be excellently prepared and receive all necessary education, 
input  and 
•  Provide 
questions  to  management  from  their  experience  and  skill; 
and 

important  and  significant 

insights, 

•  Vigorously debate and challenge management. 
The Committee regularly reviews the skill base and experience 
of existing Directors to enable identification of attributes required 
in new Directors. 

An  executive  search  firm  is  engaged  to  identify  potential 
candidates based on the identified criteria. 

Candidates for appointment as Directors are considered by the 
Board Performance and Renewal Committee, recommended for 
decision  by  the  Board  and,  if  appointed,  stand  for  election,  in 
accordance with the Constitution, at the next general meeting of 
shareholders. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     37 

Corporate Governance 

The  Bank  has  adopted  a  policy  whereby,  on  appointment,  a 
letter is provided from the Chairman to the new Director setting 
out  the  terms  of  appointment  and  relevant  Board  policies 
including  time  commitment,  code  of  ethics  and  continuing 
education. All current Directors have been provided with a letter 
confirming the terms of their appointment. A copy of the form of 
letter of appointment appears on the Bank’s website.  

Policies 

Board  policies  relevant  to  the  composition  and  functions  of 
Directors include: 

•  The  Board  will  consist  of  a  majority  of  independent  non-
executive  Directors  and  the  membership  of  the  Board 
Performance  and  Renewal,  People  &  Remuneration  and 
Audit Committees should consist solely of independent non-
executive Directors. The Risk Committee should consist of a 
majority of independent non-executive Directors; 

•  The Chairman will be an independent non-executive Director. 
The Audit Committee will be chaired by an independent non-
executive Director other than the Board Chairman; 

•  The  Board  will  generally  meet  regularly  with  an  agenda 
designed to provide adequate information about the affairs of 
the Bank, allow the Board to guide and monitor management 
and  assist  in  involvement  in  discussions  and  decisions  on 
strategy.  Matters  having  strategic  implications  are  given 
priority  on  the  agenda  for  regular  Board  meetings.  In 
addition, ongoing strategy is the major focus of at least two of 
the Board meetings annually; 

•  The  Board  has  an  agreed  policy  on  the  basis  on  which 
Directors  are  entitled 
to  company 
documents  and  information  and  to  meet  with  management; 
and 

to  obtain  access 

•  The  Bank  has 

in  place  a  procedure  whereby,  after 
appropriate  consultation,  Directors  are  entitled  to  seek 
independent professional advice, at the expense of the Bank, 
to  assist  them  to  carry  out  their  duties  as  Directors.  The 
policy of the Bank provides that any such advice is generally 
made available to all Directors.  

Ethical Standards 

Conflicts of Interest  

In  accordance  with  the  Constitution  and  the  Corporations  Act 
2001,  Directors  are  required  to  disclose  to  the  Board  any 
material  contract  in  which  they  may  have  an  interest.  In 
compliance  with  section  195  of  the  Corporations  Act  2001  any 
Director  with  a  material  personal  interest  in  a  matter  being 
considered by the Board will not be present when the matter is 
being considered and will not vote on the matter. In addition, any 
director  who  has  a  conflict  of  interest  in  connection  with  any 
matter being considered by the Board or a Committee does not 
receive a copy of any paper dealing with the matter. 

Share Trading  

The restrictions imposed by law on dealings by Directors in the 
securities of the Bank have been supplemented by the Board of 
Directors  adopting  guidelines  which  further  limit  any  such 
dealings by Directors, their spouses, any dependent child, family 
company or family trust. 

38     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

The  guidelines  provide,  that  in  addition  to  the  requirement  that 
Directors  not  deal  in  the  securities  of  the  Bank  or  any  related 
company  when  they  have  or  may  be  perceived  as  having 
relevant  unpublished  price-sensitive  information,  Directors  are 
only  permitted  to  deal  within  certain  periods.  These  periods 
include  between  three  and  30  days  after  the  announcement  of 
half  yearly  and  final  results  and  from  the  date  of  the  annual 
general meeting until 14 days after the Annual General Meeting. 
Further,  the  guidelines  require  that  Directors  not  deal  on  the 
basis of considerations of a short term nature or to the extent of 
trading 
to 
executives of the Bank. 

those  securities.  Similar  restrictions  apply 

in 

In addition, Bank policy prohibits: 

•  For  Directors  and  executives  who  report  to  the  Chief 
Executive  Officer,  any  hedging  of  publicly  disclosed 
shareholding positions; and 

•  For  executives,  any  trading  (including  hedging)  in  positions 

prior to vesting of shares or options. 

Remuneration Arrangements 

Details of the governance arrangements and policies relevant to 
remuneration are set out in the Directors’ Report - Remuneration 
Report. 

Audit Arrangements 

Audit Committee 

The  Charter  of  the  Audit  Committee  incorporates  a  number  of 
is 
to  ensure 
policies  and  practices 
independent and effective. Among these are: 

the  Committee 

that 

•  The  Audit  Committee  consists  entirely  of  independent  non-
executive Directors, all of whom have familiarity with financial 
management  and  at  least  one  has  expertise  in  financial 
accounting  and  reporting.  The  Chairman  of  the  Bank  is  not 
permitted to be the Chairman of the Audit Committee; 

•  At least twice a year the Audit Committee meets the external 
auditors  and  the  chief  internal  audit  executive  and  also 
separately  with  the  external  Auditors  independently  of 
management; 

•  The  Audit  Committee  is  responsible  for  nominating  the 
external  auditor 
for  appointment  by 
the  Board 
shareholders.  The  Audit  Committee  approves  the  terms  of 
the contract with the external auditor, agrees the annual audit 
plan and approves payments to the Auditor; 

to 

•  The  Audit  Committee  discusses  and  receives  assurances 
from  the  external  auditors  on  the  quality  of  the  Bank’s 
systems, its accounting processes and its financial results. It 
also  receives  a  report  from  the  Auditors  on  any  significant 
matters raised by the Auditors with management; 

•  All  material  accounting  matters  requiring  exercise  of 
judgement  by  management  are  specifically  reviewed  by  the 
Audit  Committee  and  reported  on  by  the  Committee  to  the 
Board; and 

•  Certified  assurances  are  received  by  the  Audit  Committee 
and  the  Board  that  the  Auditors  meet  the  independence 
requirements as recommended by the Corporations Act and 
the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  (“SEC”)  of  the 
USA. 

In carrying out these functions, the Committee: 

The policy also ensures that the Auditors do not: 

Corporate Governance 

•  Reviews the financial statements and reports of the Group; 
•  Reviews  accounting  policies  to  ensure  compliance  with 
current laws, relevant regulations and accounting standards; 
•  Conducts  any  investigations  relating  to  financial  matters, 
records, accounts and reports which it considers appropriate; 
and 

•  Reviews  all  material  matters  requiring  exercise  of  judgment 
by management and reports those matters to the Board. 

the  absence  of 
The  Committee  regularly  considers, 
management  and  the  external  auditor,  the  quality  of  the 
information  received  by  the  Committee  and,  in  considering  the 
financial  statements,  discusses  with  management  and  the 
external auditor: 

in 

•  The financial statements and their conformity with accounting 
reporting  and  statutory 

standards,  other  mandatory 
requirements; and 

•  The quality of the accounting policies applied and any other 

significant judgments made. 

The  external  audit  partner  attends  meetings  of  the  Audit 
Committee  by  invitation  and  attends  the  Board  meetings  when 
the annual and half yearly accounts are approved and signed. 

The Committee, at least annually, meets separately with each of 
the  chief  internal  audit  executive  and  the  external  auditor, 
without  management,  as  part  of  the  process  of  ensuring 
independence of the audit functions. 

The  Board  has  determined  that  Fergus  Ryan  is  an  “audit 
committee  financial  expert”  within  the  meaning  of  that  term  as 
described in the SEC rules. Although the Board has determined 
that this individual has the requisite attributes defined under the 
rules  of  the  SEC,  his  responsibilities  are  the  same  as  those  of 
the other Audit Committee members. He is not an auditor, does 
not  perform  “field  work”  and  is  not  a  full  time  employee.  The 
SEC  has  determined  that  an  audit  committee  member  who  is 
designated  as  an  audit  committee  financial  expert  will  not  be 
deemed  to be  an “expert” for  any  purpose as a  result of  being 
identified as an audit committee financial expert. The Board has 
also  determined  that  Fergus  Ryan  is  independent  within  the 
meaning  of 
the  definition  of  audit  committee  member 
independence used by the New York Stock Exchange. 

is 

in 

responsible 

the  preparation  of 

for  oversight  of 
The  Audit  Committee 
management 
financial 
statements  and  financial  disclosures.  The  Audit  Committee 
relies  on  the  information  provided  by  management  and  the 
external auditor. The Audit Committee does not have the duty to 
plan or conduct audits to determine whether the Bank’s financial 
statements and disclosures are complete and accurate. 

the  Bank’s 

Non-Audit Services 

The Board has in place an Independent Auditor Services Policy 
which  only  permits  the  Independent  Auditor  to  carry  out  audit 
services  which  are  required  by  statute  and  related  services 
which are an extension of, or an adjunct to, those audit services. 
All  other  non-audit  services  are  prohibited  unless  the  Audit 
Committee  determines  otherwise  in  any  particular  case.  The 
objective of this policy is to avoid prejudicing the independence 
of the Auditors.  

•  Assume the role of management or act as an employee; 
•  Become an advocate for the Bank; 
•  Audit their own work; 
•  Create  a  mutual  or  conflicting  interest  between  the  Auditor 

and the Bank; 

•  Require an indemnification from the Bank to the Auditor;  
•  Seek contingency fees; nor 
•  Have  a  direct  financial  or  business  interest  or  a  material 
indirect financial or business interest in the Bank or any of its 
affiliates, or an employment relationship with the Bank or any 
of its affiliates.  

Under  the  policy,  the  Auditor  shall  not  provide  the  following 
services: 

•  Bookkeeping  or  services  relating  to  accounting  records  or 

financial statements of the Bank; 

•  Financial information systems design and implementation; 
•  Appraisal or valuation services and fairness opinions; 
•  Actuarial services; 
• 
•  Management functions, including acting as an employee; 
•  Human resources; 
•  Broker-dealer,  investment  adviser  or  investment  banking 

Internal audit outsourcing services; 

services; 

•  Legal services; or 
•  Expert services unrelated to the audit. 
In general terms, the permitted services are: 

•  Audit services to the Bank or an affiliate; 
•  Related  services  connected  with 

lodgement  of 
statements  or  documents  with  the  ASX,  ASIC,  APRA,  SEC 
or other regulatory or supervisory bodies;  

the 

•  Services  reasonably related to the performance of  the  audit 

services; 

•  Agreed  upon  procedures  or  comfort  letters  provided  by  the 
Auditor  to  third  parties  in  connection  with  the  Bank’s 
financing or related activities; and 

•  Other services pre-approved by the Audit Committee. 

Auditor 

Ernst & Young was appointed as the Auditor of the Bank at the 
1996 Annual General Meeting and continues in that office. 

The  audit  partner  from  Ernst  &  Young  attends  the  Annual 
General  Meetings  of  the  Bank  and  is  available  to  respond  to 
shareholder audit related questions. 

The Bank currently requires that the partner managing the audit 
for the external auditor be changed within a period of five years. 

The Chief Executive Officer is authorised to appoint and remove 
the chief internal audit executive only after consultation with the 
Audit Committee. 

The SEC has requested that the Bank produce documents and 
information  relating  to  all  services  provided  by  the  Bank’s 
external  auditors,  Ernst  &  Young,  since  July  1,  2000,  that  may 
impact on the independence of the external auditors under U.S. 
rules.  The  Bank  understands  that  the  SEC  has  made  similar 
requests  to  certain  other  Australian  companies  registered  with 
the SEC and their accounting firms. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     39 

Corporate Governance 

The  Bank  has  produced  the  documents  and  information 
requested,  which  include  information  regarding  a  number  of 
engagements in  each fiscal  year involving  the  “secondment”  of 
Ernst & Young personnel to entities in the Commonwealth Bank 
Group,  including  the  internal  audit  department,  and  non-
management  assistance  in  relation  to  portions  of  the  financial 
statements.  

In  addition,  the  Committee  ratifies  the  Group’s  operational  risk 
policies for approval by the Board and reviews and informs the 
Board of the measurement and management of operational risk. 
Operational risk is a basic line management responsibility within 
the  Group  consistent  with  the  policies  established  by  the 
Committee.  A  range  of  insurance  policies  maintained  by  the 
Group mitigates some operational risks. 

The  Committee  meets,  at  least  annually,  with  the  Chief  Risk 
Officer,  in  the  absence  of  other  management  to  allow  the 
Committee to form a view on the independence of the function. 

Framework 

The  Bank  has  in  place  an  integrated  risk  management 
framework to identify, assess, manage and report risks and risk 
adjusted returns on a consistent and reliable basis. 

A  full  description  of  the  functions  of  the  framework  and  the 
nature of the risks is set out in the section of the Annual Report 
entitled Integrated Risk Management and in Notes 16 and 43 to 
the Financial Statements. 

Board Performance and Renewal Committee 

The Board Performance and Renewal Committee of the Board 
critically  reviews,  at  least  annually,  the  corporate  governance 
procedures  of  the Bank  and the  composition  and  effectiveness 
of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia Board and the boards of 
the major wholly owned subsidiaries. The policy of the Board is 
that  the  Committee  shall  consist  solely  of  independent  non 
executive  directors.  The  Chief  Executive  Officer  attends  the 
meeting by invitation. 

In  addition  to  its  role  in  proposing  candidates  for  director 
appointment  for  consideration  by  the  Board,  the  Committee 
reviews  fees  payable  to  non-executive  directors  and  reviews, 
and  advises  the  Board  in  relation  to  Chief  Executive  Officer 
succession planning. 

Continuous Disclosure 

in  place 

securities. 

“Guidelines 

The  Bank’s 

The  Corporations  Act  2001  and  the  ASX  Listing  Rules  require 
that a company discloses to the market matters which could be 
expected  to  have  a  material  effect  on  the  price  or  value  of  the 
company’s 
for 
Communication  between  the  Bank  and  Shareholders”  sets  out 
the  processes  to  ensure  that  shareholders  and  the  market  are 
provided  with  full  and  timely  information  about  the  Bank’s 
activities in compliance with continuous disclosure requirements. 
Management  procedures  are 
the 
Commonwealth Bank Group to ensure that all material matters 
which may potentially require disclosure are promptly reported to 
the Chief Executive Officer, through established reporting lines, 
or  as  a  part  of  the  deliberations  of  the  Bank’s  Executive 
Committee. Matters reported are assessed and, where required 
by  the  Listing  Rules,  advised  to  the  market.  A  Disclosure 
Committee  has  been 
the 
requirements  for  disclosure  of  information  to  the  market.  The 
Company Secretary is responsible for communications with the 
ASX  and  for  ensuring  that  such  information  is  not  released  to 
any  person  until  the  ASX  has  confirmed  its  release  to  the 
market. 

to  provide  advice  on 

throughout 

formed 

financial 

relationships  with 

In  addition,  Ernst  &  Young  has  reported  to  the  Bank’s  Audit 
Committee  and  to  the  SEC  that,  during  the  past  three  fiscal 
years,  certain  Ernst  &  Young  professionals  maintained  deposit 
accounts  or  had  other 
the 
Commonwealth  Bank  Group  that  are  prohibited  by  the  SEC’s 
auditor independence rules. Ernst & Young has advised that the 
deposit accounts and other financial relationships were generally 
small in size and that they have been terminated or rectified. In 
2004,  Ernst  &  Young  also  reported  to  the  Bank’s  Audit 
Committee  regarding  (i)  certain  small  non-consolidated  trusts 
managed by a subsidiary of the Bank in Fiji, where three Ernst & 
Young partners in Fiji owned a company that was appointed as 
trustee  of  the  trusts  prior  to  the  Bank’s  acquisition  of  the 
manager,  and  (ii)  certain  non-operating  indirect  subsidiaries  of 
the Bank in the United Kingdom, where the Ernst & Young firm 
in  Edinburgh  was appointed  as liquidator of  those  subsidiaries. 
Those activities may also be impermissible under the SEC rules. 

If  the  SEC  determines  that  the  above  matters  or  any  other 
services provided by Ernst & Young to the Commonwealth Bank 
Group  did  not  comply  with  applicable  rules,  the  SEC  may 
impose  or  negotiate  a  broad  range  of  possible  sanctions. 
Examples  of  sanctions  imposed  on  audit  firms  or  other 
companies for breaches of the SEC’s rules have included fines, 
the  entry  of  cease-and-desist  orders  or  injunctions,  or  a 
requirement  to  engage  a  different  accounting  firm  to  perform 
procedures  and  report  on  aspects  of  the  relevant  accounts  or 
financial  statements  that  may  have  been  impacted  by  auditor 
independence  concerns.  Although  the  Bank  cannot  predict  the 
nature  of  any  future  action  by  the  SEC,  based  on  information 
currently  available  to  the  Bank,  the  Bank  does  not  believe  the 
outcome  of  the  SEC’s  ongoing  inquiry  will  have  a  material 
adverse financial effect on the Commonwealth Bank Group. 

Risk Management 

Risk Committee 

The  Risk  Committee  oversees  credit,  market,  and  operational 
risks  assumed  by  the  Bank  in  the  course  of  carrying  on  its 
business. 

The  Committee  considers  the  Group’s  credit  policies  and 
ensures that management maintains a set of credit underwriting 
standards  designed  to  achieve  portfolio  outcomes  consistent 
with  the  Group’s  risk/return  expectations.  In  addition,  the 
Committee 
the  Group’s  credit  portfolios  and 
recommendations  by  management  for  provisioning  for  bad 
debts.  

reviews 

The  Committee  approves  risk  management  policies  and 
procedures  for  market,  funding  and  liquidity  risks  incurred  or 
likely  to  be  incurred  in  the  Group’s  business.  The  Committee 
reviews progress in implementing management procedures and 
identifying  new  areas  of  exposure  relating  to  market,  funding 
and liquidity risk. 

40     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

Ethical Policies 

Values Statement 

The Bank demands the highest standards of honesty and loyalty 
from all its people and strong governance within the Bank. 

Our  values  statement  –  “trust,  honesty  and  integrity”  -  reflects 
this standard. 

Statement of Professional Practice 

The Bank has adopted a code of ethics, known as a Statement 
of  Professional  Practice,  which  sets  standards  of  behaviour 
required of all employees and directors including: 

•  To  act  properly  and  efficiently  in  pursuing  the  objectives  of 

the Bank; 

•  To  avoid  situations  which  may  give  rise  to  a  conflict  of 

interest; 

•  To  know  and  adhere  to  the  Bank’s  Equal  Employment 

Opportunity policy and programs; 

•  To  maintain  confidentiality  in  the  affairs  of  the  Bank  and  its 

customers; and 

•  To be absolutely honest in all professional activities. 
These  standards  are  regularly  communicated  to  staff.  In 
addition, the Bank has established insider trading guidelines for 
staff to ensure that unpublished price sensitive information about 
the Bank or any other company is not used in an illegal manner. 

Our People 

The  Bank  is  committed  to  providing  fair,  safe,  challenging  and 
rewarding  work,  recognising  the  importance  of  attracting  and 
retaining high quality staff and consequently, being in a position 
to excel in customer service. 

There  are  various  policies  and  systems  in  place  to  enable 
achievement of these goals, including: 

•  Fair Treatment Review; 
•  Equal Employment Opportunity; 
•  Occupational Health and Safety; 
•  Recruitment and selection; 
•  Performance management; 
•  Talent management and succession planning; 
•  Remuneration and recognition; 
•  Employee share plans; and 
•  Supporting Professional Development. 

Behaviour Issues 

The  Bank  is  strongly  committed  to  maintaining  an  ethical 
workplace,  complying  with  legal  and  ethical  responsibilities. 
Policy  requires  staff  to  report  fraud,  corrupt  conduct,  mal-
administration  or  serious  and  substantial  waste  by  others.  A 
system  has  been  established  which  allows  staff  to  remain 
anonymous, if they wish, for reporting of these matters. 

The  policy  has  been  extended  to  include  reporting  of  auditing 
and  accounting  issues,  which  will  be  reported  to  the  Chief 
Compliance  Officer  by 
the  Chief  Security  Officer,  who 
administers  the  reporting  and  investigation  system.  The  Chief 
Security  Officer  reports  any  such  matters 
the  Audit 
Committee,  noting  the  status  of  resolution  and  actions  to  be 
taken. 

to 

Corporate Governance 

Governance Philosophy 

The  Board  has  consistently  placed  great  importance  on  the 
governance  of  the  Bank,  which  it  believes  is  vital  to  the  well-
being  of 
the  corporation.  The  Bank  has  adopted  a 
comprehensive framework of Corporate Governance Guidelines 
which  are  designed  to  properly  balance  performance  and 
conformance  and  thereby  allow  the  Bank  to  undertake,  in  an 
effective manner, the prudent risk-taking activities which are the 
basis  of  its  business.  The  Guidelines  and  the  practices  of  the 
Bank comply with all the current best practice recommendations 
set by the ASX Corporate Governance Council. 

US Sarbanes-Oxley Act 

On 30 July 2002, a broad US financial reporting and corporate 
governance reform law, called the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 
(“SOX  Act”),  was  enacted.  A  number  of  provisions  of  this  Act 
apply  to  the  Group  because  it  has  certain  securities  registered 
with  the  SEC  under  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934 
(“Exchange Act”). 

Under the Exchange Act, the Bank files periodic reports with the 
SEC, including an Annual Report on Form 20-F. Pursuant to the 
requirements  of  the  SOX  Act,  the  SEC  has  adopted  rules 
requiring  that  the  Group’s  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief 
Financial  Officer  personally  provide  certain  certifications  with 
respect  to  the  disclosure  contained  in  the  Annual  Report  on 
Form 20-F. 

Certifications and disclosures 

In respect of this Annual Report and as at the date of this annual 
report,  the  Group’s  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial 
Officer make the following Sarbanes-Oxley related certifications: 

•  That they have reviewed the report; 
•  That based on their knowledge, the report does not contain 
any  untrue  statement  of  a  material  fact  or  omit  to  state  a 
material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light 
of  the  circumstances  under  which  such  statements  were 
made, not misleading with respect to the periods covered by 
the report; 

•  That  based  on  their  knowledge,  the  Financial  Statements, 
and  other  financial  information  included  in  the  report,  fairly 
present in all material respects the financial condition, results 
of operations and cash flows of the Group as of, and for, the 
periods presented in the report; 

•  That  they  are  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining 
disclosure  controls  and  procedures  (as  defined  in  the  US 
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the Group 
and have: 
−  Designed  such  disclosure  controls  and  procedures,  or 
caused  such  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  to  be 
designed under their supervision, to ensure that material 
information 
its 
consolidated  subsidiaries,  is  made  known  to  them  by 
others within those entities, particularly during the period 
in which the report is being prepared;  

the  Group, 

including 

relating 

to 

−  Evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  those  disclosure  controls 
and procedures, with the assistance of other members of 
the  Group’s  management,  and  presented  in  this  report 
their conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure 
controls  and  procedures,  as  of  the  end  of  the  period 
covered by this report based on such evaluation; and 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     41 

Code of Ethics 

The  Group  is  required  to  disclose  in  its  annual  report  on  Form 
20-F that it has adopted a written code of ethics that applies to 
all employees of the Group, including its Chief Executive Officer, 
Chief  Financial  Officer  and  principal  accounting  officers  or 
controllers  or  persons  performing  similar  functions.  The  Group 
has adopted such a code. 

Company Secretaries 

The  details  of  the  Bank’s  Company  Secretaries,  including  their 
experience and qualifications are set out below. 

John  Hatton  has  been  Company  Secretary  of 
Commonwealth Bank of Australia since 1994. 

the 

From  1985-1994,  he  was  a  solicitor  with  the  Bank’s  Legal 
Department. 

He has a Bachelor of Laws degree from Sydney University and 
was admitted as a solicitor in New South Wales. He is a Fellow 
of  Chartered  Secretaries  Australia  and  a  Member  of  the 
Australian Institute of Company Directors. 

Carla  Collingwood  was  appointed  a  Company  Secretary  to  the 
Bank in July 2005  

From 1994 until 2005, she was a solicitor with the Bank’s Legal 
Services Department, before being appointed to the position of 
General  Manager,  Secretariat.  She  holds  a  Bachelor  of  Laws 
degree (Hons.) and a Graduate Diploma in Company Secretary 
Practice from Chartered Secretaries Australia.  

Corporate Governance 

•  Disclosed  in  this  report  any  change  in  the  Group’s  internal 
control  over  financial  reporting  that  occurred  during  the 
period covered by this report that has materially affected, or 
is  reasonably  likely  to  materially  affect,  the  Group’s  internal 
control over financial reporting; and 

•  That  they  have  disclosed,  based  on  their  most  recent 
evaluation  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  to  the 
Group’s  auditors  and  the  Audit  Committee  of  the  Group’s 
Board of Directors: 
−  All  significant  deficiencies  (if  any)  in  the  design  or 
operation  of  internal  controls  over  financial  reporting 
which  are  reasonably  likely  to  adversely  affect  the 
Group’s ability to record, process, summarise and report 
financial data; and 

−  Any 

fraud,  whether  or  not  material, 

involves 
management  or other  employees  who  have a significant 
role in the Group’s internal control over financial reporting. 

that 

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures 

Our  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  have 
evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the  Group’s  disclosure  controls 
and procedures as at 30 June 2006. Based on such evaluation, 
our  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  have 
each  concluded  that  the  Group’s  disclosure  controls  and 
procedures are effective. 

Changes in internal control over financial reporting  

The following change in internal controls over financial reporting 
occurred during the year ended 30 June 2006 that has materially 
affected our internal controls over financial reporting: 

•  From 1 July 2005 a number of new processes and controls 
were  implemented  and  existing  processes  and  controls 
enhanced to address the transition to International Financial 
Reporting  Standards,  refer  to  Note  1  (nn)  to  the  Financial 
Statements.  

No other changes in our internal controls over financial reporting 
occurred  during  the  year  ended  30  June  2006  that  have 
materially  affected,  or  are  reasonably  likely  to  materially  affect, 
our internal controls over financial reporting. 

Compliance with future requirements of the SOX Act 

(Section 404) 

New  rules  of  the  SOX  Act  in  respect  of  internal  controls  over 
financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) 
and 15d-15(f)) come into effect for the Group for the year ended 
30 June 2007 (being the first financial year for the Group ending 
after 15 July  2006).  These  rules  require that the  Group’s  Chief 
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer personally provide 
certain  certifications  with  respect  to  internal  controls  over 
financial reporting in the Group’s 30 June 2007 annual report on 
Form  20-F.  The  certifications  required  by  the  Group’s  Chief 
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer are as follows:  

•  That they designed internal control over financial reporting, or 
caused  such  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  to  be 
designed  under  their  supervision,  to  provide  reasonable 
assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of  financial  reporting  and 
the preparation of financial statements for external purposes 
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. 

42     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
report, 

together  with 

The  Directors  of  the  Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  submit 
their 
the 
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (the ‘Bank’) and of the Group, 
being the Bank and its controlled entities, for the year ended 30 
June 2006. 

report  of 

financial 

the 

The  names  of  the  Directors  holding  office  during  the  financial 
year and until the date of this report are set out below together 
with  details  of  Directors’  experience,  qualifications,  special 
responsibilities and organisations in which each of the Directors 
has declared an interest. 

John M Schubert, Chairman 
Dr Schubert has been a member of the Board since 1991 and 
Chairman since  November 2004. He is  Chairman of the Board 
Performance & Renewal Committee and a member of the Risk 
and People & Remuneration Committees. He holds a Bachelor’s 
Degree  and  PhD  in  Chemical  Engineering  and  has  executive 
experience  in  the  petroleum,  mining  and  building  materials 
industries.  Dr  Schubert  is  the  former  Managing  Director  and 
Chief Executive Officer of Pioneer International Limited and the 
former Chairman and Managing Director of Esso Australia Ltd.  

Chairman: G2 Therapies Limited. 

Directors’ Report 

A B (Tony) Daniels, OAM 
Mr Daniels has been a member of the Board since March 2000 
and  is  a  member  of  the  People  &  Remuneration  and  Risk 
Committees. He has extensive experience in manufacturing and 
distribution, being Managing Director of Tubemakers of Australia 
for eight years to December 1995, during a long career with that 
company.  In  addition  to  serving  as  a  director  of  various  public 
companies,  he  has  also  worked  with  government 
in 
superannuation,  competition  policy  and  export  facilitation.  Mr. 
Daniels will retire from the Board at the Annual General Meeting 
on 3 November 2006. 

Director: O'Connell St Associates.  

Other  Interests:  Australian  Institute  of  Company  Directors 
(Fellow) and Australian Institute of Management (Fellow). 

Mr Daniels is a resident of New South Wales. Age 71. 

Colin R Galbraith, AM 
Mr Galbraith has been a member of the Board since June 2000 
and  is  a  member  of  the  Board  Performance  &  Renewal 
Committee, and the Audit and Risk Committees. He is a special 
advisor for Gresham Partners Limited. 

Director:  BHP  Billiton  Limited,  BHP  Billiton  Plc,  and  Qantas 
Airways Limited. 

Chairman: BHP Billiton Community Trust. 

Director: GasNet Australia (Group) and OneSteel Limited. 

Other 
Interests:  Academy  of  Technological  Science  and 
Engineering (Fellow), Institute of Engineers (Fellow), and AGSM 
Advisory Board (Member). 

Other Interests: CARE Australia (Director) and Royal Melbourne 
Hospital  Neuroscience  Foundation  (Trustee).  Allens  Arthur 
Robinson (Special Advisor). 

Dr Schubert is a resident of New South Wales. Age 63. 

Mr Galbraith is a resident of Victoria. Age 58. 

Ralph J Norris, DCNZM, Managing Director and Chief 
Executive Officer 
Mr  Norris  was  appointed  as  Managing  Director  and  Chief 
Executive Officer with effect from 22 September 2005. Mr Norris 
has  been Chief  Executive  Officer and Managing  Director of Air 
New  Zealand since February 2002 and  had been  a Director of 
that company since August 1998. He retired from that Board in 
August  2005  to  take  up  his  position  with  the  Bank.  He  is  a 
member of the Risk Committee. 

Prior to his appointment at Air New Zealand, Mr Norris had a 30 
year career in banking. He was Chief Executive Officer of ASB 
Bank Limited from March 1991 until September 2001 and Head 
of International Financial Services from August 1999 until 2001. 

In  August  2005,  Mr  Norris  retired  from  the  Board  of  Fletcher 
Building Limited where he had been a Director since 2001. 

Other Interests: New Zealand Institute of Management (Fellow) 
and New Zealand Computer Society (Fellow). 

Mr Norris is a resident of New South Wales. Age 57. 

Reg J Clairs, AO 
Mr  Clairs  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  since  March  1999 
and is Chairman of the People & Remuneration Committee and 
a member of the Risk Committee. As the former Chief Executive 
thirty-three  years 
Officer  of  Woolworths  Limited,  he  had 
experience in retailing, branding and customer service. 

Director: David Jones Limited and The Cellnet Group. 

Other  Interests:  Australian  Institute  of  Company  Directors 
(Member). 

Mr Clairs is a resident of Queensland. Age 68. 

S Carolyn H Kay 
Ms Kay has been a member of the Board since March 2003 and 
is  also  a  member  of  the  People  &  Remuneration  and  Risk 
Committees. She holds Bachelor Degrees in Law and Arts and a 
Graduate  Diploma 
in  Management.  She  has  extensive 
experience in international finance. She was a senior executive 
at  Morgan  Stanley  in  London  and  Melbourne  for  10  years  and 
prior to that she worked in international banking and finance both 
as a lawyer and banker in London, New York and Melbourne. 

Director:  Symbion  Health  Limited,  Brambles  Industries  Ltd, 
Brambles Industries Plc. 

Other  Interests:  Australian  Institute  of  Company  Directors 
(Fellow).  Allens  Arthur  Robinson  (External  Member  of  the 
Board), Starlight Foundation (Director). 

Ms Kay is resident in New South Wales. Age 44. 

Warwick G Kent, AO 
Mr Kent has been a member of the Board since June 2000 and 
is  a  member  of  the  Audit  and  Risk  Committees.  He  was 
previously  a  Director  of  Colonial  Limited,  appointed  1998.  He 
was Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BankWest 
until his retirement in 1997. Prior to joining BankWest, Mr Kent 
had  a  long  and  distinguished  career  with  Westpac  Banking 
Corporation. 

Chairman:  Coventry  Group  Limited  and  West  Australian 
Newspapers Holdings Limited. 

Director: Hoyts Corporation Pty Ltd. 

Other Interests: Walter and Eliza Hall Trust (Trustee), Australian 
Institute  of  Company  Directors  (Fellow),  Australian  Society  of 
CPAs  (Fellow),  Finsia  (Senior  Fellow)  and  the  Chartered 
Institute of Company Secretaries (Fellow).  

Mr Kent is a resident of Western Australia. Age 70. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     43 

Directors’ Report 

Fergus D Ryan 

Mr  Ryan  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  since  March  2000 
and is  Chairman  of the Audit Committee  and a member  of the 
Risk  Committee.  He  has  extensive  experience  in  accounting, 
audit, finance and risk management. He was a senior partner of 
Arthur  Andersen  until  his  retirement  in  August  1999  after  thirty 
three  years  with  that  firm  including  five  years  as  Managing 
Partner  Australasia.  Until  November  2002,  he  was  Strategic 
Investment  Co-ordinator  and  Major  Projects  Facilitator  for  the 
Commonwealth Government. 

Member: Prime Minister's Community Business Partnership and 
Chairman  of  the  Partnership  Sub  Committee  on  Corporate 
Social Responsibility. 

Director:  Australian  Foundation  Investment  Company  Limited, 
Clayton  Utz,  National  Australia  Day  Council  and  Deputy 
Chairman for National Library of Australia. 

Other  Interests:  Committee  for  Melbourne  (Patron),  Pacific 
Institute  (Counsellor)  and  Special  Committee  for  Mature  Age 
Workers (Chairman). 

Mr Ryan is a resident of Victoria. Age 63. 

Frank J Swan 
Mr Swan has been a member of the Board since July 1997 and 
is Chairman of the Risk Committee and a member of the Board 
Performance and Renewal Committee. He holds a Bachelor of 
Science degree and has twenty three years senior management 
experience in the food and beverage industries. 

Chairman:  Foster's  Group  Limited  and  Centacare  Catholic 
Family Services. 

Other Interests: Institute of Directors (Fellow), Australian Institute 
of  Company  Directors  (Fellow)  and  Australian  Institute  of 
Management (Fellow).  

Mr Swan is a resident of Victoria. Age 65. 

Barbara K Ward 
Ms Ward has been a member of the Board since 1994 and is a 
member  of  the  Audit  and  Risk  Committees.  She  holds  a 
Bachelor  of  Economics  and  Master  of  Political  Economy  and 
has experience in policy development and public administration 
as  a  senior  ministerial  adviser  and  experience  in  the  transport 
and  aviation  industries,  most  recently  as  Chief  Executive  of 
Ansett Worldwide Aviation Services. Ms Ward will retire from the 
board at the Annual General Meeting on 3 November 2006. 

Chairperson: Country Energy. 

Director:  Lion  Nathan  Limited,  Allco  Finance  Group  Limited, 
Multiplex Limited and Multiplex Funds Management Limited.  

Other Interests: Sydney Opera House Trust (Trustee), Australia 
Day  Council  of  New  South  Wales  (Member)  and  Australian 
Institute of Company Directors (Member). 

David V Murray, Retired 22 September 2005 

Mr  Murray  had  been  a  member  of  the  Board  and  Chief 
Executive  Officer  since  June  1992  and  was  a  member  of  the 
Risk  Committee.  He  holds  a  Bachelor  of  Business,  Master  of 
Business  Administration,  an  honorary  PhD  from  Macquarie 
University and has thirty-eight years experience in banking.  

Chairman:  Future  Fund  Australia  and  Business/Industry/Higher 
Education Collaboration Council. 

Director: Tara Anglican School for Girls Foundation Limited. 

Other  Interests:  International  Monetary  Conference  (Member), 
Asian  Bankers’  Association  (Member),  Australian  Bankers’ 
Association  (Member),  Asia  Pacific  Bankers'  Club  (Member), 
Business  Council  of  Australia  (Member),  and  the  Financial 
Sector Advisory Council (Member).  

Mr Murray is a resident of New South Wales. Age 57. 

David J Turner, appointed 1 August 2006  

Mr Turner is CEO of Brambles, having occupied that role since 
October 2003. He joined Brambles as Chief Financial Officer in 
August  2001  having  previously  been  Finance  Director  of  GKN 
plc.  Mr  Turner  has  also  served  as  a  member  of  the  Board  of 
Whitbread  plc  from  December  2000  until  March  2006.  He  is  a 
Fellow of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and 
Wales  and  has  wide  experience  in  finance,  international 
business and governance. 

Director:  Brambles  Enterprises  Limited,  Brambles  Finance 
Limited,  Brambles  Holdings  (UK)  Limited,  Brambles  Industries 
Limited,  Brambles  Industries  plc,  Brambles  Limited,  CHEP 
International Inc. 

Mr Turner is a resident of New South Wales. Age 61. 

Jane Hemstritch, appointment effective 9 October 2006  

Mrs  Hemstritch  is  Managing  Director  -  Asia  Pacific,  Accenture 
Limited, having been appointed to that role in November 2004. 
She  is  a  member  of  Accenture's  global  executive  leadership 
team  and  oversees  the  management  of  Accenture's  business 
portfolio  in  Asia  Pacific.  Mrs  Hemstritch  joined  the  company  in 
1982, became a partner in 1988 and has held several leadership 
roles  within  that  organisation  prior  to  being  appointed  to  her 
current  position.  She  holds  a  Bachelor  of  Science  Degree  in 
Biochemistry  and  Physiology  and  has  professional  expertise  in 
technology,  communications,  change  management  and 
accounting.  She  also  has  experience  across  the  financial 
services, 
telecommunications,  government,  energy  and 
manufacturing sectors and in business expansion in Asia. 

Other  Interests:  Institute  of  Chartered  Accountants  in  Australia 
(Fellow),  Institute  of  Chartered  Accountants  in  England  and 
Wales  (Fellow),  Business  Council  of  Australia  (Member)  and 
Chief Executive Women Inc. (Member) 

Ms Ward is a resident of New South Wales. Age 52. 

Mrs Hemstritch is a resident of Victoria. Age 53. 

44     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

Other Directorships 

The Directors held directorships on other listed companies within the last three years as follows: 

Directors’ Report 

Director 

Company 

J M Schubert 

BHP Biliton Limited 
BHP Biliton Plc 
Qantas Limited 
Worley Group Limited 

R J Norris 

Air New Zealand Limited 
Fletcher Building Limited 

R J Clairs 

David Jones Limited 
Cellnet Group Limited 

A B Daniels  

The Australian Gas Light Company 
Orica Limited 

C R Galbraith 

OneSteel Limited 
GasNet Australia Group  

S C H Kay 

W G Kent  

Symbion Health Limited 
Brambles Industries Limited 
Brambles Industries Plc 

West Australian Newspaper Holdings Limited 
Coventry Group Limited 
Perpetual Trustees Australia Limited (Group) 

F D Ryan 

Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited 

F J Swan 

B K Ward 

Foster’s Group Limited 
National Foods Limited 
Southcorp Limited 

Lion Nathan Limited 
Multiplex Group 
Allco Finance Group Limited 

Directors’ Meetings 

Date Appointed 

Date of Ceasing 
(if applicable) 

01/06/2000 
29/06/2001 
23/10/2000 
28/11/2002 

18/02/2002 
17/04/2001 

22/02/1999 
01/07/2004 

04/08/1999 
01/03/1995 

25/10/2000 
17/12/2001 

28/09/2001 
01/06/2006 
01/06/2006 

02/02/1998 
01/07/2001 
01/05/1998 

08/08/2001 

25/10/1999 
11/03/1997 
26/05/2005 

20/02/2003 
26/10/2003 
29/04/2005 

28/02/2005 

30/08/2005 
09/08/2005 

18/10/2005 
17/12/2003 

31/07/2005 

30/06/2005 
29/07/2005 

The number of Directors’ meetings (including meetings of committees of Directors) and number of meetings attended by each of the 
Directors of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia during the financial year were: 

Director 

J M Schubert 
R J Norris 
R J Clairs 
A B Daniels 
C R Galbraith 
S C H Kay 
W G Kent 
F D Ryan 
F J Swan 
B K Ward 
D V Murray 

(1) The number of meetings held during the time the Director was a member of the Board. 

No. of Meetings 

(1)

Held 
9 
7 
9 
9 
9 
9 
9 
9 
9 
9 
2 

No. of Meetings 
Attended 
9 
7 
9 
9 
9 
9 
9 
9 
9 
9 
2 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     45 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report 

Committee Meetings 

Risk Committee 

Audit Committee 

People & Remuneration 
Committee 

Director 

J M Schubert 
R J Norris 
R J Clairs 
A B Daniels  
C R Galbraith 
S C H Kay 
W G Kent  
F D Ryan 
F J Swan 
B K Ward 
D V Murray  

Director 

J M Schubert 
C R Galbraith 
F J Swan 

No. of Meetings 

(1)

Held 
6 
5 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
1 

No. of Meetings 
Attended 
6 
5 
6 
5 
6 
6 
6 
6 
5 
6 
1 

No. of Meetings 

(1)

Held 
6 

No. of Meetings 
Attended 
5 

No. of Meetings 

(1)

Held 
8 

No. of Meetings 
Attended 
8 

6 

6 
6 

6 

6 

6 
6 

5 

8 
8 

8 

8 
8 

8 

Board Performance & Renewal 
Committee 

No. of Meetings 

(1)

Held 
4 
4 
4 

No. of Meetings 
Attended 
4 
4 
4 

(1) The number of meetings held during the time the Director was a member of the relevant committee  

Principal Activities 

integrated 

financial  services 

institutional  banking,  superannuation, 

The  Commonwealth  Bank  Group  is  one  of  Australia’s  leading 
including  retail, 
providers  of 
business  and 
life 
insurance,  general  insurance,  funds  management,  broking 
services and finance company activities. The principal activities 
of  the  Commonwealth  Bank  Group  during  the  financial  year 
were: 

(i) Banking 

The  Group  provides  a  full  range  of  retail  banking  services 
including  housing  loans,  credit  cards,  personal  loans,  savings 
and  cheque  accounts,  and  demand  and  term  deposits.  The 
Group has leading domestic market shares in home loans, credit 
cards,  retail  deposits  and  discount  stockbroking,  and  is  one  of 
Australia’s  largest  issuers  of  personal  loans.  The  Group  also 
offers  a  full  range  of  commercial  products  including  business 
loans, equipment and trade finance, and rural and agribusiness 
products.  For  our  corporate  and  institutional  clients,  we  offer  a 
broad  range  of  structured  finance,  equities  and  advisory 
solutions,  financial  markets  and  equity  markets  solutions, 
transactions banking, and merchant acquiring. 

The Group has full service banking operations in New Zealand, 
Fiji and Indonesia.  

The  Group  also  has  wholesale  banking  operations  in  London, 
New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, China, Tokyo and 
Malta. 

(ii) Funds Management 

The Group is Australia’s largest funds manager and largest retail 
funds  manager  in  terms  of  its  total  value  of  Funds  under 
Administration,  and  is  Australia’s  largest  manager  in  retail 
superannuation,  allocated  pensions  and  annuities  by  funds 
under management.  The  Group’s funds management business 
is  managed  as  part  of  the  Wealth  Management  division.  This 
business  manages  a  wide  range  of  wholesale  and  retail 
investment,  superannuation  and  retirement  funds.  Investments 
are  across  all  major  asset  classes  including  Australian  and 
International shares, property, fixed interest and cash. 

46     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

The  Group  also  has  funds  management  businesses  in  New 
Zealand, the UK and Asia. 

(iii) Insurance 

The  Group  provides  term  life  insurance,  investment  contracts, 
annuities,  master  trusts,  investment  products  and  household 
general insurance. 

The Group is Australia’s largest insurer based on life insurance 
assets held.  

Life  insurance  operations  are  also  conducted  in  New  Zealand, 
where the Group has the leading market share, and throughout 
Asia and the Pacific. 

There  have  been  no  significant  changes  in  the  nature  of  the 
principal activities of the Group during the financial year.  

Consolidated Profit 

Consolidated operating profit after tax and minority interests for 
the financial year ended 30 June 2006 was $3,928 million (2005: 
$3,400 million).  

The  net  operating profit for the  year ended 30 June 2006  after 
tax,  and  before  superannuation  plan  expense,  treasury  share 
valuation  adjustment,  shareholder  investment  returns,  and  sale 
of the Hong Kong insurance business was $3,842 million. This is 
an increase of $422 million or 12% over the year ended 30 June 
2005.  

The  principal  contributing  factors  to  the  profit  increase  were 
strong  growth  in  banking  income  following  growth  in  average 
interest  earning  assets.  Funds  management  and  insurance 
income growth was also strongly supported by growth in Funds 
under  Administration  and  solid  growth  in  inforce  premiums. 
Underlying  Expense  growth  was  5%,  driven  by  average  salary 
increases,  the  commencement  of  spend  on  a  number  of 
strategic  initiatives  and,  ongoing  compliance  expenditure  partly 
offset  by  the  realisation  of  expense  savings  from  Which  new 
Bank initiatives. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
During  the  period  September  2003  to  June  2006,  the  Bank 
implemented  the  Which  new  Bank  program,  a  program  of 
investment  focused  on  improving  customer  service  and  people 
engagement  and  simplifying  processes.  The  Bank  made 
significant progress during this time, and financial targets for the 
program were met and, in some cases, exceeded. 

In  March  2006,  the  Bank  announced  an  evolutionary  strategic 
direction  that  builds  directly  on  the  progress  achieved  through 
Which  new  Bank  and  the  Bank’s  inherent  strengths.  The 
lift  business 
strategy 
performance and growth: Customer Service; Business Banking; 
Technology  and  Operational  Excellence;  and  Trust  and  Team 
Spirit. 

four  key  priorities 

focuses  on 

to 

Dividends 

The  Directors  have  declared  a  fully  franked  (at  30%)  final 
dividend  of  130  cents  per  share  amounting  to  $1,668  million. 
The dividend will be payable on 5 October 2006 to shareholders 
on the register at 5pm on 18 August 2006. Dividends paid in the 
year to 30 June 2006 were as follows: 

•  As  declared  in  the  30  June  2005  Annual  Report,  a  fully 
franked  final  dividend  of  112  cents  per  share  amounting  to 
$1,435  million  was  paid  on  23  September  2005.  The 
payment  comprised  cash  disbursements  of  $1,172  million 
with $262 million being reinvested by participants through the 
Dividend Reinvestment Plan; and 

• 

In respect of the year to 30 June 2006, a fully franked interim 
dividend  of  94  cents  per  share  amounting  to  $1,211  million 
was  paid  on  5  April  2006.  The  payment  comprised  cash 
disbursements  of  $992  million  with  $219  million  being 
reinvested 
the  Dividend 
Reinvestment Plan. 

participants 

through 

by 

Review of Operations 

An analysis of operations for the financial year is set out in the 
Highlights  and  Analysis  sections 
for  Banking,  Funds 
Management and Insurance on pages 6 to 13, 20 to 21 and 24 
to 25. A review of the financial condition of the Bank is set out in 
the Highlights on page 6. 

Changes in State of Affairs 

During  the  year,  the  Bank  continued  to  make  significant 
progress in implementing a number of strategic initiatives.  

The initiatives are designed to ensure a better service outcome 
for the Bank’s customers.  

Progress within the major initiatives included the following:  

•  The  implementation  of  CommServe,  a  training  program 
designed to ensure our people are able to obtain maximum 
value  from  CommSee  (the  Bank’s  state-of-the-art  customer 
management  system)  in  improving  Sales  and  Service 
outcomes. Over 14,000 staff undertook CommServe training 
during 2006; 

•  The  refurbishment  of  a  further  133  branches,  taking  to  384 
the  number  of  branches  refurbished  over  the  past  3  years 
into  a  design/layout  more  conducive  to  effective  sales  and 
service; 

• 

Improved access to Australia’s largest electronic banking and 
branch  network  through  two  new  Streamline  products  with 
flat  monthly  fees,  and  the  removal  of  transaction  fees  from 
NetBank; 

•  The  introduction  of  the  Business  Online  Saver  high  yield 
investment  account,  the  Commonwealth  Portfolio  Loan 
product  and  the  Business  Line  of  Credit,  all  of  which  have 
reached $1 billion in balances; 

Directors’ Report 

•  Continued platform enhancements and new product offerings 
including the development of a self managed super offering 
“YourChoice”,  to  capitalise  on  this  rapidly  growing  sector  of 
the market; 

•  Strategic  alliance  formed  between  Avanteos  and  Goldman 
Sachs  JB  Were,  which  has  contributed  $5.0  billion  of 
additional net funds flow; 

•  Acquisition  of  the  Gandel  Group’s  interests  in  the  Colonial 
First  State  Property  Retail  Trust  and  Gandel  Retail 
Management  Trust,  which  provides funds management  and 
property management services to a number of Colonial First 
State Retail Property trusts; 

On  22  September  2005  the  Managing  Director  and  Chief 
Executive Officer Mr. David Murray retired from the Group, and 
the Board appointed Mr. Ralph Norris to take over the role. Mr. 
Norris  was  previously  Managing  Director  and  Chief  Executive 
Officer  of  Air  New  Zealand  Limited,  and  prior  to  that  was 
Managing  Director  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  ASB  Bank 
Limited.  

The Hong Kong insurance business was sold during the year for 
a profit of $145 million. 

There were no other significant changes in the state of affairs of 
the Group during the financial year. 

Events Subsequent to Balance Date 

On  11  July  2006  the  appointment  of  Mr.  David  Turner  as  a 
Director  was  announced.  Mr.  Turner’s  appointment  is  effective 
from 1 August 2006.  

On 20 July 2006 the Bank concluded agreements to dispose of 
all holdings in its Loy Yang investment to several parties, for total 
net proceeds of approximately $175 million. This has resulted in 
a profit on sale of approximately $70 million. 

On  25  July  2006  the  appointment  of  Mr.  David  Craig  as  Chief 
Financial Officer was announced. Mr. Craig’s appointment is due 
to commence in September 2006. 

On  8  August  2006  the  retirement  of  Mr  Tony  Daniels  and  Ms 
Barbara Ward from the Board of the Bank and the appointment 
of  Mrs  Jane  Hemstritch  as  a  Director  of  the  Bank  was 
announced.  Mr  Daniels  and  Ms  Ward  will  retire  at  the  Bank’s 
Annual  General  Meeting  on  3  November  2006  and  Mrs 
Hemstritch’s appointment will take effect from 9 October 2006. 

The Directors are not aware of any other matter or circumstance 
that  has  occurred  since  the  end  of  the  financial  year  that  has 
significantly affected or may significantly affect the operations of 
the Group, the results of those operations or the state of affairs 
of the Group in subsequent financial years. 

Business Strategies and Future Developments 

Accommodation Strategy 

On  12  July  2006  the  Bank  announced  its  strategy  to  relocate 
approximately  5,000  staff  from  the  Sydney  central  business 
district  to  Sydney  Olympic  Park  or  Parramatta  by  2009-2010. 
This  would  result  in  rationalisation  of  the  existing  Sydney  CBD 
property space. 

At  this  stage,  it  is  not  anticipated  this  will  have  a  material 
financial impact on the Bank’s financial results.  

In the majority of cases the relocations are in line with the Bank’s 
lease  expiry  profile.  Where  lease  expiries  occur  beyond  the 
relocation dates opportunities will be taken to sub-let the space 
in order to avoid shortfalls in rentals. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     47 

Directors’ Report 

Business Strategies 

Articles 19.2 and 19.4 apply: 

Business strategies, prospects and future developments, which 
may  affect  the  operations  of  the  Group  in  subsequent  financial 
years, are referred to in the Chairman’s Statement on page 2. In 
the opinion of the Directors, disclosure of any further information 
on  likely  developments  in  operations  would  be  unreasonably 
prejudicial to the interests of the Group. 

Environmental Regulation 

The  Bank  and  its  controlled  entities  are  not  subject  to  any 
particular or significant environmental regulation under a law of 
the  Commonwealth  or  of  a  State  or  Territory,  but  can  incur 
environmental  liabilities  as  a  lender.  The  Bank  has  developed 
credit policies to ensure this is managed appropriately. 

Directors’ Shareholdings 

Particulars  of  shares  held  by  Directors  in  the  Commonwealth 
Bank  or  in  a  related  body  corporate  are  set  out  in  the 
Remuneration Report within this report. 

Options 

An  Executive  Option  Plan 
(“EOP”)  was  approved  by 
shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 8 October 1996 
and its continuation was further approved by shareholders at the 
Annual  General  Meeting  on  29  October  1998.  At  the  2000 
Annual  General  Meeting,  the  EOP  was  discontinued  and 
shareholders approved the establishment of the Equity Reward 
Plan  (“ERP”).  The  last  grant  of  options  to  be  made  under  the 
ERP  was  the  2001  grant,  with  options  being  granted  on  31 
October  2001,  31  January  2002  and  15  April  2002.  A  total  of 
3,007,000 options were granted by the Bank to 81 executives in 
the  2001  grant.  During  the  financial  year,  the  performance 
hurdle for the 2001 ERP grant was met. All option grants have 
now  met  their  specified  performance  hurdles.  During  the 
financial  year  and  for  the  period  to  the  date  of  this  report 
2,741,600  shares  were  allotted  by  the  Bank  consequent  to  the 
exercise of options granted under the EOP and ERP. Full details 
of the Plan are disclosed in Note 33 to the financial statements. 
No  options  have  been  allocated  since  the  beginning  of  the 
2001/2002 financial year. 

The names of persons who currently hold options in the Plan are 
entered  in  the  register  of  option  holders  kept  by  the  Bank 
pursuant  to  Section  170  of  the  Corporations  Act  2001.  The 
register may be inspected free of charge. 

For  details  of  the  options  previously  granted  to  the  Chief 
Executive  Officer,  being  a  Director,  refer  to  the  Remuneration 
Report within this report. 

Directors’ Interests in Contracts 

A  number  of  Directors  have  given  written  notices,  stating  that 
they hold office in specified companies and accordingly are to be 
regarded  as  having  an  interest  in  any  contract  or  proposed 
contract that may be made between the Bank and any of those 
companies. 

Directors’ and Officers’ Indemnity 

Articles  19.1,  19.2  and  19.3  of  the  Commonwealth  Bank  of 
Australia’s Constitution provides:  

“19.   Indemnity 

19.1 Persons to whom articles 19.2 and 19.4 apply 

(a)  to  each  person  who  is  or  has  been  a  director,  secretary  or 
senior manager of the company; and 

(b)  to  such  other  officers,  employees,  former  officers  or  former 
employees of the company or of its related bodies corporate as 
the directors in each case determine, 

(each an “Officer” for the purposes of this article). 

19.2   Indemnity 

The  company  must  indemnify  each  Officer  on  a  full  indemnity 
basis  and  to  the  full  extent  permitted  by  law  against  all  losses, 
liabilities, costs, charges and expenses (“Liabilities”) incurred by 
the  Officer  as  an  officer  of  the  company  or  of  a  related  body 
corporate. 

19.3   Extent of indemnity 

The indemnity in article 19.2: 

(a)  is  enforceable  without  the  Officer  having  to  first  incur  any 
expense or make any payment; 

(b)  is  a  continuing  obligation  and  is  enforceable  by  the  Officer 
even though the Officer may have ceased to be an officer of the 
company or its related bodies corporate; and 

(c)  applies  to  Liabilities  incurred  both  before  and  after  the 
adoption of this constitution.” 

An indemnity  for  employees,  who  are  not  directors, secretaries 
or senior managers, is not expressly restricted in any way by the 
Corporations Act 2001. 

The Directors, as named on pages 43 and 44 of this report, and 
the Secretaries of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, being J 
D  Hatton,  H  J  Broekhuijse  (resigned  12  July  2005)  and  C  F 
Collingwood  (appointed  12  July  2005)  are  indemnified  under 
article 19.1, 19.2 and 19.3 as are all the senior managers of the 
Commonwealth Bank of Australia. 

A  deed  poll  has  been  executed  by  Commonwealth  Bank  of 
Australia  consistent  with  the  above  articles  in  favour  of  each 
secretary  and  senior  manager  of  the  Bank,  each  director, 
secretary and senior manager of a related body corporate of the 
Bank (except where in the case of a partly owned subsidiary the 
person  is  a  nominee  of  an  entity  which  is  not  a  related  body 
corporate of the Bank unless the Bank's Chief Executive Officer 
has  certified that  the indemnity shall  apply  to  that person),  and 
any employee of the Bank or any related body corporate of the 
Bank  who  acts  as  a  director  or  secretary  of  a  body  corporate 
which is not a related body corporate of the Bank. 

Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance 

The Commonwealth Bank has, during the financial year, paid an 
insurance  premium  in  respect  of  an  insurance  policy  for  the 
benefit of those named and referred to above and the directors, 
secretaries,  executive  officers  and  employees  of  any  related 
bodies  corporate  as  defined  in  the  insurance  policy.  The 
insurance  grants  indemnity  against  liabilities  permitted  to  be 
indemnified  by  the  company  under  Section  199B  of  the 
Corporations Act 2001. In accordance with commercial practice, 
the  insurance  policy  prohibits  disclosure  of  the  terms  of  the 
policy including the nature of the liability insured against and the 
amount of the premium. 

48     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
Directors’ Report - Remuneration Report 

Remuneration Report  

Introduction 

Changes since 2005 

People & Remuneration Committee 

Compensation Policy 

Compensation Structure 

Current Target Potential Compensation Mix for Executives 

Short Term Incentive (STI) Arrangements 

Long Term Incentive (LTI) Arrangements 

Summary of performance hurdles for Employee Reward Plan (ERP) grants 

Bank Performance 

Short Term Performance – 2005/2006 

Cash NPAT performance 2002 – 2006 

Cash EPS performance 2002 – 2006 

Long Term Performance 

LTI Grant Performance 

Share Price 

Dividends per Share 

Directors’ Compensation 

Managing Director and CEO 

Non-Executive Directors 

Details of Components of Non-Executive Directors’ fees 

Directors’ Retirement Allowance Scheme 

Compensation of Directors  

Compensation of Executives 

Termination Arrangements 

STI Allocations to Executives for the Year Ended 30 June 2006 

LTI Allocations to Executives (under 2005 ERP Grant) in the Year Ended 30 June 2006 

Equity Holdings of Key Management Personnel and Other Executives 

Shares held by Directors 

Shares held by Executives 

Option Holdings of Key Management Personnel and Other Executives 

Shares Vested and Options Exercised During the Year 

Loans to Key Management Personnel and Other Executives 

Terms and Conditions of Loans 

Other Transactions of Key Management Personnel, Other Executives and Other Related Parties 

Audit 

51 

51 

51 

51 

52 

53 

53 

53 

54 

55 

55 

55 

55 

56 

56 

56 

56 

57 

57 

57 

58 

58 

59 

60 

61 

62 

62 

63 

63 

64 

65 

66 

67 

68 

68 

68 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     49 

 
 
Directors’ Report - Remuneration Report 

To assist readers a number of key terms and abbreviations used in the Remuneration Report are set out below 

Term 

Definition 

Australian Equivalent 
to International 
Financial Reporting 
Standards (AIFRS) 

Australian Generally 
Accepted Accounting 
Principles (AGAAP) 

Base Compensation 

The Australian equivalent to International Financial Reporting Standards (AIFRS) adopted by the Bank from 1 
July 2005. 

The financial reporting standards adopted by the Bank up to the year ended 30 June 2005. The 2005 
comparatives have been restated for AIFRS. 

Calculated on a total cost basis and includes any Fringe Benefits Tax charges related to employee benefits 
including motor vehicles. 

Board 

The Board of Directors of the Bank. 

Committee 

The People and Remuneration Committee of the Board of Bank. 

Compensation 

All forms of consideration paid, payable or provided by the Bank, or on behalf of the Bank, in exchange for 
services rendered to the Bank. 

Earnings Per Share 
(EPS) 

Equity Reward Plan 
(ERP) 

Fixed Compensation 

The portion of a company's net profit after tax allocated to each outstanding share of common stock. 

The Bank's long term incentive scheme. 

Consists of Base Compensation, as well as employer contributions to superannuation. For further details please 
refer to page 53. 

Group 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia and its subsidiaries. 

International 
Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRS) 

Reporting standards which have been adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), an 
independent, international organisation supported by the professional accountancy bodies. The objective is to 
achieve uniformity and transparency in the accounting principles used by businesses and other organisations for 
financial reporting globally. 

Key Management 
Personnel 

Persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the entity, 
directly or indirectly, including any director (whether executive or otherwise) of that entity. In addition to Key 
Management Personnel, there are separate disclosure requirements for Directors and Executives of the Bank. 

Long Term Incentive 
(LTI) 

LTI grants to Executives are delivered in the form of ordinary shares in the Bank that vest if, and to the extent 
that, a performance hurdle is met. For further details please refer to page 53. 

Options 

A right to acquire a Bank share on payment of an exercise price if relevant performance hurdles are met. 

Other Executives 

Other Executives are those who are not Key Management Personnel but are amongst the Executives for whom 
disclosure is required in accordance with section 300A(1)(c) of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Peer Group 

The group of competitors that the Bank's long term incentive plan is compared to in order to determine if the 
performance hurdle is met. 

Performance Hurdle 

The criteria relating to the Bank's long term incentive plan that must be met in order for shares to partially or fully 
vest within the plan. 

Reward Shares 

Shares in the Bank granted under the Equity Reward Plan and subject to a performance hurdle. 

Short Term Incentive 
(STI) 

Compensation paid with direct reference to the individual’s performance over the preceding financial year. For 
further details please refer to page 53. 

Salary Packaging 

An arrangement where an employee agrees to forego part of his or her base compensation in return for non-
cash benefits of a similar value. 

STI Deferral 

Withholding a portion of short term incentives in cash for one year for the CEO and Executives who, in a 
reporting sense, are no more than two levels removed from the CEO. For further details please refer to page 53. 

Total Shareholder 
Return (TSR) 

TSR is calculated by combining the reinvestment of dividends and the movement in the Bank’s share price. TSR 
is utilised as a performance hurdle for the Bank's long term incentive plan. 

50     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report - Remuneration Report 

the  Bank  and 

Introduction 
This report details the Bank’s compensation policy for Directors 
and  Key  Management  Personnel  and  the  links  between  the 
performance  of 
individual  compensation 
outcomes.  Compensation  arrangements,  including  details  of 
equity  holdings,  loans  and  other  transactions  for  Directors  and 
Key Management Personnel of the Bank, are also disclosed. In 
compiling 
the  disclosure 
requirements of accounting standard AASB124 as well as those 
prescribed by the Corporations Act 2001. 

the  Bank  has  met 

this  report 

Changes since 2005 

Changes arising from revision of Accounting Standards 
The  2005  Remuneration  Report  was  compiled  in  accordance 
the  disclosure  requirements  of  accounting  standard 
with 
AASB1046 as well as those prescribed by the Corporations Act 
2001. Following publication of the 2005 Report, AASB1046 was 
replaced by AASB124. 

The key differences in reporting under the revised AASB124 are: 

•  Disclosure of compensation for ‘Key Management Personnel’ 
as opposed to ‘Specified Executives’ previously. AASB1046 
defined  a  ‘Specified  Executive’  as  someone  who  is  directly 
accountable and responsible for the strategic and operational 
management  of  an  organisation.  In  2005,  the  Bank  was 
required  to  disclose  details  of  compensation  for  the  five 
employees, excluding Directors, with the greatest authority in 
this  area.  The  Bank  took  the  view  that  all  members  of  its 
Executive  Committee  have  significant  influence  over  the 
strategic  direction  of  the  Bank,  and  accordingly  defined  all 
nine  of  its  Group  Executives  as  Specified  Executives  for 
disclosure  purposes.  This  approach  is  consistent  with  the 
definition  of  Key  Management  Personnel  required  under 
AASB124, used in compiling the 2006 report; 

•  Changes  in  the  sub-categories  of  compensation  that  are 
reported.  AASB124  requires  the  breakdown  to  be  in  five 
categories  –  short  term  benefits,  post-employment  benefits, 
other  long  term  benefits,  termination  benefits  and  share-
based payments. This differs from AASB1046 which required 
four categories – primary benefits, post employment benefits, 
equity benefits and other benefits; and 

•  AASB124 requires the Bank to use a fair value calculation to 
determine  the  value  of  reward  shares  to  be  disclosed  for 
each  Executive.  The  fair  value  approximates  the  number  of 
shares that are expected to vest in the participants over the 
expected vesting period. This has resulted in changes in the 
calculation  of  long  term  incentives  (LTI)  values  being 
disclosed since 2004/05, including some negative values for 
Executives who forfeited their entitlements to reward shares 
upon exiting the Bank. 

Long Term Incentive (LTI) design change – Equity 
Reward Plan (ERP) 

In  2006  the  Bank  reviewed  and  will  implement  the  following 
changes to ERP design features for future grants: 

•  Restriction of re-testing from four occasions to one occasion, 
12  months  after  initial  testing,  at  which  time  a  maximum  of 
50% only of the original grant may vest; and 

•  The  use of a straight line vesting scale  with 50% vesting  at 
the  51st  percentile,  through  to  100%  vesting  at  the  75th 
percentile.  Previous  vesting  commenced  when  Bank 
performance  met  the  50th  percentile,  with  100%  vesting  at 
the 75th percentile, but the scale was tiered with accelerated 
straight  line  vesting  where  performance  exceeded  the  67th 
percentile. 

People & Remuneration Committee 

The  Bank’s  compensation  arrangements  are  overseen  by  the 
People  &  Remuneration  Committee  of  the  Board,  which 
currently consists of Mr R J Clairs (Chairman), Mr A B Daniels, 
Ms S C H Kay and Dr J M Schubert. The Committee’s activities 
are governed by its terms of reference which is available on the 
Bank’s website at http://shareholders.commbank.com.au. 

The Committee considers changes in compensation policy likely 
to  have  a  material  impact  on  the  Bank  and  is  informed  of 
leadership  performance,  legislative  compliance  on  employment 
issues,  industrial  agreements  and  incentive  plans  operating 
across the Bank. 

The  Committee  also  considers  senior  appointments  and 
compensation  arrangements  for  senior  management.  The  full 
Board  approves  the  compensation  arrangements,  performance 
reviews and talent reviews for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 
and  Group  Executives  (senior  direct  reports  to  the  CEO),  as 
outlined in the Corporate Governance Statement.  

The  policy  of  the  Board  is  that  the  Committee  shall  consist 
entirely  of  independent  Non-Executive  Directors.  The  CEO 
attends Committee meetings by invitation but does not attend in 
relation to matters that can affect him. 

Compensation Policy 

The Bank’s compensation systems complement and reinforce its 
performance  culture, 
talent  management 
leadership  and 
systems. The compensation systems aim to: 

•  Attract and retain high calibre employees; 
•  Align individual and Bank goals; and 
•  Ensure 

total  compensation 

is  competitive  by  market 
standards. Fixed compensation is generally set at the market 
median and total compensation up to the 75th percentile for 
performance.  In  this  regard  the  Bank  is  careful  not  to 
generate upward pressure on the market. 

For Executives, this also aims to reward with an appropriate mix 
of compensation according to their level in the organisation, with 
a  significant  weighting  towards  both  short  term  and  long  term 
variable  (‘at  risk’)  pay  linked  to  performance.  This  weighting 
increases at higher levels in the organisation. This focus aims to: 

•  Reward  Executives 

for  Bankwide,  business  unit  and 
individual  performance  against  targets  set  by  reference  to 
appropriate benchmarks and against behavioural standards; 
•  Align the interests of Executives with those of shareholders; 

and 

•  Link  Executive 

reward  with 

the  strategic  goals  and 

sustainable performance of the Bank. 

In  determining  appropriate  levels  of  Executive  compensation, 
the  People  &  Remuneration  Committee  engages  an  external 
consultant to provide independent advice. This ensures that the 
compensation of Executives is set competitively compared to the 
market. It also helps the Committee understand movements and 
trends  in  Executive  compensation  that  should  be  factored  into 
considerations regarding the compensation of Executives.  

Compensation  and  terms  and  conditions  of  employment  are 
specified  in  an  individual  contract  of  employment  with  each 
Executive, which is signed by the Executive and the Bank.  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     51 

 
Directors’ Report - Remuneration Report 

Compensation Structure 

Compensation of the Bank’s Executives consists of three key elements: 

•  Fixed compensation; 
•  Short Term Incentive (STI); and 
•  Long Term Incentive (LTI). 
The ‘mix’ of these components for each Executive varies according to their role, as outlined below. 

The following diagram illustrates the annual cycle of the Bank’s compensation arrangements for senior executives. 

Beginning of Year 1 

1 July 

1 January 

End of Year 1 

30 June 

End of Year 2 

The following is set for 

each Executive : 

•  Fixed 

Compensation 

•  STI (1) Potential 

• 

LTI (3) Potential 

•  Performance Plans 

set (Including Key 

Results Areas & 

Behaviours) 

•  Mid Year Performance 

•  Annual Performance 

Reviews conducted & 

Reviews conducted 

(cid:23)

50% of STI payment 
deferred in cash (2) for 12 
months 

(cid:23)

Deferred STI (1) (2) paid in cash 
after 12 months 

(cid:23)

Performance Plans for 

remainder of year 

confirmed 

•  STI (1) payments 
determined 

(cid:23)

•  Continuous 

development 

opportunities reviewed 

(cid:23) Other 50% of STI (1) 

payment paid in cash (2) 

(cid:25) 

(cid:25) 

(cid:91) 

End of Year 3 
(first LTI measurement) 

• 

If  TSR  meets  at  least  51st  percentile  of  LTI  (3)  peer  group 
shares fully vest and LTI (3) grant is closed 

  (cid:91) 

(cid:22) 

• 

If TSR does not meet at least 51st percentile of LTI  (3) peer 

comparator group of companies at the 3 year point, no LTI 
(3) shares vest at this point 

End of Year 4 
(second & final LTI measurement) 

• 

• 

LTI (3) performance is re-tested 

If TSR meets at least 51st percentile, a 

maximum of 50% of the original allocation 

will vest, otherwise, nothing vests. 

• 

In any case, LTI (3) grant is closed 

(1) STI refers to Short Term Incentive 

(2) STI deferral applies generally to the CEO and to executives who, in a reporting sense, are no more than three levels removed from the CEO. Payment is subject to 

forfeiture on resignation or misconduct, including misrepresentation of performance outcomes. 

(3) LTI refers to Long Term Incentive. LTI grant allocations are made by September each year. After three years the grant is measured against the performance hurdle to 

assess what portion of the grant, if any, will vest at that time. Some re-testing can occur after that time. Refer to page 53 for further detail. 

(4) Maximum vesting period of four years applies to all future LTI grants. Refer page 53 for further details. 

The following table generally summarises the eligibility of each compensation element by Employee Group 

Fixed 
Compensation 

Short Term 
Incentive (STI) 

Long Term 
Incentive (LTI) 

STI Deferral 

(1)

Salary Packaging 

(2)

CEO 

Group Executive 

Executive General Manager 

General Manager 

Executive Manager 

Australian Workplace Agreement 

Other Staff 

((cid:51)) Eligible 

((cid:85)) Ineligible  

(cid:51) 

(cid:51) 

(cid:51) 

(cid:51) 

(cid:51) 

(cid:51) 

(cid:51) 

(cid:51) 

(cid:51) 

(cid:51) 

(cid:51) 

(cid:51) 

(cid:51) 

(cid:51) 

(cid:51) 

(cid:51) 

(cid:51) 

(cid:51) 

(cid:85) 

(cid:85) 

(cid:85) 

(cid:51) 

(cid:51) 

(cid:51) 

(cid:85) 

(cid:85) 

(cid:85) 

(cid:85) 

(cid:51) 

(cid:51) 

(cid:51) 

(cid:51) 

(cid:51) 

(cid:51) 

(cid:85) 

(1) STI Deferral also applies to certain General Managers and Executive Managers with relatively high levels of STI payments. 

(2) Salary packaging refers to the option for employees to sacrifice base compensation for other benefits. 

52     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report - Remuneration Report 

Fixed Compensation 

Variable (‘At Risk’) Compensation 

Fixed  compensation  consists  of  base  compensation  (which  is 
calculated on a total cost basis and includes any FBT charges 
related  to  employee  benefits  including  motor  vehicles)  as  well 
as employer contributions to superannuation. 

The  relationship  of  fixed  and  variable  compensation  (potential 
short term and long term incentives) is approved for each level 
of  executive  management  by  the  People  &  Remuneration 
Committee. 

Fixed  compensation  is  competitively  set  so  that  the  Bank  can 
attract,  motivate  and  retain  high  calibre  local  and  international 
Executives. 

Fixed  compensation  is  reviewed  annually  by  the  People  & 
Remuneration  Committee  through  a  process  that  considers 
relevant  comparative  compensation  in  the  market  and  internal 
and,  where  appropriate,  external  advice  on  policies  and 
practices.  As  noted  above,  the  Committee  has  access  to 
external advice independent of management. 

The  Bank’s  compensation  structure  is  designed  to  motivate 
employees  for  quality  short  and  long  term  performance.  The 
mix  between  short  term  and  long  term  variable  components 
maintains a focus on the sustainable short term performance of 
the Bank, whilst ensuring a clear line of sight in positioning the 
Bank for its longer term success. 

The  current  target  mix  of  compensation  components  for 
Executives is illustrated in the following table. 

Current target potential compensation mix for executives 

CEO 

Group Executives 

Executive General Managers 

General Managers 

Fixed Component  
(base compensation and 
Superannuation) % 
25 

STI 
Component 
% 
25 

LTI 
Component 
% 
50 

30 

40 

50 

30 

30 

35 

40 

30 

15 

the  structure 

Where  market  practice  requires, 
for  some 
specialist (high revenue-generating) roles differs from that which 
to  Executive  management.  For  such 
applies  generally 
specialists,  a  greater  proportion  of  the  variable  component  of 
compensation  may  be  in  short  term  rather  than  long  term 
incentives  but  the  overall  mix  of  compensation  is  still  heavily 
weighted towards ‘at risk’ pay. 

For payments made in recognition of performance for the year 
ended  30  June  2006,  where  STI  deferral  applies,  the  STI 
payments are delivered in two components – 

•  50% paid as immediate cash payment; and 
•  50% in cash deferred for one year. Generally, the Executive 
will need to  be  an  employee of  the  Bank at  the  end  of the 
deferral period to receive this portion.  

Short Term Incentive (STI) Arrangements 

Long Term Incentive (LTI) Arrangements 

Employees  at  all  levels  of  the  Bank  participate  in  STI 
arrangements.  

Actual  STI  payments  for  Executives  depend  on  the  extent  to 
which  operating  targets  and  behaviour  standards  set  at  the 
beginning of the financial year are met. 

Depending on the Executive’s level within the organisation, any 
actual  STI  payments  received  are  based  on  a  combination  of 
Bankwide, business unit and individual performance.  

On an annual basis, after consideration of performance against 
Key Result Areas, the Board approves an overall performance 
rating  for  the  Bank  and  each  business  unit.  The  Executive’s 
manager assesses individual performance based on the Bank’s 
Performance 
(Performance 
and 
Management) system. 

Feedback 

Review 

Executives  generally  do  not  receive  a  performance  payment  if 
their individual performance is not ‘meeting expectations’. Such 
situations would be under active performance management. 

The aggregate of annual STI payments available for Executives 
across  the  Bank  is  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  People  & 
Remuneration  Committee.  In  the  case  of  the  CEO  and  Group 

Under  the  Bank’s  Equity  Reward  Plan  (ERP),  LTI  grants  to 
Executives  are  delivered  in  the  form  of  ordinary  shares  in  the 
Bank  that  vest  in  the  Executive  if  and  to  the  extent  that  a 
performance hurdle is met. 

LTI  grants  are  made  to  Executives  who  are  able  to  directly 
influence  the  generation  of  shareholder  wealth  and  thus  the 
Bank’s performance against the relevant hurdle. Participation is 
thus restricted to Executives who, in a reporting sense, are no 
more than three levels removed from the CEO. 

The  quantum  of  grants  made  to  each  Executive  depends  on 
their level within the organisation and has regard to the desired 
mix  between  fixed  compensation,  short  term  and  long  term 
incentive  as  well  as  the  performance  and  potential  of  the 
individual Executive. 

The  Bank’s  LTI  plans  do  not  allow  the  participants  to  hedge 
their exposure to unvested shares or reduce the risk associated 
with the performance hurdles in any way. The Bank has never 
put in place any enablers to facilitate hedging arrangements. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     53 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report - Remuneration Report 

No  value  will  accrue  to  the  Executive  unless  the  Bank’s  Total 
Shareholder Return (TSR) at least meets the 51st percentile of 
a peer comparator group of companies over a three to four year 
period. This was the 50th percentile prior to the 2006 grant. The 
percentage  of  shares  vesting  in  the  Executive  rises  with 
increased  performance.  To  receive  the  full  value  of  the  LTI 
grant, the Bank’s performance must be in the top quartile of the 
peer group. 

The ERP arrangements represent a restriction of re-testing from 
the  previous  four  occasions  to  one  occasion,  12  months  after 
initial  testing,  at  which  time  a  maximum  of  50%  only  of  the 
original grant may vest. 

The  table  below  provides  a  summary  of  the  ERP  grants  from 
previous years that were in operation during the year ended 30 
June 2006. 

Summary of performance hurdle for Employee Reward Plan (ERP) grants 

Performance measurement   
From 
To 
Additional measurement 
opportunities 

Expiry Date if  
Exercisable 
Status as at  
30 June 2006 
Vesting Scale 

Performance Hurdle (2) 

2002 Grant 

(1)

2003 Grant 

2004 Grant 

2005 Grant 

2 Aug 2002 
3 Oct 2005 
Every Six months from 
3 Aug 2005 until 
2 Oct 2007 
2 Oct 2007 

1 Aug 2003 
2 Oct 2006 
Every Six months from 
 2 Aug 2006 until 
1 Oct 2008 
1 Oct 2008 

23 Sept 2004 
24 Sept 2007 
Every Six months from 
24 Sept 2007 until 
23 Sept 2009 
23 Sept 2009 

15 Jul 2005 
16 Jul 2008 
Every Six months from 
16 July 2008 until 
15 July 2010 
14 July 2010 

30th percentile 

50th percentile 

51st percentile 

40th percentile 

<50th percentile = Nil shares 
50th – 67th percentile = 50% - 75% of shares 
68th -75th percentile = 76% - 100% of shares 
TSR vs Peer Group. Where the rating is at least at the 50th percentile on the third anniversary of the grant, the 
shares will vest at a time nominated by the Executive, within the half yearly windows, over the next two years. 
The vesting percentage will be the higher of the rating determined at the third anniversary of the grant and the 
rating  determined  at  the  half  yearly  measurement  point  at  which  the  Executive  nominates  that  the  shares  will 
vest. 
Where the rating is below the 50th percentile on the third anniversary of the grant, the shares can still vest if the 
rating reaches the 50th percentile at one of the half yearly measurement points prior to the fifth anniversary, but 
the maximum vesting will be 50%. 

(1) The 2002 Grant did not meet the performance hurdle at the first or second measurement points. 

(2) Amendments have been made for the 2006 grant to adopt a straight line vesting scale with 50% vesting at the 51st percentile, through to 100% vesting at the 75th 
percentile. Previous vesting commenced when Bank performance met the 50th percentile, with 100% vesting at the 75th percentile but the scale was tiered with 
accelerated straight line vesting where performance exceeded the 67th percentile. A restriction of re-testing from four occasions to one occasion, 12 months after 
initial testing, at which time a maximum of 50% only of the original grant may vest has also been implemented for 2006 and future grants. 

The  use of a  relative  TSR based  hurdle ensures  an alignment 
between  comparative  shareholder  return  and  reward 
for 
Executives. 

In  assessing  whether  the  performance  hurdles  for  each  grant 
have  been  met,  the  Bank  receives  independent  data  from 
Standard & Poor’s which provides both the Bank’s TSR growth 
from  the  commencement  of  each  grant  and  that  of  the  peer 
group  (excluding  the  Bank).  The  Bank’s  performance  against 
the hurdle is then determined by ranking each company in the 
peer  group  and  the  Bank  in  order  of  TSR  growth  from  the 
commencement of each grant. A weighting for each company in 
the  market 
the  peer  group 
capitalisation  of  the  relevant  company  by  the  total  market 
capitalisation of the peer group. The Bank’s percentile ranking is 
determined  by  aggregating  the  calculated  weighting  of  each 
company ranked below the Bank. 

is  determined  by  dividing 

The  peer  group  chosen  for  comparison  reflects  the  Bank’s 
business mix and currently consists of: 

Adelaide Bank 

Macquarie Bank 

AMP 

National Australia Bank 

Australian  &  New  Zealand 
Banking Group 

QBE insurance 

AXA 

St George 

Bank of Queensland 

Suncorp-Metway 

Bendigo Bank 

Westpac Banking Group 

IAG 

The Bank is excluded from this group. 

Further  details  of  the  ERP  are  in  Note  33  to  the  Financial 
Statements. 

54     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report - Remuneration Report 

Bank Performance  

Short Term Performance – 2005/2006 

The Bank’s Short Term Incentive framework is underpinned by 
a performance management system through which all staff are 
assessed  on  outcomes  and  behaviours.  Staff  have  common 
Key  Result  Areas  in  Customer  Service,  People  Engagement 
and Business Outcomes. All executives of the Bank in roles of 
General  Manager  and  above  are  assessed  in  relation  to  a 
‘Special Task’ / Project which is designed to ensure continuing 
focus  beyond  business  as  usual  and  to  enhance  Bankwide 
collaboration. 

Summary of Bank Performance  

Within the Key Result Areas, particular emphasis is given to the 
Bank’s  four  strategic  priorities  of  Customer  Service,  Business 
Banking,  Technology  and  Operational  Excellence  and  Trust 
and Team Spirit when assessing performance. 

Below is a description of the Bank’s performance in each of the 
Key Result Areas. 

Key Result Area 

Customer Service  

People Engagement 

Business Outcomes 

Commentary 

the 

times, 

turnaround 

implementation  of  CommSee  and  CommServe, 

The  Bank’s  vision  is  ‘to  be  Australia’s  finest  financial  services  organisation  through  excelling  in  customer 
service’.  The  Bank  has  made  progress  as  a  result  of  the  Which  new  Bank  program,  through  enhanced 
further  branch 
customer 
refurbishments  and,  more  recently,  the  introduction  of  new  products,  removal  of  transaction  fees  from 
NetBank and the opening of some branches on Saturdays for convenient banking. 
In  March  2006  the  Bank  announced  an  evolutionary  strategic  direction  for  the  next  phase  of  the  Bank’s 
development. The strategy draws on the Bank’s strengths and attributes and identifies areas of opportunity 
and brings together these two elements to ensure customers benefit in a way that is important to them.  
It  is  expected  that  the  impact  during  2006/2007  of  service  initiatives  already  completed  and  being 
implemented will add further to the Bank’s competitiveness, customer satisfaction levels and ultimately the 
Bank’s market share in profitable areas. 

There have been solid people engagement improvements driven from the Which new Bank program.   
This  result  is  supported  by  enhanced  employee  satisfaction  readings,  key  culture  change  measures,  a 
continuing  safety  improvement  focus  and  the  implementation  of  enhanced  leadership,  performance 
management and talent management frameworks. 
This progress is reflective of the Bank’s commitment to its people. The evolutionary strategy builds on the 
success of the Which new Bank program and includes a strategic priority relating to Trust and Team spirit. 
Through strengthening leadership, developing and valuing our people and working collaboratively business 
performance will be lifted and growth will continue. 

The Bank exceeded its net profit after tax (NPAT) targets for the  year ended 30 June 2006. Cash NPAT 
increased by 16% compared to the prior year. This result includes the profit from the sale of the Hong Kong 
insurance business of $145 million. Excluding this item, cash NPAT increased 12%. Underlying NPAT also 
increased by 12%.  
All Which new Bank market commitments were either met or exceeded. 
The  result  was  delivered  through  strong  performances  across  the  business  driven  by  strong  growth  in 
Banking  Income.  Fund  flows  and  investment  returns  have  also  been  strong,  insurance  growth  has  been 
good and productivity continues to improve. 

The following graphs illustrate the Bank’s NPAT and earnings per share (EPS) performance on a cash basis over the last five years. 
The  graphs  note  the  years  where  AIFRS  accounting  arrangements  have  been  in  place.  Please  see  Note  1  to  the  Bank’s  Financial 
Statements for further information regarding the impact of AIFRS requirements on these measures. 

Cash NPAT performance 2002 to 2006 

Cash EPS performance 2002 to 2006 

4,053

3,492

2,501

2,579

2,695

n
o

i
l
l
i

M
$

4400

4000

3600

3200

2800

2400

2000

1600

1200

s
t
n
e
C

320

300

280

260

240

220

200

180

160

140

120

100

315.9

264.8

197.3

202.6

206.6

Jun 02

Jun 03

Jun 04

Jun 05

Jun 06

Jun 02

Jun 03

Jun 04

Jun 05

Jun 06

AGAAP

AIFRS

AGAAP

AIFRS

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report - Remuneration Report 

Long Term Performance 

Dividends per Share 

Long  term  performance  is  measured  on  the  Bank’s  Total 
Shareholder Return (TSR) relative to its peers. 

