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Objective

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FY2021 Annual Report · Objective
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Annual Report 2021 

Digital government.
Stronger communities.

Objective Corporation Limited And Its Controlled Entities — Annual Report 2021

01

Our Mission

Financial Highlights

Outstanding digital government software  
driving stronger communities

We create software that makes a difference 

Using Objective software, thousands of public sector organisations are developing 
policies with impact, accelerating processes and delivering innovative services. 

We help organisations shift to being completely digital. Where our customers can 
work from anywhere; with access to information, governance guaranteed, and 
security assured.

Innovation is our lifeblood. We invest significantly in the ongoing development of our 
products to deliver outstanding solutions to the public sector and regulated industries.

The result – stronger national and community outcomes, and accountability that 
builds trust in government.

Revenue

Annualised Recurring Revenue

$95.1m 

36% Growth

$74.2m 

31% Growth

EBITDA

Net Profit After Tax

Research and  
Development

FY2021 represented a 
record year for Objective’s 
investment in R&D

$23.1m

47% Growth

$25.6m 

49% Growth

$16.1m 

46% Growth

24%

of Revenue

Cash at Balance Date

Dividend

$48.4m 

9.0CPS 

48% Growth*

Fully Franked

*   Cash balance at 30 June 2020 was $51.0 million, net of cash outflow of $18.4 million for acquisition 

of Itree Pty Limited on 1 July 2020.

Contents 

01  Financial Highlights
02  Value Proposition
03  Our Purpose
04  Customer Stories
06  Engineering Outstanding Solutions
07  Product Portfolio
08  CEO’s Report
10  Business Line Review

14  Directors’ Report
20  Financial Statements
25  Notes to the Financial Statements
60  Directors’ Declaration
61 
62 
67  Shareholder Information
68  Corporate Directory

Independent Auditor’s Declaration
Independent Auditor’s Report

02

03

Value Proposition

Our Purpose

We create software that makes a difference

We help organisations shift to being completely digital. Where 
our customers can work from anywhere; with access to information, 
governance guaranteed and security assured.

Regulation &  
Governance

Process  
Transformation

Compliance or regulation is never 
treated as an after-thought, it is 
embedded in the process, in the 
DNA of all that we deliver to our 
customers, yet it allows users 
to work naturally, in the familiar 
business applications they use 
every day.

Our suite of solutions digitise and 
automate common processes 
in the public sector and financial 
services industries delivering 
productivity and efficiency gains, 
while ensuring governance 
happens in the background.

National & Community 
Valued Outcomes

In delivering on our proposition, 
we help our customers deliver 
quantifiable results to their 
organisations and the broader 
community they serve.

Content & Processes 
Accountability that builds 
trust in government.

Empowering a digital government 
to develop policies with impact, 
accelerate processes and deliver 
innovative services.

Regulation 
Protecting what matters.

Enabling best-practice regulation 
for fair, safe and sustainable 
community outcomes.

Planning & Building 
Creating tomorrow’s 
communities, today.

Encouraging responsible 
development through efficient 
and effective assessment with 
engaged communities.

The Result

Stronger national and community outcomes  
and accountability that builds trust in government.

Our Business Inside ObjectiveDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsObjective Corporation Limited And Its Controlled Entities — Annual Report 202104

Our Business 

Inside Objective

Directors’ Report

Financial Statements

05

Helping our 
customers 
deliver national 
and community 
outcomes 
Using Objective software, 
thousands of public sector 
organisations are developing and 
enacting policies with impact, 
accelerating processes and 
delivering innovative services. 

Protecting vulnerable children

Australia’s state and territory child protection agencies 
use Objective Reach to find, match and share vital 
information in a timely manner across multiple jurisdictions.
This is helping to trigger vital early action, facilitate better 
coordination across agencies and inform critical decisions 
to help improve child safety outcomes.

Scan to watch video
https://www.objective.com.au/nsw-communities-justice

RegTech Solutions

Enforcing regulation of new anti-wage 
theft legislation

The first of its kind in Australia, the Victorian government 
established Wage Inspectorate Victoria in 2021 to 
investigate and prosecute wage theft offences under 
the Wage Theft Act 2020. Objective RegWorks enables 
citizens to obtain advice and report offences, and for 
the Inspectorate to respond to complaints, and manage 
investigations and enforcements to tackle wage theft 
across the state. 

Scan to read more
https://www.objective.com.au/wage-inspectorate-victoria

RegTech Solutions

Sustaining the planning function 
through remote working

Protecting high risk victims of 
domestic abuse

Beyond the many benefits Objective Trapeze brings to 
planners at the City of Greater Dandenong, its most 
critical role to date has been sustaining the planning 
function of the council through the COVID-19 pandemic 
and subsequent remote working environment. As a result, 
the council can continue its important role in stimulating 
the economy and bringing development on board in a 
responsible, efficient way. 

The Glasgow City Council Violence Against Women 
Partnership is responsible for managing a multi-agency, 
citywide solution to support high-risk victims of 
domestic abuse. Local authorities, police, health 
providers, educators and others use Objective Connect 
to collaborate and share highly sensitive information to 
protect those at risk of being harmed. 

Protecting and promoting  
Scotland’s natural heritage 

Through modern, digital work practices, NatureScot has 
enabled a connected workforce, dispersed across 23 offices. 
An Objective customer for 16 years, NatureScot embraces 
new innovations, aspiring to very high standards of 
information management that enables them to protect and 
promote Scotland’s natural heritage and the vital contribution 
it makes to the nation’s prosperity and wellbeing. 

Digital transformation of building 
consent approvals

From 100% paper based to 100% digital, Waitaki District 
Council revolutionised its building consent approval process. 
Council staff, the design community, builders and owners 
are all benefiting from a more transparent, collaborative 
approach with accurately completed applications, instant RFI 
notifications and much faster turnaround times for consents. 

Scan to watch video
https://www.objective.com.au/city-greater-dandenong

Scan to watch video
https://www.objective.com.au/glasgow-city-council

Scan to watch video
https://www.objective.com.au/nature-scot

Scan to watch video
https://www.objective.com.au/waitaki-district-council

Planning & Building Solutions

Content Solutions

Content Solutions

Planning & Building Solutions

Objective Corporation Limited And Its Controlled Entities — Annual Report 202106

Objective Corporation Limited And Its Controlled Entities — Annual Report 2021

07

Engineering Outstanding Solutions

Product Portfolio

Innovation is our lifeblood. 
Each year, we invest 
significantly in the ongoing 
development of our 
products and bring new 
products to life, to deliver 
outstanding solutions 
to the public sector and 
regulated industries. 

Research & Development 
in FY2021

Our ambitious development program delivered 
innovations in all products in our portfolio 
throughout FY2021. It is underpinned by a 
technology strategy that spans all engineering 
and development focusing on the following 
foundational elements. 

User Experience 
We continue to deploy and enhance Objective 
IQ, our common user interface design language 
across all products. Objective IQ ensures a 
consistent, modern experience for end users and 
accelerates development in our product teams. 
In FY2021, Objective IQ was extended to public 
facing applications with simpler layouts and 
clearer annotations for occasional users.

Security
Critical to all Objective solutions, in FY2021 
we increased investment on all levels of security 
from operations and processes to infrastructure, 
development practices and application security.

Emerging Technologies 
As technologies evolve, Objective actively pursues 
new approaches to old problems; anticipating 
customers’ use of new applications or delivering 
innovations beyond what they thought were 
possible. In FY2021 we delivered Objective Gov365 
to provide in-place governance for information held 
in Microsoft365, improved the process of approving 
development applications submitted to council 
leveraging computer vision and developed an 
advanced association map for visualising complex 
entity relationships for regulatory processing.

Integration
Ensuring Objective solutions complement and 
enhance existing third party business solutions 
used by customers, such as CRM, GIS or ERP 
systems increases the value to customers. 
Through flexibility and repeatability we continue 
to evolve capabilities to simplify integrations to 
reduce the cost and complexities associated with 
custom development and ongoing maintenance 
while improving stability and performance.

Automation
Process automation is where significant business 
transformation begins for Objective customers. 
Developments in machine learning and image 
processing allow us to provide customers with 
new tools for analysing and building automations; 
from automating planning checklists to identifying 
training gaps, from applying recordkeeping policies 
to detecting “at risk” signals in child protection or 
heavy vehicle inspections.

Cloud
Objective software is developed with a “cloud-first” 
approach to enable our customers to leverage the 
efficiency, scale and flexibility advantages provided 
by modern, cloud architectures. Some customers 
favour on premises or private cloud deployments, 
for these customers, we continue to offer choice.

Research and 
Development 
investment

$23m

24% of Revenue

Content Solutions

Enterprise Content Management

Cloud Content Management

Ministerial Correspondence  
Process Management

Information Governance

Secure External File Collaboration

Information Access Request Management

Content Driven Workflow

Governance for Microsoft 365

Automated Redaction

Planning & Building Solutions

Building Plan Assessment Tools

Planning and Development Portal

Building Consent Process Management

Building Consent Process Management

RegTech Solutions

Regulator Process Management

Secure and Sensitive Data Matching

Keystone

Document Production and Engagement

Our Business Inside ObjectiveDirectors’ ReportFinancial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
08

Objective Corporation Limited And Its Controlled Entities — Annual Report 2021

09

CEO’s Report

Our financial results 
in FY2021 reflect the 
continued delivery of 
our strategic plan

Dear fellow shareholders, 
Thank you for taking the time to read Objective 
Corporation’s Annual Report for Financial 
Year 2021 (FY2021). 

We are really pleased with our performance in FY2021 
– delivering outstanding outcomes for our customers, 
protecting our employees and their families, while 
facing an uncertain operating environment. 

Financial Highlights
Our financial results in FY2021 reflect the continued 
delivery of our strategic plan, with strong growth in 
recurring revenue and earnings underpinning our 
highest ever investment in innovation. 

Group revenue for FY2021 grew by 36% to 
$95.1 million (FY2020: $70.0 million); EBITDA grew 
by 49% to $25.6 million (FY2020: $17.2 million) 
and Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) increased by 
46% to $16.1 million (FY2020: $11.0 million). 

The Annualised Recurring Revenue (ARR) balance 
at 30 June 2021 increased by 31% to $74.2 million 
($56.6 million at 30 June 2020).

Our transition to subscription revenue reached a 
further milestone in FY2021 with more than 95% 
of software revenue contracted on a subscription 
basis. All new customers are engaged on 
subscription contracts whilst we continue to 
support existing customers who wish to remain 
under a perpetual license model. Recognised 
revenue in most key subscription product lines 
grew strongly: ECMaaS (73%); Connect (30%); 
Keystone (1%); Trapeze (34%); RegWorks (33%)1. 

Developing outstanding software remains core 
to our values and integral to our business model. 
FY2021 represented a record year for Objective’s 
investment in Research and Development (R&D). 
We invested $23.1 million in R&D, representing 24% 
of revenue. In keeping with our long-term accounting 
policies, no R&D expenditures are capitalised, 
they are 100% expensed when incurred.