The Bank’s dividend per share has increased consistently over 
the past five years. 

All future LTI grants require the Bank’s performance to reach at 
least the 51st percentile for 50% of the shares granted to vest. 
All of the shares granted will only vest if the Bank’s performance 
reaches the 75th percentile. 

2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 LTI Grant Performance 

For these LTI grants, the Bank’s relative TSR performance must 
reach at least the 50th percentile for 50% of the shares granted 
to  vest.  All  of  the  shares  granted  will  only  vest  if  the  Bank’s 
performance reaches the 75th percentile. 

As at 30 June 2006, the Bank’s performance was tracking under 
the  50th  percentile  for  the  2002  and  2005  grants.  The  2003 
grant is currently at the 50th percentile and the 2004 grant has 
reached the 51st percentile. 

Share Price  

The  Bank’s  share  price  has  trended  upward  over  the  last  five 
years, with a steeper incline over the last 18 months. 

Share Price ($) 

Dividends Per Share (cents) 

240

220

200

180

160

140

120

100

224

197

183

150

154

Jun 02

Jun 03

Jun 04

Jun 05

Jun 06

52

47

42

37

32

27

22

Jul-01

Jan-0 2

Jul-02

Jan-0 3

Jul-03

Jan-0 4

Jul-04

Jan-0 5

Jul-05

Jan-0 6

Jul-06

56     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report - Remuneration Report 

Directors’ Compensation 

Ralph Norris (Managing Director and CEO) 

Summary of Compensation Arrangements 

The Bank appointed Mr Ralph Norris as Managing Director and 
CEO  effective  22  September  2005.  Mr  Norris’  compensation 
consists of fixed and variable (at risk) components. For the year 
ended  30  June  2006,  fixed  compensation,  which  comprises 
base  compensation  (calculated  on  a  total  cost  basis  and 
includes any FBT charges related to employee benefits including 
motor  vehicles)  as  well  as  employer  contributions 
to 
superannuation, was 46% of total compensation.  

The variable  (at  risk) compensation consists  of short and long-
term incentives. 

Short Term Incentives (STIs) are delivered in two components: 
50% made as an immediate cash payment and 50% in deferred 
cash. Performance is measured against Key Result Areas, with 
payment  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Board.  The  Board  has 
assessed  Mr  Norris’  performance  for  the  year.  The  Bank  has 
approved a total STI payment of $1.3 million. 

This assessment took into account the following factors: 

•  Progress  in  relation  to  the  Bank’s  four  strategic  priorities  of 
Customer  Service,  Business  Banking,  Technology  and 
Operational Excellence and Trust and Team Spirit; 

•  Business and financial results; 
•  Recruitment and development of top management; 
•  Employee engagement initiatives; 
•  The Bank’s sales and service culture; and 
•  Relationships  with  external  stakeholders 

the 
general  community,  investors,  regulators,  Government  and 
the media. 

including 

Long Term Incentives (LTIs) are delivered in the form of Reward 
Shares under the Bank’s Equity Reward Plan, and no value will 
accrue  unless  the  Bank’s  Total  Shareholder  Return  (TSR)  at 
least  meets  the  50th  percentile  of  the  comparator  group  of 
companies  for  the  2005  grant  and  the  51st  percentile  for  the 
2006  grant  and  beyond.  At  the  2005  Annual  General  Meeting 
(AGM),  the  Board  sought  and  was  granted  the  approval  of 
shareholders  for  a  maximum of  $12,000,000 to  be allocated to 
Mr Norris in three tranches prior to the 2007 AGM.   

The  total  variable  compensation  for  the  year  ended  30  June 
2006 was 54% of total compensation. 

The Board determines Mr Norris’ compensation, pursuant to the 
Constitution,  as  part  of  the  terms  and  conditions  of  his 
appointment.  Those  terms  and  conditions  are  established  in  a 
contract of employment with Mr Norris which was effective from 
22  September  2005  with  compensation  subject  to  review 
annually  by  the  Board.  Mr  Norris’  compensation  arrangements 
are detailed on page 59 (Compensation of Directors) and follow 
the same principles as other Executives except in relation to the 
Bank seeking shareholder approval of LTI grants. 

Mr  Norris’  contract  provides  for  no  end  date,  although  he  may 
resign  at  any  time  by  giving  six  months  notice.  The  Bank  may 
terminate  Mr  Norris’  employment, 
than 
misconduct, on twelve months notice in his first year of service 
and six months notice thereafter. In the latter case the Bank will 
pay  all  fixed  compensation  and  any  outstanding  statutory 
entitlements. Any unvested STI or LTI amounts will be payable 
at the discretion of the Board.  

in  cases  other 

There  is  also  a  provision  allowing  Mr  Norris  to  terminate  the 
agreement  if  a  material  change  to  his  status  occurs  and  to 
receive benefits as if the Bank had terminated his employment. 

On  exit  from  the  Bank  Mr  Norris  is  entitled  to  receive  his 
statutory entitlements of accrued annual and long service leave 
as well as accrued superannuation benefits. This arrangement is 
the same for all Executives. 

Non-Executive Directors 

Compensation Arrangements 

Compensation for Non-Executive Directors consists of base and 
committee fees within a maximum of $3,000,000 per annum as 
approved  by  shareholders  at  the  Annual  General  Meeting  held 
on  5  November  2004.  As  indicated  at  the  time  of  approval  the 
total compensation for Non-Executive Directors is less than that 
approval.  This  will  allow  for  additional  Board  members  to  be 
appointed  to  continue  having  an  appropriate  mix  of  skills  and 
experience as well as to accommodate compensation increases 
in  the  future,  when  justified.  No  component  of  Non-Executive 
Director compensation is contingent upon performance. 

On appointment to the Board, Non-Executive Directors enter into 
a  service  agreement  with  the  Bank  in  the  form  of  a  letter  of 
appointment. The letter of appointment, a copy of which appears 
on  the  Bank's  website,  summarises  the  Board  policies  and 
terms, including compensation, relevant to the office of Director. 
All Non-Executive Directors have entered into a form of service 
agreement. 

The  policy  of  the  Board  is  that  the  aggregate  amount  of  fees 
should  be  set  at  a  level  which  provides  the  Bank  with  the 
necessary  degree  of  flexibility  to  enable  it  to  attract  and  retain 
the services of directors of the highest calibre. 

The  Board  Performance  and  Renewal  Committee  annually 
reviews  the  fees  payable  to  individual  Non-Executive  Directors 
and takes into account relevant factors and, where appropriate, 
receives  external  advice  on  comparable  compensation.  The 
Committee  decided  to  defer  the  review  of  fees  to  December 
2006. 

Non-Executive Directors have 20% of their annual fees applied 
to the mandatory on-market acquisition of shares in the Bank. In 
addition,  in  2005/06,  Non  Executive  Directors  could  voluntarily 
elect  to  sacrifice  up  to  a  further  50%  of  their  fees  for  the 
acquisition  of  shares  (the  Board  subsequently  approved  the 
removal of this limit). 

The Bank’s Non-Executive Directors’ fee structure provides for a 
base  fee  for  all  Bank  Directors  of  $160,000,  and  a  base 
Chairman’s  fee  of  $560,000.  In  addition,  amounts  are  payable 
where Directors are members of, or chair a Committee. Details 
of  the  breakdown  of  each  Non-Executive  Directors'  fees  is 
provided on page 58. The Bank also contributes to compulsory 
superannuation on behalf of Non-Executive Directors. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     57 

Directors’ Report - Remuneration Report 

Details of Components of Non-Executive Directors’ fees 

Director 

J M Schubert 
R J Clairs 
A B Daniels  
C R Galbraith 
S C H Kay 
W G Kent  
F D Ryan 
F J Swan 
B K Ward 

Total  

Board 

Compensation 

(1)

$ 
560,000 
160,000 
160,000 
160,000 
160,000 
160,000 
160,000 
160,000 
160,000 

Committee Compensation 

People and 
Remuneration 
$ 
20,000 
35,000 
20,000 
- 
20,000 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Audit 
$ 
- 
- 
- 
25,000 
- 
25,000 
45,000 
- 
25,000 

Risk 
$ 
20,000 
20,000 
20,000 
20,000 
20,000 
20,000 
20,000 
35,000 
20,000 

Total 
$ 
600,000 
215,000 
200,000 
205,000 
200,000 
205,000 
225,000 
195,000 
205,000 

1,840,000 

95,000 

120,000 

195,000 

2,250,000 

(1) Non-Executive Directors sacrifice 20% of these fees on a mandatory basis under the Non-Executive Directors Share Plan (NEDSP). 

Retirement Benefits 

Under the Directors’ Retirement Allowance Scheme, which was 
approved by shareholders at the 1997 Annual General Meeting, 
Directors previously accumulated a retirement benefit on a pro 
rata  basis  to  a  maximum  of  four  years’  total  emoluments  after 
twelve years’ service. No benefit accrued until the Director had 
served three years on the Board. In 2002 the Board decided to 
discontinue 
the  Directors’  Retirement  Allowance  Scheme 
without  affecting  the  entitlements  of  the  then  existing  Non-
Executive 

Directors. After that time, new Directors have not been entitled 
to participate in the scheme. 

The Board  resolved  with  effect from the  2004  Annual  General 
Meeting  to  terminate  accrual  of  further  benefits  under  the 
Scheme  and  freeze  the  entitlements  of  current  members  until 
their  respective  retirements.  This  approach  has  resulted  in 
compensation  arrangements  being  expressed  in  a  more 
transparent manner. 

The entitlements of the Non-Executive Directors under the Directors’ Retirement Allowance Scheme are: 

Directors’ Retirement Allowance Scheme 

Director 

J M Schubert 
R J Clairs 
A B Daniels  
C R Galbraith 
S C H Kay (1) 
W G Kent  
F D Ryan 
F J Swan 
B K Ward 

Total  

Increase in Accrued Benefit in Year  
$ 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Entitlement as at 30 June 2005 
$ 
636,398 
202,989 
160,618 
159,092 
- 
159,092 
168,263 
266,173 
370,180 

2,122,805 

(1) Ms Kay was appointed a Director after the closure of the scheme. 

58     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report - Remuneration Report 

Compensation of Key Management Personnel and Other Executives 

Individual compensation details for Directors for the year ended 30 June 2006 are set out below 

Compensation of Directors 

Short Term Benefits 

Cash  
Fixed (1) 
$ 

Cash STI 
payment  
At Risk 
$ 

STI 
Deferred 
in Cash  
At Risk 
$ 

Post Employment 
Benefits 

Equity Benefits 

Other Benefits 

Super-
annuation  
Fixed (2) 
$ 

Retirement 
Allowance  
Fixed (3) 
$ 

STI 
Deferred 
in Shares  
At Risk 
$ 

LTI 
Reward 
Shares  
At Risk 
$ 

NEDSP  
Fixed (1) 
$ 

Termi-
nation 
Benefits 
$ 

Other 
Benefits 
$ 

Total 
 Compensation 
$ 

Chairman (commenced as Chairman on 26 November 2004) 

- 
- 

- 
- 

43,082 
30,869 

- 
12,157 

- 
- 

- 
- 

119,666 
85,747 

- 
- 

- 
- 

641,413 
471,760 

Managing Director and CEO (commenced in role on 22 September 2005. See notes to the “Compensation of Executives” table for details of individual items) 

171,529 
139,075 

159,562 
131,831 

163,551 
130,220 

921,642 
- 

478,665 
342,987 

J M Schubert 
2006 
2005 
R J Norris (4) 
2006 
2005 
R J Clairs 
2006 
2005 
A B Daniels (5) 
2006 
2005 
C R Galbraith 
2006 
2005 
S C Kay 
2006 
2005 
W G Kent 
2006 
2005 
F D Ryan 
2006 
2005 
F J Swan 
2006 
2005 
B K Ward 
2006 
2005 
D V Murray (4) (6) 
2006 
2005 
Total Compensation for Directors 
2006 
2005 

3,068,193 
3,328,730 

351,500 
1,757,500 

155,573 
124,478 

163,551 
130,220 

163,551 
135,831 

179,507 
145,398 

159,562 
165,976 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

650,000 
- 

1,248,358 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

15,438 
12,517 

- 
11,865 

14,720 
11,720 

14,361 
14,938 

14,720 
11,720 

16,156 
13,086 

14,002 
11,203 

14,720 
12,225 

- 
- 

- 
18,201 

- 
15,159 

- 
8,542 

- 
- 

- 
8,542 

- 
12,723 

- 
8,087 

- 
17,225 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

483,045 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

42,882 
34,769 

39,891 
32,958 

40,888 
32,555 

39,891 
41,494 

40,888 
32,555 

44,877 
36,350 

38,893 
31,120 

40,888 
33,958 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

846,963 
- 

4,150,008 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

229,849 
204,562 

199,453 
191,813 

219,159 
183,037 

213,814 
222,408 

219,159 
183,037 

240,540 
207,557 

208,468 
174,888 

219,159 
199,239 

7,740,398 
4,976,115 

(retired 22 September 2005. See notes to the “Compensation of Executives” table for details of individual items) 

- 
760,000 

- 
760,000 

1,395,557 
142,500 

- 
- 

112,500 
431,250 

(2,891,623)
1,124,865 

- 
- 

8,772,464 
- 

- 
760,000 

650,000 
760,000 

2,791,114 
274,839 

- 
100,636 

112,500 
431,250 

(2,408,578)
1,124,865 

448,764 
392,808 

8,772,464 
- 

846,963 
- 

14,281,420 
7,173,128 

(1) For Non-Executive Directors, this includes that portion of base fees and committee fees paid as cash. Non-Executive Directors also sacrifice 20% of their fees on a mandatory basis under the 

Non-Executive Directors Share Plan (NEDSP). Further detail on the NEDSP is contained in Note 33 to the Financial Statements. 

(2) Represents company contribution to superannuation and includes any allocations made by way of salary sacrifice by Executives. 

(3) For Non-Executive Directors this represents the increase in their accrued benefit in the year under the Director’s Retirement Allowance Scheme which was approved by shareholders at the 

1997 Annual General Meeting. See page 58 regarding discontinuance of the Scheme. 

(4) Refer to page 57 for explanatory information for each compensation component. 

(5) Mr Daniels turned 70 during the year ended 30 June 2005. The Bank’s compulsory superannuation obligations cease after a person reaches age 70. 

(6) Mr Murray’s termination benefit represents a pro rata entitlement to Performance Units granted in place of the Reward Shares originally granted under the 2002, 2003 and 2004 ERP 

arrangements that were automatically forfeited when he retired from the Bank. The Performance Units may vest in him at a future date, depending on the performance of the relevant grant. He 
may receive all, some or none of these Performance Units, depending on the performance of the grant over the relevant periods. This arrangement is consistent with termination arrangements 
for Executives who have unvested ERP Reward Shares when they retire from the Bank. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     59 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report - Remuneration Report 

Individual compensation details for Executives for the year ended 30 June 2006 are set out below: 

Compensation of Executives 

Short Term Benefits 

Cash  
(1)

Fixed 
$ 

Non 
Monetary  
Fixed 
$ 

(2)

Cash STI 
payment  
(3)
At Risk 

$ 

STI 
Deferred in 
Cash  
At Risk 

(4)

$ 

Post 
Employment 
Benefits 

Super-
annuation  

(5)

Fixed 
$ 

Equity Benefits 

Other Benefits 

STI 
Deferred 
in Shares  
At Risk 

(6)

$ 

LTI 
Reward 
Shares  
(7)

At Risk 

$ 

Termi-
nation 
Benefits 

(8)

$ 

Other 
Benefits 

(9)

$ 

Total 
 Compensation 
$ 

Group Executive, Premium Business Services (resigned on 24 March 2006) 

- 
- 

9,837 
10,260 

10,260 
10,260 

10,260 
10,260 

10,260 
10,260 

117,500 
- 

833,465 
718,300 

839,500 
783,500 

- 
292,500 

634,500 
605,000 

- 
292,500 

382,485 
327,250 

506,000 
425,000 

324,000 
357,500 

382,485 
327,250 

1,026,000 
932,500 

Group Executive, People Services 

Group Executive, Enterprise IT (commenced in the role on 10 April 2006) 

506,000 
425,000 
Group Executive, Group Strategic Development 
324,000 
357,500 

M A Cameron  Group Executive, Retail Banking Services 
2006 
2005 (10) 
L G Cupper 
2006 (11) 
2005 (10) 
S I Grimshaw  Group Executive, Premium Business Services 
2006 
2005 (10) 
H D Harley 
2006 
2005 (10) 
M R Harte 
2006 
2005 (10)  
M A Katz 
2006 (12) 
7,490 
2005 (10)  
10,260 
R V McKinnon  Group Executive, Technology Services (resigned on 31 December 2005) 
2006 (12) 
5,130 
2005 (10)  
10,260 
G L Mackrell  Group Executive, International Financial Services 
2006 
2005 (10) 
J K O’Sullivan  General Counsel 
2006 
755,600 
2005 (10) 
728,000 
G A Petersen  Group Executive, Wealth Management 
542,233 
2006 
2005 (10) 
437,000 
Total Compensation (13) 
2006 
2005 (10) (13) 

(240,000)
240,000 

2,014,109 
2,852,250 

2,214,109 
2,852,250 

6,527,775 
6,342,300 

282,449 
217,500 

331,200 
295,000 

363,400 
315,000 

- 
240,000 

291,200 
295,000 

282,449 
217,500 

363,400 
315,000 

- 
382,500 

293,750 
560,000 

710,000 
628,000 

775,227 
950,000 

- 
382,500 

64,575 
- 

64,575 
- 

10,260 
10,260 

10,260 
10,260 

10,260 
10,260 

84,017 
92,340 

50,330 
68,400 

21,250 
40,000 

80,907 
84,985 

94,400 
52,000 

59,995 
51,700 

42,500 
160,625 

346,920 
190,436 

643,900 
45,000 

48,750 
185,625 

396,886 
274,675 

74,000 
67,500 

60,500 
56,500 

708,500 
- 

70,000 
275,625 

560,429 
369,986 

57,500 
207,500 

449,894 
273,868 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

115,825 
- 

72,500 
277,500 

(1,293,780)
453,878 

3,564,028 
- 

(35,625)
138,750 

(542,201)
191,324 

31,280 
- 

50,625 
198,125 

419,034 
270,349 

50,000 
150,000 

313,517 
186,873 

102,543 
72,200 

27,612 
103,227 

219,233 
110,538 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

2,058,110 
1,785,821 

1,734,296 
1,705,560 

2,752,689 
2,505,871 

2,065,231 
2,046,628 

1,070,975 
- 

3,175,795 
2,525,038 

(466,416)
1,420,334 

1,997,626 
1,821,719 

1,846,177 
1,717,133 

1,466,779 
1,168,225 

1,896,325 
538,285 

383,862 
1,696,977 

869,932 
2,321,927 

3,595,308 
- 

115,825 
- 

17,701,262 
16,696,329 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

2,176,632 
3,381,338 

2,977,254 
83,756 

7,119,902 
3,426,047 

Executive General Manager, Enterprise IT 

- 
- 

721,000 
1,125,000 

721,000 
1,125,000 

12,139 
11,585 

162,504 
625,012 

147,989 
94,741 

Chief Executive Officer, Colonial First State Global Asset Management (commenced in role 1 June 2005) 

Executive General Manager, Global Markets and Group Treasury 

10,260 
855 

886,000 
- 

886,000 
- 

10,260 
10,260 

2,420,000 
831,110 

3,630,000 
1,246,665 

67,164 
5,568 

38,563 
37,080 

- 
- 

194,994 
- 

317,243 
678,946 

168,236 
106,986 

412,000 
400,000 

Other Executives (14) 
J Beggs 
2006 
2005 
W Negus 
2006 
2005 
M Touw (15) 
2006 
2005 
Total Compensation for Executives 
2006 
2005 

8,408,211 
7,334,633 

932,836 
77,333 

535,600 
515,000 

104,537 
103,455 

6,241,109 
4,808,360 

7,251,109 
5,223,915 

2,014,191 
592,518 

863,609 
3,000,935 

1,381,151 
2,523,654 

3,595,308 
- 

115,825 
- 

29,975,050 
23,587,470 

      Amounts in the above table reflect compensation for the time the Executive has been in a Key Management Personnel role, i.e. pro-rating is applied relative to the date the Executive 

commenced or ceased a Key Management Personnel role. Compensation earned as an Executive prior to appointment to a Key Management Personnel role is not included in the amounts 
shown for that Executive. 

(1) Reflects amounts paid in the year ended 30 June and is calculated on a total cost basis. Included may be salary sacrifice amounts (e.g. motor vehicles plus FBT) with the exception of salary 

sacrifice superannuation which is included under ‘Superannuation’. 

(2) Represents the cost of car parking (including FBT). 

(3) Cash STI payment represents the amount of cash immediately payable to an Executive in recognition of performance for the year ended 30 June, with the exception of STI sacrificed to 

superannuation which is included under ‘Superannuation’. 

(4) STI Deferred in Cash represents the mandatory deferral of 50% of STI payments for Executives in recognition of performance to the year ended 30 June 2006. These amounts are deferred until 
1 July 2007. Generally, the Executive will need to be an employee of the Bank at the end of the deferral period to receive this portion. Deferrals of STI payments prior to 2005 were made in 
shares. 

(5) Represents company contribution to superannuation and includes any allocations made by way of salary sacrifice by Executives.  

60     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report - Remuneration Report 

(6) STI Deferred in Shares represents the cost of shares acquired under the mandatory component of the Equity Participation Plan (EPP). Shares vest in two equal 
tranches after one and two years respectively. For example, for STI payments for the year ended 30 June 2004, half the shares vested on 1 July 2005 and half 
vested on 1 July 2006. The amount included in compensation each year has been amortised on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for each tranche of 
shares. See Note 33 to the Financial Statements for further details on the operation of the EPP. The last share grant made under the mandatory component of the 
EPP was in 2005. Mr McKinnon forfeited shares deferred under the mandatory component of the EPP (MEP) when he exited the Bank, resulting in a reversal of 
disclosed amounts for STI Deferred in Shares, as required under AASB124. 

(7) The ‘fair value’ of LTI reward shares has been calculated using a Monte-Carlo simulation method, incorporating the assumptions below : 

      The assessment has been made as at purchase date for each ERP grant based on the expected future TSR performance of the Bank and each member of its peer 
group. The annualised equivalent of the ‘fair value’ in respect of the number of shares for each grant has been amortised on a straight line basis over the term of the 
grant. Messrs Katz, McKinnon and Murray forfeited reward shares when they exited the Bank, resulting in a reversal of disclosed amounts for LTI Reward Shares, 
as required under AASB124. 

Reward Share Valuation Assumptions 

Purchase Date 
30 November 2002 
29 October 2003 
22 September 2004 
5 November 2004 
23 November 2005 

Fair Value  
$16.75 
$16.36 
$16.72 
$19.72 
$24.51 

Exercise Price  
$0.00 
$0.00 
$0.00 
$0.00 
$0.00 

Risk Free Rate   Assumption Term 
57 mths 
58 mths 
59 mths 
57 mths 
56 mths 

5.35% 
5.70% 
5.48% 
5.61% 
5.65% 

Dividend Yield  
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 
Nil 

Volatility 
20.0% 
20.0% 
15.0% 
15.0% 
15.0% 

(8) Represents any severance payments made on termination of employment (excluding any payment in lieu of notice). For Messrs Katz and McKinnon, termination 
benefit includes a pro rata entitlement to Performance Units granted in place of the Reward Shares originally granted under the ERP arrangements that were 
automatically forfeited when they resigned from the Bank. The Performance Units may vest at a future date, depending on the performance of the relevant grant. 
They may receive all, some or none of these Performance Units, depending on the performance of the grant over the relevant periods. This arrangement is consistent 
with termination arrangements for Executives who have unvested ERP Reward Shares when they exit the Bank. 

(9) All Other Benefits payable that are not covered above, including any payment made in lieu of notice on termination of employment and other contractual payments. 

(10) Differences in disclosure requirements of AASB1046 which applied for the 2005 Remuneration Report and requirements under AASB124 and AASB2 which apply 
for 2006 disclosure have resulted in differences in compensation disclosures. In particular, options are no longer disclosed in the 2005 comparative figures as all 
options were issued by the Bank prior to 7 November 2002, and AASB2 does not require these to be disclosed, and the calculation for determining LTI amounts to be 
disclosed has also changed.  

(11) As announced on 4 August 2006, Mr Cupper will retire from the Bank at the end of October 2006. As a result, 100% of his STI payment was immediately payable 

and has been included under ‘Superannuation’. 

(12) Negative values are shown where at risk compensation that was disclosed in previous Remuneration Reports has been forfeited. Messrs Katz and McKinnon both 

forfeited LTI Reward Shares upon exiting the Bank that were included in their disclosed compensation details for the year ended 30 June 2005. 

(13) Group totals in respect of the financial year ended 30 June 2005 do not necessarily equal the sum of amounts disclosed for individuals specified in 2006 as there are 

differences to the individuals specified in 2005. 

(14) These Executives, who are not Key Management Personnel, and Messrs Grimshaw and Katz are the five Executives who received the highest compensation for the 

year ended 30 June 2006 as defined in the Section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

(15) 60% of Mr Touw’s STI payment is deferred as cash, with a 20% tranche vesting on 1 July each year until the final 20% vests at the end of three years. Each tranche 
is indexed to mirror the Bank’s TSR performance over the relevant vesting period. Generally Mr Touw will need to be employed with the Bank at the vesting date to 
receive the relevant tranche. 

Termination Arrangements 

unsatisfactory 

The Bank’s Executive contracts generally provide for severance 
payments  of  up  to  six  months  in  cases  where  termination  of 
employment is initiated  by  the Bank, other  than for  misconduct 
or 
these 
to  Messrs  Grimshaw,  Cupper  and 
arrangements  apply 
O’Sullivan whose contracts allow for a twelve months severance 
payment where termination is initiated by the Bank. There is also 
a  four  week  notice  period  for  either  party  to  terminate  the 
agreement.   

performance.  Exceptions 

to 

The  contracts  for  Key  Management  Personnel  and  Other 
Executives do not have a fixed term. 

Upon exit from the Bank, Executives are entitled to receive their 
statutory entitlements of accrued annual and long service leave, 
as well as accrued superannuation benefits. 

Executives who leave the Bank during a given performance year 
(i.e. 1 July to 30 June) will generally not receive a STI payment 
for  that  year  except  in  the  circumstances  of  retrenchment, 
retirement  or  death.  In  those  circumstances,  a  pro-rated 
payment may be made based on the length of service during the 
performance year. 

Deferred cash  or shares  from  previous  STI  awards are  usually 
forfeited  where  the  Executive  resigns  or  is  dismissed.  In 
circumstances of retrenchment, retirement or death any cash will 
generally  be  paid  and  unvested  shares  will  generally  vest 
immediately.  LTI  grants  are  generally  forfeited  where  the 
Executive  resigns  or 
In  circumstances  of 
is  dismissed. 
retrenchment, retirement or death, the Executive or their estate 
may,  at  Board  discretion,  retain  a  pro-rated  grant  of  long  term 
incentives.  Vesting  of  any  long  term  incentives  retained  by  the 
Executive will still be subject to the performance hurdle relevant 
to that grant. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     61 

 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report - Remuneration Report 

STI Allocations for Executives for the Year Ended 30 June 2006 

M A Cameron 
L G Cupper (2) 
S I Grimshaw 
H D Harley 
M R Harte (3) 
M A Katz (4) 
R V McKinnon (5) 
G L Mackrell 
R J Norris (6) 
J K O’Sullivan 
G A Petersen 
J Beggs 
W Negus 
M Touw (7) 

Percentage 
Paid 
% 
50 
100 
50 
50 
50 
- 
- 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
40 

Percentage 
Forfeited 
% 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Percentage 
(1)
Deferred 

% 
50 
- 
50 
50 
50 
- 
- 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
60 

Minimum Total 
Value  
$ 
382,485 
598,400 
506,000 
324,000 
64,575 
- 
- 
363,400 
650,000 
331,200 
282,449 
721,000 
886,000 
2,420,000 

Maximum Total 
Value  
$ 
764,970 
598,400 
1,012,000 
648,000 
129,150 
- 
- 
726,800 
1,300,000 
662,400 
564,898 
1,442,000 
1,772,000 
6,050,000 

(1) Will generally vest on 1 July 2007 and be paid in July 2007, subject to not being forfeited due to resignation or misconduct including misrepresentation of 

performance outcomes. Will generally vest and be immediately payable in circumstances of retrenchment, retirement or death. Mr Touw has slightly different 
arrangements. Refer Footnote 7 below for details. 

(2) Mr Cupper will retire from the Bank at the end of October 2006. As a result, 100% of his STI payment was immediately payable as cash.  

(3) Mr Harte commenced on 10 April 2006. 

(4) Mr Katz ceased employment on 24 March 2006 

(5) Mr McKinnon ceased employment on 31 December 2005. 

(6) Mr Norris commenced in the role on 22 September 2005. 

(7) 60% of Mr Touw’s STI payment is deferred as cash, with a 20% tranche vesting on 1 July each year until the final 20% vests at the end of three years. Each tranche 
is indexed to mirror the Bank’s TSR performance over the relevant vesting period. Generally Mr Touw will need to be employed with the Bank at the vesting date to 
receive the relevant tranche. 

LTI Allocations to Executives for the Year Ended 30 June 2006 

M A Cameron 
L G Cupper 
S I Grimshaw 
H D Harley 
M R Harte (3) 
M A Katz (4) 
R V McKinnon (5) 
G L Mackrell 
R J Norris (6) 
J K O’Sullivan 
G A Petersen 
J Beggs 
W Negus 
M Touw 

Percentage 
(1)

Paid 

% 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Percentage 
Forfeited 
% 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
74 
100 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Percentage 
(1)
Deferred 

% 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
26 
- 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 

Current 
Allocation 
(No. of Shares) 
29,190 
22,440 
35,140 
32,440 
- 
9,900 
- 
27,570 
100,328 
23,250 
20,280 
10,000 
40,500 
11,250 

Minimum Total 
Value  
$ 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Maximum Total 
(2)

Value 

$ 
1,132,572 
870,672 
1,363,432 
1,258,672 
- 
384,120 
- 
1,069,716 
3,892,726 
902,100 
786,864 
388,000 
1,571,400 
436,500 

(1) Will vest in 2008/2009, 2009/2010 or 2010/2011 subject to the service conditions and performance hurdle being met (see page 54). In circumstances of 

retrenchment, retirement or death, the Executive or their Estate may, at Board discretion, retain a pro-rated grant of long term incentives.   

(2) This equals the “Number of Reward Shares Allocated” multiplied by the Bank’s closing share price at the Commencement Date of the grant (15 July 2005), which 

was $38.80. 

(3) Mr Harte commenced on 10 April 2006. 

(4) Mr Katz ceased employment on 24 March 2006 and retained a pro rata LTI allocation. 

(5) Mr McKinnon ceased employment on 31 December 2005. 

(6) Mr Norris commenced in the role on 22 September 2005. 

62     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
Directors’ Report - Remuneration Report 

Equity Holdings of Key Management Personnel and Other Executives 

Shareholdings 

All shares were acquired by Directors on normal terms and conditions or through the Non-Executive Directors’ Share Plan. 

Shares awarded under the Equity Reward Plan and the mandatory component of the Equity Participation Plan are registered in the 
name of the Trustee. For further details of the Non-Executive Directors’ Share Plan, Equity Reward Plan, previous Executive Option 
Plan and Equity Participation Plan refer to Note 33 to the Financial Statements. 

Details of shareholdings of Key Management Personnel and Other Executives(or close family or entities controlled, jointly controlled, or 
significantly influenced by them, or any entity over which any of the aforementioned hold significant voting power) are as follows: 

Shares held by Directors  

Name 
Directors 
R J Clairs 
A B Daniels (3) 
C R Galbraith 
S C H Kay 
W G Kent  
D V Murray (4) 

R J Norris (5) 

F D Ryan 
J M Schubert 
F J Swan 
B K Ward (6) 

Total For Directors 

Class 

Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 

Balance 
1 July 2005  

13,357 
17,669 
8,824 
3,669 
15,286 
323,638 
21,866 
325,000 
10,000 
- 
7,430 
18,508 
5,954 
5,766 
430,101 
21,866 
325,000 

Acquired/Granted 
as 

Compensation 

(1)

776 
721 
740 
721 
740 
- 
- 
- 
- 
100,328 
812 
2,165 
704 
739 
8,118 
- 
100,328 

On Exercise of 
Options 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
250,000 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
250,000 
- 
- 

Net Change  

(2)

Other 

- 
301 
466 
- 
87 
(78,093) 
(21,866) 
(325,000) 
- 
- 
- 
515 
316 
124 
(76,284) 
(21,866) 
(325,000) 

Balance 
30 June 2006  

14,133 
18,691 
10,030 
4,390 
16,113 
495,545 
- 
- 
10,000 
100,328 
8,242 
21,188 
6,974 
6,629 
611,935 
- 
100,328 

(1) For Non-Executive Directors, represents shares acquired under NEDSP on 2 September 2005 and 15 March 2006 by mandatory sacrifice of fees. All shares 

acquired through NEDSP are subject to a 10 year trading restriction (shares will be tradeable earlier if the Director leaves the Board). See Note 33 to the Financial 
Statements for further details on the NEDSP. For Mr Norris, this represents Reward Shares granted under the Equity Reward Plan (ERP) and subject to a 
performance hurdle. The first possible date for meeting the performance hurdle is 15 July 2008 with the last possible date for vesting being 15 July 2010. See Note 
33 to the Financial Statements for further details on the ERP. 

(2) ‘Net change other’ incorporates changes resulting from purchases and sales during the year by Directors and, for Mr Murray, vesting of deferred STI shares on 

retirement (which became Ordinary shares). 

(3) A related party of Mr Daniels beneficially holds an investment of $62,838 in Colonial First State Global Health and Biotech Fund, $403,860 in Colonial First State 

Future Leaders Fund and $361,464 in Colonial First State Imputation Fund. 

(4) Mr Murray retired on 22 September 2005. Mr Murray acquired 10,000 PERLS III securities during the year and continued to hold them at 30 June 2006.   

(5) Mr Norris commenced on 22 September 2005. 

(6) Ms Ward continued to hold 250 PERLS II securities at 30 June 2006. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     63 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report - Remuneration Report 

Shares held by Executives 

Name 
Executives 
M A Cameron 

L G Cupper (3) 

S I Grimshaw 

H D Harley 

M R Harte (4) 

M A Katz (5) 

Class 

Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 

R V McKinnon (6)  Ordinary 

Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 

Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 

G L Mackrell 

J K O’Sullivan 

G A Petersen 

Other Executives 
J Beggs 

W Negus 

M Touw 

Total for 
Executives 

(1) Represents: 

Balance  
30 June 2005 

- 
8,094 
60,430 
44,540 
9,385 
84,000 
16,365 
14,133 
113,800 
25,852 
10,241 
85,700 
- 
- 
- 
303,748 
14,061 
139,130 
43,991 
7,083 
58,750 
27,319 
10,134 
83,230 
5,565 
6,702 
59,440 
8,572 
5,177 
35,500 

105,891 
31,734 
29,000 
3,680 
- 
- 
- 
49,703 
33,200 
585,523 
166,447 
782,180 

Acquired/Granted 
as  

Compensation 

(1)

- 
- 
29,190 
- 
- 
22,440 
- 
- 
35,140 
- 
- 
32,440 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
38,380 
- 
- 
17,030 
- 
- 
27,570 
- 
- 
23,250 
- 
- 
20,280 

- 
- 
10,000 
- 
- 
40,500 
- 
- 
11,250 
- 
- 
307,470 

On Exercise of 
Options 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
100,000 
- 
- 
87,500 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
250,000 
- 
- 
37,500 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
475,000 
- 
- 

Net Change  

(2)

Other 

- 
(5,246) 
- 
6,815 
(6,118) 
- 
(91,057) 
(9,442) 
- 
(87,071) 
(6,388) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(378,748) 
(14,061) 
(177,510) 
(81,491) 
(7,083) 
(75,780) 
7,611 
(6,742) 
- 
3,351 
(3,351) 
- 
1,335 
(3,327) 
- 

20,845 
(20,845) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(16,574) 
- 
(598,410) 
(99,177) 
(253,290) 

Balance  
30 June 2006 

- 
2,848 
89,620 
51,355 
3,267 
106,440 
25,308 
4,691 
148,940 
26,281 
3,853 
118,140 
- 
- 
- 
175,000 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
34,930 
3,392 
110,800 
8,916 
3,351 
82,690 
9,907 
1,850 
55,780 

126,736 
10,889 
39,000 
3,680 
- 
40,500 
- 
33,129 
44,450 
462,113 
67,270 
836,360 

•  Deferred STI - acquired under the mandatory component of the Bank’s Equity Participation Plan (EPP). Shares were purchased on 31 October 2004 in two equal 

tranches, vesting on 1 July 2005 and 1 July 2006 respectively. See Note 33 to the Financial Statements for further details on the EPP. 

•  Reward Shares - granted under the Equity Reward Plan (ERP) and are subject to a performance hurdle. The first possible date for meeting the performance hurdle 

is 16 July 2008 with the last possible date for vesting being 15 July 2010. See Note 33 to the Financial Statements for further details on the ERP. 

(2) ‘Net change other’ incorporates changes resulting from purchases and sales during the year by Executives and vesting of Deferred STI and Reward Shares (which 

became Ordinary shares). 

(3) Mr Cupper acquired 6,000 PERLS III securities during the year, and continued to hold them at 30 June 2006. 

(4) Mr Harte commenced on 10 April 2006. 

(5) Mr Katz ceased employment on 24 March 2006. Mr Katz acquired 2,250 PERLS III securities during the year, and continued to hold these and 250 PERLS II 

securities as at 30 June 2006. 

(6) Mr McKinnon ceased employment on 31 December 2005. 

64     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report - Remuneration Report 

Option Holdings 

Name  
Directors 
D V Murray 
(retired on 22 September 2005) 
R J Norris 
(commenced on 22 September 2005) 

Executives 
M A Cameron 
L G Cupper 
S I Grimshaw 
H D Harley 
M R Harte 
M A Katz 
(ceased employment on 24 March 2006) 
R V McKinnon 
(ceased employment on 31 December 2005) 
G L Mackrell 
J K O’Sullivan 
G A Petersen 
Total for Key Management Personnel 

Other Executives 
J Beggs 

W Negus 
M Touw (2) 
Total 

Vested and Exercisable at 

30 June 2006 

(1)

Balance 
1 July 2005 

Options 
Exercised  

Balance 
30 June 2006 

Number 

Exercise Price  
$ 

250,000 

(250,000)

- 

-

- 
75,000 
100,000 
87,500 
- 

-
-
(100,000)
(87,500)
-

- 

- 

- 
75,000 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
75,000 
- 
- 
- 

250,000 

(250,000)

- 

- 

37,500 
- 
- 
- 
800,000 

(37,500)
- 
- 
- 
(725,000)

- 
- 
- 
- 
75,000 

150,000 

- 

150,000 

- 
- 
950,000 

- 
- 
(725,000)

- 
- 
225,000 

- 
- 
- 
- 
75,000 

75,000 
37,500 
37,500 
- 
- 
225,000 

- 

- 

- 
30. 12 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
n/a 

23. 84 
26. 97 
30. 12 
- 
- 
n/a 

(1) ‘Vested and Exercisable’ options represents those granted on 3 September 2001 with an exercise price of $30.12. Mr Beggs also held vested but unexercised options 

granted on 24 September 1999 with an exercise price of $23.84 and 13 September 2001 with an exercise price of $26.97 at 30 June 2006. 

(2) As at 30 June 2005, Mr Touw privately held a short selling (negative) position in Commonwealth Bank Call Options of 40,000. During the year he reversed out of this 
position and had a nil balance as at 30 June 2006. As at 30 June 2005 Mr Touw had a nil position in Commonwealth Bank Low Exercise Price Options (LEPOs). 
During the year he short sold 10,000 LEPOs and that position remained as at 30 June 2006. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     65 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report - Remuneration Report 

Shares Vested and Options Exercised During the Year  

Shares Granted on Exercise of Options 

Name 
Directors 
D V Murray (3) 
R J Norris (4) 

Executives 
M A Cameron 
L G Cupper 
S I Grimshaw 
H D Harley 

M R Harte (5) 
M A Katz (6) 

R V McKinnon (7) 
G L Mackrell 
J K O’Sullivan 
G A Petersen 
Total for Key 
Management 
Personnel 

Other Executives 
J Beggs 
W Negus 
M Touw 
Total 

Deferred STI 
Vested 

Reward Shares 
Vested 

Number 

Exercise Price  
$ 

Value in Excess  
of Exercise 

(1)

Price 
$ 

Total Value  
of Options 
(2)

Exercised 

$  

21,866 
- 

5,246 
6,118 
9,442 
6,388 

- 
14,061 

4,696 
6,742 
3,351 
3,327 

81,237 

20,845 
- 
16,574 
118,656 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

250,000 

- 
- 
100,000 
37,500 
50,000 
- 
125,000 
125,000 
37,500 
- 
- 
- 

725,000 

- 
- 
- 
725,000 

30. 12 
- 

- 
- 
30. 12 
26. 97 
30. 12 
- 
26. 97 
30. 12 
30. 12 
- 
- 
- 

n/a 

- 
- 
- 
n/a 

10. 88 

2,720,000 

- 
- 
7. 15 
16. 85 
13. 70 
- 
18. 48 
15. 33 
13. 53 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
715,000 
631,875 
685,000 
- 
2,310,000 
1,916,250 
507,375 
- 
- 
- 

n/a 

9,485,500 

- 
- 
- 
n/a 

- 
- 
- 
9,485,500 

(1) “Value in Excess of Exercise Price” represents the difference between the exercise price and closing market value of CBA shares on date of exercise. 

(2) “Total Value of Options Exercised” represents the number of options exercised multiplied by the “Value in Excess of Exercise Price”. No options were granted or 

lapsed during the year. Accordingly, this value represents the total value of options that were granted, lapsed and exercised during the year. 

(3) Mr Murray retired on 22 September 2005 and deferred STI vested at this time. 

(4) Mr Norris commenced on 22 September 2005. 

(5) Mr Harte commenced in the role on 10 April 2006 

(6) Mr Katz ceased employment on 24 March 2006. 

(7) Mr McKinnon ceased employment on 31 December 2005. 

66     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report - Remuneration Report 

Loans to Key Management Personnel and Other Executives 

Total Loans to Key Management Personnel and Other Executives 

Year Ended 
30 June 

Balance  
1 July 
$000s 

Interest 
Charged 
$000s 

Interest Not 
Charged  
$000s 

Write-off 

$000s 

Balance 
30 June 
$000s 

Number in 
Group at 
30 June 

Directors 

Executives  

Total for Key 
Management 
Personnel 

Other Executives  

2006 
2005 

2006 
2005 

2006 
2005 

2006 
2005 

- 
2 

9,894 
8,706 

9,894 
8,708 

554 
554 

379 
- 

550 
523 

929 
523 

31 
32 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

5,729 
3 

9,284 
8,803 

15,013 
8,806 

442 
554 

1 
1 

7 
6 

8 
7 

1 
1 

Details of Individuals with Loans above $100,000 in the reporting period are as follows: 

Individual Loans above $100,000 to Key Management Personnel and Other Executives 

Balance 
1 July 2005 
$000s 

Interest 
Charged 
$000s 

Interest Not 
Charged 
$000s 

Write-off 

$000s 

Balance 
30 June 2006 
$000s 

Highest 
Balance 
in Period 
$000s  

Directors 
D V Murray 

Executives 
M A Cameron 

S I Grimshaw 

H D Harley 

M A Katz 

G L Mackrell 
J K O’Sullivan 

G A Petersen 

Total for Key  
Management  
Personnel 

Other Executives  
W Negus 

Total 

- 

379 

- 
- 
1,485 
- 
332 
243 
347 
175 
175 
500 
100 
1,080 
1,500 
392 
696 
258 
647 
200 
201 
400 
800 

9,531 

442 
112 
10,085 

5 
3 
73 
16 
19 
11 
7 
11 
11 
31 
- 
43 
97 
26 
42 
17 
42 
12 
7 
11 
52 

915 

30 
1 
946 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

5,729 

5,729 

358 
300 
857 
391 
304 
- 
- 
175 
175 
500 
100 
1,017 
1,500 
582 
614 
274 
647 
200 
- 
155 
800 

546 
302 
1,485 
394 
334 
243 
427 
175 
175 
500 
100 
1,080 
1,500 
587 
696 
277 
647 
200 
203 
400 
800 

14,678 

16,800 

442 
- 
15,120 

442 
112 
17,354 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     67 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report - Remuneration Report 

Terms and Conditions of Loans  

Transactions other than Financial Instrument Transactions 

All loans to Key  Management Personnel and  Other Executives 
(or related entities controlled or significantly influenced by them) 
have  been  provided  on  an  arms-length  commercial  basis 
including the term of the loan, security required and the interest 
rate (which may be fixed or variable). 

Other Transactions of Key Management Personnel and 
Other Executives and Related Parties 

Financial Instrument Transactions 

Financial  instrument  transactions  (other  than  loans  and  shares 
disclosed  above)  of  Key  Management  Personnel  and  Other 
Executives  with  the  Bank  and  other  banks  that  are  controlled 
entities occur in the ordinary course of business of the banks on 
an arm’s length basis. 

Disclosure of financial instrument transactions regularly made by 
a  bank  is  limited  to  disclosure  of  such  transactions  with  Key 
Management  Personnel  and  Other  Executives  and  entities 
controlled or significantly influenced by them. 

All  such  financial  instrument  transactions  that  have  occurred 
between  the  banks  and  their  Key  Management  Personnel  and 
Other Executives have been trivial or domestic and were in the 
nature of normal personal banking and deposit transactions. 

of Banks 

All  other  transactions  with  Key  Management  Personnel  Other 
Executives and their related entities and other related parties are 
conducted  on  an  arm’s  length  basis  in  the  normal  course  of 
business  and  on  commercial  terms  and  conditions.  These 
transactions  principally  involve  the  provision  of  financial  and 
investment services by entities not controlled by the Bank. 

The  interests  of  Mr  Daniels  in  investment  funds  managed  by 
Colonial First State are detailed on page 63. 

Mr  Galbraith  was  a  partner  in  the  law  firm  Allens  Arthur 
Robinson  to  31  January  2006.  Mr  Galbraith  was  a  salaried 
adviser to this law firm from 1 February to 30 June 2006. Allens 
Arthur  Robinson  acted  for  the  Bank  in  the  provision  of  legal 
services  during  the  financial  year.  The  fees  for  these  services 
amounted to $2,137,174. 

Audit 

Certain  disclosures  required  by  AASB124  have  been  made  in 
this  Remuneration  Report.  Pages  51  to  68  of  this  report  have 
been audited as required. 

68     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
Directors’ Report  

The  Audit  Committee  advised  the  Board  accordingly  and,  after 
considering  the  Committee’s  advice,  the  Board  of  Directors 
agreed  that  it  was  satisfied  that  the  provision  of  the  non-audit 
services by Ernst & Young during the year, was compatible with 
the  general  standard  of 
the 
Corporations Act.  

independence 

imposed  by 

The reasons for the Directors being satisfied that the provision of 
the  non-audit  services  during  the  year  did  not  compromise  the 
auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act are: 

•  The  operation  of  the  Independent  Auditor  Services  Policy 
during  the  year  to  restrict  the  nature  of  non-audit  services 
engagements,  to  prohibit  certain  services  and  to  require 
Audit Committee pre-approval for all such engagements; and  
•  The  relative  quantum  of  fees  paid  for  non-audit  services 

compared to the quantum of audit fees.  

The  above  Directors’  statements  are  in  accordance  with  the 
advice received from the Audit Committee.  

Auditor’s Declaration of Independence 

We  have  obtained  an  independence  declaration  from  our 
auditor, Ernst and Young as presented on the following page.  

Roundings 

in 

this  report  and 

financial 
The  amounts  contained 
statements  have  been  rounded  to  the  nearest  million  dollars 
unless  otherwise  stated,  under  the  option  available  to  the 
Company  under  ASIC  Class  Order  98/100  (as  amended  by 
ASIC Class Order 04/667). 

the 

Incorporation of Additional Material 

This  report  incorporates  the  Chairman’s  Statement,  Highlights, 
Analysis  sections 
for  Banking,  Funds  Management  and 
Insurance, Corporate Governance and Shareholding Information 
sections of this Annual Report. 

Non-Audit Services 

Amounts  paid  or  payable  to  Ernst  &  Young  for  non-audit 
services  provided  during  the  year,  as  set  out  in  the  Annual 
Report in Note 39 to the Financial Statements are as follows: 

Regulatory audits, reviews, attestations and assurances 
for Group entities – Australia 

Regulatory audits, reviews, attestations and assurances 
for Group entities – Off-shore 

APRA reporting (including the tripartite review) 

Financial and other audits, reviews, attestations and 
assurances for Group entities - Australia 

Financial and other audits, reviews, attestations and 
assurances for Group entities – Off-shore 

Assurance services relating to Sarbanes-Oxley legislation 
compliance 

Agreed upon procedures and comfort letters in respect of 
financing, debt raising and related activities 

Total 

$’000 

1,495 

631 

996 

52 

132 

2,782 

457 

6,545 (1)

(1) An additional amount of $4,056,000 was paid to Ernst & Young by way of 
fees paid for Non-Audit Services provided to entities not consolidated into 
the  Financial  Statements,  being  management  investment  schemes  and 
superannuation  funds.  $3,923,000  of  this  amount  related  to  statutory 
audits, with the residual relating to reviews, attestations and assurances. 

Amounts  paid  or  payable  for  audit  services  to  Ernst  &  Young 
totalled $9,481,000 and to other auditors totalled $176,000.  

The Bank has in place an Independent Auditor Services Policy, 
details of which are set out in the Corporate Governance section 
of this Annual Report, to assist in ensuring the independence of 
the Bank’s external auditor.  

The  Audit  Committee  has  considered  the  provision,  during  the 
year, of non-audit services by Ernst & Young and has concluded 
that  the  provision  of  those  services  did  not  compromise  the 
auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act.  

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors. 

J M Schubert 

Chairman 

23 August 2006 

R J Norris 

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     69 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report 

Auditor’s Independence Declaration to the Directors of Commonwealth Bank of Australia 

In relation to our audit of the financial report of Commonwealth Bank of Australia for the financial year 
ended 30 June 2006, to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been no contraventions of the 
auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 or any applicable code of professional 
conduct,  other  than  that  two  employees,  of  Ernst  &  Young,  or  their  immediate  families,  held  minor 
investment balances in managed funds, that are associates of Commonwealth Bank of Australia, whilst 
engaged in the audit or the provision of non-audit services, which constitute technical contraventions of 
the auditor independence requirements of the Act. 

In  my  opinion,  due  to  the  nature  of  these  contraventions  and  the  rectification  steps  which  have  been 
undertaken, these issues have not impaired our audit independence for the year ended 30 June 2006. 

Ernst & Young 

S J Ferguson 

Partner 

23 August 2006 

70     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

Liability limited by the Accountants Scheme, approved  
under the Professional Standards Act 1994 (NSW). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Five Year Financial Summary 

2006 
$M 

6,514 
5,567 
12,081 
398 

5,994 
- 
5,994 
5,689 
(1,605)
(31)
4,053 
(25)
(100)
- 
- 

AIFRS 

(1)

2005 
$M 

6,026 
5,076 
11,102 
322 

5,719 
150 
5,869 
4,911 
(1,409)
(10)
3,492 
(53)
(39)
- 
- 

2004 
$M 

5,410 
5,081 
10,491 
276 

5,500 
749 
6,249 
3,966 
(1,262) 
(9) 
2,695 
- 
- 
201 
(324) 

AGAAP 

(1)

2002 
$M 

4,710 
4,358 
9,068 
449 

5,201 
- 
5,201 
3,418 
(916)
(1)
2,501 
- 
- 
477 
(323)

2003 
$M 

5,026 
4,373 
9,399 
305 

5,312 
239 
5,551 
3,543 
(958) 
(6) 
2,579 
- 
- 
(245) 
(322) 

3,928 

3,400 

2,572 

2,012 

2,655 

3,227 
400 
215 
3,842 
66 
- 
145 
4,053 
(25)
(100)
- 
- 
3,928 

2,913 
351 
156 
3,420 
177 
(105)
- 
3,492 
(53)
(39)
- 
- 
3,400 

2,675 
274 
129 
3,078 
152 
(535) 
- 
2,695 
- 
- 
(324) 
201 
2,572 

2,376 
233 
65 
2,674 
73 
(168) 
- 
2,579 
- 
- 
(322) 
(245) 
2,012 

2,067 
368 
33 
2,468 
33 
- 
- 
2,501 
- 
- 
(323)
477 
2,655 

259,176 
369,103 

173,227 
347,760 

21,343 
12,087 

228,346 
337,404 

168,026 
314,761 

22,643 
10,938 

189,391 
305,995 

163,177 
281,110 

22,405 
17,700 

160,347 
265,110 

140,974 
242,958 

20,024 
14,995 

147,074 
249,648 

132,800 
228,592 

19,030 
13,639 

216,438 

189,559 

169,321 

146,808 

141,049 

Income Statement  
Net interest income  
Other operating income  
Total operating income 
Bad debts expense 
Operating expenses: 

Comparable business 
Initiatives including Which new Bank 

Total operating expenses 
Net profit before income tax 
Corporate tax expense  
Outside equity interests 
Net profit after tax (“cash basis”) 
Defined benefit superannuation plan expense 
Treasury share valuation adjustment  
Appraisal value uplift/(reduction) 
Goodwill amortisation 
Operating profit after income tax attributable to members 
of the Bank 

Contributions to profit (after tax) 
Banking  
Funds management  
Insurance  
Net profit after income tax (“underlying basis”) 
Shareholder investment returns  
Which new Bank  
Profit on sale of the Hong Kong insurance business 
Net profit after income tax (“cash basis”) 
Defined benefit superannuation plan expense 
Treasury share valuation adjustment  
Goodwill amortisation 
Appraisal value uplift/(reduction) 
Net profit after income tax 

Balance Sheet 
Loans, advances and other receivables 
Total assets  

Deposits and other public borrowings 
Total liabilities 

Shareholders’ equity  
Net tangible assets 

Risk weighted assets 

Average interest earning assets  
Average interest bearing liabilities 

274,798 
255,100 

244,708 
225,597 

214,187 
197,532 

188,270 
174,737 

170,634 
157,105 

Assets (on balance sheet) 

Australia 
New Zealand 
Other  
Total Assets 

304,831 
43,318 
20,954 
369,103 

280,255 
41,383 
15,766 
337,404 

252,652 
35,059 
18,284 
305,995 

221,248 
27,567 
16,295 
265,110 

208,673 
24,579 
16,396 
249,648 

(1) The Group adopted AIFRS accounting standards for the reporting period beginning 1 July 2004. As a result the 2006 and 2005 results are presented on an AIFRS 

basis, while the 2004, 2003 and 2002 results are presented on the previous AGAAP basis. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     71 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Five Year Financial Summary 

Shareholder Summary 
Dividends per share (cents) – fully franked  
Dividends cover (times) – statutory  
Dividends cover (times) – cash  
Dividends cover (times) – underlying  
Earnings per share (cents) 
Basic 

Statutory 
Cash basis  
Underlying basis  

Fully diluted 
Statutory 
Cash basis  
Underlying basis 

Dividend payout ratio (%) 

Statutory  
Cash basis 
Underlying basis  

Net tangible assets per share ($) 
Weighted average number of shares (statutory basic) 
Weighted average number of shares (fully diluted) 
Weighted average number of shares (cash basic) 
Weighted average number of shares (cash fully diluted) 
Number of shareholders  
Share prices for the year ($) 

Trading high 
Trading low  
End (closing price) 

Performance Ratios (%) 
Return on average Shareholders’ equity  

Statutory  
Cash basis  
Underlying basis 

Return on average total assets 

Statutory  
Cash basis  
Underlying basis  

Capital adequacy – Tier 1 
Capital adequacy – Tier 2 
Deductions 
Capital adequacy – Total  
Net interest margin 

Other Information (numbers) 
Full time staff equivalent  
Branches/services centres (Australia) 
Agencies (Australia) 
ATMs (proprietary) 
EFTPOS terminals  
EzyBanking locations  

AIFRS 

(1)

AGAAP 

(1)

2006 

2005 

2004 

2003 

2002 

224 
1. 4 
1. 4 
1. 3 

308. 2 
315. 9 
299. 4 

303. 1 
310. 5 
294. 7 

73. 3 
71. 0 
74. 9 
9. 4 
1,275 
1,329 
1,283 
1,338 
698,552 

47. 41 
36. 62 
44. 41 

20. 4 
21. 3 
20. 2 

1. 1 
1. 1 
1. 1 
7. 56 
3. 10 
(1. 00)
9. 66 
2. 34 

197 
1. 3 
1. 3 
1. 3 

259. 6 
264. 8 
259. 2 

255. 3 
260. 5 
255. 0 

77. 0 
74. 9 
76. 5 
8. 5 
1,260 
1,316 
1,269 
1,325 
704,906 

38. 52 
28. 79 
37. 95 

18. 2 
18. 8 
18. 4 

1. 1 
1. 1 
1. 1 
7. 46 
3. 21 
(0. 92)
9. 75 
2. 43 

183 
1. 1 
1. 1 
1. 3 

196. 9 
206. 6 
237. 1 

196. 8 
206. 5 
237. 0 

93. 5 
89. 1 
77. 6 
12. 2 
1,256 
1,257 
1,256 
1,257 
714,901 

33. 54 
27. 0 
32. 58 

12. 5 
12. 7 
14. 6 

0. 9 
0. 9 
1. 1 
7. 43 
3. 93 
(1. 11)
10. 25 
2. 53 

154 
0. 9 
1. 3 
1. 4 

157. 4 
202. 6 
210. 2 

157. 3 
202. 5 
210. 0 

97. 7 
75. 9 
73. 3 
11. 4 
1,253 
1,254 
1,253 
1,254 
746,073 

32. 75 
23. 05 
29. 55 

10. 5 
13. 1 
13. 6 

0. 8 
1. 0 
1. 0 
6. 96 
4. 21 
(1. 44) 
9. 73 
2. 67 

150 
1. 4 
1. 3 
1. 3 

209. 6 
197. 3 
194. 6 

209 .3 
197. 0 
194. 3 

71. 7 
76. 2 
77. 2 
10. 3 
1,250 
1,252 
1,250 
1,252 
722,612 

34. 94 
24. 75 
32. 93 

14. 7 
12. 9 
12. 8 

1. 1 
1. 0 
1. 0 
6. 78 
4. 28 
(1. 26)
9. 80 
2. 76 

36,664 
1,005 
3,836 
3,191 
148,220 
862 

35,313 
1,006 
3,864 
3,154 
137,240 
841 

36,296 
1,012 
3,866 
3,109 
126,049 
815 

35,845 
1,014 
3,893 
3,116 
129,259 
760 

37,245 
1,020 
3,936 
3,049 
126,613 
730 

Productivity 
Total net operating income per full-time (equivalent) 
employee ($) 
Staff expense/Total operating income (%) 
Total operating expenses/Total operating income (%) 

329,506 
23. 4 
49. 6 

314,388 
24. 1 
52. 9 

289,040 
24. 3 
59. 6 

262,212 
26. 4 
59. 1 

243,469 
26. 4 
57. 4 

(1) The Group adopted AIFRS accounting standards for the reporting period beginning 1 July 2004. As a result the 2006 and 2005 results are presented on an AIFRS 

basis, while the 2004, 2003 and 2002 results are presented on the previous AGAAP basis. 

72     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Statements 
Balance Sheets  
Statements of Recognised Income and Expense 
Statements of Cash Flows 
Note 1 
Note 2 
Note 3 
Note 4 
Note 5 
Note 6 
Note 7 
Note 8 
Note 9 
Note 10 
Note 11 
Note 12 
Note 13 
Note 14 
Note 15 
Note 16 
Note 17 
Note 18 
Note 19 
Note 20 
Note 21 
Note 22 
Note 23 
Note 24 
Note 25 
Note 26 
Note 27 
Note 28 
Note 29 
Note 30 
Note 31 
Note 32 
Note 33 
Note 34 
Note 35 
Note 36 
Note 37 
Note 38 
Note 39 
Note 40 
Note 41 
Note 42 
Note 43 
Note 44 
Note 45 
Note 46 
Note 47 
Note 48 
Note 49 
Note 50 

Accounting Policies  
Profit  
Income  
Average Balances and Related Interest
Income Tax Expense  
Dividends  
Earnings Per Share  
Cash and Liquid Assets  
Receivables from Other Financial Institutions 
Assets at Fair Value through Income Statement 
Derivative Assets and Liabilities 
Available-for-Sale Investments  
Investment Securities 
Loans, Advances and Other Receivables
Provisions for Impairment  
Credit Risk Management  
Asset Quality 
Shares in and Loans to Controlled Entities
Investment Property 
Property, Plant and Equipment 
Intangible Assets 
Other Assets 
Deposits and Other Public Borrowings
Payables to Other Financial Institutions
Liabilities at Fair Value through Income Statement 
Income Tax Liabilities  
Other Provisions  
Debt Issues  
Managed Fund Units on Issue 
Bills Payable and Other Liabilities  
Loan Capital  
Detailed Statements of Changes in Equity
Share Capital 
Minority Interests 
Capital Adequacy 
Maturity Analysis of Monetary Assets and Liabilities
Financial Reporting by Segments 
Life Insurance Business 
Remuneration of Auditors  
Commitments for Capital Expenditures Not Provided for in the Accounts
Lease Commitments – Property, Plant and Equipment
Contingent Liabilities, Assets and Commitments 
Market Risk 
Retirement Benefit Obligations  
Controlled Entities  
Investments in Associated Entities and Joint Ventures 
Director and Executive Disclosures 
Related Party Disclosures  
Notes to the Statements of Cash Flows
Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Financial Statements 

74
75
76
77
79
115
117
118
123
126
127
128
128
129
131
138
140
142
144
148
155
159
159
160
162
163
164
165
165
165
166
167
169
170
170
173
176
182
183
188
190
193
199
199
200
201
204
215
218
220
221
221
228
230

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     73 

 
Financial Statements 

Income Statements 

For the year ended 30 June 2006 

Interest income 
Interest expense  
Net interest income  
Other operating income  
Net banking operating income  

Funds management income 
Investment revenue 
Claims and policyholder liability expense 
Net funds management operating income 

Premiums from insurance contracts 
Investment revenue  
Claims and policyholder liability expense from insurance 
contracts  
Insurance margin on services operating income 

Total net operating income 

Bad debts expense  
Operating expenses: 

Comparable business 
Which new Bank 

Total operating expenses 
Defined benefit superannuation plan expense 
Profit before income tax 
Corporate tax expense  
Policyholder tax expense 
Profit after income tax (1) 
Minority interests 
Net profit attributable to members of the Bank 

Note 
2 
2 

2 

2 

2 

2,15 

2 

2 
2,44 
2 
5 
5 

2006 
$M 
19,758 
13,244 
6,514 
3,036 
9,550 

1,589 
2,098 
(2,064)
1,623 

1,052 
1,031 

(970)
1,113 

Group 

2005 
$M 
16,781 
10,755 
6,026 
2,845 
8,871 

1,247 
1,956 
(1,871)
1,332 

1,132 
1,186 

(1,243)
1,075 

2006 
$M 
16,027 
11,305 
4,722 
5,540 
10,262 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

Bank 

2005 
$M 
13,681 
8,858 
4,823 
3,991 
8,814 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

12,286 

11,278 

10,262 

8,814 

398 

322 

380 

292 

5,994 
- 
5,994 
(35)
5,859 
1,569 
331 
3,959 
(31)
3,928 

5,719 
150 
5,869 
(75)
5,012 
1,374 
228 
3,410 
(10)
3,400 

4,604 
- 
4,604 
(35) 
5,243 
976 
- 
4,267 
- 
4,267 

4,388 
150 
4,538 
(75)
3,909 
897 
- 
3,012 
- 
3,012 

(1) Net banking operating income, and profit after income tax of the Bank, is greater than the Group, due to the receipt of tax exempt intragroup dividends. 

Earnings per share: 

Basic  
Fully diluted  

Dividends per share attributable to shareholders of the Bank: 

Ordinary shares 
PERLS (1) 
Trust preferred securities (TPS) – issued 6 August 2003 (1) 
PERLS II – issued 6 January 2004 (1) 

(1) Instruments reclassified to loan capital on adoption of AIFRS from 1 July 2005. 

7 
7 

6 

Net profit after income tax comprises: 

Net profit after income tax (“underlying basis”) 
Shareholder investment returns (after tax) 
Which new Bank (after tax) 
Profit on sale of the Hong Kong insurance business  

Net profit after income tax (“cash basis”) 

Defined benefit superannuation plan expense  
Treasury share valuation adjustment  
Net profit after income tax (“statutory basis”) 

Cents per share 

308. 2 
303. 1 

224 
- 
- 
- 

259. 6 
255. 3 

197 
1,115 
7,795 
908 

$M 

$M 

3,842 
66 
- 
145 
4,053 

(25)
(100)
3,928 

3,420 
177 
(105)
- 
3,492 

(53)
(39)
3,400 

74     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheets 

As at 30 June 2006 

Assets 
Cash and liquid assets  
Receivables due from other financial institutions  
Assets at fair value through Income Statement:  

Trading  
Insurance 
Other  

Derivative assets  
Available-for-sale investments  
Investment securities 
Loans, advances and other receivables  
Bank acceptances of customers  
Shares in and loans to controlled entities  
Investment property 
Property, plant and equipment 
Investment in associates 
Intangible assets 
Deferred tax assets 
Other assets  
Total Assets  

Liabilities  
Deposits and other public borrowings 
Payables due to other financial institutions  
Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement 
Derivative liabilities 
Bank acceptances  
Due to controlled entities  
Current tax liabilities  
Deferred tax liabilities  
Other provisions 
Insurance policy liabilities  
Debt issues 
Managed funds units on issue 
Bills payable and other liabilities  

Loan capital 
Total Liabilities 
Net Assets  

Shareholders’ Equity 

Share capital: 

Ordinary share capital  
Preference share capital  
Other equity instruments  

Reserves  
Retained profits  
Shareholders’ Equity attributable to members of the Bank  

Minority interests: 

Controlled entities  
Insurance statutory funds and other funds  

Total Minority Interests 
Total Shareholders’ Equity 

Financial Statements 

2006 
$M 

5,131 
7,107 

15,758 
24,437 
2,944 
9,675 
11,203 
- 
259,176 
18,310 
- 
258 
1,314 
190 
7,809 
650 
5,141 
369,103 

173,227 
11,184 
13,811 
10,820 
18,310 
- 
378 
1,336 
821 
22,225 
78,591 
1,109 
6,053 
337,865 
9,895 
347,760 
21,343 

13,505 
- 
939 
1,904 
4,487 
20,835 

508 
- 
508 
21,343 

Group 

2005 
$M 

6,055 
6,087 

14,631 
27,484 
- 
- 
- 
10,838 
228,346 
16,786 
- 
252 
1,132 
52 
7,656 
651 
17,434 
337,404 

168,026 
8,023 
- 
- 
16,786 
- 
833 
921 
871 
24,694 
70,765 
- 
17,551 
308,470 
6,291 
314,761 
22,643 

13,486 
687 
1,573 
1,265 
3,843 
20,854 

631 
1,158 
1,789 
22,643 

2006 
$M 

4,819 
7,464 

13,926 
- 
396 
9,938 
9,914 
- 
212,699 
18,439 
36,150 
- 
1,027 
114 
2,738 
392 
4,624 
322,640 

155,956 
11,131 
2,085 
10,955 
18,439 
32,435 
334 
640 
690 
- 
52,198 
- 
4,299 
289,162 
10,688 
299,850 
22,790 

13,766 
- 
1,895 
2,657 
4,472 
22,790 

- 
- 
- 
22,790 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

5,736 
5,972 

12,432 
- 
- 
- 
- 
6,922 
183,925 
16,917 
29,161 
- 
821 
12 
2,675 
599 
17,154 
282,326 

143,858 
7,969 
- 
- 
16,917 
26,428 
764 
872 
703 
- 
40,687 
- 
16,737 
254,935 
7,010 
261,945 
20,381 

13,739 
687 
737 
2,226 
2,992 
20,381 

- 
- 
- 
20,381 

Note 

8 
9 
10 

11 
12 
13 
14 

18 
19 
20 
46 
21 
5 
22 

23 
24 
25 
11 

26 
26 
27 
38 
28 
29 
30 

31 

33 
33 
33 
32 
32 

34 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Statements 

Statements of Recognised Income and Expense 

For the year ended 30 June 2006 

Actuarial gains/(losses) from defined benefit superannuation plan
Gains/(losses) on cash flow hedging instruments: 

Recognised in equity 
Transferred to Income Statement 

Gains/(losses) on available-for-sale investments:  

Recognised in equity 
Transferred to Income Statement on sale 
Transferred to Income Statement on impairment 

Revaluation of properties 
Transfer from FCTR to Income Statement on sale of entities  
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 
Income tax on items taken directly to or transferred directly from 
equity: 

FCTR 
AFS investments revaluation reserve 
Revaluation of properties 
Cash flow hedge reserve 

Net income recognised directly in equity 
Profit for the period 
Total net income recognised for the period 

Attributable to: 

Members of the parent 
Minority interests 

Total net income recognised for the period 

Note 
32,44 

32 
32 

32 
32 
32 
32 
32 
32 

32 
32 
32 
32 

2006 
$M 
387 

89 
(58)

51 
(33)
(3)
19 
41 
(232)

13 
(6)
(4)
(11)
253 
3,959 
4,212 

4,181 
31 
4,212 

Group 

2005 
$M 
110 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
29 
- 
(141)

- 
- 
- 
- 
(2)
3,410 
3,408 

3,398 
10 
3,408 

2006 
$M 
387 

58 
(51) 

52 
(31) 
(3) 
14 
- 
(8) 

- 
7 
(3) 
(2) 
420 
4,267 
4,687 

4,687 
- 
4,687 

Bank 

2005 
$M 
110 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
29 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
139 
3,012 
3,151 

3,151 
- 
3,151 

76     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of Cash Flows (1) (2) 

For the year ended 30 June 2006 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities  
Interest received  
Interest paid 
Other operating income received 
Expenses paid 
Income taxes paid 
Net decrease/(increase) in trading securities 
Net increase in assets at fair value through Income Statement 
(excluding life insurance) 
Life insurance: 

Investment income 
Premiums received (3)  
Policy payments (3) 

Net increase in liabilities at fair value through Income Statement 
(excluding life insurance) 
Cash flows from operating activities before changes in 
operating assets and liabilities 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities arising from cash 
flow movements  
Movement in investment securities: 

Purchases  
Proceeds from sale  
Proceeds at or close to maturity 

Movement in available-for-sale investments: 

Purchases  
Proceeds from sale  
Proceeds at or close to maturity 

Lodgement of deposits with regulatory authorities  
Net (increase) in loans, advances and other receivables  
Net (increase)/decrease in receivables due from other financial 
institutions not at call 
Net decrease in securities purchased under agreement to resell 
Life insurance business: 

Purchase of insurance assets at fair value through Income 
Statement 
Proceeds from sale/maturity of insurance assets at fair value 
through Income Statement  

Net increase in deposits and other borrowings 
Net proceeds from issuance of debt securities 
Net increase in payables due to other financial institutions not at 
call 
Net increase/(decrease) in securities sold under agreements to 
repurchase 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities arising from cash 
flow movements 
Net cash provided by/(used in) Operating Activities 
Cash flows from Investing Activities  
Payment for acquisition of entities and management rights 
Proceeds from disposal of controlled entities  
Proceeds from disposal of entities and businesses (net of cash 
disposed) 
Dividends received  
Net amounts paid to controlled entities  
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment  
Payment for acquisitions of investments in associates 
Purchases of intangible assets  
Net decrease in other assets  
Net cash (used in)/provided by Investing Activities 

Note 

49(a)

49(e)
49(c)

Financial Statements 

2006 
$M 

19,712 
(12,555)
4,319 
(5,809)
(1,980)
- 

(307)

2,399 
2,338 
(4,938)

1,445 

4,624 

- 
- 
- 

(28,189)
646 
24,831 
(29)
(31,996)

(881)
537 

Group 

2005 
$M 

16,781 
(10,720) 
4,559 
(5,678) 
(985) 
318 

2006 
$M 

16,268 
(11,348) 
2,715 
(4,318) 
(1,117) 
- 

- 

(1,926) 

1,572 
3,183 
(4,664) 

- 

4,366 

(22,608) 
396 
22,799 

- 
- 
- 
(7) 
(31,721) 

1,097 
991 

- 
- 
- 

504 

778 

- 
- 
- 

(25,310) 
558 
21,828 
(1) 
(28,936) 

(793) 
740 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

13,571 
(8,960)
3,621 
(4,459)
(619)
505 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

3,659 

(20,254)
275 
19,344 

- 
- 
- 
3 
(24,777)

464 
988 

(8,078)

(14,165) 

- 

- 

9,398 
12,799 
14,605 

15,281 
6,332 
17,934 

- 
13,284 
13,331 

- 
7,291 
16,238

2,571 

449 

2,566 

426 

328 

(1,480) 

328 

(1,418)

(3,458)
1,166 

(4,702) 
(336) 

(2,405) 
(1,627) 

(418)
553 

35 
4 
- 
32 
(385)
(152)
(90)
31 
(390)

(40) 
- 

173 
3 
- 
30 
(286) 
(42) 
(92) 
1,055 
801 

(26) 
- 

- 
2,080 
1,531 
17 
(329) 
(102) 
(95) 
371 
3,447 

(1,420)
2,239 

(24)
178 

306 
988 
(3,325)
30 
(164)
- 
- 
758 
(1,253)

(1) It should be noted that the Bank does not use this accounting Statement of Cash Flows in the internal management of its liquidity positions. 

(2) Adjusted for AIFRS gross-up. Refer Note 1 (nn) (ii). 

(3) Represents gross premiums and policy payments before splitting between policyholders and shareholders. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     77 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Statements 

Statements of Cash Flows (1) (2) 

For the year ended 30 June 2006 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities  
Buyback of shares  
Proceeds from issue of shares (net of costs) 
Proceeds from issue of preference shares to minority interests  
Proceeds from issue of other equity instruments (net of costs) 
Dividends paid (excluding DRP buyback of shares) 
Net movement in other liabilities  
Net (purchase) of treasury shares  
Issue of loan capital  
Redemption of loan capital  
Other  
Net cash (used in) Financing Activities 

Note 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 

49(b)

2006 
$M 

(500)
49 
- 
939 
(2,163)
139 
(10)
2,446 
(915)
1 
(14)

762 
1,276 
2,038 

Group 

2005 
$M 

- 
66 
323 
- 
(2,083)
(330)
(60)
1,233 
(1,392)
55 
(2,188)

(1,723)
2,999 
1,276 

2006 
$M 

(500) 
49 
- 
1,895 
(2,163) 
(3,313) 
(2) 
3,152 
(918) 
(93) 
(1,893) 

(73) 
314 
241 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

- 
66 
- 
- 
(2,024)
(292)
- 
1,554 
(1,621)
6 
(2,311)

(1,325)
1,639 
314 

(1) It should be noted that the Bank does not use this accounting Statement of Cash Flows in the internal management of its liquidity positions. 

(2) Adjusted for AIFRS gross-up. Refer Note 1 (nn) (ii). 

78     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 1 Accounting Policies 

General Information 

to 

This  annual  reporting  period  is  the  first  under  the  Australian 
equivalent 
International  Financial  Reporting  Standards 
(“AIFRS”).  For  this  reason,  a  full  explanation  of  all  AIFRS 
accounting  policies  and  differences  from  previous  Australian 
GAAP (“AGAAP”) is set out below. The financial impact of these 
changes is summarised in Note 1 (nn).  

The  financial  statements  of  the  Commonwealth  Bank  of 
Australia  (the  ‘Bank’)  and  the  Bank  and  its  subsidiaries  (the 
‘Group’)  for  the  year  ended  30 June  2006,  were  approved  and 
authorised  for  issue  by  the  Board  of  Directors  on  23  August 
2006. 

The  Bank  is  incorporated  and  domiciled  in  Australia.  It  is  a 
company  limited  by  shares  that  are  publicly  traded  on  the 
Australian Stock Exchange. The address of its registered office 
is Level 7, 48 Martin Place, Sydney NSW 1155, Australia. 

The  Group  is  one  of  Australia’s  leading  providers  of  integrated 
financial  services  including  retail,  business  and  institutional 
banking,  superannuation,  life  insurance,  general  insurance, 
funds  management,  broking  services  and  finance  company 
activities.  The  principal  activities  of  the  Commonwealth  Bank 
Group during the financial period were: 

(i) Banking 

The  Group  provides  retail  banking  services  including  housing 
loans,  credit  cards,  personal  loans,  savings  and  cheque 
accounts, and demand and term deposits. The Group also offers 
commercial  products  including  business  loans,  equipment  and 
trade  finance,  and  rural  and  agribusiness  products.  The  Group 
also  has  full  service  banking  operations  in  New  Zealand,  Fiji, 
and Indonesia. The Group has wholesale banking operations in 
London,  New  York,  Hong  Kong,  Singapore,  Indonesia,  China, 
Tokyo and Malta. 

(ii) Funds Management 

The Group’s funds management business comprises wholesale 
and  retail  investment,  superannuation  and  retirement  funds. 
Investments  are  across  all  major  asset  classes  including 
Australian  and  international  shares,  property,  fixed  interest  and 
cash.  The  Group  also  has  funds  management  businesses  in 
New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Asia. 

(iii) Insurance 

term 

insurance,  disability 

The  Group  provides 
insurance, 
annuities,  master  trusts,  investment  products  and  household 
general insurance. Life insurance operations are also conducted 
in New Zealand, where the Group has the leading market share, 
and throughout Asia and the Pacific. 

There  have  been  no  significant  changes  in  the  nature  of  the 
principal activities of the Group during the financial year. 

(a) Bases of accounting 

This  general  purpose  financial  report  for  the  reporting  period 
ended 30 June 2006 has been prepared in accordance with the 
requirements of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

For the financial year ended 30 June 2005 and all prior years the 
Annual  Financial  Report  was  prepared  under  the  Australian 
accounting  standards  applicable  to  reporting  periods  beginning 
prior  to  1  January  2005  (AGAAP).  This  30  June  2006  Annual 
Financial  Report,  however,  complies  with  current  Australian 
accounting standards which consist of Australian equivalents to 
International Financial Reporting Standards (AIFRS). The basis 
of the AIFRS standards are the International Financial Reporting 
International  Accounting 
Standards  (IFRS) 
Standards  Board.  As  a  result  of  complying  with  AIFRS,  the 
Group  accounts  also  comply  with  IFRS,  and  interpretations 
adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board. 

issued  by 

the 

Accounting policies for the Bank have changed significantly due 
to 
the  adoption  of  AIFRS.  These  changes  have  been 
summarised by comparing prior years’ accounting policies to the 
new  AIFRS  accounting  policies.  Differences  in  measurement, 
recognition  and  disclosure  have  been  noted  in  the  change  in 
accounting policy section within each topic.  

The preparation of the financial report in conformity with AIFRS 
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that 
affect  the  amounts  reported  in  the  financial  statements  and 
information  and 
accompanying  notes.  Use  of  available 
application  of  judgement  are  inherent  in  the  formation  of 
estimates.  Actual  results  could  differ  from  these  estimates  and 
possible impacts are disclosed in Note 1 (mm). 

(b) Basis of preparation 

The financial statements are prepared on the basis of historical 
cost except that the following assets and liabilities are stated at 
their  fair  value:  derivative  financial  instruments,  assets  and 
liabilities  at  fair  value  through  Income  Statement,  available-for-
sale  investments,  insurance  policy  liabilities,  domestic  bills 
discounted  which  are  included  in  loans,  advances  and  other 
receivables  held  by  the  Group,  investment  property  and  owner 
occupied property, defined benefit plan assets and liabilities, and 
employee  share-based  compensation  liabilities.  Recognised 
assets and liabilities that are hedged and are attributable to the 
hedged risk are stated at fair value. 

The accounting policies which have changed as a result of the 
adoption  of  AIFRS  have  been  applied  retrospectively  and 
consistently  by  the  Group  to  all  periods  presented  in  these 
financial statements and in preparing an opening AIFRS balance 
sheet  at  1  July  2004,  except  for  the  following  standards  which 
were adopted and applied from 1 July 2005 onwards:- 

i)  AASB  132  Financial 
Presentation; 

ii)  AASB  139  Financial 
Measurement; 

Instruments  –  Disclosure  and 

Instruments  –  Recognition  and 

iii) AASB 4 Insurance Contracts; 

iv) AASB 1023 General Insurance Contracts; and 

v) AASB 1038 Life Insurance Contracts. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     79 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

On  this  basis,  comparison  with  prior  period  results  should  be 
read in conjunction with the following accounting policy notes. 

AIFRS has been applied retrospectively subject to the following 
elections under AASB 1 First-Time Adoption of AIFRS: 

i)  not  to  restate  any  past  business  combinations  that  occurred 
prior  to  1  July  2004  in  preparing  the  Group’s  opening  AIFRS 
Balance Sheet at 30 June 2005. 

ii) to transfer the Foreign Currency Translation Reserve as at 1 
July 2004 to Retained Profits. 

The Group has applied its previous AGAAP in the comparative 
information  to  financial  instruments  and  insurance  contracts 
within the scope of the above standards. 

The financial report is presented in Australian dollars. The Group 
has  elected  to  early  adopt  the  following  accounting  standards 
and amendments: 

•  AASB 119 Employee Benefits (July 2005). 
•  AASB  2004-3  Amendments 

to  Australian  Accounting 
Standards  (December  2004)  amending  AASB  1  First-time 
Adoption  of  Australian  Equivalents  to  International  Financial 
Reporting Standards (July 2004), AASB 101 Presentation of 
Financial  Statements  and  AASB  124  Related  Party 
Disclosures. 

•  AASB  2005-1  Amendments 

to  Australian  Accounting 
Standards  (May  2005)  amending  AASB  139  Financial 
Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. 

•  AASB  2005-3  Amendments 

to  Australian  Accounting 
Standards  (June  2005)  amending  AASB  119  Employee 
Benefits (either July or December 2004). 

•  AASB  2005-4  Amendments 

to  Australian  Accounting 
Standards  (June  2005)  amending  AASB  139  Financial 
Instruments:  Recognition  and  Measurement,  AASB  1  First-
time  Adoption  of  Australian  Equivalents  to  International 
Financial  Reporting  Standards  (July  2004),  AASB  1023 
General Insurance Contracts and AASB 1038 Life Insurance 
Contracts. 

•  AASB  2005-5  Amendments 

to  Australian  Accounting 
Standards  (June  2005)  amending  AASB  1  First-time 
Adoption  of  Australian  Equivalents  to  International  Financial 
Reporting  Standards  (July  2004),  and  AASB  139  Financial 
Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. 

•  AASB  2005-6  Amendments 

to  Australian  Accounting 
Standards  (June  2005)  amending  AASB  3  Business 
Combinations. 

•  AASB  2005-9  Amendments 

to  Australian  Accounting 
Standards  (September  2005)  requires  that  liabilities  arising 
from 
financial  guarantee  contracts  are 
issue  of 
recognised in the Balance Sheet.  

the 

•  AASB  2006-1  Amendments 

to  Australian  Accounting 
Standards (January 2006) amending AASB 121 The Effects 
of Change in Foreign Exchange Rates (July 2004). 

•  UIG 8 Scope of AASB 2. 

80     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

The  following  standards  and  amendments  were  available  for 
early adoption but have not been applied by the Group in these 
financial statements: 

•  AASB  7  Financial  Instruments:  Disclosure  (August  2005) 
replacing 
financial 
instruments  in  AASB  132.  AASB  7  is  applicable  for  annual 
reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2007. 

the  presentation 

requirements  of 

•  AASB  2005-10  Amendments 

(September  2005)  makes 

to  Australian  Accounting 
consequential 
Standards 
amendments 
Instruments: 
to  AASB  132  Financial 
Disclosures  and  Presentation,  AASB  101  Presentation  of 
Financial Statements, AASB 114 Segment Reporting, AASB 
117  Leases,  AASB  133  Earnings  per  Share,  AASB  139 
Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, AASB 
1  First-time  Adoption  of  Australian  Equivalents 
to 
International  Financial  Reporting  Standards,  AASB  4 
Insurance  Contracts,  AASB  1023  General 
Insurance 
Contracts  and  AASB  1038  Life  Insurance  Contracts, arising 
from the release of AASB 7. AASB 2005-10 is applicable for 
annual  reporting  periods  beginning  on  or  after  1  January 
2007. 

The Group plans to adopt AASB 7 and AASB 2005-10 from the 
financial year commencing 1 July 2007. 

The  initial  application  of  AASB  7  and  AASB  2005-10  is  not 
expected to have an impact on the financial results of the Bank 
and  the  Group  as  the  standard  and  the  amendment  are 
concerned only with disclosures. 

(c) Consolidation 

Additional entities have been consolidated within the Group due 
to  the  adoption  of  AASB  127  Consolidated  and  Separate 
Financial  Statements  and  UIG  112  Consolidation  –  Special 
Purpose Entities. These changes do not have a material impact 
on net assets or net profit however they have resulted in material 
gross ups of individual asset and liability line items of the Group. 

For  further  details,  refer  to  the  change  in  accounting  policy 
below. 

(i) Current accounting policy 

The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  financial 
statements  of  the  Bank  and  all  entities  where  it  is  determined 
that there is a capacity  to  control  as  defined in AASB  127 and 
UIG 112.  

All balances and transactions between Group entities, including 
losses,  have  been  eliminated  on 
unrealised  gains  and 
consolidation. 

The  consolidated  financial  statements  also  include  the  Group’s 
share  of  the  financial  results  of  entities  where  the  Group  holds 
an investment in, and has significant influence over, the financial 
and  operating  policies  as  defined  in  AASB  128  Investments  in 
Associates.  This  is  normally  evidenced  when  the  group  owns 
20% or more of the voting rights. 

 
Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

Associated companies are defined as those entities over which 
the  Group  has  significant  influence  but  there  is  no  capacity  to 
control.  Investments  in  associates  are  carried  at  cost  plus  the 
Group’s  share  of  post-acquisition  profit  or  loss  and  other 
reserves.  The  Group’s  share  of  profit  or  loss  of  associates  is 
included in the profit from ordinary activities. 

(ii) Change in accounting policy 

With  the  adoption  of  AASB  127  and  UIG  112,  a  number  of 
additional entities have been included in the Group. This is due 
to  a  change  in  what  constitutes  control  and  the  inclusion  of 
potential voting rights when considering control. Some of these 
entities  were  formed  by  the  Group  for  the  purpose  of  asset 
securitisation transactions and structured debt issuance, and to 
accomplish  certain  narrow  and  well-defined  objectives.  Such 
entities may acquire assets directly or indirectly from the Bank or 
its affiliates. Additionally, some of these entities are bankruptcy-
remote (i.e. their assets are not available to satisfy the claims of 
creditors of the Group or any other of its subsidiaries). However, 
these  entities  have  been  consolidated  in  the  Group’s  financial 
statements as the exposure to risks and benefits from the entity 
resides with the Group.  

The  adoption  of  AASB  127  and  UIG  112  has  been  applied 
retrospectively from 1 July 2004. 

(d) Revenue recognition 

The adoption of AASB 118 Revenue and AASB 139 has had an 
impact  on  the  recognition  and  measurement  of  revenue.  For 
further details, refer to the change in accounting policy below. 

(i) Current accounting policy 

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the 
economic benefits will flow to the Group and the revenue can be 
reliably measured. The principal sources of revenue are interest 
income and fees and commissions. 

Interest income 

Interest  income  is  recognised  on  an  accrual  basis  using  the 
effective interest method. Further information is included in Note 
1(g)  Receivables  from  other  financial  institutions,  Note  1(j) 
Available-for-sale  investments,  Note  1(l)  Loans,  advances  and 
other receivables, and Note 1(m) Leasing. 

Lending fees 

Fee  income  and  direct  costs  relating  to  loan  origination, 
financing or restructuring and to loan commitments are deferred 
and amortised to interest income over the life of the loan using 
the  effective  interest  method.  Fees  received  for  commitments 
which are not expected to result in a loan are recognised in the 
profit  and  loss  over  the  commitment  period.  Loan  syndication 
fees where the Group does not retain a portion of the syndicated 
loan  are  recognised  in  income  once  the  syndication  has  been 
completed.  Where  fees  are  received  on  an  ongoing  basis  and 
represent  the  recoupment  of  the  costs  of  maintaining  and 
administering  existing  loans,  these  fees  are  taken  to  profit  and 
loss on an accrual basis. 

Fees and commission 

fees 

When  commission  charges  and 
to  specific 
transactions  or  events,  they  are  recognised  in  income  in  the 
period  in  which  they  are  earned.  However,  when  they  are 
charged for services provided over a period, they are recognised 
in income on an accrual basis. 

relate 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Other income 

Trading  income  is  brought  to  account  when  earned  based  on 
changes in fair value of financial instruments and recorded from 
trade date. Further information is included in Notes 1(e) Foreign 
Currency Translations, 1(i) Assets at Fair Value Through Income 
Statement,  and  Note  1(ff)  Derivative  financial  instruments.  Life 
insurance  business  income  recognition  is  explained  in  Note 
1(hh) below. 

(iii) Change in accounting policy 

Under AASB 118 and AASB 139, interest income now includes 
fees  integral  to  the  establishment  of  financial  instruments  for 
which  interest  income  is  recognised  using  the  effective  interest 
method. Fee income and direct costs relating to loan origination 
are  deferred  and  amortised  to  interest  earned  on  loans, 
advances  and  other  receivables  over  the  life  of  the  loan  using 
the effective interest method. 

is  no  material  change 

There 
measurement of fees and commission and other income. 

the 

in 

recognition  and 

The changes have been applied from 1 July 2005. 

(e) Foreign currency translations 

The adoption of AASB 121, The Effects of Changes in Foreign 
Exchange  Rates,  has  not  had  a  substantial  impact  on  the 
reporting  currency  of  the  Group’s  entities  or  the  translation  of 
foreign  currency  assets  and  liabilities.  However,  on  transition 
under  AASB  1  First-time  Adoption  of  Australian  Equivalents  to 
IFRS, an option exists to transfer any amounts recorded within 
the Foreign Currency  Translation  Reserve (FCTR) as at 1 July 
2004 to Retained Profits. For further details, refer to the change 
in accounting policy below. 

(i) Current accounting policy 

The  functional  and  presentation  currency  of  the  domestic 
operations  of  the  Bank  has  been  determined  to  be  Australian 
Dollars  (AUD)  as  this  currency  best  reflects  the  economic 
substance of the underlying events and circumstances relevant 
to the Bank. Each entity and overseas branch within the Group 
has also determined their functional currency based on their own 
primary economic indicators. 

All foreign currency monetary items are revalued at spot rates of 
exchange  prevailing  at  balance  sheet  date  and  changes  in  the 
spot  rate  are  recorded  in  the  profit  and  loss.  Foreign  currency 
forward, futures, swaps and option positions are revalued at the 
appropriate market rates applying at balance sheet date. 

Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms 
of  historical  cost  in  a  foreign  currency  are  translated  using  the 
exchange  rate at the date of transaction.  Non-monetary assets 
and liabilities denominated in foreign  currencies that are stated 
at  fair  value  are  translated  into  AUD  at  foreign  exchange  rates 
ruling  at  the  dates  the  fair  value  was  determined.  With  the 
exception  of  the  revaluations  classified  in  equity,  unrealised 
foreign  currency  gains  and 
these 
revaluations and gains and losses arising from foreign exchange 
dealings are included in the profit and loss. 

losses  arising 

from 

The foreign currency assets and liabilities of overseas branches 
and controlled entities with an overseas functional currency are 
converted to AUD at balance sheet date in accordance with the 
foreign exchange rates ruling at that date. Profit and loss items 
for  overseas  branches  and  controlled  entities  are  converted  to 
AUD  progressively  throughout  the  year  at  the  spot  exchange 
rate  at  the  date  of  the  transaction.  All  resulting  exchange 
the  FCTR  as  a  separate 
in 
differences  are  recognised 
component of equity. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     81 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

Translation  differences  arising  from  conversion  of  opening 
balances  of  shareholders’  funds  of  overseas  branches  and 
controlled  entities  at  year  end  exchange  rates  are  reflected  in 
the  FCTR.  The  Group  maintains  a  substantially  matched 
position  in  assets  and  liabilities  in  foreign  currencies  and  the 
level of net foreign currency exposure does not have a material 
impact on its financial condition. 

(ii) Change in accounting policy 

Under the  option available  within  AASB 1 the Bank transferred 
the balance of the FCTR as at 30 June 2004 to Retained Profits. 

The translation on non-monetary Available-for-sale investments, 
the  cash  flow  hedge  reserve  and  net  investments  in  foreign 
entities are all recorded in the FCTR. 

These  changes  have  been  applied  retrospectively  from  1  July 
2004. 

(f) Cash and liquid assets 

The adoption of AIFRS, AASB 127 Consolidated and Separate 
Financial  Statements  and  UIG  112  Consolidation  –  Special 
Purpose  Entities  has  not  impacted  the  definition  of  cash  and 
liquid  assets,  however  additional  entities  have  been 
consolidated  into  the  Group,  refer  to  Note  1(c)  Consolidation. 
These  changes  have  resulted  in  recognition  of  additional  cash 
and  liquid  assets.  For  further  details,  refer  to  the  change  in 
accounting policy below. 

(i) Current accounting policy 

Cash  and  liquid  assets  includes  cash  at  branches,  cash  at 
bankers,  nostro  balances,  money  at  short  call  with  an  original 
maturity  of  three  months  or  less  and  securities  held  under 
reverse repurchase agreements. They are brought to account at 
the  face  value  or  the  gross  value  of  the  outstanding  balance. 
Interest  is  taken  to  profit  and  loss  using  the  effective  interest 
method when earned. 

(ii) Change in accounting policy 

Under  AASB  127  and  UIG  112  special  purpose  vehicles  used 
for the securitisation of loans and receivables by the Group will 
be consolidated under AIFRS. This has resulted in an increase 
in cash and liquid assets. 

Under AASB 107 Cash Flow Statements, the definition of cash 
and  liquid  assets  includes  nostro  balances.  This  balance  was 
previously 
financial 
institutions. 

from  other 

receivables 

recorded 

in 

The change has been applied retrospectively from 1 July 2004. 

(g) Receivables from other financial institutions 

The  adoption  of  AIFRS  has  not  had  a  substantial  impact  on 
receivables  from  other  financial  institutions.  For  further  details, 
refer to the change in accounting policy below. 

(i) Current accounting policy 

Receivables  from  other  financial  institutions  include  loans, 
deposits  with  regulatory  authorities  and  settlement  account 
balances due from other banks. They are brought to account at 
the gross value of the outstanding balance. Interest  is taken to 
profit and loss using the effective interest method. 

82     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

(ii) Change in accounting policy 

Under  AASB  107  Cash  Flow  Statements,  nostro  balances, 
previously  recorded  separately 
from  other 
financial  institutions,  have  been  reclassified  to  cash  and  liquid 
assets. 

in  receivables 

regulatory  authorities,  previously 

Deposits  with 
recorded 
separately  on  the  face  of  the  balance  sheet,  have  been 
reclassified to receivables from other financial institutions. 

The change has been applied retrospectively from 1 July 2004 

(h) Financial instruments 

The  adoption  of  AASB  132  Financial  Instruments:  Disclosure 
and Presentation, AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition 
and  Measurement  and  AASB  130  Disclosures  in  the  Financial 
Statements  of  Banks  and  Similar  Financial  Institutions  from  1 
July  2005  has  had  a  significant  impact  on  the  recognition, 
measurement  and  disclosure  of  financial  instruments.  Under 
these  standards, 
to 
recognise  all  derivatives  in  the  balance  sheet  and  to  record  all 
derivatives and some financial assets and liabilities at fair market 
value.  Those  financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  which  are 
not at fair value will be carried at cost or amortised cost. 

the  accounting  policy  has  changed 

For  each  class  of  financial  instrument  listed  below,  except  for 
restructured  facilities  referred  to  in  Note  1(l)  Loans,  advances 
and other receivables, financial instruments are transacted on a 
commercial basis to derive an interest yield/cost with terms and 
conditions having due regard to the nature of the transaction and 
the risks involved. 

Under  AASB  132  and  AASB  139,  financial  instruments  are 
required to be classified into one of the following measurement 
categories  which  determines  the  accounting  treatment  of  the 
item: 

•  Assets at fair value through Income Statement (Note 1 (i)) 
•  Available-for-sale investments (Note 1 (j)) 
•  Loans, advances and other receivables (Note 1 (l)) 
•  Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement (Note 1 (x)) 
•  Liabilities at amortised cost 
•  Equity (Note 1 (ee)) 
The change in accounting policy on transition to AIFRS for each 
class of financial instrument is detailed below.  

to 

the 

recognition  and 
The  application  of  AASB  139 
measurement  of 
liabilities, 
financial  assets  and 
including  derivatives,  has  given  rise  to  a  transition  adjustment 
and will increase volatility in reported profits. For a summary of 
the change in accounting policy for hedge accounting see Note 
1(ff), Derivative financial instruments. 

financial 

The Group has no held to maturity investments. 

In  line  with  the  exemption  provided  by  AASB  1,  comparative 
information has not been restated under AASB 132 and AASB 
139. 

Offsetting financial instruments 

The Group offsets financial assets and liabilities where there is a 
legally  enforceable  right  to  set  off,  and  there  is  an  intention  to 
settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability 
simultaneously. 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

Derecognition of financial instruments 

(ii) Change in accounting policy 

The derecognition of a financial instrument takes place when the 
Group no longer controls the contractual rights that comprise the 
financial  instrument,  which  is  normally  the  case  when  the 
instrument  is  sold,  or  all  the  cash  flows  attributable  to  the 
instrument are passed through to an independent third party and 
the risks and rewards have substantially been transferred. 

(i) Assets at fair value through Income Statement 

“Assets at fair value through Income Statement”, is a new class 
of  financial  asset  under  AASB  139.  For  further  details,  refer  to 
the change in accounting policy below. 

(i) Current accounting policy 

Assets  at  fair  value  through  Income  Statement  include  assets 
held  for  trading  and  assets  that  upon  initial  recognition  are 
designated  by  the  Group  as  at  fair  value  through  Income 
Statement.  The  assets  designated  as  at  fair  value  through 
Income Statement are those assets where the designation either 
reduces significant accounting mismatches between assets and 
related liabilities, the group of financial assets are managed and 
their  performance  is  evaluated  on  a  fair  value  basis,  or  where 
the asset is a contract which contains an embedded derivative. 
The  assets are  recognised  initially at  fair value  and transaction 
costs  including  brokerage  commissions  and  fees  are  taken 
directly to profit and loss. Subsequent changes in fair value are 
reported  in  other  operating  income.  Dividends  and  interest  are 
reflected in other operating income. Interest earned is recorded 
within Net Interest Earnings. 

Assets at fair value through Income Statement are classified into 
three subcategories: Trading, Insurance and Other investments. 

Trading 

Trading  assets  are  short  and  long  term  public,  bank  and  other 
debt  securities  and  equities  that  are  acquired  and  held  for 
trading  purposes.  Subsequent  to  initial  recognition  fair  value  is 
measured using quoted bid prices where available. In a trading 
portfolio  with  offsetting  risk  positions,  quoted  mid  prices,  where 
available,  are  used  to  measure  the  fair  value.  Non-market 
quoted  assets  are valued  using valuation  techniques  based  on 
market conditions and risks existing at balance sheet date.  

Insurance 

Insurance investment assets are investment securities that back 
life  insurance  contracts  and  life  investment  contracts.  Refer  to 
Note 1(hh), Life insurance business for further details. 

Other investments 

Other investments include financial assets which the Group has 
designated  as  at  fair  value  through  the  Income  Statement. 
Subsequent  to  initial  recognition  fair  value  is  measured  using 
quoted  bid  prices.  Quoted  mid  prices  are  used  to  measure 
assets  with  offsetting  risk  positions  in  a  portfolio  at  fair  value. 
Non-market  quoted  instruments  are  valued  using  valuation 
techniques  that  are  market  conditions  and  risks  existing  at 
balance sheet date. Changes in fair value, and the reporting of 
interest  and  dividends  earned  are  accounted  for  as  outlined 
above. Other investments are recorded on a trade date basis. 

Under AASB 132 and AASB 139, there is a substantial change 
in the disclosure, recognition, measurement and presentation of 
those  financial  assets  now  classified  as  Assets  at  fair  value 
through  Income  Statement.  The  standards  have  been  applied 
from 1 July 2005. The changes are summarised below: 

Assets at fair value through Income Statement is a new category 
of financial asset. 

Trading securities have been reclassified into assets at fair value 
through Income Statement. 

Insurance investment assets have been reclassified into Assets 
at fair value through Income Statement. 

Other  Investments  is  a  new  category  of  financial  asset  within 
Assets  at  fair  value  through  Income  Statement.  They  were 
previously  carried  at  cost,  or  amortised  cost,  predominantly  as 
investment securities. 

Quoted  bid  prices,  where  available,  are  used  to  measure  fair 
value. Quoted mid prices, where available, are used to measure 
fair value where there is an offsetting risk position in a portfolio. 
There is no material change in the measurement of assets at fair 
value. 

Unrealised changes in fair value and realised gains and losses 
on disposal are reflected in other operating income. Interest on 
other investments is reported in  net interest  earnings using the 
effective  interest  method.  Dividends  are  reflected  in  other 
operating income when earned.  

Other investments are recorded on a trade date basis. 

(j) Available-for-sale investments 

The adoption of AASB 132 and AASB 139 has had a substantial 
impact  on  the  measurement  and  disclosure  of  those  financial 
instruments  now  classified  as  available-for-sale  investments. 
Additional entities have been consolidated into the Group, refer 
to Note 1(c) Consolidation, which has resulted in recognition of 
additional  available-for-sale  investments.  For  further  details, 
refer to the change in accounting policy below. 

(i) Current accounting policy 

Available-for-sale  investments  are  short  and  long  term  public, 
bank  and  other  securities  and  include  bonds,  notes,  bills  of 
exchange,  commercial  paper,  certificates  of  deposit,  equities 
and rolling loan originations and syndications. 

Available-for-sale  investments  are  initially  recognised  at  fair 
value  including  transaction  costs  and  thereafter  at  fair  value. 
Unquoted equities and investments whose fair value cannot be 
reliably  measured  are  valued  at  cost.  Gains  and  losses  arising 
from changes in fair value are reported in the available-for-sale 
revaluation  reserve  net  of  applicable  income  taxes  until  such 
investments  are  sold,  collected,  otherwise  disposed  of,  or 
become 
Interest,  premiums  and  dividends  are 
reflected in other operating income when earned. 

impaired. 

Available-for-sale  investments  are  tested  for  lasting  impairment 
in line with Note 1(n) Provisions for impairment. 

Upon  disposal  or  impairment,  the  accumulated  change  in  fair 
value  within 
is 
transferred to profit and loss and reported under other operating 
income. 

the  available-for-sale  revaluation  reserve 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     83 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

(ii) Change in accounting policy 

Restructured Facilities 

There is no change in accounting policy. 

When the original contractual terms of facilities (primarily loans) 
are  modified,  the  accounts  become  classified  as  restructured. 
Such accounts continue to accrue interest as long as the facility 
is  performing  in  accordance  with  the  restructured  terms.  If 
performance  is  not  maintained,  or  collection  of  interest  and/or 
principal  is  no  longer  probable,  the  account  will  be  returned  to 
the non performing classification. Facilities are generally kept as 
non performing until they are returned to a performing basis. 

Assets Acquired Through Securities Enforcement (AATSE) 

There is no change in accounting policy. 

Assets  acquired  in  satisfaction  of  facilities  in  default  (primarily 
loans)  are  recorded  at  net  market  value  at  the  date  of 
acquisition.  Any  difference  between  the  carrying  amount  of  the 
facility  and  the  net  market  value  of  the  assets  acquired  is 
represented as an individually assessed provision or written off. 
AATSE  are  further  classified  as  Other  Real  Estate  Owned 
(“OREO”)  or  Other  Assets  Acquired  Through  Security 
Enforcement (“OAATSE”) and classified in the appropriate asset 
classifications in the balance sheet. 

Impairment of loans, advances and other receivables 

There has been a change in the recognition and measurement 
of  impairment  of  loans,  advances  and  other  receivables  as 
explained in Note 1(n) Provisions for impairment. 

(ii) Change in accounting policy 

Under AASB 139, loans are measured at amortised cost using 
the effective interest rate method. 

As explained in Note 1(n), the Group has individually assessed 
provisions  and  collective  provisions  for  impairment.  In  addition, 
the  measurement  and  recognition  of  those  provisions  has 
changed, which is also explained in Note 1(n). 

The change in measurement has been applied from 1 July 2005. 
Under AASB 127 and UIG 112 certain special purpose vehicles 
used for the securitisation of loans and receivables by the Group 
are  consolidated  under  AIFRS,  which  has  resulted  in  an 
increase in loans, advances and other receivables. 

The change in  recognition  associated  with AASB  127  and  UIG 
112 has been applied retrospectively from 1 July 2004. 

(m) Leasing  

The  adoption  of  AASB  117  Leases  has  not  had  a  significant 
impact on the recognition, measurement or disclosure of leases.  

The changes are minimal except and so far as leveraged leases 
that  were  ‘grandfathered  leveraged  leases’  are  now  measured 
and disclosed as finance leases. For further details, refer to the 
change in accounting policy below. 

(i) Current accounting policy 

Leases where the Group transfers substantially all the risks and 
rewards incident to ownership of an asset to the lessee or a third 
party are classified as finance leases. A receivable at an amount 
equal to the present value of the lease payments, including any 
guaranteed residual value, is recognised. 

Under  AASB  139,  financial  assets  previously  classified  as 
investment  securities  have  predominantly  been  reclassified  to 
Available-for-sale  investments  and  Loans,  advances  and  other 
receivables. 

Investment securities which were previously recognised at cost 
or amortised cost have been restated to fair value. Changes in 
fair value have been included as a separate component of equity 
(available-for-sale  revaluation  reserve)  until  sale  or  impairment 
when the cumulative gain or loss is transferred to profit and loss. 
The change in measurement has been applied from 1 July 2005. 

(k) Repurchase agreements 

There is no material change in accounting policy. 

Securities  sold  under  agreements  to  repurchase  are  retained 
within  the  Available-for-sale investments or Assets  at  fair value 
for 
through 
accordingly in line with Note 1 (j) and (i) respectively.  

Income  Statement  categories  and  accounted 

Liability accounts are used to record the obligation to repurchase 
and  disclosed  as  Deposits.  Securities  held  under  reverse 
repurchase  agreements  are  recorded  within  Cash  and  liquid 
assets. 

(l) Loans, advances and other receivables 

The adoption of AASB 127, AASB 132, AASB 139 and UIG 112 
has  had  a  substantial  impact  on  the  recognition,  measurement 
and disclosure of those financial instruments classified as loans, 
advances  and  other  receivables.  Additional  entities  have  been 
consolidated  into  the  Group,  refer  to  Note  1(c)  Consolidation, 
which has  resulted in  recognition  of  additional loans, advances 
and other receivables. For further details, refer to the change in 
accounting policy below. 

(i) Current accounting policy 

Loans, advances and other receivables are financial assets with 
fixed  and  determinable  payments  that  are  not  quoted  in  an 
active market.  

term 

finance 

lending, 

They  include  overdrafts,  home  loans,  credit  card  and  other 
personal 
financing,  redeemable 
loans,  bill 
leases.  Loans, 
preference  shares,  securities  and 
advances  and  other  receivables  are  initially  recognised  at  fair 
value  including  direct  and  incremental  transaction  costs.  They 
are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest  method.  Where  loans,  advances  and  other  receivables 
are  originated  with  the  intent  to  be  sold  immediately  or  in  the 
short  term,  they  are  recorded  in  Assets  at  fair  value  through 
Income Statement. 

Note  1(d)  and  Note  1(n)  provide  additional  information  with 
respect to revenue recognition and impairment respectively.  

Non Performing Facilities 

Individual  provisions  for  impairment  are  recognised  to  reduce 
the  carrying  amount  of  loans  and  advances  to  their  estimated 
recoverable  amounts.  Individually  significant  provisions  are 
calculated based on discounted cash flows. 

The  unwinding  of  the  discount  from  initial  recognition  of 
impairment  through  to  recovery  of  the  written  down  amount  is 
recognised as interest income. In subsequent periods, interest in 
arrears/due on non performing facilities is taken to profit and loss 
when a cash payment is received/realised and the amount is not 
designated as a principal payment.  

84     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

AASB 117 requires income on finance lease transactions to be 
recognised on a basis reflecting a constant periodic return based 
on  the  lessor’s  net  investment  outstanding  in  respect  of  the 
finance lease. 

The  difference  between  the  gross  receivable  and  the  present 
value  of  the  receivable  is  unearned  finance  income  and  is 
recognised over the term of the lease using the effective interest 
method.  Finance  lease  receivables  are  included  in  loans, 
advances and other receivables. 

Leases  where  the  Group  retains  substantially  all  the  risk  and 
rewards  incident  to  ownership  of  an  asset  are  classified  as 
operating leases. 

Operating  lease  rental  revenue  and  expense  is  recognised  in 
profit and loss on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The 
Group  classifies  assets  leased  out  under  operating  leases  as 
property,  plant  and  equipment.  These  assets  are  depreciated 
over their expected useful lives on a basis consistent with similar 
fixed assets. 

(ii) Change in accounting policy 

Previously,  only  leveraged  leases  with  a  lease  term  beginning 
from  1  July  1999  were  accounted  for  as  finance  leases  with 
income  brought  to  account  progressively  over  the  lease  term. 
With  the  adoption  of  AASB  117  Leases,  all  leveraged  leases, 
including  those  written  prior  to  1  July  1999  are  now  measured 
and disclosed as finance leases. 

(n) Provisions for impairment 

The  adoption  of  AASB  139  Financial  Instruments:  Recognition 
and Measurement and AASB 136 Impairment of Assets has had 
a  substantial  impact  on  the  measurement  and  recognition  of 
impairment  of  financial  and  non-financial  assets.  For  further 
details, refer to the change in accounting policy below. 

(i) Current accounting policy 

Financial assets 

Financial  assets,  excluding  derivative  assets  and  assets  at  fair 
value through Income Statement, are reviewed at each balance 
sheet  date  to  determine  whether  there  is  objective  evidence  of 
impairment.  A  financial  asset  or  portfolio  of  financial  assets  is 
impaired and impairment losses are incurred if, and only if, there 
is  objective  evidence  of  impairment  as  a  result  of  one  or  more 
loss events that occurred after the initial recognition of the asset 
and prior to the balance sheet date (“a loss event”) and that loss 
event or events has had an impact on the estimated future cash 
flows  of  the  financial  asset  or  the  portfolio  that  can  be  reliably 
estimated.  If  any  such  indication  exists,  the  asset’s  carrying 
amount  is  written  down  to  the  asset’s  estimated  recoverable 
amount. 

Loans, advances and other receivables  

The Group assesses at each balance date whether there is any 
objective evidence of impairment.  

If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss on loans, 
advances and other receivables has been incurred, the amount 
of  the  loss  is  measured  as  the  difference  between  the  asset’s 
carrying  amount  and  the  present  value  of  the  expected  future 
cash  flows  (excluding  future  credit  losses  that  have  not  been 
incurred),  discounted  at  the  financial  asset’s  original  effective 
interest rate. Short-term balances are not discounted. 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Loans  and  advances  are  presented  net  of  provisions  for  loan 
impairment.  The  Group  has  Individually  assessed  provisions 
and  Collectively  assessed  provisions.  Individually  assessed 
provisions  are  made  against  individually  significant  financial 
assets  and  those  that  are  not  individually  significant,  including 
groups of financial assets with similar credit risk characteristics.  

All  other  loans  and  advances  that  do  not  have  an  individually 
assessed  provision  are  assessed  collectively  for  impairment. 
Collective  provisions  are  maintained  to  reduce  the  carrying 
amount  of  portfolios  of  similar  loans  and  advances  to  their 
estimated recoverable amounts at the balance sheet date.  

The  expected  future  cash  flows  for  portfolios  of  assets  with 
similar risk characteristics are estimated on the basis of historical 
loss  experience.  Loss  experience  is  adjusted  on  the  basis  of 
current  observable  data  to  reflect 
the  effects  of  current 
conditions  that  did  not  affect  the  period  on  which  the  loss 
experience  is  based  and  to  remove  the  effects  of  conditions  in 
the period that do not currently exist. Increases or decreases in 
the provision amount are recognised in the profit and loss. 

Available-for-sale investments  

When  a  decline  in  the  fair  value  of  an  available-for-sale 
investment  has  been  recognised  directly  in  equity  and  there  is 
objective evidence that the asset is impaired, the cumulative loss 
that  had  been  recognised  directly  in  equity  (refer  Note  1(j))  is 
removed from equity and recognised in the profit and loss. 

If in a subsequent period the amount of an impairment loss for 
an available-for-sale debt security decreases and the decrease 
can  be  linked  objectively  to  an  event  occurring  after  the 
impairment event, the impairment is reversed through profit and 
loss.  However,  impairment  losses  on  available-for-sale  equity 
securities are not reversed while the asset is still recognised. 

Goodwill and other non-financial assets 

Goodwill balances and intangible assets with an indefinite useful 
life are assessed for impairment at each reporting date or more 
regularly where an indication of impairment exists. Please refer 
to  Note  1(t)  Intangibles  for  more  details  on  goodwill  and 
intangibles impairment testing. If any such indication exists, the 
asset’s carrying amount is written down to the asset’s estimated 
recoverable amount and the loss is recognised in the profit and 
loss in the period in which it occurs. 

The carrying amounts of the Group’s other non-financial assets 
are reviewed at each balance sheet date to determine whether 
there  is  any  indication  of  impairment.  If  any  such  indication 
exists, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. 

The recoverable amount of an asset or cash generating unit can 
be the greater of the fair value less cost to sell, or value in use. 
The  Group’s  policy  is  to  use  the  fair  value  less  costs  to  sell  in 
assessing 
is 
recognised  whenever  the  carrying  amount  of  an  asset  or  its 
cash-generating  unit  exceeds 
recoverable  amount. 
Impairment losses are recognised in the profit and loss. 

recoverable  amount.  An 

impairment 

loss 

its 

A previously recognised impairment loss (except for goodwill) is 
reversed  if  there  has  been  a  change  in  the  estimates  used  to 
determine the recoverable amount. However, the reversal is not 
to an amount higher than the carrying amount that would have 
been  determined,  net  of  amortisation  or  depreciation,  if  no 
impairment loss had been recognised in prior years. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     85 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

Off-balance sheet items 

Under  AASB  137  Provisions,  Contingent  Liabilities  and 
Contingent  Assets,  provisions  for  impairment  on  off-balance 
sheet  items  such  as  a  commitment  are  reported  in  other 
provisions.  Measurement  of  provisions  is  discussed  further  in 
Note 1(aa) Provisions. 

The amounts required to bring the provisions for impairment to 
their assessed levels are charged to profit and loss. 

(ii) Change in accounting policy 

Under  previous  AGAAP  and  in  line  with  market  practice,  the 
Group’s general provision for bad debts was maintained to cover 
non  identified  probable  losses  and  latent  risks  inherent  in  the 
overall portfolio of advances and other credit transactions. 

These assets are brought to account at fair value when impaired 
and  a  provision  is  raised  as  per  Note  1(n)  Provisions  for 
impairment. 

(q) Investment property 

The adoption of AASB 116 Property, Plant and Equipment, and 
AASB 140, Investment Property, have not had a material impact 
on  the  recognition  and  measurement  of  these  assets.  There 
have,  however,  been  some  disclosure  changes  in  relation  to 
investment  property.  For  further  details,  refer  to  the  change  in 
accounting policy below. 

(i) Current accounting policy 

Investment  properties  are  classified  as  properties  held  to  earn 
rental income and/or for capital appreciation.  

Under  AIFRS,  the  Group  recognises  impairment  provisions  in 
respect of only those advances and credit transactions for which 
there  is  objective  evidence  of  impairment  as  at  each  balance 
sheet date. 

The Group carries investment properties at fair value based on a 
valuation  performed  by  professional  valuers.  Valuations  are 
carried  out  annually.  Fair  value  movements  are  taken  to  the 
profit and loss in the year in which they arise. 

As  a  result  of  this  change,  there  has  been  a  reduction  in  the 
amount of the Bank’s collective provisioning for impaired loans. 

Investment  properties  are  separately  disclosed  on  the  face  of 
the balance sheet and in the notes to the financial statements. 

Specific  provisions  are  now  known  as  individually  assessed 
provisions  and  are  established  where  objective  evidence  of 
impairment has been identified via an individual assessment of a 
financial asset or group of financial assets.  

Individually significant provisions are assessed as the difference 
between  an  asset’s  carrying  amount  and  the  present  value  of 
estimated  future  cash  flows  discounted  at  the  asset’s  original 
effective interest rate.  

Loans and advances that do not have an individually assessed 
provision are assessed collectively for impairment. 

The  transitional  provisions  for  loan  impairment  resulted  in 
adjustments  to  existing  provisions  being  taken  to  Retained 
Profits. 

The difference between the post-tax equivalents of the previous 
general  provision  and  the  new  collective  provision  has  been 
appropriated from Retained Profits to a separate component of 
equity - General Reserve for Credit Loss. 

(o) Bank acceptances of customers 

There is no change in accounting policy. 

The  exposure  arising  from  the  acceptance  of  bills  of  exchange 
that are sold into the market is brought to account as a liability. 
An  asset  of  equal  value  is  raised  to  reflect  the  offsetting  claim 
against  the  drawer  of  the  bill.  Bank  acceptances  generate  fee 
income that is taken to profit and loss when earned. 

(p) Shares in and loans to controlled entities 

There has been no substantial change in accounting policy. 

Shares  in  controlled  entities  are  carried  in  the  Bank’s  financial 
statements  at  the  lower  of  cost  of  acquisition  or  recoverable 
amount,  and  loans  to  controlled  entities  are  measured  at 
amortised cost using the effective interest method.  

(ii) Change in accounting policy 

Investment properties were previously included within Property, 
Plant  and  Equipment  and  are  now  separately  disclosed  on  the 
face  of  the  balance  sheet  and  in  the  notes  to  the  financial 
statements. 

The changes in disclosure have been applied from 1 July 2005. 

(r) Assets classified as held for sale 

The adoption of AASB 5, Non-Current Assets Held for Sale and 
Discontinued  Operations,  and  AASB  116,  Property,  Plant  and 
Equipment,  have  not  had  a  material  impact  on  the  recognition 
and  measurement  of  these  assets.  There  have  been  some 
disclosure  changes  in  relation  to  assets  classified  as  held  for 
sale. For further details, refer to the change in accounting policy 
below. 

(i) Current accounting policy 

Assets  are  classified  as  held  for  sale  when  their  carrying 
amounts  will  be  recovered  principally  through  sale  within  12 
months. They are measured at the lower of carrying amount and 
fair  value  less  costs  to  sell  and  if  material  are  disclosed 
separately on the face of the balance sheet. 

Assets  classified  as  held  for  sale  are  neither  amortised  nor 
depreciated. 

(ii) Change in accounting policy 

Assets classified as held for sale were previously included within 
Property,  Plant  and  Equipment  and  if  material  are  now 
separately disclosed on the face of the balance sheet and in the 
notes to the financial statements. 

The changes in disclosure have been applied from 1 July 2005. 

86     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

(s) Property, Plant and Equipment 

The adoption of AASB 5, Non-Current Assets Held for Sale and 
Discontinued  Operations,  AASB  116,  Property,  Plant  and 
Equipment, and AASB 140, Investment Property have not had a 
material  impact  on  the  recognition  and  measurement  of  these 
assets. There have been some disclosure changes in relation to 
investment  property  and  assets  classified  as  held  for  sale.  For 
further details, refer to the change in accounting policy below. 

(i) Current accounting policy 

The Group measures its property assets (land and buildings) on 
a 
is  based  upon 
independent market valuations.  

fair  value  measurement  basis  which 

Adjustments  arising  from  revaluation  are  generally  reflected  in 
the  Asset  Revaluation  Reserve,  except  to  the  extent  they 
reverse  a  revaluation  decrease  of  the  same  asset  previously 
recognised in profit  and loss.  Gains or losses  on  disposals are 
the  net  disposal 
determined  as 
proceeds, if any, and the carrying amount of the item. Realised 
amounts in the Asset Revaluation Reserve are transferred to the 
Capital Reserve. 

the  difference  between 

Equipment  is  measured  at  cost  less  accumulated  depreciation 
and  provision  for  impairment,  if  any.  Depreciation  is  calculated 
principally  on  a  category  basis  at  rates  applicable  to  each 
category’s useful life using the straight-line method and treated 
as  an  operating  expense  charged  to  profit  and  loss.  The 
amounts charged for the year are shown in Note 2 Profit. 

Computer  software  is  capitalised  at  cost  and  classified  as 
Property, Plant and Equipment where it is deemed integral to the 
operation of associated hardware. 

The  useful  lives  of  major  depreciable  asset  categories  are  as 
follows: 

Buildings 

Shell 

Integral plant and equipment: 

Carpets 

All other (air-conditioning, lifts) 

Non integral plant and equipment: 

Maximum 30 years 

10 years 

20 years 

Fixtures and fittings 

10 years 

Leasehold improvements 

Leasehold improvements 

Equipment 

Security surveillance systems 

Furniture 

Office machinery 

EFTPOS machines 

Lesser  of  unexpired 
lease term or lives as 
above 

7 years 

8 years 

5 years 

3 years 

Depreciation  rates  and  methods  underlying  the  calculation  of 
depreciation of items of property, plant and equipment are kept 
under review to take account of any change in circumstances. 

No  depreciation  is  charged  on  freehold  land,  although,  in 
common  with  all  long-lived  assets,  it  is  subject  to  impairment 
testing, if deemed appropriate. 

Property,  plant  and  equipment  are  periodically  reviewed  for 
impairment.  Where  the  carrying  amount  of  an  asset  is  greater 
than  its  estimated  recoverable  amount,  it  is  written  down 
immediately through profit and loss to its recoverable amount. 

Where  the  Group  expects  the  carrying  amount  of  assets  held 
within property, plant and equipment to be recovered principally 
through a sale transaction in the short-term rather than through 
continuing use, these assets are classified as held for sale. 

(ii) Change in accounting policy 

Under  AASB  116  Property,  Plant  and  Equipment,  property 
revaluations  were  previously  recognised  on  a  class  of  asset 
basis where increments and decrements are offset against each 
other  when  they  relate  to  the  same  class  of  assets.  Under 
increments  or  decrements  are 
AIFRS,  net  cumulative 
determined at the level of each individual asset. This has led to 
revaluation amounts that were previously offset being allocated 
back to assets. 

Investment  properties  and  assets  classified  as  held  for  sale 
previously  included  within  property,  plant  and  equipment  have 
been  split  out  and  if  material,  are  separately  disclosed  on  the 
face  of  the  balance  sheet  and  in  the  notes  to  the  financial 
statements.  For  further  details  refer  to  Note  1(q)  and  Note  1(r) 
on  Investment  property  and  assets  classified  as  held  for  sale 
respectively. 

Previously, realised amounts in the Asset Revaluation Reserve 
were transferred to the Capital Reserve, but are now transferred 
to Retained Profits. 

The changes in disclosure have been applied from 1 July 2004. 

(t) Intangibles 

The  adoption  of  AASB  138  Intangible  Assets  has  had  a 
substantial 
the  recognition,  measurement  and 
disclosure of intangibles. For further details, refer to the change 
in accounting policy below. 

impact  on 

(i) Current accounting policy 

Goodwill  

Goodwill,  representing  the  excess  of  purchase  consideration 
plus incidental expenses over the fair value of the identifiable net 
assets  at  the  time  of  acquisition  of  an  entity,  is  capitalised  and 
brought to account in the balance sheet. 

Goodwill  is  reviewed  annually  for  impairment  at  each  reporting 
date,  or more frequently  if  events  or changes in circumstances 
indicate  that  it  might  be  impaired.  For  the  purposes  of 
impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units 
or  groups  of  units.  A  cash-generating  unit  is  the  smallest 
identifiable  group  of  assets  that  generate  independent  cash 
flows.  Goodwill  is  allocated  by  the  Group  to  cash  generating 
units or groups of units based on how goodwill is monitored by 
management. 

An  impairment  loss  is  recognised  for  a  cash-generating  unit  if 
the recoverable amount of the unit/group of units is less than the 
carrying  amount  of  the  unit/group  of  units.  The  recoverable 
amount  of  the  cash-generating  units  is  calculated  as  the  fair 
value less costs to sell, measured using readily available market 
data  and  assumptions.  Impairment  losses  on  goodwill  are  not 
subsequently reversed. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     87 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

Gains  and  losses  on  the  disposal  of  an  entity  are  net  of  the 
carrying amount of the goodwill relating to the entity. 

Under AASB 138, the acquired component of any excess of the 
net  market  value  over  net  assets  of  the  Group’s  life  insurance 
controlled entities is classified as goodwill. 

Computer software costs  

Where  computer  software  costs  are  not  integrally  related  to 
associated  hardware,  the  Group  recognises  them  as  an 
intangible  asset  where  they  are  clearly  identifiable,  can  be 
reliably  measured  and  it  is  probable  they  will  lead  to  future 
economic benefits that the Group controls. 

The  Group  carries  capitalised  software  assets  at  cost  less 
amortisation and any impairment losses.  

These assets are amortised over their estimated useful lives on 
a  straight-line  basis  which  is  usually  2½  years.  Software 
maintenance costs continue to be expensed as incurred. 

Any  impairment  loss  is  recognised  in  the  profit  and  loss  when 
incurred. 

Other Intangibles 

Other intangibles comprise acquired management fee rights and 
customer lists where they are clearly identifiable, can be reliably 
measured  and  where  it  is  probable  they  will  lead  to  future 
economic benefits that the Group controls. 

The  Group  carries  capitalised  management  fee  rights  and 
customer  lists  at  cost  less  amortisation  and  any  impairment 
losses. These assets are either deemed to have indefinite lives 
and  assessed  annually  for  impairment,  or  are  amortised  over 
their  estimated  useful  lives  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  ten 
years. 

Any  impairment  loss  is  recognised  in  the  profit  and  loss  when 
incurred. 

(ii) Change in accounting policy 

Under AASB 138, goodwill is no longer required to be amortised, 
but  is  subject  to  an  annual  impairment  test,  or  more  frequent 
tests if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might 
be impaired. On transition, goodwill is included on the basis of its 
deemed  cost  as  at  1  July  2004  which  represents  the  carrying 
amount recorded under previous AGAAP. 

The  AIFRS  standards  have  not  been  applied  retrospectively  to 
business  combinations  that  occurred  prior  to  1  July  2004  in 
preparing  the  Group’s  opening  AIFRS  balance  sheet  at  1  July 
2005.  The  only  adjustment  made  to  goodwill  has  been  the 
recognition  of  other  separately  identifiable  intangible  assets  for 
capitalised management fee rights and customer lists. 

Computer  software  costs  were  previously  included  in  Other 
assets, but have either been reclassified to intangible assets or 
property, plant and equipment. 

Under  AASB  138  the  asset  representing  the  excess  of  the  net 
market  value  over  net  assets  of  the  Group’s  life  insurance 
controlled  entities  can  no  longer  be  recognised  in  full.  The 
acquired  component  has  been  reclassified  to  goodwill  and  the 
write  off  of  the  internally  generated  component  has  been 
reflected  on  transition  at  1  July  2004  against  the  General 
Reserve.  For  further  details,  refer  to  Note  1(hh)  Life  Insurance 
Business. 

88     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

(u) Other Assets 

The  adoption  of  AASB  132,  AASB  138  and  AASB  1038  Life 
Insurance  Contracts,  has  resulted  in  the  reclassification  of 
derivative  assets,  computer  software  costs  and  the  asset 
representing the excess of the net market value of net assets of 
the Group’s life insurance controlled entities. For further details, 
refer to the change in accounting policy below. 

(i) Current accounting policy 

Other  assets  include  all  other  financial  assets  and  include 
interest,  fees  and  other  unrealised  income  receivable,  and 
securities  sold  not  delivered.  These  assets are  recorded  at  the 
cash value to be realised when settled. 

The  net  surpluses  or  deficits  that  arise  within  defined  benefit 
superannuation  plans  are  recognised  and  disclosed  separately 
in other assets and bills payable and other liabilities. As the bank 
carries a net surplus, no funding of the Australian defined benefit 
superannuation  plan  is  required,  therefore  the  related  expense 
has been treated as a non cash item. 

(ii) Change in accounting policy 

Capitalised  computer  software  costs  have  been  reclassified  to 
Intangible  assets. Trading  derivatives have been  reclassified  to 
Derivative assets. 

Under  AASB  138  the  asset  representing  the  excess  of  the  net 
market  value  over  net  assets  of  the  Group’s  life  insurance 
controlled entities can no longer be recognised in full.  

The acquired component has been reclassified to goodwill and 
the  write  off  of  the  internally  generated  component  has  been 
reflected  on  transition  at  1  July  2004  against  the  General 
Reserve.  For  further  details,  refer  to  Note  1(hh)  Life  Insurance 
Business. 

Under  AASB  119,  the  surplus  within  the  defined  benefit 
superannuation plan has been recognised and disclosed within 
other  assets.  The  change  in  measurement  has  been  applied 
retrospectively from 1 July 2004. 

(v) Deposits from Customers  

The  adoption  of  AASB  132  and  AASB  139  has  not  had  a 
substantial impact on deposits and other public borrowings. The 
changes  relate  to  measurement  and  recognition.  For  further 
details, refer to the change in accounting policy below. 

(i) Current accounting policy 

Deposits  and  other  public  borrowings  includes  certificates  of 
deposits,  term  deposits,  savings  deposits,  cheque  and  other 
demand deposits, debentures and other funds raised publicly by 
borrowing  corporations.  They  are  brought  to  account  at  fair 
value including directly attributable transaction costs at inception. 
Deposits and other public borrowings are subsequently stated at 
amortised cost. Interest and yield related fees are taken to profit 
and loss based on the effective interest method when incurred.  

Where  the  Group  has  hedged  the  deposits  with  derivative 
instruments,  hedge  accounting  rules  are  applied  (refer  to  Note 
1(ff) Derivative financial instruments). 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

(ii) Change in accounting policy 

(ii) Change in accounting policy 

Interest and yield related fees are taken to profit and loss based 
on  the  effective  interest  method  when  incurred,  whereas 
previously  interest  was  taken  to  profit  and  loss  on  an  accrual 
basis  when incurred.  There  has  been  no substantial change in 
the carrying value of deposits and other public borrowings as a 
result of this change. 

The change has been applied from 1 July 2005. 

(w) Payables to other financial institutions 

The  adoption  of  AASB  132  and  AASB  139  has  not  had  a 
substantial impact on payables to other financial institutions. The 
changes  relate  to  measurement  and  recognition.  For  further 
details, refer to the change in accounting policy below. 

(i) Current accounting policy 

Payables  to  other  financial  institutions  include  deposits,  vostro 
balances and settlement account balances due to other banks. 
They  are  brought  to  account  at  fair  value  including  directly 
attributable transaction costs at inception.  

financial 

to  other 

Payables 
institutions  are  subsequently 
recognised at amortised cost. Interest and yield related fees are 
taken to profit and loss using the effective interest method when 
incurred.  

Where  the  Group  has  stated  the  payables  to  other  financial 
institutions  at  fair  value  through  the  Income  Statement,  the 
changes in fair value are reported in profit and loss (refer Note 1 
(x) Liabilities at Fair Value through Income Statement). 

(ii) Change in accounting policy 

Interest and yield related fees are taken to profit and loss based 
on  the  effective  interest  method,  whereas  previously  interest 
was taken to profit and loss on an accrual basis. There has been 
no substantial change in the carrying value of Payables to other 
financial institutions as a result of this change. 

The liabilities are measured at fair value plus directly attributable 
transaction costs at inception. They are subsequently measured 
at  amortised  cost.  They  were  previously  carried  at  the  gross 
value of the outstanding balance. The change has been applied 
from 1 July 2005. 

(x) Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement 

“Liabilities  at  fair  value  through  Income  Statement”  is  a  new 
class  of  financial  liabilities  under  AASB  139.  There  is  a 
the  recognition,  measurement  and 
substantial  change 
disclosure  of  these  liabilities.  For  further  details,  refer  to  the 
change in accounting policy below. 

in 

(i) Current accounting policy 

The Group designates certain liabilities as at fair value through 
Income  Statement  on  origination  where  those  liabilities  are 
managed  on  a  fair  value  basis.  Changes  in  the  fair  value  of 
liabilities  through  the  Income  Statement  are  reported  in  profit 
and  loss.  For  quoted  liabilities,  quoted  offer  prices  are  used  to 
measure  fair  value.  Quoted  mid  prices  are  used  to  measure 
liabilities  at  fair  value  through  Income  Statement  with  offsetting 
risk positions in a portfolio at fair value. For non-market quoted 
liabilities,  fair  values  have  been  determined  using  valuation 
techniques. 

financial 

Under  AASB  139,  certain 
that  were 
predominantly  disclosed  as  deposits  from  customers  and  debt 
issues  at  amortised  cost  under  previous  AGAAP,  are  now 
reclassified to liabilities at fair value through Income Statement. 
The change in measurement has been applied from 1 July 2005. 

liabilities 

(y) Income taxes 

The  adoption  of  AASB  112  Income  Taxes  and  UIG  1052  Tax 
Consolidation  Accounting  has  had  an 
the 
measurement  and  disclosure  of  income  taxes  of  the  tax-
consolidated Group, and thus, of various members of the Group. 
For  further  details,  refer  to  the  change  in  accounting  policy 
below. 

impact  on 

(i) Current accounting policy 

Income  tax  on  the  profit  and  loss  for  the  period  comprises 
current and deferred tax.  

Income tax is recognised in profit and loss, except to the extent 
that it relates to items recognised directly to equity, in which case 
it is recognised in equity. 

Current tax  is  the expected  tax  payable on  the taxable income 
for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantially enacted at 
the  balance  sheet  date,  and  any  adjustment  to  tax  payable  in 
respect of previous years. 

Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method, 
providing 
the  carrying 
temporary  differences  between 
amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes 
and the amounts used for taxation purposes.  

for 

The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected 
manner  of  realisation  or  settlement  of  the  carrying  amount  of 
assets  and  liabilities,  using  tax  rates  enacted  or  substantially 
enacted  at  the  balance  sheet  date  and  are  expected  to  apply 
when  the  deferred  tax  asset  is  realised  or  the  deferred  tax 
liability is settled. 

A  deferred  tax  asset  is  recognised  only  to  the  extent  it  is 
probable  that  future  taxable  profits  will  be  available  against 
which the asset can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reduced 
to  the  extent  that  it  is  no  longer  probable  that  the  related  tax 
benefit will be realised. 

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia elected to be taxed as a 
single entity under the tax consolidation system with effect from 
1 July 2002.  

The Bank has formally notified the Australian Taxation Office of 
its  adoption  of  the  tax  consolidation  regime.  In  addition  to  the 
Bank  electing  to  be  taxed  as  a  single  entity  under  the  tax 
consolidation  regime,  the  measurement  and  disclosure  of 
deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  has  been  performed  in 
accordance with the principles in AASB 112, and on a modified 
stand alone basis under UIG 1052. 

Any  current  tax  liabilities/assets  (after  the  elimination  of  intra-
group transactions) and deferred tax assets arising from unused 
tax losses assumed by the Bank from the subsidiaries in the tax 
consolidated  group  are  recognised  in  conjunction  with  any  tax 
funding  arrangement  amounts  (refer  below).  Any  difference 
between these amounts is recognised by the Bank as an equity 
contribution to or distribution from the subsidiary. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     89 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

The  Bank  recognises  deferred  tax  assets  arising  from  unused 
tax  losses  of  the  tax-consolidated  group  to  the  extent  that  it  is 
probable that future taxable profits of the tax-consolidated group 
will be available against which the asset can be utilised. 

Any  subsequent  period  adjustments  to  deferred  tax  assets 
arising  from  unused  tax  losses  assumed  from  subsidiaries  are 
recognised by the Bank only. 

The members of the tax-consolidated group have entered into a 
tax funding arrangement which sets out the funding obligations 
of  members  of  the  tax-consolidated  group  in  respect  of  tax 
amounts.  

(ii) Change in accounting policy 

A “balance sheet” approach to tax-effect accounting is followed 
under  AIFRS,  replacing  the  previous  “liability  method”.  This 
approach  recognises  deferred  tax  balances  when  there  is  a 
difference between the carrying value of an asset or liability and 
its  tax  base.  Also,  unused  tax  losses  are  now  recognised  as 
deferred  tax  assets  to  the  extent  that  it  is  probable  that  future 
taxable  profits  will  be  available,  whereas  previously  the  tax 
losses  had  to  be  virtually  certain  of  being  utilised.  As  at  1  July 
2004  these  changes  in  approach  did  not  result  in  any  material 
adjustment  to  Shareholders’  Equity  other  than  as  a  result  of 
other AIFRS transition adjustments. 

In addition, deferred tax assets and liabilities are now separately 
the  Balance  Sheet.  Additional 
disclosed  on 
disclosures  have  been  provided  in  the  notes  to  the  financial 
statements. 

face  of 

the 

(z) Employee benefits 

The  adoption  of  AASB  119  Employee  Benefits  and  AASB  2 
Share-based  Payments,  have  had  a  substantial  impact  on  the 
recognition,  measurement,  and  disclosure  of  net  surpluses 
and/or  deficits  of  defined  benefit  superannuation  plans.  For 
further details, refer to the change in accounting policy below. 

(i) Current accounting policy 

Annual leave 

The  provision 
outstanding liability to employees at balance sheet date. 

for  annual 

represents 

leave 

the  current 

Long service leave 

The provision for long service leave is discounted to the present 
value, is subject to actuarial review and is maintained at a level 
that accords with actuarial advice. 

Other employee benefits 

The  provision  for  other  employee  entitlements  represents 
liabilities for staff housing loan benefits, a subsidy to a registered 
health  fund  with  respect  to  retired  employees  and  current 
employees,  and  employee  incentives  under  employee  share 
plans and bonus schemes. 

level  of 

The 
accordance with the requirements of AASB 119. 

these  provisions  has  been  determined 

in 

Under  AASB  2  Share-based  Payments,  the  Group  engages  in 
equity settled share-based compensation in respect of services 
received  from  certain  of  its  employees.  The  fair  value  of  the 
share-based  compensation  is  calculated  at  grant  date  and 
amortised  to  profit  and  loss  against  the  Equity  Compensation 
Reserve  over  the  vesting  period,  subject  to  service  and 
performance conditions being met. 

90     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

When  allocating  share-based  payments,  the  Bank  purchases 
shares  on  market  and  recognises  them  at  cost  as  a  deduction 
from Share Capital (Treasury Shares). On settlement the shares 
are  issued  and  recognised  against  the  Equity  Compensation 
Reserve. 

Defined benefit superannuation plan 

currently 

The  Group 
two  defined  benefit 
sponsors 
superannuation  plans  for  its  employees.  The  assets  and 
liabilities  of  these  plans  are  legally  held  in  separate  trustee-
administered  funds.  They  are  calculated  separately  for  each 
plan by assessing the fair value of plan assets and deducting the 
amount  of  future  benefit  that  employees  have  earned  in  return 
for  their  service  in  current  and  prior  periods  discounted  to 
present  value.  The  discount  rate  is  the  yield  at  balance  sheet 
date  on  government  securities  which  have  terms  to  maturity 
approximating  to  the  terms  of  the  related  liability.  The  defined 
benefit  superannuation  plan  surpluses  and/or  deficits  are 
calculated by fund actuaries. Contributions to all superannuation 
plans are made in accordance with the rules of the plans. As the 
Australian plan is in surplus, no funding is currently necessary.  

losses 

related 

Actuarial  gains  and 
to  defined  benefit 
superannuation  plans  are  directly  recorded  in  Retained  Profits. 
The  net  surpluses  or  deficits  that  arise  within  defined  benefit 
superannuation  plans  are  recognised  and  disclosed  separately 
in Other assets and Bills payable and other liabilities. 

Defined contribution superannuation plan 

The  Group  sponsors  a  number  of  defined  contribution 
superannuation plans. Certain plans permit employees to make 
contributions and earn matching or other contributions from the 
Group. The Group recognises contributions due in respect of the 
accounting period in the profit and loss. Any contributions unpaid 
at the balance sheet date are included as a liability. 

Superannuation plan expense 

Under  AIFRS,  an  additional  non-cash  expense  is  recognised 
reflecting  the  accrual  accounting  charge  to  profit  and  loss 
associated with defined benefit superannuation plans. 

(ii) Change in accounting policy 

The  Group  sponsors  two  defined  benefit  superannuation  plans 
on behalf of its employees. Previously, the net surpluses and/or 
deficits  of  these  plans  were  not  included  in  the  financial 
statements. 

Under  AASB  119,  the  surpluses  or  deficits  that  arise  within 
defined  benefit  superannuation  plans  are  recognised  and 
disclosed separately in Other assets and Bills payable and other 
liabilities.  From  1  July  2004,  the  actuarial  gains  and  losses 
relating to defined benefit superannuation plans are recorded in 
Retained profits. On transition to AIFRS, the comparative period 
beginning  1  July  2004  recorded  an  opening  Retained  profits 
adjustment where an additional non-cash expense is recognised 
reflecting  the  accrual  accounting  charge  to  profit  and  loss 
associated with defined benefit superannuation plans.  

Under  previous  AGAAP,  the  Bank  accrued  all  share-based 
compensation on a cost basis and amortised it to expense over 
the vesting period where there were performance hurdles to be 
met.  Shares  in  the  Bank  were  purchased  by  a  Trust  when  the 
shares were granted and held until they vested to the employee. 
Under AASB 2, AASB 119 and AASB 132 the fair value of the 
share-based  compensation  is  calculated  at  grant  date  and 
amortised to the profit and loss over the vesting period, subject 
to service and performance conditions being met.  

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

Shares  in  the  Bank  held  by  the  Trust  are  consolidated, 
reclassified  as  ‘Treasury  Shares’  and  accounted  for  as  a 
deduction from Share Capital. 

(aa) Provisions 

The adoption of AASB 137 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and 
Contingent  Assets  has  not  had  any  material  impact  on 
provisions. 

(i) Current accounting policy 

A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when the Group 
has a legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, 
and where it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will 
be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate of the 
amount of the obligation can be made. 

Provision for dividend 

For  further  details,  refer  to  the  change  in  accounting  policy 
below. 

(i) Current accounting policy 

Debt  issues  are  short  and  long  term  debt  issues  of  the  Group 
including commercial paper, notes, term loans and medium term 
notes.  Commercial  paper,  floating,  fixed  and  structured  debt 
issues are recorded at cost or amortised cost using the effective 
interest  method.  Premiums,  discounts  and  associated  issue 
expenses  are  recognised  using  the  effective  interest  method 
through  profit  and  loss  from  the  date  of  issue  to  ensure  that 
securities attain their redemption values by maturity date. 

Interest  is  charged  against  profit  and  loss  using  the  effective 
interest method when incurred. Any profits or losses arising from 
redemption  prior  to  maturity  are  taken  to  profit  and  loss  in  the 
period in which they are realised. 

A  provision  for  dividend  payable  is  recognised  when  dividends 
are declared by the Directors. 

Hedging 

Provisions for restructuring 

Provisions for restructuring are brought to account  where there 
is  a  detailed  formal  plan  for  restructure  and  a  demonstrated 
commitment to that plan. 

Provision for ‘Which new Bank’ costs 

On  19  September  2003,  the  Group  launched  its  “Which  new 
Bank”  customer  service  vision.  This  was  a  three  year  program 
and involved the Bank in additional expenditure in the key areas 
of staff training and skilling, systems and process simplification, 
and 
for  principally 
technology.  Such  expenses  provided 
comprised redundancies and process improvements.  

Provision for self-insurance 

The  provision  for  self-insurance  covers  certain  non-lending 
losses  and  non-transferred  insurance  risks.  Actuarial  reviews 
are  carried  out  at  regular  intervals  with  provisioning  effected  in 
accordance with actuarial advice. 

(bb) Debt issues 

The adoption of AASB 127, AASB 139 and UIG 112 has had a 
substantial impact on the recognition and measurement of debt 
issues. 

Additional entities have been consolidated into the Group, refer 
to Note 1(c) Consolidation, which has resulted in recognition of 
additional debt issues. 

Where the Group has designated debt instruments at fair value 
through  Income  Statement,  the  changes  in  fair  value  are 
reported  in  profit  and  loss  (refer  to  Note  1(x))  Liabilities  at  fair 
value through Income Statement. 

Certain  debt  issues  are  designated  within  fair  value  hedging 
relationships and as a result the debt has been measured at fair 
value for the risk that has been hedged. 

The  Group  hedges  interest  rate  and  foreign  currency  risk  on 
certain debt issues. When hedge accounting is applied to fixed 
rate debt issues, the carrying values are adjusted for changes in 
fair  value  related  to  the  hedged  risks  rather  than  carried  at 
financial 
amortised  cost.  Refer 
instruments.  

to  Note  1(ff)  Derivative 

(ii) Change in accounting policy 

Premiums,  discounts  and  associated  issue  expenses  are 
recognised using the effective interest method through profit and 
loss  from  the  date  of  issue  to  ensure  securities  attain  their 
redemption values by maturity date.  

Under  previous  AGAAP,  these  items  were  recognised  on  an 
accrual basis through the profit and loss. 

The  requirement  to  separate  embedded  derivatives  from  debt 
issues is new under AASB 139. The change has been applied 
from 1 July 2005.  

Debt  issued  by  entities  used  to  securitise  assets  of  the  Group, 
and  certain  asset-backed  conduit  entities,  are  consolidated 
under  AIFRS.  This  results  in  material  gross-ups  of  debt  issues 
and the related interest expense (assets and related income are 
similarly  grossed  up).  This  change  has  been  applied 
retrospectively from 1 July 2004. 

(cc) Bills payable and other liabilities 

The adoption of AASB 119, AASB 127, AASB 139 and UIG 112 
has  not  had  a  substantial  impact  on  Bills  payable  and  other 
liabilities.  For  further  details,  refer  to  the  change  in  accounting 
policy below. 

(i) Current accounting policy 

Bills payable and other liabilities includes interest, fees, defined 
benefit  superannuation  plan  deficit,  other  unrealised  expenses 
payable and securities purchased not delivered. 

The superannuation plan deficit is recorded in line with Note 1(z) 
Employee benefits while the remaining liabilities are recorded at 
amortised cost using the effective interest method.  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     91 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

Where the group has stated bills payable and other liabilities at 
fair  value  through  Income  Statement,  the  changes  in  fair  value 
are reported in profit and loss (refer to Note 1(x) Liabilities at fair 
value through Income Statement). 

(ee) Shareholders’ equity 

The adoption of AASB 132 has had a substantial impact on the 
recognition  and  disclosure  of  shareholders’  equity.  For  further 
details, refer to the change in accounting policy below. 

(ii) Change in accounting policy 

(i) Current accounting policy 

Additional entities have been consolidated into the Group, refer 
to  Note  1(c)  Consolidation.  These  changes  have  resulted  in  a 
reduction  of  bills  payable  and  other  liabilities  due  to  inter-
company eliminations. 

Market  revaluation  of  trading  derivatives  previously  recorded  in 
bills  payable  and  other  liabilities  have  been  reclassified  to 
derivative financial instruments from 1 July 2005. 

Under  AASB  119,  the  deficit  within  one  defined  benefit 
superannuation plan has been recognised and disclosed in Bills 
payable  and  other  liabilities.  The  change  in  measurement  has 
been applied retrospectively from 1 July 2004. 

(dd) Loan capital 

The adoption of AASB 132 and AASB 139 has had a substantial 
impact  on  the  disclosure  and  measurement  of  loan  capital. 
Certain  hybrid  financial  instruments  of  the  Group  previously 
classified  as  equity  instruments  have  now  been  classified  as 
loan capital. For further details, refer to the change in accounting 
policy below. 

(i) Current accounting policy 

Loan  capital  is  debt  issued  by  the  Group  with  terms  and 
conditions, such as being undated or subordinated, which qualify 
the  debt  issue  for  inclusion  as  capital  under  APRA  Prudential 
Standards. Loan capital debt issues are initially recorded at fair 
value  plus  transaction  costs  that  are  directly  attributable  to  the 
loan  capital  debt  issue.  After  initial  recognition  the  loan  capital 
debt  issue  is  measured  at  amortised  cost  using  the  effective 
interest method. 

Interest  inclusive  of  premiums,  discounts  and  associated  issue 
expenses  are  recognised  using  the  effective  interest  method 
over  the  expected  life  of  the  instrument  through  the  profit  and 
loss  each  year  from  the  date  of  issue  so  that  they  attain  their 
redemption values by maturity date. Any profits or losses arising 
from redemption prior to expected maturity are taken to the profit 
and loss in the period in which they are realised. 

(ii) Change in accounting policy 

From  1  July  2005,  under  AASB  132,  certain  hybrid  financial 
instruments  of  the  Group  which  were  previously  classified  as 
equity  with  the  associated  distributions  reported  as  dividends 
paid,  are  now  classified  as  loan  capital  and  the  associated 
distributions reported as interest expense. 

Interest, inclusive of premiums, discounts and associated issue 
expenses are amortised through profit and loss each year using 
the effective interest method.  

Previously, they were taken to profit and loss on a straight line 
basis when incurred. 

Ordinary share capital is the amount of paid up capital from the 
issue of ordinary shares. 

Under AASB 132, Treasury Shares are deducted from Ordinary 
share capital. Gains or losses on the reissue of Treasury Shares 
are recognised in Shareholders’ Equity within Retained Profits.  

Other contributed capital represents the movement between the 
acquisition and reissue price of Treasury Shares. 

The  General  Reserve  is  derived  from  revenue  profits  and  is 
available for dividend payments except for undistributable profits 
in respect of the Group’s life insurance businesses. 

The  Capital  Reserve  was  derived  from  capital  profits  and  is 
available for dividend payments. 

A General Reserve for Credit Loss has been appropriated from 
Retained  Profits  to  comply  with  APRA’s  proposed  prudential 
requirements. 

(ii) Change in accounting policy 

From  1  July  2004,  under  AASB  132  Treasury  Shares  are 
deducted  from  ordinary  share  capital.  The  gain  or  loss  on 
reissue  of  Treasury  Shares  is  recognised  in  Retained  Profits. 
The  minority  interests  in  controlled  unit  trusts  of  the  life 
insurance companies no longer qualify as equity. As a result, the 
Group  has,  on  adoption  of  AIFRS,  reclassified  outside  equity 
interests  in  life  insurance  statutory  funds  and  other  funds  as 
liabilities.  

From 1 July 2005 certain hybrid financial instruments previously 
recorded in Shareholders’ Equity have been reclassified as Loan 
capital. 

(ff) Derivative financial instruments 

The  adoption  of  AASB  132  and  139  has  had  a  substantial 
impact  on  the  recognition,  measurement  and  disclosure  of 
derivative  financial  instruments.  For  further  details,  refer  to  the 
change in accounting policy below. 

(i) Current accounting policy 

The  Group  has  a  significant  volume  of  derivative  financial 
instruments  that  include  foreign  exchange  contracts,  forward 
rate  agreements,  futures,  options  and  interest  rate,  currency, 
equity and credit swaps.  

Derivative financial instruments are used as part of the Group’s 
trading  activities  and  to  hedge  certain  assets  and  liabilities.  All 
derivatives  that  do  not  meet  the  hedging  criteria  under  AASB 
139  are  classified  as  derivatives  held  for  trading,  or  as  other 
derivatives. 

92     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

The Group initially recognises derivative financial instruments in 
the  balance  sheet  at  the  fair  value  of  consideration  given  or 
received. They are subsequently remeasured to fair value based 
on  quoted  market  prices,  or  broker  or  dealer  price  quotations. 
Non  market  quoted  instruments  are  valued  using  valuation 
techniques  based  on  market  conditions  and  risks  existing  at 
balance sheet date. A positive revaluation amount of a contract 
is reported as an asset and a negative revaluation amount of a 
contract as a liability.  

Changes in fair value of derivatives are reflected in the profit and 
loss immediately as they occur unless designated within a cash 
flow hedging relationship. 

Derivative financial instruments utilised for hedging 

relationships 

The Group uses derivative instruments as part of its asset and 
liability  management  activities  to  manage  exposures  to  interest 
rate,  foreign  currency  and  credit  risks,  including  exposures 
arising  from  forecast  transactions.  Hedge  accounting  can  be 
applied subject to certain rules for fair value hedges, cash flow 
hedges  and  hedges  of  foreign  operations.  Cash  flow  and  fair 
value hedges are the predominant hedges applied by the Group. 
Swaps  are  the  major  financial  instruments  used  in  the  Bank’s 
hedging arrangements. 

Swaps 

Interest  rate  swap  receipts  and  payments  are  accrued  to  profit 
and  loss  using  the  effective  interest  method  as  interest  of  the 
hedged  item  or  class  of  items  being  hedged  over  the  term  for 
which the swap is effective as a hedge of that designated item. 

Similarly  with  cross  currency  swaps,  interest  rate  receipts  and 
payments are brought to account on the same basis outlined in 
the previous paragraph. In addition, the initial principal flows are 
revalued  to  market  at  the  current  market  exchange  rate  with 
revaluation  gains  and  losses  taken  to  profit  and  loss  against 
revaluation  losses  and  gains  of  the  underlying  hedged  item  or 
class of items. 

Fair value hedges 

For  fair  value  hedges,  the  change  in  fair  value  of  the  hedging 
derivative, and the hedged risk of the hedged item, is recognised 
immediately  in  the  Income  Statement  within  other  operating 
income.  If  the  fair  value  hedge  relationship  is  terminated  for 
reasons  other  than  the  derecognition  of  the  hedged  item,  fair 
value hedge  accounting  ceases  and, in  the case of  an interest 
bearing  item,  the  fair  value  adjustment  of  the  hedged  item  is 
amortised  to  profit  and  loss  over  the  remaining  term  of  the 
original  hedge. 
the 
unamortised fair value adjustment is recognised immediately in 
profit and loss. 

is  derecognised 

the  hedged 

item 

If 

Cash flow hedges 

A fair valuation gain or loss associated with the effective portion 
of  a  derivative  designated  as  a  cash  flow  hedge  is  recognised 
initially  in  Shareholders’  Equity  within  the  cash  flow  hedge 
reserve. Amounts in the cash flow hedge reserve are transferred 
to  profit  and  loss  when  the  cash  flows  on  the hedged item are 
recognised  in  profit  and  loss.  Gains  and  losses  resulting  from 
cash  flow  hedge  ineffectiveness  are  recorded  immediately  in 
profit and loss.  

Notes to the Financial Statements 

A  fair  valuation  gain  or  loss  represents  the  amount  by  which 
changes  in  the  fair  value  of  the  expected  cash  flow  of  the 
hedging  derivative  differ  from  the  fair  value  of  the  changes  (or 
expected changes) in the cash flow of the hedged item. 

Where the hedged item is derecognised, the cumulative gain or 
loss is  recognised immediately in  profit  and  loss.  If for  reasons 
other  than  the  derecognition  of  the  hedged  item,  cash  flow 
hedge  accounting  ceases,  the  cumulative  gains  or  losses  are 
amortised over the remaining term of the original hedge. 

Embedded derivatives 

A derivative may be embedded within a host contract. If the host 
contract  is  not  already carried at fair value  with changes in fair 
value  reported  in  profit  and  loss,  and  where  the  economic 
characteristics  and  risks  of  the  embedded  derivative  are  not 
closely  related  to  the  economic  characteristics  and  risks  of  the 
host  contract,  the  embedded  derivative  is  separated  from  the 
host  contract  and  accounted  for  as  a  stand-alone  derivative 
instrument at fair value. 

(ii) Change in accounting policy 

The adoption of AASB 132 and AASB 139 has had a substantial 
impact  on  the  recognition,  measurement  and  disclosure  of 
derivative  financial  instruments.  The  changes  are  summarised 
below: 

Derivative assets and derivative liabilities are recognised at fair 
value and disclosed separately on the face of the balance sheet. 

The  Group  complies  with  new  hedge  accounting  rules  which 
include the use of predominantly fair value or cash flow hedges, 
the designation of hedging relationships and the documentation 
of these relationships. 

Embedded  derivatives  are  now  required  to  be  identified, 
separated and fair valued provided they are not closely related 
to their host contract. 

(gg) Commitments to extend credit, letters of credit, 
guarantees, warranties and indemnities issued 

in 

The adoption of AASB 132 and AASB 139 has had a substantial 
change 
the  disclosure,  recognition,  measurement  and 
presentation of certain financial liabilities which were previously 
treated  as  contingent  liabilities.  For  further  details,  refer  to  the 
change in accounting policy below. 

(i) Current accounting policy 

Contingent  liabilities  are  possible  obligations  whose  existence 
will  be  confirmed  only  by  uncertain  future  events,  or  present 
obligations where the transfer of economic benefit is uncertain or 
cannot  be  reliably  measured.  Contingent  liabilities  are  not 
recognised, but are disclosed unless they are remote. 

Financial  guarantees  are  given  to  banks,  financial  institutions 
and  other  bodies  on  behalf  of  customers  to  secure  loans, 
overdrafts  and  other  banking  facilities,  and  to  other  parties  in 
connection with the performance of customers under obligations 
related  to contracts,  advance payments made by  other  parties, 
tenders, retentions and the payment of import duties. 

Financial  guarantee  contracts  are  initially  recognised  in  the 
financial statements at fair value on the date that the guarantee 
was given.  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     93 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

the  higher  of 

Subsequent to initial recognition, the Bank's liabilities under such 
guarantees  are  measured  at 
initial 
measurement amount, less amortisation calculated to recognise 
in the profit and loss the fee income earned over the period, and 
the  best  estimate  of  the  expenditure  required  to  settle  any 
financial  obligation  arising  as  a  result  of  the  guarantees  at  the 
balance sheet date. 

the 

Any  increase  in  the  liability  relating  to  guarantees  is  taken  to 
profit and loss. Any liability remaining is recognised in profit and 
loss when the guarantee is discharged, cancelled or expires. 

(ii) Change in accounting policy 

Under  AGAAP,  credit  related  instruments  (other  than  credit 
derivatives) were treated as contingent liabilities and these were 
not  shown  on  the  balance  sheet  unless,  and  until,  the  Group 
was called upon to make a payment under the instrument.  

Fees  received  for  providing  these  instruments  were  taken  to 
profit  over  the  life  of  the  instrument  and  reflected  in  fees  and 
commissions receivable. 

the  Group  recognises 

loss  and  subsequently  at 

Under  AIFRS, 
financial  guarantee 
contracts as financial liabilities, initially at fair value through profit 
initial 
and 
measurement amount, less amortisation calculated to recognise 
in the profit and loss the fee income earned over the period, and 
the  best  estimate  of  the  expenditure  required  to  settle  any 
financial  obligation  arising  as  a  result  of  the  guarantees  at  the 
balance sheet date. 

the  higher  of 

the 

(hh) Life Insurance Business 

The  adoption  of  AASB  4  Insurance  Contracts  and  AASB  1038 
Life  Insurance  Contracts  has  impacted  on  the  measurement, 
recognition and disclosure of the life insurance business.  

Under  AASB  4,  life  insurance  contracts  are  accounted  for  in 
accordance  with  AASB  1038  (which  is  largely  consistent  with 
previous  AGAAP  except  there  is  a  change  in  determination  of 
discount rates) while investment contracts are accounted for as 
financial  instruments  with  a  separate  management  services 
element  in  accordance  with  AASB  139  and  AASB  118.  For 
further details, refer to the change in accounting policy below. 

Life insurance contract liabilities are measured at the net present 
value  of  future  receipts  from  and  payments  to  policyholders 
using  a  risk  free  discount  rate  (or  expected  fund  earning  rate 
where  benefits  are  contractually 
the  asset 
performance),  and  are  calculated  in  accordance  with  the 
principles of Margin on Services (MoS) profit reporting as set out 
in  Actuarial  Standard  AS  1.04:  Valuation  of  Policy  Liabilities 
issued by the Life Insurance Actuarial Standards Board. 

linked 

to 

Life  investment  contract  liabilities  are  measured  at  fair  value  in 
accordance  with  AASB 139  as  liabilities  with  changes  in  fair 
value taken to the Income Statement. 

Returns  on  all  investments  controlled  by  life  insurance  entities 
within the Group are recognised as revenues. Investments in the 
Group’s  own  equity  instruments  held  within  the  life  insurance 
statutory funds and other funds are treated as Treasury Shares 
in accordance with Note 1(ee) Shareholders’ Equity. 

Initial  entry  fee  income  on  investment  contracts  issued  by  life 
insurance  entities  is  recognised  up  front  where  the  Group 
provides  financial  advice.  Other  entry  fees  are  deferred  and 
recognised over the life of the underlying investment contract. 

Participating  benefits  vested  in  relation  to  the  financial  year, 
other 
from  unvested  policyholder  benefits 
transfers 
liabilities, are recognised as expenses. 

than 

Reinsurance  contracts  entered  into  are  recognised  on  a  gross 
basis. 

Premiums and Claims 

Premiums and claims are separated on a product basis into their 
revenue, expense and change in liability components unless the 
separation  is  not  practicable  or  the  components  cannot  be 
reliably measured. 

(i) Life insurance contracts 

Premiums received for providing services and bearing risks are 
recognised  as  revenue.  Premiums  with  a  regular  due  date  are 
recognised  as  revenue  on  a  due  and  receivables  basis. 
Premiums with no due date are recognised on a cash received 
basis. Insurance contract claims are recognised as an expense 
when a liability has been established. 

(i) Current accounting policy 

(ii) Investment contracts 

The  Group’s  life  insurance  business  is  comprised  of  insurance 
contracts and investment contracts as defined by AASB 4.  

Insurance  contracts  are  accounted  for  in  accordance  with  the 
requirements  of  AASB  1038. 
Investment  contracts  are 
accounted  for  in  accordance  with  AASB  118,  139  and  1038. 
Details are set out below. 

All  assets,  liabilities,  revenues,  expenses  and  equity  are 
included  in  the  financial  report  irrespective  of  whether  they  are 
designated as relating to policyholders or to shareholders. 

All assets backing insurance liabilities are classified as assets at 
fair  value  through  Income  Statement.  They  are  brought  to 
account  at  fair  value  based  on  quoted  bid  prices  or  using 
appropriate valuation techniques. 

Premiums  received  include  the  fee  portion  of  the  premium 
recognised as revenue over the period the underlying service is 
provided  and  the  deposit  portion  recognised  as  an  increase  in 
investment  contract  liabilities.  Premiums  with  no  due  date  are 
recognised on a cash received basis. Fees earned for managing 
the  funds  invested  are  recognised  as  revenue.  Claims  under 
investment  contracts  represent  withdrawals  of 
investment 
deposits  and  are  recognised  as  a  reduction  in  investment 
contract liabilities. 

94     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

Life Insurance Liabilities and Profit 

Life  insurance  contract  policy  liabilities  are  calculated  in  a  way 
that allows for the systematic release of planned profit margins 
as  services  are  provided  to  policyowners  and  the  revenues 
relating  to  those  services  are  received.  Selected  profit  carriers 
including premiums and anticipated policy payments are used to 
determine profit recognition.  

insurance  contract  and 

Investment assets are held in excess of those required to meet 
life 
liabilities. 
Investment earnings are directly influenced by market conditions 
and as such this component of profit will vary from year to year. 

investment  contract 

Participating Policies 

insurance  contract  policy 

Life 
participating  policies  include 
shareholder  profit  margins  and  an  allowance 
supportable bonuses.  

to 
liabilities  attributable 
the  value  of  future  planned 
future 

for 

The  value  of  supportable  bonuses  and  planned  shareholder 
profit margins account for all profit on participating policies based 
on best estimate assumptions. 

Under  the  Margin  on  Services  profit  recognition  methodology, 
the  value  of  supportable  bonuses  and  the  shareholder  profit 
margin relating to a reporting year will emerge as planned profits 
in that year. 

Life Insurance Contract Acquisition Costs 

Acquisition  costs  for  life  insurance  contracts  include  the  fixed 
and  variable  costs  of  acquiring  new  business.  These  costs  are 
effectively  deferred  through  the  determination  of  life  insurance 
contract liabilities at the balance date to the extent that they are 
deemed  recoverable  from  the  expected  future  profits  of  an 
amount equivalent to the deferred cost.  

Notes to the Financial Statements 

When a controlled unit trust is consolidated, the share of the unit 
holder liability attributable to the Bank is eliminated but amounts 
due  to  external  unit  holders  remain  as  liabilities  in  the 
consolidated  balance  sheet.  The  share  of  the  net  assets  of 
controlled  companies  attributable  to  minority  unit  holders  is 
disclosed  separately  on  the  balance  sheet.  In  the  Income 
Statement, the net profit or loss of the controlled entities relating 
to minority interests is removed before arriving at the net profit or 
loss attributable to members of the Bank. 

(ii) Change in accounting policy 

The  changes  in  the  accounting  policy  for  the  life  insurance 
business,  apply  retrospectively  from  1 July  2004  and  the 
remainder on 1 July 2005. 

following  are  changes  which  have  been  applied 

The 
retrospectively from 1 July 2004: 

(a) Under AASB 1038, the asset representing the excess of the 
net  market  value  over  net  assets  of  the  Bank’s  life  insurance 
controlled entities is no longer recognised in full. As a result, the 
Group has ceased to recognise any movement in this asset. The 
internally generated component has been written off against the 
General  Reserve;  and  the  acquired  component  has  been 
reclassified as goodwill  within  the  balance sheet and subjected 
to  an  annual  impairment  test.  For  further  details  on  goodwill, 
refer to Note 1(t) Intangibles. 

(b)  Under  previous  AGAAP,  direct  investments  in  the  Group’s 
own  equity  securities  by  the  Group’s  life  insurance  statutory 
funds  were  recognised  in  the  balance  sheet  at  market  value. 
Under  AASB  127  these  assets  have  been  reclassified  as 
Treasury  Shares,  and  accounted  for  as  a  deduction  from 
ordinary  share  capital.  For  further  details,  refer  to  Note  1(ee) 
Shareholders’ Equity. 

Deferred  acquisition costs  are amortised  over  the  expected life 
of the life insurance contract. 

The following are changes which have been applied from 1 July 
2005: 

Life Investment Contract Acquisition Costs 

Acquisition  costs  for  investment  contracts  include  the  variable 
costs  of  acquiring  new  business.  However,  the  deferral  of 
investment contract acquisition costs is limited by the application 
of  AASB  118  to  the  extent  that  only  incremental  transaction 
costs  (for  example  commissions  and  volume  bonuses)  are 
deferred.  The 
in 
accordance  with  AASB  139  is  no  less  than  the  contract 
surrender value. 

investment  contract 

liability  calculated 

Managed Fund Units on Issue – held by minority 

unitholders 

The  life  insurance  statutory  funds  and  other  funds  include 
controlling  interests  in  trusts  and  companies,  and  the  total 
amounts  of  each  underlying  asset,  liability,  revenue  and 
expense  of  the  controlled  entities  are  recognised  in  the 
consolidated financial statements. 

(a) AASB 1038 requires income from investment contracts sold 
by  life  insurance  businesses  to  be  shown  separately  from 
income from insurance contracts sold by insurance companies. 
Insurance  contracts  are  accounted  for  in  accordance  with  the 
requirements  of  AASB  1038,  and  investment  contracts  are 
accounted for in accordance with AASB 118, 139 and 1038. 

(b) Under AIFRS, the actuarial calculation of insurance contract 
liabilities  is  affected  by  a  change  in  the  determination  of  the 
discount rate applied for some contracts.  

(c)  Certain  acquisition  costs  related  to  investment  contracts 
which  were  deferred  under  previous  AGAAP  can  no  longer  be 
deferred under AIFRS. 

(d)  On  transition  to  AIFRS,  the  minority  interests  in  controlled 
unit  trusts  of  the  life  insurance  companies  no  longer  qualify  as 
equity.  As  a  result,  the  Group  has,  on  adoption  of  AIFRS, 
reclassified  outside  equity  interests  in  life  insurance  statutory 
funds and other funds as liabilities. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     95 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

(e) Initial entry fee income on investment contracts issued by life 
insurance  entities  is  recognised  up  front  where  the  Group 
provides financial advice. Other entry fees are deferred over the 
life of the underlying investment contract. 

(f)  AASB  1038  requires  separate  disclosure  of  investment 
contract and insurance contract liabilities. 

(ii) Asset Securitisation 

The  adoption  of  AASB  127,  132,  139  and  UIG  112  has  had  a 
substantial  impact  on  the  recognition  of  asset  securitisation. 
However,  there  is  no  material  change  in  disclosure  and 
measurement of asset securitisations. For further details, refer to 
the change in accounting policy below. 

(i) Current accounting policy 

The  Group  conducts  an  asset  securitisation  program  through 
which  it  packages  and  sells  assets  as  securities  to  investors. 
The Group is entitled to any residual income of the program after 
all  payments  due  to  investors  and  costs  of  the  program  have 
been  met.  Therefore  the  Group  is  considered  to  hold  the 
majority  of  the  residual  risks  and  benefits  within  the  entities 
through  which  asset  securitisation  is  conducted  and  therefore 
consolidates these entities. 

Additional entities have been consolidated into the Group, refer 
to  Note  1(c)  Consolidation.  These  changes  have  resulted  in 
recognition  of  material  additional  individual  asset,  liability  and 
profit and loss line items of the Group. 

The liabilities associated with the asset securitisation entities and 
related issue costs are accounted for on an amortised cost basis 
using  the  effective  interest  method.  Interest  rate  swaps  and 
liquidity facilities are provided at arm’s length to the program by 
the Group in accordance with APRA Prudential Guidelines. 