On 1 July 2020, Objective Corporation acquired 
Itree Pty Limited for a net cash consideration of 
$18.4 million. There is no deferred consideration due.
During FY2021, the business was fully integrated 
into Objective Corporation and Objective RegTech 
Solutions was established as a line of business 
(LOB) for segment reporting.

Group operating cash flow in FY2021 was 
$24.7 million and the total cash balance at 
30 June 2021 was $48.4 million, an increase of 48% 
over the balance at 30 June 2020, after adjustment 
for the acquisition of Itree Pty Limited. The Group 
has no external borrowings. The financial position 
of the Group provides significant capacity to further 
pursue investment opportunities that enhance 
returns for stakeholders. 

Company Highlights
Significant investment in R&D resulted in the 
release of new innovations across our entire 
product suite; delivering new functionality to 
address evolving customer needs and developing 
new products to address market opportunities. 

Customers’ adoption of cloud strategies continues 
across all segments of the market we address; at 
all levels of government and in the financial services 
industry. As organisations emerge from reactive 
remote-working practices implemented in the early 
stages of the responses to COVID-19, IT strategic 
thinking is moving to considered infrastructure 
and application decisions that support remote 
and hybrid working as the norm, where there is 
no difference between office and home. 

Objective’s product suite, roadmap and 
organisational structure are positioned squarely 
to support our customers’ transition to cloud with 
advancements across the portfolio.

Objective Gov365 extends governance to 
further locations where content is created; 
beyond Microsoft Teams to Microsoft Exchange 
and SharePoint. The number of customers 
actively using Objective Gov365 continues to 
steadily increase. 

Microsoft Office edit online capability for Word, 
PowerPoint and Excel files is now available in 
numerous products; enabling live authoring of 
documents by multiple users simultaneously 
with full governance of authors and versions. 
For our many customers around the world 
that have shifted to remote or hybrid work 
practices, this capability has been embraced 
with enthusiasm. 

1  Change over RegWorks subscription revenue for FY2020, prior to Objective ownership.

Revenue

 36%

$95.1m

Annualised 
Recurring Revenue

 31%

$74.2m

Research and 
Development

 47%

$23.1m

Tony Walls 
Chief Executive Officer

In Planning and Building Solutions, Objective Build 
is closing the gap between end users in the building 
development process (such as citizens, architects, 
developers and builders) and the role local 
government authorities play to ensure responsible 
development – where citizen facing web services 
share the same data source as councils. This results 
in streamlined processing of applications with 
greater transparency to the community.

Development continued on Objective Nexus, a 
new product that delivers modern information 
management in the cloud. To be launched in market 
in FY2022, this product addresses existing demand 
in the market for cloud-first information management 
opening new opportunities; and provides a path for 
existing customers evolving their cloud strategies. 

R&D investment was also channelled into 
incorporating machine learning and other modern 
technologies across our product suite. From 
auto-classification and disposals in records 
management, to improving accuracy in the 
submission of development applications; from 
smart-stamping of plans in Objective Trapeze, 
to improving the accuracy of speed cameras 
to keep our roads safer; the application of 
technological advances to create outstanding 
software for our customers is a guiding principle 
in our development philosophy and practice. 

Beyond developing outstanding software, 
building deep and long-term relationships with 
our customers remains core to our culture and 
purpose, demonstrated by the large number of 
customers that we have worked with for decades. 
In FY2021 we formalised this ethos and invested in 
Customer Success as a specialist discipline with a 
dedicated team of practitioners to lead a proactive 
approach to customer experience and augment 
the successful work of our existing account 
management, professional services and customer 
support teams. The results of this are evidenced 
in the growth in revenue from existing customers, 
increased adoption of new products, extended use 
of existing products and a very low churn rate that 
we are proud of. 

We continue to demonstrate the effectiveness of 
the Objective acquisition playbook. Following the 
acquisition of Itree in July 2020, RegTech Solutions is 
now fully integrated and a highly valued team in the 
Objective family, delivering record results for FY2021. 
Planning and Building Solutions, evolved from earlier 
acquisitions of Onstream Systems, Alpha Group and 
Master Business Systems and continues to grow 
with new wins across all products. 

We are drawing upon deep domain expertise and 
industry relationships to develop a new generation 
of building consent platform with Objective Build, 
which will be released later in FY2022.

In all that we do, we remain committed to our 
strategy to Attract New Fans. Throughout FY2021 
we have demonstrated progress on this across the 
business. Our global footprint together with deep 
relationships with customers results in customers 
referring Objective to other organisations. We 
continue to evolve digital engagement practices 
that expose products with global applicability to 
a global audience with low-touch or no-touch 
sales involvement and shorten the sales cycle for 
products that require deeper, personal engagement. 
In a number of markets we are broadening the 
applicability of our products to extend beyond 
the firewall to general public facing interactions, 
enabling those government agencies to deliver the 
outstanding digital services expected by citizens. 

Outlook
In its first year in the Objective family, our RegTech 
business made a solid contribution to our overall 
results. The market opportunity for RegWorks is 
developing rapidly and was demonstrated by the 
number of new customer wins during the year; 
three of which were the largest in RegWorks’ 
history. These results illustrate the opportunity 
that arises from combining businesses with deep 
domain expertise with Objective’s long history of 
delivering high quality outcomes for over 1,000 
public sector organisations. 

In FY2022 we expect the momentum of our 
business to drive a continued material lift in  
revenue and profitability. 

Our investment in innovation will deliver important 
product releases for customers including Objective 
Build, Objective Nexus, Objective ECM 11 and 
Objective RegWorks iQ which, in addition to 
further investment in our existing product suite, 
will underpin new customer acquisition across all 
business lines and expansion opportunities for 
existing customers. 

In addition to these significant organic growth 
opportunities, we will continue to actively seek 
acquisitions that offer additional product or market 
reach capabilities, where these can be acquired  
at reasonable valuations.

As always, I would like to thank our valued 
customers, talented employees and supportive 
shareholders for their continued commitment to  
our mutual success.

Our Business Inside ObjectiveDirectors’ ReportFinancial Statements 
10

11

Business Line Review

Content Solutions

Planning & Building Solutions

Sales Revenue FY2021

$61.8m

13% Growth 
FY2020: $54.7m

Financial performance
In FY2021, revenue in our Content Solutions 
business increased by 13% to $61.8 million 
(FY2020: $54.7 million). Objective Connect 
and Objective Redact were incorporated into 
the Content Solutions lines of business during 
FY2021 and the comparative results have been 
adjusted accordingly. 

Demand
Common themes driving demand throughout 
FY2021 in the Content Solutions business included: 
customers’ transition to the cloud, customers’ 
continued need to facilitate remote working 
and ensuring governance extends across the 
information ecosystem automatically, wherever 
people work and in the applications of their choice. 

Delivering outcomes for customers
We witnessed significant expansion of usage at 
many existing customer sites for both Objective 
ECM and Objective Connect. This reflects not 
only increased demand from organisations’ 
need to support remote working, but also the 
trust our customers place in Objective and the 
value we deliver through product innovations 
released throughout FY2021 in direct response 
to their needs. 

Objective Connect proved invaluable to customers 
in their transition to fully remote working, helping 
them continue to deliver critical services. 
We witnessed a steep increase in usage within 
customers world-wide. We continue to invest in 
the development of this product to ensure the 
functionality meets the needs of our customers and 
their communities, while maintaining focus on the 
security and protection of government information. 

Attracting new fans
In FY2021 we welcomed a number of new 
customers from all levels of government and 
related industries; such as defence and intelligence 
and NGOs. We witnessed a number of state 
government organisations standardise on 
Objective ECM, replacing incumbent systems 
following machinery of government changes 
where Objective ECM is clearly differentiated 
and continues to be well positioned following a 
regular cadence of product innovations released 
throughout the year. 

Adoption of the Objective IQ experience for 
Objective ECM grew steadily across the customer 
portfolio, a highlight was the Objective IQ 
rollout to more than 10,000 users across the 
Scottish Government. 

Objective Redact continues to meet the needs 
of security conscious organisations around the 
world to protect sensitive information in many 
varied use cases. Sold through a low-touch digital 
engagement model, online-only purchases grew 
throughout FY2021 and we also signed a number 
of enterprise-scale contracts in the USA, UK and 
Australia in both government and financial services. 

Engineering #outstanding solutions
In late FY2021 we launched Objective ECM 11 which 
includes enhanced process automation functionality 
sought by the many customers that utilise workflow 
in Objective ECM. This now means that ECM 11, 
delivered via Objective IQ, offers business users 
more benefits than the desktop version, for example; 
co-authoring for Microsoft 365 applications, 
easy visual controls for managers of business 
processes, enhanced security and a deeply intuitive 
user experience, designed for every individual 
throughout an organisation. 

The Objective IQ experience promotes broad use 
of the product throughout an organisation, while 
process automation enhancements promote 
deeper use. 

Steady growth in the number of customers 
adopting Objective Gov365 continued throughout 
FY2021, as organisations seek governance for 
the rapid explosion in the use of Microsoft Teams. 
We released further enhancements to this product 
throughout FY2021, including governance for 
Microsoft SharePoint. 

Engineering #outstanding solutions
Investment in the development of Objective 
Build increased materially throughout FY2021. 
Objective Build is the result of years of accumulated 
knowledge and expertise contributed to Objective 
through AlphaGroup and Master Business Systems 
together with close relationships developed with 
industry; including NZ local authorities and the 
construction industry. A cloud-based, end-to-end 
planning and consenting automation platform 
to manage building approvals that ensures safe, 
responsible development, and supports an industry 
that contributes significantly to the economies in 
which we operate. 

We continued to support our AlphaOne and 
GoGet customers, with numerous enhancements 
released, new implementations delivered, and new 
customers acquired for both platforms. 

Delivering outcomes for customers
New customers came onto the platforms in 
FY2021, including Kāinga Ora the agency 
established to transform housing and urban 
development throughout New Zealand, 
including building over 3,000 homes for people 
in need. Kāinga Ora is also a major customer 
for Objective ECM and Objective Connect, 
demonstrating the depth of our relationship. 

Sales Revenue FY2021

$10.7m

33% Growth 
FY2020: $8.1m

Financial performance
In FY2021, revenue in the Planning and Building 
Solutions business increased by 33% to 
$10.7 million (FY2020: $8.1 million). 

As of 1 July 2020, the results of Objective Redact 
products have been removed from the Planning 
and Building line of business and attributed to 
Content Solutions. Comparative period figures 
have been restated on the same basis. 

Attracting new fans
Throughout the second half of FY2021 migration of 
Objective Trapeze customers to Objective Trapeze 
Professional, the subscription version of the 
product that offers significantly greater functionality 
and value to users, accelerated, with 68 customer 
upgrades performed. The number of Trapeze 
Professional users now exceeds the number of 
users on the previous generation, perpetual right  
to use version. 