Derivatives  return  the  risks  and  rewards  of  ownership  of  the 
securitised  assets  to  the  Bank  and  consequently  the  Bank 
is 
these  assets.  An 
cannot  derecognise 
recognised inclusive of the derivative and any related fees. 

imputed 

liability 

For further details on the treatment of the securitisation entities, 
refer to Note 1(c) Consolidation. 

(ii) Change in accounting policy 

AIFRS  requires  the  consolidation  of  certain  asset  securitisation 
entities  that  were  not  consolidated  under  previous  AGAAP. 
AIFRS also requires the recognition by the Bank of assets and 
liabilities  that  were  not  recognised  under  the  previous  AGAAP. 
This  has  resulted  in  the  gross  up  of  the  entities’  assets  and 
liabilities recorded within the Balance Sheet. The changes have 
been applied from 1 July 2004. 

(jj) Fiduciary activities 

(i) Current accounting policy 

There is no change in accounting policy. 

The Bank and designated controlled entities act as Responsible 
Entity,  Trustee  and/or  Manager  for  a  number  of  Wholesale, 
Superannuation  and  Investment  Funds,  Trusts  and  Approved 
Deposit Funds. 

96     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

The  assets  and  liabilities  of  these  Trusts  and  Funds  are  not 
included  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  as  the  Group 
does not have direct or indirect control of the Trusts and Funds 
as  defined  by  AASB  1024.  Commissions  and  fees  earned  in 
respect of the activities are included in the Income Statement of 
the Group. 

(kk) Comparative figures 

Where  necessary,  comparative  figures  have  been  adjusted  to 
conform  with  changes 
financial 
statements. 

in  presentation 

these 

in 

139 

Financial 

Comparative  figures  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with 
AIFRS as outlined in Note 1(a) and (b) except for the adoption of 
AASB  132  Financial  Instruments:  Disclosure  and  Presentation, 
AASB 
and 
Measurement,  AASB  4  Insurance  Contracts,  AASB  1023 
General  Insurance  Contracts  and  AASB  1038  Life  Insurance 
Contracts.  These  standards  have  not  been  applied  against 
comparative  information  in  line  with  the  exemption  provided  by 
AASB  1  First-time  adoption  of  Australian  Equivalents 
to 
International Financial Reporting Standards.  

Instruments:  Recognition 

The  Group  has  continued  to  apply  its  previous  AGAAP  in 
preparing  the  comparative  information  within  the  scope  of  the 
above standards. 

(ll) Roundings 

in 

this  report  and 

financial 
The  amounts  contained 
statements  are  presented  in  Australian  Dollars  and  have  been 
rounded  to  the  nearest  million  dollars  unless  otherwise  stated, 
under  the  option  available  to  the  Company  under  ASIC  Class 
Order 98/100 (as amended by ASIC Class Order 04/667). 

the 

(mm) Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 

to  be  more 

These Notes to the Financial Statements contain a summary of 
the  Group’s  significant  accounting  policies.  Certain  of  these 
the 
policies  are  considered 
determination  of  the  Group’s  financial  position,  since  they 
require  management  to  make  difficult,  complex  or  subjective 
judgements,  some  of  which  may  relate  to  matters  that  are 
inherently  uncertain.  These  decisions  are  reviewed  by  a 
Committee of the Board. 

important 

in 

for 

loan  balances,  actuarial  assumptions 

These policies include judgements as to levels of provisions for 
impairment 
in 
determining life insurance policy liabilities and market valuations 
of  life  insurance  controlled  entities  and  determining  whether 
certain entities should be consolidated. An explanation of these 
policies  and  the  related  judgements  and  estimates  involved  is 
set out below. 

Provisions for Impairment  

Provisions  for  impairment  are  raised  where  there  is  objective 
evidence  of  impairment  and  at  an  amount  adequate  to  cover 
assessed credit related losses. 

Credit losses arise primarily from loans but also from other credit 
instruments  such  as  bank  acceptances,  contingent  liabilities, 
financial  instruments  and  investments  and  assets  acquired 
through security enforcement. 

 
Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

Individually Assessed Provisions 

Individually  assessed  provisions  are  raised  where  there  is 
objective evidence of impairment and full recovery of principal is 
considered doubtful.  

Individually  assessed  provisions  are  made  against  individual 
facilities  in  the  credit  risk  rated  managed  segment  where 
exposure  aggregates  to  $250,000  or  more,  and  a  loss  of 
$10,000  or  more  is  expected.  The  provisions  are  established 
based  primarily  on  estimates  of  the  realisable  (fair)  value  of 
collateral taken and are measured as the difference between the 
asset’s carrying  amount and the  present value of the expected 
future  cash  flows  (excluding  future  credit  losses  that  have  not 
been  incurred),  discounted  at  the  financial  asset’s  original 
effective interest rate. Short term balances are not discounted. 

Individually Assessed provisions (in bulk) are also made against 
statistically managed segments to cover facilities which are not 
well secured and past due 180 days or more, against the credit 
risk  rated  segment  for  exposures  aggregating  to  less  than 
$250,000 and 90 days or more past due, and against credit risks 
identified  in  specific  segments  in  the  credit  risk  rated  portfolio. 
These provisions are derived primarily by reference to historical 
ratios of write-offs to balances in default. 

Individually  assessed  provisions  are  provided  for  from  the 
collective provision. 

Collective Provision 

All  other  loans  and  advances  that  do  not  have  an  individually 
assessed provision are assessed collectively for impairment. 

The  collective  provision  is  maintained  to  reduce  the  carrying 
amount  of  portfolios  of  similar  loans  and  advances  to  their 
estimated recoverable amounts at the balance sheet date.  

The  evaluation  process  is  subject  to  a  series  of  estimates  and 
judgements.  

In the credit risk rated segment, the risk rating system, including 
the  frequency  of  default  and  loss  given  default  rates,  loss 
history, and the size, structure and diversity of individual credits 
are  considered.  Current  developments  in  portfolios  (industry, 
geographic and term) are reviewed.  

In the statistically managed segment the history of defaults and 
losses,  and  the  size,  structure  and  diversity  of  portfolios  are 
considered. 

In addition management considers overall indicators of portfolio 
performance, quality and economic conditions.   

Changes  in  these  estimates  could  have  a  direct  impact  on  the 
level of provision determined. 

The amount required to bring the collective provision to the level 
assessed is taken to profit and loss as set out in Note 15. 

Life Insurance Policyholder Liabilities 

Life  insurance  policyholder  liabilities  are  accounted  for  under 
AASB  1038:  Life  Insurance  Business.  A  significant  area  of 
judgement is in the determination of policyholder liabilities, which 
involve actuarial assumptions. (1) 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

The  areas  of  judgement  where  key  actuarial  assumptions  are 
made in the determination of policyholder liabilities are: 

•  Business assumptions including: 

•  Amount, timing and duration of claims/policy payments; 
•  Policy lapse rates; and 
•  Acquisition and long term maintenance expense levels; 
•  Long  term  economic  assumptions  for  discount  and  interest 

rates, inflation rates and market earnings rates; and 

•  Selection  of  methodology,  either  projection  or  accumulation 
method.  The  selection  of  the  method  is  generally  governed 
by the product type. 

The determination of assumptions relies on making judgements 
on  variances  from  long-term  assumptions.  Where  experience 
differs from long term assumptions: 

•  Recent results may be a statistical aberration; or 
•  There  may  be  a  commencement  of  a  new  paradigm 

requiring a change in long term assumptions. 

The  Group’s  actuaries  arrive  at  conclusions  regarding  the 
statistical analysis using their experience and judgement.  

Additional information on the accounting policy is set out in Note 
1(hh)  Life  Insurance  Business,  and  Note  38  Life  Insurance 
Business details the key actuarial assumptions. 

Consolidation of Special Purpose Entities 

The Group assesses whether a special purpose entity should be 
consolidated based on the risks and rewards of each entity and 
whether the majority pass to the Group. Such assessments are 
predominately 
the  Group’s 
securitisation program and structured transactions. 

the  context  of 

required 

in 

International Financial Reporting Standards 

On  1  July  2005  the  Bank  commenced  application  of  the 
Australian  equivalent  of 
International  Financial  Reporting 
Standards (“AIFRS”). This is in line with the conversion deadline 
set out by the Financial Reporting Council of Australia. 

Descriptions of the key AIFRS issues are set out in Note 1 (nn) 
of the Financial Statements. 

(nn) Explanation of transition to Australian equivalents 
to IFRS 

As stated in Note 1(a), these financial statements are prepared 
in accordance with Australian equivalents to IFRS (AIFRS). 

As required by AASB 1, the accounting policies set out in Note 1 
have been applied in preparing the financial statements for the 
year  ended  30  June  2006, 
information 
presented  in  these  financial  statements  for  the  year  ended  30 
June  2005  and  in  the  preparation  of  an  opening  Australian 
equivalents to IFRS Balance Sheet at 1 July 2004 (the Group’s 
date of transition). 

the  comparative 

As  noted  in  Note  1(b)  and  1(kk)  comparative  figures  and  the 
opening Australian equivalents to IFRS Balance Sheet at 1 July 
2004 have been prepared in accordance with AIFRS as outlined 
in  Note  1(a)  and  1(b)  except  for  the  adoption  of  AASB  132 
Financial  Instruments:  Disclosure  and  Presentation,  AASB  139 
Financial  Instruments:  Recognition  and  Measurement,  AASB  4 
Insurance  Contracts,  AASB  1023  General  Insurance  Contracts 
and AASB 1038 Life Insurance Contracts. 

(1) The measurement basis is outlined in Note 1 (hh) 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     97 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

These  standards  have  not  been  applied  against  comparative 
information in line with the exemption provided by AASB 1 First-
time adoption of Australian Equivalents to International Financial 
Reporting Standards. 

Additional items reclassified with effect from 1 July 2005 include: 

•  Derivative assets and liabilities reclassified from Other assets 
and  Other  liabilities  to  separate  lines  on  the  face  of  the 
Balance Sheet (refer note 1 (ff)); 

In  preparing  its  opening  AIFRS  balance  sheet,  the  Group  has 
adjusted  amounts  reported  previously  in  financial  statements 
prepared  in  accordance  with  the  previous  AGAAP  basis  of 
accounting.  

• 

• 

Insurance  and  trading  assets  reclassified  to  Assets  at  fair 
value through Income Statement (refer note 1 (i)); 

Investment securities predominately reclassified to Available-
for-sale investments (refer note 1 (j)); 

An  explanation  of  how  the  transition  from  previous  GAAP  to 
AIFRS has affected the Group and the Bank’s financial position 
and financial performance is set out in the following tables and 
the notes that accompany the tables. 

Explanation of AIFRS Transition Adjustments 

In the following reconciliations, AIFRS impacts have been shown 
as  Reclassifications,  Gross-ups  and  Re-measurements.  The 
major impacts are as follows: 

(i) Reclassifications 

Relates to the reclassification of various assets and liabilities in 
line with AIFRS disclosure requirements.  

Significant  items  reclassified  for  periods  prior  to  1  July  2005 
included: 

• 

Investment  properties  reclassified  from  Property,  Plant  and 
Equipment  to  a  separate  line  on  the  face  of  the  Balance 
Sheet (refer note 1 (q)); 

•  Capitalised computer software reclassified from Other assets 
to Intangible assets – computer software costs (refer note 1 
(t)); 

•  The acquired portion of excess market value over net assets 
is  reclassified  from  Other  assets  to  Intangible  assets  – 
goodwill (refer note 1 (t)); and 

•  Separation and reclassification of deferred tax assets and tax 

liabilities (refer note 1 (y)). 

•  Some Deposits from customers and Debt issues reclassified 
to  Liabilities  at  fair  value  through  Income  Statement  (refer 
note 1 (x)); 

•  Reclassification  of  minority  interests  in  Insurance  Statutory 
funds and other funds to liabilities (refer note 1 (hh)); and  
•  Reclassification of preference share capital and other equity 
instruments  from  shareholders’  equity  to  loan  capital  (refer 
note 1 (dd)). 

There  is  no  net  impact  on  net  assets,  shareholders’  equity  nor 
net profit. 

(ii) Gross-up 

Impact  of  the  consolidation  of  certain  special  purpose  vehicles 
related  to  the  securitisation  of  Bank  assets,  and  certain  other 
customer  asset  securitisations.  On 
to  AIFRS, 
consolidation  of  these  vehicles  has  the  effect  of  grossing  up 
individual asset, liability and profit and loss line items. This has 
no net impact on net assets, shareholders’ equity nor net profit. 

transition 

(iii) Re-measurements 

Relates to AIFRS transition adjustments which involve a change 
in the measurement basis relative to previous AGAAP. Affected 
line items are explained by reference to the relevant accounting 
policy note. Material impacts are further explained in the tables 
on page 103 to 106 and 111 to 114, and referenced to the re-
measure column of the following AIFRS transition tables. 

98     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

(nn) Effect of Transition to Australian Equivalents of IFRS  

Balance Sheet Reconciliation 

Assets 

Cash and liquid assets 
Receivables from other financial institutions 
Assets at fair value through Income Statement: 

Policy 
(1)

Note 

(f)
(g)

AGAAP 
Group $M 
6,453 
8,369 

Reclass 
$M 
168 
(130)

Gross-up 
$M 
153 
- 

Re-Measure 
$M 
- 
- 

(2) 

Total 
 $M 
321 
(130)

AIFRS 
Group $M 
6,774 
8,239 

Group 

1 July 2004 

Transition Adjustments 

Trading 
Insurance 

Investment securities 
Loans, advances and other receivables 
Bank acceptances of customers 
Deposits with regulatory authorities 
Investment property 
Property, plant and equipment 
Investment in associates 
Intangible assets 
Deferred tax assets 
Other assets 
Total Assets 

Liabilities 

Deposits and other public borrowings 
Payables due to other financial institutions 
Bank acceptances 
Income tax liability 
Current tax liabilities 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Other provisions 
Insurance policy liabilities 
Debt issues 
Bills payable and other liabilities 
Loan capital 
Total Liabilities 
Net Assets 

Shareholders' Equity 

Share capital: 

Ordinary share capital 
Preference share capital 
Other equity instruments 

Reserves 
Retained profits 
Shareholders' equity attributable to members of 
the Bank 
Minority interests: 

Controlled entities 
Insurance statutory funds and other funds 

Total Shareholders’ Equity 

(i)
(i),(hh)

(l),(m),(n)
(o)
(g)
(q)
(s)
(c)
(t)
(y)
(u)

(v)
(w)
(o)
(y)
(y)
(y)
(z),(aa)
(hh)
(bb)
(cc)
(dd)

(ee)

(ee)

(hh)

14,896 
28,942 
11,447 
189,391 
15,019 
38 
- 
1,204 
239 
4,705 
- 
25,292 
305,995 

163,177 
6,641 
15,019 
811 
- 
- 
1,011 
24,638 
44,042 
19,140 
6,631 
281,110 
24,885 

13,359 
687 
1,573 
3,946 
2,840 

22,405 

304 
2,176 
24,885 

- 
(16)
- 
- 
- 
(38)
252 
(228)
- 
2,836 
564 
(3,408)
- 

- 
- 
- 
(811)
426 
385 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
492 
(492)

- 

- 
- 
- 

3 
- 
531 
7,605 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(17)
8,275 

24 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
8,732 
(481)
- 
8,275 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

(1) References relate to key Accounting Policies as set out on pages 79 to 98. 

(2) References relate to explanations of the key AIFRS re-measure adjustments set out on pages 103 to 106.  

- 
(301)  A 
- 
24 
- 
- 
- 
31 
- 
- 
23  H 
I 

(2,512) 
(2,735) 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
188  L 
(85)  M 
- 
- 
77  P 
- 
180 
(2,915) 

(371)  R 
- 
- 
(3,045)  S 
501  T 

3 
(317)
531 
7,629 
- 
(38)
252 
(197)
- 
2,836 
587 
(5,937)
5,540 

24 
- 
- 
(811)
426 
573 
(85)
- 
8,732 
(404)
- 
8,455 
(2,915)

(371)
- 
- 
(2,553)
9 

14,899 
28,625 
11,978 
197,020 
15,019 
- 
252 
1,007 
239 
7,541 
587 
19,355 
311,535 

163,201 
6,641 
15,019 
- 
426 
573 
926 
24,638 
52,774 
18,736 
6,631 
289,565 
21,970 

12,988 
687 
1,573 
1,393 
2,849 

(2,915) 

(2,915)

19,490 

- 
- 
(2,915) 

- 
- 
(2,915)

304 
2,176 
21,970 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     99 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

(nn) Effect of Transition to Australian Equivalents of IFRS  

Balance Sheet Reconciliation 

Assets 

Cash and liquid assets 
Receivables from other financial institutions 
Assets at fair value through Income Statement: 

Trading 
Insurance 

Investment securities 
Loans, advances and other receivables 
Bank acceptances of customers 
Deposits with regulatory authorities 
Investment property 
Property, plant and equipment 
Investment in associates 
Intangible assets 
Deferred tax assets 
Other assets 
Total Assets 

Liabilities 

Deposits and other public borrowings 
Payables due to other financial institutions 
Bank acceptances 
Income tax liability 
Current tax liabilities 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Other provisions 
Insurance policy liabilities 
Debt issues 
Bills payable and other liabilities 
Loan capital 
Total Liabilities 
Net Assets 

Shareholders' Equity 

Share capital: 

Ordinary share capital 
Preference share capital 
Other equity instruments 

Reserves 
Retained profits 
Shareholders' equity attributable to members of 
the Bank 
Minority interests: 

Controlled entities 
Insurance statutory funds and other funds 

Total Shareholders’ Equity 

Group 

30 June 2005 

Transition Adjustments 

Policy 
(1)

Note 

(f)
(g)

AGAAP 
Group $M 
5,715 
6,205 

Reclass 
$M 
163 
(118)

Gross-up 
$M 
177 
- 

Re-Measure 
$M 
- 
- 

(2)

Total 
 $M 
340 
(118) 

AIFRS 
Group $M 
6,055 
6,087 

(i)
(i),(hh)

(l),(m),(n)
(o)
(g)
(q)
(s)
(c)
(t)
(y)
(u)

(v)
(w)
(o)
(y)
(y)
(y)
(z),(aa)
(hh)
(bb)
(cc)
(dd)

(ee)

(ee)

(hh)

14,628 
27,837 
10,272 
217,516 
16,786 
45 
- 
1,344 
52 
4,394 
- 
24,241 
329,035 

168,029 
8,023 
16,786 
1,550 
- 
- 
895 
24,694 
58,621 
18,086 
6,291 
302,975 
26,060 

13,871 
687 
1,573 
4,624 
3,516 

24,271 

631 
1,158 
26,060 

- 
(16)
- 
- 
- 
(45)
252 
(237)
- 
2,941 
627 
(3,567)
- 

- 
- 
- 
(1,550)
833 
717 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
492 
(492)

- 

- 
- 
- 

3 
- 
566 
10,818 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(37)
11,527 

(3)
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
12,144 
(614)
- 
11,527 
- 

- 
(337)  A 
- 
12 
- 
- 
- 
25 
- 
321  G 
24  H 
I 

(3,203) 
(3,158) 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
204  L 
(24)  M 
- 
- 
79  P 
- 
259 
(3,417) 

3 
(353) 
566 
10,830 
- 
(45) 
252 
(212) 
- 
3,262 
651 
(6,807) 
8,369 

(3) 
- 
- 
(1,550) 
833 
921 
(24) 
- 
12,144 
(535) 
- 
11,786 
(3,417) 

14,631 
27,484 
10,838 
228,346 
16,786 
- 
252 
1,132 
52 
7,656 
651 
17,434 
337,404 

168,026 
8,023 
16,786 
- 
833 
921 
871 
24,694 
70,765 
17,551 
6,291 
314,761 
22,643 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

(385)  R 
- 
- 
(3,851)  S 
819  T 

(385) 
- 
- 
(3,359) 
327 

13,486 
687 
1,573 
1,265 
3,843 

(3,417) 

(3,417) 

20,854 

- 
- 
(3,417) 

- 
- 
(3,417) 

631 
1,158 
22,643 

(1) References relate to key Accounting Policies as set out on pages 79 to 98. 

(2) References relate to explanations of the key AIFRS re-measure adjustments set out on pages 103 to 106. 

100     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

(nn) Effect of Transition to Australian Equivalents of IFRS  

Balance Sheet Reconciliation 

Assets 

Cash and liquid assets 
Receivables from other financial institutions 
Assets at fair value through Income Statement: 

Policy 
(1)

Note 

(f)
(g)

AGAAP 
Group $M 
5,715 
6,205 

Reclass 
$M 
163 
(627)

Gross-up 
$M 
177 
- 

Re-Measure 
$M 
- 
- 

Group 

1 July 2005 

Transition Adjustments 

Trading 
Insurance 
Other  

Derivative assets  
Investment securities 
Available-for-sale investments 
Loans, advances and other receivables 
Bank acceptances of customers 
Deposits with regulatory authorities 
Investment property 
Property, plant and equipment 
Investment in associates 
Intangible assets 
Deferred tax assets 
Other assets 
Total Assets 

Liabilities 

Deposits and other public borrowings 
Payables due to other financial institutions 
Liabilities at fair value through Income 
Statement 
Derivative liabilities 
Bank acceptances 
Income tax liability 
Current tax liabilities 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Other provisions 
Insurance policy liabilities 
Debt issues 
Managed fund units on issue 
Bills payable and other liabilities 
Loan capital 
Total Liabilities 
Net Assets 

Shareholders' Equity 

Share capital: 

Ordinary share capital 
Preference share capital 
Other equity instruments 

Reserves 
Retained profits 
Shareholders' equity attributable to members of 
the Bank 
Minority interests: 

Controlled entities 
Insurance statutory funds and other funds 

Total Shareholders’ Equity 

(i)
(i),(hh)
(i)
(ff)

(j)
(l),(m),(n)
(o)
(g)
(q)
(s)
(c)
(t)
(y)
(u)

14,628 
27,837 
- 
- 
10,272 
- 
217,516 
16,786 
45 
- 
1,344 
52 
4,394 
- 
24,241 
329,035 

(436)
(16)
3,402 
12,096 
(10,838)
9,706 
(1,146)
- 
(45)
252 
(238)
- 
2,941 
627 
(16,165)
(324)

(v)
(w)

168,029 
8,023 

(8,272)
(16)

(x)
(ff)
(o)
(y)
(y)
(y)
(z),(aa)
(hh)
(bb)
(hh)
(cc)
(dd)

- 
- 
16,786 
1,550 
- 
- 
895 
24,694 
58,621 
- 
18,086 
6,291 
302,975 
26,060 

12,437 
11,913 
- 
(1,550)
833 
717 
16 
- 
(4,240)
1,158 
(12,162)
2,260 
3,094 
(3,418)

3 
- 
- 
- 
566 
- 
10,818 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(37)
11,527 

(3)
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
12,144 
- 
(614)
- 
11,527 
- 

(2)

A 

B 

- 
(352) 
- 
(2,292) 
- 
85 

C 
574  D-F 

- 
- 
- 
25 
- 
321 
241 
(3,670) 
(5,068) 

66 
- 

G 
H 
I 

J 

K 

- 
(609) 
- 
- 
- 
444 
L 
(24)  M 
N 
342 
(1,046)  O 
- 
(282) 
P 
(194)  Q 

(1,303) 
(3,765) 

Total 
 $M 
340 
(627)

AIFRS 
Group $M 
6,055 
5,578 

(433)
(368)
3,402 
9,804 
(10,272)
9,791 
10,246 
- 
(45)
252 
(213)
- 
3,262 
868 
(19,872)
6,135 

14,195 
27,469 
3,402 
9,804 
- 
9,791 
227,762 
16,786 
- 
252 
1,131 
52 
7,656 
868 
4,369 
335,170 

(8,209)
(16)

159,820 
8,007 

12,437 
11,304 
- 
(1,550)
833 
1,161 
(8)
342 
6,858 
1,158 
(13,058)
2,066 
13,318 
(7,183)

12,437 
11,304 
16,786 
- 
833 
1,161 
887 
25,036 
65,479 
1,158 
5,028 
8,357 
316,293 
18,877 

(ee)

(ee)

(hh)

13,871 
687 
1,573 
4,624 
3,516 

- 
(687)
(1,573)
802 (3)
(802) (3)

24,271 

(2,260)

631 
1,158 
26,060 

- 
(1,158)
(3,418)

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

(385) 
- 
- 
(3,729) 
349 

R 

S 
T 

(385)
(687)
(1,573)
(2,927)
(453)

13,486 
- 
- 
1,697 
3,063 

(3,765) 

(6,025)

18,246 

- 
- 
(3,765) 

- 
(1,158)
(7,183)

631 
- 
18,877 

(1) References relate to key Accounting Policies as set out on pages 79 to 98. 

(2) References relate to explanations of the key AIFRS re-measure adjustments set out on pages 103 to 106. 

(3) These estimates of AIFRS transition adjustments have been revised due to a change in functional currency. The details are discussed further in Note 32. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     101 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

(nn) Effect of Transition to Australian Equivalents of IFRS 

Income Statement Reconciliation  

Interest income 
Interest expense 
Net interest income 
Other operating income 
Net banking operating income 

Funds management income 
Investment revenue 
Claims and policyholder liability expense from insurance 
contracts 
Net funds management and investment contract 
operating income 

Premiums from insurance contracts 
Investment revenue 
Claims and policyholder liability expense from insurance 
contracts 
Insurance margin on services operating income 

Total net operating income 

Bad debts expense  
Operating expenses: 

Comparable business 
Which new Bank 

Total operating expenses 
Defined benefit superannuation plan expense 
Appraisal value uplift 
Goodwill amortisation 
Profit before income tax 
Income tax expense 
Profit after income tax 
Minority interests 
Net profit attributable to members of the Bank 

Net profit after income tax comprises: 

Net profit after income tax ("underlying basis") 
Shareholder investment returns 
Which new Bank 

Net profit after income tax ("cash basis") 
Defined benefit superannuation plan expense 
Treasury share valuation adjustment 
Net profit after income tax (“statutory basis”) (1) 

Policy 
(1)
Note

(m)

(hh)

(z)
(hh)
(t)

(y)

(z)
(hh)

Group 

Year Ended 30 June 2005 

Transition Adjustments 

AGAAP 
Group $M 
16,194 
10,228 
5,966 
2,915 
8,881 

Gross-up 
$M 
598 
527 
71 
(70)
1 

(2)

Re-Measure 
$M 
(11) 
- 
(11) 
- 
(11) 

AIFRS 
Transition 
$M 
587 
527 
60 
(70) 
(10) 

AIFRS 
 Group $M 
16,781 
10,755 
6,026 
2,845 
8,871 

1,261 
2,008 
(1,871)

1,398 

1,132 
1,186 
(1,243)

1,075 

11,354 

322 

5,697 
150 
5,847 
- 
778 
(325)
5,638 
1,637 
4,001 
(10)
3,991 

3,466 
177 
(105)
3,538 
- 
- 
3,538 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

1 

- 

1 
- 
1 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

(14) 
(52)  U 
- 

(14) 
(52) 
- 

1,247 
1,956 
(1,871)

(66) 

(66) 

1,332 

- 
- 
- 

- 

(77) 

- 

21 
- 
21 
(75)  V 
(778) W 
325  X 
(626) 
(35) 
(591) 
- 
(591) 

(46) 
- 
- 
(46) 
(53) 
(39) 
(138) 

- 
- 
- 

- 

1,132 
1,186 
(1,243)

1,075 

(76) 

11,278 

- 

322 

22 
- 
22 
(75) 
(778) 
325 
(626) 
(35) 
(591) 
- 
(591) 

(46) 
- 
- 
(46) 
(53) 
(39) 
(138) 

5,719 
150 
5,869 
(75)
- 
- 
5,012 
1,602 
3,410 
(10)
3,400 

3,420 
177 
(105)
3,492 
(53)
(39)
3,400 

(1) References relate to key Accounting Policies as set out on pages 79 to 98. 

(2) References relate to explanations of the key AIFRS re-measure adjustments set out on pages 103 to 106. 

102     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

(nn) Effect of Transition to Australian Equivalents to IFRS  

Explanation of AIFRS Re-measure Transition Adjustments 

Re-measure 
Adjustment 
Reference  Transition Date 

Adjustment $M 

Explanation of material AIFRS re-measurements 

Group 
AIFRS Balance Sheet Impacts 

Insurance assets at fair value through Income Statement (refer note 1 (i) and (hh)) 
1 July 2004 

(301) 

30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

(337) 
(352) 

Derivative assets (refer note 1 (ff)) 
1 July 2004 
30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

- 
- 
(2,292) 

Available-for-sale investments (refer note 1 (j)) 
1 July 2004 
30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

- 
- 
85 

The recognition of direct investments in Commonwealth Bank shares by the 
Bank's life insurance statutory funds as 'Treasury Shares' results in the reversal 
of the fair value of these shares from consolidated insurance assets while the 
cost of these shares is reversed from ordinary share capital (refer adjustment R). 
The associated insurance policyholder liability is not reversed, resulting in an 
accounting mismatch (see adjustment U). 
As above. 
As above, also includes impact of valuing assets held by life insurance using bid 
prices rather than mid prices (-$15m). 

Principally relates to the elimination of internal swaps; and an adjustment to re-
measure derivatives that were previously accrual accounted.  

Revaluation of available-for-sale ('AFS') investments from cost to fair value. AFS 
assets are principally comprised of those assets classified as investment 
securities under previous Australian GAAP, which were measured on a cost 
basis. 

Loans, advances and other receivables – gross (refer note 1 (l)) 
1 July 2004 
30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

- 
- 
295 

Principally relates to two adjustments: (1) re-measurement to fair value of loan 
assets designated within fair value hedging relationships. Such loan assets are 
initially measured on an amortised cost basis, and then adjusted to fair value to 
offset the mark-to-market movement on the associated fair value hedge 
derivative (+$399m); and (2) capitalisation of the net fee income integral to the 
yield of an originated loan results in the recognition of an unamortised deferred 
income balance (-$122m). 

Loans, advances and other receivables - collective provision for impairment (refer note 1 (n)) 
1 July 2004 
30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

- 
- 
294 

Reflects the difference between the previous Australian GAAP general provision 
for impairment and the AIFRS collective provision for impairment, net of 
reclassifications. Under AIFRS, collective provisions are recognised where there 
is objective evidence of impairment, and includes an estimate of losses which 
have been incurred but not reported as at balance sheet date. 

Loans, advances and other receivables – individually assessed provisions for impairment (refer note 1 (n)) 
1 July 2004 
30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

- 
- 
(15) 

Reflects the difference between the previous Australian GAAP specific provision 
for impairment and the AIFRS individually assessed provisions. This difference 
relates to the impact of discounting of expected cash flows on recovery.  

Intangible assets (refer note 1 (t)) 
1 July 2004 
30 June 2005 

- 
321 

1 July 2005 

321 

Goodwill no longer amortised under AIFRS. Reflects the reversal of amortisation 
of goodwill for the year ended 30 June 2005. 
As above. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     103 

A 

B 

C 

D 

E 

F 

G 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

(nn) Effect of Transition to Australian Equivalents to IFRS  

Explanation of AIFRS Re-measure Transition Adjustments 

Re-measure 
Adjustment 
Reference  Transition Date 

Adjustment $M 

Explanation of material AIFRS re-measurements 

Group 
AIFRS Balance Sheet Impacts 

H 

I 

J 

K 

L 

M 

N 

Deferred tax assets (refer note 1 (y)) 
1 July 2004 

23 

30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

24 
241 

Other assets (refer note 1 (u)) 
1 July 2004 

(2,512) 

30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

(3,203) 
(3,670) 

Deposits from customers (refer note 1 (v)) 
1 July 2004 
30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

- 
- 
66 

Derivative liabilities (refer note 1 (ff)) 
1 July 2004 
30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

- 
- 
(609) 

Deferred tax liabilities (refer note 1 (y)) 
1 July 2004 

188 

30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

204 
444 

Other provisions (refer note 1 (z) and (aa)) 
1 July 2004 

(85) 

30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

(24) 
(24) 

Principally relates to the deferred tax asset recognised on the defined benefit 
superannuation plan deficit liability, under the AIFRS "balance sheet" approach to 
tax-effect accounting.  
As above. 
As above, and also includes deferred tax assets related to various AIFRS 
adjustments such as hedge accounting, loan impairment provisioning and 
revenue and expense recognition. 

Principally relates to two adjustments: (1) the reversal of internally generated 
appraisal value excess (-$3,123m); and (2) the recognition of the defined benefit 
superannuation plan surplus asset (+$633m). Refer to adjustments R and S. 
As above, though adjustments become (1) (-$3,901m); and (2) (+$717m). 
As above, also includes hedging impact of (-$473 m), which relates to the 
elimination of interest receivable on hedged derivatives.  

Represents the revaluation of deposits designated within fair value hedge 
relationships.  

Principally relates to the elimination of internal swaps; initial recognition of 
embedded derivatives at fair value; and an adjustment to re-measure derivatives 
that were previously accrual accounted. 

Principally relates to the deferred tax liability recognised on the defined benefit 
superannuation plan surplus asset, under the AIFRS "balance sheet" approach 
to tax-effect accounting. Refer adjustment I above. 
As above. 
As above, and also includes deferred tax liabilities related to various AIFRS 
adjustments such as hedge accounting, re-measurement of available-for-sale 
assets, and revenue and expense recognition. 

Principally relates to the reversal of accrued liabilities in respect of employee 
share-based compensation. This is a one-off adjustment in the comparative 
period due to the discontinuance of the mandatory component of the Equity 
Participation Plan. 
As above. 
As above. 

Insurance policyholder liabilities (refer note 1 (hh)) 
1 July 2004 
30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

- 
- 
342 

Relates to measurement differences in the actuarial calculation of policyholder 
liabilities under AIFRS. Impact primarily driven by a change in the discount rates 
applied to some contracts, and the write off of deferred acquisition costs related 
to investment-style products of the Wealth Management business. 

104     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

(nn) Effect of Transition to Australian Equivalents to IFRS  

Explanation of AIFRS Re-measure Transition Adjustments 

Re-measure 
Adjustment 
Reference  Transition Date 

Adjustment $M 

Explanation of material AIFRS re-measurements 

Group 
AIFRS Balance Sheet Impacts 

Debt issues (refer note 1 (bb)) 
1 July 2004 
30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

- 
- 
(1,046) 

Represents the revaluation of debt issues designated within fair value hedge 
relationships. 

Bills payable and other liabilities (refer note 1 (cc)) 
1 July 2004 

77 

Relates to the recognition of the defined benefit superannuation plan deficit 
liability. 
As above. 
As above, also includes impact of the elimination of interest payable on hedge 
derivatives. 

O 

P 

Q 

R 

S 

T 

30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

79 
(282) 

Loan capital (refer note 1 (dd)) 
1 July 2004 
30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

- 
- 
(194) 

Ordinary share capital (refer note 1 (ee)) 
1 July 2004 

(371) 

30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

(385) 
(385) 

Reserves (refer note 1 (ee)) 
1 July 2004 

(3,045) 

30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

(3,851) 
(3,729) 

Retained profits 
1 July 2004 

30 June 2005 

1 July 2005 

501 

819 

349 

Relates to the impact of fair value hedging and foreign currency re-translation of 
hybrid instrument reclassified from equity. 

Relates to two adjustments: (1) recognition of direct investments in 
Commonwealth Bank shares by the Bank's life insurance statutory funds as 
'Treasury Shares' results in the reversal of the cost of these shares from ordinary 
share capital (-$245m), being fair value of $301m less market value appreciation 
$46m (less $10m tax effect)); and (2) the consolidation of the Employee Share 
Scheme Trust, which holds shares in the Bank on behalf of employees, results in 
the reversal of the cost of these shares from ordinary share capital (-$126m). 
As above, though adjustments become (1) (-$253m); and (2) (-$132m). 
As above. 

Principally relates to the reversal from general reserve of the internally generated 
appraisal value excess (-$3,123m). 
As above (-$3,901m). 
As above, also includes the impact of the recognition of available-for-sale 
revaluation reserve; cash flow hedge reserve; and the retranslation of certain 
hybrid financial instruments on reclassification from equity to loan capital. 

Principally relates to three adjustments: (1) Recognition of the net after tax 
surplus on the Bank's defined benefit superannuation plans (+$389m) comprising 
an opening surplus of (+$443m) less an opening deficit of (-$54m); (2) 
adjustment related to employee share-based compensation accounting under 
AIFRS (+$141m); and (3) the reversal of the cumulative market value 
appreciation on life insurance treasury shares (-$46m). 
As above, though adjustments become (1) (+$447m); (2) (+$112m); and (3)  
(-$66m), together with (4) the reversal of goodwill amortisation for the full year 
(+$321m) 
As above, also includes the impact of (1) the initial recognition of derivative 
financial instruments on initial application of hedge accounting and recognition of 
embedded derivatives (-$282m); (2) change in calculation of life insurance policy 
holder liabilities and DAC (-$260m); (3) revenue and expense recognition 
adjustments (-$167m); and (4) recalculation of loan impairment provisions 
(+$195m). 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     105 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

(nn) Effect of Transition to Australian Equivalents to IFRS  

Explanation of AIFRS Re-measure Transition Adjustments 

Re-measure 
Adjustment 
Reference  Transition Date 

Adjustment $M 

Explanation of material AIFRS re-measurements 

Group 
AIFRS Income Statement Impacts 

U 

V 

W 

X 

Funds management investment revenue (refer note 1 (hh)) 
30 June 2005 

(52) 

Relates to reversal of net gains on treasury shares held in the life insurance 
statutory funds. 

Defined benefit superannuation plan expense (refer note 1 (hh)) 
30 June 2005 

(75) 

Relates to the additional, non-cash expense item reflecting the accrual 
accounting charge to profit and loss associated with accounting for defined 
benefit superannuation plans. 

Appraisal value uplift (refer note 1 (t)) 
30 June 2005 

(778) 

Relates to the reversal of the appraisal value uplift on cessation of appraisal 
value accounting under AIFRS. 

Goodwill amortisation (refer note 1 (t)) 
30 June 2005 

325 

Relates to the reversal of goodwill amortisation under AIFRS. 

106     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

(nn) Effect of Transition to Australian Equivalents of IFRS  

Balance Sheet Reconciliation 

Assets 

Cash and liquid assets 
Receivables from other financial institutions 
Assets at fair value through Income Statement: 

Policy 
(1)

Note 

AGAAP 
Bank $M 
6,485 
7,068 

Reclass 
$M 
168 
(164)

Trading 

Investment securities 
Loans, advances, and other receivables 
Bank acceptances of customers 
Deposits with regulatory authorities 
Shares in and loans to controlled entities 
Investment property 
Property, plant and equipment 
Investment in associates 
Intangible assets 
Deferred tax assets 
Other assets 
Total Assets 

Liabilities 

Deposits and other public borrowings 
Payables due to other financial institutions 
Bank acceptances 
Income tax liability 
Due to controlled entities 
Current tax liabilities 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Other provisions 
Debt issues 
Bills payable and other liabilities 
Loan capital 
Total Liabilities 
Net Assets 

Shareholders' Equity 

Share capital: 

Ordinary share capital 
Preference share capital 
Other equity instruments 

Reserves 
Retained profits 
Shareholders' equity attributable to members of 
the Bank 
Minority interests: 

Controlled entities 
Insurance statutory funds and other funds 

Total Shareholders’ Equity 

12,877 
6,626 
154,139 
15,160 
4 
23,677 
- 
722 
220 
2,522 
- 
18,849 
248,349 

142,469 
6,611 
15,160 
690 
14,176 
- 
- 
832 
24,449 
17,888 
7,338 
229,613 
18,736 

13,359 
687 
737 
2,148 
1,805 

18,736 

- 
- 
18,736 

- 
- 
- 
- 
(4)
- 
- 
- 
- 
78 
423 
(501)
- 

- 
- 
- 
(690)
- 
358 
332 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
(5)
5 

- 

- 
- 
- 

Bank 

1 July 2004 

Transition Adjustments 

Gross-up 
$M 

- 

- 
- 
5,473 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
96 
5,569 

- 
- 
- 
- 
5,468 
- 
- 
- 
- 
101 
- 
5,569 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

(2) 

Re-Measure 
$M 
- 
- 

- 
- 
13 
- 
- 
- 
- 
30 
- 
- 
23  G 
611  H 
677 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
197  K 
(83)  L 
- 
80  N 
- 
194 
483 

(126)  P 
- 
- 
80  Q 
529  R 

483 

- 
- 
483 

Total 
 $M 
168 
(164)

- 
- 
5,486 
- 
(4)
- 
- 
30 
- 
78 
446 
206 
6,246 

- 
- 
- 
(690)
5,468 
358 
529 
(83)
- 
181 
- 
5,763 
483 

AIFRS  
Bank $M 
6,653 
6,904 

12,877 
6,626 
159,625 
15,160 
- 
23,677 
- 
752 
220 
2,600 
446 
19,055 
254,595 

142,469 
6,611 
15,160 
- 
19,644 
358 
529 
749 
24,449 
18,069 
7,338 
235,376 
19,219 

(126)
- 
- 
75 
534 

13,233 
687 
737 
2,223 
2,339 

483 

19,219 

- 
- 
483 

- 
- 
19,219 

(1) References relate to key Accounting Policies as set out on pages 79 to 98.  

(2) References relate to explanations of the key AIFRS re-measure adjustments set out on pages 111 to 114. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     107 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

(nn) Effect of Transition to Australian Equivalents of IFRS  

Balance Sheet Reconciliation 

Assets 

Cash and liquid assets 
Receivables from other financial institutions 
Assets at fair value through Income Statement: 

Policy 
(1)

Note 

AGAAP 
Bank $M 
5,574 
6,133 

Reclass 
$M 
162 
(161)

Gross-up 
$M 
- 
- 

Re-Measure 
$M 
- 
- 

(2) 

Total 
 $M 
162 
(161) 

AIFRS  
Bank $M 
5,736 
5,972 

Bank 

30 June 2005 

Transition Adjustments 

Trading 

Investment securities 
Loans, advances, and other receivables 
Bank acceptances of customers 
Deposits with regulatory authorities 
Shares in and loans to controlled entities 
Investment property 
Property, plant and equipment 
Investment in associates 
Intangible assets 
Deferred tax assets 
Other assets 
Total Assets 

Liabilities 

Deposits and other public borrowings 
Payables due to other financial institutions 
Bank acceptances 
Income tax liability 
Due to controlled entities 
Current tax liabilities 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Other provisions 
Debt issues 
Bills payable and other liabilities 
Loan capital 
Total Liabilities 
Net Assets 

Shareholders' Equity 

Share capital: 

Ordinary share capital 
Preference share capital 
Other equity instruments 

Reserves 
Retained profits 
Shareholders' equity attributable to members of 
the Bank 
Minority interests: 

Controlled entities 
Insurance statutory funds and other funds 

Total Shareholders’ Equity 

12,432 
6,922 
174,140 
16,917 
1 
29,161 
- 
796 
12 
2,336 
- 
17,200 
271,624 

143,858 
7,969 
16,917 
1,421 
16,652 
- 
- 
723 
40,687 
16,658 
7,010 
251,895 
19,729 

13,871 
687 
737 
2,179 
2,255 

19,729 

- 
- 
19,729 

- 
- 
- 
- 
(1)
- 
- 
- 
- 
153 
577 
(727)
3 

- 
- 
- 
(1,421)
- 
764 
657 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
3 

- 
- 
- 
(2)
5 

3 

- 
- 
3 

- 
- 
9,783 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(7)
9,776 

- 
- 
- 
- 
9,776 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
9,776 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
2 
- 
- 
- 
- 
25 
- 
186  F 
22  G 
688  H 
923 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
215  K 
(20)  L 
- 
79  N 
- 
274 
649 

(132)  P 
- 
- 
49  Q 
732  R 

649 

- 
- 
649 

- 
- 
9,785 
- 
(1) 
- 
- 
25 
- 
339 
599 
(46) 
10,702 

- 
- 
- 
(1,421) 
9,776 
764 
872 
(20) 
- 
79 
- 
10,050 
652 

12,432 
6,922 
183,925 
16,917 
- 
29,161 
- 
821 
12 
2,675 
599 
17,154 
282,326 

143,858 
7,969 
16,917 
- 
26,428 
764 
872 
703 
40,687 
16,737 
7,010 
261,945 
20,381 

(132) 
- 
- 
47 
737 

13,739 
687 
737 
2,226 
2,992 

652 

20,381 

- 
- 
652 

- 
- 
20,381 

(1) References relate to key Accounting Policies as set out on pages 79 to 98. 

(2) References relate to explanations of the key AIFRS re-measure adjustments set out on pages 111 to 114. 

108     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

(nn) Effect of Transition to Australian Equivalents of IFRS  

Balance Sheet Reconciliation 

Assets 

Cash and liquid assets 
Receivables from other financial institutions 
Assets at fair value through Income Statement: 

Policy 
(1)

Note 

AGAAP 
Bank $M 
5,574 
6,133 

Reclass 
$M 
162 
(161)

Gross-up 
$M 
- 
- 

Re-Measure 
$M 
- 
- 

(2) 

Total 
 $M 
162 
(161)

AIFRS  
Bank $M 
5,736 
5,972 

Bank 

1 July 2005 

Transition Adjustments 

Trading 
Other  

Derivative assets  
Investment securities 
Available-for-sale investments  
Loans, advances, and other receivables 
Bank acceptances of customers 
Deposits with regulatory authorities 
Shares in and loans to controlled entities 
Investment property 
Property, plant and equipment 
Investment in associates 
Intangible assets 
Deferred tax assets 
Other assets 
Total Assets 

Liabilities 

Deposits and other public borrowings 
Payables due to other financial institutions 
Liabilities at fair value through Income 
Statement  
Derivative liabilities 
Bank acceptances 
Income tax liability 
Due to controlled entities 
Current tax liabilities 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Other provisions 
Debt issues 
Managed funds units on issue  
Bills payable and other liabilities 
Loan capital 
Total Liabilities 
Net Assets 

Shareholders' Equity 

Share capital: 

Ordinary share capital 
Preference share capital 
Other equity instruments 

Reserves 
Retained profits 
Shareholders' equity attributable to members of 
the Bank 
Minority interests: 

Controlled entities 
Insurance statutory funds and other funds 

Total Shareholders’ Equity 

12,432 
- 
- 
6,922 
- 
174,140 
16,917 
1 
29,161 
- 
796 
12 
2,336 
- 
17,200 
271,624 

143,858 
7,969 

- 
- 
16,917 
1,421 
16,652 
- 
- 
723 
40,687 
- 
16,658 
7,010 
251,895 
19,729 

(101)
324 
12,249 
(6,922)
6,860 
50 
- 
(1)
- 
- 
- 
- 
153 
577 
(13,025)
165 

(1,580)
- 

1,580 
11,854 
- 
(1,421)
- 
764 
657 
- 
- 
- 
(11,842)
1,435 
1,447 
(1,282)

13,871 
687 
737 
2,179 
2,255 

- 
(687)
(737)
252 
(110)

19,729 

(1,282)

- 
- 
19,729 

- 
- 
(1,282)

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
9,783 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(7)
9,776 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
9,776 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
9,776 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

(1) References relate to key Accounting Policies as set out on pages 79 to 98. 

(2) References relate to explanations of the key AIFRS re-measure adjustments set out on pages 111 to 114. 

A 

B 
169  C-E 

- 
- 
(2,691) 
- 
93 

- 
- 
68 
- 
25 
- 
186 
154 
956 
(1,040) 

67 
- 

- 
(937) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
366 
16 

F 
G 
H 

I 

J 

K 
L 
(996)  M 

- 
269 
N 
(186)  O 
1,401 
361 

(101)
324 
9,558 
(6,922)
6,953 
10,002 
- 
(1)
68 
- 
25 
- 
339 
731 
(12,076)
8,901 

12,331 
324 
9,558 
- 
6,953 
184,142 
16,917 
- 
29,229 
- 
821 
12 
2,675 
731 
5,124 
280,525 

(1,513)
- 

142,345 
7,969 

1,580 
10,917 
- 
(1,421)
9,776 
764 
1,023 
16 
(996)
- 
(11,573)
1,249 
9,822 
(921)

1,580 
10,917 
16,917 
- 
26,428 
764 
1,023 
739 
39,691 
- 
5,085 
8,259 
261,717 
18,808 

(132) 
- 
- 
88 
405 

361 

- 
- 
361 

P 

Q 
R 

(132)
(687)
(737)
340 
295 

13,739 
- 
- 
2,519 
2,550 

(921)

18,808 

- 
- 
(921)

- 
- 
18,808 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     109 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

(nn) Effect of Transition to Australian Equivalents of IFRS  

Income Statement Reconciliation  

Interest income 
Interest expense 
Net interest income 
Other operating income 
Net banking operating income 

Funds management income  
Investment revenue 
Claims and policyholder liability expense 
Net funds management and investment contract 
operating income 

Premiums from insurance contracts 
Investment revenue 
Claims and policyholder liability expense from 
insurance contracts 
Insurance margin on services operating income 

Total net operating income 

Bad debts expense  
Operating expenses: 

Comparable business 
Which new Bank 

Total operating expenses 
Defined benefit superannuation plan expense 
Appraisal value uplift 
Goodwill amortisation 
Profit before income tax 
Corporate tax expense 
Profit after income tax 
Minority interests 
Net profit attributable to members of the Bank 

Bank 
Year Ended 30 June 2005 

Transition Adjustments 

Policy 
(1)

Note 

AGAAP 
Group $M 
13,404 
(8,601)
4,803 
4,023 
8,826 

Gross-up 
$M 
289 
(257)
32 
(32)
- 

Re-Measure 
$M 
(12)
- 
(12)
- 
(12)

AIFRS 
Transition $M 
277 
(257) 
20 
(32) 
(12) 

AIFRS  
Bank $M 
13,681 
(8,858)
4,823 
3,991 
8,814 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

8,826 

(292)
- 
(4,357)
(150)
(4,507)
- 
- 
(186)
3,841 
(920)
2,921 
- 
2,921 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

(12)

- 
- 
(31)
- 
(31)
(75) S 
- 
186  T 

68 
23 
91 
- 
91 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

(12) 

- 
- 
(31) 
- 
(31) 
(75) 
- 
186 
68 
23 
91 
- 
91 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

8,814 

(292)
- 
(4,388)
(150)
(4,538)
(75)
- 
- 
3,909 
(897)
3,012 
- 
3,012 

(1) References relate to key Accounting Policies as set out on pages 79 to 98. 

(2) References relate to explanations of the key AIFRS re-measure adjustments set out on pages 111 to 114. 

110     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

(nn) Effect of Transition to Australian Equivalents to IFRS  

Explanation of AIFRS Re-measure Transition Adjustments 

Re-measure 
Adjustment 
Reference  Transition Date 

Adjustment $M 

Explanation of material AIFRS re-measurements 

Bank 
AIFRS Balance Sheet Impacts 

A 

B 

C 

D 

E 

F 

Derivative assets (refer note 1 (ff)) 
1 July 2004 
30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

 - 
 - 
(2,691) 

Available-for-sale investments (refer note 1 (j)) 
1 July 2004 
30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

- 
- 
93 

Principally relates to the recognition of internal swaps; and an adjustment to re-
measure derivatives that were previously accrual accounted.  

Principally relates to the revaluation of available-for-sale ('AFS') investments from 
cost to fair value. AFS assets are principally comprised of those assets classified 
as investment securities under previous Australian GAAP, which were measured 
on a cost basis. 

Loans, advances and other receivables – gross (refer note 1 (l)) 
1 July 2004 
30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

- 
- 
(112) 

Principally relates to two adjustments: (1) capitalisation of the net fee income 
integral to the yield of an originated loan results in the recognition of an 
unamortised deferred income balance (-$155m); and (2) re-measurement to fair 
value of loan assets designated within fair value hedging relationships. Such loan 
assets are initially measured on an amortised cost basis, and then adjusted to fair 
value to offset the mark-to-market movement on the associated fair value hedge 
derivative (+$37m). 

Loans, advances and other receivables - collective provision for impairment (refer note 1 (n)) 
1 July 2004 
30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

- 
- 
302 

Reflects the difference between the previous Australian GAAP general provision 
for impairment and the AIFRS collective provision for impairment, net of 
reclassifications. Under AIFRS, collective provisions are recognised where there 
is objective evidence of impairment, and includes an estimate of losses which 
have been incurred but not reported as at balance date. 

Loans, advances and other receivables – individually assessed provisions for impairment (refer note 1 (n)) 
1 July 2004 
30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

- 
- 
(21) 

Reflects the difference between the previous Australian GAAP specific provision 
for impairment and the AIFRS individually assessed provisions. This difference 
relates to the impact of discounting of expected cash flows on recovery.  

Intangible assets (refer note 1 (t)) 
1 July 2004 
30 June 2005 

- 
186 

1 July 2005 

186 

Goodwill no longer amortised under AIFRS. Reflects the reversal of amortisation 
of goodwill for the full year ended 30 June 2005. 
As above. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     111 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

(nn) Effect of Transition to Australian Equivalents to IFRS  

Explanation of AIFRS Re-measure Transition Adjustments 

Re-measure 
Adjustment 
Reference  Transition Date 

Adjustment $M 

Explanation of material AIFRS re-measurements 

Bank 
AIFRS Balance Sheet Impacts 

G 

H 

I 

J 

K 

L 

Deferred tax assets (refer note 1 (y)) 
1 July 2004 

23 

30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

22 
154 

Other assets (refer note 1 (u)) 
611 
1 July 2004 

30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

688 
956 

Deposits from customers (refer note 1 (v)) 
1 July 2004 
30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

- 
- 
67 

Derivative liabilities (refer note 1 (ff)) 
1 July 2004 
30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

- 
- 
(937) 

Deferred tax liabilities (refer note 1 (y)) 
1 July 2004 

197 

30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

215 
366 

Other provisions (refer note 1 (z) and (aa)) 
1 July 2004 

(83) 

30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

(20) 
16 

Principally relates to the deferred tax asset recognised on the defined benefit 
superannuation plan deficit liability, under the AIFRS "balance sheet" approach to 
tax-effect accounting.  
As above. 
As above, and also includes deferred tax assets related to various AIFRS 
adjustments such as hedge accounting, loan impairment provisioning and 
revenue and expense recognition. 

Principally relates to the recognition of the defined benefit superannuation plan 
surplus asset (+$633m). Refer to adjustment S. 
As above, though adjustment becomes +$717m. 
As above, also includes hedging impact of +$261m, which relates to the 
elimination of interest receivable on hedged derivatives.  

Represents the revaluation of deposits designated within fair value hedge 
relationships.  

Principally relates to the elimination of internal swaps; initial recognition of 
embedded derivatives at fair value; and an adjustment to re-measure derivatives 
that were previously accrual accounted. 

Principally relates to the deferred tax liability recognised on the defined benefit 
superannuation plan surplus asset, under the AIFRS "balance sheet" approach 
to tax-effect accounting. Refer adjustment H above. 
As above. 
As above, and also includes deferred tax liabilities related to various AIFRS 
adjustments such as hedge accounting, re-measurement of available-for-sale 
investments, and revenue and expense recognition. 

Principally relates to the reversal of accrued liabilities in respect of employee 
share-based compensation. This is a one-off adjustment in the comparative 
period due to the discontinuance of the mandatory component of the Equity 
Participation Plan. 
As above. 
As above. 

112     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

(nn) Effect of Transition to Australian Equivalents to IFRS  

Explanation of AIFRS Re-measure Transition Adjustments 

Re-measure 
Adjustment 
Reference  Transition Date 

Adjustment $M 

Explanation of material AIFRS re-measurements 

Bank 
AIFRS Bank Balance Sheet Impacts 

Debt issues (refer note 1 (bb)) 
1 July 2004 
30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

- 
- 
(996) 

Represents the revaluation of debt issues designated within fair value hedge 
relationships. 

M 

N 

O 

P 

Q 

Bills payable and other liabilities (refer note 1 (cc)) 
1 July 2004 

80 

30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

79 
269 

Loan capital (refer note 1 (dd)) 
1 July 2004 
30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

- 
- 
(186) 

Ordinary share capital (refer note 1 (ee)) 
1 July 2004 

(126) 

30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

(132) 
(132) 

Reserves (refer note 1 (ee)) 
1 July 2004 

80 

30 June 2005 
1 July 2005 

R 

Retained profits 
1 July 2004 

30 June 2005 

1 July 2005 

49 
88 

529 

732 

405 

Principally relates to the recognition of the defined benefit superannuation plan 
deficit liability. 
As above. 
As above, also includes impact of the elimination of interest payable on hedge 
derivatives. 

Relates to the impact of fair value hedging and foreign currency re-translation of 
hybrid instruments reclassified from equity. 

Relates to the consolidation of the Employee Share Scheme Trust, which holds 
shares in the Bank on behalf of employees, results in the reversal of the cost of 
these shares from ordinary share capital (-$126m). 
As above, though adjustment becomes (-$132m). 
As above. 

Principally relates to two adjustments: (1) recognition of a new employee 
compensation reserve for the accrual of employee expenses incurred by the Bank 
to be compensated through share based payments (+$47m); and (2) the 
recognition of the directors discount on property in the asset revaluation reserve 
(+$30m). 
As above, though adjustment becomes (1) (+$23m); and (2) (+$25m). 
As above, also includes the impact of the recognition of available-for-sale 
revaluation reserve; cash flow hedge reserve; and the retranslation of certain 
hybrid financial instruments on reclassification from equity to loan capital. 

Principally relates to two adjustments: (1) Recognition of the net after tax surplus 
on the Bank's defined benefit superannuation plans (+$389m) comprising an 
opening surplus of (+$443m) less an opening deficit of (-$54m); and (2) 
adjustment related to employee share-based compensation accounting under 
AIFRS (+$141m). 
As above, though adjustments become (1) (+$447m); and (2) (+$112m), together 
with (3) the reversal of goodwill amortisation for the full year (+$186m) 
As above, also includes the impact of (1) the initial recognition of derivative 
financial instruments on initial application of hedge accounting (-$105m); (2) 
revenue and expense recognition adjustments (-$108m); and (3) recalculation of 
loan impairment provisions (+$114m). 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     113 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 1 Accounting Policies (continued) 

(nn) Effect of Transition to Australian Equivalents to IFRS  

Explanation of AIFRS Re-measure Transition Adjustments 

Re-measure 
Adjustment 
Reference  Transition Date 

Adjustment $M 

Explanation of material AIFRS re-measurements 

Bank 
AIFRS Bank Income Statement Impacts 

S 

T 

Defined benefit superannuation plan expense (refer note 1 (hh)) 
30 June 2005 

(75) 

Relates to the additional, non-cash expense item reflecting the accrual accounting
charge to profit and loss associated with accounting for the defined benefit 
superannuation plans. 

Goodwill amortisation (refer note 1 (t)) 
30 June 2005 

186 

Relates to the reversal of goodwill amortisation under AIFRS. 

Statements of Cash Flows 

There are no material differences between the Statements of Cash Flows presented under AIFRS and the Statements of Cash Flows 
presented under former Australian GAAP. 

114     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 2 Profit  

Profit before income tax has been determined as follows: 

Interest Income  
Loans  
Other financial institutions  
Cash and liquid assets  
Assets at fair value through Income Statement 
Available-for-sale investments 
Investment securities 
Controlled entities 
Total Interest Income 

Interest Expense  
Deposits  
Other financial institutions 
Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement  
Debt issues 
Controlled entities 
Loan capital 
Total Interest Expense 
Net Interest Income 

Other Operating Income  
Lending fees  
Commission and other fees  
Trading income  
Net gain/(loss) on disposal of non-trading instruments 
Net hedging ineffectiveness 
Dividends – Controlled entities  
Dividends – Other 
Net profit on sale of property, plant and equipment 
Funds management and investment contract income 
Insurance contracts income 
Other  
Total Other Operating Income 
Total Net Operating Income  

Bad Debts Expense 
Collectively assessed impairment loss/(recovery)  
Bad Debts Expense (Note 15) 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

2006 
$M 

17,304 
333 
250 
1,186 
685 
- 
- 
19,758 

7,388 
475 
971 
3,795 
- 
615 
13,244 
6,514 

800 
1,635 
505 
45 
(79)
- 
4 
4 
1,623 
1,113 
122 
5,772 
12,286 

Group 

2005 
$M 

14,846 
229 
198 
785 
- 
723 
- 
16,781 

7,063 
257 
- 
3,084 
- 
351 
10,755 
6,026 

733 
1,545 
440 
(13) 
- 
- 
3 
4 
1,332 
1,075 
133 
5,252 
11,278 

2006 
$M 

13,739 
319 
271 
796 
241 
- 
661 
16,027 

6,663 
433 
371 
2,398 
854 
586 
11,305 
4,722 

714 
1,330 
498 
31 
333 
2,078 
2 
(1)
- 
- 
555 
5,540 
10,262 

398 
398 

322 
322 

380 
380 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

11,708 
136 
221 
647 
- 
242 
727 
13,681 

5,543 
255 
- 
2,201 
496 
363 
8,858 
4,823 

722 
1,286 
381 
(39)
- 
988 
- 
4 
- 
- 
649 
3,991 
8,814 

292 
292 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     115 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 2 Profit (continued) 

Staff Expenses 
Salaries and wages  
Share based compensation 
Superannuation contributions 
Provisions for employee entitlements 
Payroll tax 
Fringe benefits tax 
Other staff expenses 
Comparable business 
Which new Bank 
Total Staff Expenses 

Occupancy and Equipment Expenses 
Operating lease rentals 
Depreciation: 
Buildings 
Leasehold improvements 
Equipment 
Operating lease assets  
Repairs and maintenance 
Other 
Comparable business 
Which new Bank 
Total Occupancy and Equipment Expenses 

Information Technology Services 
Projects and development 
Data processing 
Desktop 
Communications  
Amortisation of software assets 
IT equipment depreciation  
Comparable business 
Which new Bank 
Total Information Technology Services 

Other Expenses 
Postage 
Stationery 
Fees and commissions 
Advertising, marketing and loyalty  
Amortisation of other intangible assets (excluding software) 
Non lending losses 
Other 
Comparable business 
Which new Bank 
Total Other Expenses 

Comparable business 
Which new Bank 
Total Operating Expenses 
Defined benefit superannuation plan expense 
Profit before income tax  

116     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

2006 
$M 

2,419 
39 
8 
66 
123 
34 
134 
2,823 
- 
2,823 

338 

22 
56 
64 
9 
73 
59 
621 
- 
621 

364 
227 
137 
201 
43 
13 
985 
- 
985 

118 
98 
636 
307 
6 
116 
284 
1,565 
- 
1,565 

5,994 
- 
5,994 
(35)
5,859 

Group 

2005 
$M 

2,274 
74 
7 
67 
115 
32 
104 
2,673 
50 
2,723 

331 

21 
58 
63 
8 
71 
61 
613 
13 
626 

331 
248 
150 
204 
17 
6 
956 
52 
1,008 

112 
108 
614 
288 
3 
103 
249 
1,477 
35 
1,512 

5,719 
150 
5,869 
(75) 
5,012 

2006 
$M 

1,872 
39 
(14) 
59 
111 
30 
31 
2,128 
- 
2,128 

284 

21 
46 
38 
- 
67 
32 
488 
- 
488 

332 
200 
134 
173 
36 
13 
888 
- 
888 

104 
74 
406 
249 
- 
110 
157 
1,100 
- 
1,100 

4,604 
- 
4,604 
(35) 
5,243 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

1,758 
74 
(18)
59 
101 
28 
29 
2,031 
50 
2,081 

266 

20 
46 
29 
- 
64 
40 
465 
13 
478 

298 
221 
148 
174 
18 
6 
865 
52 
917 

98 
79 
402 
234 
- 
103 
111 
1,027 
35 
1,062 

4,388 
150 
4,538 
(75)
3,909 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 3 Income 

Banking 
Interest income  
Fees and commissions  
Trading income  
Gain/(loss) on disposal of non-trading instruments 
Net hedging ineffectiveness 
Dividends  
Net gain/(loss) on sale of property, plant and equipment 
Other income  

Funds Management, Investment and Insurance contracts  
Funds management and investment contract income including premiums 
Insurance contract premiums and related income 
Investment income (1) 

Total income  

2006 
$M 

19,758 
2,435 
505 
45 
(79)
4 
4 
122 
22,794 

1,589 
1,052 
3,129 
5,770 
28,564 

Group 

2005 
$M 

16,781 
2,278 
440 
(13) 
- 
3 
4 
132 
19,625 

1,247 
1,132 
3,142 
5,521 
25,146 

2006 
$M 

16,027 
2,044 
498 
31 
333 
2,080 
(1)
555 
21,567 

- 
- 
- 
- 
21,567 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

13,681 
2,008 
380 
- 
- 
988 
4 
615 
17,676 

- 
- 
- 
- 
17,676 

(1) Includes profit on sale of the Hong Kong insurance business of $145 million and goodwill impairment on Symetry investment of $21 million. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     117 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 4 Average Balances and Related Interest 
The following table lists the major categories of interest earning 
assets  and  interest  bearing  liabilities  of  the  Bank  together  with 
the respective interest earned or paid and the average interest 
rate  for  each  of  the  years  ended  30  June  2006  and  30  June 
2005.  Averages  used  were  predominately  daily  averages. 
Interest is accounted for based on product yield, while all trading 
gains  and  losses  are  disclosed  as  trading  income  within  other 
banking income.  

Where assets or liabilities are hedged, the amounts are shown 
net  of  the  hedge,  however  individual  items  not  separately 
hedged may be affected by movements in exchange rates. 

The overseas component comprises overseas branches of the 
Bank and overseas domiciled controlled entities.  

Non-accrual  loans  were  included  in  interest  earning  assets 
under loans, advances and other receivables. 

The official cash rate in Australia increased by 25 basis points 
during  the  year  ended  30  June  2006,  while  rates  in  New 
Zealand increased by a total of 50 basis points during the year. 

Average Interest Earning Assets and Income 

Cash and liquid assets 

Australia 
Overseas 

Receivables due from other financial institutions 

Australia 
Overseas 

Assets at fair value through Income Statement – Trading 

Australia 
Overseas 

Assets at fair value through Income Statement – Other 

Australia 
Overseas 

Investment securities 

Australia 
Overseas 

Available-for-sale investments 

Australia 
Overseas 

Loans, advances and other receivables 

Australia 
Overseas 
Intragroup loans 

Australia 
Overseas 

Average interest earning assets and interest income including 
intragroup 
Intragroup eliminations 
Total average interest earning assets and interest income 
Securitisation Home Loan Assets 

Average Non-Interest Earning Assets 

Bank acceptances 

Australia 
Overseas 

Assets at fair value through Income Statement - Insurance 

Australia 
Overseas 

Property, plant and equipment 

Australia 
Overseas 
Other assets 
Australia 
Overseas 

Provisions for impairment 

Australia 
Overseas 

Total average non-interest earning assets 
Total average assets 
Percentage of total average assets applicable to overseas 
operations (%) 

118     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

Average 
Balance 
$M 

3,581 
908 

3,016 
4,007 

12,161 
3,388 

355 
3,241 

- 
- 

5,010 
6,508 

Interest 

$M 

221 
29 

145 
188 

725 
185 

22 
254 

- 
- 

349 
336 

192,086 
40,537 

13,527 
3,012 

- 
9,623 

284,421 
(9,623)
274,798 
10,887 

- 
338 

19,331 
(338)
18,993 
765 

18,014 
- 

20,529 
3,468 

978 
158 

20,699 
5,113 

(1,144)
(86)
67,729 
353,414 

19. 0 

2005 

Average 
Rate 
% 

4. 8 
1. 9 

2. 5 
4. 4 

5. 2 
4. 7 

- 
- 

6. 8 
5. 0 

- 
- 

6. 9 
7. 1 

- 
1. 6 

6. 5 
1. 6 
6. 6 
7. 0 

2006 

Average 
Rate 
% 

Average 
Balance 
$M 

6. 2 
3. 2 

4. 8 
4. 7 

6. 0 
5. 5 

6. 2 
7. 8 

- 
- 

7. 0 
5. 2 

7. 0 
7. 4 

- 
3. 5 

6. 8 
3. 5 
6. 9 
7. 0 

Interest 

$M 

178 
20 

61 
168 

603 
182 

- 
- 

296 
427 

- 
- 

3,716 
1,077 

2,394 
3,791 

11,535 
3,850 

- 
- 

4,375 
8,538 

- 
- 

171,249 
34,183 

11,822 
2,427 

- 
5,793 

250,501 
(5,793) 
244,708 
8,568 

- 
92 

16,276 
(92) 
16,184 
597 

16,263 
- 

22,929 
4,542 

893 
144 

23,822 
3,303 

(1,430) 
(142) 
70,324 
323,600 

18. 3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

2005 

Average 
Rate 
% 

5. 1 
7. 7 

1. 9 
4. 1 

4. 0 
3. 4 

2. 9 
3. 3 

- 
- 

6. 0 
2. 8 

5. 8 
3. 9 

1. 6 
- 

4. 5 
1. 6 

4. 5 
5. 3 

Note 4 Average Balances and Related Interest (continued) 

Average Interest Bearing Liabilities and Loan 
Capital and Interest Expense 

Average 
Balance 
$M 

Time deposits 
Australia 
Overseas 

Savings deposits 

Australia 
Overseas 

Other demand deposits (1) 

Australia 
Overseas 

Payables due to other financial institutions 

Australia 
Overseas 

Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement 

Australia 
Overseas 
Debt issues (1) 
Australia 
Overseas 
Loan capital (1) 
Australia 
Overseas 

Intragroup borrowings 

Australia 
Overseas 

60,725 
15,732 

31,832 
2,597 

44,544 
4,637 

1,982 
7,649 

2,038 
13,266 

46,315 
14,603 

7,936 
1,244 

9,623 
- 

Interest 

$M 

3,533 
935 

603 
119 

1,905 
293 

119 
356 

192 
779 

2,547 
577 

450 
165 

338 
- 

Average interest bearing liabilities and loan capital and interest 
expense including intragroup 
Intragroup eliminations 
Total average interest bearing liabilities and loan capital 
and interest expense 
Securitisation Debt Issues 

264,723 
(9,623)

255,100 
11,541 

12,911 
(338)

12,573 
671 

Non-Interest Bearing Liabilities 

Deposits not bearing interest 

Australia 
Overseas 

Liabilities on bank acceptances 

Australia 
Overseas 

Insurance policy liabilities 

Australia 
Overseas 
Other liabilities 
Australia 
Overseas 

Total average non-interest bearing liabilities 
Total average liabilities and loan capital 
Shareholders’ equity 
Total average liabilities, loan capital and Shareholders’ 
equity 
Percentage of total average liabilities and Loan Capital 
applicable to overseas operations (%) 

(1) Comparison between reporting periods are impacted by hedge accounting. 

5,797 
1,170 

18,014 
- 

20,731 
3,040 

11,476 
4,552 
64,780 
331,421 
21,993 

353,414 

20. 7 

2006 

Average 
Rate 
% 

Average 
Balance 
$M 

5. 8 
5. 9 

1. 9 
4. 6 

4. 3 
6. 3 

6. 0 
4. 7 

9. 4 
5. 9 

5. 5 
4. 0 

5. 7 
13. 3 

3. 5 
- 

4. 9 
3. 5 

4. 9 
5. 8 

Interest 

$M 

3,183 
1,356 

586 
119 

1,653 
166 

50 
207 

- 
- 

61,826 
17,716 

31,304 
2,927 

41,235 
4,859 

1,707 
6,292 

- 
- 

34,853 
16,540 

2,095 
462 

5,566 
772 

5,793 
- 

321 
30 

92 
- 

231,390 
(5,793) 

225,597 
9,911 

10,320 
(92)

10,228 
527 

5,512 
1,121 

16,263 
- 

20,732 
3,900 

14,607 
3,927 
66,062 
301,570 
22,030 

323,600 

19. 3 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     119 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 4 Average Balances and Related Interest (continued) 

Net Interest Margin 

Total interest earning assets excluding 
securitisation  
Total interest bearing liabilities excluding 
securitisation 
Net interest income & interest spread 
(excluding securitisation) 
Benefit of free funds 
Net interest margin 

Reconciliation of Net Interest Margin 
Net margin as reported (1) 
AIFRS volatility (2) 
Underlying net interest margin pro-forma basis 

Avg Bal 
$M 

Income 
$M 

2006 

Yield 
% 

Avg Bal 
$M 

Income 
$M 

274,798 

18,993 

6. 91 

244,708 

16,184 

255,100 

12,573 

4. 93 

225,597 

10,228 

6,420 

1. 98 
0. 36 
2. 34 

5,956 

2005 

Yield 
% 

6. 61 

4. 53 

2. 08 
0. 35 
2. 43 

2006 
% 
2. 34 
0. 02 
2. 36 

2005 
% 
2. 43 
- 
2. 43 

Jun 06 vs  
Jun 05 % 
(9)bpts 
2bpts 
(7)bpts 

(1) Refer page 102 for a reconciliation of Net Interest Income (AIFRS to AGAAP equivalent). 

(2) Represents AIFRS impact (mainly hybrid distributions and hedge accounting). 

Geographical analysis of key categories 

Full Year Ended  

Loans, Advances and Other Receivables 
Australia 
Overseas 
Total 

Non Lending Interest Earning Assets 
Australia 
Overseas 
Total 

Interest Bearing Deposits 
Australia 
Overseas 
Total 

Other Interest Bearing Liabilities 
Australia 
Overseas 
Total 

Avg Bal 
$M 

Income 
$M 

192,086 
40,537 
232,623 

13,527 
3,012 
16,539 

24,123 
18,052 
42,175 

137,101 
22,966 
160,067 

58,271 
36,762 
95,033 

1,462 
992 
2,454 

6,041 
1,347 
7,388 

3,308 
1,877 
5,185 

2006 

Yield 
% 

7. 04 
7. 43 
7. 11 

6. 06 
5. 50 
5. 82 

4. 41 
5. 87 
4. 62 

5. 68 
5. 11 
5. 46 

Avg Bal 
$M 

Income 
$M 

171,249 
34,183 
205,432 

11,822 
2,427 
14,249 

22,020 
17,256 
39,276 

134,365 
25,502 
159,867 

42,126 
23,604 
65,730 

1,138 
797 
1,935 

5,422 
1,641 
7,063 

2,466 
699 
3,165 

2005 

Yield 
% 

6. 90 
7. 10 
6. 94 

5. 17 
4. 62 
4. 93 

4. 04 
6. 43 
4. 42 

5. 85 
2. 96 
4. 82 

The overseas component comprises overseas branches of the 
Bank  and  overseas  domiciled  controlled  entities.  Overseas 
intragroup  borrowings  have  been  adjusted  into  the  interest 
spread and margin calculations to more appropriately reflect the 
overseas  cost  of  funds.  Non–accrual  loans  were  included  in 
interest  earning  assets  under  loans,  advances  and  other 
receivables. 

In  calculating  net  interest  margin,  assets,  liabilities,  interest 
income  and  interest  expense  related  to  securitisation  vehicles 
have  been  excluded.  This  has  been  done  to  more  accurately 
reflect the Bank’s underlying net margin. 

Change in Net Interest 

Due to changes in average volume of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities 
Due to changes in interest margin 
Change in net interest income 

Year Ended 

2006 vs 2005 
Increase/(Decrease) 
$M 
718 
(254)
464 

120     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 4 Average Balances and Related Interest (continued) 

Changes in Net Interest Income: 

Volume and Rate Analysis 

Interest Earning Assets 
Cash and liquid assets 

Australia 
Overseas 

Receivables due from other financial institutions 

Australia 
Overseas 

Assets at fair value through Income Statement - Trading 

Australia 
Overseas 

Assets at fair value through Income Statement - Other 

Australia 
Overseas 

Investment securities 

Australia 
Overseas 

Available-for-sale investments 

Australia 
Overseas 

Loans, advances and other receivables 

Australia 
Overseas 
Intragroup loans 

Australia 
Overseas 

Changes in interest income including intragroup 
Intragroup eliminations 
Changes in interest income 
Securitisation home loan assets 

Interest Bearing Liabilities and Loan Capital  
Time deposits 
Australia 
Overseas 

Savings deposits 

Australia 
Overseas 

Other demand deposits 

Australia 
Overseas 

Payables due to other financial institutions 

Australia 
Overseas 

Liabilities at fair value through income Statement 

Australia 
Overseas 
Debt issues 
Australia 
Overseas 
Loan capital 
Australia 
Overseas 

Intragroup borrowings 

Australia 
Overseas 

Changes in interest expense including intragroup 
Intragroup eliminations 
Changes in interest expense 
Changes in net interest income 
Securitisation debt issues 

June 2006 vs June 2005 

Volume 
$M 

Rate 
$M 

Total 
$M 

(7) 
(4) 

23 
10 

35 
(24) 

11 
127 

(148) 
(214) 

174 
168 

1,453 
462 

- 
98 
2,255 
(98) 
2,035 
162 

50 
13 

61 
10 

87 
27 

11 
127 

(148)
(213)

175 
168 

252 
123 

- 
148 
800 
(148)
774 
6 

43 
9 

84 
20 

122 
3 

22 
254 

(296)
(427)

349 
336 

1,705 
585 

- 
246 
3,055 
(246)
2,809 
168 

(60) 
(135) 

410 
(286)

350 
(421)

10 
(14) 

137 
(11) 

12 
54 

96 
390 

660 
(65) 

136 
40 

98 
- 
1,556 
(98) 
1,396 
718 
91 

7 
14 

115 
138 

57 
95 

96 
389 

(208)
180 

(7)
95 

148 
- 
1,035 
(148)
949 
(254)
53 

17 
- 

252 
127 

69 
149 

192 
779 

452 
115 

129 
135 

246 
- 
2,591 
(246)
2,345 
464 
144 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     121 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 4 Average Balances and Related Interest (continued) 

Changes in Net Interest Income: Volume and Rate Analysis 

The preceding table shows the movement in interest income and 
expense due to changes in volume and changes in interest rates. 
Volume  variances  reflect  the  change  in  interest  from  the  prior 
period  due  to  movement  in  the  average  balance.  Rate  variance 
reflects the change in interest from the prior year due to changes 
in interest rates. 

Volume  and  rate  variance  for  total  interest  earning  assets  and 
liabilities have  been calculated separately  (rather  than  being  the 
sum of the individual categories). 

Geographical analysis of key categories 

Australia 
Interest spread (1) 
Benefit of net free liabilities, provisions and equity (2) 
Australia interest margin (3) 

Overseas 
Interest spread (1) 
Benefit of net free liabilities, provisions and equity (2) 
Overseas interest margin (3) 

Group 
Interest spread (1) 
Benefit of net free liabilities, provisions and equity (2) 
Group interest margin (3) 

2006 
% 

2. 21 
0. 24 
2. 45 

0. 97 
0. 67 
1. 64 

1. 98 
0. 36 
2. 34 

2005 
% 

2. 33 
0. 25 
2. 58 

1. 03 
0. 68 
1. 71 

2. 08 
0. 35 
2. 43 

(1) Difference between the average interest rate earned and the average interest rate paid on funds. 

(2) A portion of the Group’s interest earning assets is funded by net interest free liabilities and shareholders’ equity. The benefit to the Group of these interest free funds is the 

amount it would cost to replace them at the average cost of funds. 

(3) Net interest income divided by average interest earning assets for the year. 

122     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 5 Income Tax Expense  

Profit from ordinary activities before Income Tax 
Banking 
Funds management 
Insurance 
Defined benefit superannuation plan expense 

Prima Facie Income Tax at 30% 
Banking 
Funds management 
Insurance 
Defined benefit superannuation plan expense  

Tax effect of expenses that are non-deductible/income non-assessable in 
determining taxable profit: 

Current period 
Taxation offsets and other dividend adjustments 
Tax adjustment referable to policyholder income 
Non assessable income – life insurance transitional fee relief 
Non–assessable gains  
Tax losses recognised 
Other 

Prior periods 
Other 
Total income tax expense 

Income Tax Attributable to Profit from ordinary activites 
Banking 
Funds management 
Insurance 
Corporate tax expense  
Policyholder tax expense 
Total income tax expense 

Effective Tax Rate 
Total – corporate 
Banking – corporate 
Funds management – corporate 
Insurance – corporate 

Recognised in the Income Statement 
Australia 
Current tax expense 
Deferred tax expense 
Total Australia  
Overseas  
Current tax expenses 
Deferred tax expense  
Total Overseas 
Total income tax expense 

2006 
$M 

4,594 
643 
657 
(35)
5,859 

1,378 
193 
197 
(11)
1,757 

(29)
232 
- 
(43)
(35)
3 
128 

15 
1,900 

1,328 
139 
102 
1,569 
331 
1,900 

Group 

2005 
$M 

4,057 
508 
522 
(75) 
5,012 

1,217 
153 
157 
(23) 
1,504 

(48) 
160 
(30) 
- 
(9) 
25 
98 

- 
1,602 

1,197 
88 
89 
1,374 
228 
1,602 

% 

% 

28. 4 
29. 1 
30. 8 
19. 7 

28. 7 
30. 1 
21. 8 
22. 4 

2006 
$M 

5,278 
- 
- 
(35)
5,243 

1,584 
- 
- 
(11)
1,573 

(615)
- 
- 
- 
(14)
32 
(597)

- 
976 

976 
- 
- 
976 
- 
976 

% 

18. 6 
18. 6 
- 
- 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

3,984 
- 
- 
(75)
3,909 

1,195 
- 
- 
(23)
1,172 

(309)
- 
- 
- 
(2)
36 
(275)

- 
897 

897 
- 
- 
897 
- 
897 

% 

22. 9 
22. 9 
- 
- 

$M 

$M 

$M 

$M 

1,366 
382 
1,748 

114 
38 
152 
1,900 

1,403 
(5) 
1,398 

175 
29 
204 
1,602 

655 
318 
973 

3 
- 
3 
976 

1,036 
(148)
888 

9 
- 
9 
897 

The share of associates’ income tax expense included in total income tax expense in Income Statement is $1 million for 2006 (2005: $2 
million) 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     123 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 5  Income Tax Expense (continued) 

The significant temporary differences are as follows (1) : 
Deferred tax assets arising from: 

Provision for employee benefits  
Provisions for Which new Bank  
Provisions for impairment on loans, advances and other receivables  
Other provisions not tax deductible until expense incurred  
Recognised value of tax losses carried forward 
Financial instruments 
Other  
Set off of tax 
Total deferred tax assets  
Intergroup deferred tax receivable (Note 22) 
Deferred tax liabilities arising from: 

Property asset revaluations 
Lease financing 
Defined benefit superannuation plan surplus 
Intangible assets  
Financial instruments 
Other 

Set off of tax 
Total deferred tax liabilities (Note 26) 
Intergroup deferred tax payable (Note 30) 

Deferred tax assets opening balance: 
1 July 2004 AIFRS Transitional Adjustment 
Restated opening balance 
Movement in temporary differences during the year: 

Provisions for employee benefits  
Provisions for Which new Bank  
Provisions for impairment on loans, advances and other receivables  
Other provisions not tax deductible until expense incurred 
Tax value of loss carry-forwards utilised  
Financial instruments 
Other 

Set off of tax 
Deferred tax assets closing balance (1) 

Deferred tax liabilities opening balance:  
1 July 2004 AIFRS Transitional Adjustment 
Restated opening balance 
Movements in temporary differences during the year: 

Property asset revaluations 
Lease financing 
Defined benefit superannuation plan surplus 
Intangible assets  
Financial instruments 
Other 

Set off of tax 
Deferred tax liabilities closing balance (1) (Note 26) 

2006 
$M 

Group 

2005 
$M 

2006 
$M 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

261 
11 
350 
135 
9 
195 
297 
(608)
650 
- 

29 
312 
368 
10 
626 
599 
(608)
1,336 
- 

651 
- 
651 

- 
(30)
(81)
64 
9 
42 
164 
(169)
650 

921 
- 
921 

- 
16 
153 
(1)
217 
199 
(169)
1,336 

261 
41 
431 
71 
- 
153 
133 
(439)
651 
- 

29 
296 
215 
11 
409 
400 
(439)
921 
- 

564 
23 
587 

29 
(11)
8 
42 
- 
(50)
(180)
226 
651 

384 
188 
572 

29 
(43)
25 
11 
(234)
335 
226 
921 

245 
11 
341 
74 
9 
62 
209 
(559) 
392 
- 

29 
144 
368 
- 
586 
72 
(559) 
640 
- 

599 
- 
599 

5 
(30) 
(84) 
15 
9 
(11) 
27 
(138) 
392 

872 
- 
872 

- 
(148) 
153 
- 
275 
(374) 
(138) 
640 

240 
41 
425 
59 
- 
73 
182 
(421)
599 
549 

29 
292 
215 
- 
311 
446 
(421)
872 
60 

423 
23 
446 

28 
(11)
12 
95 
- 
(58)
(52)
139 
599 

332 
197 
529 

29 
(47)
25 
- 
(156)
353 
139 
872 

(1) Exchange differences on deferred foreign tax balances are taken to income to match the treatment of exchange differences on the underlying assets and liabilities. 

Deferred tax assets not taken to account (1) 
Valuation allowance 
Opening balance  
Prior year adjustments  
Benefits now taken to account  
Benefits arising during the year not recognised  
Closing balance  

2006 
$M 

159 
(40)
(35)
47 
131 

Group 

2005 
$M 

170 
(33)
(9)
31 
159 

2006 
$M 

79 
7 
(14) 
- 
72 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

94 
(33)
(2)
20 
79 

(1) The deductible temporary differences do not expire under current tax legislation. Deferred tax assets have not been taken to account in respect of the above items 

because it is not probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the Group can utilise the benefits therefrom. 