We also experienced steady growth in new 
customers for Objective Trapeze; and following 
deep customer engagement in the UK, released 
a number of enhancements specific to the 
UK market. The number of customers in Australia 
now exceeds 200 Councils.

Our Business Inside ObjectiveDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsObjective Corporation Limited And Its Controlled Entities — Annual Report 202112

13

Business Line Review

RegTech Solutions

Keystone

Sales Revenue FY2021

$15.3m

Financial performance
In FY2021, RegTech Solutions delivered revenue 
of $15.3 million (FY2020: n/a), this business line 
was formed following the acquisition of Itree in 
July 2020.

Growing the family
Itree’s integration into Objective was completed in 
H1 and the business is now contributing to overall 
outcomes by extending the Objective brand name 
into new agencies and creating opportunities for 
adoption of RegWorks amongst Objective’s public 
sector customers.

Attracting new fans
With growing awareness amongst regulators that 
an end-to-end solution encompassing public 
facing portals, mobile enforcement apps and core 
back office solutions delivers superior outcomes 
than CRM or generic case management platform. 
We welcomed a record number of new Objective 
RegWorks customers, validating our market 
position as a purpose-built solution for regulation, 
safety, compliance and enforcement. 

Spanning multiple Australian states and New 
Zealand, this group of new customers broadened 
the reach of Objective RegWorks into new areas 
of regulation including: industrial relations, workers 
compensation, the environment, health and 
community care for families and the disabled.

Engineering #outstanding solutions
Investment in R&D for Objective RegWorks resulted 
in a number of innovations delivered throughout 
the year. 

The public facing portal adopted the Objective 
IQ design language and is live at two customers 
sites: Wage Inspectorate Victoria and New Zealand 
Ministry of Health. It enables government agencies 
to offer easy and direct digital engagement 
with the general public, seamlessly integrating 
into back-office operations, reporting and 
audit requirements. 

The Objective IQ design language was also 
applied to the RegWorks mobile app, which will 
further streamline in-field compliance work for 
customers undertaking checks, infringements 
and issuing fines.

Delivering outcomes for customers
Another highlight for FY2021, was the renewal of a 
5-year, $18 million contract with Transport for NSW 
reinforcing the long-term relationship with RegTech 
Solutions and augmenting the existing relationship 
that Transport NSW has had with Objective for 
many years.

Throughout the year, Objective Reach was 
progressively rolled out to eight state and territory 
agencies with seven states now live. The NSW 
Department of Communities and Justice, along 
with state and territory child protection agencies in 
every Australian state have implemented Objective 
Reach in a world-first data search, matching and 
information sharing solution to protect children 
and families at risk of abuse. 

Engineering #outstanding solutions
To address demand in local government, we 
released substantial innovation in Geospatial 
Information System (GIS) integration into 
the Keystone consultation and engagement 
portal, delivering the ability to link community 
consultations with locations. 

Other enhancements include content merging 
capabilities, applicable to both the FSI and 
Government markets, that automates highly 
time-consuming and error prone manual 
processes for customers when combining 
multiple versions of complex documents. 

Addressing market demand
From FY2022, Objective Keystone will be split into 
two products: Objective Keystone will continue 
to be targeted to the FSI market, and Objective 
KeyPlan will target the public sector. This allows 
for more targeted products and go-to-market 
strategies, enabling us to articulate value 
propositions that reflect the specific use cases 
in these two distinct markets. 

Sales Revenue FY2021

$7.1m

4% Growth 
FY2020: $6.8m

Financial performance
During FY2021, total revenue from our Keystone 
business increased by 4% to $7.1 million 
(FY2020: $6.8 million). 

Delivering outcomes for FSI customers
We sustained a market-leading position in the 
Australian financial services and insurance industry 
(FSI) for the production of Product Disclosure 
Statements (PDS) and extended the use case 
within customers to produce Target Market 
Determinations (TMD) as customers prepare 
to respond to new regulatory obligations being 
introduced in the industry from October 2021. 

We added a number of new FSI customers 
throughout the year and extended relationships 
with existing customers, demonstrating Keystone’s 
relevance amongst the largest fund management 
and financial service institutions in Australia. 

Delivering outcomes for 
government customers
In the public sector, Objective Keystone continues 
to support the statutory planning process at both 
state and local government levels. We welcomed 
new customers in the UK, Australia and 
New Zealand. 

Our Business Inside ObjectiveDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsObjective Corporation Limited And Its Controlled Entities — Annual Report 202114

Directors’ Report

The Directors of Objective Corporation Limited (‘the Company’) 
present the Annual Report of the Company and its controlled 
entities (collectively ‘the Group’) for the year ended 30 June 2021. 

DIRECTORS
The names and details of the Company’s directors in office during 
the financial year and until the date of this report are set out below. 
Directors were in office for this entire period unless otherwise stated:

MR TONY WALLS 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Tony founded the business in 1987 and has extensive experience 
in the IT industry. Tony has a B.Math (Computing Science), 
a Grad.Dip in Applied Finance (SIA) and is a Fellow of the 
Australian Institute of Company Directors. 

MR GARY FISHER
Non-Executive Director
Gary was appointed a Director of Objective Corporation Limited 
in March 1991. In October 2007 Gary became a Non-Executive 
Director. Gary has an extensive background in Finance, 
IT Management and global product software sales. Gary has 
a B.Economics and further tertiary education in Law and 
Business Administration.

MR NICK KINGSBURY
Independent Non-Executive Director
Nick was appointed as a Non-Executive Director in July 2008 
and is the Chair of the Audit Committee. Nick is an experienced 
international software entrepreneur, strategist and venture 
capitalist. Nick founded, led and then sold a leading UK Business 
Process Management company. Nick then spent 7 years with the 
international venture capital company 3i, where he headed up the 
software sector. From October 2011 to June 2015 he chaired a 
UK AIM listed cyber security company Accumuli, plc, which was 
successfully sold to NCC Group. As well as his role with Objective, 
he is a Partner with the venture capital firm Amadeus Capital 
Partners and sits on the boards of several early-stage businesses.

MR DARC RASMUSSEN
Independent Non-Executive Director
Darc was appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 8 August 
2018. Darc is a seasoned enterprise software professional with 
over 25 years’ experience successfully building and growing 
Software as a Service (SaaS) and Cloud based businesses 
across global markets. Darc spent time working and living in 
Europe, the USA and Asia/Pacific growing public and private 
companies including Infor, SAP, IntraPower (Trusted Cloud) and 
Integrated Research. Darc led the SAP (NYSE:SAP) global CRM 
Line of Business, building it from start-up to total annual revenues 
of US$1.5 billion in 2007, establishing SAP as the global leader in 
the CRM market. He was CEO at Integrated Research (ASX:IRI) 
and led the company through a whole of business transformation 
strategy that delivered 70%+ growth in Revenue and Profits 
along with a tripling of the company’s market capitalisation. 
During Darc’s tenure IR was named a Gartner “Cool Vendor” 
and became the global leader in the Unified Communications 
Performance Management market. Darc is a Non-Executive 
Director of Gentrack Group Limited (NZX/ASX : GTK) and a 
member of the Board at Jobsgates Developments Pty Ltd.

COMPANY SECRETARY

SHARE OPTIONS 

15

MR BEN TREGONING
Company Secretary 
Ben was appointed Company Secretary in July 2016. Ben has 
over 15 years’ experience in financial roles within Financial 
Services and corporate finance businesses both in Australia and 
the UK. He is responsible for company secretarial and corporate 
governance support at Objective. Ben has a B.Commerce and 
a M.Commerce.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
The principal activity of the Group during the year was the supply 
of information technology software and services. There was no 
significant change in the nature of the Group’s activities during 
the year.

DIVIDENDS 
An ordinary final fully franked dividend of $6,551,000 was paid  
on 16 September 2020.

Since the end of the financial year, the directors have 
recommended the payment of a final fully franked dividend 
of 9 cents per ordinary share. The aggregate amount of the 
dividends expected to be paid on 16 September 2021 is 
$8,461,000. There is no conduit foreign income attributed to 
the final dividend declared.

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL 
RESULTS 
A review of the Group operations and the results for the year 
ended 30 June 2021 is set out on the inside front cover to 
page 13 of the annual report and forms part of the Directors’ 
Report. This includes the summary of consolidated results as 
well as an overview of the Group’s strategy.

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN STATE OF AFFAIRS 
There were no significant changes in the state of affairs of the 
Group during the financial year. 

SHARE CAPITAL 
As at 30 June 2021 the Company had 94,010,371 (2020: 
93,327,871) fully paid ordinary shares on issue.

Voting rights are detailed in Note 18 to the financial statements. 

Unissued shares under options
As at the date of this report, there were 1,908,750 unissued ordinary shares under options. 

Options on Issue at Balance Date

Number

Expiry Date

Number

Expiry Date

2021

2020

Employee options exercisable at $1.00

Employee options exercisable at $1.17

Employee options exercisable at $1.50

Employee options exercisable at $1.80

Employee options exercisable at $2.75

Employee options exercisable at $2.75

Employee options exercisable at $2.75

Employee options exercisable at $7.50

Employee options exercisable at $12.50

Total options on issue

Weighted average exercise price

–

07/10/2024

80,000

07/10/2024

150,000

24/02/2025

150,000

24/02/2025

–

–

29/07/2026

02/01/2027

62,500

29/07/2026

125,000

02/01/2027

200,000

29/07/2028

200,000

29/07/2028

805,000

01/01/2029

1,257,500

01/01/2029

12,500

01/04/2029

25,000

01/04/2029

541,250

01/07/2030

200,000

31/01/2025

1,908,750

$4.99

–

–

1,900,000

$2.45

–

–

Details of the options on issue are contained in Notes 18 and 27 to the financial statements. 

SHARE OPTIONS

Shares issued on exercise of options
A total of 835,000 options were issued and 682,500 options were exercised during the financial year ended 30 June 2021. The holders 
of these options do not have the right, by virtue of the option, to participate in any share issue or interest issue of the Company. 

Since the end of the financial year, the Group issued 143,750 ordinary shares of the Company as a result of the exercise of options 
under the Employee Incentive Plan, and funded via a combination interest free limited recourse loans provided by the issuing entity 
to employees under the current Employee Incentive Plan and cash consideration. For accounting purposes, these share loans are 
treated as part of options to purchase shares, until the loans are repaid or extinguished at which point the shares are recognised. 

LIKELY DEVELOPMENTS 
The Company delivered strong growth in profitability in FY2021 reflecting an improving mix of earnings on a stable revenue base. 
We continued to invest in our product portfolio and our workforce, as well as developing new markets for our products and pursuing 
non-organic growth opportunities. In FY2021 we also expanded our business through the acquisition of Itree Pty Limited.

The Directors have identified opportunities to continue to grow the business in FY2022 and the Company will be pursuing these whilst 
maintaining a focus on increasing profitability. Through product innovation and the development of outstanding software, we have 
expanded our addressable market in the regions in which we are well established, and our globally competitive products provide an 
opportunity for us to expand our presence beyond our current geographic footprint. The Company also retains significant financial 
capacity to pursue investment opportunities outside of the current product portfolio and customer reach.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION
The Group is not subject to any significant environmental regulation under Australian Commonwealth or State law. 

EVENTS AFTER BALANCE SHEET DATE 
For dividends resolved to be paid after 30 June 2021, refer Note 19.

Other than the above, the Directors have not become aware of any matter or circumstance not otherwise dealt with in the report or  
in the financial statements that has significantly 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.

INDEMNIFYING OFFICERS OR AUDITOR 
During the financial year the Company has paid an insurance premium for a Directors’ and Officers’ insurance policy. The liabilities 
insured are legal costs that may be incurred in defending civil or criminal proceedings that may be brought against the Directors or 
Company Secretary as a result of the work performed in their capacity as officers of entities in the Group to the extent permitted by 
law. The Directors have not disclosed the amount of the premium as such disclosure is prohibited under the terms of the contract. 
The Company has not otherwise, during or since the financial year, indemnified or agreed to indemnify an officer or auditor of the 
Company or any related body corporate against a liability incurred.

Our Business Inside ObjectiveDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsObjective Corporation Limited And Its Controlled Entities — Annual Report 202116

Directors’ Report continued

17

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 
The Company’s Directors and management are committed to conducting the Group’s business in an ethical manner and in 
accordance with the highest standards of corporate governance. The Company has adopted and substantially complies with the ASX 
Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations (4th Edition) (‘Recommendations’) to the extent appropriate to the size and 
nature of the Group’s operations.

The Company has prepared a Corporate Governance Statement which sets out the corporate governance practices that were in 
operation throughout the financial year for the Company, identifies any Recommendations that have not been followed, and provides 
reasons for not following such Recommendations. The Company’s Corporate Governance Statement and policies will be approved 
at the same time as the Annual Report and will be found on its website: https://www.objective.com/about/investors.

DIRECTORS’ INTEREST 
Directors’ beneficial interest in shares and options at the date of this report were: 

Director

Tony Walls

Gary Fisher

Nick Kingsbury

Darc Rasmussen

Total directors’ interest

Number
of ordinary
shares 

62,000,000

7,600,000

100,000

30,214

69,730,214

Number
of options 

–

–

–

200,000

200,000

MEETINGS OF DIRECTORS
The number of Directors’ and Audit Committee meetings held during the financial year and the number of meetings attended by each 
of the Directors are as follows: 

Director

Tony Walls

Gary Fisher

Nick Kingsbury

Darc Rasmussen

Directors’ Meeting

Audit Committee
Meetings

Number of
Meetings Held 

Number of
Meetings
Attended 

Number of
Meetings Held 

Number of
Meetings
Attended 

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

2

n/a

2

2

2

n/a

2

2

AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION
A copy of the auditor’s independence declaration in relation to the financial year is included on page 61.

AUDITOR’S NON-AUDIT SERVICES
The Company has not engaged the Group auditor, Pitcher Partners, to provide non-audit services during the financial year. 

ROUNDING OF AMOUNTS
The Company is an entity to which ASIC Corporations (Rounding in Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 2016/191 applies and 
accordingly, amounts in the financial statements and Directors’ Report have been rounded to the nearest thousand dollars, unless 
specifically stated to be otherwise.

PROCEEDINGS ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY
No person has applied to the Court for leave to bring proceedings on behalf of the Company, or to intervene in any proceedings to 
which the Company is a party, for the purpose of taking responsibility on behalf of the Company for all or part of those proceedings. 
The Company was not a party to any such proceedings during the year. 

REMUNERATION REPORT 
This remuneration report details the key management personnel (“KMP”) remuneration arrangements for the Group, in accordance 
with the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and its Regulations.

The table below lists the Executives of the Group for the year ended 30 June 2021 and whose remuneration details are outlined in this 
Remuneration Report. 

Directors

Tony Walls 

Gary Fisher

Nick Kingsbury

Darc Rasmussen

Executive key management personnel

Ben Tregoning

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Non-Executive Director

Independent Non-Executive Director

Independent Non-Executive Director

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Overview of remuneration approach and framework
The Board from time to time reviews the remuneration packages of all Directors and Executive Officers with due regard to performance 
and other relevant factors. The remuneration policy generally is to ensure the remuneration package properly reflects the person’s 
duties and responsibilities and that the remuneration is competitive to attract, retain and motivate employees of the highest calibre.

Executive Directors and Executives (Executive KMP)
The Group aims to reward Executives with a level and mix of remuneration based on their position and responsibility. All Executive 
KMP remuneration is comprised of the following: 

 – Fixed remuneration made up of contractual base salary, leave entitlements and legislated superannuation guarantee

 – Variable remuneration in the form of short-term cash incentive and a long-term incentive through the issue of share options at the 

Board’s discretion. 

The variable component, such as bonuses, are structured to reward outstanding performance against agreed Key Performance 
Indicators (“KPIs”) including financial and non-financial metrics aligned with the Group’s business strategy. Ultimately, bonuses and 
discretionary payments to Executive KMP are at the discretion of the Board.

Remuneration and other terms of employment of the Executive KMP are formalised in employment agreements. These agreements 
may be terminated by either party with between one and three months’ notice. In the event of termination of Mr Tony Walls’ services, 
Mr Walls is entitled to be paid six months’ salary whilst the CFO is entitled to be paid one months’ salary.

Non-Executive Directors 
Fees and payments to Non-Executive Directors reflect the demands that are made on, and the responsibilities of, the Directors. 
The Board decides the total amount paid to each Non-Executive Director as remuneration for their services as a Director. 
Non-Executive Directors receive an annual fee, paid monthly. The fees are not linked to performance of the Company. However, 
to align Non-Executive Directors’ interest with shareholder interests, the Non-Executive Directors are encouraged to hold shares in 
the Company and are able to participate in the employee share option plan.

There are no retirement and termination benefits for Executive Directors or Executives apart from those that accrue from the relevant 
laws such as unpaid annual leave, superannuation, long service leave and notice of termination. The Group may consider payments 
on termination even though legally not required, to protect its rights if it is commercially beneficial to its interests.

Voting and comments made at the company’s 25th November 2020 Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’)
At the 2020 AGM, 99.9% of the votes received supported the adoption of the remuneration report for the year ended 2020. 
The Company did not receive any specific feedback at the AGM regarding its remuneration practices.

The Group did not engage a remuneration consultant to provide recommendations in respect of the remuneration of KMP.

Our Business Inside ObjectiveDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsObjective Corporation Limited And Its Controlled Entities — Annual Report 202118

Directors’ Report continued

19

Group performance
Information about the Group’s earnings and movements in shareholder wealth for the past five years up to and including the current 
financial year are set out in the table below. 

Measure

Revenue ($’000)

Net profit after tax ($’000)

Basic earnings per share 

Final dividend (100% franked)

Special dividend (unfranked)

Share price at 30 June ($)

Share buy-backs ($’000)

2021

2020

2019

2018 

20171 

95,056

16,086

17.2 cps

 9.0 cps

–

17.47

–

70,040

11,025

11.8 cps

7.0 cps

–

7.38

502

62,060

9,050

9.8 cps

5.0 cps

1.0 cps

2.80

35

63,110

7,381

8.0 cps

5.0 cps

–

3.50

–

62,599

8,202

9.0 cps

4.0 cps

1.0 cps

2.21

706

1  Does not include the impact of AASB 15.

Remuneration received by KMP is set out in the tables below.

Short-term

Long-term

Share
based 
payments

Post 
employment

Salary 
and fees
$

65,259

278,306

45,662

Bonus
$

Other
$

–

–

–

–

–

–

Leave
 entitle-
ments
$

–

2,682

–

278,321

85,275

1,200

5,430

Options
$

Super-
annuation
$

Total
$

Value
 of options
 as % of
 remun-
eration
%

Value
 of options
 as % of
 remun-
eration
%

–

–

20,288

17,635

–

65,259

21,694

302,682

4,338

70,288

–

–

–

21,694

409,555

20.8%

–

–

 28.9%

4.3%

Short-term

Long-term

Share
based 
payments

Post 
employment 

Options
$

Super-
annuation
$

Total
$

Value
 of options
 as % of
 remun-
eration
%

Value
 of options
 as % of
 remun-
eration
%

Salary 
and fees
$

45,062

278,997

45,662

Bonus
$

–

–

–

278,997

50,000

Leave
 entitle-
ments
$

–

Other
$

23,021

–

18,846

–

–

9,916

1,200

–

21,830

37,871

23,985

2021

N Kingsbury

T Walls

D Rasmussen

B Tregoning 

2020

N Kingsbury

T Walls

D Rasmussen

B Tregoning 

The bonuses in the above tables are short-term incentives fully vested to the Executive for that year. The bonuses were based on KPIs 
linked to company profitability as determined by the Board.

The fair value of options has been determined using the Black-Scholes method, taking into account the exercise price, the term of the 
option, the vesting criteria, the impact of dilution, the non-tradeable nature of the option, the price at grant date of the underlying share 
and the expected price volatility of that share, the expected dividend yield and the risk free interest rate for the term of the option. The 
value of the option at grant date is then amortised over the relevant vesting period. The value included in remuneration of key management 
personnel above relates to the amortised value of options granted that have either vested in the current year or are yet to vest.

Other transactions with KMP and their related parties
Last year the Group was provided management consulting services and was charged $23,021 by Kingsbury Ventures Limited, a 
company associated with Nick Kingsbury, a Non-Executive Director of the Company. Additionally, the Group was provided management 
consulting services and was charged $9,916 by Strategic Outcomes Consulting, a company of which Darc Rasmussen, a Non-Executive 
Director of the Company, is the beneficial owner. These transactions were conducted on normal commercial terms and conditions. 

There were no such transactions with KMP and their related parties during the current year. 

Details of options over ordinary shares granted, vested and lapsed for Directors or other KMP during the year 
ended 30 June 2021 are set out below:

KMP

D Rasmussen

B Tregoning

Weighted average exercise price

Number of
options at 
30 June 2020

200,000

162,500

$2.54

Number
granted

Number
exercised

Number
lapsed

Number of
options at
30 June 2021 

Number
vested and
available for
exercise at
30 June 2021

–

–

–

–

(87,500)

$1.86

–

–

–

200,000

100,000

75,000

$2.75

–

$2.75

Shareholdings of Key Management Personnel

KMP

T Walls

G Fisher

N Kingsbury

D Rasmussen

B Tregoning

Number of
shares at
30 June 2020

62,000,000

8,600,000

200,000

30,214

211,259

Share
options
exercised

Purchase
of shares

Shares
sold

Number of
shares at
30 June 2021

–

–

–

–

87,500

–

–

–

–

–

–

62,000,000

(1,000,000)

7,600,000

–

–

–

200,000

30,214

298,759

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors.