124     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 5  Income Tax Expense (continued) 

Expiration of carry-forward losses 

At 30 June 2006 carry-forward losses expire as follows: 

From one to two years 
From two to four years 
After four years 

Losses that do not expire under current tax law 
Total 

2006 
$M 

2 
14 
30 
85 
131 

Group 

2005 
$M 

3 
3 
36 
117 
159 

2006 
$M 

- 
10 
29 
33 
72 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

1 
- 
34 
44 
79 

Potential  future  income  tax  benefits  of  the  company  arising 
from: 

•  Capital losses arising under the tax consolidations systems; 

and 

•  Tax  losses  and  timing  differences  in  offshore  centres  have 
not  been  recognised  as  assets  because  recovery  is  not 
probable. 

Tax Consolidation 

Tax  consolidation  legislation  has  been  enacted  to  allow 
Australian  resident  entities  to  elect  to  consolidate  and  be 
treated  as  single  entities  for  Australian  tax  purposes.  The 
Commonwealth Bank of Australia has elected to be taxed as a 
single entity with effect from 1 July 2002. 

These benefits could amount to: 

•  $72 million (2005: $44 million) in capital losses; and  
•  $59 million (2005: $115 million) in offshore centres. 

These potential tax benefits will only be obtained if:  

•  The  company  derives  future  capital  gains  and  assessable 
income of a nature and of an amount sufficient to enable the 
benefit from the losses to be realised; 

•  The  company  continues  to  comply  with  the  conditions  for 
claiming  capital  losses  and  deductions  imposed  by  tax 
legislation; and 

•  No changes in tax legislation adversely affect the Company 

in realising the benefit from deductions for the losses. 

New Zealand Subsidiaries 

Certain  subsidiaries  of  the  Bank  in  New  Zealand  are  being 
audited by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) as part of an 
industry-wide review of structured finance transactions.  

An  assessment  has  been  received  from  the  IRD  in  respect  of 
one structured finance investment in relation to the year ended 
30  June  2001.  Notices  of  proposed  adjustment  have  been 
received for other similar investments for other years. 

The Bank is confident that the tax treatment it has adopted for 
these  investments  is  correct,  and  any  assessments  received 
will be disputed. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     125 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 6  Dividends  

Ordinary Shares 
Interim ordinary dividend (fully franked) (2006: 94 cents, 2005: 85 cents) 
Interim ordinary dividend paid – cash component only 
Interim ordinary dividend paid – dividend reinvestment plan 
Total dividends paid 

Preference Shares (1) 
Preference dividends paid (fully franked) (2005: 1,115 cents) 
Provision for preference dividend 

Other Equity Instruments (1) 
Dividends paid 

2006 
$M 

992 
219 
1,211 

- 
- 

- 

Group 

2005 
$M 

883 
200 
1,083 

29 
10 

92 

2006 
$M 

992 
219 
1,211 

- 
- 

- 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

883 
200 
1,083 

29 
10 

34 

Total dividends provided for, reserved or paid 
Other provision carried 

1,211 
6 

1,214 
4 

1,211 
6 

1,156 
4 

Dividends proposed and not recognised as a liability (fully franked) (2006: 130 
cents, 2005: 112 cents) (2) 

1,668 

1,434 

1,668 

1,434 

Provision for dividends  
Balance as at 1 July 2005 
Provisions made during the year 
Provisions used during the year 
Provisions reversed during the year 
Balance at 30 June 2006 (Note 27) 

14 
2,646 
(2,645)
(9)
6 

14 
2,437 
(2,437)
- 
14 

14 
2,646 
(2,645) 
(9) 
6 

14 
2,437 
(2,437)
- 
14 

(1) Reclassified to loan capital on adoption of AIFRS from 1 July 2005. 

(2) The 2005 final dividend was satisfied by cash disbursements of $1,173 million and the issue of $261 million of ordinary shares through the dividend reinvestment 

plan. The 2006 final dividend is expected to be satisfied by cash disbursements of $1,365 million and the estimated issue of $303 million of ordinary shares through 
the dividend reinvestment plan. 

Dividend Franking Account  

After  fully  franking  the  final  dividend  to  be  paid  for  the  year 
ended 30 June 2006 the amount of credits available, at the 30% 
tax  rate as  at  30 June 2006 to  frank  dividends  for  subsequent 
financial years is $nil (2005: $194 million). This figure is based 
on  the  combined  franking  accounts  of  the  Bank  at  30  June 
2006,  which  have  been  adjusted  for  franking  credits  that  will 
arise from the payment of income tax payable on profits for the 
year ended 30 June 2006, franking debits that will arise from the 

payment of dividends proposed for the year and franking credits 
that the Bank may be prevented from distributing in subsequent 
financial periods. 

The  Bank  expects  that  future  tax  payments  will  generate 
sufficient franking credits for the Bank to be able to continue to 
fully  frank  future  dividend  payments.  These  calculations  have 
been based on the taxation law as at 30 June 2006. 

Dividend History  

Half Year Ended  

31 December 2003 
30 June 2004 
31 December 2004 
30 June 2005 
31 December 2005 
30 June 2006 

Cents Per 
Share 
79 
104 
85 
112 
94 
130 

Half-year  

(1)

Full Year  

(1)

Payout Ratio

Payout Ratio

Date Paid 
30/03/04 
24/09/04 
31/03/05 
23/09/05 
05/04/06 
(4) 

% 
82. 7 
103. 8 
65. 6 
88. 6 
60. 6 
86. 5 

% 
- 
93.5 
- 
77.0 
- 
73. 3 

Full Year  
Payout Ratio  
(2) 
Cash Basis 

DRP  
Participation 
(3)

Rate 

DRP  
Price 

% 
- 
73. 9 
- 
74. 9 
- 
71. 0 

31. 61 
30. 14 
35. 90 
37. 19 
43. 89 
- 

 % 
18. 8 
18. 7 
18. 6 
18. 2 
18. 1 
- 

(1) Dividend Payout Ratio: dividends divided by statutory earnings. 

(2) Payout ratio based on net profit after tax before defined benefit superannuation plan expense and treasury shares mismatch. Includes Which new Bank expenses for 

the year ended 30 June 2005 and the profit on sale of CMG Asia for the year ended 30 June 2006. 

(3) DRP Participation Rate: the percentage of total issued share capital participating in the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. 

(4) Dividend expected to be paid on 5 October 2006. 

126     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 7 Earnings Per Share 

Earnings per Ordinary Share  
Basic  
Fully diluted  

Reconciliation of earnings used in the calculation of earnings per share 
Profit after income tax 
Less: Preference share dividends 
Less: Other equity instrument dividends 
Less: Other dividends – ASB preference shares  
Less: Minority interests  
Earnings used in calculation of basic earnings per share 
Add: Profit impact of assumed conversions 
Preference shares 
Other equity instruments 
Loan capital 
Earnings used in calculation of fully diluted earnings per share 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (net of treasury shares) used in the calculation  
of basic earnings per share 
Effect of dilutive securities – share options and convertible loan capital instruments 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares (net of treasury shares) used in the calculation  
of fully diluted earnings per share 

Cash Basis Earnings Per Ordinary Share 
Basic  
Fully diluted  

Reconciliation of earnings used in the calculation of basic cash basis earnings per share 
Earnings used in calculation of earnings per share (as above) 
Add: Defined benefit superannuation plan expense after income tax 
Add: Treasury shares mismatch after income tax 
Earnings used in calculation of basic cash basis earnings per share 
Add: Profit impact of assumed conversions 
Preference shares 
Other equity instruments 
Loan capital 
Earnings used in calculation of fully diluted cash basis earnings per share 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares (net of treasury shares) used in calculation  
of basic cash basis earnings per share 
Effect of dilutive securities – share options and convertible loan capital instruments 
Weighted average number of ordinary shares (net of treasury shares) used in calculation  
of fully diluted cash basis earnings per share 

2006 
C 

308. 2 
303. 1 

Group 

2005 
C 

259. 6 
255. 3 

$M 

$M 

3,959 
- 
- 
- 
(31) 
3,928 

- 
- 
100 
4,028 

3,410 
(39)
(76)
(16)
(10)
3,269 

23 
67 
- 
3,359 

Number of Shares 

2006 
M 

1,275 
54 

2005 
M 

1,260 
56 

1,329 

1,316 

C 

C 

315. 9 
310. 5 

264. 8 
260. 5 

$M 

$M 

3,928 
25 
100 
4,053 

- 
- 
100 
4,153 

3,269 
53 
39 
3,361 

23 
67 
- 
3,451 

Number of Shares 

2006 
M 

1,283 
55 

2006 
M 

1,269 
56 

1,338 

1,325 

Basic earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing net 
profit  for  the  year  attributed  to  ordinary  equity  holders  of  the 
parent  by  the  weighted  average  number  of  ordinary  shares 
outstanding during the year. 

Diluted  earnings  per  share  amount  are  calculated  by  dividing 
net  profit  attributable  to  ordinary  shareholders  (after  deducting 

interest on the convertible redeemable loan capital instruments) 
by 
the  weighted  average  number  of  ordinary  shares 
outstanding  during  the  year  (adjusted  for  the  effects  of  diluted 
options  and  diluted  convertible  non-cumulative  redeemable 
loan capital instruments). 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     127 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 8 Cash and Liquid Assets 

Australia  
Notes, coins and cash at bankers  
Money at short call 
Securities purchased under agreements to resell 
Bills received and remittances in transit 
Total Australia 

Overseas  
Notes, coins and cash at bankers  
Money at short call 
Securities purchased under agreements to resell 
Total Overseas  
Total Cash and Liquid Assets 

Note 9 Receivables from Other Financial Institutions 

Australia 
Placements with and loans to other banks and financial institutions  
Total Australia 

Overseas  
Deposits with regulatory authorities (1) 
Other placements with and loans to other banks and financial institutions  
Total Overseas  
Total Receivables from Other Financial Institutions 

(1) These at call deposits are required by law for the Bank to operate in these regions. 

2006 
$M 

1,629 
4 
2,629 
131 
4,393 

74 
356 
308 
738 
5,131 

2006 
$M 

3,191 
3,191 

74 
3,842 
3,916 
7,107 

Group 

2005 
$M 

1,831 
3 
2,598 
372 
4,804 

68 
307 
876 
1,251 
6,055 

Group 

2005 
$M 

3,573 
3,573 

45 
2,469 
2,514 
6,087 

2006 
$M 

1,210 
- 
2,629 
133 
3,972 

4 
210 
633 
847 
4,819 

2006 
$M 

3,700 
3,700 

3 
3,761 
3,764 
7,464 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

1,474 
- 
2,598 
371 
4,443 

5 
45 
1,243 
1,293 
5,736 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

4,000 
4,000 

1 
1,971 
1,972 
5,972 

128     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 10 Assets at Fair Value through Income Statement 

Trading  
Insurance  
Other  
Total Assets at Fair Value through Income Statement 

Trading 

Australia 
Market Quoted: 

Australian Public Securities  
Commonwealth and States 
Local and semi-government 

Bills of exchange  
Certificates of deposit 
Medium term notes  
Other securities  
Non-Market Quoted: 
Commercial paper 

Total Australia 
Overseas 
Market Quoted: 

Government securities  
Eurobonds  
Certificates of deposit 
Medium term notes 
Floating rate notes 
Commercial paper 
Non-Market Quoted: 
Commercial paper  
Bills of exchange 
Other securities  

Total Overseas 
Total Trading Assets 

2006 
$M 
15,758 
24,437 
2,944 
43,139 

2006 
$M 

422 
860 
2,982 
5,031 
2,846 
43 

Group 

2005 
$M 
14,631 
27,484 
- 
42,115 

Group 

2005 
$M 

283 
505 
1,346 
5,980 
1,949 
196 

2006 
$M 
13,926 
- 
396 
14,322 

2006 
$M 

422 
860 
2,982 
5,031 
2,846 
24 

Bank 

2005 
$M 
12,432 
- 
- 
12,432 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

283 
505 
1,346 
5,977 
1,949 
181 

648 
12,832 

767 
11,026 

800 
12,965 

878 
11,119 

361 
349 
1,408 
60 
392 
82 

138 
135 
1 
2,926 
15,758 

358 
502 
1,559 
- 
563 
367 

6 
240 
10 
3,605 
14,631 

220 
349 
- 
- 
392 
- 

- 
- 
- 
961 
13,926 

248 
502 
- 
- 
563 
- 

- 
- 
- 
1,313 
12,432 

Thereof can be repledged or resold by counter party 

1,192 

n/a (1) 

1,192 

n/a (1) 

(1) No comparative balances are provided due to the exemption elected when adopting Financial Instruments AIFRS accounting from 1 July 2005. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     129 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 10 Assets at Fair Value through Income Statement (continued) 

Insurance 

Equity Security Investments: 

Direct  
Indirect  

Total Equity Security Investments 
Debt Security Investments: 

Direct 
Indirect  

Total Debt Security Investments 
Property Investments: 

Direct  
Indirect  

Total Property Investments 
Other Assets  
Total Life Insurance Investment Assets  

Investments 
Backing Life  
Risk  
Contracts 

Investments 
 Backing Life 
 Investment 
 Contracts 

2006 
$M 

685 
1,156 
1,841 

579 
2,598 
3,177 

182 
463 
645 
87 
5,750 

2006 
$M 

2,013 
5,725 
7,738 

1,924 
5,497 
7,421 

313 
854 
1,167 
2,361 
18,687 

2006 
$M 

2,698 
6,881 
9,579 

2,503 
8,095 
10,598 

495 
1,317 
1,812 
2,448 
24,437 

Group 

2005 
$M 

2,791 
6,467 
9,258 

3,918 
8,116 
12,034 

3 
2,442 
2,445 
3,747 
27,484 

Direct investments refer to positions held directly in the issuer of 
the investment. Indirect investments refer to investments that are 
held through unit trusts or similar investment vehicles. 

All  financial  assets  within  the  life  statutory  funds  have  been 
determined  to  back  either  life  insurance  or  life  investment 
contracts. 

Disclosure on Asset Restriction 

Investments  held  in  the  Australian  statutory  funds  may  only  be 
used within the restrictions imposed under the Life Insurance Act 
1995. 

The main restrictions are that assets in a fund may only be used 
to  meet  the  liabilities  and  expenses  of  the  fund,  to  acquire 
investments to further the business of the fund, or as distributions 
when solvency and capital adequacy requirements are met. 

Participating  policyholders  can  receive  a  distribution  when 
solvency  requirements  are  met,  whilst  shareholders  can  only 
receive a  distribution  when the higher levels of capital adequacy 
requirements are met. 

These  investment  assets  held  in  the  statutory  funds  are  not 
available  for  use  by  the  Commonwealth  Bank’s  operating 
businesses. 

The  Group  also  holds  investments  in  the  Colonial  First  State 
Property  Trust  Group  and  Colonial  Mastertrust  Wholesale  funds 
(including Fixed Interest, Australian Shares, International Shares, 
Property  Securities,  Capital  Stable,  Balanced  and  Diversified 
Growth  funds)  through  controlled  life  insurance  entities,  which 
have  been  designated  as  Assets  at  Fair  Value  through  Income 
Statement  instead  of  being  accounted  for  under  the  equity 
accounting method. 

Instead, these investments are brought to account at fair value at 
Balance Sheet date in compliance with the requirements of AASB 
1038: Life Insurance Business. 

Other (1) 

Fair value structured transactions  
Receivables due from financial institutions  
Term loans  
Other lending 
Total Other Financial Instruments 

Group 

2006 
$M 
1,005 
1,144 
616 
179 
2,944 

Bank 

2006 
$M 
369 
- 
- 
27 
396 

(1) Under AIFRS, certain assets have been designated at fair value through Income Statement from 1 July 2005 as they are managed by the Group on a fair value basis. 

130     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 11 Derivative Assets and Liabilities  

Derivative contracts  

Cash flow hedges  

Each derivative is classified as either held for “Trading” purposes 
or  for  “Hedging”  purposes.  Derivatives  classified  as  “Hedging” 
are transactions entered into in order to manage the risks arising 
from non traded assets, liabilities and commitments in Australia 
and offshore centres. Other derivatives are those held in relation 
to a portfolio designated at fair value through Income Statement. 

The Group uses interest rate swaps and cross currency swaps 
to  minimise  the  variability  in  cash  flows  of  interest-earning 
assets,  interest-bearing  liabilities  or  forecasted  transactions 
caused by interest rate or foreign exchange fluctuations. For the 
year  ended  30  June  2006  there  has  been  no  material  gain  or 
loss associated with ineffective portions of cash flow hedges. 

Gains  and  losses  on  derivative  contracts  designated  as  cash 
flow hedges are initially recorded in Shareholders’ equity but are 
reclassified  to  current  period  earnings  when  the  hedged  cash 
flows  occur,  as  explained  in  Note  1  (ff)  Derivative  financial 
instruments.  As  at  30  June  2006,  deferred  net  gains  on 
flow  hedges 
derivative 
accumulated  in  Shareholders’  equity  were  $88  million.  The 
amount  recognised  in  Shareholders’  equity  at  30  June  2006, 
related  to  cash  flows  expected  to  occur  within  one  month  to 
approximately 30 years of the balance sheet date, with the main 
portion expected to occur within 3 years. 

instruments  designated  as  cash 

As  at  30  June  2006,  the  fair  value  of  outstanding  derivatives 
designated as cash flow hedges was $537 million of assets and 
$193  million  of 
from 
liabilities.  Amounts 
gains/(losses)  on  cash  flow  hedging  instruments  recognised  in 
equity to current period earnings due to discontinuation of hedge 
accounting were immaterial. 

reclassified 

Derivatives transacted for hedging purposes 

The  Group  enters  into  other  derivative  transactions,  which  are 
designated and qualify as either fair value or cash flow hedges 
for recognised assets or liabilities or forecast transactions. It also 
enters  into  derivative  transactions  which  provide  economic 
hedges  for  risk  exposures  but  do  not  meet  the  accounting 
requirements for hedge accounting treatment. As stated in Note 
1  (ff)  Derivative  financial  instruments,  the  Group  uses  Credit 
Default  Swaps  (CDSs)  and  equity  swaps  as  economic  hedges 
to manage credit risk in the asset portfolio and risks associated 
with both the capital investment in equities and the related yield 
respectively,  but  cannot  apply  hedge  accounting  to  such 
positions.  Gains  or  losses  on  these  CDSs  and  equity  swaps 
have therefore been recorded in trading income. 

Derivatives designated and accounted for as hedging 
instruments 

The Group’s accounting policies for derivatives designated and 
accounted  for  as  hedging  instruments  are  explained  in  Note  1 
(ff) where terms used in the following sections are explained. 

Fair value hedges 

The Group’s fair value hedges principally consist of interest rate 
swaps, cross currency swaps and futures. Fair value hedges are 
used to limit the Group’s exposure to changes in the fair value of 
its fixed-rate interest bearing assets or liabilities that are due to 
interest rate or foreign exchange volatility.  

For the year ended 30 June 2006, the Group recognised a net 
loss of $20 million (reported within other operating income in the 
Financial Statements), which represents the ineffective portion of 
fair value hedges. 

As  at  30  June  2006,  the  fair  value  of  outstanding  derivatives 
designated as fair value hedges was $594 million of assets and 
$2,741 million of liabilities. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     131 

 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 11 Derivative Assets and Liabilities (continued) 

Derivative Assets and Liabilities 
Held for trading  
Held for hedging 
Other derivatives 
Total recognised derivative assets and liabilities 

Derivatives held for trading  
Exchange rate related contracts: 

Forward contracts 
Swaps 
Futures 
Options purchased and sold 

Total exchange rate related contracts 

Interest rate related contracts: 

Forward contracts 
Swaps 
Futures 
Options purchased and sold 
Total interest rate related contracts 

Credit related contracts: 

Swaps 

Total credit related contracts 

Equity related contracts: 

Options purchased and sold 

Total equity related contracts 

Commodity related contracts: 

Forward contracts 
Swaps 
Options purchased and sold 
Total commodity related contracts 

Face Value 

$M 

972,789 
114,612 
31,646 
1,119,047 

245,943 
104,942 
8,063 
17,051 
375,999 

64,865 
404,493 
83,075 
34,899 
587,332 

3,073 
3,073 

- 
- 

1,919 
2,944 
1,522 
6,385 

Fair Value  
Asset 
$M 

8,257 
1,131 
287 
9,675 

2,179 
2,735 
15 
190 
5,119 

1 
2,443 
3 
94 
2,541 

6 
6 

- 
- 

244 
299 
48 
591 

2006 

Fair Value   Face Value 

Liability 
$M 

(7,779)
(2,934)
(107)
(10,820)

(2,067)
(2,095)
- 
(193)
(4,355)

(2)
(2,824)
(29)
(119)
(2,974)

(8)
(8)

- 
- 

(190)
(200)
(52)
(442)

$M 

645,203 
n/a 
n/a 
n/a 

164,491 
85,978 
25 
21,523 
272,017 

25,312 
273,456 
44,362 
26,659 
369,789 

3,002 
3,002 

395 
395 

- 
- 
- 
- 

Group 

2005 
Fair Value  
Liability 
$M 

Fair Value  
Asset 
$M 

12,145 (1) 
n/a 
n/a 
n/a 

(11,916) (1)
n/a 
n/a 
n/a 

1,532 
6,602 
1 
146 
8,281 

2 
3,727 
10 
108 
3,847 

4 
4 

13 
13 

- 
- 
- 
- 

(1,686)
(6,177)
- 
(191)
(8,054)

(2)
(3,761)
(28)
(50)
(3,841)

(8)
(8)

(13)
(13)

- 
- 
- 
- 

Total derivative assets/liabilities held for trading 

972,789 

8,257 

(7,779)

645,203 

12,145 (1) 

(11,916) (1)

(1) The fair value of derivative assets and liabilities for 2005 has been included in Note 11 for comparative purposes only. For the 2005 financial year these fair values are 

disclosed as other assets and other liabilities respectively.  

132     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 11 Derivative Assets and Liabilities (continued) 

Fair Value  
Asset 
$M 

2006 

Fair Value   Face Value 

Liability 
$M 

$M 

2005 
Fair Value   Fair Value  
Liability 
$M 

Asset 
$M 

Group 

Derivatives designated as fair value hedges 
Exchange rate related contracts: 

Forward contracts 
Swaps 
Futures 
Options purchased and sold 

Total exchange rate related contracts 

Interest rate related contracts: 

Swaps 
Futures 

Total interest rate related contracts 

Equity related contracts: 

Swaps 

Total equity related contracts 

Commodity related contracts: 

Swaps 

Total commodity related contracts 

  Face Value 

$M 

16 
15,251 
- 
101 
15,368 

44,171 
1,500 
45,671 

159 
159 

47 
47 

- 
375 
- 
- 
375 

215 
3 
218 

- 
- 

1 
1 

- 
(543)
- 
- 
(543)

(2,187)
- 
(2,187)

(10)
(10)

(1)
(1)

Total fair value hedges 

61,245 

594 

(2,741)

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges 
Exchange rate related contracts: 

Forward contracts 
Swaps 

Total exchange rate related contracts 

Interest rate related contracts: 

Swaps 

Total interest rate related contracts 

Total cash flow hedges 

1,237 
980 
2,217 

51,150 
51,150 

53,367 

3 
281 
284 

253 
253 

537 

- 
- 
- 

(193)
(193)

(193)

Total derivative assets/liabilities held for hedging 

114,612 

1,131 

(2,934)

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

(1) No comparative balances provided as exemption elected when adopting Financial Instruments AIFRS accounting from 1 July 2005. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     133 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 11 Derivative Assets and Liabilities (continued) 

Fair Value 
Asset 
$M 

2006 

Fair Value  Face Value 

Liability 
$M 

$M 

Fair Value 
Asset 
$M 

Group 

2005 
Fair Value 
Liability 
$M 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

  Face Value  

$M 

6,802 
5,838 
252 
12,892 

7,691 
8,069 
1,916 
627 
18,303 

275 
275 

171 
171 

5 
5 

171 
88 
1 
260 

1 
17 
- 
- 
18 

- 
- 

8 
8 

1 
1 

(28)
(20)
(6)
(54)

(2)
(27)
- 
(1)
(30)

- 
- 

(1)
(1)

(1)
(1)

Other Derivatives  
Exchange rate related contracts: 

Forward contracts 
Swaps 
Options purchased and sold 

Total exchange rate related contracts 

Interest rate related contracts: 

Forward contracts 
Swaps 
Futures 
Options purchased and sold 
Total interest rate related contracts 

Credit related contracts: 

Swaps 

Total credit related contracts 

Equity related contracts: 

Options purchased and sold 

Total equity related contracts 

Commodity related contracts: 

Forward contracts 

Total commodity related contracts 

Identified embedded derivatives 
Total other derivatives 

- 
31,646 

- 
287 

(21)
(107)

Total recognised derivative assets/liabilities 

1,119,047 

9,675 

(10,820)

(1) No comparative balances provided as exemption elected when adopting Financial Instruments AIFRS accounting from 1 July 2005. 

134     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 11 Derivative Assets and Liabilities (continued) 

2006 

Fair Value   Face Value 

Bank 

2005 
Fair Value  
Liability 
$M 

Fair Value  
Asset 
$M 

$M 

Derivative Assets and Liabilities 
Held for trading  
Held for hedging 
Other derivatives 
Total derivative assets and liabilities 

Derivatives held for trading  
Exchange rate related contracts: 

Forward contracts 
Swaps 
Futures 
Options purchased and sold 
Derivatives held with controlled entities 

Total exchange rate related contracts 

Interest rate related contracts: 

Forward contracts 
Swaps 
Futures 
Options purchased and sold 
Derivatives held with controlled entities 

Total interest rate related contracts 

Credit related contracts: 

Swaps 

Total credit related contracts 

Commodity related contracts: 

Forward contracts 
Swaps 
Options purchased and sold 
Total commodity related contracts 

Face Value 

$M 

1,004,062 
94,052 
2,788 
1,100,902 

245,943 
104,435 
8,063 
17,051 
18,877 
394,369 

64,865 
404,470 
83,075 
34,899 
12,926 
600,235 

3,073 
3,073 

1,919 
2,944 
1,522 
6,385 

Fair Value  
Asset 
$M 

8,944 
991 
3 
9,938 

2,179 
2,733 
15 
190 
327 
5,444 

1 
2,443 
3 
94 
362 
2,903 

6 
6 

244 
299 
48 
591 

Liability 
$M 

(8,179)
(2,755)
(21)
(10,955)

(2,067)
(1,962)
- 
(193)
(406)
(4,628)

(2)
(2,824)
(29)
(119)
(127)
(3,101)

(8)
(8)

(190)
(200)
(52)
(442)

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

Total derivative assets/liabilities held for trading 

1,004,062 

8,944 

(8,179)

(1) No comparative balances provided as exemption elected when adopting Financial Instruments AIFRS accounting from 1 July 2005. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     135 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 11 Derivative Assets and Liabilities (continued) 

Derivatives designated as fair value hedges 
Exchange rate related contracts: 

Swaps 
Derivatives held with controlled entities 

Total exchange rate related contracts 

Interest rate related contracts: 

Swaps 
Futures 
Derivatives held with controlled entities 

Total interest rate related contracts 

Equity related contracts: 

Swaps 

Total equity related contracts 

Commodity related contracts: 

Swaps 

Total commodity related contracts 

  Face Value 

$M 

13,544 
229 
13,773 

24,896 
1,500 
803 
27,199 

159 
159 

47 
47 

Fair Value  
Asset 
$M 

2006 

Fair Value   Face Value 

Liability 
$M 

$M 

2005 
Fair Value   Fair Value  
Liability 
$M 

Asset 
$M 

Bank 

341 
- 
341 

110 
3 
2 
115 

- 
- 

1 
1 

(534)
(4)
(538)

(1,962)
- 
(45)
(2,007)

(10)
(10)

(1)
(1)

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

Total fair value hedges 

41,178 

457 

(2,556)

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges 
Exchange rate related contracts: 

Swaps 
Derivatives held with controlled entities 

Total exchange rate related contracts 

Interest rate related contracts: 

Swaps 

Total interest rate related contracts 

Total cash flow hedges 

980 
744 
1,724 

51,150 
51,150 

52,874 

Total derivative assets/liabilities held for hedging 

94,052 

281 
- 
281 

253 
253 

534 

991 

- 
(6)
(6)

(193)
(193)

(199)

(2,755)

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

(1) No comparative balances provided as exemption elected when adopting Financial Instruments AIFRS accounting from 1 July 2005. 

136     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 11 Derivative Assets and Liabilities (continued) 

Other Derivatives 
Interest rate related contracts: 

Swaps 

Total interest rate related contracts 

Credit related contracts: 

Swaps 

Total credit related contracts 

Equity related contracts: 

Options purchased and sold 

Total equity related contracts 

Identified embedded derivatives 
Total other derivatives 

  Face Value  

$M 

2,383 
2,383 

275 
275 

130 
130 

- 
2,788 

Fair Value 
Asset 
$M 

2006 

Fair Value  Face Value 

Liability 
$M 

$M 

Fair Value 
Asset 
$M 

Bank 

2005 
Fair Value 
Liability 
$M 

- 
- 

- 
- 

3 
3 

- 
3 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

(21)
(21)

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

Total recognised derivative assets/liabilities 

1,100,902 

9,938 

(10,955)

(1) No comparative balances provided as exemption elected when adopting Financial Instruments AIFRS accounting from 1 July 2005. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     137 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 12 Available-for-Sale Investments 

Australia 
Market Quoted: 

Australian Public Securities: 

Local and semi-government 
Shares and equity investments 
Medium term notes 
Floating rate notes 
Mortgage backed securities 
Other securities 

Non-Market Quoted: 

Australian Public Securities: 

Local and semi-government 

Medium term notes  
Shares and equity investments 
Other securities  

Total Australia  
Overseas 
Market Quoted: 

Government securities 
Bills of exchange 
Certificates of deposit 
Eurobonds 
Medium term notes  
Floating rate notes 
Other securities 

Non-Market Quoted: 

Government securities  
Certificates of deposit 
Eurobonds  
Floating rate notes  
Other securities  

Total Overseas 
Less specific allowances for impairment  
Total Available-for-Sale investments 

Group 

2006 
$M 

1,892 
511 
415 
465 
1,576 
800 

84 
70 
217 
2 
6,032 

265 
244 
2,390 
391 
456 
571 
509 

9 
17 
31 
118 
192 
5,193 
(22) 
11,203 

Bank 

2006 
$M 

1,894 
502 
407 
- 
1,576 
510 

- 
61 
158 
941 
6,049 

63 
244 
2,366 
354 
243 
430 
84 

- 
17 
31 
45 
- 
3,877 
(12)
9,914 

Available-for-sale  assets  revalued  to  fair  value  resulted  in  a  gain  of  $51  million  recognised  directly  in  equity.  As  a  result  of  sale, 
derecognition or impairment of available-for-sale assets, losses of $36 million were removed from equity and reported in profit and loss 
for the year. 

138     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 12 Available-for-Sale Investments (continued) 

Australia  
Australian Public Securities: 

Local and semi-government 

Medium term notes  
Floating rate notes 
Mortgage backed securities 
Other securities and equity investments 
Provisions 
Total Australia  
Overseas  
Government securities  
Bills of exchange 
Certificates of deposit  
Eurobonds  
Medium term notes  
Floating rate notes  
Other securities and equity investments  
Provisions 
Total Overseas  
Total Available-for-sale Investments  

Group 
At 30 June 2006 

Amortised 
Cost 
$M 

Gross 
Unrealised 
Gains 
$M 

Gross 
Unrealised 
Losses 
$M 

1,892 
486 
465 
1,576 
1,481 
(22)
5,878 

275 
244 
2,408 
421 
457 
688 
703 
- 
5,196 
11,074 

84 
- 
- 
- 
77 
16 
177 

- 
1 
- 
2 
- 
1 
1 
- 
5 
182 

- 
(1)
- 
- 
(28)
(15)
(44)

(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
- 
(3)
(1)
(9)
(53)

Fair  
Value 
$M 

1,976 
485 
465 
1,576 
1,530 
(21)
6,011 

274 
244 
2,407 
422 
456 
689 
701 
(1)
5,192 
11,203 

Available-for-sale investments are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in equity after hedging adjustments. 

Maturity Distribution and Average Yield 

The following table analyses the maturities and weighted average yields of the Group’s holdings of available-for-sale investments. 

0 to 3 months  3 to 12 months 

1 to 5 years 

5 to 10 years  10 years or more 

Non- 
Maturing 

Total 

$M 

% 

$M 

% 

$M 

% 

$M 

% 

$M 

% 

$M 

$M 

Group  
Maturity Period at 30 June 2006 

Australia  
Australian Public Securities: 

Local and semi-
government 

Medium term notes  
Floating rate notes  
Mortgage backed securities 
Other securities, commercial 
paper and equity 
investments 
Provisions 
Total Australia  
Overseas  
Government securities  
Bills of exchange 
Certificates of deposit 
Eurobonds 
Medium term notes  
Floating rate notes  
Other securities and equity 
investments  
Provisions 
Total Overseas  
Total Available-for-Sale 
Investments  

Additional Disclosure 

- 
17 
75 
- 

64 
(2) 
154 

125 
160 
1,660 
123 
20 
36 

- 
- 
2,124 

2,278 

- 
5. 69 
6. 08 
- 

4. 59 
- 
- 

8. 95 
2. 94 
4. 62 
6. 75 
6. 88 
4. 20 

- 
- 
- 

- 

100 
- 
88 
- 

- 
(11)
177 

5. 60 
- 
6. 08 
- 

1,702 
309 
242 
- 

- 
- 
- 

331 
(6)
2,578 

61  11. 29 
3. 24 
84 
3. 90 
706 
5. 09 
81 
5. 75 
24 
3. 86 
102 

80 
- 
41 
218 
412 
522 

20 
- 
1,078 

5. 50 
- 
- 

681 
- 
1,954 

6. 22 
6. 09 
6. 08 
- 

6. 68 
- 
- 

2. 55 
- 
4. 48 
5. 20 
5. 66 
4. 06 

5. 79 
- 
- 

108 
110 
- 
- 

19 
(2)
235 

8 
- 
- 
- 
- 
28 

- 
(1)
35 

1,255 

- 

4,532 

- 

270 

7. 17 
5. 93 
- 
- 

7. 11 
- 
- 

3. 04 
- 
- 
- 
- 
5. 12 

- 
- 
- 

- 

66 
49 
60 
1,576 

- 
- 
1,751 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1 

- 
- 
1 

1,752 

Proceeds at or close to maturity of available-for-sale investments in 2006 were: $24,831 million. 

Proceeds from sale of Available-for-sale investments in 2006 were: $646 million. 

6. 14 
6. 05 
6. 08 
6. 04 

- 
- 
- 
- 

1,976 
485 
465 
1,576 

- 
- 
- 

1,116 
- 
1,116 

1,530 
(21)
6,011 

274 
244 
2,407 
422 
456 
689 

701 
(1)
5,192 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

1,116  11,203 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
7. 12 

- 
- 
- 

- 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     139 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 13 Investment Securities 

Investment Securities (comparatives only)  

Australia 
Listed: 

Australian Public Securities: 
Commonwealth and States 

Other Securities and equity investments  

Unlisted: 

Australian Public Securities: 

Local and semi-government 

Medium term notes  
Mortgage backed securities 
Other securities and equity investments 

Total Australia  
Overseas 
Listed: 

Government securities 
Certificates of deposit 
Eurobonds 
Medium term notes  
Floating rate notes 
Other securities 

Unlisted: 

Government securities  
Eurobonds 
Medium term notes 
Floating rate notes 
Preference shares 
Other securities and equity investments 

Total Overseas 
Total Investment Securities  

Group 

2005 
$M 

2,201 
343 

80 
783 
1,055 
675 
5,137 

79 
1,376 
636 
378 
619 
165 

224 
477 
254 
452 
744 
297 
5,701 
10,838 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

2,201 
336 

- 
220 
1055 
71 
3,883 

63 
1,341 
600 
122 
177 
76 

- 
76 
221 
286 
- 
77 
3,039 
6,922 

140     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 13 Investment Securities (continued) 

The following table sets out the gross unrealised gains and losses of the Group’s investment securities. 

Gross Unrealised Gains and Losses of Group (comparatives only) 

Australia  
Australian Public Securities: 

Commonwealth and States 

Medium term notes  
Mortgage backed securities 
Other securities and equity investments (1) 
Total Australia  
Overseas  
Government securities  
Certificates of deposit  
Eurobonds  
Medium term notes  
Floating rate notes  
Preference shares  
Other securities and equity investments  
Total Overseas  
Total Investment Securities  

Group 
At 30 June 2005 

Amortised 
Cost 
$M 

Gross 
Unrealised 
Gains 
$M 

Gross 
Unrealised 
Losses 
$M 

2,281 
783 
1,055 
1,018 
5,137 

303 
1,376 
1,113 
632 
1,071 
744 
462 
5,701 
10,838 

54 
4 
- 
64 
122 

3 
- 
21 
6 
4 
- 
8 
42 
164 

1 
- 
- 
- 
1 

- 
- 
1 
1 
- 
- 
- 
2 
3 

Fair  
Value 
$M 

2,334 
787 
1,055 
1,082 
5,258 

306 
1,376 
1,133 
637 
1,075 
744 
470 
5,741 
10,999 

(1) Equity derivatives were in place to hedge equity market risk in respect of structured equity products for customers. There were $42 million of net deferred losses on 
these contracts which offset the above unrealised gains and these are disclosed within Note 43. At the end of the financial year there were no net deferred gains or 
losses included in the amortised cost value. 

Investment  securities  were  carried  at  cost  or  amortised  cost  and  were  purchased  with  the  intent  of  being  held  to  maturity.  The 
investment portfolio was managed in the context of the full balance sheet of the Group. 

Additional Disclosure  

Proceeds at or close to maturity of investments in 2005 were: $22,799 million.  

Proceeds from sale of investments in 2005 were: $392 million.  

2005: realised capital gain $9 million and realised capital losses $1 million. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     141 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 14 Loans, Advances and Other Receivables 

Australia 
Overdrafts  
Housing loans (1) 
Credit card outstandings 
Lease financing  
Bills discounted  
Term loans 
Redeemable preference share financing 
Other lending  
Total Australia  
Overseas 
Overdrafts  
Housing loans  
Credit card outstandings 
Lease financing  
Bills discounted 
Term loans 
Redeemable preference share financing 
Other lending 
Other securities 
Total overseas 
Gross loans, advances and other receivables  
Less  
Provisions for impairment (Note 15): 

Collective provisions (2) 
Individually assessed provisions against loans and advances (2) 

Unearned income: 
Term loans  
Lease financing 
Interest reserved (3) 

Net loans, advances and other receivables  

2006 
$M 

2,672 
144,834 
6,997 
4,924 
2,779 
56,950 
1 
597 
219,754 

2,435 
22,287 
428 
139 
7 
15,282 
1,194 
8 
438 
42,218 
261,972 

(1,046)
(171)

(934)
(645)
- 
(2,796)
259,176 

Group 

2005 
$M 

2,564 
129,913 
6,682 
5,055 
3,399 
46,451 
9 
389 
194,462 

2,660 
20,765 
406 
195 
- 
12,804 
- 
192 
- 
37,022 
231,484 

(1,390)
(157)

(889)
(683)
(19)
(3,138)
228,346 

2006 
$M 

2,672 
141,121 
6,997 
1,352 
2,779 
52,579 
1 
949 
208,450 

- 
87 
- 
137 
7 
5,730 
- 
- 
24 
5,985 
214,435 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

2,564 
125,452 
6,682 
1,724 
3,399 
41,447 
9 
750 
182,027 

- 
54 
- 
127 
- 
3,686 
- 
- 
- 
3,867 
185,894 

(938) 
(157) 

(1,218)
(134)

(510) 
(131) 
- 
(1,736) 
212,699 

(426)
(172)
(19)
(1,969)
183,925 

(1) Includes securitised loan balances for 2006 of $12,007 million (2005: $10,818 million) in the Group and $9,977 million (2005: $7,290 million) in the Bank. Liabilities of 

similar values are included in debt issues (Group) and due to controlled entities (Bank). 

(2) Collective provisions and individually assessed provisions recalculated under AIFRS for 2006. 

(3) Interest reserved is not recognised under AIFRS from 1 July 2005 

Finance Leases  
Minimum lease payments receivable: 

No later than one year 
Later than one year but not later than five years 
Later than five years  

Lease financing 

2006 
$M 

1,271 
2,792 
1,000 
5,063 

Group 

2005 
$M 

1,602 
2,884 
764 
5,250 

2006 
$M 

501 
838 
150 
1,489 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

822 
969 
60 
1,851 

142     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 14 Loans, Advances and Other Receivables (continued) 

Australia 
Government and other public authorities  
Agricultural, forestry and fishing  
Financial, investments and insurance  
Real estate: 

Mortgage (1) 
Construction (2) 

Personal  
Lease financing  
Other commercial and industrial 
Total Australia  
Overseas 
Government and other public authorities  
Agricultural, forestry and fishing  
Financial, investments and insurance 
Real estate:  

Mortgage (1) 
Construction (2) 

Personal  
Lease financing  
Other commercial and industrial 
Total Overseas 
Gross Loans, Advances and Other Receivables 
Interest Rate Sensitivity of Lending  
Australia  
Overseas  
Total Variable Interest Rates 
Australia  
Overseas 
Total Fixed Interest Rates  
Gross Loans, Advances and Other Receivables 

Group 
Maturity Period at 30 June 2006 

Maturing 
One Year  
or Less 
$M 

Maturing 
Between 
One & Five 
Years 
$M 

Maturing 
After Five 
Years 
$M 

234 
1,053 
3,758 

14,570 
1,107 
6,522 
1,222 
16,351 
44,817 

291 
517 
1,808 

3,142 
125 
386 
50 
4,399 
10,718 
55,535 

14,724 
4,252 
18,976 
30,092 
6,467 
36,559 
55,535 

1,287 
1,495 
4,617 

12,724 
768 
8,932 
2,707 
16,855 
49,385 

67 
780 
3,175 

2,769 
87 
127 
84 
2,547 
9,636 
59,021 

26,215 
4,492 
30,707 
23,170 
5,144 
28,314 
59,021 

7 
759 
1,308 

117,540 
210 
547 
995 
4,186 
125,552 

22 
1,797 
3,020 

16,376 
56 
8 
5 
580 
21,864 
147,416 

46,999 
4,526 
51,525 
78,553 
17,338 
95,891 
147,416 

Total  
$M 

1,528 
3,307 
9,683 

144,834 
2,085 
16,001 
4,924 
37,392 
219,754 

380 
3,094 
8,003 

22,287 
268 
521 
139 
7,526 
42,218 
261,972 

87,938 
13,270 
101,208 
131,815 
28,949 
160,764 
261,972 

(1) Principally Owner occupied housing. While most of these loans would have a contractual term of 20 years or more, the actual average term of the portfolio is less 

than five years. 

(2) Financing real estate and land development projects. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     143 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 15 Provisions for Impairment  

Provisions for impairment  
Collective provisions  
Opening balance (1) 
Charge against profit and loss  
Transfer to individually assessed provisions 
Impairment losses recovered  
Adjustments for exchange rate fluctuations and other items 

Impairment losses written off 
Closing balance 

Individually assessed provisions 
Opening balance (1) 
Transfer from collective provisions for: 
New and increased provisioning  
Less write-back of provisions no longer required 

Net transfer  

Adjustment for exchange rate fluctuations and other items  
Impairment losses 
Closing balance  
Total provisions for impairment  
General Reserve for Credit Losses (pre-tax equivalent) (2) 
Total provisions including General Reserve for Credit Losses 

2006 
$M 

1,021 
398 
(440)
127 
(7)
1,099 
(53)
1,046 

191 

468 
(28)
440

(16)
(444)
171 
1,217 
500 
1,717 

Group 

2005 
$M 

1,393 
322 
(352) 
81 
2 
1,446 
(56) 
1,390 

143 

408 
(56) 
352 

(3) 
(335) 
157 
1,547 
- 
1,547 

2006 
$M 

915 
380 
(404) 
90 
(1) 
980 
(42) 
938 

174 

427 
(23) 
404 

(15) 
(406) 
157 
1,095 
500 
1,595 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

1,242 
292 
(326)
60 
(1)
1,267 
(49)
1,218 

121 

378 
(52)
326 

- 
(313)
134 
1,352 
- 
1,352 

(1) The opening balance at 1 July 2005 includes the impact of adopting AIFRS 132, AIFRS 137 and AIFRS 139 which have not been applied to the 2005 comparatives 
in accordance with AASB 1. 

(2) The General Reserve for Credit Loss has been established to satisfy the current APRA prudential requirement for banks to maintain a general reserve for credit loss, 
and allowable collective provisions, at a minimum level of 0.5% of risk weighted assets. 

Coverage Ratios 

Collective provisions as a % of risk weighted 
assets 
General provisions as a % of risk weighted assets 
Collective provisions plus general reserve for 
credit losses (pre-tax equivalent) as a % of risk 
weighted assets 
Individually assessed provisions for impairment as 
a % of gross impaired assets  
Specific provisions for impairment as a % of gross 
impaired assets net of interest reserved (1) 
Total provisions for impairment as % of gross 
impaired assets net of interest reserved (1) 
Total provisions for impairment plus general 
reserve for credit losses (pre-tax equivalent) as a 
% of gross impaired assets  

(1) Interest reserved not recognised under AIFRS. 

% 

% 

% 

% 

0. 48 
- 

0. 71 

52. 5 

- 
0. 73 

- 

- 

0. 44 
- 

0. 68 

51. 3 

- 
0. 68 

- 

- 

- 

41. 76 

- 

37. 81 

373. 3 

411. 44 

357. 5 

381. 49 

526. 7 

- 

520. 9 

- 

Coverage Ratios under AIFRS 

The  re-measurement  of  impairment  provisions  under  AIFRS 
has resulted in a lower level of total provisions than previously 
assessed  using  Australian  GAAP.  However  the  Australian 
prudential  regulator,  APRA,  has  proposed  for  the  2005/2006 
financial year, that banks maintain a provisioning benchmark of 
0.5%  of  risk  weighted  assets  to  adequately  cover  potential 
losses. 

The  Group  has  consequently  established  a  General  Reserve 
for  Credit  Losses  within  equity,  which  together  with  the 
Collective  Provisions  (net  of  deferred  tax)  will  satisfy  this 
requirement. 

144     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 15 Provisions for Impairment (continued) 

Total bad debts expense 
The charge is required for: 
Individually assessed provisioning  
New and increased provisioning  
Less provisions no longer required  
Net individually assessed provisions  
Provided from collective provisioning 
Charge to profit and loss 
Collective Provisioning  
Direct write-offs  
Recoveries of amounts previously written off 
Movement in collective provision 
Funding of individually assessed provisions  
Charge to profit and loss  

Total charge to profit and loss for bad debts expense 

2006 
$M 
398 

468 
(28)
440 
(440)
- 

53 
(127)
32 
440 
398 

398 

Group 

2005 
$M 
322 

408 
(56) 
352 
(352) 
- 

56 
(81) 
(5) 
352 
322 

322 

2006 
$M 
380 

427 
(23) 
404 
(404) 
- 

42 
(90) 
24 
404 
380 

380 

Bank 

2005 
$M 
292 

378 
(52)
326 
(326)
- 

49 
(60)
(23)
326 
292 

292 

Individually Assessed Provisions for Impairment by Industry Category 

The following table sets out the Group’s specified provisions for impairment by industry category as at 30 June 2005 and 2006. 

Australia  
Government and public authorities  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing  
Financial, investment and insurance  
Real estate  

Mortgage (1) 
Construction (2) 

Personal  
Lease financing  
Other commercial and industrial  
Total Australia 
Overseas  
Government and public authorities  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing  
Financial, investment and insurance  
Real estate 

Mortgage (1) 
Construction (2) 

Personal  
Lease financing  
Other commercial and industrial  
Total Overseas 
Total individually assessed provisions  

(1) Principally owner occupied housing.  

(2) Primarily financing real estate and land development projects.  

2006 
$M 

Group 

2005 
$M 

- 
4 
1 

19 
2 
97 
1 
42 
166 

- 
- 
1 

2 
- 
2 
- 
- 
5 
171 

- 
16 
1 

3 
7 
63 
5 
49 
144 

- 
- 
1 

11 
- 
1 
- 
- 
13 
157 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     145 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2006 
$M 

Group 

2005 
$M 

1 
8 
1 

9 
5 
388 
6 
68 
486 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
7 
- 
4 
11 
497 

122 
5 
127 
370 

- 
1 
4 

8 
4 
280 
4 
83 
384 

- 
- 
- 

6 
- 
- 
- 
1 
7 
391 

76 
5 
81 
310 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 15 Provisions for Impairment (continued) 

Bad Debts Written Off by Industry Category  

The following table sets out the Group’s bad debts written off for financial years ended 30 June 2005 and 2006. 

Bad Debts Written Off 
Australia  
Government and public authorities  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing  
Financial, investment and insurance  
Real estate:  

Mortgage (1) 
Construction (2) 

Personal  
Lease financing  
Other commercial and industrial  
Total Australia 
Overseas  
Government and public authorities  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing  
Financial, investment and insurance  
Real estate:  

Mortgage (1) 
Construction (2) 

Personal  
Lease financing  
Other commercial and industrial  
Total Overseas 
Gross Bad Debts written off 

Bad Debts Recovered  
Australia  
Overseas  
Total Bad Debts Recovered  
Net Bad Debts written off 

(1) Principally owner occupied housing. 

(2) Primarily financing real estate and land development projects. 

146     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 15 Provisions for Impairment (continued) 

Bad Debts Recovered by Industry Category 

The following table sets out the Group’s bad debts recovered for financial years ended 30 June 2005 and 2006. 

Bad Debts Recovered  
Australia  
Government and public authorities  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing  
Financial, investment and insurance  
Real estate:  

Mortgage (1) 
Construction (2) 

Personal  
Lease financing  
Other commercial and industrial  
Total Australia 
Overseas  
Government and public authorities  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing  
Financial, investment and insurance  
Real estate: 

Mortgage (1) 
Construction (2) 

Personal  
Lease financing  
Other commercial and industrial  
Total Overseas 
Total Bad Debts Recovered 

(1) Principally owner occupied housing. 

(2) Primarily financing real estate and land development projects. 

2006 
$M 

Group 

2005 
$M 

- 
1 
2 

1 
- 
100 
1 
17 
122 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
5 
- 
- 
5 
127 

- 
2 
3 

1 
1 
60 
1 
8 
76 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
4 
- 
1 
5 
81 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     147 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 16 Credit Risk Management 

The Bank has clearly defined credit policies for the approval and 
management of credit risk. Credit underwriting standards, which 
incorporate  income/repayment  capacity,  acceptable  terms  and 
security and loan documentation tests exist for all major lending 
areas. 

The  Bank  relies,  in  the  first  instance,  on  the  assessed  integrity 
and  ability  of  the  debtor  or  counterparty  to  meet  its  contracted 
financial  obligations  for  repayment.  Collateral  security,  in  the 
form  of  real  property  or  a  floating  charge  is  generally  taken  for 
business  credit  except 
for  major  government,  bank  and 
corporate  counterparties  of  strong  financial  standing.  Longer 
term consumer finance is generally secured against real estate 
is  generally 
term  revolving  consumer  credit 
while  short 
unsecured. 

A  centralised  exposure  management  system  records  all 
significant credit risks borne by the Bank. The Risk Committee of 
the  Board  operates  under  a  charter  of  the  Board  in  terms  of 
which  the  Committee  oversees  the  Bank’s  credit  management 
policies and practices. The Committee usually meets every two 
months, and more often if required. 

The credit risk portfolio is divided into two segments, retail and 
credit risk rated. 

The  retail  segment  generally  comprises  facilities  of  less  than 
$1m  for  housing  loan,  credit  card,  personal  loan  and  some 
leasing products. Secured commercial lending within this limit is 
currently  being  trialled.  These  exposures  are  generally  not 
individually  reviewed  unless  arrears  occur.  The  portfolios  are 
reviewed  by  the  Business  Credit  Support  and  Monitoring  unit 
with an overview by the Portfolio Quality Assurance unit. 

Facilities  in  the  retail  segment  become  classified  for  remedial 
management by centralised units based on arrears status. 

Credit  risk  rated  exposures  generally  comprise  business  and 
corporate  exposures, 
including  bank  and  government 
exposures. Each exposure is assigned an internal risk rating that 
is based on an assessment of the risk of default and the risk of 
loss  in  the  event  of  default.  Credit  risk  rated  exposures  are 
generally  required  to  be  reviewed  annually,  unless  they  are 
small  transactions  that  are  managed  on  a  behavioural  basis 
after  their  initial  rating  at  origination.  The  risk  rated  segment  is 
subject  to  inspection  by  the  Portfolio  Quality  Assurance  unit, 
which  is  independent  of  the  business  units  and  which  reports 
quarterly on its findings to the Board Risk Committee. 

including  compliance  with  policy  and 
Credit  processes, 
underwriting  standards,  and  application  of  risk  ratings,  are 
examined,  and  reported  where  cases  of  non-compliance  are 
observed. 

Impairment of Financial Assets 

Under  AASB  139  impairment  losses  are  recognised  to  reduce 
the  carrying  amount  of  loans  and  advances  to  their  estimated 
recoverable  amounts.  Individually  assessed  provisions  are 
made  against  individually  significant  financial  assets  and  those 
that  are  not  individually  significant  including  groups  of  financial 
assets  with similar credit  risk characteristics.  The Bank creates 
an individually assessed provision for impairment when there is 
objective evidence that it will not be able to collect all amounts 
due. The amount of the impairment is the difference between the 
carrying amount and the recoverable amount, calculated as the 
present  value  of  expected  cash  flows,  including  amounts 
recoverable  from  guarantees  and  collateral,  discounted  at  the 
original effective interest rate. 

148     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

Therefore, interest will continue to be accrued on impaired loans 
based  on  the  revised  carrying  amounts  and  using  appropriate 
effective interest rates. 

Risk  rated  portfolios  are  assessed  at  each  balance  sheet  date 
for  objective  evidence  that  the  financial  asset  or  portfolio  of 
assets  is  impaired.  Impaired  assets  in  the  credit  risk  rated 
segment  are  those  facilities  where  an  individually  assessed 
provision  for  impairment  has  been  raised,  the  facility  is 
maintained  on  a  cash  basis,  a  loss  of  principal  or  interest  is 
anticipated,  facilities  have  been  restructured  or  other  assets 
have  been  accepted  in  satisfaction  of  an  outstanding  debt. 
Loans are generally classified as non-accrual when receivership, 
insolvency  or  bankruptcy  occurs.  Impaired  assets  in  the  retail 
segment are those “classified” facilities that are not well secured 
and  past  due  180  days  or  more.  Most  of  these  facilities  are 
written off immediately on becoming past due 180 days or more. 

The Bank creates a further “portfolio impairment” where there is 
objective evidence that components of the loan portfolio contain 
probable  losses  at  the  balance  sheet  date,  will  be  identified  in 
the future, or where insufficient data exists to reliably determine 
whether  such  losses  exist.  The  estimated  probable  losses  are 
based  upon  historical  patterns  of  losses.  The  calculation  is 
based  on  statistical  methods  of  credit  risk  measurement  and 
takes  into  account  current  cyclical  developments  as  well  as 
economic conditions in which the borrowers operate. 

The  occurrence  of  actual  credit  losses  is  erratic  in  both  timing 
and  amount  and  those  that  arise  usually  relate  to  transactions 
entered into in previous accounting periods. In order to make the 
business ultimately accountable for any credit losses they suffer 
but  also  to  give  them  the  incentive  to  align  their  credit  risk 
decisions  and  risk  adjusted  pricing  with  the  medium  term  risk 
profile of their credit transactions, the Bank uses the concept of 
“expected  loss”  for  management  purposes.  Expected  loss  is  a 
statistically  based  measure  intended  to  reflect  the  annual  cost 
that  will  arise,  on  average,  over  time,  from  transactions  that 
become impaired, and is  a function of the  probability  of default 
(given  by  the  rating),  current  and  likely  future  exposure  to  the 
counterparty  and  the  likely  severity  of  the  loss  should  default 
actually occur. 

The  Bank  uses  a  portfolio  approach  to  the  management  of  its 
credit risk. A key element is a well diversified portfolio. The Bank 
uses various portfolio management tools, including a centralised 
portfolio  model  that  assesses  risk  and  return  on  an  overall 
portfolio and segmented basis, to assist in diversifying the credit 
portfolio.  The  Bank  is  involved  in  credit  derivative  transactions, 
has purchased various assets in the market, and has carried out 
various  asset  securitisations  and  a  Collateralised  Loan 
Obligation issue. 

For  further  information  about  accounting  policy  for  allowance 
and provision for credit losses see Note 1 (n). 

Master Netting Arrangements 

The  Bank  further  restricts  its  exposure  to  credit  losses  by 
entering  into  master  netting  arrangements  with  counterparties 
with  which  it  undertakes  a  significant  volume  of  transactions. 
Master netting arrangements do not generally result in an offset 
of balance sheet assets and liabilities as transactions are usually 
settled on a gross basis. However, the credit risk associated with 
favourable contacts is reduced by a master netting arrangement 
to the extent that if an event of default occurs, all amounts with 
the counterparty are terminated and settled on a net basis. As at 
30 June 2006, master netting arrangements reduced the credit 
risk by approximately $3.7 billion (2005: $4.7 billion). 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 16 Credit Risk Management (continued) 

Total Gross Credit Risk by Industry 

The following table sets out the Group’s total gross credit risk by industry as at 30 June 2005 and 2006. 

Industry  

Australia 
Government and public authorities  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing  
Financial, investment and insurance  
Real estate:  

Mortgage (1) 
Construction (2) 

Personal  
Lease financing  
Other commercial and industrial  
Total Australia 
Overseas 
Government and public authorities  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing  
Financial, investment and insurance  
Real estate:  

Mortgage (1) 
Construction (2) 

Personal  
Lease financing  
Other commercial and industrial  
Total Overseas 

Total Gross Credit Risk  
Less unearned income 
Total Credit Risk  

Charge for Bad debts  
Loss Rate (%) (3) 

2006 
$M 

6,765 
5,227 
30,114 

149,958 
3,501 
16,566 
4,924 
68,253 
285,308 

904 
3,097 
21,469 

23,267 
294 
524 
139 
14,686 
64,380 

349,688 
(1,579) 
348,109 

398 
0. 11 

Group 

2005 
$M 

7,125 
5,029 
38,588 

134,913 
2,211 
14,970 
5,055 
54,837 
262,728 

1,385 
3,392 
18,250 

21,747 
346 
581 
195 
10,667 
56,563 

319,291 
(1,572)
317,719 

322 
0. 10 

(1) Principally owner occupied housing.  

(2) Primarily financing real estate and land development projects.  

(3) The loss rate is the charge as a percentage of the credit risk. 

The  Group  has  a  good  quality  and  well  diversified  credit 
portfolio,  with  49.8%  of  the  exposure  in  mortgage  loans  and  a 
further  14.8%  in  finance,  investment  and  insurance  (primarily 
banks).  18.6%  of  exposure  is  overseas,  of  which  35.9%  is  in 
mortgage loans.  

Overall  over  68%  of  individually  rated  exposures  in  the 
commercial portfolio (including government and finance) are of 
investment grade or equivalent quality. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     149 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 16 Credit Risk Management (continued) 

The following table sets out the Group’s credit risk by industry and asset class as at 30 June 2006. 

Assets at 
Fair Value 
through 
Income 
Statement  
$M 

Available 
For Sale 
Investments 
$M 

Loans 
Advances 
and Other 
Receivables 
$M  

Bank 
Acceptances 
of 
customers 
$M 

Derivatives 
$M 

Contingent  
Liabilities 
$M 

3,551 
- 

1,528 
3,307 

8 
1,814 

52 
38 

344 
68 

122 

9,683 

1,103 

6,518 

1,484 

26,923 

Total 
$M 

6,765 
5,227 

Australia 
Government and public authorities  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing  
Financial, investment and 
insurance  
Real estate:  

Mortgage (1) 
Construction (2) 

Personal  
Lease financing  
Other commercial and industrial  
Total Australia 
Overseas 
Government and public authorities  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing  
Financial, investment and 
insurance  
Real estate:  

Mortgage (1) 
Construction (2) 

Personal  
Lease financing  
Other commercial and industrial  
Total Overseas 
Gross Balances  

1,282 
- 

8,013 

- 
- 
- 
- 
3,537 
12,832 

361 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
2,338 
6,011 

- 
- 

144,834 
2,085 
16,001 
4,924 
37,392 
219,754 

380 
3,094 

1,543 

518 

8,003 

- 
- 
- 
- 
1,022 
2,926 
15,758 

- 
- 
- 
- 
4,674 
5,192 
11,203 

22,287 
268 
521 
139 
7,526 
42,218 
261,972 

Other Risk Concentrations  
Receivables due from other financial institutions 
Deposits with regulatory authorities 
Total Gross Credit Risk  

(1) Principally owner occupied housing.  

(2) Primarily financing real estate and land development projects.  

- 
411 
429 
- 
14,545 
18,310 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
18,310 

- 
143 
3 
- 
2,486 
9,240 

69 
2 

5,124 
862 
133 
- 
7,955 
15,970 

94 
1 

149,958 
3,501 
16,566 
4,924 
68,253 
282,117 

904 
3,097 

4,352 

3,137 

17,553 

- 
3 
- 
- 
195 
4,621 
13,861 

980 
23 
3 
- 
1,269 
5,507 
21,477 

23,267 
294 
524 
139 
14,686 
60,464 
342,581 

7,033 
74 
349,688 

Risk concentrations for contingent  liabilities  are based  on the credit  equivalent balance in Note 42. Contingent liabilities, assets and 
commitments. Risk concentrations for derivatives are based on the credit equivalent balance in Note 43, Market Risk. 

150     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 16 Credit Risk Management (continued) 

Total Gross Credit Risk by Industry 

The following table sets out the Group’s credit risk by industry and asset class as at 30 June 2005. 

Assets at 
Fair Value 
through 
Income 
Statement  
$M 

Loans 
Advances 
and Other 
Receivables 
$M  

Bank 
Acceptances 
of customers 
$M 

Investment 
Securities 
$M 

Derivatives 
$M 

Contingent  
Liabilities 
$M 

788 
- 

2,281 
- 

3,000 
3,213 

10 
1,741 

227 
35 

819 
40 

Total 
$M 

7,125 
5,029 

7,326 

837 

5,882 

1,167 

15,240 

4,563 

35,015 

- 
- 
- 
- 
2,912 
11,026 

558 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
2,019 
5,137 

303 
- 

129,913 
1,694 
14,504 
5,055 
31,201 
194,462 

216 
3,372 

1,798 

2,122 

7,027 

- 
- 
- 
- 
1,249 
3,605 
14,631 

- 
- 
- 
- 
3,276 
5,701 
10,838 

20,765 
271 
552 
195 
4,624 
37,022 
231,484 

- 
274 
380 
- 
13,214 
16,786 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
16,786 

- 
27 
2 
- 
2,150 
17,681 

49 
7 

5,000 
216 
84 
- 
3,341 
14,063 

259 
13 

134,913 
2,211 
14,970 
5,055 
54,837 
259,155 

1,385 
3,392 

3,277 

1,512 

15,736 

- 
6 
2 
- 
461 
3,802 
21,483 

982 
69 
27 
- 
1,057 
3,919 
17,982 

21,747 
346 
581 
195 
10,667 
54,049 
313,204 

6,042 
45 
319,291 

Australia 
Government and public authorities  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing  
Financial, investment and 
insurance  
Real estate: 

Mortgage (1) 
Construction (2) 

Personal  
Lease financing  
Other commercial and industrial  
Total Australia 
Overseas 
Government and public authorities  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing  
Financial, investment and 
insurance  
Real estate: 

Mortgage (1) 
Construction (2) 

Personal  
Lease financing  
Other commercial and industrial  
Total Overseas 
Gross Balances  

Other Risk Concentrations  
Receivables due from other 
financial institutions  
Deposits with regulatory authorities 
Total Gross Credit Risk  

(1) Principally owner occupied housing.  

(2) Primarily financing real estate and land development projects.  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     151 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 16 Credit Risk Management (continued) 

Impaired Assets by Industry and Status 

The following table sets out the Group’s impaired asset position by industry and status as at 30 June 2006. 

Industry 

Australia 
Government and public authorities  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing  
Financial, investment and insurance  
Real estate:  

Mortgage (1) 
Construction (2) 

Personal  
Lease financing  
Other commercial and industrial  
Total Australia 
Overseas 
Government and public authorities  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing  
Financial, investment and insurance  
Real estate:  

Mortgage (1) 
Construction (2) 

Personal  
Lease financing  
Other commercial and industrial  
Total Overseas 
Gross Balances  

Other Risk Concentrations  
Receivables due from other financial 
institutions  
Deposits with regulatory authorities 
Total Gross Credit Risk 

Impaired 
Assets  
$M 

Provisions 
for 
Impairment 
$M 

Total Risk 
$M 

Write-offs 
$M 

Recoveries 
$M 

Net  
Write-offs  
$M 

- 
12 
2 

40 
7 
56 
12 
183 
312 

- 
1 
- 

6 
4 
2 
- 
1 
14 
326 

- 
4 
1 

19 
2 
97 
1 
42 
166 

- 
- 
1 

2 
- 
2 
- 
- 
5 
171 

1 
8 
1 

9 
5 
388 
6 
68 
486 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
7 
- 
4 
11 
497 

- 
(1) 
(2) 

(1) 
- 
(100) 
(1) 
(17) 
(122) 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
(5) 
- 
- 
(5) 
(127) 

1 
7 
(1)

8 
5 
288 
5 
50 
364 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
2 
- 
4 
6 
370 

6,765 
5,227 
26,923 

149,958 
3,501 
16,566 
4,924 
68,253 
282,117 

904 
3,097 
17,553 

23,267 
294 
524 
139 
14,686 
60,464 
342,581 

7,033 
74 
349,688 

(1) Principally owner occupied housing . 

(2) Primarily financing real estate and land development projects.  

152     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 16 Credit Risk Management (continued) 

The following table sets out the Group’s impaired asset position by industry and status as at 30 June 2005. 

Industry  

Australia 
Government and public authorities  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing  
Financial, investment and insurance  
Real estate: 

Mortgage (1) (3) 
Construction (2) 

Personal  
Lease financing  
Other commercial and industrial (3) 
Total Australia 
Overseas 
Government and public authorities  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing  
Financial, investment and insurance  
Real estate:  

Mortgage (1) 
Construction (2) 

Personal  
Lease financing  
Other commercial and industrial  
Total Overseas 
Gross Balances  

Other Risk Concentrations  
Receivables due from other financial 
institutions  
Deposits with regulatory authorities 
Total Gross Credit Risk 

Impaired 
Assets  
$M 

Provisions 
for 
Impairment 
$M 

Total Risk 
$M 

Write-offs 
$M 

Recoveries 
$M 

Net  
Write-offs  
$M 

- 
76 
6 

32 
2 
46 
8 
211 
381 

- 
1 
- 

7 
- 
4 
- 
2 
14 
395 

- 
16 
1 

3 
7 
63 
5 
49 
144 

- 
- 
1 

11 
- 
1 
- 
- 
13 
157 

- 
1 
4 

8 
4 
280 
4 
83 
384 

- 
- 
- 

6 
- 
- 
- 
1 
7 
391 

- 
(2) 
(3) 

(1) 
(1) 
(60) 
(1) 
(8) 
(76) 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
(4) 
- 
(1) 
(5) 
(81) 

- 
(1)
1 

7 
3 
220 
3 
75 
308 

- 
- 
- 

6 
- 
(4)
- 
- 
2 
310 

7,125 
5,029 
35,015 

134,913 
2,211 
14,970 
5,055 
54,837 
259,155 

1,385 
3,392 
15,736 

21,747 
346 
581 
195 
10,667 
54,049 
313,204 

6,042 
45 
319,291 

(1) Principally owner occupied housing . 

(2) Primarily financing real estate and land development projects.  

(3) Certain of these loans have been reclassified for consistency. 

Large Exposures  

Concentrations of exposure to any debtor or counterparty group 
are  controlled  by  a  large  credit  exposure  policy.  All  exposures 
outside the policy are approved by the Board Risk Committee. 

5% to less than 10% of Group’s capital resources 
10% to less than 15% of Group’s capital resources 

The following table shows the aggregated number of the Bank’s 
counterparty  Corporate  and  Industrial  exposures  (including 
direct  and  contingent  exposures)  which  individually  were 
greater then 5% of the Group’s capital resources (Tier One and 
Tier Two capital): 

2006 
Number 
- 
- 

2005 
Number 
1 
- 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     153 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 16 Credit Risk Management (continued) 

Credit Portfolio Receivables by Industry  

The  following  table  sets  out  the  distribution  of  the  Group’s  loans,  advances  and  other  receivables  (excluding  bank  acceptances)  by 
industry at 30 June 2005 and 2006. 

Industry  

Australia 
Government and public authorities  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing  
Financial, investment and insurance  
Real estate:  

Mortgage (1) 
Construction (2) 

Personal  
Lease financing  
Other commercial and industrial  
Total Australia 
Overseas 
Government and public authorities  
Agriculture, forestry and fishing  
Financial, investment and insurance  
Real estate:  

Mortgage (1) 
Construction (2) 

Personal  
Lease financing  
Other commercial and industrial  
Total Overseas 
Gross loans, Advances and Other Receivables 

Provisions for bad debts, unearned income, interest reserved  
and unearned tax remissions on leveraged leases (3) 
Net Loans, Advances and Other Receivables  

(1) Principally owner occupied housing.  

(2) Primarily financing real estate and land development projects.  

(3) Interest reserved not recognised under AIFRS from 1 July 2005. 

2006 
$M 

1,528 
3,307 
9,683 

144,834 
2,085 
16,001 
4,924 
37,392 
219,754 

380 
3,094 
8,003 

22,287 
268 
521 
139 
7,526 
42,218 
261,972 

2005 
$M 

3,000 
3,213 
5,882 

129,913 
1,694 
14,504 
5,055 
31,201 
194,462 

216 
3,372 
7,027 

20,765 
271 
552 
195 
4,624 
37,022 
231,484 

(2,796) 
259,176 

(3,138)
228,346 

154     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 17 Asset Quality 

Impaired Assets 

The  Group  follows  the  Australian  disclosure  requirements  for 
impaired  assets  contained  in  AASB  130:  Disclosures  in  the 
Financial Statements of Banks and similar Financial Institutions. 

There are three classifications of impaired assets:  

(a) Non Performing comprising: 

(b) Restructured Facilities, comprising: 

•  Credit  risk  facilities  on  which  the  original  contractual  terms 
have  been  modified  due  to  financial  difficulties  of  the 
borrower.  Interest  on  these  facilities  is  taken  to  profit  and 
loss. Failure to comply fully with the modified terms will result 
in immediate reclassification to non-performing. 

•  Any credit risk facility against which an individually assessed 

(c) Assets Acquired through Security Enforcement (AATSE), 

provision for impairment has been raised; 

comprising: 

•  Any credit risk facility maintained on a cash basis because of 
significant  deterioration  in  the  financial  position  of  the 
borrower; and 

•  Any  credit  risk  facility  where  loss  of  principal  or  interest  is 

anticipated. 

All interest charged in the relevant financial period that has not 
been  received  in  cash  is  reversed  from  profit  and  loss  when 
facilities become classified as non-performing. Interest on these 
facilities is then only taken to profit if received in cash. 

•  Other  Real  Estate  Owned  (OREO),  comprising  real  estate 
where  the  Group  assumed  ownership  or  foreclosed  in 
settlement of a debt; and  

•  Other  Assets  Acquired  through  Securities  Enforcement 
(OAATSE),  comprising  assets  other  than  real  estate  where 
the  Group  has  assumed  ownership  or 
in 
settlement of a debt. 

foreclosed 

Impaired Asset Ratios 
Gross impaired asset ratios net of interest reserved as a % of risk weighted assets  
Net impaired assets as % of: 

Risk weighted assets  
Total shareholders’ equity 

Colonial State Bank 

Indemnified Loan Book 

Pursuant to the Sale Agreement between Colonial and the New 
South Wales Government, Colonial State Bank’s loan book as at 
31  December  1994  and  any  further  loan  losses  (including 
interest) arising are indemnified by the NSW Government. This 
indemnity is to the extent of 90% of the losses after an initial $60 
million (which was provided for by the Colonial State Bank as at 
31 December 1994).  

All loans (other than impaired loans) were covered for a period 
of  three  years  from  31  December  1994  and  for  the  duration  of 
the  loan  in  the  case  of  impaired  loans  so  classified  as  at  31 
December 1997. The sale agreement also allows for loans to be 
withdrawn  from  the  indemnity  provided  the  withdrawal  is 
approved by Colonial Sate Bank and the NSW Government and 
the due processes followed. 

2006 
% 

0. 15 

0. 07 
0. 73 

2005 
% 

0. 20 

0. 12 
0. 97 

Pursuant to the agreement, the costs of funding and managing 
non-performing  loans  that  are  covered  by  the  loan  indemnities 
are reimbursed by the NSW Government on a quarterly basis. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     155 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2006 
$M 

312 
- 
312 
(166) 
146 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
146 

14 
- 
14 
(5) 
9 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
9 

Group 

2005 
$M 

381 
(19)
362 
(144)
218 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
218 

14 
- 
14 
(13)
1 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
1 

155 

219 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 17 Asset Quality (continued) 

Impaired Assets  

The following table sets out the Group’s impaired assets as at 30 June 2005 and 2006. 

Australia  
Non-Performing loans: 

Gross balances 
Less interest reserved (1) 
Gross balances (net of interest reserved) 
Less provisions for impairment  
Net Non-Performing Loans 

Restructured loans: 
Gross balances  
Less interest reserved (1) 
Gross balances (net of interest reserved) 
Less specific provisions  
Net Restructured Loans  

Assets Acquired Through Security Enforcement (AATSE): 

Gross balances  
Less provisions for impairment  
Net AATSE 
Net Australian Impaired assets 

Overseas  
Non-Performing loans 
Gross balances  
Less interest reserved (1) 
Gross balances (net of interest reserved) 
Less provisions for impairment  
Net Non-Performing Loans 

Restructured loans: 
Gross balances  
Less interest reserved (1) 
Gross balances (net of interest reserved)  
Less specific provisions  
Net Restructured Loans  

Asset Acquired Through Security Enforcement (AATSE) 

Gross Balance  
Less provisions for impairment 
Net AATSE 
Net overseas impaired assets  

Total Net Impaired Assets  

(1) Interest reserved not recognised under AIFRS from 1 July 2005. 

156     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 17 Asset Quality (continued) 

Movement in Impaired Asset Balances 

The following table provides an analysis of the movement in the gross impaired asset balances for financial years 2005 and 2006. 

Gross Impaired Assets  

Gross impaired assets at beginning of period 
New and increased  
Balances written off  
Returned to performing or repaid 
Gross Impaired Assets at Period End 

2006 
$M 
395 
745 
(450) 
(364) 
326 

Group 

2005 
$M 
363 
769 
(350)
(387)
395 

The following amounts comprising loans less than $250,000 are reported in accordance with regulatory returns to APRA. They are not 
classified as impaired assets and therefore not included within the above impaired assets summary. 

Loans Performing Past Due 90 Days or More 

Housing loans  
Other loans  
Total Loans Performing Past Due 

Net Interest Forgone on Impaired Assets  

Australia non-performing facilities  
Overseas non-performing facilities  
Total Interest Forgone 

Interest Taken to Profit on Impaired Assets  

Australia 
Non-performing facilities 
Restructured facilities  
Overseas  
Non-performing facilities  
Other real estate owned 
Total Interest Taken to Profit  

2006 
$M 
155 
137 
292 

2006 
$M 
11 
- 
11 

2006 
$M 

11 
- 

- 
- 
11 

Group 

2005 
$M 
183 
119 
302 

Group 

2005 
$M 
13 
- 
13 

Group 

2005 
$M 

9 
- 

- 
- 
9 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     157 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 17 Asset Quality (continued) 

Impaired Assets 

Non-Performing Loans  
With provisions  
Without provisions  
Gross balances  
Less interest reserved (1) 
Net balances  
Less provisions for impairment 
Net Non-Performing Loans  

Restructured Loans 
Gross balances  
Less interest reserved (1)  
Net balances  
Less provisions for impairment  
Net Restructured Loans 

Other Real Estate Owned (OREO) (2) 
Gross balances  
Less provisions for impairment  
Net OREO  

Other Assets Acquired Through Security 
Enforcement (OAATSE) (2) 
Gross balances  
Less provisions for impairment  
Net OAATSE 

Total Impaired Assets 
Gross balances  
Less interest reserved 
Net balances  
Less provisions for impairment  
Net Impaired Assets  

Non-Performing Loans by Size of Loan 
Less than $1 million  
$1 million to $10 million  
Greater than $10 million  
Total  

Performing Loans 90 days past due or more (3) 

(1) Interest reserved not recognised under AIFRS from 1 July 2005. 

Australia 
2006 
$M 

Overseas 
2006 
$M 

Total 
2006 
$M 

Australia 
2005 
$M 

Overseas 
2005 
$M 

172 
140 
312 
- 
312 
(166)
146 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

312 
- 
312 
(166)
146 

140 
125 
47 
312 

250 

10 
4 
14 
- 
14 
(5)
9 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

14 
- 
14 
(5)
9 

11 
3 
- 
14 

42 

182 
144 
326 
- 
326 
(171)
155 

235 
146 
381 
(19) 
362 
(144) 
218 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

326 
- 
326 
(171)
155 

151 
128 
47 
326 

292 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

381 
(19) 
362 
(144) 
218 

119 
116 
146 
381 

267 

14 
- 
14 
- 
14 
(13) 
1 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

14 
- 
14 
(13) 
1 

13 
1 
- 
14 

35 

Group 

Total 
2005 
$M 

249 
146 
395 
(19)
376 
(157)
219 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

395 
(19)
376 
(157)
219 

132 
117 
146 
395 

302 

(2) Other real estate owned and other assets acquired through security enforcement are sold through the Bank’s existing disposal processes. These processes are 

expected to take no longer than 6 months. 

(3) Comprising loans less than $250,000 in accordance with regulatory returns to APRA. They are not classified as Impaired Assets and therefore are not included 

within Impaired Assets.  

158     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 18 Shares in and Loans to Controlled Entities 

Shares in controlled entities  
Loans to controlled entities  
Total Shares in and Loans to Controlled Entities 

2006 
$M 
21,619 
14,531 
36,150 

Bank 

2005 
$M 
17,634 
11,527 
29,161 

Note 19 Investment Property 

Investment Property  

Investment  properties  are  carried  at  fair  value  with  changes  in 
fair  value  recognised  in  profit  and  loss.  The  fair  value  of 
investment  properties  is  based  on  valuations  performed  by  an 
independent  valuer  who  holds  a  recognised  and  relevant 
professional  qualification  and  has  recent  experience  in  the 
location and category of investment property being valued. 

2006 
$M 
258 

Group 

2005 
$M 
252 

2006 
$M 
- 

Bank 

2005 
$M 
- 

This  investment  represents  a  50%  interest  in  a  long-term 
freehold lease over property. 

Amounts recognised in profit and loss relating to the investment property 

Rental income (1) 
Net gains or losses from fair value adjustments (1) 
Direct operating expenses (2) 
Total 

(1) This income is disclosed as part of Other Operating Income – Other in Note 2 

(2) This expense is disclosed as part of Other Operating Income – Other in Note 2 

Investment Property (reconciliation) 

Opening balance  
Net gains or losses from fair value adjustments 
Closing balance  

2006 
$M 
17 
6 
(2) 
21 

2006 
$M 
252 
6 
258 

Group 

2005 
$M 
15 
- 
(2)
13 

Group 

2005 
$M 
252 
- 
252 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     159 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 20 Property, Plant and Equipment 

Land and Buildings  
Land  

At 30 June 2006 valuation 
At 30 June 2005 valuation 
Closing balance 

Buildings 

At 30 June 2006 valuation  
At 30 June 2005 valuation 
Closing balance  

Total Land and Buildings  

Leasehold Improvements  

At cost  
Provision for depreciation  
Closing balance  

Equipment  
At cost 
Provision for depreciation  
Closing balance  

Assets under Lease  

At cost 
Provision for depreciation  
Closing balance  

Assets held for sale 

At 30 June 2006 valuation 
At 30 June 2005 valuation 
Closing balance  

2006 
$M 

Group 

2005 
$M 

2006 
$M 

199 
- 
199 

288 
- 
288 
487 

732 
(416)
316 

794 
(505)
289 

238 
(17)
221 

1 
- 
1 

- 
174 
174 

- 
293 
293 
467 

702 
(409)
293 

735 
(486)
249 

124 
(8)
116 

- 
7 
7 

182 
- 
182 

263 
- 
263 
445 

633 
(362) 
271 

511 
(301) 
210 

100 
- 
100 

1 
- 
1 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

- 
159 
159 

- 
257 
257 
416 

582 
(337)
245 

406 
(253)
153 

- 
- 
- 

- 
7 
7 

Total Property, Plant and Equipment 

1,314 

1,132 

1,027 

821 

Assets held for sale comprise: 
Land  
Buildings 
Total Assets Held For Sale 

- 
1 
1 

5 
2 
7 

- 
1 
1 

5 
2 
7 

Land and buildings are carried at fair value based on independent valuations performed in 2006, refer Note 1 (s). Under the cost model 
these assets would have been recognised at the carrying amount outlined in the table below. 

Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings under the Cost Model: 

Land 
Buildings 

Total Land and Buildings 

2006 
$M 

125 
225 
350 

Group 

2005 
$M 

119 
229 
348 

2006 
$M 

122 
210 
332 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

115 
201 
316 

160     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 20 Property, Plant and Equipment (continued) 

Reconciliation of the carrying amount of Property, Plant and Equipment at the beginning and end of the 2006 and 2005 financial years. 

Reconciliation  

Land  
Opening balance  
Acquisitions  
Disposals/transfers to “Assets held-for-sale” 
Disposals 
Net revaluations  
FX translation adjustment 
Closing balance  

Buildings 
Opening balance 
Acquisitions  
Acquisitions attributed to business combinations 
Disposals/transfers to “Assets held-for-sale” 
Disposals 
Net revaluations  
Depreciation  
FX translation adjustment 
Closing balance  

Leasehold Improvements  
Opening balance  
Acquisitions  
Acquisitions attributed to business combinations 
Disposals  
Transfers 
Depreciation  
FX translation adjustment 
Closing balance  

Equipment  
Opening balance 
Adjustment to opening balance 
Acquisitions  
Disposals/transfers  
Depreciation  
FX translation adjustment 
Closing balance  

Assets Under Lease 
Opening balance  
Acquisitions 
Disposals/transfers 
Depreciation  
Closing balance  

2006 
$M 

Group 

2005 
$M 

2006 
$M 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

174 
9 
5 
(6)
19 
(2)
199 

293 
38 
2 
(13)
(7)
(1)
(22)
(2)
288 

293 
87 
9 
(6)
(7)
(56)
(4)
316 

249 
(1)
136 
(13)
(80)
(2)
289 

116 
114 
- 
(9)
221 

172 
- 
(11) 
- 
13 
- 
174 

288 
22 
- 
(11) 
- 
15 
(21) 
- 
293 

281 
78 
- 
(8) 
- 
(58) 
- 
293 

191 
- 
115 
12 
(69) 
- 
249 

75 
71 
(22) 
(8) 
116 

159 
8 
5 
(6) 
16 
- 
182 

257 
35 
- 
1 
(6) 
(3) 
(21) 
- 
263 

245 
77 
- 
(5) 
- 
(46) 
- 
271 

153 
(1) 
109 
- 
(51) 
- 
210 

- 
100 
- 
- 
100 

159 
- 
(11)
- 
11 
- 
159 

250 
22 
- 
(12)
- 
17 
(20)
- 
257 

235 
62 
- 
(6)
- 
(46)
- 
245 

108 
- 
80 
- 
(35)
- 
153 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     161 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 21 Intangible Assets 

Intangible Assets 
Goodwill  
Computer software costs 
Other  
Total Intangible Assets 

Goodwill 
Purchased goodwill – Colonial 
Purchased goodwill – other 
Total goodwill 

Computer Software Costs 
Cost  
Accumulated amortisation  
Total computer software costs 

Other (1) 
Cost  
Accumulated amortisation 
Total other  

Goodwill (reconciliation) 
Opening balance  
Additions  
Impairment  
Closing balance  

Computer Software Costs (reconciliation) 
Opening balance  
Additions:  

From internal development  

Amortisation  
Closing balance  

Other (reconciliation) 
Opening balance  
Additions:  

From acquisitions  

Amortisation  
Closing balance  

2006 
$M 

7,200 
229 
380 
7,809 

6,705 
495 
7,200 

290 
(61)
229 

393 
(13)
380 

7,214 
7 
(21)
7,200 

182 

90 
(43)
229 

260 

126 
(6)
380 

Group 

2005 
$M 

7,214 
182 
260 
7,656 

6,705 
509 
7,214 

206 
(24)
182 

267 
(7)
260 

7,184 
30 
- 
7,214 

107 

92 
(17)
182 

250 

13 
(3)
260 

2006 
$M 

2,522 
212 
4 
2,738 

2,229 
293 
2,522 

268 
(56) 
212 

4 
- 
4 

2,522 
- 
- 
2,522 

153 

95 
(36) 
212 

- 

4 
- 
4 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

2,522 
153 
- 
2,675 

2,229 
293 
2,522 

172 
(19)
153 

- 
- 
- 

2,522 
- 
- 
2,522 

78 

87 
(12)
153 

- 

- 
- 
- 

(1) Other principally comprises customer lists and $311 million of management fee rights. Management fee rights have an indefinite useful life under the contractual terms 

of the management agreements and are subject to an independent valuation for impairment testing purposes. No impairment was required as a result of this 
valuation. 