–

68,083

21,003

318,846

4,338

97,787

–

–

–

21,003

397,015

12.6%

–

–

38.7%

6.0%

Tony Walls

Director

Date: 25 August 2021

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21

Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss
For the year ended 30 June 2021

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 30 June 2021

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Other gains and losses

Interest expense and other finance costs

Share of loss from joint venture

Distribution expenses

Research and development expenses

Administration and other operating expenses

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Profit for the year attributable to shareholders of Objective Corporation Limited

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

CONSOLIDATED

2021
$’000

95,056

(5,327)

89,729

(44)

(562)

(6)

(36,175)

(23,116)

(9,599)

20,227

(4,141)

16,086

2020
$’000

70,040

(3,168)

66,872

(55)

(488)

–

(28,947)

(15,737)

(8,054)

13,591

(2,566)

11,025

Cents

Cents

17.2

16.8

11.8

11.6

Notes

2 & 4

5

5

6

3

3

The above consolidated statement of profit or loss should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to shareholders  
of Objective Corporation Limited 

CONSOLIDATED

Notes

2021
$’000

2020
$’000

16,086

11,025

20

78

78

(650)

(650)

16,164

10,375

16,164

10,375

The above consolidated statement of comprehensive income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

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23

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at 30 June 2021

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 30 June 2021

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables 

Contract assets

Other assets

Total current assets

Non-current assets

Trade and other receivables

Property, plant and equipment

Right-of-use assets

Deferred tax assets

Intangible assets

Other assets

Total non-current assets 

Total assets 

Current liabilities 

Trade and other payables

Contract liabilities

Lease liabilities

Current tax liabilities

Provisions

Other liabilities

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities 

Lease liabilities

Provisions

Other liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Share capital

Reserves

Retained earnings

Total equity

As at 30 June 2019

Profit for the year

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

Share-based payments

Exercise of share options

Buy-back of ordinary shares

Dividends provided for or paid

Total transactions with owners in their capacity 
as owners

As at 30 June 2020

Profit for the year

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Total comprehensive income for the period

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

Share-based payments

Exercise of share options

Buy-back of ordinary shares

Dividends provided for or paid

Total transactions with owners in their capacity 
as owners

As at 30 June 2021

CONSOLIDATED

Notes

Share  
capital
$’000

Reserves 
$’000

4,994

(10,237)

21

20

20

18

20

19

21

20

20

18

20

19

–

–

–

–

454

–

–

454

5,448

–

–

–

–

1,495

–

–

1,495

6,943

–

(650)

(650)

439

–

(502)

–

(63)

(10,950)

–

78

78

500

–

–

–

500

(10,372)

Retained
earnings
$’000

35,393

11,025

–

11,025

–

–

–

Total
 $’000

30,150

11,025

(650)

10,375

439

454

(502)

(5,573)

(5,573)

(5,573)

40,845

16,086

–

16,086

–

–

–

(6,551)

(6,551)

50,380

(5,182)

35,343

16,086

78

16,164

500

1,495

–

(6,551)

(4,556)

46,951

The above consolidated statement of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

CONSOLIDATED

Notes

2021
$’000

2020
$’000

7

8

9

10

8

11

12

14

13

10

15

9

16

17

25

16

17

25

18

20

21

48,360

12,974

2,693

1,750

65,777

86

4,707

8,365

2,170

35,544

–

50,872

116,649

11,197

40,166

3,010

476

4,960

399

51,048

10,678

1,327

1,834

64,887

527

5,010

9,162

1,778

17,481

6

33,964

98,851

8,485

36,375

2,492

995

3,478

339

60,208

52,164

8,488

645

357

9,490

69,698

46,951

6,943

(10,372)

50,380

46,951

10,253

364

727

11,344

63,508

35,343

5,448

(10,950)

40,845

35,343

The above consolidated statement of financial position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

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25

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 30 June 2021

Notes to the Financial Statements 
For the year ended 30 June 2021

Cash flows from operating activities

Receipts from customers

Payments to suppliers and employees

Interest received

Interest paid

Income taxes paid, net

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Repayment of loans by employees

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment

Payment for acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired 1

Payments for property, plant and equipment

Payments for intangible assets

Net cash outflow from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Dividends paid

Repayment of lease liabilities

Proceeds from issue of shares

Payments for shares bought back

Net cash outflow from financing activities

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the financial year

CONSOLIDATED

Notes

2021
$’000

2020
$’000

106,488

(77,701)

93

(516)

(3,668)

24,696

441

48

 (18,725)

(1,113)

(3)

(19,352)

(6,565)

(2,927)

1,495

–

(7,997)

(2,653)

51,048

(35)

48,360

90,039

(58,539) 

498

(485)

(2,360)

29,153

91

22

(3,581)

(1,171)

(58)

(4,697)

(5,583)

(2,008)

425

(502)

(7,668)

16,788

34,556

(296)

51,048

22(a)

25

13

22(c)

22(c)

7

1 

 Made up of the purchase consideration for the acquisition of Objective RegTech Pty Limited in the amount of $23,997,000 net of cash acquired of $5,626,000 
and first instalment payment of $353,000 made in settlement of the deferred consideration payable in relation to the acquisition of Master Business Systems 
Limited, which was acquired in the prior year.

The above consolidated statement of cash flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared 
by aggregating the financial statements of all the entities that 
comprise the Group, being Objective Corporation Limited and 
its controlled entities. In these consolidated financial statements:

 – results of each controlled entity are included from the date 

Objective Corporation Limited obtains control and until such 
time as it ceases to control an entity; and

 – all inter-entity balances and transactions are eliminated.

Control is achieved where Objective Corporation Limited is 
exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement 
with an entity and has the ability to affect those returns through 
its power to direct the activities of the entity. Entities controlled by 
Objective Corporation Limited are under no obligation to accept 
responsibility for liabilities of other common controlled entities 
except where such an obligation has been specifically undertaken.

Business combination
The Group applies the acquisition method to account for 
business combinations. The consideration transferred for 
the acquisition of a subsidiary is the fair values of the assets 
transferred, the liabilities incurred to the former owners of the 
acquiree and the equity interests issued by the Group. The 
consideration transferred includes the fair value of any asset or 
liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement. 
Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities 
assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their 
fair values at the acquisition date.

Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. 

Refer Note 25 for further details.

Currency
Items included in the financial statements of each of the 
Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary 
economic environment in which the entity operates (‘the 
functional currency”). The consolidated financial statements are 
presented in Australian dollars, which is Objective Corporation 
Limited’s functional and presentation currency.

Rounding
In accordance with ASIC Corporations (Rounding in Financial/
Directors’ Reports) Instrument 2016/191, amounts in the 
Directors’ Report and Financial Report have been rounded 
off to the nearest thousand Australian dollars unless 
otherwise indicated.

Comparative information
Where applicable, comparative information has been reclassified 
in order to comply with current period disclosure requirements, 
the impact of which is not material to the financial report.

NOTE 1  BASIS OF PREPARATION
This section sets out the basis upon which the Group’s 
consolidated financial statements are prepared as a whole. 
Significant and other accounting policies that summarise the 
measurement basis used and are relevant to an understanding 
of the consolidated financial statements are provided 
throughout the notes to the consolidated financial statements. 
All other accounting policies are outlined in Note 32.

Statement of compliance 
Objective Corporation Limited is a limited company incorporated 
in Australia whose shares are publicly traded on the Australian 
Securities Exchange.

This general purpose financial report is prepared in accordance 
with the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and applicable Accounting 
Standards and Interpretations, and complies with other 
requirements of the law. Objective Corporation Limited is a 
‘for profit’ entity. The financial report includes the consolidated 
financial statements of Objective Corporation Limited and its 
controlled entities (‘the Group’).

Accounting Standards include Australian Accounting Standards. 
Compliance with Australian Accounting Standards ensures that 
the financial statements and notes of the Group comply with 
International Financial Reporting Standards.

Basis of preparation
The financial report is based on historical cost. In preparing this 
financial report, the Group is required to make estimates and 
assumptions about carrying values of assets and liabilities. 
These estimates and assumptions are based on historical 
experience and various other factors that are believed to be 
reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ 
from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions 
are reviewed on an ongoing basis.

The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the 
previous year, unless otherwise stated.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic: The Group has managed, and 
continues to manage, the risks arising from the COVID-19 global 
pandemic, with any known impacts being included in the financial 
statements for the year ended 30 June 2021. The Group’s 
response includes a financial response plan that incorporates 
financial forecasts over the near term, which are regularly 
updated for any material changes in market conditions. 

As of 30 June 2021, the Group had:

 – net cash position of $48.4 million, calculated as cash and 

cash equivalents less borrowings (excluding lease liabilities 
arising from AASB 16), as disclosed in the statement of 
financial position; 

 – positive net cash flow from operating activities of $24.7 million, 

as disclosed in the statement of cash flows; and

 – net current assets of $5.6 million, calculated as current 

assets of $65.8 million less current liabilities of $60.2 million, 
as disclosed in the statement of financial position. 

On the basis of reviews of the financial forecasts and 
consideration of the financial position summarised above, as 
at the date these financial statements are authorised for issue, 
the directors of the Company consider it is appropriate for the 
going concern basis to be adopted in the preparation of this 
consolidated financial statements.

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Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 30 June 2021

NOTE 1  BASIS OF PREPARATION CONTINUED

New or revised accounting standards 
In the current year, the Group has applied the amendments to 
Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued 
by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (the Board), 
that are effective for the Group’s annual reporting period that 
began on 1 July 2020. Their adoption has not had any material 
impact on the disclosures or on the amounts reported in these 
financial statements. 

 – AASB 2019-1 Amendments to Australian Accounting 

Standards – References to the Conceptual Framework

  The Group has adopted the amendments included in 
AASB 2019-1 for the first time in the current year. The 
amendments include consequential amendments to affected 
Australian Accounting Standards, Interpretations and other 
pronouncements to reflect the issuance of the Conceptual 
Framework for Financial Reporting (Conceptual Framework) 
by the AASB. 

 –  AASB 2018-7 Amendments to Australian Accounting 

Standards – Definition of Material 

  This Standard amends AASB 101 Presentation of Financial 
Statements and AASB 108 Accounting Policies, Changes in 
Accounting Estimates and Errors, and makes consequential 
amendments to several other pronouncements and 
publications. The Group has adopted these amendments 
for the first time in the current year. The amendments make 
the definition of material in AASB 101 easier to understand 
and are not intended to alter the underlying concept of 
materiality in Australian Accounting Standards. The concept 
of ‘obscuring’ material information with immaterial information 
has been included as part of the new definition. 

 –  AASB 2020-4 Amendments to AASs – Covid-19-Related 

Rent Concessions 

  The Group has adopted the amendments included in AASB 

2020-4 for the first time in the current year. The amendments 
allow lessees to elect to not apply lease modification 
accounting when rent concessions (including deferrals 
or abatements) are received as a direct consequence of 
COVID-19 pandemic. 

Critical accounting judgments and key sources  
of estimation uncertainty 
Critical judgments and key assumptions that management 
has made in the process of applying the Group’s accounting 
policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts 
recognised in the consolidated financial statements are detailed 
in the notes below:

Note

2, 4 

5

Judgement/Estimation

Revenue from contracts with customers

Expected credit loss allowance

8, 9, 11, 12, 13

Asset impairment

14

Recoverability of deferred tax assets

11, 12, 13

Useful life for depreciable assets

12, 16

17

6, 14

Lease terms and incremental borrowing rates

Employee benefits assumptions

Income taxes

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are 
based on historical experience and other factors, including 
reasonable expectations of future events.

The Group has considered the impact of COVID-19 in preparing 
its consolidated financial statements. Whilst the specific areas 
of judgement as noted in the table above did not change, 
the impact of COVID-19 resulted in the application of further 
judgement within those identified areas.

Notes to the financial report
The notes to the financial report are organised into the 
following sections.

Financial performance overview: provides a breakdown of 
individual line items in the statement of financial performance, 
and other information that is considered most relevant to users 
of the annual report.

Statement of financial position: provides a breakdown of 
individual line items in the statement of financial position that 
are considered most relevant to users of the annual report.

Capital structure and risk management: provides 
information about the capital management practices of the Group 
including the Group’s exposure to various financial risks, explains 
how these affect the Group’s financial position and performance 
and what the Group does to manage these risks.

Group structure: explains aspects of the Group structure 
and the impact of this structure on the financial position and 
performance of the Group.

Other: provides information on items which require disclosure 
to comply with Australian Accounting Standards and other 
regulatory pronouncements.

NOTE 2  SEGMENT INFORMATION

Operating and reportable segments
The Group applies a ‘management approach’ to identify its segments, based on the information provided to the Group’s chief 
operating decision-makers (CODM). Accordingly, segment information is prepared on the basis of internal management reporting 
that is regularly reviewed by the CODM to assess the performance of the segment and make decisions regarding the allocation of 
resources. Within the Group, the function of the CODM is exercised by the CEO.

The CODM assesses the financial performance of the Group on an integrated basis only, and accordingly the Group is managed 
on the basis of a single segment.

Revenue by product group
The revenue analysis presented to the CODM on a monthly basis is categorised by product group. This analysis is presented below:

Revenue by product group:

Objective Content Solutions

Objective RegTech

Objective Planning Solutions 

Objective Keystone

Total revenue from contracts with customers

Product groups

Description

2021
$’000

2020
$’000

61,808

15,252

10,747

7,108

94,915

54,710

–

8,087

6,833

69,630

Objective Content Solutions

Objective RegTech

Includes results from the sale of Objective Enterprise Content Management related products which allow 
customers to manage information and process governance across the enterprise. Also includes the results 
from the sale of Objective Connect products which enable customers to collaborate with external organisations 
with the security, information governance and auditability demanded by government and Objective Redact 
products which allow users to irreversibly remove sensitive information from any electronic document.

Includes results from the sale of Objective RegTech products that are focused on the delivery of government 
regulation technology solutions, helping governments and regulators to productively carry out the essential 
work of delivering safety, regulation, compliance and enforcement outcomes that make our communities 
safer places to live.

Objective Planning Solutions

Includes results from the sale of Objective Trapeze products which digitally transform development 
application plan reviews and assessments; and Objective Alpha and Master Business Systems, leading  
end to end building consenting solutions. 

Objective Keystone

Corporate

Includes results from the sale of Objective Keystone products that improve efficiency and deliver 
governance in the process of authoring, reviewing, engaging with and publishing documents.

This segment is not considered an operating group, includes head office and central service groups 
including treasury function.

Revenue represents invoiced sales subsequently adjusted for the deferred component which is recognised over the service period 
to arrive at revenue. Revenue comprises product or licence sales, subscription services, professional services, training service and 
interest income.

The CODM continues to consider the financial position of the business from a geographical perspective and as such the assets and 
liabilities of the Group are presented by geographical region for both the year ended 30 June 2021 and the comparative period. 

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Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 30 June 2021

NOTE 2  SEGMENT INFORMATION CONTINUED

NOTE 3  EARNINGS PER SHARE

Revenue by geographic location
The Group’s revenue from external customers by geographic location is provided below. In general, a large amount of revenue is 
generated by customers that are global, from transactions that cross multiple countries and where the source of revenue can be 
unrelated to the location of the users accessing the software.

Basic earnings per share – cents

CONSOLIDATED

2021

17.2

2020

11.8

Revenue by location:

Australia

United Kingdom

New Zealand

Rest of the world

Total revenue

There were no customers contributing more than 10% of revenue during the current and comparative period.

Reportable segment assets and liabilities by geographic location

30 June 2021

Reportable segment assets

Reportable segment liabilities

30 June 2020

Reportable segment assets

Reportable segment liabilities

Reconciliation of reportable segment assets and liabilities

Asia Pacific 
$’000

64,829

59,853

Asia Pacific 
$’000

67,807

53,340

Assets

Reportable segment assets

Intangible assets

Deferred tax assets

Consolidated total assets

Liabilities

Reportable segment liabilities

Current tax liabilities

Consolidated total liabilities

CONSOLIDATED

2021
$’000

2020
$’000

73,198

9,483

12,343

32

95,056

Europe 
$’000

14,106

9,369

Europe 
$’000

11,785

9,173

52,691

9,178

8,155

16

70,040

Total 
$’000

78,935

69,222

Total 
$’000

79,592

62,513

2021
$’000

2020
$’000

78,935

35,544

2,170

116,649

69,222

476

69,698

79,592

17,481

1,778

98,851

62,513

995

63,508

Reconciliation of non-current assets
Non-current assets for this purpose consist of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, deferred taxes and other receivables. 
Deferred taxes are not allocated to a specific location as they are also managed on a group basis.

Non-current assets by location of assets

Australia

United Kingdom

New Zealand

Rest of the world

Unallocated non-current assets

Total non-current assets

2021
$’000

2020
$’000

23,832

8,842

16,017

11

2,170

50,872

8,017

9,002

15,155

12

1,778

33,964

Profit for the year attributable to shareholders of Objective Corporation Limited ($’000)

16,086

11,025

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share

93,726,374

93,130,533

Diluted earnings per share – cents

Profit for the year attributable to shareholders of 

Objective Corporation Limited ($’000)

16.8

11.6

16,086

11,025

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share¹

95,778,874

94,138,033

1 

 Calculated by increasing the total weighted average number of shares used in calculating basic earnings per share by outstanding options of 2,052,500. 
Options granted under the Employee Incentive Plan are included in the determination of diluted earnings per share to the extent to which they are dilutive.

NOTE 4  REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

Revenue from contracts with customers

Other revenue:

Interest income

Sundry revenue

Total revenue

Disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers
The Group’s revenue disaggregated by pattern of revenue recognition is as follows. 

Timing of revenue recognition:

–  products and services transferred at a point in time

–  products and services transferred over time

Total revenue from contracts with customers

CONSOLIDATED

2021
$’000

2020
$’000

94,915

69,630

92

49

403

7

95,056

70,040

CONSOLIDATED

2021
$’000

2020
$’000

4,145

90,770

94,915

4,736

64,894

69,630

Recognition and measurement – Revenue from contracts with customers
Revenue from contracts with customers is recognised upon transfer of control of the promised goods or services to customers 
in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. 

The Group designs, develops and delivers specialised software solutions to assist predominantly public sector bodies to operate 
with increased effectiveness, transparency and efficiency through uptake of the Company’s content, collaboration and process 
management solutions.

From these activities, the Group generates the following streams of revenue:

 – Software licence revenue

 – Implementation and consulting revenue

 – Other ancillary fees such as hosting and support service fees

 – Royalties revenue

Each of the above services delivered to customers are considered separate performance obligations, even though for practical 
expedience they may be governed by a single legal contract with the customer. 

In recognising revenue, an assessment is performed as to whether control of the goods transfer to a customer over time or at 
a point in time. 

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Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 30 June 2021

NOTE 4  REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS CONTINUED
Revenue recognition for each of the above revenue streams are as follows:

Revenue stream

Performance obligation

Timing of recognition

Software license revenue

Right-to-use

Access to software

Implementation and  
consulting revenue

As defined in the contract

Implementation and  
consulting revenue

Other ancillary fees

Royalties revenue

Provision of hosting services, 
cloud services, support and 
maintenance services.

Use of Objective intellectual 
property in products sold by 
third-parties.

Revenue from distinct on-premise licenses is recognised upfront at the point 
in time when the software is delivered to the customer. Perpetual licenses are 
initially sold with one year of ongoing software support which is recognised as 
revenue over time and the option to renew thereafter. 

Software license revenue offered on a subscription basis is recognised 
based on an equal daily rate over the term of the contract as the customer 
simultaneously receives and consumes the benefit of accessing the software. 
Subscription customers are typically invoiced annually in advance and prior to 
revenue recognition, which results in contract liabilities. The consideration is 
payable when invoiced.

Professional service revenue billed on a time and materials basis is 
recognised over time as services are delivered. Revenue from providing 
services is recognised in the accounting period in which the services are 
rendered. Revenue is calculated based on time and materials.

For fixed-price contracts, revenue is recognised based on the extent 
of progress towards completion of the performance obligation, on a 
project-by-project basis. The method used to measure progress depends on 
the nature of the services. Revenue is recognised on the basis of time and 
materials incurred to date relative to the total budgeted inputs. The output 
method on the basis of milestones is used when the contractual terms align 
the Company’s performance with measurements of value to the customer. 
Revenue is recognised for services performed to date based on contracted 
rates and/or milestones that correspond to the amount the Company is 
entitled to invoice.
If contracts include the installation of software license, revenue for the 
software licence is recognised at a point in time when the software is 
delivered, the legal title has passed, and the customer has taken delivery 
of the software license.

Over time, depending on circumstances.

Royalties revenue is recognised over time as the customer simultaneously 
receives and consumes the benefit of accessing the information. Royalties 
revenue is recognised as the amount to which the Group has a right to invoice 
under the agreed royalty model with the customer. Customers are typically 
invoiced monthly, and consideration is payable when invoiced, which 
corresponds directly with the performance completed to date in respect 
of this stream.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements – revenue from contracts with customers

Performance obligations
The Group’s contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations. For contracts with multiple components to be 
delivered, such as, software installation, software licence and upgrade support services, management applies judgement to consider 
whether those promised goods and services are (i) distinct – to be accounted for as separate performance obligations; (ii) not distinct – 
to be combined with other promised goods or services until a bundle is identified as distinct or (iii) part of a series of distinct goods and 
services that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer to the customer.