162     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 21 Intangible Assets (continued) 

Segment Allocation of Goodwill 

The Group’s carrying amount of goodwill for each segment of business is shown below. 

Segment 
Banking (1) 
Funds Management (2) 
Insurance (2) 
Total  

2006 
$M 
4,360 
2,267 
573 
7,200 

Group 

2005 
$M 
4,353 
2,288 
573 
7,214 

(1) The allocation to banking includes goodwill related to the acquisitions of Colonial, State Bank of Victoria and 25% of ASB Bank. 

(2) The allocation to funds management and insurance principally related to the goodwill on acquisition of Colonial. 

Impairment Tests for Goodwill and Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives 

Goodwill has been allocated for impairment testing purposes to 
cash-generating  units  in  the  following  business  segments: 
Banking, Funds Management and Insurance. Under AASB 136 
a  cash-generating  unit  to  which  goodwill  has  been  allocated 
shall be tested for impairment annually. 

Whenever  the  cash-generating  unit  is  impaired,  the  carrying 
amounts  containing  goodwill  are  written  down 
the 
recoverable  amount  that  has  been  determined  based  on  net 
selling  price  less  costs  to  sell,  using  an  applicable  earnings 
multiple. 

to 

Australian 
Retail Banking 
$M 
4,149 

Funds 
Management 
(Excluding 
Property) 
$M 
2,189 

Funds 
Management 
(Property) 
$M 
78 

Australian 
Life 
Insurance 
$M 
131 

New Zealand 
Banking 
$M  
211 

New Zealand 
Life Insurance 
$M 
442 

Carrying amount of goodwill 

Group 
At 30 June 2006 

Key Assumptions Used in Selling Price less Cost to Sell Calculations 

Earnings  multiples  relating  to  the  Group’s  Banking  cash-
generating  units  are  sourced  from  publicly  available  data 
associated  with  valuations  performed  on  recent  businesses 
displaying  similar  characteristics  to  the  Group’s  Banking  cash-
generating units, and are applied to current earnings. 

Life  Insurance  (Australian  and  New  Zealand)  and  Funds 
Management cash-generating units are valued via an actuarial 
assessment. 

The  key  assumptions  used  when  completing  the  actuarial 
assessment  included  new  business  multiples,  discount  rates, 
valuation  allowances  for  franking  credits,  investment  market 
returns, mortality, morbidity,  persistency  and expense inflation. 
These  have  been  determined  by  reference 
to  historical 
company and industry experience and publicly available data. 

Note 22 Other Assets 

Accrued interest receivable  
Shares in other companies 
Defined benefit superannuation plan surplus  
Accrued fees/reimbursements receivable  
Securities sold not delivered  
Unrealised gains on trading derivatives  
Intergroup current tax receivable  
Intergroup deferred tax receivable  
Other 
Total Other Assets  

Note 

44 

43 

2006 
$M 
1,346 
n/a 
1,228 
669 
1,088 
n/a (1)
- 
- 
810 
5,141 

Group 

2005 
$M 
1,197 
267 
717 
641 
907 
12,144 
- 
- 
1,561 
17,434 

2006 
$M 
1,329 
n/a 
1,228 
385 
659 
n/a (1) 
217 
- (2) 
806 
4,624 

Bank 

2005 
$M 
1,503 
133 
717 
507 
625 
12,043 
55 
549 
1,022 
17,154 

(1) Under AIFRS, a gain or loss on trading derivatives, including unrealised amounts, is recognised immediately in profit or loss. 

(2) For 2005, UIG Abstract 52 required current and deferred taxes under tax funding arrangements for tax consolidated subsidiaries to be recognised as inter-company 

balances. For 2006, UIG Interpretation 1052 requires subsidiaries in a tax consolidated group to recognise deferred taxes relating to temporary differences. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     163 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 23 Deposits and Other Public Borrowings 

Australia  
Certificates of deposit 
Term deposits  
On demand and short term deposit 
Deposits not bearing interest  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and short sales 
Total Australia 
Overseas  
Certificates of deposit 
Term deposits  
On demand and short term deposits  
Deposits not bearing interest 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and short sales 
Total Overseas 
Total Deposits and Other Public Borrowings 

2006 
$M 

18,185 
43,210 
81,547 
5,872 
1,380 
150,194 

959 
13,790 
7,088 
1,166 
30 
23,033 
173,227 

Group 

2005 
$M 

16,041 
41,582 
75,407 
5,823 
2,258 
141,111 

3,105 
13,617 
8,633 
1,155 
405 
26,915 
168,026 

2006 
$M 

18,185 
41,611 
83,913 
5,876 
1,380 
150,965 

959 
3,922 
71 
9 
30 
4,991 
155,956 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

16,041 
39,993 
75,806 
5,853 
2,258 
139,951 

386 
2,998 
113 
5 
405 
3,907 
143,858 

Maturity Distribution of Certificates of Deposit and Time Deposits 

The following table sets forth the maturity distribution of the Group’s certificates of deposit and time deposits as at 30 June 2006. 

Australia  
Certificates of deposit (1) 
Time deposits 
Total Australia 
Overseas 
Certificates of deposit (1) 
Time deposits 
Total Overseas 
Total Certificates of Deposit and Time Deposits 

Maturing 
Three Months 
or Less 
$M 

Maturing 
Between Three 
& Six Months 
$M 

Maturing 
Between Six & 
Twelve Months 
$M 

Maturing 
After 
Twelve Months 
$M 

12,605 
26,137 
38,742 

551 
9,479 
10,030 
48,772 

1,769 
7,401 
9,170 

17 
2,482 
2,499 
11,669 

2,388 
8,447 
10,835 

390 
1,273 
1,663 
12,498 

1,423 
1,225 
2,648 

1 
377 
378 
3,026 

Group 
At 30 June 2006 

Total 
$M 

18,185 
43,210 
61,395 

959 
13,611 
14,570 
75,965 

(1) All certificates of deposit issued by the Bank are for amounts greater than $100,000. 

164     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 24 Payables to Other Financial Institutions 

Australia  
Overseas 
Total Payables to Other Financial Institutions  

2006 
$M 
3,354 
7,830 
11,184 

Group 

2005 
$M 
2,708 
5,315 
8,023 

2006 
$M 
3,353 
7,778 
11,131 

Bank 

2005 
$M 
2,712 
5,257 
7,969 

Note 25 Liabilities at Fair Value through Income Statement  

Deposits and other borrowings 
Debt instruments  
Total Liabilities at Fair Value through Income Statement (1) 

2006 
$M 
8,238 
5,573 
13,811 

Group 

2005 
$M 

n/a 

2006 
$M 
2,085 
- 
2,085 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

n/a 

(1) Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement have been designated to this category at inception as they are managed on a fair value basis by the Group. 

Designating these liabilities at fair value through Income Statement has also eliminated an accounting mismatch created by measuring assets and liabilities on a 
different basis. 

Due  to  the  Bank’s  constant  credit  rating  over  the  period  there  was  no  change  in  the  fair  value  of  liabilities  that  is  not  attributable  to 
changes in benchmark interest rates. The increment on top of the carrying amount that the Group would be contractually required to 
pay at maturity to the holder of these financial liabilities is $99 million. 

Note 26 Income Tax Liability  

Australia  
Current tax liability  
Deferred tax liability (Note 5) 
Total Australia 

Overseas 
Current tax liability 
Deferred tax liability (Note 5) 
Total Overseas 
Total Income Tax Liability  

2006 
$M 

368 
1,234 
1,602 

10 
102 
112 
1,714 

Group 

2005 
$M 

808 
861 
1,669 

25 
60 
85 
1,754 

2006 
$M 

329 
640 
969 

5 
- 
5 
974 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

757 
872 
1,629 

7 
- 
7 
1,636 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     165 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note  

2006 
$M 

280 
186 
66 
- 
37 
85 
90 
6 
71 
821 

6 

Group 

2005 
$M 

296 
146 
58 
91 
18 
100 
66 
14 
82 
871 

2006 
$M 

Group 

2005 
$M 

91 
(46)
(45)
- 

18 
37 
(18)
37 

100 
32 
(47)
85 

66 
26 
(2)
90 

82 
59 
(66)
(4)
71 

208 
(20)
(97)
91 

- 
22 
(4)
18 

79 
61 
(40)
100 

60 
34 
(28)
66 

122 
29 
(69)
- 
82 

2006 
$M 

267 
167 
66 
- 
37 
- 
87 
6 
60 
690 

2006 
$M 

91 
(46) 
(45) 
- 

18 
37 
(18) 
37 

- 
- 
- 
- 

66 
23 
(2) 
87 

41 
54 
(35) 
- 
60 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

285 
126 
62 
91 
18 
- 
66 
14 
41 
703 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

208 
(20)
(97)
91 

- 
22 
(4)
18 

- 
- 
- 
- 

59 
34 
(27)
66 

49 
24 
(32)
- 
41 

General Insurance Claims 

This  provision  is  to  cover  future  claims  on  general  insurance 
contracts that have been incurred but not reported. 

Self Insurance and Non-Lending Losses 

This  provision  covers  certain  non-lending  losses  and  non-
transferred insurance risk. The provision is reassessed annually 
in consultation with actuarial advice. 

Note 27 Other Provisions 

Provision for: 
Long service leave  
Annual leave  
Other employee entitlements 
Which new Bank costs  
Restructuring costs 
General insurance contract outstanding claims  
Self insurance/non-lending losses  
Dividends 
Other  
Total Other Provisions  

Reconciliation 

Which new Bank costs: 
Opening balance 
Transfers 
Amounts utilised during the year 
Closing balance  

Restructuring costs: 
Opening balance 
Additional provisions  
Amounts utilised during the year 
Closing balance  

General insurance claims: 
Opening balance 
Additional provisions  
Amounts utilised during the year 
Closing balance  

Self insurance/non-lending losses: 
Opening balance 
Additional provisions  
Amounts utilised during the year 
Closing balance  

Other: 
Opening balance 
Additional provisions  
Amounts utilised during the year 
FX translation adjustment 
Closing balance  

Provision Commentary 

Which new Bank Provision 

This  provision  was  raised  to  provide  for  the  implementation  of 
the  Which  new  Bank  initiative  (refer  Note  1  (aa))  which  was 
completed in 2006. 

Restructuring costs 

This  provision  was  raised  to  provide  for  Bank  restructures  as 
outlined in Note 1 (aa). This is expected to be utilised by the end 
of 2008. 

166     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 28 Debt Issues  

Short Term Debt Issues  
Long Term Debt Issues  
Total Debt Issues  

Short Term Debt Issues  
AUD Promissory Notes 
AUD Bank Bills  
US Commercial Paper  
Euro Commercial Paper 
Other 
Long Term Debt Issues with less than one year to maturity 
Total Short Term Debt Issues 

Long Term Debt Issues 
USD Medium Term Notes  
AUD Medium Term Notes 
JPY Medium Term Notes  
GBP Medium Term Notes  
Other Currencies Medium Term Notes  
Offshore Loans (all JPY) 
Develop Australia bonds (all AUD) 
Eurobonds 
Total Long Term Debt Issues 

Maturity Distribution of Debt Issues  
Less than 3 months  
Between 3 months to 12 months  
Between 1 year and 5 years  
Greater than 5 years  
Total Debt Issues 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

2006 
$M 
22,838 
55,753 
78,591 

1,081 
505 
6,861 
4,248 
6 
10,137 
22,838 

29,475 
12,479 
1,785 
4,088 
5,102 
147 
217 
2,460 
55,753 

8,138 
14,700 
40,874 
14,879 
78,591 

Group 

2005 
$M 
26,864 
43,901 
70,765 

1,214 
624 
10,661 
4,976 
- 
9,389 
26,864 

22,967 
7,122 
868 
4,401 
6,596 
- 
- 
1,947 
43,901 

12,443 
17,681 
30,656 
9,985 
70,765 

2006 
$M 
11,034 
41,164 
52,198 

- 
- 
- 
4,248 
6 
6,780 
11,034 

27,172 
4,232 
1,785 
2,084 
4,897 
147 
- 
847 
41,164 

5,640 
5,394 
30,428 
10,736 
52,198 

Bank 

2005 
$M 
9,500 
31,187 
40,687 

- 
- 
- 
3,065 
- 
6,435 
9,500 

15,680 
6,272 
692 
2,736 
5,807 
- 
- 
- 
31,187 

6,006 
3,493 
21,320 
9,868 
40,687 

The Bank has a Euro Medium Term Note program under which 
it  may  issue  notes  up  to  an  aggregate  amount  outstanding  of 
USD35  billion.  The  Bank  also  has  a  US  Medium  Term  Note 
program  under  which  it  may  issue  notes  up  to  an  aggregate 
amount outstanding of USD15 billion. Notes issued under these 
programs  are  both  fixed  and  variable  rate.  Interest  rate  risk 
associated  with  the  notes  is  incorporated  within  the  Bank’s 
interest rate risk framework. 

Subsequent to 30 June 2006, the Bank has issued: 

•  USD medium term notes: between 1 and 5 years – USD 60 
million  (AUD  81  million);  greater  than  5  years  –  USD  258 
million (AUD 347 million); 

•  CHF medium term notes: between 1 and 5 years – CHF 200 

million (AUD 218 million); 

•  EUR  medium  term  notes:  greater  than  5  years  –  EUR  5 

million (AUD 8 million); 

•  JPY medium term notes:  between 1 and 5  years  – JPY  25 
billion  (AUD  297  million);  greater  than  5  years  –  JPY  1.5 
billion (AUD 18 million); 

•  NZD medium term notes: between 1 and 5 years – NZD 10 

million (AUD 8 million); 

•  AUD medium term notes: between 1 and 5 years – AUD 6 

million; 

•  GBP  medium  term  notes:  greater  than  5  years  –  GBP  3 

million (AUD 7 million); and 

•  HKD  medium  term  notes:  between  1  and  5  years  –  HKD 

380 million (AUD 66 million). 

Where  any  debt  issue  is  booked  in  an  offshore  branch  or 
subsidiary,  the  amounts  have  first  been  converted  into  the 
functional currency of the branch at a branch defined exchange 
rate, before being converted into the AUD equivalent. 

Where proceeds have been employed in currencies other than 
that  of  the  ultimate  repayment  liability,  swap  or  other  hedge 
arrangements have been entered into. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     167 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 28 Debt Issues (continued) 

Short Term Borrowings  

The following table analyses the Group’s short term borrowings for the financial years ended 30 June 2005 and 2006.  

US Commercial Paper  
Outstanding at period end (1)  
Maximum amount outstanding at any month end (2) 
Approximate average amount outstanding  
Approximate weighted average rate on: 

Average amount outstanding  
Outstanding at period end 

Euro Commercial Paper 
Outstanding at period end (1) 
Maximum amount outstanding at any month end (2) 
Approximate average amount outstanding (2)  
Approximate weighted average rate on:  

Average amount outstanding 
Outstanding at period end 

Other Commercial Paper  
Outstanding period end (1) 
Maximum amount outstanding at any month end (2)  
Approximate average amount outstanding (2) 
Approximate weighted average rate on: 

Average amount outstanding  
Outstanding at period end 

Group 

2006 

2005 
(AUD Millions, except where 
indicated) 

6,861 
13,717 
9,754 

4. 4% 
5. 2% 

4,248 
4,441 
3,177 

4. 4% 
5. 2% 

1,592 
2,665 
1,880 

6. 3% 
6. 4% 

10,661 
10,698 
10,341 

1. 2% 
1. 5% 

4,976 
6,146 
3,800 

2. 2% 
2. 8% 

1,838 
2,110 
1,790 

5. 8% 
5. 7% 

(1) The amount outstanding at period end is reported on a book value basis (amortised cost). 

(2) The maximum and average amounts over the period are reported on a face value basis because the book values of these amounts are not available. Any differences 

between face value and book value would not be material given the short term nature of the borrowings. 

Exchange Rates Utilised  

AUD 1.00 =  

Currency 

USD 
EUR 
GBP 
JPY 
NZD 
HKD 
CAD 
CHF 
IDR 
THB 
FJD 

As at 
30 June 
2006 
0. 7428 
0. 5848 
0. 4053 
85. 276 
1. 214 
5. 770 
0. 8247 
0. 917 
6,880 
28. 355 
1. 304 

As at 
30 June 
2005 
0. 7643 
0. 6313 
0. 4223 
84. 165 
1. 090 
5. 940 
0. 9399 
0. 978 
7,425 
31. 531 
1. 301 

168     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 28 Debt Issues (continued) 

Guarantee Arrangements 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia 

The  due  payment  of  all  monies  payable  by  the  Bank  was 
guaranteed  by  the  Commonwealth  of  Australia  under  section 
117 of the Commonwealth Banks Act 1959 (as amended) at 30 
June 1996. This guarantee has been progressively phased out 
following 
the  Commonwealth  of  Australia’s 
shareholding in the Bank on 19 July 1996. 

the  sale  of 

transitional  arrangements 

The 
the 
Commonwealth  of  Australia’s  guarantee  are  contained  in  the 
Commonwealth Bank Sale Act 1995. 

for  phasing  out 

In relation to the Commonwealth of Australia’s guarantee of the 
Bank’s liabilities, transitional arrangements provided that: 

•  All demand deposits and term deposits were guaranteed for 
a period of three years from 19 July 1996, with term deposits 
outstanding  at  the  end  of  that  three  year  period  being 
guaranteed until maturity; and 

•  All other amounts payable under a contract that was entered 
into,  or  under  an  instrument  executed,  issued,  endorsed  or 
accepted  by  the  Bank  at  19  July  1996  will  be  guaranteed 
until their maturity. 

Accordingly, demand deposits are no longer guaranteed. Term 
deposits  outstanding  at  19  July  1999  remain  guaranteed  until 
maturity. The run-off of the Government guarantee has no effect 
on the Bank’s access to deposit markets. 

Commonwealth Development Bank 

On 24 July 1996, the Commonwealth of Australia sold its 8.1% 
shareholding  in  the  Commonwealth  Development  Bank  of 
Australia Limited (CDBL) to the Bank for $12.5 million. 

Under the arrangements relating to the purchase by the Bank of 
the Commonwealth of Australia’s shareholding in the CDBL: 

•  All 

lending  assets  as  at  30  June  1996  have  been 
quarantined  in  CDBL,  consistent  with  the  charter  terms  on 
which they were written; 

Note 29 Managed Funds Units on Issue 

Managed funds units on issue 

(1) Reclassified from Minority Interests under AIFRS, refer Note 34. 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

•  The CDBL’s liabilities continue to remain guaranteed by the 

Commonwealth of Australia; and 

•  CDBL  ceased  to  write  new  business  or  incur  additional 
liabilities  from  1  July  1996.  From  that  date,  new  business 
that  would  have  previously  been  written  by  CDBL  is  being 
written by the rural arm of the Bank. 

The due payment of all monies payable by CDBL to a person 
other than the Commonwealth of Australia is guaranteed by the 
Commonwealth  of  Australia  under  Section  117  of 
the 
Commonwealth Banks Act 1959 (as amended). This guarantee 
will continue to be provided by the Commonwealth of Australia 
whilst  quarantined  assets  are  held.  The  value  of  the  liabilities 
under the guarantee will diminish as quarantined assets reach 
maturity and are repaid. 

State Bank of NSW (also known as Colonial State Bank) 

The  enabling legislation for the sale of the  State Bank of  New 
South  Wales  Limited  (SBNSW),  the  State  Bank  (Privatisation) 
Act 1994 – Section 12 and the State Bank (Corporatisation) Act 
1989 – Section 12 (as amended), provides in general terms for 
a guarantee by the NSW Government in respect of all funding 
liabilities  and  off  balance  sheet  products  (other  than  demand 
deposits)  incurred  or  issued  prior  to  31  December  1997  by 
SBNSW  until  maturity  and  a  guarantee  for  demand  deposits 
accepted  by  SBNSW  up  to  31  December  1997.  Other 
obligations  incurred  before  31  December  1994  are  also 
guaranteed  to  their  maturity.  On  4  June  2001  Commonwealth 
Bank  of  Australia  became  the  successor  in  law  to  SBNSW 
pursuant to the Financial Sector Transfer of Business Act 1999. 
The NSW Government guarantee of the liabilities and products 
as described above continues unchanged by the succession. 

2006 
$M 
1,109 

Group 

2005 
$M 
- (1) 

2006 
$M 
- 

Bank 

2005 
$M 
- 

Managed  funds  units  on  issue  represent  the  liability  to  minority  interest  unit  holders  in  funds  which  have  been  consolidated  by  the 
Group.  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     169 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 30 Bills Payable and Other Liabilities 

Bills payable  
Accrued interest payable  
Accrued fees and other items payable  
Defined benefit superannuation plan deficit  
Securities purchased not delivered  
Unrealised losses on trading derivatives  
Intergroup deferred tax payable  
Other liabilities  
Total Bills Payable and Other Liabilities 

Note 31 Loan Capital 

Note 

44 

43 

Currency 
Amount (M) 

Footnotes 

FRN 
FRN 
FRN 
TPS 
PERLS II 
PERLS III 
TPS 

Tier 1 Loan Capital 
Exchangeable  
Exchangeable 
Undated 
Undated  
Undated  
Undated  
Undated  
Total Tier 1 Loan Capital 
Tier 2 Loan Capital 
Extendible  
Subordinated  
Subordinated  
Subordinated  
Subordinated  
Subordinated  
Subordinated  
Subordinated  
Subordinated  
Subordinated  
Subordinated  
Subordinated  
Subordinated  
Subordinated  
Subordinated  
Subordinated  
Subordinated  
Subordinated  
Subordinated  
Subordinated  
Subordinated  
Subordinated  
Subordinated  
Subordinated 
Total Tier 2 Loan Capital 
Fair value hedge and 
effective yield adjustments 
Total Loan Capital 

FRN 
FRN 
Notes 
EMTN 
EMTN 
EMTN 
EMTN 
Notes 
Notes 
EMTN 
MTN 
FRN 
EMTN 
EMTN 
FRN 
EMTN 
EMTN 
Notes 
EMTN 
FRN 
EMTN 
Loan 
EMTN 
Notes 

USD38 
USD71 
USD100 
USD550 
AUD750 
AUD1,166 
USD700 

AUD275 
AUD25 
USD300 
JPY20,000 
USD400 
GBP200 
JPY30,000 
AUD130 
USD350 
GBP150 
AUD300 
AUD200 
JPY10,000 
USD500 
AUD300 
EUR300 
USD61 
NZD350 
JPY10,000 
AUD300 
CAD300 
JPY5,000 
USD200 
NZD183 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

(9) 

(10) 

(11) 

(12) 

(13) 

(14) 

(15) 

(16) 

(17) 

(18) 

(18) 

(19) 

(20) 

(21) 

(22) 

(23) 

(24) 

(25) 

(26) 

(27) 

(28) 

(29) 

(30) 

2006 
$M 
830 
1,587 
1,408 
65 
1,097 
n/a 
- 
1,066 
6,053 

2006 
$M 

50 
96 
135 
740 
750 
1,166 
- 
2,937 

275 
25 
404 
235 
539 
493 
352 
- 
471 
370 
300 
200 
117 
673 
300 
513 
81 
288 
117 
300 
364 
59 
269 
151 
6,896 

62 
9,895 

Group 

2005 
$M 
928 
1,435 
1,256 
79 
1,065 
11,914 
- 
874 
17,551 

Group 

2005 
$M 

49 
124 
131 
- 
- 
- 
- 
304 

275 
25 
549 
216 
501 
408 
387 
130 
536 
373 
300 
200 
127 
711 
300 
501 
126 
322 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
5,987 

- 
6,291 

2006 
$M 
773 
1,408 
1,057 
65 
655 
n/a 
- 
341 
4,299 

2006 
$M 

50 
96 
135 
740 
750 
1,166 
942 
3,879 

275 
25 
404 
235 
539 
493 
352 
- 
471 
370 
300 
200 
117 
673 
300 
513 
81 
288 
117 
300 
364 
59 
269 
- 
6,745 

64 
10,688 

Bank 

2005 
$M 
863 
1,226 
860 
79 
796 
11,854 
60 
999 
16,737 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

49 
124 
131 
719 
- 
- 
- 
1,023 

275 
25 
549 
216 
501 
408 
387 
130 
536 
373 
300 
200 
127 
711 
300 
501 
126 
322 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
5,987 

- 
7,010 

170     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 31 Loan Capital (continued) 

 (1) USD 300 million undated Floating Rate Notes (FRNs) issued 
11 July 1988 exchangeable into dated FRNs. 

to subscribe for fully paid ordinary shares up to an amount equal 
to the principal value of the maturing FRNs.  

Outstanding notes at 30 June 2006 were: 

Due July 2006 
Undated 

: 
: 

USD32.5 million 
USD5 million 

Subsequent  to  30  June  2006,  the  notes  due  July  2006  have 
been switched into undated notes. 

(2)  USD  400  million  undated  FRNs  issued  22  February  1989 
exchangeable  into  dated  FRNs.  USD24  million  matured  in 
February 2006. 

Outstanding notes at 30 June 2006 were: 
Due February 2008  : 
Due February 2011  : 

USD7 million 
USD64 million 

(3) USD 100 million undated capital notes issued on 15 October 
1986. The Bank has entered into separate agreements with the 
Commonwealth of Australia relating to each of the above issues 
(the “Agreements”) which qualify the issues as Tier One capital.  

The  Agreements  provide  that,  upon  the  occurrence  of  certain 
events listed below, the Bank may issue either fully paid ordinary 
shares to the Commonwealth of Australia or (with the consent of 
the  Commonwealth  of  Australia)  rights  to  all  shareholders  to 
subscribe for fully paid ordinary shares up to an amount equal to 
the  outstanding  principal  value  of  the  relevant  note  issue  or 
issues plus any interest paid in respect of the notes for the most 
recent  financial  year  and  accrued  interest.  The  issue  price  of 
such  shares  will  be  determined  by  reference  to  the  prevailing 
market price for the Bank’s shares. 

Any one or more of the following events may trigger the issue of 
shares to the Commonwealth of Australia or a rights issue: 

•  A  relevant  event  of  default  (discussed  below)  occurs  in 
respect of a note issue and the Trustee of the relevant notes 
gives notice to the Bank that the notes are immediately due 
and payable; 

•  The  most  recent  audited  annual  financial  statements  of  the 

Group show a loss (as defined in the Agreements); 

•  The  Bank  does  not  declare  a  dividend  in  respect  of  its 

ordinary shares; 

•  The Bank, if required by the Commonwealth of Australia and 
subject to the agreement of the APRA, exercises its option to 
redeem a note issue; or 

• 

In respect of Undated FRNs which have been exchanged to 
Dated FRNs, the Dated FRNs mature. 

Any payment made by the Commonwealth of Australia pursuant 
to  its  guarantee  in  respect  of  the  relevant  notes  will  trigger  the 
issue of shares to the Commonwealth of Australia to the value of 
such payment. 

The  relevant  events  of  default  differ  depending  on  the  relevant 
Agreement. In summary, they cover events such as failure of the 
Bank  to  meet  its  monetary  obligation  in  respect  of  the  relevant 
notes;  the  insolvency  of  the  Bank;  any  law  being  passed  to 
dissolve  the  Bank  or  the  Bank  ceasing  to  carry  on  general 
banking  business  in  Australia;  and  the  Commonwealth  of 
Australia ceasing to guarantee the relevant notes. In relation to 
Dated  FRNs  which  have  matured  to  date,  the  Bank  and  the 
Commonwealth  agreed  to  amend  the  relevant  Agreement  to 
reflect that the Commonwealth of Australia was not called upon  

(4) On 6 August 2003 a wholly owned entity of the Bank issued 
USD550 million  (AUD832 million)  of  perpetual non-call  12  year 
trust  preferred  securities  into  the  US  capital  markets.  These 
securities offer a non-cumulative fixed rate distribution of 5.805% 
per  annum  payable  semi-annually.  These  instruments  were 
previously classified as Other Equity Instruments. 

(5)  On  6  January  2004,  a  wholly  owned  entity  of  the  Bank 
(Commonwealth Managed Investments Limited as Responsible 
Entity  of  the  PERLS  II  Trust)  issued  $750  million  of  Perpetual 
Exchangeable  Resettable  Listed  Securities  (PERLS  II).  These 
securities  are  units  in  a  registered  managed  investments 
scheme,  perpetual  in  nature,  offering  a  non-cumulative  floating 
rate  distribution  payable  quarterly.  These  instruments  were 
previously classified as Other Equity Instruments. 

(6) On 7 April 2006, a wholly owned entity of the Bank (Preferred 
Capital  Limited) 
issued  $1,166,456,200  of  Perpetual 
Exchangeable Repurchaseable Listed Shares (PERLS III). 

(7) On 15 March 2006, the Bank issued USD700 million (AUD947 
million)  of  perpetual  non-call  10  year  trust  preferred  securities 
into  the  US  capital  markets.  These  securities  offer  a  non-
cumulative fixed rate distribution of 6.024% per annum payable 
semi-annually. 

(8) AUD275 million extendible floating rate note issued December 
1989, due December 2014; 

The  Bank  has  entered  into  a  separate  agreement  with  the 
Commonwealth  of  Australia  relating  to  the  above  issue  (the 
“Agreement”) which qualifies the issue as Tier Two capital. The 
Agreement  provides  for  the  Bank  to  issue  either  fully  paid 
ordinary  shares  to  the  Commonwealth  of  Australia  or  (with  the 
consent  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Australia)  rights  to  all 
shareholders to subscribe for fully paid ordinary shares up to an 
amount equal to the outstanding principal value of the note issue 
plus any interest paid in respect of the notes for the most recent 
financial  year  and  accrued  interest.  The  issue  price  will  be 
determined  by  reference  to  the  prevailing  market  price  for  the 
Bank’s shares. 

Any one or more of the following events will trigger the issue of 
shares to the Commonwealth of Australia or a rights issue:  

•  A relevant event of default occurs in respect of the note issue 
and, where applicable, the Trustee of the notes gives notice 
of such to the Bank; 

•  The Bank, if required by the Commonwealth of Australia and 
subject to the agreement of the APRA, exercises its option to 
redeem such issue; or  

•  Any  payment  made  by  the  Commonwealth  of  Australia 
pursuant  to  its  guarantee  in  respect  of  the  issue  will  trigger 
the issue of shares to the Commonwealth of Australia to the 
value of such payment. 

Original  issue  size  was  $300  million.  $25  million  matured  in 
December 2004. 

(9) AUD25 million subordinated FRN, issued April 1999, due April 
2029. 

(10)  USD750 million subordinated  notes, issued June 2000, due 
June  2010;  split  into  USD300  million  fixed  rate  notes  and 
USD450 million floating rate notes. The floating rate notes were 
called and redeemed in June 2005. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     171 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 31 Loan Capital (continued) 

(11) JPY20 billion perpetual subordinated EMTN, issued February 
1999. 

(21)  AUD300  million  subordinated  floating  rate  notes,  issued 
February 2005, due February 2015. 

(12) USD400 million subordinated EMTN, issued June 1996 due 
July 2006. 

(22)  EUR300  million  subordinated  EMTN,  issued  March  2005, 
due March 2015. 

(13) GBP200 million subordinated EMTN, issued March 1996 due 
December 2006. 

(14) JPY30 billion subordinated EMTN, issued October 1995 due 
October 2015. 

(15)  AUD130  million  subordinated  notes  comprised  as  follows: 
AUD10  million  fixed  rate  notes  issued  12  December  1995, 
matured 12 December 2005. AUD110 million floating rate notes 
issued 12 December 1995, matured 12 December 2005. AUD5 
million fixed  rate  notes issued  17  December  1996,  matured  12 
December  2005.  AUD5  million  floating  rate  notes  issued  17 
December 1996, matured 12 December 2005. 

(16)  USD350  million  subordinated  fixed  rate  note,  issued  June 
2003, due June 2018.  

(17) GBP150 million subordinated EMTN, issued June 2003, due 
December 2023. 

(18)  AUD500  million  subordinated  notes,  issued  February  2004, 
due  February  2014;  split  into  AUD300  million  fixed  rate  notes 
and AUD200 million floating rate notes. 

(19)  JPY10  billion  subordinated  EMTN,  issued  May  2004,  due 
May 2034. 

(20)  USD500  million  subordinated  EMTN  issued  June  2004 
(USD250  million)  and  August  2004  (USD250  million),  due 
August 2014. 

(23)  USD100  million  subordinated  EMTN,  issued  March  2005, 
due  March  2025.  Partial  redemption  of  USD39.5  million  in 
September 2005. 

(24)  NZD350  million  subordinated  notes,  issued  May  2005,  due 
April 2015. 

(25)  JPY10  billion  subordinated  notes,  issued  November  2005, 
due November 2015. 

(26)  AUD300  million  subordinated  floating  rate  notes,  issued 
November 2005, due November 2015. 

(27) CAD300 million subordinated notes, issued November 2005, 
due November 2015. 

(28)  JPY5  billion  subordinated  loan,  issued  March  2006,  due 
March 2018. 

(29)  USD200 million subordinated  notes, issued June 2006, due 
July  2016.  Treatment  as  Lower  Tier  Two  Capital  commences 
October 2006. 

(30)  NZD183  million  subordinated  notes  issued  June  2006,  due 
June 2016. 

172     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 32 Detailed Statements of Changes in Equity 

Equity Reconciliations 
Ordinary Share Capital 
Opening balance 
AIFRS transition adjustment (1) 
Restated opening balance 
Buyback 
Dividend reinvestment plan 
Employee share ownership schemes 
(Purchase)/sale and vesting of treasury shares (2) 
Issue costs 
Closing balance 
Preference Share Capital 
Opening balance 
AIFRS transition adjustment (3) 
Restated opening balance  
Closing balance 
Other Equity Instruments 
Opening balance 
AIFRS transition adjustment (3) 
Restated opening balance  
Issue of instruments 
Issue costs 
Closing balance 
Retained Profits 
Opening balance 
AIFRS transition adjustment (4) (5) 
Restated opening balance 
Actuarial gains and losses from defined benefit superannuation plan 
Realised gains and dividend income on treasury shares held within the Bank’s 
life insurance statutory funds recognised directly in retained profits  
Operating profit attributable to members of the Bank 
Total available for appropriation 
Transfers to general reserve 
Transfers to general reserve for credit loss 
Interim dividend – cash component 
Interim dividend – dividend reinvestment plan 
Payment of final dividend prior year – cash component 
Payment of final dividend prior year – dividend reinvestment plan 
Other dividends 
Closing balance 

2006 
$M 

13,486 
- 
13,486 
(500)
481 
50 
(10)
(2)
13,505 

687 
(687)
- 
- 

1,573 
(1,573)
- 
947 
(8)
939 

3,843 
(780)
3,063 
387 

85 
3,928 
7,463 
(239)
(92)
(992)
(219)
(1,172)
(262)
- 
4,487 

Group 

2005 
$M 

13,359 
(371) 
12,988 
- 
446 
67 
(14) 
(1) 
13,486 

687 
- 
687 
687 

1,573 
- 
1,573 
- 
- 
1,573 

2,840 
9 
2,849 
110 

21 
3,400 
6,380 
(8) 
- 
(883) 
(200) 
(1,069) 
(246) 
(131) 
3,843 

2006 
$M 

13,739 
- 
13,739 
(500) 
481 
50 
(2) 
(2) 
13,766 

687 
(687) 
- 
- 

737 
(737) 
- 
1,895 
- 
1,895 

2,992 
(437) 
2,555 
387 

- 
4,267 
7,209 
- 
(92) 
(992) 
(219) 
(1,172) 
(262) 
- 
4,472 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

13,359 
(126)
13,233 
- 
446 
67 
(6)
(1)
13,739 

687 
- 
687 
687 

737 
- 
737 
- 
- 
737 

1,805 
534 
2,339 
112 

- 
3,012 
5,463 
- 
- 
(883)
(200)
(1,069)
(246)
(73)
2,992 

(1) Relates to the initial recognition of treasury shares held within the employee share scheme trust and the life insurance statutory funds. 
(2) Relates to movements in treasury shares held within the employee share scheme trust and the life insurance statutory funds. 
(3) Reclassification of hybrid financial instruments from equity to liabilities. 
(4) Comprises the following items detailed in Note 1 (nn): 

•  Actuarial and other movements within the defined benefit superannuation plan surplus; 

•  Net movement in the calculation of life insurance policyholder liabilities; 

•  Adjustment in respect of realised gains and dividend income on treasury shares; 

•  Deferral of initial entry fee income earned by life insurance entities; 

•  Adjustment to the fair value calculation for assets held by the life insurance business; 

•  Adjustment in respect of derivative financial instruments; 

•  Deferral of previously recognised net income and expenses within the banking business; 

•  Transfer of foreign currency translation reserve to retained profits on 1 July 2004; 

•  Foreign exchange adjustment on the reclassification of hybrid financial instruments;  

•  Transfer to establish the general reserve for credit loss; and 

•  Adjustment to fair value calculation for trading assets within the banking portfolios and for other financial instruments designated as fair value through profit and loss.

(5) Due to a change in functional currency the estimates of AIFRS transition adjustments were revised. The net impact of this was $51 million increase in FCTR, $51 

million decrease in retained profits.  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     173 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 32 Detailed Statements of Changes in Equity (continued) 

Reserves 
General Reserve 
Opening balance 
AIFRS transition adjustment (1) 
Restated opening balance 
Appropriation from retained profits 
Closing balance 
Capital Reserve 
Opening balance 
Reversal of revaluation surplus on sale of property  
Closing balance 
Asset Revaluation Reserve 
Opening balance 
AIFRS transition adjustment (2) 
Restated opening balance 
Revaluation of properties 
Transfers on sale of properties 
Tax on revaluation of properties 
Closing balance 
Foreign Currency Translation Reserve 
Opening balance 
AIFRS transition adjustments (3) (4) 
Restated opening balance 
Currency translation adjustments 
Transfer to the Income Statement 
Tax on translation adjustments 
Closing balance 
Cash Flow Hedge Reserve 
Opening balance 
AIFRS transition adjustment (5) 
Restated opening balance 
Gains/(losses) on cash flow hedging instruments: 

Recognised in equity 
Transferred to Income Statement 
Tax on cash flow hedging instruments 
Closing balance 
Employee Compensation Reserve 
Opening balance 
AIFRS transition adjustments (6) 
Restated opening balance  
Current period movement 
Closing balance 
General Reserve for Credit Loss (7) 
Opening balance 
AIFRS transition adjustment 
Restated opening balance 
Appropriation from retained profits 
Closing balance 

2006 
$M 

982 
- 
982 
239 
1,221 

282 
3 
285 

119 
- 
119 
19 
(3)
(4)
131 

(141)
78 
(63)
(232)
41 
13 
(241)

- 
39 
39 

89 
(58)
(11)
59 

23 
- 
23 
11 
34 

- 
258 
258 
92 
350 

Group 

2005 
$M 

3,810 
(2,836) 
974 
8 
982 

280 
2 
282 

61 
31 
92 
29 
(2) 
- 
119 

(205) 
205 
- 
(141) 
- 
- 
(141) 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
47 
47 
(24) 
23 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

2006 
$M 

570 
- 
570 
- 
570 

1,533 
3 
1,536 

99 
- 
99 
14 
(3) 
(3) 
107 

1 
1 
2 
(8) 
- 
- 
(6) 

- 
1 
1 

58 
(51) 
(2) 
6 

23 
- 
23 
11 
34 

- 
258 
258 
92 
350 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

570 
- 
570 
- 
570 

1,531 
2 
1,533 

43 
29 
72 
29 
(2)
- 
99 

4 
(1)
3 
(2)
- 
- 
1 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
47 
47 
(24)
23 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

(1) Net write down of the internally generated appraisal value of the life insurance and funds management business. 

(2) Change in valuation methodology for owner-occupied property. 

(3) Transfer to retained profits on 1 July 2004; and re-translation on 1 July 2005 due to change in recognition and measurement of financial instruments. 

(4) Due to change in functional currency, the estimates of the AIFRS transition adjustments were revised. The net impact of this was $51million increase in FCTR, $51million 

decrease in retained profits. 

(5) Initial recognition of the cash flow hedge reserve on 1 July 2005. 

(6) Initial recognition of employee equity compensation reserve on 1 July 2004. 

(7)The opening balance of the general reserve for credit loss has been appropriated from retained profits. The amount is the tax effected difference between the former general 

provision at 30 June 2005, $1,390 million, and the opening transition balance of the collective provision, $1,021 million. The general reserve for credit loss has been 
established to satisfy the current APRA prudential requirement for banks to maintain a general reserve for credit loss, and allowable collective provisions, at a minimum level 
of 0.5% of risk weighted assets. 

174     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 32 Detailed Statements of Changes in Equity (continued) 

Available-for-Sale Investments Reserve 
Opening balance 
AIFRS transition adjustment (1) 
Restated opening balance 
Net gains/(losses) on available-for-sale investments 
Net (gains)/losses on available-for-sale investments transferred to Income 
Statement on sale 
Impairment of available-for-sale investments transferred to Income Statement 
Tax on available-for-sale investments 
Closing balance 
Total Reserves 
Shareholders’ Equity attributable to members of the Bank 
Shareholders’ Equity attributable to Minority Interests 
Total Shareholders’ Equity 

(1) Initial recognition of the available-for-sale investment reserve on 1 July 2005. 

2006 
$M 

- 
56 
56 
51 

(33)
(3)
(6)
65 
1,904 
20,835 
508 
21,343 

Group 

2005 
$M 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
1,265 
20,854 
1,789 
22,643 

2006 
$M 

- 
35 
35 
52 

(31)
(3)
7 
60 
2,657 
22,790 
- 
22,790 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
2,226 
20,381 
- 
20,381 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     175 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 33 Share Capital 

Issued and Paid Up Ordinary Capital 

Ordinary Share Capital 
Opening balance (excluding Treasury Shares deduction) 
Dividend Reinvestment Plan: Final Dividend prior year 
Dividend Reinvestment Plan: Interim Dividend  
Share Buyback  
Exercise of executive options 
Issue costs  
Closing balance (excluding Treasury Shares deduction) 
Less Treasury Shares  
Closing balance  

Shares on Issue 
Opening balance (excluding Treasury Shares deduction)  
Dividend reinvestment plan issues:  
2004/2005 Final Dividend fully paid ordinary shares at $37.19 
2005/2006 Interim Dividend fully paid ordinary shares at $43.89 
2003/2004 Final Dividend fully paid ordinary shares at $30.14 
2004/2005 Interim Dividend fully paid ordinary shares at $35.90 
Share buyback 
Exercise under executive option plan  
Closing balance (excluding Treasury Shares deduction) 
Less Treasury Shares 
Closing balance  

Terms and Conditions of Ordinary Share Capital  

2006 
$M 

13,871 
262 
219 
(500)
50 
(2)
13,900 
(395)
13,505 

Group 

2005 
$M 

13,359 
246 
200 
- 
67 
(1)
13,871 
(385)
13,486 

2006 
$M 

13,871 
262 
219 
(500) 
50 
(2) 
13,900 
(134) 
13,766 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

13,359 
246 
200 
- 
67 
(1)
13,871 
(132)
13,739 

Number 

Number 

Number 

Number 

1,280,276,172  1,264,006,062  1,280,276,172  1,264,006,062 

7,032,857 
4,979,668 
- 
- 
(11,139,988)
1,756,200 

- 
- 
8,172,546 
5,581,364 

7,032,857 
4,979,668 
- 
- 
(11,139,988) 
1,756,200 

- 
- 
8,172,546 
5,581,364 

2,516,200 

2,516,200 
1,282,904,909  1,280,276,172  1,282,904,909  1,280,276,172 
(4,613,116)
1,271,819,651  1,266,764,403  1,280,551,395  1,275,663,056 

(11,085,258)

(13,511,769)

(2,353,514) 

Ordinary shares have the right to receive dividends as declared and in the event of winding up the company, to participate in the proceeds 
from sale of surplus assets in proportion to the number of and amounts paid up on shares held.  

A shareholder has one vote on a show of hands and one vote for each fully paid share on a poll. A shareholder may be present at a 
general meeting in person or by proxy or attorney, and if a body corporate, it may also authorise a representative. 

Preference Share Capital 

PERLS 

PERLS Capital issued and paid up 

PERLS Redemption 

2006 
$M 
- 
Number 
- 

Group 

2005 
$M 
687 
Number 
3,500,000 

2006 
$M 
- 
Number 
- 

Bank 

2005 
$M 
687 
Number 
3,500,000 

On 6 April 2006, the Bank redeemed the $700 million PERLS. PERLS, which qualified as Tier One capital of the Bank, were replaced with 
PERLS III, refer Note 31. 

Other Equity Instruments 

Other equity instruments issued and paid up 

(1) Reclassified to Loan Capital under AIFRS, refer Note 31. 

(2) Net of issue costs. 

Trust Preferred Securities 2006 

2006 
$M 
939 (2) 
Number 
700,000 

Group 

2005 
$M 
1,573 (1) 
Number 
4,300,000 

2006 
$M 
1,895 
Number 
1,400,000 

Bank 

2005 
$M 
737 (1) 
Number 
550,000 

On 15 March 2006 the Bank issued USD 700 million (AUD 947 million) of trust preferred securities into the US capital markets. These 
securities offer a non-cumulative fixed rate of distribution of 6.024% per annum payable semi-annually. These securities qualify as Tier 
One capital of the Bank. A related instrument was issued by the Bank to a subsidiary for AUD 956 million and eliminates on consolidation. 

176     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 33 Share Capital (continued) 

Ex Dividend Date 

Dividends 

The ex dividend date was 14 August 2006.  

The  Directors  have  declared  a  fully  franked  (at  30%)  final 

Employee Share Plans 

dividend  of  130  cents  per  share  amounting  to  $1,668  million. 

The Bank has in place the following employee share plans: 

The dividend will be payable on 5 October 2006 to shareholders 

on the register at 5pm on 18 August 2006. Dividends paid in the 

year to 30 June 2006: 

•  As declared in the 30 June 2005 profit announcement, a fully 
franked  final  dividend  of  112  cents  per  share  amounting  to 
$1,434  million  was  paid  on  23  September  2005.  The 
payment  comprised  cash  disbursements  of  $1,172  million 
with $262 million being reinvested by participants through the 
Dividend Reinvestment Plan; and 

• 

In respect of the year to 30 June 2006, a fully franked interim 
dividend  of  94  cents  per  share  amounting  to  $1,211  million 
was  paid  on  5  April  2006.  The  payment  comprised  cash 
disbursements  of  $992  million  with  $219  million  being 
the  Dividend 
reinvested 
Reinvestment Plan. 

participants 

through 

by 

Share Buyback 

the  Bank  announced 

the  successful 
On  16  June  2006 
total  of 
completion  of  an  on-market  share  buyback.  A 
11,139,988  shares  were  bought  back  at  a  total  cost  of  $500 
million. Shares were purchased for between $41.08 and $46.79. 

Dividend Reinvestment Plan 

The  Bank  expects  to  issue  around  $303  million  of  shares  in 

respect of the Dividend Reinvestment Plan for the final dividend 

for 2005/06.  

The  Dividend  Reinvestment  Plan  continues  to  be  capped  at 

10,000 shares per shareholder. 

Record Date 

The register closed for determination of dividend entitlement and 
for participation in the dividend reinvestment plan at 5pm on 18 
August 2006 at Link Market Services Limited, Locked Bag A14, 
Sydney South, 1235. 

•  Commonwealth  Bank  Employee  Share  Acquisition  Plan 

(“ESAP”); 

•  Commonwealth Bank Equity Participation Plan (“EPP”); 
•  Commonwealth Bank Equity Reward Plan (“ERP”); and 
•  Commonwealth  Bank  Non-Executive  Directors  Share  Plan 

(“NEDSP”). 

The current ESAP and ERP arrangements were each approved 
by Shareholders at the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) on 26 
October 2000. Shareholders’ consent was not required for either 
the EPP or NEDSP but details were included in the Explanatory 
Memorandum to the 2000 meeting to ensure Shareholders were 
fully informed. 

Employee Share Acquisition Plan (“ESAP”) 

The ESAP was introduced in 1996 and provides employees with 
up  to  $1,000  worth  of  free  shares  per  annum  subject  to  a 
performance target being met. The performance target is growth 
in annual profit of the greater of 5% or the consumer price index 
(CPI change) plus 2%. Whenever annual profit growth exceeds 
CPI  change,  the  Board  may  use  its  discretion  in  determining 
whether any grant of shares will be made. 

Under  ESAP,  shares  granted  are  restricted  for  sale  for  three 
years  or  until  such  time  as  the  participating  employee  ceases 
employment  with  the  Group,  whichever  is  earlier.  Shares 
granted  under  the  ESAP  receive  full  dividend  entitlements, 
voting  rights  and  there  are  no  forfeiture  or  vesting  conditions 
attached to the shares granted. 

Effective  from  1  July  2002,  shares  granted  under  ESAP  offers 
have been expensed through the profit and loss. In the current 
year,  646,412  shares  were  granted  to  eligible  employees  in 
respect of the 2005 grant. 

The  Bank  has  determined  to  allocate  each  eligible  employee 
shares up to a value of $1,000 in respect of the 2006 grant. As a 
result, a total expense of $27 million will be accrued by the grant 
date in respect of the 2006 grant, $23 million of which has been 
accrued as at 30 June 2006. The shares will be purchased on-
market at the then market price. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     177 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 33 Share Capital (continued) 

From 1 July 2000 to 30 June 2002, details of issues under ESAP were: 

Issue Date 
13 October 2000 
20 December 2000 
31 October 2001 
3 December 2001 
31 January 2002 

Bonus Ordinary 
(1)

Shares Issued 

872,620 
805 
893,554 
3,876 
1,938 

No. of Participants 
24,932 
23 
26,281 
114 
57 

Shares issued 
(2)

to Each Participant 

Issue Price 

(2)

35 
35 
34 
34 
34 

$27. 78 
$27. 78 
$28. 95 
$28. 95 
$28. 95 

From 1 July 2002, details of shares purchased under ESAP were:  

Issue Date 
31 October 2002 
22 January 2003 
31 October 2003 
29 October 2004 
9 September 2005 

Ordinary 
Shares Purchased 
830,874 
1,584 
683,617 
699,918 
646,412 

No. of Participants 
25,178 
48 
23,573 
22,578 
24,862 

Shares allocated 
(3)

to Each Participant 

Allocation Price 

(3)

33 
33 
29 
31 
26 

$29. 71 
$29. 71 
$27. 53 
$31. 52 
$37. 68 

(1) For Offers in 2000 and 2001 both new and existing shareholders were granted Bonus Ordinary Shares issued from the Share Capital Account. 

(2) The Issue Price x Shares issued to each Participant effectively represents about $1,000 of free shares. 

(3) The Allocation Price for the offer is equal to the market value which is determined by calculating the weighted average of the prices at which the shares were traded 

on the ASX during the 5 trading day period up to and including the grant date. The Allocation Price x Shares allocated to each participant effectively represents about 
$1,000 of free shares for the 2002, 2004 and 2005 Offers and $800 of free shares for the 2003 Offer. 

Equity Participation Plan (“EPP”)  

The  EPP  facilitates  the  voluntary  sacrifice  of  both  fixed 
remuneration  and  annual  short  term  incentives  (STI)  to  be 
applied  in  the  acquisition  of  shares.  The  plan  also  previously 
facilitated  the  mandatory  sacrifice  of  50%  of  STI  payments  for 
some  employees.  However,  the  mandatory  component  of  EPP 
ceased for the year ended 30 June 2005 and was replaced with 
a  separate  cash  STI  deferral  arrangement 
for  eligible 
employees. 

Each  participant  of  the  mandatory  component  of  the  EPP  for 
whom shares are held by the Trustee on their behalf has a right 
to  receive  dividends.  Once  the  shares  vest,  dividends  which 
have accrued during the vesting period are paid to participants. 
The  participant  may  also  direct  the  Trustee  on  how  the  voting 
rights  attached  to  the  shares  are  to  be  exercised  during  the 
vesting period. Where participating employees do not satisfy the 
vesting conditions, shares and dividend rights are forfeited. 

Under  the  voluntary  component  of  the  EPP,  shares  purchased 
are  restricted  for  sale  for  two  years  or  when  a  participating 
employee  ceases  employment  with  the  Bank,  whichever  is 
earlier. Shares purchased under the voluntary component of the 
EPP carry full dividend entitlements, voting rights and there are 
no forfeiture or vesting conditions attached to the shares. 

Under the mandatory component of the EPP, fully paid ordinary 
shares  are  purchased  and  held  in  Trust  until  such  time  as  the 
vesting  conditions  have  been  met.  The  vesting  condition 
attached to the shares specifies that participants must generally 
remain  employees  of  the  Bank  until  the  vesting  date.  Shares 
previously granted under the mandatory component of the EPP 
remain subject to their vesting conditions. 

Shares  acquired  under  both  the  voluntary  and  mandatory 
components of the EPP have been expensed against the profit 
and loss account. In the current year, $5 million was expensed 
against  the  profit  and  loss  account  to  reflect  the  cost  of 
allocations under the Plan. 

All shares acquired by employees under the EPP are purchased 
on-market  at  the  current  market  price.  A  total  number  of 
8,090,094 shares have been acquired under the EPP since the 
plan commenced in 2001. 

Details of purchases under the EPP from 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006 were as follows: 

Allotment Date 
1 September 2005 
9 November 2005 
15 March 2006 

Participants 
131 
2 
56 

Shares Purchased 
93,437 
35,911 
8,469 

Average Purchase Price  
$37. 58 
$40. 46 
$44. 19 

The movement in shares purchased under the mandatory component of the EPP has been as follows: 

Details of Movements  
Shares held under the Plan at the beginning of year 
Shares allocated during year 
Shares vested during year 
Shares forfeited during year 
Shares held under the Plan at end of year 

2005 
2,790,353 
2,067,281 
(2,016,790)
(224,073)
2,616,771 

2006 
2,616,771 
56 
(1,736,939)
(56,804)
823,084 

178     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 33 Share Capital (continued) 
Equity Reward Plan (“ERP”) 

The  Board  has  envisaged  that  up  to  a  maximum  of  500 
employees would participate each year in the ERP. 

Previous  grants  under  the  ERP  were  in  two  parts,  comprising 
grants  of  options  and  grants  of  shares.  Since  2001/02,  no 
options  have  been  issued  under  the  ERP.  From  2002/03, 
Reward Shares have only been issued under this plan. 

The  exercise  of  previously  granted  options  and  the  vesting  of 
employee  legal  title  to  the  shares  is  conditional  on  the  Bank 
achieving  a  prescribed  performance  hurdle.  The  ERP 
performance  hurdle  is  based  on  relative  Total  Shareholder 
Return  (“TSR”)  with 
the  Bank’s  TSR  performance  being 
measured against a comparator group of companies. 

The  prescribed  performance  hurdle  for  options  and  Reward 
Shares issued prior to 2002/03 was: 

•  The  Bank’s  TSR  (broadly,  growth  in  share  price  plus 
dividends  reinvested)  over  a  minimum  three  year  period, 
must  equal  or  exceed  the  index  of  TSR  achieved  by  the 
comparator  group  of  companies.  The  comparator  group 
(previously companies represented in the ASX’s “Banks and 
Finance  Accumulation  Index”  excluding  the  Bank)  was 
widened in 2001/02 to better reflect the Bank’s business mix; 
and 

• 

If  the  performance  hurdle  is  not  reached  within  that  three 
years  the  options  may  nevertheless  be  exercisable  or  the 
shares vest, only where the hurdle is subsequently reached 
within five years from the grant date. 

Details of options issued and shares acquired under 2000 and 2001 grants of the ERP as well as movements in the options and shares 
are as follows: 

Options 

Year of Grant 
2000 

Commencement 
Date  
13 Sep 2000 

Issue Date   Options Issued  
577,500 

7 Feb 01 

Options 
(1)

Outstanding 

187,500 

13 Sep 2000 

31 Oct 01 

12,500 

- 

2001 

3 Sep 2001 

31 Oct 01 

2,882,000 

741,000 

3 Sep 2001 

31 Jan 02 

12,500 

12,500 

3 Sep 2001 

15 Apr 02 

100,000 

- 

1 

16 

Participants   Exercise Price  Exercise Period 
$26. 97 (2)  14 Sep 2003 to 
  13 Sep 2010 (3) 
$26. 97 (2)  14 Sep 2003 to 
  13 Sep 2010 (3) 
4 Sep 2004 to 
3 Sep 2011 (4) 
4 Sep 2004 to 
3 Sep 2011 (4) 
4 Sep 2004 to 
3 Sep 2011 (4) 

$30. 12 (2) 

$30. 12 (2) 

$30. 12 (2) 

61 

1 

1 

(1) Options outstanding as at the date of the report. 

(2) The premium adjustment (based on the actual difference between the dividend and bond yields at the date of vesting) was nil. 

(3) Performance hurdle was satisfied on 31 March 2004 and options may be exercised up to 13 September 2010. 

(4) Performance hurdle was satisfied on 3 October 2004 and options may be exercised up to 3 September 2011. 

Options – Details of Movements 
Year of Grant 
Held by participants at the start of year  
Granted during year 
Exercised during year 
Lapsed during year 
Outstanding at the end of year 
Granted from 30 June to the date of report 
Exercised from 30 June to date of report 
Lapsed from 30 June to the date of report  
Outstanding as at the date of report  

July 2004 – June 2005 
2001 
2,235,200 
- 
(403,900)
(29,700)
1,801,600 
- 
(50,000)
- 
1,751,600 

2000 
402,500 
- 
(155,000)
- 
247,500 
- 
- 
- 
247,500 

July 2005 – June 2006 
2001 
1,801,600 
- 
(1,008,300)
(39,800)
753,500 
- 
- 
- 
753,500 

2000 
247,500 
- 
(60,000) 
- 
187,500 
- 
- 
- 
187,500 

For Reward Shares granted from 2002/03 to 2005/06 inclusive, a 
tiered  vesting  scale  was  applied  so  that  50%  of  the  allocated 
shares  vest  if  the  Bank’s  TSR  return  is  equal  to  the  50th 
percentile, 75% vest at the 67th percentile and 100% when the 
Bank’s return is in the top quartile. 

Where  the  rating  is  at  least  at  the  50th  percentile  on  the  third 
anniversary of the grant, the shares will vest at a time nominated 
by  the  executive,  within  the  trading  windows,  over  the  next  two 
years.  The  vesting  percentage  will  be  at least that  achieved  on 
the third anniversary of the grant and the executive will be able to 
delay vesting until a subsequent half yearly window prior to the 
fifth  anniversary  of  the  grant.  The  vesting  percentage  will  be 
calculated by reference to the rating at that time. 

Where  the  rating  is  below  the  50th  percentile  on  the  third 
anniversary of grant, the shares can still vest if the rating reaches 
the 50th percentile prior to the fifth anniversary, but the maximum 
vesting will be 50%. 

In  2006  the  Bank  reviewed  these  arrangements  and  will 
implement a change to retesting and the vesting scale for future 
ERP grants. A straight line vesting scale will be introduced, with 
50%  vesting at the  51st percentile,  through  to  100% vesting  at 
the  75th  percentile  for  future  ERP  grants.  Retesting  will  be 
restricted  from  four  occasions  to  one,  12  months  after  initial 
testing. 

Reward  Shares  acquired  under  the  share  component  of  the 
ERP are purchased on-market at the current market price. The 
cost of shares acquired is expensed through the profit and loss 
over a five year period, reflecting the maximum vesting period. In 
the current year, $3 million has been expensed through the profit 
and  loss.  The  expense  for  the  current  year  is  lower  than 
previous  years  due  to  the  new  accounting  treatment  required 
under AIFRS. 

Executive options issued up to September 2001 have not been 
recorded as an expense by the Group.  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     179 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 33 Share Capital (continued) 

Reward Shares  

Year of Grant 
2000 

2001 
2002 
2003 
2004 
2005 

Purchase Date  
20 Feb 2001 
31 Oct 2001 
31 Oct 2001 
22 Nov 2002 
12 Nov 2003 
11 Nov 2004 
11 Nov 2005 

Shares 
Purchased 
361,100 
2,000 
652,100 
357,500 
285,531 
225,934 
18,306 

Shares 
Allocated  
361,100 
2,000 
661,500 (1) 
545,500 (2) 
595,600 (3) 
522,290 (4) 
557,253 (5) 

Vesting Period 
Participants  
14 Sep 2003 to Sep 2005 (6) 
61 
14 Sep 2003 to 3 Sep 2005 (6) 
1 
4 Sep 2004 to 3 Sep 2006 (7) 
241 
3 Sep 2005 to 2 Sep 2007 (8) 
195 
2 Sep 2006 to 1 Sep 2008 (8) 
255 
259  23 Aug 2007 to 23 Aug 2009 (8) 
15 Jul 2005 to 15 Jul 2010 (8) 
260 

Average 
Purchase 
(9)
Price 
$29. 72 
$29. 25 
$29. 25 
$28. 26 
$28. 33 
$29. 87 
$29. 30 

(1) In October 2001, 11,400 Reward Shares were re-allocated to participants receiving the 2001 grant as a result of Reward Shares forfeited from previous ERP grant. 

(2) In November 2002, 188,000 shares were re-allocated to participants receiving the 2002 grant as a result of shares forfeited from previous grants. The total number of 

Reward Shares allocated in 2002 represents 50% of the maximum entitlement that participants may receive. The 2002 grant did not meet the performance hurdle at the 
first measurement point and therefore did not vest. If it reaches the required performance hurdle at a subsequent measurement date, a maximum of 50% only of the 
original grant will vest. Further details of ERP arrangements are provided in the Bank’s Remuneration Report. 

(3) In November 2003, 310,069 shares were re-allocated to participants receiving the 2003 grant as a result of shares forfeited from previous grants. The total number of 
Reward Shares allocated in 2003 represents 50% of the maximum entitlement that participants may receive. It is intended that Reward Shares required to meet 
obligations under ERP will be acquired by the Trust on-market during the three years prior to the first measurement point of the performance hurdle. 

(4) In November 2004, 296,356 shares were re-allocated to participants receiving the 2004 Grant as a result of shares forfeited from previous grants. The total number of 

Reward Shares allocated in 2004 represents 50% of the maximum entitlement that participants may receive – refer to footnote 3 above for further information. 

(5) In November 2005, 538,947 shares were re-allocated to participants receiving the 2005 grant as a result of shares forfeited from previous grants. The total number of 

Reward Shares allocated in 2005 represents 50% of the maximum entitlement that participants may receive – refer to footnote 3 above for further information. 

(6) Performance hurdle was satisfied on 31 March 2004 and as a result 195,700 shares vested to participants of the 2000 grant. 

(7) Performance hurdle was satisfied on 3 October 2004 and as a result 423,500 shares vested to participants of the 2001 grant. 

(8) Performance hurdle must be satisfied within the vesting period, otherwise shares will be forfeited. 

(9) Average Purchase Price refers to the average price of all shares allocated for that grant, including the original purchase price of any reallocated shares. 

Reward Shares – Details of Movements 

Year of Grant  
Total Reward Shares 
Held by participants at the start of year  
Granted during year (1) 
Vested during year 
Lapsed during year 
Outstanding at the end of year 
Granted from 30 June to date of report 
Vested from 30 June to date of report 
Lapsed from 30 June to date of report 
Outstanding as at the date of report 

  July 2004 – June 2005   

  July 2005 – June 2006 

2001 
437,000 
- 
(423,500) 
(13,500) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

2002 
445,825 
- 
- 
(68,975)
376,850 
- 
- 
(11,400)
365,450 

2003 
557,500 
- 
- 
(94,650)
462,850 
- 
- 
(8,950)
453,900 

2004   

- 
597,975 
- 
(53,075)
544,900 
- 
- 
(8,750)
536,150 

2002 
376,850 
- 
- 
(135,000)
241,850 
- 
- 
(7,750)
234,100 

2003 
462,850 
- 
- 
(114,200) 
348,650 
- 
- 
(11,250) 
337,400 

2004 
544,900 
- 
- 
(121,215) 
423,685 
- 
- 
(15,125) 
408,560 

2005 
- 
557,253 
- 
(34,505)
522,748 
- 
- 
(18,175)
504,573 

(1) The total number of shares granted during the year represents 50% of the maximum entitlement that participants may receive. 

During  the  vesting  period,  Reward  Shares  are  held  in  Trust. 
Each participant on behalf of whom Reward Shares are held by 
the  Trustee,  has  a  right  to  receive  dividends.  Once  the  shares 
vest  dividends  are  paid  in  relation  to  those  accrued  during  the 
vesting  period.  The  participant  may  also  direct  the  Trustee  on 
how the voting rights attached to the shares are to be exercised 
during the vesting period. 

For  a  limited  number  of  executives  including  overseas  based 
staff  a  cash-based  “share  replicator”  ERP  scheme  is  operated 
by way of grants of performance units. A performance unit is a 
monetary  unit  with  a  value  linked  to  the  share  price  of 
Commonwealth  Bank  shares.  Performance  Unit  grants  are 
subject  to  the  same  vesting  conditions  as  the  Reward  Share 
component  of  the  ERP.  On  meeting  the  vesting  condition,  a 
cash  payment  is  made  to  executives  whereby  the  value  is 
determined based on the current share price on vesting plus an 
accrued  dividend  value.  An  amount  of  $4  million  has  been 
expensed  to  the  profit  and  loss  account  in  respect  of  the  year 
ended  30  June  2006  to  reflect  future  payments  which  may  be 
required under the “share replicator” plan. 

180     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

Executive Option Plan (“EOP”) 

As  previously  notified 
discontinued in 2000/01. 

to  shareholders, 

this  plan  was 

Under the EOP, the Bank granted options to purchase ordinary 
shares to those key executives who, being able by virtue of their 
responsibility, experience and skill to influence the generation of 
shareholder wealth, were declared by the Board of Directors to 
be  eligible  to  participate  in  the  Plan.  Non-executive  Directors 
were not eligible to participate in the Plan. 

Options  cannot  be  exercised  before  each  respective  exercise 
period  and  the  ability  to  exercise  is  conditional  on  the  Bank 
achieving a prescribed performance hurdle. The option plan did 
not  grant  rights  to  the  option  holders  to  participate  in  a  share 
issue of any other body corporate. 

The performance hurdle is the same TSR comparator hurdle as 
outlined above for the Equity Reward Plan (“ERP”) grants prior 
to 2002/03. 

The  EOP  was  discontinued  in  2000/2001  and  no  options  have 
been  granted  under  the  plan  during  the  last  five  reporting 
periods.  The  last  grant  under  EOP  was  made  in  September 
2000.  The  performance  hurdles  for  the  August  1999  grant  and 
the September 2000 grant were met in 2004.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 33 Share Capital (continued) 

Details of issues made under EOP as well as movements for 2004/2005 and 2005/2006 are as follows:  

Executive Option Plan (“EOP”) 
Commencement 
Date 
3 Nov 1997 
25 Aug 1998 
24 Aug 1999 
13 Sep 2000 

Issue Date   Options Issued  
2,875,000 
3,275,000 
3,855,000 
2,002,500 

11 Dec 1997 
30 Sep 1998 
24 Sep 1999 
13 Oct 2000 

Options 
Outstanding  
- 
- 
190,600 
175,800 

Participants   Exercise Price 

(1)

27 
32 
38 
50 

$15. 53 (2) 
$19. 58 (2) 
$23. 84 (2) 
$26. 97 (2) 

Exercise Period 
4 Nov 00 to 3 Nov 02 
26 Aug 01 to 25 Aug 03 
25 Aug 02 to 24 Aug 09 (3) 
14 Sep 03 to 13 Sep 10 (4) 

(1) The Exercise Price is the market value at the commencement date. Market value is defined as the weighted average of the prices at which shares were traded on the 

ASX during the one week period before the commencement date. 

(2) Premium adjustment (based on the actual difference between the dividend and bond yields at the date of vesting) was nil. 

(3) Performance hurdle for the 1999 grant was satisfied on 28 February 2004 and options may be exercised up to 24 August 2009. 

(4) Performance hurdle for the 2000 grant was satisfied on 31 March 2004 and options may be exercised up to 13 September 2010. 

Details of Movements 

Year of Grant 
Total options: 
Held by participants at start of year 
Exercised during year  
Lapsed during year  
Outstanding at the end of year  
Granted from 30 June to date of report 
Exercised from 30 June to date of report  
Lapsed from 30 June to date of report  
Outstanding as at the date of report  

July 2004 – June 2005 
2000 

1999 

July 2005 – June 2006 
2000 

1999 

1,875,000 
(1,425,000)
- 
450,000 
- 
- 
- 
450,000 

1,144,600 
(507,300)
- 
637,300 
-
(75,400)
- 
561,900 

450,000 
(250,000) 
(9,400) 
190,600 
- 
- 
- 
190,600 

637,300 
(437,900)
(23,600)
175,800 
- 
- 
- 
175,800 

Summary of shares issued during the period 1 July 2005 to the date of the report as a result of options being exercised are: 

Option Issue Date 
24 September 1999 
13 October 2000 
7 February 2001 
30 October 2001 
15 April 2002 

Shares Issued  
250,000 
437,900 
60,000 
908,300 
100,000 

Price Paid per Share  
$23. 84 
$26. 97 
$26. 97 
$30. 12 
$30. 12 

Total Consideration Paid  
$5,960,000 
$11,810,163 
$1,618,200 
$27,357,996 
$3,012,000 

No amount is unpaid in respect of the shares issued upon exercise of the options during the above period. 

Under the Bank’s EOP and ERP an option holder generally has 
no right to participate in any new issue of securities of the Bank 
or of a related body corporate as a result of holding the option. 
The only exception is when there is a pro rata issue of shares to 
the  Bank’s  shareholders  by  way  of  a  bonus  issue  involving 
capitalisation  (other  than  in  place  of  dividends  or  by  way  of 
dividend reinvestment). 

In  this  case  an  option  holder  is  entitled  to  receive  additional 
shares upon exercise of the options being the number of bonus 
shares that the option holder would have received if the options 
had been exercised and shares issued prior to the bonus issue. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     181 

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 33 Share Capital (continued) 

Non-Executive Directors Share Plan (“NEDSP”) 

The  NEDSP  provides  for  the  acquisition  of  shares  by  Non-
Executive  Directors  through  the  mandatory  sacrifice  of  20%  of 
their annual fees (paid on a quarterly basis). Shares purchased 
are  restricted  for  sale for  10  years or  when the  Director leaves 
the  Board,  whichever  is  earlier.  In  addition,  Non-Executive 
Directors can voluntarily elect to sacrifice up to a further 50% of 
their fees for the acquisition of shares. 

Shares are purchased on-market at the current market price and 
a total of 50,061 shares have been purchased under the NEDSP 
since the plan commenced in 2001. Since March 2005, shares 
are now acquired under the plan on a six monthly basis. 

Shares  acquired  under 
full  dividend 
entitlements and voting rights. There are no forfeiture or vesting 
conditions attached to shares granted under the NEDSP. 

the  plan 

receive 

Details of grants under the NEDSP from 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006 were as follows: 

Period  
1 April to 30 June 2005 
1 July to 31 December 2005 

Total Fees Sacrificed  
$112,127 
$226,849 

Participants  
9 
9 

Shares Purchased   Average Purchase Price 
$37. 58 
$44. 19 

2,984 
5,134 

For the current year, $348,000 was expensed through the profit and loss reflecting shares purchased and allocated under the NEDSP. 

Note 34 Minority Interests  

Controlled entities: 
Share capital (1) 
Retained profits and reserves  
Life insurance statutory funds (2) 
Total Minority Interests  

2006 
$M 

508 
- 
- 
508 

Group 

2005 
$M 

623 
8 
1,158 
1,789 

(1) ASB Perpetual Preference Shares - $505 million. On 10 December 2002, ASB Capital Limited, a New Zealand subsidiary, issued NZD200 million (AUD182 million) of 

perpetual preference shares. Such shares are non-redeemable and carry limited voting rights. Dividends are payable quarterly and are non-cumulative. On 22 
December 2004, ASB Capital No.2 Ltd, a New Zealand subsidiary, issued NZD350 million (AUD323 million) of perpetual preference shares. Such shares are non-
redeemable and carry limited voting rights. Dividends are payable quarterly and are non-cumulative. 

(2) Reclassified to Managed Funds Units on Issue under AIFRS, refer Note 29. 

182     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 35 Capital Adequacy  

Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  (“the  Bank”)  is  subject  to 
regulation  by  the  Australian  Prudential  Regulation  Authority 
(“APRA”)  under  the  authority  of  the  Banking  Act  1959.  APRA 
has set minimum regulatory capital requirements for banks that 
are consistent with the Basel Accord. These requirements define 
what is acceptable as capital and provide for standard methods 
of  measuring  the  risks  incurred  by  the  Bank.  APRA  has  set 
minimum  ratios  that  compare  the  regulatory  capital  with  risk-
weighted  on  and  off  balance  sheet  assets.  Regulatory  capital 
requirements  are  measured  for  the  Bank  (known  as  “Level  1”) 
and for the Bank and its banking subsidiaries (known as “Level 
2”).  The  life  insurance  and  funds  management  businesses  are 
not consolidated for capital adequacy purposes.  

Regulatory capital is divided into Tier One and Tier Two Capital. 
Certain deductions are made from the sum of Tier One and Tier 
Two  Capital  to  arrive  at  the  Capital  Base.  Tier  One  Capital 
primarily  consists  of  shareholders’  equity  plus  other  capital 
instruments  acceptable  to  APRA,  less  goodwill  and  less  the 
intangible element of the investment in life insurance and funds 
management businesses. Tier Two Capital primarily consists of 
the  collective  provision  for  impairment  losses,  the  General 
Reserve for Credit Loss and other hybrid and debt instruments 
acceptable to APRA. The tangible element of the investment in 
life  insurance  and  funds  management  businesses  is  deducted 
from the sum of Tier One and Tier Two Capital to arrive at the 
Capital Base. 

In  accordance  with  APRA’s  methodology,  measuring  risk 
requires one of a number of risk weights to be applied to each 
asset on the balance sheet and to off-balance sheet obligations. 
The  risk  weights  are  100%,  50%,  20%  and  0%.  It  should  be 
noted  that  the  risk  weights  are  not  consistent  with  the  loss 
experience of the Bank and its subsidiaries. In addition, there is 
an agreed method for measuring market risk for traded assets. 

its  capital 

the 
The  Bank  actively  manages 
rating 
requirements  of  various  stakeholders 
agencies and shareholders). This is achieved by optimising the 
mix  of  capital  while  maintaining  adequate  capital  ratios 
throughout the financial year. 

to  balance 

(regulators, 

The  regulatory  capital  ratios  of  the  Bank  are  shown  on  page 
185. Details of the principal movements in the capital ratios are 
shown on pages 185 and 186. 

Dividends 

Banks may not pay dividends if immediately after payment, they 
are  unable  to  meet  the  minimum  capital  requirements.  Banks 
cannot pay dividends from Retained Profits without APRA’s prior 
approval.  Under  APRA  guidelines,  the  expected  dividend  must 
be deducted from Tier One Capital. 

Regulatory Capital Requirements for Other ADIs in the 
Group 

ASB Bank Limited is subject to regulation by the Reserve Bank 
of New Zealand (“RBNZ”). RBNZ applies a similar methodology 
to  APRA  in  calculating  regulatory  capital  requirements.  At  30 
June 2006 ASB Bank Limited had a Tier One ratio of 9.8% and 
a Total Capital ratio of 10.6%. 

(1) The shareholders fund is subject to a separate capital requirement. 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Regulatory Capital Requirements for Life Insurance and 
Funds Management Business 

The Group’s life insurance businesses in Australia are regulated 
by APRA. The Life Insurance Act 1995 includes a framework for 
the  calculation  of  the  regulatory  capital  requirements  for  life 
insurance  companies.  There  are  two  tiers  to  the  regulatory 
capital  requirements  –  ‘solvency’  and  ‘capital  adequacy’.  The 
capital  adequacy  test  for  statutory  funds  is  always  equal  to  or 
greater than the solvency test (1). At 30 June 2006, for Australian 
life  insurance  companies,  the  estimated  excess  over  capital 
adequacy within life insurance statutory funds amounted to $191 
million in aggregate.  

The  Group  owns  two  life  insurance  companies  in  Australia: 
Commonwealth  Insurance  Holdings  Limited  (“CIHL”),  and  the 
Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited (“CMLA”). 

There  are  no  regulatory  capital  requirements  for  life  insurance 
companies  in  New  Zealand,  though  the  directors  of  any 
company  must  certify  its  solvency  under  the  Companies  Act 
1993. The Group determines the minimum capital requirements 
for  its  New  Zealand  life  insurance  business  according  to  the 
Prudential  Reserving  Guidance  Note  of  the  New  Zealand 
Society of Actuaries. 

the  Australian  Securities  and 

Fund  managers  in  Australia  are  subject  to  responsible  entity 
regulation  by 
Investment 
Commission (“ASIC”).  The  regulatory capital  requirements  vary 
for  responsible  entities  depending  on  the  type  of  Australian 
Financial Services or Authorised Representatives’ Licence held, 
but  a  requirement  of  up  to  $5  million  of  net  tangible  assets 
applies. 

APRA  supervises  approved  trustees  of  superannuation  funds 
and requires them to also maintain net tangible assets of at least 
$5  million.  These  requirements  are  not  cumulative  where  an 
entity is both an approved trustee for superannuation purposes 
and a responsible entity. 

The  total  Group’s  life  and  funds  management  companies  held 
an  estimated  $642  million  excess  over  regulatory  capital 
requirements at 30 June 2006 in aggregate. 

Regulatory Changes 

Basel II 

In  June  2004,  the  Basel  Committee  on  Banking  Supervision 
(“the Basel Committee”) issued the Revised Framework for the 
calculation  of capital  adequacy  for  banks, commonly known as 
Basel II.  The objective of the Basel II  Framework is to develop 
capital  adequacy  guidelines  that  are  more  accurately  aligned 
with the individual risk profile of banks.  

The  Basel  II  Framework  is  based  on  three  “pillars”.  Pillar  1 
covers  the  capital  requirements  for  banks,  Pillar  2  covers  the 
supervisory  review  process  and  Pillar  3  relates  to  market 
disclosure.  The  Basel  II  Framework  introduces  a  capital 
requirement  for  operational  risk  and,  for  both  credit  and 
operational risk, allows a choice between three approaches. The 
Bank  is  intending  to  implement  the  Advanced  Internal  Ratings 
Based  Approach  (“AIRB”)  for  credit  risk  and  the  Advanced 
Measurement Approach (“AMA”) for operational risk. Under both 
these  approaches  the  Bank  will  be  allowed  to  use  its  internal 
models and data for calculating  regulatory capital. The Basel II 
Framework  has  also  introduced  a  requirement  to  calculate  a 
capital charge for Interest Rate Risk in the Banking Book. Other 
than this change, the current capital requirements for market risk 
are not expected to be significantly affected. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     183 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 35 Capital Adequacy (continued) 

Active Capital Management 

The  Bank  maintains  a  strong  capital  position.  The  Tier  One 
Capital  Ratio  increased  from  7.46%  to  7.56%  during  the  year 
reflecting the issue of hybrid securities during the second half of 
the  year.  The  Total  Capital  Ratio  decreased  from  9.75%  at  30 
June 2005 to 9.66% at 30 June 2006 impacted by the growth in 
Risk  Weighted  Assets.  Risk  Weighted  Assets  increased  from 
$190 billion at 30 June 2005 to $216 billion at 30 June 2006 due 
to  strong  growth 
the 
business/corporate  sector.  The  Bank’s  credit  ratings  remained 
unchanged. 

lending  assets  particularly 

in 

in 

The  following  significant  initiatives  were  undertaken  to  actively 
manage the Bank’s capital: 

Tier One Capital 

• 

• 

Issue  of  $262  million  and  $219  million  shares  in  October 
2005  and  April  2006  respectively  to  satisfy  the  Dividend 
Reinvestment Plan (“DRP”) in respect of the final dividend for 
2004/05 and interim dividend for 2005/06;  

In accordance with APRA guidelines, the estimated issue of 
$303 million shares to satisfy the DRP in respect of the final 
dividend for 2005/06; 

Issue of US$700 million Tier One hybrid in March 2006; 

• 
•  Redemption of $700 million PERLS in April 2006; 
• 
Issue of $1,166 million PERLS III in April 2006; and 
•  Completion of a $500 million on-market share buyback. 

Tier Two Capital 

• 

• 

Issue  of  the  equivalent  of  $840  million  Lower  Tier  Two 
Capital;  

In  accordance  with  APRA  guidelines,  the  reduction  in  Tier 
Two  note  and  bond 
to 
amortisation; 

issues  of  $278  million  due 

•  The call and maturity of the equivalent of $78 million of Tier 

Two note and bond issues; and 

• 

Increase  in  the  value  of  Tier  Two  note  and  bond  issues  of 
$66  million  resulting  from  changes  in  foreign  exchange 
movements  (whilst  these  notes  are  hedged,  the  unhedged 
value  is  included  in  the  calculation  of  regulatory  capital  in 
accordance with APRA regulations). 

Deductions from Total Capital 

The  following  movements  in  deductions  have  occurred  during 
the period: 

•  An increase in deductions due to the Bank’s acquisition of a 
19.9% interest in Hangzhou City Commercial Bank for $102 
million;  

•  An increase in deductions due to a $291 million increase in 
net tangible assets arising from the retention of profits in the 
Colonial Group; and 

•  A  decrease  in  deductions  due  to  the  $145  million  profit 
realised  on  the  sale  of  CMG  Asia  in  October  2005  being 
repatriated to the Bank. The balance of the proceeds of sale 
of  $463  million  was  used  to  repay  part  of  the  non-recourse 
debt  funding  in  the  Bank’s  life  and  funds  management 
business. 

The Bank lodged its Accreditation application for the AIRB and 
AMA Approaches with APRA on 30 September 2005 and is well 
advanced  in  finalising  solutions  to  the  remaining  requirements. 
the 
is  working  closely  with  APRA 
The  Bank 
Accreditation  process.  The  implementation  of  Basel  II  in 
Australia is expected to take place on 1 January 2008. 

through 

International Financial Reporting Standards 

The  Bank  adopted  the  Australian  equivalent  of  International 
Financial  Reporting  Standards  (“AIFRS”)  on  1  July  2005. 
However,  APRA  required  reporting  under  AGAAP  accounting 
principles  to  continue  for  regulatory  capital  purposes  until  the 
introduction of revised prudential standards, which take effect on 
1 July 2006.  

The  revised  prudential  standards  will  impact  Tier  One  Capital 
and  the  Capital  Base.  However,  APRA  has  granted  transition 
relief in relation to changes to their prudential regulations from 1 
July 2006 until 31 December 2007. 

Total  transition  relief  is  $1,715  million  comprised  of  $1,641 
million relief for Tier One Capital and $74 million relief for Upper 
Tier Two Capital.   

Transition relief principally relates to: 

•  Excess  of  Market  Value  Over  Net  Assets  (“EMVONA”) 

$1,339 million; 

•  Software capitalised expenses $229 million; and 
•  Defined benefit deficit $45 million. 
The  Adjusted  Common  Equity  (“ACE”)  ratio  at  30  June  2006 
was  4.50%.  At  1  July  2006,  ACE  was  4.39%  as  Standard  & 
Poor’s has not granted transition relief for the impact of software 
capitalised  expenses  and  defined  benefit  deficit.  EMVONA  is 
already excluded from ACE.  

Conglomerate Groups 

APRA has advised that a third level of capital adequacy (“Level 
3”) will be implemented to coincide with the introduction of Basel 
II. APRA defines a conglomerate group as a group of companies 
containing  one  or  more  Australian  incorporated  Authorised 
Deposit-taking Institutions (“ADIs”). The Bank is an ADI and the 
Commonwealth  Bank  Group  falls  within  APRA’s  definition  of  a 
conglomerate group. Each conglomerate group will be required 
to hold capital that corresponds to the corporate structure of that 
conglomerate.  The  calculation  will  have  regard  to  all  group 
members  and  the  capacity  to  move  surplus  capital  from  one 
group entity to another. 

The  regulatory  capital  requirements  for  each  conglomerate 
group will be specific to that group. 

The proposals indicate that the use of internal capital estimation 
and  allocation  models  may  be  permitted.  However,  APRA  has 
not  yet  specified  their  requirements  for  internal  models,  nor 
when they will complete their review of the Bank’s models. 

Whilst  the  Bank  considers  that  it  is  strongly  capitalised  (as 
evidenced by its credit ratings), no assurance can be given that 
our  models  will  meet  APRA’s  requirements  or  that  the  Bank 
meets the Level 3 capital requirements. 