Transaction price
At contract inception the total transaction price is estimated, being the amount to which the Group expects to be entitled and has 
rights to under the present contract. This includes an assessment of any variable consideration where the Group’s performance may 
result in additional revenues based on the achievement of agreed key performance indicators. Such amounts are only included based 
on the expected value method and only to the extent that it is highly probable that significant reversals in the cumulative amount of 
revenue recognised will not occur in subsequent periods. The expected value method for estimating variable consideration is generally 
used where the Group has a large number of contracts with similar characteristics. 

The Group allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation based on the relative stand-alone selling prices of each 
distinct product or service. Stand-alone selling prices are determined based on prices charged to customers for individual products 
and services taking into consideration the size and length of contracts and the Group’s overall go to market strategy. 

Contract modifications
The Group’s contracts may occasionally be amended for changes in contract specifications and requirements. Contract modifications 
exist when the amendment either creates new or changes the existing enforceable rights and obligations. The effect of a contract 
modification on the transaction price and the Group’s measure of progress for the performance obligation to which it relates, is 
recognised as an adjustment to revenue in one of the following ways:

a.  prospectively as an additional separate contract;

b.  prospectively as a termination of the existing contract and creation of a new contract;

c.  as part of the original contract using a cumulative catch up; or

d.  as a combination of b) and c).

Critical accounting estimates and judgements – revenue from contracts with customers
For contracts for which the Group has decided there is a series of distinct goods and services that are substantially the same and have 
the same pattern of transfer where revenue is recognised over time, the modification will always be treated under either a) or b). d) may 
arise when a contract has a part termination and a modification of the remaining performance obligations.

The facts and circumstances of any contract modification are considered individually as the types of modifications will vary contract by 
contract and may result in different accounting outcomes.

Judgement is applied in relation to the accounting for such modifications where the final terms or legal contracts have not been agreed 
prior to the period end as management need to determine if a modification has been approved and if it either creates new or changes 
existing enforceable rights and obligations of the parties. Depending upon the outcome of such negotiations, the timing and amount 
of revenue recognised may be different in the relevant accounting periods. Modification and amendments to contracts are undertaken 
via an agreed formal process. For example, if a change in scope has been approved but the corresponding change in price is still 
being negotiated, management use their judgement to estimate the change to the total transaction price. Importantly any variable 
consideration is only recognised to the extent that it is highly probable that no revenue reversal will occur.

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Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 30 June 2021

NOTE 5  PROFIT AND LOSS ITEMS

NOTE 6  INCOME TAX EXPENSE

CONSOLIDATED

(a)  Components of income tax expense

Expenses:

Depreciation expenses – property, plant and equipment

Depreciation expenses – right-of-use assets

Amortisation expenses – intangible assets

Expected credit loss allowance – trade and other receivables 

Interest expense – lease liabilities

Other finance costs

Rental payments on short-term leases and low value assets

Employee benefits expenses1

Superannuation expenses¹

Share based payment expenses

Research and development expenses¹

Other gains and losses:

Net foreign exchange losses

Net profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment

2021
$’000

(1,930)

(2,392)

(549)

(195)

(510)

(52)

–

(52,386)

(3,533)

(500)

(23,116)

(56)

12

2020
$’000

(1,473)

(1,749)

(291)

70

(477)

(11)

(30)

(39,232)

(2,679)

(439)

(15,737)

(55)

–

1    Research and development expenses are costs incurred in relation to our product development activities and includes $17,214,000 of employee benefits 

expenses (2020: $12,665,000) and $1,153,000 of superannuation expenses (2020: $858,000) which are also reported under the relevant specific expense groups. 

Recognition and measurement

Employee benefits expense
Employee benefits expense includes salaries, wages and other employment related entitlements.

Research and development expenses
Research and development expenses are incurred for in-house research and development activities in the areas of application 
technology and engineering. Expenditure on research and development activities is recognised in the consolidated statement of profit 
or loss as an expense when incurred on the basis that the expected future benefits from these activities are too uncertain to justify 
carrying the expenditure forward. 

Interest expense and other finance costs
Interest expense and other finance costs are recognised in the period in which they are incurred. 

Foreign currency transactions and balances 
Foreign currency transactions are translated into functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transaction. 
Foreign currency monetary items are translated at the year-end exchange rate. Non-monetary items measured at historical cost 
continue to be carried at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Non-monetary items measured at fair value are reported 
at the exchange rate at the date when fair values were determined.

Exchange differences arising on the translation of monetary items are recognised in profit or loss, except where deferred in equity as 
a qualifying cash flow or net investment hedge.

Exchange differences arising on the translation of non-monetary items are recognised directly in other comprehensive income to the 
extent that the underlying gain or loss is recognised in other comprehensive income; otherwise the exchange difference is recognised 
in profit or loss.

Gain/(loss) on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Gains or losses arising from the retirement or disposal of tangible assets are determined as the difference between the estimated net 
disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the assets and are recognised in profit or loss on the date of retirement or disposal.

Interest income
Interest income is earned from financial assets that are held for cash management purposes and recognised as it accrues, taking into 
account the effective yield on the financial asset. 

Current tax expense on profits for the year

Deferred tax expense related to movements in deferred tax balances

Income tax under/(over) provided in prior years

Income tax expense

CONSOLIDATED

2021
$’000

3,261

836

44

4,141

2020
$’000

3,001

(359)

(76)

2,566

Uncertain tax positions
There are many transactions and calculations undertaken during the ordinary course of business for which the ultimate tax 
determination is uncertain. The Group recognises liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on the Group’s current understanding 
of the tax law however significant judgement is required in determining the provision for income tax. Where the final tax outcome of 
these matters is different from the estimated amounts, such differences will impact the current and, where recognised, deferred tax 
provisions in the period in which such determination is made.

(b) Reconciliation of income tax expense to prima facie tax payable

Profit before income tax expense

Prima facie income tax expense calculated at the tax rate of 30%

Tax effect of amounts which are not deductible/(taxable) in

calculating taxable income:

Amortisation expenses – intangibles

Share based payment expenses

Other non-allowable deductions

Subtotal

Different tax rates of subsidiaries operating in other jurisdictions

Adjustments for current tax of prior periods

Research and development tax credit

Previously unrecognised tax losses now recouped

Tax losses not recognised as deferred tax assets

Income tax expense

CONSOLIDATED

2021
$’000

20,227

6,068

68

40

28

6,204

(341)

44

(1,886)

–

120

4,141

2020
$’000

13,591

4,077

47

201

65

4,390

(431)

(76)

(1,301)

(16)

–

2,566

Recognition and measurement
Current and deferred tax is recognised as an expense or income in the consolidated statement of profit or loss, except when it relates 
to items credited or debited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also recognised directly in equity, or where it arises from 
the initial accounting for a business combination, in which case it is taken into account in the determination of goodwill. 

Current tax represents the amount expected to be paid in relation to taxable income for the financial year measured using tax rates and 
tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date. Current tax for current and prior periods is recognised 
as a liability (or asset) to the extent that it is unpaid (or refundable).

Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the balance sheet liability method, on temporary differences arising between the carrying 
amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and tax purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax 
rates that are expected to apply to the period(s) when the asset and liability giving rise to them are realised or settled, based on tax 
rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by reporting date.

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Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 30 June 2021

NOTE 6  INCOME TAX EXPENSE CONTINUED

NOTE 8  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Tax consolidation
Objective Corporation Limited (the parent entity) and its wholly owned Australian resident subsidiaries formed a tax-consolidated group 
pursuant to Australian taxation law with effect from 1 July 2002 and are therefore taxed as a single entity from that date. Objective 
Corporation Limited is the head entity in the tax-consolidated group.

On 1 July 2021, Objective RegTech Pty Limited, a wholly-owned Australian resident subsidiary, joined the tax-consolidated group. 

Tax expense/income, deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets arising from temporary differences of the members of the tax 
consolidated group are recognised in the separate financial statements of the members of the tax-consolidated group using the 
‘standalone taxpayer’ approach by reference to the carrying amounts in the separate financial statements of each entity and 
the tax values applying under tax consolidation. 

Current tax liabilities and assets and deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses and tax credits of the tax-consolidated group 
are recognised by the head entity in the tax consolidated group.

BALANCE SHEET OVERVIEW

NOTE 7  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial year are reflected in the related items in the consolidated statement of financial 
position as follows:

Current assets

Cash at bank and in hand

Short-term bank deposits

Total cash and cash equivalents1

CONSOLIDATED

2021
$’000

11,600

36,760

48,360

2020
$’000

45,793

5,255

51,048

1 

 The cash and cash equivalents disclosed above and in the consolidated statement of cash flows include $1,460,000 (2020: $1,190,000) in short-term bank 
deposits which are restricted for use and held as security for rental guarantee. 

Classification as cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash, bank balances and short-term deposits with a maturity of 3 months or less from acquisition. 

2021

2020

Current 
$’000

Non-current
$’000

Current 
$’000

Non-current
$’000

Trade receivables

Other receivables

Sub-total

Expected credit loss allowance (a)

Loans to employees

Total trade and other receivables

12,333

838

13,171

(197)

12,974

–

12,974

–

–

–

–

86

86

10,195

488

10,683

(5)

10,678

–

10,678

(a)  Movement in expected credit loss allowance is as follows:

Balance at beginning of the year

Net remeasurement of expected credit loss allowance

Trade receivables written off during the year

Foreign currency translation

Total expected credit loss allowance at 30 June 

CONSOLIDATED

2021
$’000

5

195

–

(3)

197

–

–

–

–

–

527

527

2020
$’000

150

(70)

(75)

–

5

Recognition and measurement
Trade and other receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost, less any credit loss allowance. 

The Group applies the simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses which uses a lifetime expected loss allowance for 
all trade receivables.

Expected credit losses are measured by grouping trade receivables and contract assets based on shared credit risk characteristics 
and the days past due. 

A provision matrix is then determined based on the historic credit loss rate for each group of customers, adjusted as appropriate to 
reflect current conditions and changes to the future credit risk for that customer group.

Classification as trade and other receivables
Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for goods sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business. 
Loans and other receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active 
market. If collection of the amounts is expected in one year or less they are classified as current assets. If not, they are presented 
as non-current assets. Trade receivables are generally due for settlement within 30 days and therefore are all classified as current. 
Further information relating to loans to employees is set out in Note 27. 

The ageing of the Group’s trade and other receivables at reporting date together with impairment and other accounting policies for 
trade and other receivables are outlined in Note 23. 