184     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 35 Capital Adequacy (continued) 

Risk-Weighted Capital Ratios 

Tier One 
Tier Two 
Less deductions 
Total 
Adjusted Common Equity (1) 

Regulatory Capital 

Tier One Capital 
Shareholders’ equity 
Reverse effect to shareholders’ equity of AIFRS transition (2) 
Reverse effect of AIFRS during the period to 30 June 2006: (2) 

Purchase/(sale) and vesting of treasury shares 
Actuarial (gains)/losses from defined benefit superannuation plan 
Realised gains and dividend income on treasury shares held within the Bank’s life insurance statutory funds 
Cash flow hedge reserve 
Employee compensation reserve 
General reserve for credit loss 
Available-for-sale investments 
Defined benefit superannuation plan expense 
Treasury share valuation adjustment 
Preference share capital 
Issue of hybrid instruments 
Other  

Adjusted shareholders’ equity per APRA’s transitional arrangements 
Eligible loan capital 
Estimated reinvestment under Dividend Reinvestment Plan (3) 
Foreign currency translation reserve related to non-consolidated subsidiaries 
Deduct: 

Asset revaluation reserve (4) 
Expected dividend 
Goodwill (5) 
Intangible component of investment in non–consolidated subsidiaries (6) 
Minority interests in entities controlled by non–consolidated subsidiaries 
Minority interests in insurance statutory funds and other funds 
Capitalised expenses  
Other 

Total Tier One Capital 
Tier Two Capital 
Collective provision for impairment losses (7) 
General reserve for credit loss (pre-tax equivalent) (7) 
General provision for bad debts 
FITB related to general provision for bad debts 
Asset revaluation reserve (4) 
Upper Tier Two note and bond issues 
Lower Tier Two note and bond issues (8) (9) 
Other  
Total Tier Two Capital 
Total Capital  

2006 
Actual 
% 
7. 56 
3. 10 
(1. 00) 
9. 66 
4. 50 

2006 
$M 

21,343 
7,183 

10 
(387) 
(85) 
(20) 
(11) 
(92) 
(9) 
25 
100 
(687) 
1,147 
(6) 
28,511 
281 
303 
160 

(131) 
(1,668) 
(4,416) 
(5,397) 
- 
(1,158) 
(122) 
(9) 
16,354 

1,046 
500 
1,546 
(464) 
131 
235 
5,335 
(58) 
6,725 
23,079 

Group 

2005 
Actual 
% 
7. 46 
3. 21 
(0. 92)
9. 75 
4. 91 

2005 
$M 

26,060 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
26,060 
304 
272 
211 

(92) 
(1,434)
(4,394)
(5,397)
(111)
(1,158)
(107)
(13)
14,141 

- 
- 
1,389 
(414)
92 
237 
4,783 
- 
6,087 
20,228 

(1) Adjusted Common Equity (“ACE”) is one measure considered by Standard & Poor’s in evaluating the Bank’s credit rating. The ACE ratio has been calculated in 

accordance with Standard & Poor’s methodology at 30 June 2006. 

(2) APRA requires regulatory capital to continue to be calculated in accordance with AGAAP accounting principles until 1 July 2006. As such, all material changes to 

capital resulting from the Bank adopting AIFRS accounting standards on 1 July 2005 have been reversed from regulatory capital. 

(3) Based on reinvestment experience related to the Bank’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan. 

(4) The Bank agreed with APRA to adopt AIFRS on 1 July 2005 for the reporting of the Asset Revaluation Reserve. 

(5) Consistent with APRA requirements goodwill is reported on an AGAAP basis. 

(6) Per APRA’s transitional arrangements, it was agreed to deduct the value as at 30 June 2005 of the intangible component of the carrying value of the life insurance 

and funds management business from Tier One Capital until 1 July 2006.  

(7) In line with current APRA requirements the Bank has established a General Reserve for Credit Loss.  

(8) APRA requires these Lower Tier Two note and bond issues to be included as if they were un–hedged. 

(9) For regulatory capital purposes, Lower Tier Two note and bond issues are amortised by 20% of the original amount during each of the last five years to maturity. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     185 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 35 Capital Adequacy (continued) 

Regulatory Capital 

Total Capital 
Deduct: 
Investment in non–consolidated subsidiaries (net of intangible component deducted from Tier One Capital): 

Shareholders’ net tangible assets in life and funds management businesses  
Reverse effect of transition to AIFRS (1) 
Capital in other non-consolidated subsidiaries 
Value of acquired inforce business (2) 
Less: non-recourse debt 

Other deductions 
Capital Base 

2006 
$M 
23,079 

(1,902) 
(592) 
(256) 
(1,339) 
2,077 
(2,012) 
(151) 
20,916 

Group 

2005 
$M 
20,228 

(2,513)
- 
(348)
(1,152)
2,292 
(1,721)
(28)
18,479 

(1) APRA requires regulatory capital to continue to be calculated in accordance with AGAAP accounting principles until 1 July 2006. As such, all material changes to 

capital resulting from the Bank adopting AIFRS accounting standards on 1 July 2005 have been reversed from regulatory capital. 

(2) Per APRA’s transitional arrangements, it was agreed to deduct the value as at 30 June 2005 of acquired inforce business from Total Capital, until 1 July 2006. 

However, values as at 30 June 2005 have been adjusted to reflect the acquisition of the Gandel Group interests in Colonial First State Property Retail Trust and 
Gandel Retail Management Trust. 

Adjusted Common Equity (1) 

Tier One Capital 
Deduct: 

Eligible loan capital 
Preference share capital 
Other equity instruments 
Minority interests (net of minority interests component deducted from Tier One Capital) 
Investment in non–consolidated subsidiaries (net of intangible component deducted from Tier One Capital)  
Other deductions 

Total Adjusted Common Equity 

2006 
$M 
16,354 

(281) 
- 
(3,659) 
(508) 
(2,012) 
(151) 
9,743 

Group 

2005 
$M 
14,141 

(304)
(687)
(1,573)
(520)
(1,721)
(28)
9,308 

(1) Adjusted Common Equity (“ACE”) is one measure considered by Standard & Poor’s in evaluating the Bank’s credit rating. The ACE ratio has been calculated in 

accordance with the pre AIFRS Standard & Poor’s methodology at 30 June 2006.  

186     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 35 Capital Adequacy (continued) 

Risk-Weighted Assets 

On Balance Sheet Assets 
Cash, claims on Reserve Bank, short term claims on Australian 
Commonwealth and State Government and Territories, and 
other zero–weighted assets 
Claims on OECD banks and local governments 
Advances secured by residential property (1) 
All other assets (1) 
Total On Balance Sheet Assets – Credit Risk (2) (3) 

Face Value 

2005 
$M 

2006 
$M 

23,301 
16,742 
157,962 
110,971 
308,976 

27,447 
14,754 
143,746 
92,510 
278,457 

Risk 
Weights 

% 

- 
20 
50 
100 

Face Value  

Credit Equivalent 

2006 
$M 

3,598 
2,365 
82,634 

2005 
$M 

3,308 
1,280 
76,581 

1,027,846 
1,116,443 

885,700 
966,869 

2006 
$M 

3,598 
999 
16,604 

14,342 
35,543 

2005 
$M 

3,308 
584 
13,839 

20,814 
38,545 

Off Balance Sheet Exposures  
Direct credit substitutes 
Trade and performance related items  
Commitments  
Foreign exchange, interest rate and other market 
related transactions  
Total Off Balance Sheet Exposures – Credit Risk (4)

Total Risk-Weighted Assets – Credit Risk 
Risk-Weighted Assets – Market Risk  
Total Risk-Weighted Assets 

Group 
Risk–Weighted 
 Balance 

2006 
$M 

2005 
$M 

- 
3,348 
78,981 
110,971 
193,300 

- 
2,951 
71,873 
92,510 
167,334 

Group 
Risk-Weighted 
Balance 

2006 
$M 

2,786 
964 
12,049 

3,892 
19,691 

2005 
$M 

2,622 
540 
10,328 

5,881 
19,371 

212,991 
3,447 
216,438 

186,705 
2,854 
189,559 

(1) For loans secured by residential property approved after 5 September 1994, a risk weight of 100% applied where the loan to valuation ratio is in excess of 80%. 

Effective from 28 August 1998, a risk weight of 50% applies to these loans if they are totally insured by an acceptable lender’s mortgage insurer. Loans that are risk-
weighted at 100% are reported under “All other assets”. 

(2) The difference between total on balance sheet assets and the Group’s balance sheet reflects the alternative treatment of some assets and provisions as prescribed 
in APRA’s capital adequacy guidelines; principally goodwill, collective provision for impairment losses, General Reserve for Credit Loss, and investments in life 
insurance and funds management business. 

(3) Total on balance sheet assets exclude debt and equity securities in the trading book and all on balance sheet positions in commodities, as they are included in the 

calculation of notional market risk-weighted assets. 

(4) Off balance sheet exposures secured by the residential property account for $8.9 billion of off balance sheet credit equivalent assets ($4.2 billion of off balance sheet 

risk-weighted assets). 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     187 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 36 Maturity Analysis of Monetary Assets and Liabilities  

The  maturity  distribution  of  monetary  assets  and  liabilities  is 
based  on  contractual  terms.  The  majority  of  the  longer  term 
monetary  assets  are  variable  rate  products,  with  actual 
maturities shorter than the contractual terms. 

Therefore this information is not relied upon by the Bank in the 
management of its interest rate risk in Note 43. 

Group 
Maturity Period At 30 June 2006 

At Call 
$M 

Overdrafts 
$M 

0 to 3 
months 
$M 

3 to 12 
months 
$M 

1 to 5 
years  
$M 

Over 5 
years 
$M 

Not 
Specified 
$M 

Assets  
Cash and liquid assets  
Receivables due from other financial 
institutions  
Assets at fair value through Income 
Statement: 
Trading (1) 
Insurance  
Other  

Derivative assets  
Available-for-sale investments  
Loans, advances and other 
receivables (2) 
Bank acceptances of customers  
Other monetary assets  
Total monetary assets  
Liabilities  
Deposits and other public 
borrowings(3)  
Payables to other financial institutions 
Liabilities at fair value through Income 
Statement  
Derivative liabilities 
Bank acceptances  
Insurance policy liabilities 
Debt issues and loan capital  
Managed funds units on issue 
Other monetary liabilities 
Total monetary liabilities 

2,016 

- 

- 
153 
182 
- 
- 

15,182 
- 
29 
17,562 

97,262 
1,380 

1,987 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
10 
100,639 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

5,107 
- 
- 
5,107 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

3,115 

- 

5,923 

1,156 

- 

- 

15,758 
995 
2,124 
7,484 
2,278 

16,643 
17,531 
3,803 
75,654 

48,772 
8,999 

5,426 
6,471 
17,531 
- 
9,478 
- 
5,056 
101,733 

- 
1,900 
62 
986 
1,255 

18,115 
779 
81 
24,334 

24,167 
805 

2,677 
877 
779 
- 
14,700 
- 
209 
44,214 

- 
2,653 
576 
833 
4,532 

58,373 
- 
6 
66,973 

2,938 
- 

2,880 
1,047 
- 
- 
42,838 
- 
469 
50,172 

- 

28 

- 
1,945 
- 
372 
2,022 

146,802 
- 
2 
151,171 

88 
- 

841 
2,425 
- 
- 
21,470 
- 
420 
25,244 

Total 
$M 

5,131 

7,107 

15,758 
24,437 
2,944 
9,675 
11,203 

259,176 
18,310 
4,176 
357,917 

- 

- 

- 
16,791 
- 
- 
1,116 

(1,046) 
- 
255 
17,116 

- 
- 

173,227 
11,184 

- 
- 
- 
22,225 
- 
1,109 
205 
23,539 

13,811 
10,820 
18,310 
22,225 
88,486 
1,109 
6,369 
345,541 

(1) Trading assets are purchased without the intention to hold until maturity and are categorised as maturing within 3 months. 

(2) $141 billion of this figure represents owner occupied housing loans. While most of these loans would have a contractual term of 20 years or more, and are analysed 

accordingly, the actual average term of the portfolio has historically been less than 5 years. 

(3) Includes substantial “core” deposits that are contractually at call customer savings and cheque accounts. History demonstrates such accounts provide a stable source 

of long term funding for the Bank. Also refer to Interest Rate Risk Sensitivity table in Note 43.  

188     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 36 Maturity Analysis of Monetary Assets and Liabilities (continued) 

Group 
Maturity Period At 30 June 2005 

At Call 
$M 

Overdrafts 
$M 

0 to 3 
months 
$M 

3 to 12 
months 
$M 

1 to 5 
years  
$M 

Over 5 
years 
$M 

Not 
Specified 
$M 

Assets  
Cash and liquid assets  
Receivables due from other 
financial institutions  
Trading securities (1) 
Investment securities 
Loans, advances and other 
receivables (2) 
Bank acceptances of customers 
Life assets 
Other monetary assets 
Total monetary assets  

Liabilities  
Deposits and other public 
borrowings (3) 
Payables to other financial 
institutions  
Bank acceptances 
Life liabilities 
Debt issues and loan capital  
Other monetary liabilities 
Total monetary liabilities 

970 

371 
- 
- 

4,837 
- 
179 
1 
6,358 

93,682 

809 
- 
- 
- 
8 
94,499 

- 

- 
- 
- 

5,225 
- 
- 
- 
5,225 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

5,085 

- 

- 

- 

4,943 
14,631 
1,467 

21,766 
16,387 
4,128 
15,479 
83,886 

408 
- 
1,325 

30,518 
399 
477 
20 
33,147 

50 
- 
5,279 

57,143 
- 
3,471 
1 
65,944 

315 
- 
2,767 

110,247 
- 
3,130 
17 
116,476 

- 

- 
- 
- 

(1,390) 
- 
16,099 
115 
14,824 

Total 
$M 

6,055 

6,087 
14,631 
10,838 

228,346 
16,786 
27,484 
15,633 
325,860 

39,974 

29,957 

4,274 

139 

- 

168,026 

6,054 
16,387 
- 
11,978 
16,807 
91,200 

1,160 
399 
- 
18,164 
30 
49,710 

- 
- 
- 
33,467 
9 
37,750 

- 
- 
- 
13,447 
7 
13,593 

- 
- 
24,694 
- 
174 
24,868 

8,023 
16,786 
24,694 
77,056 
17,035 
311,620 

(1) Trading securities are purchased without the intention to hold until maturity and are categorised as maturing within 3 months. 

(2) $125 billion of this figure represents owner occupied housing loans. While most of these loans would have a contractual term of 20 years or more, and are analysed 

accordingly, the actual average term of the portfolio has historically been less than 5 years. 

(3) Includes substantial “core” deposits that are contractually at call customer savings and cheque accounts. History demonstrates such accounts provide a stable source 

of long term funding for the Bank. Also refer to Interest Rate Risk Sensitivity table in Note 43. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     189 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 37 Financial Reporting by Segments 

Primary Segment 
Business Segments 
Income Statement 
Interest income 
Premium and related revenue 
Other income 
Total revenue 

Interest expense 

Segment result before income tax 
Income tax expense 
Segment result after income tax 
Minority interests 
Segment result after income tax and minority interests 
Net profit attributable to shareholders of the Bank 

Non–Cash Expenses 
Intangible asset amortisation 
Bad debts expense 
Depreciation 
Defined benefit superannuation plan expense 
Other  

Group 
Year Ended 30 June 2006 

Funds 
Management 
$M 
- 
- 
3,687 
3,687 

Insurance 
$M 

- 
1,052 
1,031 
2,083 

Total 
$M 

19,758 
1,052 
7,754 
28,564 

- 

643 
(331)
312 
(3)
309 
309 

- 
- 
2 
- 
1 

- 

13,244 

657 
(241) 
416 
- 
416 
416 

- 
- 
5 
- 
- 

5,859 
(1,900)
3,959 
(31)
3,928 
3,928 

49 
398 
164 
35 
66 

Banking 
$M 

19,758 
- 
3,036 
22,794 

13,244 

4,559 
(1,328)
3,231 
(28)
3,203 
3,203 

49 
398 
157 
35 
65 

Balance Sheet  
Total assets 
Acquisition of property, plant & equipment, intangibles and other non–
current assets 
Associate investments 
Total liabilities 

340,254 

19,201 

9,648 

369,103 

510 
106 
324,185 

94 
52 
16,423 

8 
32 
7,152 

612 
190 
347,760 

190     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 37 Financial Reporting by Segments (continued) 

Primary Segment 
Business Segments 
Income Statement 
Interest income 
Premium and related revenue 
Other income 
Total revenue 

Interest expense 

Segment result before income tax  
Income tax expense 
Segment result after income tax  
Minority interests 
Segment result after income tax and minority interests  
Net profit attributable to shareholders of the Bank 

Non–Cash Expenses 
Intangible asset amortisation 
Bad debts expense 
Depreciation 
Defined benefit superannuation plan expense  
Other 

Banking 
$M 

Funds 
Management 
$M 

16,781 
- 
2,845 
19,626 

10,755 

3,982 
(1,197)
2,785 
(3)
2,782 
2,782 

20 
322 
135 
75 
84 

- 
- 
3,203 
3,203 

- 

508 
(192) 
316 
(7) 
309 
309 

- 
- 
8 
- 
27 

Group 
Year Ended 30 June 2005 

Insurance 
$M 

- 
1,132 
1,186 
2,318 

Total 
$M 

16,781 
1,132 
7,234 
25,147 

- 

10,755 

522 
(213) 
309 
- 
309 
309 

- 
- 
13 
- 
- 

5,012 
(1,602)
3,410 
(10)
3,400 
3,400 

20 
322 
156 
75 
111 

Balance Sheet  
Total assets 
Acquisition of property, plant & equipment, intangibles and other non–
current assets 
Associate investments 
Total liabilities 

304,620 

16,191 

16,593 

337,404 

303 
19 
287,549 

8 
1 
16,832 

39 
32 
10,380 

350 
52 
314,761 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     191 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 37 Financial Reporting by Segments (continued) 

Secondary Segment 
Geographical Segments 
Income Statement 
Revenue 
Australia 
New Zealand 
Other countries (1) 
Total Revenue 
Net Profit Attributable to Shareholders of the Bank 
Australia 
New Zealand 
Other countries (1) 
Total Net Profit Attributable to Shareholders of the Bank 
Assets 
Australia 
New Zealand 
Other countries (1) 
Total Assets 
Acquisition of Property, Plant & Equipment, Intangibles and Other Non–
Current Assets 
Australia 
New Zealand 
Other countries (1) 
Total 

Group 
Year Ended 30 June 

2006 
% 

79. 8 
14. 1 
6. 1 
100. 0 

81. 5 
9. 8 
8. 7 
100. 0 

82. 6 
11. 7 
5. 7 
100. 0 

92. 2 
5. 5 
2. 3 
100. 0 

2005 
$M 

20,003 
3,361 
1,783 
25,147 

2,778 
363 
259 
3,400 

280,255 
41,383 
15,766 
337,404 

303 
37 
10 
350 

2005 
% 

79. 5 
13. 4 
7. 1 
100. 0 

81. 7 
10. 7 
7. 6 
100. 0 

83. 0 
12. 3 
4. 7 
100. 0 

86. 6 
10. 6 
2. 8 
100. 0 

2006 
$M 

22,802 
4,021 
1,741 
28,564 

3,200 
387 
341 
3,928 

304,831 
43,318 
20,954 
369,103 

564 
34 
14 
612 

(1) Other countries were: United Kingdom, United States of America, Japan, Singapore, Malta, Hong Kong, Grand Cayman, Fiji, Indonesia, China and Vietnam.  

The geographical segment represents the location in which the transaction was booked. 

192     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 38 Life Insurance Business 

The  following  information  is  provided  to  disclose  the  statutory 
life  insurance  business  transactions  contained  in  the  Group 
financial  statements  and 
the  underlying  methods  and 
assumptions used in their calculations. 

All  financial  assets  within  the  life  statutory  funds  have  been 
determined  to  back  either  life  insurance  or  life  investment 
contracts.  Also  refer  to  Note  1  (hh).  The  insurance  segment 
result  is  prepared  on  a  business  segment  basis,  refer  to  Note 
37. 

Summarised Income Statement  

Premium and related revenue  
Outward reinsurance premiums expense  
Claims expense  
Reinsurance recoveries  
Investment revenue (excluding investments in 
subsidiaries) 

Equity securities  
Debt securities  
Property 
Other  

Increase/(decrease) in insurance policy 
liabilities  
Operating income 

Acquisition expenses 
Maintenance expenses 
Management expenses 
Other expense 
Operating profit before income tax  
Income tax attributable to operating profit  
Operating profit after income tax 
Minority interests in operating profit after income 
tax 
Net profit after income tax 

Sources of life insurance operating profit  
The operating profit after income tax is 
represented by: 

Emergence of planned profit margins  
Difference between actual and planned 
experience 
Effects of changes to underlying assumptions 
Reversal of previously recognised losses or loss 
recognition on groups of related products  
Investment earnings on assets in excess of 
policyholder liabilities 
Other movements (2) 
Operating profit after income tax  

Life insurance premiums received and 
receivable 
Life insurance claims paid and payable 

Life Insurance  
Contracts 

Life Investment  
Contracts 

2006 
$M 
949 
(176)
(526)
128 

205 
230 
174 
(48)

(192)
744 

163 
173 
18 
14 
376 
148 
228 

- 
228 

104 

20 
2 

1 

70 
31 
228 

2005 
$M 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

2006 
$M 
414 
(3)
(127)
- 

1,686 
372 
169 
413 

(2,165)
759 

21 
191 
7 
29 
511 
255 
256 

- 
256 

200 

(41)
- 

- 

7 
90 
256 

2005 
$M 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

2006 
$M 
1,363 
(179) 
(653) 
128 

1,891 
602 
343 
365 

(2,357) 
1,503 

184 
364 
25 
43 
887 
403 
484 

- 
484 

304 

(21) 
2 

1 

77 
121 
484 

Group 

2005 
$M 
1,500 
(231)
(422)
122 

1,635 
795 
353 
411 

(2,686)
1,477 

295 
413 
43 
36 
690 
314 
376 

(5)
371 

206 

(2)
- 

- 

167 
- 
371 

2,649 
4,803 

3,112 
4,632 

(1) No comparative balances provided as exemption elected when adopting Insurance Contracts AIFRS accounting from 1 July 2005. 

(2) Includes profit on sale of the Hong Kong insurance business. 

The  disclosure  of  the  components  of  operating  profit  after 
income  tax  expense  are  required  to  be  separated  between 
policyholders’  and  shareholders’  interests.  As  policyholder 
profits  are  an  expense  of  the  Group  and  not  attributable  to 
shareholders, no such disclosure is required. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     193 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 38 Life Insurance Business (continued) 

Life Insurance 
Contracts 

Life Investment  
Contracts 

Reconciliation of movements in policy 
liabilities 

Contract policy liabilities  
Gross policy liabilities opening balance 
AIFRS transition adjustment 
Net increase/(decrease) in contract liabilities 
reflected in the summarised Income Statement 
Contract contributions recognised in policy 
liabilities 
Contract withdrawals recognised in policy 
liabilities 
Non cash movements 
FX translation adjustment 
Gross policy liabilities closing balance 

Liabilities ceded under reinsurance 
Opening balance 
Decrease/(increase) in reinsurance assets 
reflected in the summarised Income Statement 
Closing balance 

Net policy liabilities at 30 June 
Expected to be realised within 12 months 
Expected to be realised in more than 12 
months 
Total Insurance Policy Liabilities 

2006 
$M 

25,241 
(19,108)

135 

60 

(281)
(1,361)
(97)
4,589 

(205)

57 
(148)

545 

3,896 
4,441 

2005 
$M 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

2006 
$M 

- 
19,108 

2,165 

1,329 

(4,133)
(559)
(126)
17,784 

- 

- 
- 

3,625 

14,159 
17,784 

2005 
$M 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

2006 
$M 

25,241 
- 

2,300 

1,389 

(4,414) 
(1,920) 
(223) 
22,373 

(205) 

57 
(148) 

4,170 

18,055 
22,225 

(1) No comparative balances provided as exemption elected when adopting Insurance Contracts AIFRS accounting from 1 July 2005. 

Group 

2005 
$M 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

194     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

The movement in any key variable will impact the performance 
and net assets of the Group and as such represents a risk. 

Note 38 Life Insurance Business (continued) 

Sensitivity Analysis 

The  Group  conducts  sensitivity  analyse’s  to  quantify  the 
exposure to risk of changes in the key underlying variables such 
as interest rate, equity prices, mortality, morbidity and inflation. 
The valuations included in the reported results and the Group’s 
best estimate of future performance are calculated using certain 
assumptions about these variables. 

Variable 

Expense risk 

Interest rate risk 

Mortality rates 

Morbidity rates 

Discontinuance 

Market Risk  

Impact of movement in underlying variable 

An increase in the level or inflationary growth of expenses over assumed levels will decrease 
profit and shareholder equity. 

Depending on the profile of the investment portfolio, the investment income of the Group will 
decrease  as  interest  rates  decrease.  This  may  be  offset  to  an  extent  by  changes  in  the 
market  value  of  fixed  interest  investments.  The  impact  on  profit  and  shareholder  equity 
depends  on  the  relative  profiles  of  assets  and  liabilities,  to  the  extent  that  these  are  not 
matched. 

For insurance contracts that pay a death benefit, higher rates of mortality increase the claim 
cost and therefore reduce both profit and shareholder equity. For lifetime annuity contracts, 
lower  mortality  rates  increase  the  duration  of  annuity  payments  and  therefore  reduce  both 
profit and shareholder equity. 

The cost of health-related claims depends on both the incidence of policyholders becoming ill 
and the duration which they remain ill. Higher than expected incidence and duration would be 
likely to increase claim costs, reducing profit and shareholders’ equity. 

The impact of the discontinuance rate  assumption depends on a  range of factors including 
the type of contract, the surrender value basis (where applicable) and the duration in force. 
For  example,  an  increase  in  discontinuance  rates  at  earlier  durations  of  life  insurance 
contracts usually has a negative effect on performance and net assets. However, due to the 
interplay  between the factors, there is not always  an adverse  outcome  from an increase in 
discontinuance rates. 

For contracts where benefit payments depend on the value of underlying assets, market risk 
is borne by policyholders. However, the Group derives fee income based on the value of the 
underlying  funds;  hence  revenues  are  always  sensitive  to  changes  in  market  value.  For 
assets which are not contractually linked to policy liabilities, the Group is exposed to market 
risk. 

The  table  below  shows  the  sensitivity  of  insurance  contract  liabilities  (gross  and  net  of  reinsurance),  current  years  profits  and 
shareholder  equity  to  changes  in  assumptions  on  key  variables.  The  sensitivity  of  the  insurance  contract  liability  to  changes  in 
assumptions will be dependent on whether the product is (or remains) in loss recognition after the assumptions change and whether 
the  change  is  made  to  an  economic  assumption.  The  interest  rate  sensitivity  includes  the  impact  of  the  change  on  both  the  policy 
liabilities and assets. 

Result of change in variables (1) 
Interest rates – 1% increase 
Mortality and morbidity on lump sum 
products – 10% increase in total costs 
Annuitant mortality – 20% increase in rate of 
future mortality improvement 
Morbidity on Income Protection – 10% 
increase in total cost 
Discontinuance – 10% increase in 
discontinuance rates 
Expenses – 10% increase in maintenance 
expenses assumption 

(1) Represents Australia and New Zealand only. 

Gross (before reinsurance) 

Net (after reinsurance) 

Profit/(loss) 
2006 
$M 

Policy  
Liabilities 
2006 
$M 

Profit/(loss) 
2006 
$M 

Policy 
Liabilities 
2006 
$M 

Shareholder 
Equity 
2006 
$M 

(17)

(2)

(12)

(7)

- 

(1)

(10)

2 

16 

7 

- 

1 

(18) 

(2) 

(12) 

(6) 

- 

(1) 

(8) 

2 

16 

6 

- 

1 

(18)

(2)

(12)

(6)

- 

(1)

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     195 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 38 Life Insurance Business (continued) 

Life Investment Contract Liabilities  

Life Insurance Contract Liabilities  

Investment  contracts  consist  of  a  financial  instrument  and  an 
investment  management  services  element,  both  of  which  are 
measured at fair value. The resulting liability to policyholders is 
closely  linked  to  the  performance  and  the  value  of  the  assets 
(after  tax)  that  back  those  liabilities.  The  fair  value  of  such 
liabilities is therefore the same as the fair value of those assets, 
after tax on the basis charged to the policyholders. 

Appropriately qualified actuaries have been appointed for each 
life  insurance  entity  and  they  have  reviewed  and  satisfied 
themselves as to the accuracy of the contract liabilities included 
in this financial report, including compliance with the regulations 
of  the  Life  Insurance  Act  (Life  Act)  1995  where  appropriate. 
Details are set out in the various statutory returns of these life 
insurance entities. 

Components of life insurance contract liabilities 
Future policy benefits (1) 
Future bonuses  
Future expenses 
Future profit margins 
Future charges for acquisition expenses  
Balance of future premiums 
Provisions for bonuses not allocated to participating policyholders 
Total Contract Liabilities  

(1) Including bonuses credited to policyholders in prior years. 

Life Insurance 
Contracts 

2006 
$M 
6,205 
1,128 
1,810 
1,321 
(407) 
(5,705) 
89 
4,441 

2005 
$M 

n/a (2) 

(2) No comparative balances provided as exemption elected when adopting Insurance Contracts AIFRS accounting from 1 July 2005. 

Taxation 

Actuarial Methods and Assumptions  

Taxation  has  been  allowed  for  in  the  determination  of  policy 
liabilities in accordance with the relevant legislation applicable in 
each market.  

Insurance  contract  policy  liabilities  have  been  calculated  in 
accordance with AASB 1038 (Life Insurance Contracts) and the 
Margin on Services (MoS) methodology as set out in Actuarial 
Standard  1.04  –  Valuation  Standard  (‘AS1.04’)  issued  by  the 
Insurance  Actuarial  Standards  Board  (‘LIASB’).  The  principal 
methods  and  profit  carriers  used  for  particular  product  groups 
were as follows: 

Product Type  

Individual  
Conventional  
Investment account  
Lump sum risk 
Income stream risk 
Immediate annuities 
Group  
Investment account  
Lump sum risk 
Income stream risk 

Method  

Projection  
Projection 
Projection 
Projection 
Projection 

Projection 
Accumulation 
Projection 

Profit Carrier  

Bonuses or expected claim payment  
Bonuses or funds under management  
Premiums/expected claim payment  
Expected claim payments  
Annuity payments 

Bonuses or funds under management  
Not applicable  
Expected claim payments 

The  ‘Projection  Method’  measures  the  present  values  of 
estimated  future  policy  cash  flows  to  calculate  policy  liabilities. 
The  policy  cash 
income, 
premiums, expenses, redemptions and benefit payments. 

incorporate 

investment 

flows 

Bonuses  were  amounts  added,  at  the  discretion  of  the  life 
insurer,  to  the  benefits  currently  payable  under  Participating 
Business.  Under  the  Life  Act,  bonuses  are  a  distribution  to 
policyholders  of  profits  and  may  take  a  number  of  forms 
including  reversionary  bonuses,  interest  credits  and  terminal 
bonuses (payable on the termination of the policy). 

196     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 38 Life Insurance Business (continued) 

Actuarial Assumptions 

Set out below is a summary of the material assumptions used in the calculation of policy liabilities. 

Discount Rates 

These  were  the  rates  used  to  discount  future  cash  flows  to 
determine  their  net  present  value  in  the  policy  liabilities.  The 
discount  rates  were  risk  free  rates  or  were  determined  with 
reference  to  the  expected  earnings  rate  of  the  assets  that 
support the policy liabilities adjusted for taxation where relevant. 

The  following  table  shows  the  applicable  rates  for  the  major 
classes  of  business  in  Australia  and  New  Zealand.  The 
changes  relate  to  changes  in  long  term  earnings  rates  and 
asset mix. 

Class of Business (1) 

Traditional – ordinary business (after tax)  
Traditional – superannuation business (after tax)  
Annuity based (after tax)  
Term insurance – ordinary business (before tax) 
Term insurance – superannuation business (before tax)  
Income protection business (before tax)  
Investment account – ordinary business (after tax) 
Investment account – superannuation business (after tax) 
Investment account – exempt (after tax) 

(1) For New Zealand, investment earning rates assumed were 3.9% to 5.6% net of tax. 

Bonuses 

Taxation 

June 2006 
Rate Range % 
6. 00 – 6. 75 
7. 33 – 8. 26 
5. 79 – 6. 30 
5. 58 – 5. 81 
5. 58 – 5. 81 
5. 58 – 5. 81 
4. 21 
5. 12 
5. 98 

June 2005 
Rate Range % 
5. 52 – 6. 26 
6. 74 – 7. 67 
5. 71 – 6. 49 
5. 11 – 5. 50 
5. 11 – 5. 50 
5. 11 
3. 74 
4. 55 
5. 31 

The valuation assumes that the long-term supportable bonuses 
will  be  paid,  which  is  in  line  with  company  bonus  philosophy. 
There have been no significant changes to these assumptions. 

Maintenance Expenses 

The maintenance expenses are based on an internal analysis of 
experience  and  are  assumed  to  increase  in  line  with  inflation 
each year and to be sufficient to cover the cost of servicing the 
business in the coming year after adjusting for one-off expenses. 
For  participating  business,  expenses  continue  on  the  previous 
charging basis  with  adjustments for  actual  experience, and are 
assumed to increase in line with inflation each year. 

Investment Management Expenses 

Investment  management  expense  assumptions  now  vary  by 
asset  classes  and  are  based  on  the  recently  negotiated 
investment  fees  as  set  out  in  Fund  Management  Agreements. 
There has been no significant change to overall investment fees. 

Inflation 

The  inflation  assumption  is  consistent  with  the  investment 
earning assumptions. 

Benefit Indexation 

The  indexation  rates  are  based  on  an  analysis  of  past 
experience  and  estimated  long  term  inflation  and  vary  by 
business  and  product  type.  There  have  been  no  significant 
changes to these assumptions. 

The  taxation  basis  and  rates  assumed  vary  by  market  and 
product type. 

Voluntary Discontinuance 

Discontinuance  rates  were  based  on  recent  company  and 
industry  experience  and  vary  by  market,  product,  age  and 
duration  inforce.  The  experience  has  been  broadly  in  line  with 
assumptions. There have been no significant changes to these 
assumptions. 

Surrender Values 

Current  surrender  value  bases  were  assumed  to  apply  in  the 
future.  There  have  been  no  significant  changes  to  these 
assumptions. 

Mortality and Morbidity 

Rates vary by sex, age, product type and smoker status. Rates 
were  based  on  standard  mortality  tables  applicable  to  each 
market  e.g.  IA95-97  in  Australia  for  risk,  IM/IF80  for  annuities, 
adjusted  for  recent  company  and  industry  experience  where 
appropriate.  Mortality  and  morbidity  assumptions  have  been 
reduced on some products. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     197 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 38 Life Insurance Business (continued) 

Risk Management Policies and Procedures 

The  financial  condition  and  operating  results  of  the  Life 
Insurance  Business  in  the  Group  are  affected  by  a  number  of 
key financial and non-financial risks. The objectives and policies 
in respect of managing these risks are set out below. 

There are two risk types that are considered to be unique to life 
insurance businesses. These are the risks that the incidence of 
mortality  (death)  and  morbidity  (illness  and  injury)  claims  are 
higher than assumed when pricing life insurance policies, or is 
greater  than  best estimate assumptions  used to  determine  the 
policy liabilities of the business. 

Insurance risk may arise through reassessment of the incidence 
of claims, the trend of future claims and the effect of unforeseen 
diseases or epidemics. In addition, in the case of morbidity, the 
time to recovery may be longer than assumed.  

Insurance risk is controlled by ensuring underwriting standards 
adequately  identify  potential  risk,  retaining  the  right  to  amend 
premiums  on  risk  policies  where  appropriate  and  through  the 
use  of  reinsurance.  The  experience  of  the  Group’s  life 
insurance  business  and  those  of  the  industry  as  a  whole  are 
reviewed annually. 

Terms and Conditions of Insurance Contracts 

The  nature  of  the  terms  of  the  insurance  contracts  written  is 
such that  certain  external variables can be identified on  which 
related  cash  flows  for  claim  payments  depend.  The  tables 
below provide an overview of the key variables upon which the 
related cash flows are dependent. 

Nature of compensation for 
claims  
Benefits, defined by the insurance 
contracts, are determined by the 
contract. They are not directly 
affected by the performance of 
underlying assets or the 
performance of the contracts as a 
whole. 

Key variables that affect the 
timing and uncertainty of future 
cash flows 
Mortality 
Morbidity 
Discontinuance rates 
Expenses 

Benefits arising from the 
discretionary participation feature 
are based on the performance of a 
specified pool of contracts or a 
specified type of contract. 

Market earnings rates 
Mortality 
Discontinuance rates 
Expenses 

Managed Assets and Fiduciary Activities 

Arrangements  are  in  place  to  ensure  that  asset  management 
and  other 
fiduciary  activities  of  controlled  entities  are 
independent of the life insurance funds and other activities of the 
Bank. 

Disaggregated Information 

in  Australia  and  overseas.  Under 

Life  insurance  business  is  conducted  through  a  number  of  life 
insurance  entities 
the 
Australian  Life  Insurance  Act  1995,  life  insurance  business  is 
conducted  within  one  or  more  separate  statutory  funds,  which 
are  distinguished  from  each  other  and  from  the  shareholders’ 
funds.  The  financial  statements  of  Australian  life  insurers 
prepared in accordance with AASB 1038 (and which are lodged 
with 
regulators)  show  all  major 
components of the financial statements disaggregated between 
the  various  life  insurance  statutory  funds  and  their  shareholder 
funds  and  as  well  as  between  investment  linked  business  and 
those relating to non-investment linked businesses. 

relevant  Australian 

the 

Type of Contract 
Non-participating life insurance 
contracts with fixed and 
guaranteed terms (Term Life, 
Trauma and Disability) 

Detail of contract workings  
Guaranteed benefits paid on death, 
ill health or maturity that are fixed 
and guaranteed and not at the 
discretion of the issuer. 

Life insurance contracts with 
discretionary participating benefits 
(endowment and whole of life)  

These policies include a clearly 
defined initial guaranteed sum 
assured which is payable on death. 
The guaranteed amount is multiple 
of the amount that is increased 
throughout the duration of the 
policy by the addition of regular 
annual bonuses which, once 
added, are not removed. Bonuses 
are also added on maturity.  

Solvency 

Australian Life Insurers 

to  support  solvency 

Australian life insurers are required to hold prudential reserves in 
excess  of  the  amount  of  policy  liabilities.  These  reserves  are 
required 
requirements  and  provide 
protection  against  adverse  experience.  Actuarial  Standard 
AS2.04  -  ‘Solvency  Standard’  (‘AS2.04’)  prescribes  a  minimum 
solvency requirement and the minimum level of assets required 
to  be  held  in  each  statutory  fund.  All  controlled  Australian 
insurance  entities  complied  with  the  solvency  requirements  of 
AS2.04.  Further  information  is  available  from  the  individual 
statutory returns of subsidiary life insurers.  

Overseas Life Insurers 

Overseas  life  insurance  subsidiaries  were  required  to  hold 
reserves  in  excess  of  policy  liabilities  in  accordance  with  local 
Acts  and  prudential  rules.  Each  of  the  overseas  subsidiaries 
complied  with 
is 
local  requirements.  Further 
available  from  the  individual  statutory  returns  of  subsidiary  life 
insurers. 

information 

198     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 39 Remuneration of Auditors  

Amounts paid or due and payable for audit services to: 

Ernst & Young  
Other Auditors  

Amounts paid or due and payable for non-audit services to  
Ernst & Young: 

Audit related services  
Taxation services  
All other services  
Other services  

Total Remuneration of Auditors  

2006 
$’000 

9,481 
176 
9,657 

5,122 
- 

1,423 
6,545 (1)
16,202 

Group 

2005 
$’000 

7,921 
114 
8,035 

2,077 
16 

327 
2,420 
10,455 

2006 
$’000 

7,559 
- 
7,559 

1,660 
- 

782 
2,442 
10,001 

Bank 

2005 
$’000 

4,084 
- 
4,084 

1,664 
8 

11 
1,683 
5,767 

(1) An additional amount of $4,056,000 was paid to Ernst & Young by way of fees paid for Non-Audit Services provided to entities not consolidated into the Financial 
Statements, being managed investment schemes and superannuation funds. $3,923,000 of this amount relates to statutory audits, with the residual relating to 
reviews attestations and assurances. 

The  Audit  Committee  has  considered  the  non-audit  services 
provided by Ernst & Young and is satisfied that the services and 
the  level  of  fees  are  compatible  with  maintaining  auditors’ 
independence.  

Audit  related  fees  principally  include  audit  of  the  Group’s  US 
Forms  20-F  and  6-K,  services 
to  regulatory 
requirements  and  other  services  that  only  the  external  auditor 
can  provide,  as  well  as  investigations  and  reviews  of  internal 
control systems and financial or regulatory information.  

in  relation 

Taxation  fees  include  income  tax  and  GST  compliance  and 
related advice, and tax technology and related training. 

All  other  fees  principally  include  transaction  support  services 
related  to  potential  and  actual  acquisition  and  disposition 
transactions  and  advice  regarding  implementation  of  revised 
compliance and regulatory requirements. 

Note 40 Commitments for Capital Expenditure Not Provided for in the Accounts 

Not later than one year  
Total Commitments for Capital Expenditure Not Provided for in the 
Accounts  

2006 
$M 
36 

36 

Group 

2005 
$M 
13 

13 

2006 
$M 
14 

14 

Bank 

2005 
$M 
13 

13 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     199 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 41 Lease Commitments – Property, Plant and Equipment 

Commitments in respect of non-cancellable operating lease agreements due: 

Not later than one year 
Later than one year but not later than five years 
Later than five years 

Total Lease Commitments – Property, Plant and Equipment 

Group’s share of lease commitments of associated entities due: 

Not later than one year 
Later than one year but not later than five years 
Later than five years 

Total Lease Commitments – Property, Plant and Equipment 

2006 
$M 

258 
610 
214 
1,082 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

263 
540 
165 
968 

2006 
$M 

298 
732 
255 
1,285 

3 
3 
2 
8 

Group 

2005 
$M 

297 
635 
214 
1,146 

- 
- 
- 
- 

The  Group  as  lessee  has  no  purchase  options  over  premises 
occupied. In a small number of cases, the Group as lessee has 
a right of first refusal if the premises are to be sold. 

There are no restrictions imposed on the Group’s lease of space 
other 
lease 
forming  part  of 
arrangements for each specific premise. 

the  negotiated 

those 

than 

Lease Arrangements 

Leases  entered  into  by  the  Group  are  for  the  purpose  of 
accommodating the business needs. Leases may be over retail, 
commercial,  industrial  and  residential  premises  and  reflect  the 
needs  of  the  occupying  business  and  market  conditions.  All 
internal  or  external 
leases  are  negotiated  using  either 
professional property resources acting for the Group. 

Rental  payments  are  determined  in  terms  of  relevant  lease 
requirements, usually reflecting market rentals.  

200     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 42 Contingent Liabilities, Assets and Commitments  

The Group is involved in a range of transactions that give rise to 
contingent  and/or  future  liabilities  which  are  distinct  from 
transactions  and  other  events  that  result  in  the  recognition  of 
liabilities. These transactions meet the financing requirements of 
customers  and  include  endorsed  bills  of  exchange,  letters  of 
credit, guarantees and commitments to provide credit. 

These  transactions  combine  varying  levels  of  credit,  interest 
rate,  foreign  exchange  and  liquidity  risk.  In  accordance  with 
Bank policy, exposure to any of these transactions is not carried 
at  a  level  that  would  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  the 
financial condition of the Bank and its controlled entities. 

Details of contingent liabilities and off balance sheet business are: 

Credit risk related instruments  
Guarantees 
Standby letters of credit 
Bill endorsements 
Documentary letters of credit 
Performance related contingents 
Commitments to provide credit 
Other commitments 
Total Credit Risk Related Instruments 

Guarantees represent unconditional undertakings by the Group 
to support the obligations of its customers to third parties. 

Standby letters of credit are undertakings by the Group to pay, 
against production of documents, an obligation in the event of a 
default by a customer. 

Bill  endorsements  relate  to  bills  of  exchange  that  have  been 
endorsed  by  the  Group  and  represent  liabilities  in  the  event  of 
default by the acceptor and the drawer of the bill. 

Documentary letters of credit represent an undertaking to pay or 
accept  drafts  drawn  by  an  overseas  supplier  of  goods  against 
production  of  documents  in  the  event  of  payment  default  by  a 
customer. 

Performance  related  contingents  involve  undertakings  by  the 
Group to pay third parties if a customer fails to fulfil a contractual 
non-monetary obligation. 

Commitments to provide credit include all obligations on the part 
of the Group to provide credit facilities. These credit facilities are 
both fixed and variable. 

Fixed rate or fixed spread commitments extended to customers 
that  allow  net  settlement  of  the  change  in  value  of  the 
commitment  are  written  options  and  are  recorded  at  fair  value. 
Refer Note 11. 

Other  commitments  include  the  Group’s  obligations  under  sale 
and  repurchase  agreements,  outright  forward  purchases  and 
forward deposits and underwriting facilities. Other commitments 
also  include  obligations,  not  already  disclosed  to  extend  credit 
that  are  irrevocable  because  they  cannot  be  withdrawn  at  the 
discretion  of  the  Bank  without  the  risk  of  incurring  significant 
penalty or expense. In addition commitments to purchase or sell 
loans are included in other commitments. 

transactions  are  categorised  and  credit  equivalents 
The 
calculated  under  APRA  guidelines 
risk  based 
measurement  of  capital  adequacy.  The  credit  equivalent 
amounts are a measure of the potential loss to the Group in the 
event of non-performance by the counterparty. 

the 

for 

Face Value  

Group 
Credit Equivalent 

2006 
$M 

2,592 
342 
230 
613 
1,753 
82,162 
8,048 
95,740 

2005 
$M 

2,438 
321 
276 
185 
1,095 
76,162 
8,279 
88,756 

2006 
$M 

2,592 
342 
230 
123 
876 
16,135 
1,179 
21,477 

2005 
$M 

2,438 
321 
276 
37 
547 
13,421 
942 
17,982 

The  credit  equivalent  exposure  from  direct  credit  substitutes 
(guarantees,  standby  letters  of  credit  and  bill  endorsements)  is 
the face value of the transaction, whereas the credit equivalent 
exposure  to  documentary  letters  of  credit  and  performance 
related  contingents  is  20%  and  50%  respectively  of  the  face 
value.  The  exposure  to  commitments  to  provide  credit  is 
calculated by applying given credit conversion factors to the face 
value to reflect the duration, the nature and the certainty of the 
contractual  undertaking  to  provide  the  facility.  The  amounts 
reflected assume that the amounts may be fully advanced. The 
contractual  amount  of  these  instruments  is  the  maximum 
amount at  risk if  the customer  fails to  meet its obligations.  The 
risk is similar to the risk involved in extending loan facilities. 

As  the  potential  loss  depends  on  the  performance  of  a 
counterparty,  the  Group  utilises  the  same  credit  policies  and 
assessment criteria for off balance sheet business as it does for 
on  balance  sheet  business  and  if  it  is  deemed  necessary, 
collateral is obtained based on management’s credit evaluation 
of  the  counterparty.  If  a  probable  loss  is  identified,  suitable 
provisions are raised. 

Contingent Assets  

The  credit  risk  related  contingent  liabilities  of  $95,740  million 
(2005: $88,756 million) detailed above also represent contingent 
assets of the Group. Such commitments to provide credit may in 
the  normal  course  convert  to  loans  and  other  assets  of  the 
Group. 

Litigation 

Neither  the  Commonwealth  Bank  nor  any  of  its  controlled 
entities  is  engaged  in  any  litigation  or  claim  which  is  likely  to 
have  a  materially  adverse  effect  on  the  business,  financial 
condition or operating results of the Commonwealth Bank or any 
of  its  controlled  entities.  Where  some  loss  is  probable  and 
reliably estimatable an appropriate provision has been made. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     201 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 42 Contingent Liabilities, Assets and Commitments (continued) 

Fiduciary Activities 

The  Group  and  its  associated  entities  conduct  investment 
management and other fiduciary activities as responsible entity, 
trustee,  custodian  or  manager  for  numerous  investment  funds 
and  trusts,  including  superannuation  and  approved  deposit 

funds,  wholesale  and  retail  trusts.  The  amounts  of  funds 
concerned that are not reported in the Group’s balance sheet 
are as follows: 

2006 
$M 

2005 
$M 

99,000 
15,526 
9,353 
6,842 
130,721 

77,208 
11,914 
8,579 
2,404 
100,105 

In 2004, the Bank entered into an agreement with Optus Pty Ltd 
for the provision of Eftpos Telecommunications Services from 21 
October 2004 until 21 October 2007. 

In  2005,  the  Bank  entered  into  an  agreement  with  Telstra 
Corporation Pty Ltd for the provision of Remote Access Services 
from 14 July 2005 until 14 July 2008. 

Failure to Settle Risk 

The  Bank  is  subject  to  a  credit  risk  exposure  in  the  event  that 
another  financial  institution  fails  to  settle  for  its  payments 
clearing  activities,  in  accordance  with  the  regulations  and 
procedures  of  the  following  clearing  systems  of  the  Australian 
Payments  Clearing  Association  Limited:  The  Australian  Paper 
Clearing  System  (“Clearing  Stream  1”),  The  Bulk  Electronic 
Clearing  System 
(“Clearing  Stream  2”),  The  Consumer 
Electronic Clearing System  ("Clearing  Stream  3") and the High 
Value Clearing System (“Clearing Stream 4”, only if operating in 
‘bypass  mode’).  This  credit  risk  exposure  is  unquantifiable  in 
advance,  but  is  well  understood,  and  is  extinguished  upon 
settlement at 9am each business day. 

Service Agreements 

The  maximum  contingent  liability  for  termination  benefits  in 
respect  of  service  agreements  with  the  Chief  Executive  Officer 
and other Group Key Management Personnel at 30 June 2006 
was $6.3 million (2005: $7.1 million). 

Funds under administration  
Australia  
United Kingdom 
New Zealand  
Asia 
Total 

Certain  entities  within  the  Group  act  as  responsible  entity  or 
trustee  of  virtually  all  managed 
investment  schemes 
(“schemes”),  wholesale  and  retail  trusts  (“trusts”)  managed  by 
the  Group  in  Australia,  the  United  Kingdom  and  New  Zealand. 
The above funds under administration do not include on balance 
sheet investments and policyholder liabilities held in the statutory 
funds of the life insurance business (refer to Note 10) where an 
entity  within  the  Group  may  act  as  a  trustee.  Where  entities 
within 
the  Group  act  as  responsible  entity  of  managed 
investment  schemes,  obligations  may  exist  under  the  relevant 
Constitutions  whereby  upon  request  from  a  scheme  member, 
the responsible entity has an obligation to redeem units from the 
assets  of  those  schemes.  Liabilities  are  incurred  by  these 
entities in their capacity as responsible  entity or  trustee.  Rights 
of  Indemnity  are  held  against  the  schemes  and  trusts  whose 
assets exceeded their liabilities at 30 June 2006. The Bank does 
not  provide  a  general  guarantee  of  the  performance  or 
obligations of its subsidiaries. 

Long Term Contracts 

In June 2006, the Bank entered into a 6 year contract with EDS 
(Australia)  Pty  Ltd,  relating  to  the  provision  of  Information 
Technology Services. The contract was signed on 30 June 2006 
and it is effective from 1 July 2006. 

In  1997,  the  Bank  entered  into  a  ten  year  contract  with  EDS 
(Australia)  Pty  Ltd,  relating  to  the  provision  of  Information 
Technology Services. This arrangement is in place for remaining 
services until 10 October 2006. 

In 2000, the Bank entered into a five year agreement with TCNZ 
Australia  Pty  Ltd  for  the  provision  of  telecommunications 
services.  In  late  2005,  the  Bank  entered  into  two  separate 
agreements  with  Gen-i  Pty  Ltd  for  the  provision  of  Network 
Perimeter Security Services from 1 January 2006 until 1 January 
2008 as well as Data Communications Services effective from 1 
September  2005  until  1  September  2008.  The  remainder  of 
telecommunication  services,  with  the  exception  of  Eftpos  and 
Remote  Access  Services,  currently  provided  under 
the 
Telecommunications Services Agreement by Gen-i to the Bank, 
were extended until 1 September 2008.  

202     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 42 Contingent Liabilities, Assets and Commitments (continued) 

Collateral 

The Group has secured liabilities of $2,354 million. The table below sets out the assets pledged by the Bank to secure these liabilities. 

Assets pledged  

Cash 
Assets at fair value through Income Statement 
Available-for-sale investments 
Assets pledged 

Collateral held  

Cash 
Assets at fair value through Income Statement 
Collateral held 

2006 
$M 
1,633 (2) 
1,192 
58 
2,883 

2006 
$M 
312 
2,334 
2,646 

Group 

2005 
$M 

N/A (1) 

Group 

2005 
$M 

N/A (1) 

2006 
$M 
1,633 
1,192 
58 
2,883 

2006 
$M 
312 
2,334 
2,646 

Bank 

2005 
$M 

N/A (1)

Bank 

2005 
$M 

N/A (1)

(1) No comparative balances provided as exemption elected when adopting Financial Instruments AIFRS accounting from 1 July 2005. 

(2) These balances include assets sold under repurchase agreements. The liabilities related to these repurchase agreements are disclosed in Note 23.  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     203 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 43 Market Risk  

The  Group  in  its  daily  operations  is  exposed  to  a  number  of 
market risks. Market risk relates to the risk that market rates and 
prices  will  change  and  that  this  will  have  an  adverse  affect  on 
the  profitability  and/or  net  worth  of  the  Group,  e.g.  an  adverse 
interest rate movement. Market risk also includes the operational 
risks of market access for funding and liquidity. 

Under  the  authority  of  the  Board  of  Directors,  the  Risk 
Committee  of  the  Board  ensures  that  all  the  market  risk 
exposure is consistent with the business strategy and within the 
risk  tolerance  of  the  Group.  Regular  market  risk  reports  are 
tabled before the Risk Committee of the Board. 

Within the Group, market risk is greatest in the balance sheets of 
the banking and insurance businesses. Market risk also arises in 
the course of its intermediation activities in financial services and 
in financial markets trading. 

Market Risk in Balance Sheet Management 

The Risk Committee of the Board approves the Bank’s balance 
sheet  market  risk  policies  and  limits.  Implementation  of  the 
policy  is  delegated  to  the  Group  Executives  of  the  associated 
business  units  with  senior  management  oversight  by  the 
Group’s Asset and Liability Committee. 

For  bank  balance  sheets,  market  risk  includes  liquidity  risks, 
funding risks, interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk. On life 
and general insurance balance sheets, market risk is part of the 
principal  means  by  which  long  term  liabilities  are  actuarially 
managed. In this sense and in contrast to banking, market risk is 
structural for these businesses. 

Liquidity risk 

Balance  sheet  liquidity  risk  is  the  risk  of  being  unable  to  meet 
financial  obligations  as  they  fall  due.  The  Group  manages 
liquidity requirements by currency and by geographical location 
of  its  operations.  Subsidiaries  are  also  included  in  the  Group’s 
liquidity policy framework.  

Liquidity policies are in place to manage liquidity in a day-to-day 
sense, and also under crisis scenarios. 

Under  current  APRA  Prudential  Standards,  each  bank  is 
required  to  develop  a  liquidity  management  strategy  that  is 
appropriate for itself, based on its size and nature of operations. 
The  objectives  of  the  Group’s  funding  and  liquidity  policies  are 
to: 

•  Ensure all financial obligations are met when due; 
•  Provide adequate protection, even under crisis scenarios, at 

lowest cost; and 

•  Achieve  sustainable, 

lowest-cost 

funding  within 

the 

limitations of funding diversification requirements. 

Funding risk 

Funding  risk  is  the  risk  of  over-reliance  on  a  funding  source  to 
the  extent  that  a  change  in  that  funding  source  could  increase 
overall  funding  costs  or  cause  difficulty  in  raising  funds.  The 
funding  requirements  are  integrated  into  the  Group’s  liquidity 
and funding policy with its aim to assure the Group has a stable 
diversified funding base without over-reliance on any one market 
sector. 

Domestically, the Group continues to obtain a large portion of its 
AUD funding from a stable retail deposit base, which has a lower 
interest  cost  than  wholesale  funds.  The  relative  size  of  the 
Group’s  retail  base  has  enabled  it  to  source  funds  at  a  lower 
than  average  rate  of  interest  than  the  other  major  Australian 
banks. Funding diversification is particularly important in offshore 
markets  where  the  absence  of  any  ‘natural’  offshore  funding 
base means the Group is principally reliant on wholesale money 
market and capital  market sources for  funding.  The  Group  has 
imposed  internal  prudential  constraints  on  the  relative  mix  of 
offshore sources of funds.  

204     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 43 Market Risk (continued) 

The following table outlines the range of financial instruments used by the Group to raise deposits and borrowings, both within Australia 
and overseas. Funds are raised from well-diversified sources and there are no material concentrations in these categories. 

Market Risk 

Australia  
Cheque accounts 
Savings accounts 
Term deposits 
Cash management accounts  
Debt issues  
Bank acceptances  
Certificates of deposits 
Life insurance policy liabilities  
Loan capital  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and short sales  
Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement  
Managed funds units on issue 
Other  
Total Australia  
Overseas  
Deposits and interbank 
Commercial paper  
Life insurance policy liabilities  
Other debt issues  
Loan capital  
Liabilities at fair value through Income Statement  
Total Overseas  
Total Funding Sources  

Provisions and other liabilities  
Total Liabilities  

2006 
$M 

31,962 
32,070 
43,210 
23,387 
65,426 
18,310 
18,185 
20,001 
8,887 
1,380 
1,948 
1,109 
3,354 
269,229 

30,863 
7,710 
2,224 
5,455 
1,008 
11,863 
59,123 
328,352 

19,408 
347,760 

Group 

2005 
$M 

27,455 
31,947 
41,582 
21,831 
52,384 
16,786 
16,038 
20,636 
6,291 
2,258 
- 
- 
2,353 
239,561 

32,230 
12,266 
4,058 
6,115 
- 
- 
54,669 
294,230 

20,531 
314,761 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     205 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 43 Market Risk (continued) 

Interest rate risk (Banking) 

(b) Economic value  

Some of the Group’s assets and liabilities have interest rate risk 
that is not fully captured within a measure of risk to the next 12 
months  earnings.  To  measure  this  longer-term  sensitivity,  the 
Group  utilises  an  economic  value-at-risk  (“VaR”)  analysis.  This 
analysis measures the potential change in the net present value 
of  cash  flows  of  assets  and  liabilities.  Cash  flows  for  fixed  rate 
products  are  included  on  a  contractual  basis,  after  adjustment 
for  forecast  prepayment  activities.  Cash  flows  for  products 
repriced  at  the  discretion  of  the  Group  are  based  on  the 
expected repricing characteristics of those products. 

The  total  cash  flows  are  revalued  under  a  range  of  possible 
interest rate scenarios using the VaR methodology. The interest 
rate scenarios are based on actual interest rate movements that 
have occurred over one year and five year historical observation 
periods. The measured VaR exposure is an estimate to a 97.5% 
confidence level (one-tail) of the potential loss that could occur if 
the  balance  sheet  positions  were  to  be  held  unchanged  for  a 
one  month  holding  period.  For  example,  VaR  exposure  of  $1 
million  means  that  in  97.5  cases  out  of  100,  the  expected  net 
present  value  will  not  decrease  by  more  than  $1  million  given 
the historical movement in interest rates. 

The figures in the following table represent the net present value 
of the expected change in future earnings in all future periods for 
the  remaining  term  of  all  existing  assets  and  liabilities  held  for 
hedging purposes. 

Exposure as at 30 June  
Average monthly exposure  
High month exposure  
Low month exposure 

2006 
$M 
117 
53 
127 
7 

2005 
$M 
7 
24 
78 
5 

Interest  rate  risk  in  the  bank  balance  sheet  arises  from  the 
potential  for  a  change  in  interest  rates  to  change  the  expected 
net interest earnings, in the current reporting period and in future 
years.  Similarly,  interest  rate  risk  also  arises  from  the  potential 
for  a  change  in  interest  rates  to  cause  a  fluctuation  in  the  fair 
value  of  the  financial  instruments.  Interest  rate  risk  arises  from 
the structure and characteristics of the Group’s assets, liabilities 
and equity, and in the mismatch in repricing dates of its assets 
and liabilities. The objective is to manage the interest rate risk to 
achieve stable and sustainable net interest earnings in the long 
term. 

The Group measures and manages balance sheet interest rate 
risk from two perspectives: 

(a) Next 12 months earnings  

The risk to the net interest earnings over the next 12 months for 
a change in interest rates is measured on a monthly basis. Risk 
is  measured  assuming  an  immediate  1%  parallel  movement  in 
interest  rates  across  the  whole  yield  curve  as  well  as  other 
interest  rate  scenarios  with  variations  in  size  and  timing  of 
interest  rate  movements.  Potential  variations  in  net  interest 
earnings are measured using a simulation model that takes into 
account the projected change in balance sheet asset and liability 
levels  and mix.  Assets  and  liabilities  with pricing  directly  based 
on market rates are repriced based on the full extent of the rate 
shock  that  is  applied.  Risk  on  the  other  assets  and  liabilities 
(those  priced  at  the  discretion  of  the  Group)  is  measured  by 
taking into account both the manner the products have repriced 
in the past as well as the expected change in price based on the 
current competitive market environment. 

The figures in the following table represent the potential change 
to  net  interest  earnings  during  the  year  (expressed  as  a 
percentage  of  expected  net  interest  earnings  in  the  next  12 
months)  based  on  a  1%  parallel  rate  shock  and  the  expected 
change in price of assets and liabilities held for purposes other 
than trading. 

(expressed as a percentage of 
expected next 12 months’ earnings)
Average monthly exposure  
High month exposure  
Low month exposure  

2006 
% 

1. 1 
2. 1 
0. 2 

2005 
% 

1. 1 
1. 5 
0. 5 

206     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 43 Market Risk (continued) 

The  following  table  represents  the  Group’s  contractual  interest 
rate sensitivity for repricing mismatches as at 30 June 2006 and 
corresponding  weighted  average  effective  interest  rates.  The 
net mismatch represents the net value of assets, liabilities and 
off balance sheet instruments that may be repriced in the time 
periods shown. 

Interest Rate Risk Sensitivity 

All  assets  and  liabilities  are  shown  according  to  contractual 
repricing dates. Options are shown in the mismatch report using 
the delta equivalents of the option face values. 

Repricing Period at 30 June 2006  

Australia  
Assets  
Cash and liquid assets  
Receivables due from other 
financial institutions 
Assets at fair value through Income 
Statement: 
Trading  
Insurance  
Other  

Derivative assets  
Available-for-sale investments 
Loans, advances and other 
receivables  
Bank acceptances of customers  
Investment property 
Property, plant and equipment  
Investment in associates 
Intangible assets  
Deferred tax assets 
Other assets  
Total Assets  
Liabilities  
Deposits and other public 
borrowings  
Payables due to other financial 
institutions 
Liabilities at fair value through 
Income Statement  
Derivative liabilities 
Bank acceptances  
Current tax liabilities 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Other provisions  
Insurance policy liabilities  
Debt issues  
Managed funds units on issue 
Bills payable and other liabilities 

Loan capital 
Total Liabilities  

Shareholders’ Equity 
Share capital and other equity 
Minority interests 
Total Shareholders’ Equity  

Derivatives 

Net Mismatch 
Cumulative Mismatch 

Balance 
Sheet 
Total 
$M 

0 to 1 
month 
$M 

1 to 3 
months 
$M 

3 to 6 
months 
$M 

6 to 12 
months 
$M 

1 to 5 
years  
$M 

Over 5 
years  
$M 

Not 
Interest 
Bearing 
$M 

Weighted 
Average 
Rate 
% 

4,393 

3,413 

- 

3,191 

2,348 

687 

12,832 
22,091 
394 
6,924 
6,011 

217,054 
18,310 
258 
1,157 
178 
7,057 
610 
4,270 
304,730 

12,763 
660 
343 
- 
1,657 

140,016 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
161,200 

50 
333 
38 
- 
385 

16,557 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
18,050 

- 

37 

- 
1,800 
- 
- 
369 

6,677 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
8,883 

- 

- 

- 
102 
13 
- 
193 

13,371 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
13,679 

- 

- 

- 

- 

980 

5. 05 

119 

5. 31 

- 
2,099 
- 
- 
2,453 

38,294 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
42,846 

- 
1,777 
- 
- 
340 

3,204 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
5,321 

19 
15,320 
- 
6,924 
614 

(1,065)
18,310 
258 
1,157 
178 
7,057 
610 
4,270 
54,751 

6. 17 
6. 28 
6. 20 
- 
7. 41 

7. 54 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
6. 37 

150,194 

102,755 

19,413 

11,508 

8,611 

1,924 

111 

5,872 

4. 53 

3,354 

2,967 

161 

215 

6 

5 

- 

- 

4. 70 

1,948 
8,557 
18,310 
368 
1,234 
794 
20,001 
65,426 
1,109 
5,156 
276,451 
8,887 
285,338 

19,782 
3 
19,785 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

1,948 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
10,562 
- 
- 
118,232 
1,093 
119,325 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
25,766 
- 
- 
45,340 
2,484 
47,824 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
7,791 
- 
- 
19,514 
628 
20,142 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
2,457 
- 
- 
11,074 
- 
11,074 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
14,854 
- 
- 
16,783 
1,266 
18,049 

- 
- 
8,557 
- 
18,310 
- 
368 
- 
1,234 
- 
- 
794 
-  20,001 (1) 
58 
1,109 
5,156 
61,459 
- 
61,459 

3,938 
- 
- 
4,049 
3,416 
7,465 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

19,782 
3 
19,785 

2,827 

(25,735)

9,069 

11,447 

1,378 

1,014 

- 

44,702 
44,702 

(55,509)
(10,807)

(2,190)
(12,997)

14,052 
1,055 

26,175 
27,230 

(1,130) 
26,100 

(26,493)
(393)

5. 52 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
5. 99 
- 
- 

5. 22 
4. 01 

- 
- 
- 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(1) Technically, the insurance policy liabilities are not interest bearing, but the amount of the liability may change in line with changes in interest rates. This is particularly 

so with investment linked policies. 

(2) No balance sheet amount applicable. 

(3) No rate applicable. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     207 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 43 Market Risk (continued) 

Interest Rate Risk Sensitivity 

Repricing Period at 30 June 2006  

Balance 
Sheet 
Total 
$M 

0 to 1 
month 
$M 

1 to 3 
months 
$M 

3 to 6 
months 
$M 

6 to 12 
months 
$M 

1 to 5 
years  
$M 

Over 5 
years  
$M 

Overseas  
Assets  
Cash and liquid assets  
Receivables due from other 
financial institutions 
Assets at fair value through Income 
Statement: 
Trading  
Insurance  
Other  

Derivative assets  
Available-for-sale investments  
Loans, advances and other 
receivables  
Property, plant and equipment  
Investment in associates 
Intangible assets  
Deferred tax assets 
Other assets  
Total Assets  
Liabilities  
Deposits and other public 
borrowings  
Payables due to other financial 
institutions 
Liabilities at fair value through 
Income Statement  
Derivative liabilities 
Current tax liabilities 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Other provisions  
Insurance policy liabilities  
Debt issues  
Bills payable and other liabilities 

Loan capital 
Total Liabilities  

Shareholders’ Equity 
Share capital and other equity 
Minority interests 
Total Shareholders’ Equity  

Derivatives 

Net Mismatch 
Cumulative Mismatch 

738 

630 

67 

9 

3,916 

3,112 

445 

157 

2,926 
2,346 
2,550 
2,751 
5,192 

42,122 
157 
12 
752 
40 
871 
64,373 

467 
832 
1,551 
- 
471 

10,102 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
17,165 

1,470 
1 
911 
- 
2,493 

5,812 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
11,199 

513 
3 
26 
- 
1,172 

5,433 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
7,313 

- 

- 

10 
1 
8 
- 
352 

4,981 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
5,352 

23,033 

10,694 

6,937 

2,567 

1,015 

7,830 

5,144 

1,018 

283 

178 

5,541 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
4,767 
- 
26,146 
- 
26,146 

3,993 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
4,093 
- 
16,041 
- 
16,041 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

1,271 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
69 
- 
4,190 
- 
4,190 

- 
- 
- 

406 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
136 
- 
1,735 
- 
1,735 

- 
- 
- 

11,863 
2,263 
10 
102 
27 
2,224 
13,165 
897 
61,414 
1,008 
62,422 

1,053 
505 
1,558 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

- 

7 

299 
17 
9 
- 
684 

15,446 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
16,462 

651 

322 

641 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
4,100 
- 
5,714 
253 
5,967 

- 
- 
- 

- 

28 

166 
23 
- 
- 
21 

419 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
657 

3 

- 

11 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
14 
740 
754 

Not 
Interest 
Bearing 
$M 

Weighted 
Average 
Rate 
% 

32 

1. 64 

167 

3. 64 

1 
1,469 
45 
2,751 
(1) 

(71) 
157 
12 
752 
40 
871 
6,225 

6. 20 
2. 09 
7. 42 
- 
4. 73 

7. 37 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
6. 25 

1,166 

5. 69 

885 

3. 69 

- 
2,263 
10 
102 
27 
2,224 (1) 
- 
897 
7,574 
15 
7,589 

- 
- 
- 

1,053 
505 
1,558 

4. 83 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
5. 22 
- 

3. 96 
4. 65 

- 
- 
- 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

5,632 

12,782 

(2,464)

(3,650)

(11,806)

(494) 

- 

(3,349) 
(3,349) 

7,940 
4,591 

659 
5,250 

(33)
5,217 

(1,311)
3,906 

(591) 
3,315 

(2,922) 
393 

(1) Technically, the insurance policy liabilities are not interest bearing, but the amount of the liability may change in line with changes in interest rates. This is particularly 

so with investment linked policies. 

(2) No balance sheet amount applicable. 

(3) No rate applicable. 

208     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 43 Market Risk (continued) 

Interest Rate Risk Sensitivity 

Balance 
Sheet 
Total 
$M 

0 to 1 
month 
$M 

1 to 3 
months 
$M 

3 to 6 
months 
$M 

6 to 12 
months 
$M 

1 to 5 
years 
$M 

Over 5 
years 
$M 

Not 
Interest 
Bearing 
$M 

Weighted 
Average 
Rate 
% 

Repricing Period at 30 June 2005  

Australia  
Assets  
Cash and liquid assets  
Receivables from other financial 
institutions 
Trading securities 
Life insurance investment assets 
Investment securities 
Loans, advances and other 
receivables  
Bank acceptances of customers 
Investment property 
Property, plant and equipment  
Investment in associates  
Intangible assets 
Deferred tax assets  
Other assets  
Total Assets  

Liabilities  
Deposits and other public 
borrowings  
Payables due to other financial 
institutions 
Bank acceptances  
Current tax liabilities 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Other provisions  
Insurance policy liabilities  
Debt issues  
Bills payable and other liabilities 

Loan capital 
Total Liabilities 

Shareholders’ Equity 
Share capital and other equity 
Minority interests 
Total Shareholders’ Equity  

Off Balance Sheet Items  
Swaps 
Options  
Futures  

Net Mismatch 
Cumulative Mismatch 

4,804 

3,423 

- 

- 

1,381 

4. 95 

- 

534 
- 
882 
136 

- 

82 
- 
76 
325 

- 

- 
- 
358 
165 

- 
- 
2,467 
2,517 

2,816 
11,015 
3,097 
1,295 

113,394 
- 

12,329 
- 

9,401 
- 

14,707 
- 

40,810 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
135,040 

- 
13,881 

- 
9,884 

- 
15,230 

- 
45,794 

- 
4,917 

- 
- 
2,123 
697 

2,097 
- 

- 

- 

96 
11 
13,768 
2 

(1,267)
16,786 
252 
978 
52 
7,249 
651 
15,562 
55,521 

3. 55 
4. 77 
4. 67 
5. 98 

7. 18 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
5. 71 

3,528 
11,026 
22,771 
5,137 

191,471 
16,786 
252 
978 
52 
7,249 
651 
15,562 
280,267 

141,111 

93,698 

21,222 

12,435 

4,479 

3,288 

136 

5,853 

4. 27 

2,708 
16,786 
748 
921 
830 
20,636 
52,384 
16,777 
252,901 
6,291 
259,192 

15,429 
1,270 
16,699 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

2,086 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
7,122 
- 
102,906 
608 
103,514 

544 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
19,389 
- 
41,155 
2,202 
43,357 

56 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
3,218 
- 
15,709 
146 
15,855 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

9 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
2,848 
- 
7,336 
- 
7,336 

- 
- 
- 

13 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
19,298 
- 
22,599 
1,939 
24,538 

- 
- 
16,786 
- 
748 
- 
921 
- 
830 
- 
-  20,636 (1) 
- 
16,777 
62,551 
- 
62,551 

509 
- 
645 
1,396 
2,041 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

15,429 
1,270 
16,699 

3,296 
- 
- 

(17,956)
84 
3,420 

4,543 
(15)
3,196 

3,322 
- 
(3,890)

6,726 
(69) 
(2,208) 

69 
- 
(518) 

- 
- 
- 

34,696 
34,696 

(43,351)
(8,655)

1,787 
(6,868)

7,166 
298 

26,214 
26,512 

2,392 
28,904 

(24,527)
4,377 

3. 45 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
5. 76 
- 

7. 13 
3. 70 

- 
- 
- 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(1) Technically, the insurance policy liabilities are not interest bearing, but the amount of the liability may change in line with changes in interest rates. This is particularly 

so with investment linked policies. 

(2) No balance sheet amount applicable. 

(3) No rate applicable. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     209 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 43 Market Risk (continued) 

Interest Rate Risk Sensitivity 

Balance 
Sheet 
Total 
$M 

0 to 1 
month 
$M 

1 to 3 
months 
$M 

3 to 6 
months 
$M 

6 to 12 
months 
$M 

1 to 5 
years  
$M 

Over 5 
years  
$M 

Not 
Interest 
Bearing 
$M 

Weighted 
Average 
Rate 
% 

Repricing Period at 30 June 2005  

Overseas  
Assets  
Cash and liquid assets  
Receivables from other financial 
institutions 
Trading securities 
Life insurance investment assets 
Investment securities 
Loans, advances and other 
receivables  
Property, plant and equipment  
Intangible assets  
Other assets  
Total Assets  
Liabilities  
Deposits and other public 
borrowings  
Payables due to other financial 
institutions 
Current tax liabilities  
Other provisions  
Insurance policy liabilities  
Debt issues  
Bills payable and other liabilities 
Total Liabilities  

Shareholders’ Equity 
Share capital and other equity 
Minority interests 
Total Shareholders’ Equity  

Off Balance Sheet Items 
Swaps  
FRAs 
Futures  

Net Mismatch 
Cumulative Mismatch 

1,251 

1,094 

82 

2,559 
3,605 
4,713 
5,701 

36,875 
154 
407 
1,872 
57,137 

1,017 
291 
1,005 
500 

11,633 
- 
- 
- 
15,540 

1,143 
2,335 
64 
3,406 

3,633 
- 
- 
- 
10,663 

- 

351 
152 
9 
573 

3,027 
- 
- 
- 
4,112 

1 

- 
97 
25 
151 

6,449 
- 
- 
- 
6,723 

- 

- 
492 
433 
713 

12,158 
- 
- 
- 
13,796 

26,915 

16,866 

4,995 

3,220 

1,102 

542 

3,538 
- 
- 

3,378 
- 
23,782 

- 
- 
- 

670 
- 
- 
- 
4,059 
- 
9,724 

- 
- 
- 

870 
- 
- 
- 
9,389 
- 
13,479 

- 
- 
- 

237 
- 
- 
- 
387 
- 
1,726 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
1,122 
- 
1,664 

- 
- 
- 

3,942 
(459) 
- 

9,056 
463 
1,167 

(1,039)
(551)
(592)

(3,254)
547 
(575)

(8,832)
- 
- 

5,315 
85 
41 
4,058 
18,381 
774 
55,569 

5,425 
519 
5,944 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

- 
233 
831 
357 

98 
- 
- 
- 
1,519 

186 

- 
- 
- 
- 
46 
- 
232 

- 
- 
- 

87 
- 
- 

- 

74 

2. 77 

48 
5 
2,346 
1 

(123) 
154 
407 
1,872 
4,784 

3. 60 
5. 81 
2. 32 
4. 37 

7. 49 
- 
- 
- 
6. 04 

4 

5. 44 

- 
85 
41 
4,058 (1) 
- 
774 
4,962 

5,425 
519 
5,944 

39 
- 
- 

4. 23 
- 
- 
- 
2. 28 
- 
3. 80 

- 
- 
- 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(4,759) 
(4,759) 

11,625 
6,866 

(11,549)
(4,683)

1,715 
(2,968)

3,300 
332 

1,374 
1,706 

(6,083) 
(4,377) 

(1) Technically, the insurance policy liabilities are not interest bearing, but the amount of the liability may change in line with changes in interest rates. This is particularly 

so with investment linked policies. 

(2) No balance sheet amount applicable. 

(3) No rate applicable.  

As  noted  above  the  cumulative  mismatch  reflects  contractual 
repricing  periods.  The  balance  sheet  is  managed  based  on 
assessments  of  expected  pricing  behaviour  having  regard  to 
historical  trends  and  competitive  positioning.  The  Group  has  a 
significant portfolio of loans with fixed interest rates maturing in 
the one to five years repricing period. 

Funding  is  principally  raised  from  retail  deposits  with  at  call 
variable  interest  rates.  The  interest  rate  risk  exposure  is 
managed  in  accordance  with  the  principles  outlined  above  in 
this note. 

210     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 43 Market Risk (continued) 

Within 6 months 
Within 6 months – 1 year  
Within 1 – 2 years 
Within 2 – 5 years 
After 5 years  
Net deferred gain/(loss) (1) 

Exchange Rate 
Related Contracts 

Interest Rate 
Related Contracts 

2006 
$M 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

2005 
$M 
(8)
(7)
29 
34 
65 
113 

2006 
$M 
6 
7 
55 
(10)
30 
88 

2005 
$M 
(51) 
17 
(20) 
(208) 
(87) 
(349) 

2006 
$M 
6 
7 
55 
(10) 
30 
88 

Total 

2005 
$M 
(59)
10 
9 
(174)
(22)
(236)

(1) Following the adoption of AASB 132 and AASB 139 at 1 July 2005 all derivatives including hedging derivatives are now at fair value on the balance sheet. For further 

details refer to Note 11. The 2006 data reflects those hedge derivatives classified as Cash Flow hedges which have been deferred into the Cash Flow Hedge 
Reserve.  

Foreign exchange risk 

Market Risk in Financial Markets Trading 

Foreign exchange risk is the risk to earnings and value caused 
by  a  change  in  foreign  exchange  rates.  The  Group  principally 
hedges  balance  sheet  foreign  exchange  risks  except  for  long 
term investments in offshore subsidiaries.  

The Group trades and distributes financial markets products and 
provides risk management services to clients on a global basis. 

The objectives of the Group’s financial markets activities are to: 
•  Provide 

risk  management  products  and  services 

to 

Net deferred gains and losses (2005 only) 

customers; 

Net deferred unrealised gains and losses arising from derivative 
hedging  contracts  entered  into  in  order  to  manage  risk  arising 
from  assets, 
future 
transactions,  together  with  the  expected  term  of  deferral  are 
shown above.  

liabilities,  commitments  of  anticipated 

Net deferred gains and losses are only in respect of derivatives 
and must be considered in  the context of  the total  interest  rate 
and  foreign  exchange  rate  risk  of  the  balance  sheet.  The 
deferred  gains  and  losses  on  both  derivatives  and  on  balance 
sheet  assets  and  liabilities  are  included  in  the  economic  VaR 
measure outlined above.  

Market Risk in Financial Services 

in 

life 

the 

insurance  business  arises 

Market  risk 
from 
mismatches  between  asset  returns  and  guaranteed  liability 
returns  on some  policy changes  (which  may not be capable  of 
being hedged through matching assets), adverse movements in 
market prices affecting fee income on investment-linked policies 
and  from  returns  obtained  from  investing  the  shareholders 
capital  held  in  each  life  company.  As  at  30  June  2005, 
shareholders  funds  in  the  life  insurance  business  are  invested 
75%  in  income  assets  (cash  and  fixed  interest)  and  25%  in 
growth assets (shares and property) with the asset mix varying 
from  company  to  company.  Policyholder  funds  are  invested  to 
meet  policyholder  reasonable  expectations  without  putting  the 
shareholder at undue risk. 

leases 

The  Group  provides  operating 
to  customers  on 
equipment  such  as  motor  vehicles,  computers  and  industrial 
equipment.  Residual  value  risk  is  the  risk  that  the  amount 
recouped  by  selling  the  equipment  at  lease  expiry  will  be  less 
than  the  residual  value  of  the  lease.  In  managing  this  risk  the 
Group  utilises  policies,  limits,  controls  and  industry  experts  to 
ensure  that  the  residual  value  of  equipment  is  prudently 
estimated  at  the  start  of  the  lease  and  the  Group  realises  the 
maximum value of the equipment at lease expiry. 

•  Efficiently assist in managing the Group’s own market risks; 

and 

•  Conduct  profitable  trading  within  a  controlled  framework, 
leveraging off the Group’s market presence and expertise. 

The Group maintains access to markets by quoting bid and offer 
prices  with  other  market  makers  and  carries  an  inventory  of 
treasury and capital market instruments, including a broad range 
of securities and derivatives. 

In  foreign  exchange,  the  Group  is  a  participant  in  all  major 
currencies  and  is  a  major  participant  in  the  Australian  dollar 
institutional, 
market,  providing  services 
corporate  and  retail  customers.  Positions  are  also  taken  in  the 
interest  rate,  debt,  equity  and  commodity  markets  based  on 
views of future market movements.  

for  central  banks, 

Income is earned from spreads achieved through market making 
and  from  taking  market  risk.  All  trading  positions  are  valued  at 
fair value and taken to profit and loss on a mark to market basis. 
Trading  profits  also  take  account  of  interest,  dividends  and 
funding costs relating to trading activities. Market liquidity risk is 
controlled  by  concentrating  trading  activity  in  highly  liquid 
markets. 

Assets  at  fair  value  through  Income  Statement  -  Trading  are 
further detailed in Note 10 to the financial statements. Note 2 to 
the  financial  statements  details  Financial  Markets  Trading 
Income contribution to the income of the Group. In addition, this 
contribution  provides  important  diversification  benefits  to  the 
Group.  

AASB 7 Disclosure  

The  Trading  book  of  the  Banking  business  measures  their 
market  value  using  a  Value-at-Risk  (VaR)  model.  Further 
discussion around assumptions used in the quantitative analysis 
is given in the Integrated Risk Management section. 

Derivative Contracts (2005 only) 

Under AIFRS the Group now discloses all Derivative Assets and 
Liabilities at fair value on the balance sheet. As a result further 
disclosure is outlined in Note 11. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     211 

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 43 Market Risk (continued) 

The  following  table  details  the  Group’s  outstanding  derivative 
contracts as at the end of the year. Each derivative type is split 
between  those  held  for  ‘Trading’  purposes  and  those  for 
‘Hedging’  purposes.  Derivatives  classified  as  ‘Hedging’  are 
transactions  entered  into  in  order  to  manage  the  risks  arising 
from non traded assets, liabilities and commitments in Australia 
and offshore centres. 

The  ‘Face  Value’  is  the  notional  or  contractual  amount  of  the 
derivatives.  This  amount  is  not  necessarily  exchanged  and 
predominantly  acts  as  a  reference  value  upon  which  interest 
payments and net settlements can be calculated and on which 
revaluation is based. 

Derivatives  
Exchange rate related contracts 
Forwards  
Trading  
Fair value through Income Statement 
Hedging (1) 
Total Forwards 
Swaps  

Trading 
Fair value through Income Statement 
Hedging (1) 
Total Swaps 
Futures  

Trading  
Fair value through Income Statement 
Hedging 
Total Futures  
Options purchased and sold  

Trading  
Fair value through Income Statement 
Hedging 

Total Options Purchased and Sold  
Total Exchange Rate Related Contracts  

(1) Derivative book restructured to meet AIFRS hedging guidelines. 

The  “Credit  Equivalent”  is  calculated  using  a  standard  APRA 
formula and is disclosed for each product class. This amount is 
a  measure  of  the  on  balance  sheet  loan  equivalent  of  the 
derivative  contracts,  which  includes  a  specified  percentage  of 
the  face  value  of  each  contract  plus  the  market  value  of  all 
contracts  with  an  unrealised  gain  at  balance  date.  The  Credit 
Equivalent  does  not  take  into  account  any  benefits  of  netting 
exposures to individual counterparties. 

The accounting policy for derivative financial instruments is set 
out in Note 1 (ff). 

Face Value 

2005 
$M 

2006 
$M 

Group 
Credit Equivalent 

2006 
$M 

2005 
$M 

245,943 
6,802 
1,253 
253,998 

104,942 
5,838 
16,231 
127,011 

8,063 
- 
- 
8,063 

17,051 
252 
101 
17,404 
406,476 

164,491 
- 
31,776 
196,267 

85,978 
- 
46,969 
132,947 

25 
- 
- 
25 

21,523 
- 
141 
21,664 
350,903 

4,080 
242 
16 
4,338 

2,730 
334 
330 
3,394 

- 
- 
- 
- 

240 
8 
3 
251 
7,983 

3,542 
- 
786 
4,328 

7,439 
- 
2,165 
9,604 

- 
- 
- 
- 

304 
- 
5 
309 
14,241 

212     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 43 Market Risk (continued) 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Face Value 

2005 
$M 

2006 
$M 

Group 
Credit Equivalent 

2006 
$M 

2005 
$M 

Interest rate related contracts 
Forwards 
Trading  
Fair value through Income Statement 
Hedging 
Total Forwards 
Swaps  

Trading (1) 
Fair value through Income Statement 
Hedging 
Total Swaps 
Futures  

Trading  
Fair value through Income Statement 
Hedging 
Total Futures  
Options purchased and sold  

Trading  
Fair value through Income Statement 
Hedging 

Total Options Purchased and Sold  
Total Interest Rate Related Contracts 

Credit risk related contracts 
Swaps  

Trading  
Fair value through Income Statement 
Hedging 
Total Swaps  
Total Credit Risk Related Contracts 

Equity risk related contracts 
Swaps 

Hedging 

Futures 

Hedging   

Options purchased and sold  

Trading  
Fair value through Income Statement 
Hedging 

Total Options Purchased and Sold  
Total Equity Risk Related Contracts  

Commodity contracts 
Forwards 
Trading 
Fair value through Income Statement 

Total Forwards 
Swaps 

Trading  
Hedging 
Total Swaps 
Options purchased and sold 

Trading  

Total Options Purchased and Sold 
Total Commodity Contracts 
Total Derivative Exposures  

64,865 
7,691 
- 
72,556 

404,493 
8,069 
95,321 
507,883 

83,075 
1,916 
1,500 
86,491 

34,899 
627 
- 
35,526 
702,456 

3,073 
275 
- 
3,348 
3,348 

159 

- 

- 
171 
- 
171 
330 

1,919 
5 
1,924 

2,944 
47 
2,991 

25,312 
- 
120 
25,432 

273,456 
- 
146,799 
420,255 

44,362 
- 
14,558 
58,920 

26,659 
- 
4,098 
30,757 
535,364 

3,002 
- 
3,972 
6,974 
6,974 

276 

115 

395 
- 
29 
424 
815 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

19 
2 
- 
21 

4,031 
67 
283 
4,381 

- 
- 
- 
- 

238 
2 
- 
240 
4,642 

263 
- 
- 
263 
263 

3 

- 

- 
19 
- 
19 
22 

234 
1 
235 

563 
1 
564 

6 
- 
2 
8 

3,185 
- 
2,843 
6,028 

- 
- 
249 
249 

185 
- 
43 
228 
6,513 

250 
- 
290 
540 
540 

44 

115 

27 
- 
3 
30 
189 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

1,522 
1,522 
6,437 
1,119,047 

- 
- 
- 
894,056 

152 
152 
951 
13,861 

- 
- 
- 
21,483 

(1) Derivative book restructured to meet AIFRS hedging guidelines. 

The Group has also entered swaps to hedge property values and income related to investment property risk. In the prior year, these 
had a face value of $252 million and a credit equivalent of $5 million. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     213 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 43 Market Risk (continued) 

Following  the  adoption  of  AASB  132  and  AASB  139  at  1  July 
2005 all derivatives including hedging derivatives are now at fair 
value on the balance sheet. For further details refer Note 11. 

The  comparatives  for  the  fair  or  market  value  of  trading 
derivative  contracts,  disaggregated  into  gross  unrealised  gains 
and gross unrealised losses, are shown below.  

Exchange rate related contracts 
Forwards contracts: 

Gross unrealised gains  
Gross unrealised losses 

Total Forwards 
Swaps: 

Gross unrealised gains  
Gross unrealised losses 

Total Swaps 
Futures: 

Gross unrealised gains  
Gross unrealised losses 

Total Futures  
Options purchased and sold: 
Gross unrealised gains  
Gross unrealised losses 

Total Options Purchased and Sold 
Net Unrealised Gains on Exchange Rate Related Contracts   

Interest rate related contracts 
Forward contracts: 

Gross unrealised gains  
Gross unrealised losses 

Total Forwards 
Swaps: 

Gross unrealised gains  
Gross unrealised losses 

Total Swaps 
Futures:  

Gross unrealised gains  
Gross unrealised losses 

Total Futures  
Options purchased and sold: 
Gross unrealised gains  
Gross unrealised losses 

Total Options Purchased and Sold 
Net Unrealised Gains/(Losses) on Interest Rate Related Contracts   

Credit related trading derivative contracts 
Swaps: 

Gross unrealised gains  
Gross unrealised losses 

Net Unrealised Losses on Credit Related Contracts   

Equity related contracts 
Options purchased and sold:  
Gross unrealised gains  
Gross unrealised losses 

Net Unrealised Gains on Equity Related Contracts   
Net Unrealised Gains on Trading Derivative Contracts   

losses  were 

These  unrealised  gains  and 
recognised 
immediately  in  profit  and  loss,  and  together  with  net  realised 
gains on trading derivatives and  realised and unrealised  gains 
and  losses  on  trading  securities  are  reported  within  trading 
income  under  foreign  exchange  earnings,  trading  securities  or 
other  financial  instruments  (refer  to  Note  2).  In  aggregate, 
derivatives trading was profitable for the Group during the prior 
year. 

2006 
$M 

Fair Value 

2005 
$M 

Group 
Average Fair Value 

2006 
$M 

2005 
$M 

1,532 
(1,686)
(154)

6,603 
(6,177)
426 

1 
- 
1 

146 
(191)
(45)
228 

2 
(2)
- 

3,727 
(3,761)
(34)

10 
(28)
(18)

108 
(50)
58 
6 

4 
(8)
(4)

13 
(13)
- 
230 

n/a (1)

n/a (1)

n/a (1)

n/a (1)

n/a (1)

n/a (1)

n/a (1)

n/a (1)

n/a (1)

n/a (1)
n/a (1)

2,147 
(2,306)
(159)

6,409 
(5,382)
1,027 

1 
(1)
- 

262 
(351)
(89)
779 

6 
(5)
1 

3,538 
(3,792)
(254)

14 
(15)
(1)

74 
(48)
26 
(228)

7 
(12)
(5)

13 
(13)
- 
546 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 

n/a (1) 
n/a (1) 

(1) Following the adoption of AASB 132 and AASB 139 at 1 July 2005 all derivatives including hedging derivatives are now at fair value on the balance sheet. For further 

details refer Note 11. 

214     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 43 Market Risk (continued) 

In  accordance  with  the  accounting  policy  set  out  in  Note  1,  the  above  trading  derivative  contract  revaluations  for  2005  have  been 
presented on a gross basis on the balance sheet. 

Unrealised gains on trading derivatives (Note 22) 
Unrealised losses on trading derivatives (Note 30) 
Net unrealised gains on trading derivatives 

Group 
Fair Value 

2005 
$M 
12,144 
11,914 
230 

2006 
$M 

n/a (1) 

(1) Following the adoption of AASB 132 and AASB 139 at 1 July 2005 all derivatives including hedging derivatives are now at fair value on the balance sheet. For further 

details refer Note 11. 

Note 44 Retirement Benefit Obligations 

Name of Plan 

Officers’ Superannuation Fund 
(“OSF”) 
Commonwealth Bank of Australia 
(UK) Staff Benefits Scheme 
(“CBA(UK)SBS”) 

Type  
Defined Benefits (1) and  
Accumulation  

Defined Benefits (1) and  
Accumulation 

Form of Benefit  
Indexed pension and  
lump sum 

Indexed pension and  
lump sum 

(1) The defined benefit formulae are generally comprised of final salary and service. 

Date of Last Actuarial 
Assessment of the Fund 

30 June 2003 

1 July 2005 

An  actuarial  assessment  of  the  CBA(UK)SBS  at  1  July  2005 
revealed a deficit of GBP32 million (AUD79 million at 30 June 
2006 exchange rate). Following from this assessment, the Bank 
agreed  to  contribute  to  the  recommended  contributions  to 
finance  future  accruals  of  defined  benefits  (dollar  contributions 
estimated  at  AUD6  million  per  annum  at  30  June  2006 
exchange rate) and to continue making additional contributions 
of GBP3.24 million per annum (AUD8 million per annum at 30 
June 2006 exchange rate) payable over 14 years to finance the 
fund deficit. 

Contributions 

For  the  plans  listed  in  the  above  table,  entities  of  the  Group 
contribute to the respective plans in accordance with the Trust 
Deeds following the receipt of actuarial advice. 

With  the  exception  of  contributions  corresponding  to  salary 
sacrifice  benefits,  the  Bank  ceased  contributions  to  the  OSF 
from 8 July 1994. Further, the Bank ceased contributions to the 
OSF relating to salary sacrifice benefits from 1 July 1997. 

An actuarial  assessment of the  OSF, as  at  30 June 2003  was 
completed during the year ended 30 June 2004. In line with the 
actuarial  advice  contained  in  the  assessment,  the  Bank  does 
not  intend  to  make  contributions  to  the  OSF  until  further 
consideration of the next actuarial assessment of the OSF as at 
30 June 2006. An actuarial assessment of the OSF at 30 June 
2006 is currently in progress. 

Funding Status of Defined Benefit Plans 

Net Market Value of Assets (3)  
Present Value of Accrued Benefits (4) 
Difference between Net Market Value of Assets And Present Value of Accrued Benefits  
Differences as a percentage of plan assets (%) 
Value of Vested Benefits (4) 

(1) The values for the OSF are the fund actuary’s estimates as at 31 March 2006.  

(2) The values for the CBA(UK)SBS are the fund actuary’s estimates as at 31 March 2006.  

(3) These values have been extracted from the latest available fund financial statements (which are unaudited). 

(1)

OSF 

$M 
6,540 
4,593 
1,947 
30 
4,593 

CBA (UK) 
(2)
 SBS 

$M 
380 
427 
(47) 
(12) 
422 

Total  
$M 
6,920 
5,020 
1,900 
28 
5,015 

(4) The Present Value of Accrued Benefits and Value of Vested Benefits for the OSF have been calculated in accordance with the Australian Accounting Standard 
AAS25 – Financial Reporting by Superannuation Plans. For CBA(UK)SBS, the Present Value of Accrued Benefits and Value of Vested Benefits have been 
calculated in accordance with relevant UK actuarial standards and practices. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     215 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 44 Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued) 

Defined Benefit Superannuation Plans 

The amounts reported in the balance sheet are reconciled as follows: 

Present value of funded obligations 
Fair value of plan assets 
Total pension asset as at 30 June 
Present value of unfunded obligations 
Unrecognised prior service cost  
Unrecognised actuarial gains/(losses) 
Unrecognised past service cost 
Asset/(liability) in balance sheet as at 30 June 
Amounts in the balance sheet: 

Liabilities (Note 30) 
Assets (Note 22) 

Net Asset 

The amounts recognised in the Income Statement 
are as follows: 
Current service cost 
Interest cost 
Expected return on plan assets 
Past service cost 
Employer financed benefits within Accumulation 
Division 
Gains/(losses) on curtailment and settlements 
Actuarial gains/(losses) recognised in Income 
Statement  
Total included in defined benefit superannuation 
plan expense 
Actual Return on Plan Assets 

Changes in the present value of the defined benefit 
obligation are as follows: 

Opening defined benefit obligation 
Service cost 
Interest cost 
Member contributions 
Actuarial gains/(losses) 
(Losses)/gains on curtailments 
Liabilities extinguished on settlements 
Liabilities assumed in a business combination 
Benefits paid 
Exchange differences on foreign plans 
Closing Defined Benefit Obligation 

Changes in the fair value of plan assets are as 
follows: 

Opening fair value of plan assets 
Expected return 
Experience gains/(losses) 
Assets distributed on settlements 
Total contributions 
Assets acquired in a business combination 
Exchange differences on foreign plans 
Benefits and expenses paid 
Employer financial benefits within Accumulation 
Division 
Closing Fair Value of Plan Assets 

2006 
$M 
(3,388)
4,616 
1,228 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1,228 

- 
1,228 
1,228 

(39)
(173)
312 
- 

(129)
- 

- 

(29)
668 

(3,593)
(36)
(173)
(14)
184 
- 
- 
- 
244 
- 
(3,388)

4,310 
312 
356 
- 
14 
- 
- 
(247)

(129)
4,616 

OSF 

2005 
$M 
(3,593)
4,310 
717 
- 
- 
- 
- 
717 

- 
717 
717 

(48)
(197)
298 
- 

(121)
- 

- 

(68)
592 

(3,504)
(45)
(197)
(14)
(142)
- 
- 
- 
309 
- 
(3,593)

4,137 
298 
294 
- 
14 
- 
- 
(312)

(121)
4,310 

CBA(UK)SBS 

2005 
$M 
(408)
329 
(79)
- 
- 
- 
- 
(79)

(79)
- 
(79)

(5)
(20)
18 
- 

- 
- 

- 

(7)
46 

(398)
(4)
(20)
- 
(35)
- 
- 
- 
12 
37 
(408)

321 
18 
28 
- 
4 
- 
(30)
(12)

- 
329 

2006 
$M 
(430)
365 
(65)
- 
- 
- 
- 
(65)

(65)
- 
(65)

(5)
(21)
20 
- 

- 
- 

- 

(6)
22 

(408)
(5)
(21)
- 
12 
- 
- 
- 
12 
(20)
(430)

329 
20 
2 
- 
11 
- 
15 
(12)

- 
365 

2006 
$M 
(3,818) 
4,981 
1,163 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1,163 

(65) 
1,228 
1,163 

(44) 
(194) 
332 
- 

(129) 
- 

- 

(35) 
690 

(4,001) 
(41) 
(194) 
(14) 
196 
- 
- 
- 
256 
(20) 
(3,818) 

4,639 
332 
358 
- 
25 
- 
15 
(259) 

(129) 
4,981 

Total 

2005 
$M 
(4,001)
4,639 
638 
- 
- 
- 
- 
638 

(79)
717 
638 

(53)
(217)
316 
- 

(121)
- 

- 

(75)
638 

(3,902)
(49)
(217)
(14)
(177)
- 
- 
- 
321 
37 
(4,001)

4,458 
316 
322 
- 
18 
- 
(30)
(324)

(121)
4,639 

216     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 44 Retirement Benefit Obligations (continued) 
Defined Benefit Superannuation Plans (continued) 

Experience gains/(losses) on plan liabilities 
Experience gains/(losses) on plan assets 
Gains/(losses) from changes in actuarial 
assumptions 
Total net actuarial gains/(losses) 

2006 
$M 
(55)
356 

239 
540 

OSF 

2005 
$M 
448 
294 

(590)
152 

CBA(UK)SBS 

2006 
$M 
15 
2 

(3)
14 

2005 
$M 
6 
28 

(41) 
(7) 

2006 
$M 
(40) 
358 

236 
554 

Total 

2005 
$M 
454 
322 

(631)
145 

Actuarial gains and losses represent experience adjustments on plan assets and liabilities as well as adjustments arising from changes 
in  actuarial  assumptions.  Total net  actuarial  gains  recognised in  equity  from  commencement of  AIFRS to  30 June 2006  were  $699 
million. 

Economic Assumptions 

The above calculations were based on the economic assumptions set out below:
Discount rate at 30 June (gross of tax) 
Expected return on plan assets at 30 June  
Expected rate salary increases 

2006 
% 

5. 80 
8. 25 
4. 75 (1)

OSF 

2005 
% 

5. 10 
7. 50 
4. 25 (1) 

CBA(UK)SBS 

2005 
% 

5. 00 
5. 75 
3. 70 

2006 
% 

5. 25 
6. 00 
4. 10 

(1) For the OSF, additional age related allowances were made for the expected salary increases from future promotions. At 30 June 2006, these assumptions were 

broadly between 1.6% and 2.6% per annum for full time employees and 1.0% per annum for part time employees (30 June 2005: 2.6% and 3.6% per annum for full 
time employees and 1.0% per annum for part time employees). 

The  return  on  asset  assumption  for  the  OSF  is  determined  as 
the weighted average of the long term expected returns of each 
asset  class  where  the  weighting  is  the  benchmark  asset 
allocations of the assets backing the defined benefit risks. The 
long term expected returns of each asset class are determined 
following receipt of actuarial advice. The discount rate (gross of 
tax)  assumption  for  the  OSF  is  based  on  the  yield  on  10  year 

Expected Life Expectancies for Pensioners 

Male pensioners currently aged 60 
Male pensioners currently aged 65 
Female pensioners currently aged 60 
Female pensioners currently aged 65 

Further, the proportion of the retiring members of the main OSF 
defined benefit division electing to take pensions instead of lump 
sums may materially impact the defined benefit obligations. 30% 
of  these  retiring  members  were  assumed  to  take  pension 
benefits, increasing to 50% in 2020. 

Australian  and  UK  legislation  requires  that  superannuation 
(pension)  benefits  be  provided  through  trusts.  These  trusts 
(including their investments) are managed by trustees who are 
legally  independent  of  the  employer.  The  investment  objective 
of the OSF (the Bank’s major superannuation (pension) plan) is 
“to maximise long term rate of return subject to net returns over 
rolling  five  year  periods  exceeding  the  growth  in  Average  

Asset Allocations 

Australian Equities  
Overseas Equities 
Real Estate  
Fixed Interest Securities 
Cash  
Other (1) 

In  addition 

financial 
Australian  government  securities. 
assumptions,  the  mortality  assumptions  for  pensioners  can 
materially 
the  defined  benefit  obligations.  These 
assumptions  are  age  related  and  allowances  are  made  for 
future improvement in mortality. The expected life expectancies 
for pensioners are: 

impact 

to 

2006 
30. 1 
25. 3 
33. 5 
28. 4 

OSF 

2005 
31. 2 
26. 2 
34. 6 
29. 3 

CBA(UK)SBS 

2006 
22. 9 
18. 5 
25. 9 
21. 4 

2005 
22. 9 
18. 5 
25. 9 
21. 4 

Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) 80% of the time”. To 
meet this investment objective, the OSF Trustee invests a large 
part of the OSF’s assets in growth assets, such as shares and 
property. These assets have historically earned higher rates of 
return  than  other  assets,  but  they  also  carry  higher  risks, 
especially in the short term. To manage these risks, the Trustee 
has  adopted  a  strategy  of  spreading  the  OSF’s  investments 
over a number of asset classes and investment managers. 

As  at  30  June  2006,  the  benchmark  asset  allocations  and 
actual  asset  allocations  for  the  assets  backing  the  defined 
benefit portion of the OSF is as follows: 

Benchmark Allocation 
% 
27. 5 
21. 0 
15. 0 
25. 5 
5. 0 
6. 0 

Actual Allocation 
% 
29. 2 
20. 2 
14. 3 
26. 6 
4. 4 
5. 3 

(1) These are assets which are not included in the traditional asset classes of equities, fixed interest securities, real estate and cash. They include infrastructure 

investments as well as high yield and emerging market debt.  

The value of the OSF’s equity holding in the Group as at 30 June 2006 was $95 million (2005: $91 million). Amounts on deposit with 
the Bank at 30 June 2006 totalled $7 million (2005: $13 million). Other financial instruments with the Group at 30 June 2006 totalled 
$90 million (2005: $108 million). 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     217 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 45 Controlled Entities  

Entity Name  

Australia 
(a) Banking  
Commonwealth Bank of Australia 
Controlled Entities: 
CBA Investments Limited  

Industrie Limited Partnership 
Luca Limited Partnership 

CBA Investments (No. 2) Pty Limited  
CBA International Finance Pty Limited  
CBCL Australia Limited  
CBFC Limited  
Collateral Leasing Pty Limited 
Commonwealth Securities Limited  
Homepath Pty Limited  
Commonwealth Investments Pty Limited 
Sparad (No. 24) Pty Limited Australia 
Colonial Finance Limited  
PERLS III Trust (formally Preferred Capital Limited) 
PERLS II Trust  
GT Funding No.1 Pty Ltd  
GT Operating No.1 Pty Ltd  
Loft No.1 Pty Ltd  
Loft No.2 Pty Ltd  
Fringe Pty Ltd  
Lily Pty Ltd 
Medallion 2003-2G  
Broadcasting Infrastructure Asset Partnership 
Greenwood Lending Pty Ltd 
Series 2000-IG Medallion Trust 
Series 2000-2G Medallion Trust 
Series 2001-IG Medallion Trust 
Series 2002-IG Medallion Trust 
Series 2003-IG Medallion Trust 
Series 2004-IG Medallion Trust 
Series 2005-IG Medallion Trust 
Series 2005-2G Medallion Trust 
Hemisphere Lane Pty Ltd 
Medallion Series Trust 2006 1G 
Medallion Trust Series 2005 4P 
GT Operating No. 3 Pty Limited 

(b) Insurance and Funds Management  
Commonwealth Insurance Limited  
Colonial Holding Company Limited  
Colonial Holding Company (No. 2) Pty Limited  
Commonwealth Insurance Holdings Limited  
Commonwealth Managed Investments Limited  
Colonial AFS Services Pty Limited  
Colonial First State Group Limited  
Colonial First State Investments Limited  
Avanteos Pty Limited  
Colonial First State Property Limited  
Colonial First State Property Retail Pty Limited  
Colonial First State Property Retail Trust 
Colonial International Holdings Pty Limited  
The Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited  
Jacques Martin Pty Limited  
Gandel Retail Management Trust 
Commonwealth Financial Planning Limited 

218     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

Extent of Beneficial 
Interest if not 100% 

Incorporated in 

99.84 

Australia 

Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 

Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 45 Controlled Entities (continued)  

Entity Name  

New Zealand 
(a) Banking  
ASB Holdings Limited  
ASB Bank Limited 

CBA Funding (NZ) Limited  
ASB Capital No. 2 Limited 
CBA USD Funding Limited  

(b) Insurance and Funds Management 
ASB Group (Life) Limited 
Sovereign Group Limited 

Sovereign Limited 

Colonial First State Investments (NZ) Limited 

Kiwi Income Properties Limited 
Kiwi Property Management Limited 

Other Overseas 
(a) Banking  
CBA Asia Limited  
CTB Australia Limited  
PT Bank Commonwealth  
National Bank of Fiji Limited  
CBA (Delaware) Finance Incorporated  
CBA Capital Trust 1  
CBA Funding Trust 1  
Capital Trust II 
CBA (Europe) Finance Limited  
Pontoon PLC 
Quay (Funding) PLC 
Burdekin Investments 
Pavillion Limited  

Newport Limited 
CommInternational Limited  

CommCapital S.a.r.l 

CommBank Europe Limited 

(b) Insurance and Funds Management 
CMG Asia Life Holdings Limited  
Colonial Fiji Life Limited  
Colonial First State (UK) Holdings Limited  
First State (HK) LLC 
First State Investment Holdings (Singapore) Ltd 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Extent of Beneficial 
Interest if not 100% 

Incorporated in 

New Zealand 
New Zealand 
New Zealand 
New Zealand 
New Zealand 

New Zealand 
New Zealand 
New Zealand 
New Zealand 
New Zealand 
New Zealand 

Singapore 
Hong Kong 
Indonesia 
Fiji 
Delaware USA 
Delaware USA 
Delaware USA 
Delaware USA 
United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 
Cayman Islands 
UK 
Malta 
Malta 
Luxembourg 
Malta 

Bermuda 
Fiji 
United Kingdom 
United States 
Singapore 

Non-operating and minor operating controlled entities and investment vehicles holding policyholder assets are excluded from the above 
list. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     219 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 46 Investments in Associated Entities and Joint Ventures 

Extent of 
Ownership 
Interest %  Principal Activities 

Country of 
Incorporation 
Indonesia 

50 
30 
49 
50 

Life Insurance 
Financial Services   Virgin Islands 
Life Insurance 
Life Insurance 
Investment 
Management 

China 
Vietnam 

50 
33. 3  Airport Services  

Australia 
Australia 

Investment 
Management 

30 
19. 9  Commercial Banking  China 
25 

Leasing 

Australia 

Delaware 

46 

Funds Management  China 

2006 
$M 

8 
(1) 
7 

190 

2006 
$M 

9,569 
9,098 
220 
89 

2006 
$M 

122 
81 
65 
69 

Group 

Balance 
Date 
31 Dec 
31 Dec 
31 Dec 
31 Dec 

31 Mar 
30 Jun 

30 Jun 
31 Dec 
31 Dec 

31 Dec 

Group 

2005 
$M 

7 
(2)
5 

52 

Group 

2005 
$M 

204 
167 
18 
22 

Group 

2005 
$M 

58 
32 
26 
30 

PT Astra CMG Life 
AMTD Group Limited (1)  
China Life CMG Life Assurance Company Limited 
Bao Minh CMG Life Insurance Company 

CMG CH China Funds Management Limited  
BAC Airports Pty Ltd (2) 

452 Capital Pty Limited 
Hangzhou City Commercial Bank Limited 
Alster & Thames Partnership 
First State Cinda Fund Management Company 
Limited 
Total 

(1) Formally Allday Enterprises Ltd. 

(2) Investment sold 2 May 2005. 

2006 
$M 
12 
1 
11 
9 

1 
- 

43 
102 
3 

8 
190 

2005 
$M 
10 
1 
10 
12 

1 
18 

- 
- 
- 

- 
52 

Share of associates’ profits/(losses) 
Operating profits/(losses) before income tax 
Income tax expense 
Operating profits/(losses) after income tax 

Carrying amount of investments in associated entities 

Financial Information of Associates 
Assets 
Liabilities 
Revenues 
Expenses 

Financial Information of Joint Ventures 
Assets 
Liabilities 
Revenues 
Expenses 

220     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 47 Director and Executive Disclosures 

Details of the Directors’ and Specified Executives’ remuneration, 
interests in long-term incentive plans, shares, options and loans 
are  included  in  the  Remuneration  Report  of  the  Directors’ 
Report.  The  company  has  applied  the  exemption  under 
Corporations  Amendment  Regulation  2006  which  exempts  

listed  companies  from  providing  remuneration  disclosures  in 
relation  to  their  key  management  personnel  in  their  annual 
financial  reports  by  AASB  124  Related  Party  Disclosures. 
These 
the 
remuneration  disclosures  are  provided 
Remuneration  Report  of  the  Directors’  Report  on  pages  51  to 
68 and are designated as audited. 

in 

Note 48 Related Party Disclosures 

Ultimate Parent 

Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  is  the  ultimate  Australian 
parent company in the Group. 

Controlled Entities 

Transactions with related parties in the Group are conducted on 
an arm’s length basis in the normal course of business and on 
commercial terms and conditions. These transactions principally 

arise out of the provision of banking services, the acceptance of 
funds  on  deposit,  the  granting  of  loans  and  other  associated 
financial activities. 

Support services are provided by the Bank such as provision of 
premises and/or equipment, availability of transfer payment and 
accounting  facilities  through  data  processing  etc,  and  are 
transfer  charged  to  the  respective  user  entity  at  commercial 
rates. 

Group 

Interest and dividend income 
Interest expense 
Fees and commissions for services rendered 
Fees and commissions for services provided 

Loans, advances and equity contributions  
Derivative assets 
Other assets 

Deposits  
Derivative liabilities 
Other liabilities 

Bank 

Interest and dividend income 
Interest expense 
Fees and commissions for services rendered 
Fees and commissions for services provided 

Loans, advances and equity contributions  
Derivative assets 
Other assets 

Deposits  
Derivative liabilities 
Other liabilities 

For the year ended and as at 30 June 2006 

Associates 
$M 
- 
- 
1 
(8) 

Joint 
Ventures 
$M 
- 
- 
11 
11 

200 
- 
- 

- 
- 
1 

30 
- 
4 

- 
- 
6 

Total 
$M 
- 
- 
12 
3 

230 
- 
4 

- 
- 
7 

For the year ended and as at 30 June 2006 

Subsidiaries 
$M 
2,739 
854 
55 
124 

Associates 
$M 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Joint 
Ventures 
$M 
- 
- 
- 
1 

36,150 
680 
2,078 

38,652 
487 
1,069 

102 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
2 

- 
- 
- 

Total 
$M 
2,739 
854 
55 
125 

36,252 
680 
2,080 

38,652 
487 
1,069 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     221 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 48 Related Party Disclosures (continued) 

Group 

Interest and dividend income 
Interest expense 
Fees and commissions for services rendered 
Fees and commissions for services provided 

Loans, advances and equity contributions  
Derivative assets 
Other assets 

Deposits  
Derivative liabilities 
Other liabilities 

Bank 

Interest and dividend income 
Interest expense 
Fees and commissions for services rendered 
Fees and commissions for services provided 

Loans, advances and equity contributions  
Derivative assets 
Other assets 

Deposits  
Derivative liabilities 
Other liabilities 

For the year ended and as at 30 June 2005 

Associates 
$M 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Joint 
Ventures 
$M 
- 
- 
4 
6 

30 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

22 
- 
1 

- 
- 
1 

Total 
$M 
- 
- 
4 
6 

52 
- 
1 

- 
- 
1 

For the year ended and as at 30 June 2005 

Subsidiaries 
$M 
1,715 
496 
48 
126 

Associates 
$M 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Joint 
Ventures 
$M 
- 
- 
4 
5 

29,161 
- 
1,897 

26,428 
- 
918 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
1 

- 
- 
1 

Total 
$M 
1,715 
496 
52 
131 

29,161 
- 
1,898 

26,428 
- 
919 

Refer to Note 45 for details of controlled entities. 

The  Bank’s  aggregate  investment  in  and  loans  to  controlled 
entities are disclosed in Note 18. 

Amounts due to controlled entities are disclosed in the Balance 
Sheet of the Bank. 

Details of amounts paid to or received from related parties, in the 
form of dividends or interest, are set out in Note 2. 

All  transactions  between  Group  entities  are  eliminated  on 
consolidation. 

222     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 48 Related Party Disclosures (continued) 

Equity Holdings of Key Management Personnel 

Shareholdings 

All shares were acquired by Directors on normal terms and conditions or through the Non-Executive Directors’ Share Plan. 

Shares awarded under the Equity Reward Plan and the mandatory component of the Equity Participation Plan are registered in the 
name of the Trustee. For further details of the Non-Executive Directors’ Share Plan, Equity Reward Plan, previous Executive Option 
Plan and Equity Participation Plan refer to Note 33. 

Details  of  shareholdings  of  Key  Management  Personnel  (or  close  family  or  entities  controlled,  jointly  controlled,  or  significantly 
influenced by them, or any entity over which any of the aforementioned hold significant voting power) are as follows: 

Shares held by Directors  

Name 
Directors 
R J Clairs 
A B Daniels (3) 
C R Galbraith 
S C H Kay 
W G Kent  
D V Murray (4) 

R J Norris (5) 

F D Ryan 
J M Schubert 
F J Swan 
B K Ward (6) 

Total For Directors 

Class 

Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 

Balance 
1 July 2005  

13,357 
17,669 
8,824 
3,669 
15,286 
323,638 
21,866 
325,000 
10,000 
- 
7,430 
18,508 
5,954 
5,766 
430,101 
21,866 
325,000 

Acquired/Granted 
as 

Compensation 

(1)

776 
721 
740 
721 
740 
- 
- 
- 
- 
100,328 
812 
2,165 
704 
739 
8,118 
- 
100,328 

On Exercise of 
Options 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
250,000 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
250,000 
- 
- 

Net Change  

(2)

Other 

- 
301 
466 
- 
87 
(78,093) 
(21,866) 
(325,000) 
- 
- 
- 
515 
316 
124 
(76,284) 
(21,866) 
(325,000) 

Balance 
30 June 2006  

14,133 
18,691 
10,030 
4,390 
16,113 
495,545 
- 
- 
10,000 
100,328 
8,242 
21,188 
6,974 
6,629 
611,935 
- 
100,328 

(1) For Non-Executive Directors, this represents shares acquired under NEDSP on 2 September 2005 and 15 March 2006 by mandatory sacrifice of fees. All shares 

acquired through NEDSP are subject to a 10 year trading restriction (shares will be tradeable earlier if the Director leaves the Board). See Note 33 Share Capital to 
the Financial Statements for further details on the NEDSP. For Mr Norris, this represents Reward Shares granted under the Equity Reward Plan (ERP) and subject 
to a performance hurdle. The first possible date for meeting the performance hurdle is 15 July 2008 with the last possible date for vesting being 15 July 2010. See 
Note 33 Share Capital to the Financial Statements for further details on the ERP. 

(2) ‘Net change other’ incorporates changes resulting from purchases and sales during the year by Directors and, for Mr Murray, vesting of deferred STI shares on 

retirement (which became Ordinary shares). 

(3) A related party of Mr Daniels beneficially holds an investment of $62,838 in Colonial First State Global Health and Biotech Fund, $403,860 in Colonial First State 

Future Leaders Fund and $361,464 in Colonial First State Imputation Fund. 

(4) Mr Murray retired on 22 September 2005. Mr Murray acquired 10,000 PERLS III securities during the year and continued to hold them at 30 June 2006.   

(5) Mr Norris commenced on 22 September 2005. 

(6) Ms Ward continued to hold 250 PERLS II securities at 30 June 2006. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     223 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 48 Related Party Disclosures (continued) 

Shares held by Key Management Personnel 

Name 
Executives 
M A Cameron 

L G Cupper (3) 

S I Grimshaw 

H D Harley 

M R Harte (4) 

M A Katz (5) 

Class 

Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 

R V McKinnon (6)  Ordinary 

Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 
Ordinary 
Deferred STI 
Reward Shares 

G L Mackrell 

J K O’Sullivan 

G A Petersen 

Total for Key 
Management 
Personnel 

(1) Represents: 

Balance  
30 June 2005 

- 
8,094 
60,430 
44,540 
9,385 
84,000 
16,365 
14,133 
113,800 
25,852 
10,241 
85,700 
- 
- 
- 
303,748 
14,061 
139,130 
43,991 
7,083 
58,750 
27,319 
10,134 
83,230 
5,565 
6,702 
59,440 
8,572 
5,177 
35,500 
475,952 
85,010 
719,980 

Acquired/Granted 
as  

Compensation 

(1)

- 
- 
29,190 
- 
- 
22,440 
- 
- 
35,140 
- 
- 
32,440 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
38,380 
- 
- 
17,030 
- 
- 
27,570 
- 
- 
23,250 
- 
- 
20,280 
- 
- 
245,720 

On Exercise of 
Options 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
100,000 
- 
- 
87,500 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
250,000 
- 
- 
37,500 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
475,000 
- 
- 

Net Change  

(2)

Other 

- 
(5,246) 
- 
6,815 
(6,118) 
- 
(91,057) 
(9,442) 
- 
(87,071) 
(6,388) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(378,748) 
(14,061) 
(177,510) 
(81,491) 
(7,083) 
(75,780) 
7,611 
(6,742) 
- 
3,351 
(3,351) 
- 
1,335 
(3,327) 
- 
(619,255) 
(61,758) 
(253,290) 

Balance  
30 June 2006 

- 
2,848 
89,620 
51,355 
3,267 
106,440 
25,308 
4,691 
148,940 
26,281 
3,853 
118,140 
- 
- 
- 
175,000 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
34,930 
3,392 
110,800 
8,916 
3,351 
82,690 
9,907 
1,850 
55,780 
331,697 
23,252 
712,410 

•  Deferred STI - acquired under the mandatory component of the Bank’s Equity Participation Plan (EPP). Shares were purchased on 31 October 2004 in two equal 

tranches, vesting on 1 July 2005 and 1 July 2006 respectively. See Note 33 for further details on the EPP. 

•  Reward Shares - granted under the Equity Reward Plan (ERP) and are subject to a performance hurdle. The first possible date for meeting the performance hurdle 

is 16 July 2008 with the last possible date for vesting being 15 July 2010. See Note 33 for further details on the ERP. 

(2) ‘Net change other’ incorporates changes resulting from purchases and sales during the year by Executives and vesting of Deferred STI and Reward Shares (which 

became Ordinary shares). 

(3) Mr Cupper acquired 6,000 PERLS III securities during the year, and continued to hold them at 30 June 2006. 

(4) Mr Harte commenced on 10 April 2006. 

(5) Mr Katz ceased employment on 24 March 2006. Mr Katz acquired 2,250 PERLS III securities during the year, and continued to hold these and 250 PERLS II 

securities as at 30 June 2006. 

(6) Mr McKinnon ceased employment on 31 December 2005. 

224     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 48 Related Party Disclosures (continued) 

Option Holdings 

Name  
Directors 
D V Murray 
(retired on 22 September 2005) 
R J Norris 
(commenced on 22 September 2005) 

Executives 
M A Cameron 
L G Cupper 
S I Grimshaw 
H D Harley 
M R Harte 
M A Katz 
(ceased employment on 24 March 2006) 
R V McKinnon 
(ceased employment on 31 December 2005) 
G L Mackrell 
J K O’Sullivan 
G A Petersen 
Total for Key Management Personnel 

Vested and Exercisable at 

30 June 2006 

(1)

Balance 
1 July 2005 

Options 
Exercised  

Balance 
30 June 2006 

Number 

Exercise Price  
$ 

250,000 

(250,000)

- 

-

- 
75,000 
100,000 
87,500 
- 

-
-
(100,000)
(87,500)
-

- 

- 

- 
75,000 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
75,000 
- 
- 
- 

250,000 

(250,000)

- 

- 

37,500 
- 
- 
- 
800,000 

(37,500)
- 
- 
- 
(725,000)

- 
- 
- 
- 
75,000 

- 
- 
- 
- 
75,000 

- 

- 

- 
30. 12 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
n/a 

(1) ‘Vested and Exercisable’ options represents those granted on 3 September 2001 with an exercise price of $30.12. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     225 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 48 Related Party Disclosures (continued) 

Shares Vested and Options Exercised During the Year  

Name 
Directors 
D V Murray (3) 
R J Norris (4) 

Executives 
M A Cameron 
L G Cupper 
S I Grimshaw 
H D Harley 

M R Harte (5) 
M A Katz (6) 

R V McKinnon (7) 
G L Mackrell 
J K O’Sullivan 
G A Petersen 
Total for Key 
Management 
Personnel 

Deferred STI 
Vested 

Reward Shares 
Vested 

21,866 
- 

5,246 
6,118 
9,442 
6,388 

- 
14,061 

4,696 
6,742 
3,351 
3,327 

81,237 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

Shares Granted on Exercise of Options 

Exercise Price 
$ 

Value in Excess  
of Exercise 
(1)
Price 

$ 

Total Value 
of Options 
(2)

Exercised 

$ 

30. 12 
- 

- 
- 
30. 12 
26. 97 
30. 12 
- 
26. 97 
30. 12 
30. 12 
- 
- 
- 

n/a 

10. 88 

2,720,000 

- 
- 
7. 15 
16. 85 
13. 70 
- 
18. 48 
15. 33 
13. 53 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
715,000 
631,875 
685,000 
- 
2,310,000 
1,916,250 
507,375 
- 
- 
- 

n/a 

9,485,500 

Number 

250,000 

- 
- 
100,000 
37,500 
50,000 
- 
125,000 
125,000 
37,500 
- 
- 
- 

725,000 

(1) “Value in Excess of Exercise Price” represents the difference between the exercise price and closing market value of CBA shares on date of exercise. 

(2) “Total Value of Options Exercised” represents the number of options exercised multiplied by the “Value in Excess of Exercise Price”. No options were granted or 

lapsed during the year. Accordingly, this value represents the total value of options that were granted, lapsed and exercised during the year. 

(3) Mr Murray retired on 22 September 2005 and deferred STI vested at this time. 

(4) Mr Norris commenced on 22 September 2005. 

(5) Mr Harte commenced in the role on 10 April 2006. 

(6) Mr Katz ceased employment on 24 March 2006. 

(7) Mr McKinnon ceased employment on 31 December 2005. 

226     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 48 Related Party Disclosures (continued) 

Loans to Key Management Personnel 

All loans to Key Management Personnel (or related entities controlled or significantly influenced by them) have been provided on an 
arms-length commercial basis including the term of the loan, security required and the interest rate (which may be fixed or variable).  

Total Loans to Key Management Personnel 

Year Ended 
30 June 

Balance  
1 July 
$000s 

Interest 
Charged 
$000s 

Interest Not 
Charged  
$000s 

Write-off 

$000s 

Balance 
30 June 
$000s 

Number in 
Group at 
30 June 

Directors 

Executives  

Total for Key 
Management 
Personnel 

2006 
2005 

2006 
2005 

2006 
2005 

- 
2 

9,894 
8,706 

9,894 
8,708 

379 
- 

550 
523 

929 
523 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

5,729 
3 

9,284 
8,803 

15,013 
8,806 

1 
1 

7 
6 

8 
7 

Individual Loans above $100,000 to Key Management Personnel 

Balance 
1 July 2005 
$000s 

Interest 
Charged 
$000s 

Interest Not 
Charged 
$000s 

Write-off 

$000s 

Balance 
30 June 2006 
$000s 

Highest 
Balance 
in Period 
$000s  

Directors 
D V Murray 

Executives 
M A Cameron 

S I Grimshaw 

H D Harley 

M A Katz 

G L Mackrell 
J K O’Sullivan 

G A Petersen 

Total for Key  
Management  
Personnel 

- 

379 

- 
- 
1,485 
- 
332 
243 
347 
175 
175 
500 
100 
1,080 
1,500 
392 
696 
258 
647 
200 
201 
400 
800 

9,531 

5 
3 
73 
16 
19 
11 
7 
11 
11 
31 
- 
43 
97 
26 
42 
17 
42 
12 
7 
11 
52 

915 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

5,729 

5,729 

358 
300 
857 
391 
304 
- 
- 
175 
175 
500 
100 
1,017 
1,500 
582 
614 
274 
647 
200 
- 
155 
800 

546 
302 
1,485 
394 
334 
243 
427 
175 
175 
500 
100 
1,080 
1,500 
587 
696 
277 
647 
200 
203 
400 
800 

14,678 

16,800 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     227 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 49 Notes to the Statements of Cash Flows 

Note 49(a) Reconciliation of Operating Profit after Income Tax to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 

Net profit after income tax 
Net (Increase)/decrease in interest receivable 
Increase in interest payable 
Net decrease in trading securities 
Net (increase) in assets at fair value through Income Statement  
(excluding life insurance) 
Net (gain) on sale of investments 
Net (gain)/loss on sale of controlled entities and associates 
Decrease/(increase) in derivative assets  
(Gain)/loss on sale property plant and equipment 
Charge for bad debts 
Depreciation and amortisation  
Increase in liabilities at fair value through Income Statement  
(excluding life insurance)  
(Decrease)/increase in derivative liabilities 
(Decrease) in other provisions 
(Decrease)/increase in income taxes payable 
Increase/(decrease) in deferred income taxes payable 
Decrease/(increase) in deferred tax assets 
(Increase)/decrease in accrued fees/reimbursements receivable 
Increase in accrued fees and other items payable  
Amortisation of premium on investment securities 
Unrealised loss on revaluation of trading securities 
Unrealised (gain) on revaluation of assets at fair value through Income Statement 
(excluding life insurance) 
Change in life insurance contract policy liabilities  
Decrease in managed fund units on sale  
Increase in cash flow hedge reserve 
Dividend received from controlled entities 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities arising from cash flow movements  
Other 
Net Cash (used in) Operating Activities 

Group 

2005 
$M 
3,410 
(17) 
64 
318 

- 
(8) 
13 
- 
(4) 
322 
176 

- 
- 
(86) 
406 
332 
(86) 
(41) 
106 
(4) 
408 

- 
56 
- 
- 
- 
(5,921) 
220 
(336) 

Year Ended 30 June 
Bank 

2006 
$M 
4,267 
219 
24 
- 

(2,620) 
- 
- 
(381) 
2 
380 
155 

504 
78 
(50) 
(430) 
(434) 
727 
71 
217 
- 
- 

(22) 
- 
- 
7 
(2,080) 
(2,405) 
144 
(1,627) 

2005 
$M 
3,012 
(667)
531 
505 

- 
(4)
35 
- 
(4)
292 
95 

- 

(79)
406 
209 
(337)
94 
9 
(4)
454 

- 
- 
- 
(988)
(1,420)
100 
2,239 

2006 
$M 
3,959 
(99)
784 
- 

(53)
- 
(163)
128 
(4)
398 
209 

1,374 
(445)
(92)
(455)
182 
184 
(88)
133 
- 
- 

(112)
(814)
(46)
31 
- 
(3,458)
(387)
(1,166)

Note 49(b) Reconciliation of Cash 

For the purposes of the statement of cash flows, cash includes cash, money at short call, at call deposits with other financial institutions and 
settlement account balances with other banks.  

Notes, coins and cash 
Other short term liquid assets 
Receivables due from other financial institutions – at call (1) 
Payables due to other financial institutions – at call (1) 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

2006 
$M 
1,703 
491 
4,657 
(4,813)
2,038 

Group 

2005 
$M 
1,723 
859 
2,893 
(4,199) 
1,276 

Year Ended 30 June 

2006 
$M 
1,213 
342 
3,437 
(4,751) 
241 

Bank 

2005 
$M 
1,318 
415 
2,737 
(4,156)
314 

(1) At call includes certain receivables and payables due from and to financial institutions within three months. 

228     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 49 Notes to the Statements of Cash Flows (continued) 

Note 49(c) Disposal of Controlled Entities 

Disposal Proceeds  
Cash received on disposals 

Fair value of net tangible assets disposed 
Cash and liquid assets 
Assets at fair value through Income Statement 

Trading  
Insurance  
Other  
Other assets 
Life Insurance policy liabilities  
Bills payable and other liabilities 
Profit on sale 
Cash consideration received 
Inflows of cash on disposals 
Cash payments 
Less cash and cash equivalents disposed 
Net cash inflow on disposal 

Note 49(d) Non Cash Financing and Investing Activities 

Shares issued under the Dividend Reinvestment Plan for 2006 were $481 million. 

Note 49(e) Acquisition of Controlled Entities 

Consideration  
Cash paid on acquisitions 

Fair value of net tangible assets acquired 
Cash and liquid assets 
Other intangibles 
Other assets 
Bills payable and other liabilities 
Minority interests  
Goodwill 
Cash consideration paid 
Outflow/(inflows) of cash on acquisitions 
Cash payments 
Less cash and cash equivalents acquired 
Net cash outflow on acquisition 

Note 49(f) Financing Facilities  

Standby funding lines are immaterial. 

2006 
$M 

608 
608 

55 

- 
2,297 
- 
148 
(1,996) 
(41) 
145 
608 

608 
(55) 
553 

2005 
$M 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

2006 
$M 

2005 
$M 

414 
414 

- 
122 
167 
(8) 
126 
7 
414 

414 
- 
414 

44 
44 

4 
- 
4 
(8)
- 
44 
44 

44 
(4)
40 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     229 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 50 Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments 

50(a) Fair Value of Financial Assets and Financial 
Liabilities 

These  amounts  represent  estimates  of  the  fair  values  of  the 
Group’s  financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  at  balance  sheet 
date based on the following valuation methods and assumptions. 
Fair value is the amount for which an asset could be exchanged, 
or a liability settled, between knowledgeable, willing parties in an 
arm’s  length  transaction.  Quoted  market  prices  are  used  to 
determine  fair  value  where  an  active  market  (such  as  a 
recognised  stock  exchange)  exists,  as  it  is  the  best  evidence  of 
the fair value of a financial instrument. Quoted market prices are 
not,  however,  available  for  a  significant  number  of  the  financial 
assets and liabilities held and issued by the Group. Therefore, for 
financial  instruments  where  no  quoted  market  price  is  available, 
the  fair  values  presented  in  the  following  table  have  been 
estimated  using  present  value  or  other  valuation  techniques 
based  on  market  conditions  existing  at  balance  sheet  dates. 
These  valuation  techniques  rely  on  market  observable  inputs 
wherever  possible,  or  in  a  limited  number  of  instances,  rely  on 
inputs  which  are  reasonable  assumptions  based  on  market 
conditions at balance date. 

While the fair value amounts are designed to represent estimates 
at  which  these  instruments  could  be  exchanged  in  a  current 
transaction between willing parties, many of the Group’s financial 
instruments lack an available trading market as characterised by 
willing parties engaging in an exchange transaction.  

Assets  
Cash and liquid assets  
Receivables from other financial institutions 
Assets at Fair Value through Income Statement: 

Trading  
Insurance 
Other  

Derivative assets (1) 
Available-for-sale investments  
Investment securities  
Loans, advances and other receivables  
Bank acceptances of customers  
Other assets  

Liabilities  
Deposits and other public borrowings 
Payables due to other financial institutions 
Liabilities at Fair Value through Income Statement 
Derivative liabilities (1) 
Bank acceptances 
Insurance policy liabilities  
Debt issues 
Managed fund units on issue 
Bills payable and other liabilities 
Loan capital 
Asset and liability hedges – unrealised gains/(losses) (1) 

In addition, it is the Bank’s intent to hold most of its financial 
instruments to maturity and therefore it is not probable that the 
fair values shown would be realised in a current transaction. 

liabilities 

that  are  not  considered 

The estimated fair values disclosed do not reflect the value of 
assets  and 
financial 
instruments.  In  addition,  the  value  of  long-term  relationships 
with depositors (core deposit intangibles) and other customers 
(credit card intangibles) are not reflected. The value of these 
items is considered significant. 

Because  of  the  wide  range  of  valuation  techniques  and  the 
numerous estimates that must be made, it may be difficult to 
make  reasonable  comparisons  of  the  Bank’s  fair  value 
information  with  that  of  other  financial  institutions.  It  is 
important  that  the  many  uncertainties  discussed  above  be 
considered  when  using  the  estimated  fair  value  disclosures 
and  to  realise  that  because  of  these  uncertainties,  the 
aggregate fair value amount should in no way be construed as 
representative  of  the  underlying  value  of  the  Commonwealth 
Bank of Australia. 

  Group 2006 

  Group 2005 

Carrying 
Value 
$M 

5,131 
7,107 

15,758 
24,437 
2,944 
9,675 
11,203 
- 
259,176 
18,310 
5,190 

173,227 
11,184 
13,811 
10,820 
18,310 
22,225 
78,591 
1,109 
6,053 
9,895 
- 

Fair 
 Value 
$M 

5,131 
7,107 

15,758 
24,437 
2,944 
9,675 
11,203 
- 
258,547 
18,310 
5,190 

173,108 
11,184 
13,811 
10,820 
18,310 
22,225 
76,645 
1,109 
6,056 
9,913 
- 

Carrying 
Value 
$M 

6,055 
6,087 

14,631 
27,484 
- 
- 
- 
10,838 
228,346 
16,786 
17,056 

168,026 
8,023 
- 
- 
16,786 
24,694 
70,765 
- 
17,551 
6,291 
- 

Fair 
 Value 
$M 

6,055 
6,087 

14,631 
27,484 
- 
- 
- 
10,999 
228,867 
16,786 
17,074 

168,562 
8,023 
- 
- 
16,786 
24,694 
69,799 
- 
17,548 
6,113 
(277)

(1) Following the adoption of AASB 132 and 139 at 1 July 2005 all derivatives including hedging derivatives are now at fair value on the balance sheet. For further 

details refer Note 11. 

230     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 50 Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued) 

50(a) Fair Value of Financial Assets and Financial 
Liabilities (continued) 

The  fair  value  estimates  were  determined  by  the  following 
methodologies and assumptions: 

Liquid assets and bank acceptances of customers 

The carrying values of cash and liquid assets, receivables from 
other  financial  institutions  and  bank  acceptances  of  customers 
approximate their fair value as they are short term in nature or 
are receivable on demand. 

Receivables  from  other  financial  institutions  also  includes 
statutory deposits with central banks. The fair value is assumed 
to  be  equal  to  the  carrying  value  as  the  Group  is  only  able  to 
continue  as  a  going  concern  with  the  maintenance  of  these 
deposits. 

Assets at Fair Value through Income Statement 

Assets at fair value through Income Statement are carried at fair 
value  determined  using  quoted  market  prices  or  valuation 
techniques including discounted cash flow models using market 
observable and non market observable inputs.  

Available-for-sale investments 

Assets available-for-sale are measured at fair value determined 
using  quoted  market  prices.  For  shares  in  companies,  the 
estimated  fair  values  are  estimated  based  on  market  price 
inputs.  

Loans, advances and other receivables 

The carrying value of loans, advances and other receivables is 
individually  assessed 
net  of  accumulated  collective  and 
provisions for impairment.  

For  variable  rate  loans,  excluding  impaired  loans,  the  carrying 
amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value. The fair value for 
fixed rate loans was calculated by utilising discounted cash flow 
models (i.e. the net present value of the portfolio future principal 
and interest cash flows), based on the maturity of the loans. The 
discount  rates  applied  were  based  on  the  current  benchmark 
rate offered for the average remaining term of the portfolio plus 
an add-on of the average credit margin of the existing portfolio, 
where appropriate. 

The fair value of impaired loans was calculated by discounting 
estimated  future  cash  flows  using  the  loan’s  original  effective 
interest rate.  

Retirement benefit surplus / (liability) 

The  fair  value  of  the  retirement  benefit  surplus  liability  is  the 
carrying value at balance sheet date determined using a present 
value  calculation  based  on  assumptions  that  are  outlined  in 
Note 44. 

All other financial assets 

Included  in  this  category  are  interest  and  fees  receivable, 
unrealised  income,  and  investments  in  associates  of  $190 
million  (2005:  $52  million),  where  the  carrying  amount  is 
considered  to  be  a  reasonable  estimate  of  fair  value.  Other 
financial assets are net of goodwill and other intangibles, future 
income  tax  benefits  and  prepayments/unamortised  payments, 
as these do not constitute financial instruments. 

Deposits and other public borrowings 

The carrying value of non interest bearing, call and variable rate 
deposits,  and  fixed  rate  deposits  repricing  within  six  months, 
approximate their value as they are short term in nature or are 
payable on demand. Discounted cash flow models based upon 
deposit type and its related maturity, were used to calculate the 
fair value of other term deposits. 

Short term liabilities 

The carrying value of payables to other financial institutions and 
bank acceptances approximate their fair value as they are short 
term in nature and reprice frequently. 

Debt issues and loan capital 

The fair values of debt issues and loan capital were calculated 
using  quoted  market  price  at  balance  sheet  date.  For  those 
debt  issues  where  quoted  market  prices  were  not  available, 
discounted  cash  flow  and  option  pricing  models  were  used, 
utilising  a  yield  curve  appropriate  to  the  expected  remaining 
maturity of the instrument. 

Liabilities at Fair Value through Income Statement 

Liabilities at Fair Value through Income Statement are carried at 
fair value  determined  using quoted market  prices, or valuation 
techniques including discounted cash flow models using market 
observable inputs.  

Derivative Assets and Liabilities  

The fair value of trading and hedging derivative contracts, were 
obtained  from  quoted  market  prices,  discounted  cash  flow 
models  or  option  pricing  models  that  used  market  based  and 
non market based inputs.  

The fair value of these instruments is disclosed in Note 11. 

Life Insurance Policy Holder Liabilities 

Life  insurance  policyholder  liabilities  are  measured  on  a  net 
present value basis using assumptions outlined in Note 38. This 
treatment  is  in  accordance  with  accounting  standard  AASB 
1038: Life Insurance Business. 

All other financial liabilities 

includes 

This  category 
interest  payable  and  unrealised 
expenses payable for which the carrying amount is considered 
to be a reasonable estimate of net fair value. For liabilities that 
are long term, fair values have been estimated using the rates 
currently  offered  for  similar  liabilities  with  remaining  maturities. 
Other  provisions  including  provision  for  dividend,  income  tax 
liability  and  unamortised  receipts  are  not  considered  financial 
instruments. 

Other off-balance sheet financial instruments (2005 only) 

The fair value of trading and hedging derivative contracts, were 
obtained  from  quoted  market  prices,  discounted  cash  flow 
models or option pricing models as appropriate. The fair value 
of these instruments is disclosed in Note 43. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     231 

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 

Note 50 Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued) 

50(c) The Impact of Profit of the Change in Fair Values 
of Financial instruments Estimated using a Valuation 
Technique 

The  Group  holds  a  large  portfolio  of  trading  securities  and 
derivatives that are measured at fair value using quoted market 
prices  and  valuation  techniques  based  on  market  observable 
assumptions. In addition, the Group holds a smaller portfolio of 
short  term  commercial  loans  and  debt  issues  that  have  been 
designated  at  Fair  Value  through  income  Statement  using 
valuation techniques based on market observable assumptions. 

The total amount of change in fair value recognised in profit for 
the  period  which  was  determined  using  valuation  techniques 
was $1,067 million net loss. This comprised an $82 million gain 
in  trading  income  and  a  $1,149  million  loss  in  other  operating 
income. 

50(a) Fair Value of Financial Assets and Financial 
Liabilities (continued) 

Commitments to extend credit, letters of credit, guarantees, 

warranties and indemnities issued 

The  fair  value  of  these  items  was  not  calculated  as  estimated 
fair  values  are  not  readily  ascertainable.  These  financial 
instruments generally relate to credit risk and attract fees in line 
with  market  prices  for  similar  arrangements.  They  are  not 
presently  sold  or  traded.  The  items  generally  do  not  involve 
cash payments other than in the event of default. The fee pricing 
is set as part of the broader customer credit process and reflects 
the probability of default. The fair value may be represented by 
the  present  value  of  fees  expected  to  be  received,  less 
associated  costs,  however  the  overall  level  of  fees  involved  is 
not material. 

50(b) The Impact of Fair Values Calculated Using Non-
market Observable Assumptions 

The Group’s exposure to financial instruments measured at fair 
value  based  in  full  or  in  part  on  non-market  observable 
assumptions  is  restricted  to  short  term  loans  and  margins  on 
trading securities where pricing is counterparty specific. 

These financial instruments comprise a small component of the 
portfolios  they  are  part  of  and  have  short  tenor,  such  that  any 
change  in  the  assumptions  used  to  value  the  instruments  to  a 
reasonably possible alternative do not have a material effect on 
the portfolio balance or the Group’s result. 

232     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
Directors’ Declaration 

In accordance with a resolution of the Directors of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia the Directors declare that : 

(a)  the  financial  statements  and  notes  thereto  of  the  Bank  and  the  Group,  and  the  additional  disclosures  included  in  the  Directors’ 
Report designated as audited, comply with Accounting Standards and in their opinion are in accordance with the Corporations Act 
2001; 

(b)  the financial statements and notes thereto give a true and fair view of the Bank’s and the Group’s financial position as at 30 June 

2006 and of their performance for the year ended on that date; 

(c)  in the opinion of the Directors, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Bank will be able to pay its debts as and when they 

become due and payable; and 

(d)  the  directors  have  been given  the declarations  required  under Section 295A  of the Corporations Act  2001  for the financial  year 

ended 30 June 2006 

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.  

J M Schubert 

Chairman 

23 August 2006 

R J Norris 

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     233 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Independent audit report to the members of Commonwealth Bank 
of Australia 

Scope 

The financial report, remuneration disclosures and directors’ responsibility 

The financial report comprises the balance sheet, income statement, statement of recognised income and 
expense,  statement  of  cash  flows,  accompanying  notes  to  the  financial  statements,  and  the  directors’ 
declaration  for  Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  (“the  Bank”)  and  the  consolidated  Group,  for  the  year 
ended 30 June 2006. The consolidated Group comprises both the Bank and the entities it controlled during 
that year. 

The  Bank  has  disclosed  information  as  required  by  paragraphs  Aus  25.4  to  Aus  25.7.2  of  Accounting 
Standard  124  Related  Party  Disclosures  (“remuneration  disclosures”),  under  the  heading  “Remuneration 
Report” on pages 51 to 68 of the directors’ report, as permitted by Corporations Regulation 2M.6.04. 

The directors of the Bank are responsible for preparing a financial report that gives a true and fair view of 
the  financial  position  and  performance  of  the  Bank  and  the  consolidated  entity,  and  that  complies  with 
Accounting  Standards  in  Australia,  in  accordance  with  the  Corporations  Act  2001.  This  includes 
responsibility for the maintenance of adequate accounting records and internal controls that are designed 
to prevent and detect fraud and error, and for the accounting policies and accounting estimates inherent in 
the  financial  report.  The  directors  are  also  responsible  for  the  remuneration  disclosures  contained  in  the 
directors’ report. 

Audit approach 

We conducted an independent audit of the financial report in order to express an opinion to the members of 
the Bank. Our audit was conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards in order to provide 
reasonable  assurance  as  to  whether  the  financial  report  is  free  of  material  misstatement  and  the 
remuneration  disclosures  comply  with  Accounting  Standard  AASB  124  Related  Party  Disclosures.  The 
nature of an audit is influenced by factors such as the use of professional judgement, selective testing, the 
inherent  limitations  of  internal  control,  and  the  availability  of  persuasive  rather  than  conclusive  evidence. 
Therefore, an audit cannot guarantee that all material misstatements have been detected. 

We performed procedures to assess whether in all material respects the financial report presents fairly, in 
accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including compliance with Accounting Standards in Australia, 
and  other  mandatory  financial  reporting  requirements  in  Australia,  a  view  which  is  consistent  with  our 
understanding  of  the  Bank’s  and  the  consolidated  entity’s  financial  position,  and  of  their  performance  as 
represented  by  the  results  of  their  operations  and  cash  flows  and  whether  the  remuneration  disclosures 
comply with Accounting Standard AASB 124 Related Party Disclosures. 

We formed our audit opinion on the basis of these procedures, which included: 

•  examining, on a test basis, information to provide evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in 

the financial report and the remuneration disclosures; and 

•  assessing the appropriateness of the accounting policies and disclosures used and the reasonableness 

of significant accounting estimates made by the directors. 

While  we  considered  the  effectiveness  of  management’s  internal  controls  over  financial  reporting  when 
determining the nature and extent of our procedures, our audit was not designed to provide assurance on 
internal controls. 

We  performed  procedures  to  assess  whether  the  substance  of  business  transactions  was  accurately 
reflected in the financial report and the remuneration disclosures. These and our other procedures did not 
include  consideration  or  judgement  of  the  appropriateness  or  reasonableness  of  the  business  plans  or 
strategies adopted by the directors2 and management of the Bank. 

234     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent audit report to the members of Commonwealth Bank 
of Australia 

Independence 
We are independent of the Bank and the consolidated entity and have met the independence requirements 
of Australian professional ethical pronouncements and the Corporations Act 2001. We have given to the 
directors  of  the  Bank  a  written  Auditor’s  Independence  Declaration  a  copy  of  which  is  included  in  the 
Directors’ Report. In addition to our audit of the financial report and the remuneration disclosures, we were 
engaged to undertake the services disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. The provision of these 
services has not impaired our independence. 

Audit opinion 
In our opinion:  

1.  the financial report of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia is in accordance with: 

a)  the Corporations Act 2001, including: 

i. 

ii. 

giving  a  true  and  fair  view  of  the  financial  position  of  Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  and  the 
consolidated Group at 30 June 2006 and of their performance for the year ended on that date; and 
complying with Accounting Standards in Australia and the Corporations Regulations 2001; and 

b)  other mandatory financial reporting requirements in Australia. 
2.  the remuneration disclosures that are contained on pages 51 to 68 of the directors’ report comply with 

Accounting Standard AASB 124 Related Party Disclosures. 

Ernst & Young 

Sydney  

23 August 2006 

S J Ferguson 

Partner 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     235 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholding Information 

Top 20 Holders of Fully Paid Ordinary Shares as at 18 August 2006 

Rank 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 

Name of Holder 
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited 
National Nominees Limited 
Westpac Custodian Nominees Ltd 
Citicorp Nominees Ltd 
RBC Dexia Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited 
ANZ Nominees Limited 
Cogent Nominees Pty limited 
Queensland Investment Corporation 
AMP Life Limited 
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 
Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited 
Bond Street Custodian Pty Limited 
Invia Custodian Pty Limited 
Westpac Financial Services Ltd 
UBS Wealth Management Australia Nominees Pty Ltd 
Australian Reward Investment Alliance 
Suncorp Custodian Services Pty Ltd 
Perpetual Trustee Co Ltd 
Belike Nominees Pty Limited 
CSFB Third Nominees Pty 

Number of Shares 
113,464,882 
111,655,869 
72,147,286 
71,998,891 
31,846,699 
29,898,579 
22,471,900 
16,508,932 
11,616,993 
8,668,658 
8,095,245 
7,183,574 
6,833,176 
4,989,074 
4,968,605 
2,935,854 
2,626,440 
2,524,354 
2,490,207 
2,428,198 

% 
8. 84 
8. 70 
5. 62 
5. 61 
2. 48 
2. 33 
1. 75 
1. 29 
0. 91 
0. 68 
0. 63 
0. 56 
0. 53 
0. 39 
0. 39 
0. 23 
0. 20 
0. 20 
0. 19 
0. 19 

The top 20 shareholders hold 535,353,416 shares which is equal to 41.72% of the total shares on issue 

Stock Exchange Listing 

The  shares  of  the  Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  are  listed 
on the Australian Stock Exchange under the trade symbol CBA, 
with Sydney being the home exchange. 

trading  activity  are  published 

in  most  daily 
Details  of 
newspapers,  generally  under  the  abbreviation  of  CBA  or 
C’wealth  Bank.  The  Bank  does  not  have  a  current  on-market 
buyback of its shares. 

Range of Shares (Fully Paid Ordinary Shares and Employee Shares): 18 August 2006 

Range 
1 – 1,000 
1,001 – 5,000 
5,001 – 10,000 
10,001 – 100,000 
100,001 and over 
Total 
Less than marketable parcel of $500 

Number of 
Shareholders 
525,439 
153,355 
14,017 
5,802 
271 
698,884 
12,493 

Percentage 
Shareholders 
75. 19 
21. 94 
2. 00 
0. 83 
0. 04 
100. 00 

Number of 
Shares 
181,715,794 
312,046,698 
96,342,827 
111,633,195 
581,515,795 
1,283,254,309 
15,641 

Percentage 
Issued Capital 
14. 16 
24. 32 
7. 51 
8. 70 
45. 31 
100. 00 

Voting Rights 

Under  the  Bank’s  Constitution,  each  person  who  is  a  voting 
member and who is present at a general meeting of the Bank in 
person or by proxy, attorney or official representative is entitled: 

•  on a show of hands – to one vote; and 
•  on a poll – to one vote for each share held or represented. 
If a person present at a general meeting represents personally 
or  by  proxy,  attorney  or  official  representative  more  than  one 
member, on a show of hands the person is entitled to one vote 
even though he or she represents more than one member. 

If a member is present in person and votes on a resolution, any 
proxy or attorney of that member is not entitled to vote. 

•  on  a  poll  only  one  official  representative  may  exercise  the 
member’s voting rights and the vote of each attorney shall be 
of no effect unless each is appointed to represent a specified 
proportion  of  the  member’s  voting  rights,  not  exceeding  in 
aggregate 100%. 

• 

• 

if a member appoints two proxies and both are present at the 
meeting: 

if the appointment does not specify the proportion or number 
of the member’s  votes each  proxy may  exercise, then on  a 
poll each proxy may exercise one half of the member’s votes;

•  neither  proxy  shall  be  entitled  to  vote  on  a  show  of  hands; 

and 

If more than one official representative or attorney is present for 
a member: 

•  on  a  poll  each  proxy  may  only  exercise  votes  in  respect  of 

those shares or voting rights the proxy represents. 

•  none of them is entitled to vote on a show of hands; and 

236     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Top 20 Holders of Preferred Exchangeable Resettable Listed Securities II (“PERLS II”) as at 18 August 2006 

Shareholding Information 

Rank 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 

Name of Holder 
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited 
National Nominees Limited  
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 
UBS Nominees Pty Ltd 
UBS Warburg Private Clients Nominees Pty Ltd 
Questor Financial Services Limited 
RBC Dexia Services Australia Nominees Limited 
Invia Custodian Pty Limited 
Westpac Custodian Nominees Limited 
Bond Street Custodians Limited 
ANZ Nominees Limited 
The Australian National University Investment Section 
Gordon Merchant No 2 Pty Ltd 
Clycut Pty Ltd 
J Neave Investments Pty Limited 
Cogent Nominees Pty Limited 
Cryton Investments No 9 Pty Ltd 
Tynong Pastoral Co Pty Ltd 
Woodross Nominees Pty Ltd 
Perpetual Trustee Company Limited 

Number of Units 

336,831 
179,669 
114,175 
99,570 
90,780 
67,631 
65,135 
51,550 
50,000 
39,754 
30,912 
25,000 
24,440 
21,892 
19,697 
19,581 
17,600 
17,450 
16,000 
15,066 

% 
8. 98 
4. 79 
3. 04 
2. 66 
2. 42 
1. 80 
1. 74 
1. 37 
1. 33 
1. 06 
0. 82 
0. 67 
0. 65 
0. 58 
0. 53 
0. 52 
0. 47 
0. 47 
0. 43 
0. 40 

The  top  20  PERLS  II  unitholders  hold  1,302,733  units  which  is  equal  to  34.73%  of  the  total  units  on  issue.  More  than  20  PERLS 
unitholders are disclosed in the above table due to a number of unitholders having the same number of PERLS II. 

Stock Exchange Listing 

PERLS II are units in a registered managed investment scheme 
of  which  Commonwealth  Managed  Investments  Limited  is  the 
responsible  entity  and  are  listed  on  the  Australian  Stock 
Exchange  under  the  trade  symbol  PCBPA,  with  Sydney  being 
the home exchange. Details of trading activity are published in 
most daily newspapers. 

Range of Units (PERLS II): 18 August 2006 

Range 
1 – 1,000 
1,001 – 5,000 
5,001 – 10,000 
10,001 – 100,000 
100,001 and over 
Total 
Less than marketable parcel of $500 

Number of 
Unitholders 
9,203 
310 
36 
26 
2 
9,577 
3 

Percentage 
Unitholders 
96. 09 
3. 24 
0. 38 
0. 27 
0. 02 
100. 00 

Number of 
Units 
1,531,679 
694,594 
274,297 
732,930 
516,500 
3,750,000 
4 

Percentage 
Issued Units 
40. 85 
18. 52 
7. 31 
19. 55 
13. 77 
100. 00 

Voting Rights 

•  On a proposal that affects rights attached to Commonwealth 

PERLS II do not confer any voting rights in the Bank but if they 
are exchanged for or convert into ordinary shares or preference 
shares of the Bank in accordance with their terms of issue, the 
voting rights of the Bank’s ordinary shares are set out on page 
236 and Article 3.2.7 of the Bank’s Constitution. 

The  holders  will  be  entitled  to  receive  notice  of  any  general 
meeting  of  the  Bank  and  a  copy  of  every  circular  or  other  like 
document sent out by the Bank to ordinary shareholders and to 
attend any general meeting of the Bank. 

The holders will not be entitled to vote at a general meeting of 
the Bank except in the following circumstances: 

• 

If at the time of the meeting, a  dividend has been declared 
but has not been paid in full by the relevant payment date; 

•  On a proposal to reduce the Bank’s share capital; 
•  On  a  resolution  to  approve  the  terms  of  a  buy-back 

agreement; 

Bank PERLS; 

•  On a proposal to wind up the Bank; 
•  On  a  proposal  for  the  disposal  of  the  whole  of  the  Bank’s 

property, business and undertaking; 
•  During the winding up of the Bank; or 
•  As  otherwise  required  under  the  Listing  Rules  from  time  to 
time, in which case the holders will have the same rights as 
to manner of attendance and as to voting in respect of each 
unit  as  those  conferred  on  ordinary  shareholders  in  respect 
of each ordinary share. 

At a general meeting of the Bank, holders are entitled: 

•  On  a  show  of  hands,  to  exercise  one  vote  when  entitled  to 

vote in respect of the matters listed above; and 

•  On a poll, to one vote for each unit. 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     237 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholding Information 

Top 20 Holders of Preferred Exchangeable Resettable Listed Securities III (“PERLS III”) as at 18 August 2006 

Rank 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 

Name of Holder 
AMP Life Limited 
RBC Dexia Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited 
UBS Wealth Management Australia Nominees Pty Ltd 
Cogent Nominees Pty Limited 
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited 
Bond Street Custodian Limited 
ANZ Executors & Trustee Company Limited 
Goldman Sachs JB Were Pty Ltd 
Goldman Sachs JB Were Capital Markets Ltd 
Mr Walter Lawton + Mrs Jan Rynette Lawton 
Invia Custodian Pty Limited 
The Australian National University Investment Section 
Mr Reginald Surtees Geary 
National Nominees Limited 
Citicorp Nominees Pty limited 
Questor Financial Services Limited 
Truckmate (Australia) Pty Ltd 
Equity Trustees Limited 
Kerlon Pty Ltd 
Australian Executor Trustees Limited 

Number of Shares 
375,000 
169,791 
153,734 
140,476 
108,025 
93,909 
75,333 
75,000 
72,001 
60,000 
54,045 
51,282 
50,000 
42,885 
35,320 
35,061 
35,000 
30,639 
30,000 
28,168 

% 
6. 43 
2. 91 
2. 64 
2. 41 
1. 85 
1. 61 
1. 29 
1. 29 
1. 23 
1. 03 
0. 93 
0. 88 
0. 86 
0. 74 
0. 61 
0. 60 
0. 60 
0. 53 
0. 51 
0. 48 

The top 20 PERLS III shareholders hold 1,715,669 shares which is equal to 29.43% of the total shares on issue 

Stock Exchange Listing 

PERLS  III  are  preference  shares  issued  by  Preferred  Capital 
Limited (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank) and are listed 
on  the  Australian  Stock  Exchange  under  the  trade  symbol 
PCAPA,  with  Sydney  being  the  home  exchange.  Details  of 
trading activity are published in most daily newspapers. 

Range of Shares (PERLS III): 18 August 2006 

Range 
1 – 1,000 
1,001 – 5,000 
5,001 – 10,000 
10,001 – 100,000 
100,001 and over 
Total 
Less than marketable parcel of $500 

Number of 
Shareholders 
15,397 
510 
38 
45 
4 
15,994 
16 

Percentage 
Shareholders 
96. 26 
3. 19 
0. 24 
0. 28 
0. 03 
100. 00 

Number of 
Shares 
2,428,892 
1,120,472 
300,646 
1,222,126 
760,145 
5,832,281 
31 

Percentage 
Issued Capital 
41. 65 
19. 21 
5. 16 
20. 95 
13. 03 
100. 00 

Voting Rights 

Trust Preferred Securities 

PERLS III do not confer any voting rights in the Bank but if they 
are exchanged for or convert into ordinary shares or preference 
shares of the Bank in accordance with their terms of issue, the 
voting  rights  of the  ordinary or preference shares  (as the  case 
may be) will be as set out on pages 236 and 237 respectively 
for the Bank’s ordinary shares and preference shares. 

550,000  Trust  Preferred  Securities  were  issued  on  6  August 
2003.  Cede  &  Co  is  registered  as  the  sole  holder  of  these 
securities. 

700,000  Trust  Preferred  Securities  were  issued  on  15  March 
2006.  Cede  &  Co  is  registered  as  the  sole  holder  of  these 
securities. 

The Trust Preferred Securities do not confer any voting rights in 
the Bank  but if they  are exchanged for  or convert into ordinary 
shares or preference shares of the Bank in accordance with their 
terms  of  issue,  the  voting  rights  of  the  ordinary  or  preference 
shares (as the case may be) will be as set out on pages 236 and 
237 respectively for the Bank’s ordinary shares and preference 
shares. 

238     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International Representation 

Singapore 
CBA Branch Office 
3 Temasek Avenue #20-01 
Centennial Tower 
Singapore 039190 
Telephone: (65) 6349 7000 
Facsimile: (65) 6224 5812 
General Manager 
R Buchan 

First State Investments (Singapore) 
3 Temasek Avenue 
#20-01 Centennial Tower 
Singapore 039190 
Telephone: (65) 6538 0008 
Facsimile: (65) 6538 0800 
Regional Head Asia 
L Mann 

Vietnam 
CBA Representative Office 
Suite 202-203A 
The Central Building  
31 Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi 
Telephone: (84 4) 826 9899 
Facsimile: (84 4) 824 3961 

Bao Minh CMG Life Insurance Co Ltd 
Level 3, Saigon Riverside Office Center 
2A-4A Ton Duc Thang 
District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 
Telephone: (84 4) 829 1919 
Facsimile: (84 4) 829 3131 
General Director 
R Carkeet 

Americas 
United States of America 
CBA Branch Office 
Level 17, 599 Lexington Avenue  
New York NY 10022 
Telephone: (1 212) 848 9200 
Facsimile: (1 212) 336 7725 
General Manager, Head of North America 
L C Tuzo 

Europe 
United Kingdom 
CBA Branch Office 
Senator House 
85 Queen Victoria Street 
London EC4V 4HA 
Telephone: (44 20) 7710 3999 
Facsimile: (44 20) 7710 3939 
Regional General Manager Europe & North 
America 
P Orchart 

First State Investments (UK) Limited 
3rd Floor, 30 Cannon Street 
London EC4M 6YQ 
Telephone: (44 20) 7332 6500 
Facsimile: (44 20) 7332 6501 

Edinburgh 
23 St Andrew Square 
Edinburgh EH2 1BB 
Telephone: (44 131) 473 2200 
Facsimile: (44 131) 473 2222 
Managing Partners 
S Paul & A Tulloch 

Australia 
Head Office 
Commonwealth Bank of Australia 
48 Martin Place, 
Sydney NSW 1155 
Telephone: (61 2) 9378 2000 

New Zealand 
ASB Bank Limited 
Level 28 ASB Bank Centre 
135 Albert Street, Auckland 
Telephone: (64 9) 377 8930 
Facsimile: (64 9) 358 3511 
Managing Director 
H Burrett 

Sovereign Group Limited 
33-45 Hurstmere Road 
Takapuna, Auckland 
Telephone: (64 9) 487 9000 
Facsimile: (64 9) 486 1913 
Acting Managing Director 
J Raby 

Asia Pacific 
Fiji Islands 
Colonial National Bank 
Colonial Life Limited 
3 Central Street, Suva 
Telephone: (67 9) 3214 400 
Facsimile: (67 9) 3303 448 
Managing Director 
L Mellsop 

China 
CBA Representative Office 
2909 China World Towers 1 
1 Jian Guo Men Wai Avenue 
Beijing 100004 
Telephone: (86 10) 6505 5350 
Facsimile: (86 10) 6505 5354 
Chief Representative 
Y T Au 

Room 3805-3806 K.Wah Centre 
1010 Huahai (M) Road 
Shanghai 200031 
Telephone: (86 21) 6103 6500 
Facsimile: (86 21) 6103 6598 
Head of China Retail Banking 
Vicky Liem 

CommFinance 
Room 3805-3806 K.Wah Centre 
1010 Huahai (M) Road 
Shanghai 200031 
Telephone: (86 21) 6103 6500 
Facsimile: (86 21) 6103 6598 
Chief Executive Officer 
L. Zhang 

China Life – CMG Asia Life Assurance Co Ltd 
21st Floor 
China Insurance Building 
166 Lujiazui Dong Road 
Shanghai 200120 
Telephone: (86 21) 5882 5245 
Facsimile: (86 21) 6887 5720 
General Manager 
C Lee 

CBA Representative Office 
Room 4007 Bund Center 
222 Yan An Road East 
Shanghai 200002 
Telephone: (86 21) 6335 1686 
Facsimile: (86 21) 6335 1766 

First State Cinda Fund Management 
No. 29 Dong Zhong Street 
Dong Cheng District 
Beijing 
Telephone: (86 10) 6418 1266 
Facsimile: (86 10) 6418 1243 
Regional Head Asia 
L Mann 

Hong Kong 
15th Floor, Chater House 
8 Connaught Place,  
Central 
Hong Kong  
Telephone: (852) 2844 7500 
Facsimile: (852) 2845 9194 
Regional General Manager Asia 
S Poon 

Hong Kong Commonwealth Bank of Australia 
Room 1501 – 1505, Chater House 
8 Connaught Road Centre 
Hong Kong 
Telephone: (852) 3667 8900 
Facsimile: (852) 3667 8939 
Executive General Manager 
P Fancke 

First State Investments (Hong Kong) Limited 
Level 6 Three Exchange Square 
8 Connaught Place, Central 
Hong Kong  
Telephone: (852) 2846 7555 
Facsimile: (852) 2868 4742/4783 
Regional Head Asia 
L Mann 

India 
CBA Representative Office 
Unit 201, Level 2 (front portion) of Embassy 
Classic 
No. 11, Vittal Mallya Road 
Bangalore 560001  
Telephone: (91 80) 2210 7411 
Fascimile: (91 80) 5112 1462 
Chief Representative 
Ravi Kushan 

Indonesia 
PT Bank Commonwealth 
Ground Flr, Wisma Metropolitan II 
Jl. Jendral Sudirman Kav. 29-31 
Jakarta 12920 
Telephone: (62 21) 5296 1222 
Facsimile: (62 21) 5296 2293 
President Director 
S Brewis-Weston 

PT Astra CMG Life 
11/F Sentra Mulia 
Jl. H.R. Rason Said, Kav X-6 No 8 
Jakarta 12940 
Telephone: (62 21) 250 0385 
Facsimile: (62 21) 250 0389 
President Director 
Malakai Naiyaga 

PT First State Investments Indonesia 
29th Floor, Gedung Artha Graha 
Sudirman Central Business District 
Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 52-53 
Jakarta 12190 
Telephone: (62 21) 515 0088 
Facsimile: (62 21) 515 0033 
Regional Head Asia 
L Mann 

Japan 
CBA Branch Office 
8th Floor 
Toranomon Waiko Building 
5-12-1 Toranomon 
Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001 
Telephone: (81 3) 5400 7280 
Facsimile: (81 3) 5400 7288 
General Manager 
L Xia 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     239 

 
Contact Us 

www.commbank.com.au  

132 221 General Enquiries 

131 998 Business Line 

For your everyday banking including paying bills using BPAY our 
automated service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  

For a full range of business banking solutions. 

Available from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.  

From  overseas  call  +61  132  221.  Operator  assistance  is 
available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  

13 2224 Home Loans & Investment Home Loans 

To  apply  for  a  new  home  loan/investment  home  loan  or  to 
maintain an existing loan. Available from 8am to 10pm, 365 days 
a year.  

131 431 Personal Loan Sales 

To apply for a new personal loan. 

132 015 Commonwealth Financial Services 

For  enquires  on  retirement  and  superannuation  products,  or 
managed  investments.  Available  from  8.30am  to  6pm  (Sydney 
Time), Monday to Friday.  

Unit prices are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  

CommInsure 

For all your general insurance needs call 132 423 8am to 8pm 
(Sydney Time), Monday to Friday – or visit  

Available from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday. 

www.comminsure.com.au  

131 519 CommSec (Commonwealth Securities) 

Available from 8am to 7pm (Sydney Time), Monday to Friday. 

CommSec  provides  the  information  and  tools  to  make  smart 
investment easy, accessible and affordable for all Australians, by 
phone or Internet at  

www.commsec.com.au  

131 709 CommSec Margin Loan  

Enables you to expand your portfolio by borrowing against your 
existing shares and managed funds. To find out more simply call 
13 17 09 8am to 5pm (Sydney Time) Monday to Friday or visit 
www.commsec.com.au. 

1800 240 889 Telephone Typewriter Service  

A special telephone banking service for our hearing and speech 
impaired  customers.  The  service  covers  all  the  services 
available  on  13  2221.  Available  from  8am  to  8pm,  Monday  to 
Friday.  

1800 011 217 Lost or Stolen Cards 

To report a lost or stolen card 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

For  general  claims  assistance  call  132  420,  24  hours  a  day, 
365 days a year. 

For  all  your  life  insurance  needs  call  131  056  8am  to  8pm 
(Sydney Time), Monday to Friday – or visit  

www.comminsure.com.au  

Internet Banking 

You can apply for a home loan, credit card, personal loan, term 
deposit  or  a  savings  account  on  the  internet  by  visiting  our 
website  at  www.commbank.com.au  available  24  hours  a  day, 
365 days a year.  

Do  your  everyday  banking  on  our  internet  banking  service 
NetBank at www.commbank.com.au/netbank available 24 hours 
a day, 365 days a year.  

To apply for access to NetBank, call 132 828 between 8am and 
8pm (Sydney Time), 7 days a week. 

240     Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Directory 

Registered Office 
Level 7, 48 Martin Place 
Sydney NSW 1155 
Telephone (02) 9378 2000 
Facsimile (02) 9378 3317  

Company Secretary 
JD Hatton  

Shareholder Information 
www.commbank.com.au/shareholder 

Share Registrar 
Link Market Services Limited 
Locked Bag A14 
SYDNEY SOUTH NSW 1235  
Telephone: (02) 8280 7199 
Facsimile: (02) 9287 0303 
Freecall: 1800 022 440  
Internet 
www.linkmarketservices.com.au  
Email 
registrars@linkmarketservices.com.au  

Telephone numbers for overseas shareholders  
New Zealand 
0800 442 845  
United Kingdom 
0845 769 7502  
Fiji 
008 002 054  
Other International 
612 8280 7199  

Australian Stock Exchange Listing 
CBA  

Annual Report 
To request a copy of the annual report  
please call 1800 022 440 

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006     241 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2006

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Commonwealth Bank of Australia ACN 123 123 124
AnnuAl RepoRt 2006