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37

Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 30 June 2021

NOTE 9 CONTRACT ASSETS AND CONTRACT LIABILITIES 

Current

Contract assets

Contract liabilities

Changes in contract balances during the current year are:

Balance at the beginning of the year

Transfer from contract assets to trade receivables

Revenue recognised for work performed but not yet billed

Transfer from contract liabilities to contract assets¹

Revenue recognised during the year that was included in contract liabilities at the beginning of the year

Increase due to cash received, excluding amount recognised during the year

Addition from acquisition of subsidiary

Foreign currency translation

Balance at the end of the year

Changes in contract balances during the prior year are:

Balance at the beginning of the year

Transfer from contract assets to trade receivables

Revenue recognised for work performed but not yet billed

Transfer from contract assets to contract liabilities¹

Revenue recognised during the year that was included in contract liabilities at the beginning of the year

Increase due to cash received, excluding amount recognised during the year

Addition from acquisition of subsidiary

Foreign currency translation

Balance at the end of the year

CONSOLIDATED

2021
$’000

2020
$’000

2,693

40,166

1,327

36,375

Contract
assets
$’000

1,327

(1,327)

2,699

–

–

–

–

(6)

2,693

Contract
assets
$’000

950

(950)

1,334

–

–

–

–

(7)

1,327

Contract
liabilities
$’000

(36,375)

–

–

1,012

36,375

(40,486)

(766)

74

(40,166)

Contract
liabilities
$’000

(24,411)

–

–

(659)

24,411

(35,431)

(155)

(130)

(36,375)

1 

 In fixed-price contracts, the customer pays the fixed amount based on an agreed payment schedule. If the services rendered by the Group exceed the 
payment received, a contract asset is recognised. If the payments received exceed the services rendered, a contract liability is recognised.

Recognition and measurement
A contract asset is recognised when a conditional right to consideration exists and transfer of control has occurred. Contract 
assets are typically related to unbilled receivable balances which have not yet been invoiced and arises when the Group satisfies 
a performance obligation before it receives the consideration and are generally related to consultancy or services projects. 

Contract liabilities primarily consists of billings or payments received in advance of revenue recognition from subscription services, 
including non-cancellable and non-refundable committed funds and deposits. Customers are typically invoiced for these agreements 
in regular instalments and revenue is recognised on a straight-line basis over the contractual subscription period or as the performance 
obligations under contracts with customers are satisfied. Contract liability does not represent the total contract value of annual or 
multi-year non-cancellable subscription agreements.

Similarly, if the Group satisfies a performance obligation before it receives the consideration, typically on IT consulting projects, the 
Group recognises either a contract asset or a receivable in its consolidated statement of financial position, depending on whether 
something other than the passage of time is required before the consideration is due. 

Unsatisfied performance obligations
The Group applies the practical expedient in the revenue standard and does not disclose information about the remaining performance 
obligation on contracts that have an original expected duration of one year or less or where the Group has the right to consideration from a 
customer in an amount that corresponds directly to the value transferred to customer, typically involving time and material based contracts.

The aggregate amount of contract liabilities of the performance obligations that are unsatisfied at 30 June 2021 was $40,166,000 
(2020: $36,375,000) and is expected to be recognised as revenue within the next twelve months. 

NOTE 10 OTHER ASSETS

Current assets 

Prepayments

Rental deposits

Total other assets

Non-current assets 

Other assets

Total other assets

CONSOLIDATED

2021
$’000

1,699

51

1,750

–

–

2020
$’000

1,807

27

1,834

6

6

Recognition and measurement
Prepayments are recognised for amounts paid whereby goods have not transferred ownership to the Group or where services have 
not yet been provided. Upon receipt of goods or the service the corresponding asset is recognised in the consolidated statement of 
profit or loss. 

Rental deposits are bond payments made to the lessor under a lease agreement and may be refunded in whole or in part at the end 
of the leasing arrangement.

Our Business Inside ObjectiveDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsObjective Corporation Limited And Its Controlled Entities — Annual Report 2021 
38

39

Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 30 June 2021

NOTE 11 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

CONSOLIDATED

Plant and
equipment
$’000

Leasehold
improvements
$’000

Motor
vehicles
$’000

Capital work
in progress
$’000

30 June 2021

Gross carrying amount – cost

Accumulated depreciation

Total property, plant and equipment, net

Represented by:

Net carrying amount at 1 July 2020

Additions 

Acquired through business combination

Disposals

Depreciation expenses

Transfers

Exchange differences

6,521

(4,106)

2,415

2,033

1,062

282

(1)

(993)

18

14

6,008

(3,762)

2,246

2,192

50

236

–

(901)

678

(9)

Net carrying amount at 30 June 2021

2,415

2,246

30 June 2020

Gross carrying amount – cost

Accumulated depreciation

Total property, plant and equipment, net

Represented by:

4,637

(2,604)

2,033

4,904

(2,712)

2,192

Net carrying amount at 1 July 2019

2,319

2,865

Additions 

Acquired through business combination

Disposals

Depreciation expenses

Exchange differences

Net carrying amount at 30 June 2020

Recognition and measurement

476

23

(20)

(757)

(8)

2,033

17

4

(2)

(684)

(8)

2,192

88

(42)

46

89

27

–

(35)

(36)

–

1

46

120

(31)

89

–

–

121

–

(32)

–

89

–

–

–

696

–

–

–

–

(696)

–

–

696

–

696

1

695

–

–

–

–

696

Total
$’000

12,617 

(7,910)

4,707

5,010

1,139

518

(36)

(1,930)

–

6

4,707

10,357 

(5,347)

5,010

5,185

1,188

148

(22)

(1,473)

(16)

5,010

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at historical cost of acquisition less depreciation. Historical cost includes expenditure that 
is directly attributable to the acquisition of items. Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognised as a 
separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the group 
and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to profit or loss during the reporting 
period in which they are incurred. The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of 
each reporting period. An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount 
is greater than its estimated recoverable amount.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements – depreciation methods and useful lives 
Property, plant and equipment comprises of furniture and fittings, office equipment, computer equipment and leasehold improvements. 
Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate their cost, net of their residual values, over their estimated useful 
lives as follows: 

Asset class

Plant and equipment

Leasehold improvements

Motor vehicles

Useful life

2–10 years

2–7 years or shorter of lease term

5–8 years

Estimates of remaining useful lives, residual values and depreciation methods require significant management judgement, are reviewed 
annually, and where changes are made, their effects are accounted for on a prospective basis.

NOTE 12 RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS
Movements in the net carrying amount of right-of-use assets during the year are presented below:

Buildings

Gross carrying amount – cost

Accumulated amortisation

Total right-of-use assets, net

Represented by:

Net carrying amount at 1 July

Additions

Acquired through business combination (Note 25)

Depreciation of right-of-use assets

Foreign exchange differences

Net carrying amount at 30 June

CONSOLIDATED

2021
$’000

14,132

(5,767)

8,365

9,162

–

1,502

(2,392)

93

8,365

2020
$’000

12,497

(3,335)

9,162

8,314

2,746

–

(1,749)

(149)

9,162

The Group leases office premises in the ordinary course of its business. The Group’s office premise leases comprise office building 
leases in multiple cities and countries in which the Group operates. 

The non-cancellable period of the leases ranges from 2 to 10 years with variable options to extend the lease terms. The lease 
payments are adjusted every year, based on contractual fixed percentage increases and in certain instances additionally increased 
by the prevailing consumer price index (“CPI”) at the lease review date. 

For any new contracts, the Group considers whether a contract is, or contains a lease. A lease is defined as a contract, or part 
of a contract, that conveys the right to use an asset (the underlying asset) for a period of time in exchange for consideration.

To apply this definition the Group assesses whether the contract meets three key evaluations which are whether:

 – the contract contains an identified asset, which is either explicitly identified in the contract or implicitly specified by being identified 

at the time the asset is made available to the Group

 – the Group has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the identified asset throughout the period 

of use, considering its rights within the defined scope of the contract

 – the Group has the right to direct the use of the identified asset throughout the period of use.

Recognition and measurement
At the commencement date, each lease is reflected on the consolidated statement of financial position as a right-of-use asset and 
a lease liability. The right-of-use asset is measured at cost, which is made up of the initial measurement of the lease liability, any initial 
direct costs incurred by the Group, an estimate of any costs to dismantle and remove the asset at the end of the lease, and any lease 
payments made in advance of the lease commencement date (net of any incentives received).

The right-of-use asset is subsequently depreciated using the straight-line method from the commencement date to the earlier of 
the end of the useful life of the right-of-use asset or the end of the lease term. The estimated useful life of right-of-use assets are 
determined on the same basis as those of plant and equipment. In addition, the right-of-use asset is periodically assessed for 
impairment losses, and adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability resulting from lease modifications.

The Group has applied the exemption not to recognise the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for leases of low value assets or 
short-term leases less than 12 months. Furthermore, the Group has applied the practical expedient to use a single regional discount 
rate to a portfolio of leases with similar characteristics. 

Impact of COVID-19
The Group does not foresee a downsizing of its employee base in response to COVID-19 that would render the Group’s existing 
physical infrastructure redundant. The leases that the Group has entered into are long-term in nature and no material changes in the 
terms of those leases are expected due to COVID-19.

Our Business Inside ObjectiveDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsObjective Corporation Limited And Its Controlled Entities — Annual Report 202140

41

Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 30 June 2021

NOTE 13 INTANGIBLE ASSETS

30 June 2021

Gross carrying amount – cost

Accumulated amortisation

Total intangible assets, net

Represented by:

Net carrying amount at 1 July 2020

Additions

Additions through acquisition of subsidiary

Amortisation expenses

Foreign exchange differences

Net carrying amount at 30 June 2021

30 June 2020

Gross carrying amount – cost

Accumulated amortisation

Total intangible assets, net

Represented by:

Net carrying amount at 1 July 2019

Additions

Additions through acquisition of subsidiary

Amortisation expenses

Foreign exchange differences

Net carrying amount at 30 June 2020

CONSOLIDATED

Intellectual
property
$’000

Brand
names
$’000

Other
intangibles
$’000

Goodwill
$’000

Total
$’000

2,244

(2,244)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,182

(2,182)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

173

–

173

174

–

–

–

(1)

173

174

–

174

3,865

(1,210)

2,655

1,436

3

1,765

(548)

(1)

2,655

1,896

(460)

1,436

32,716

–

32,716

15,871

–

38,998

(3,454)

35,544

17,481

3

16,720

18,485

–

125

(548)

123

32,716

35,544

15,871

–

15,871

20,123

(2,642)

17,481

13,229

58

4,765

(291)

(280)

178

1,049

12,002

58

640

(291)

(20)

–

4,125

–

(256)

–

–

–

(4)

174

1,436

15,871

17,481

Recognition and measurement
Intangible assets acquired in a business combination is recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Intangible assets with finite 
useful life is stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses.

Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the share of the net identifiable assets acquired  
in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortised, but tested annually for impairment.

Intellectual property
The intellectual property was obtained through acquiring Objective Keystone Limited in April 2009 and amortised over its estimated 
useful life. 

Other intangible assets
Includes customer relationship list arising from the acquisition of Objective Trapeze NZ Limited (previously known as Onstream 
Systems Limited) and measured at fair value at the date of acquisition and patents. Brand names of $173,000 (2020: $174,000) that 
have an indefinite life are assessed for recoverability annually. Customer relationship lists that have a defined useful life are amortised 
and subsequently carried net of accumulated amortisation. The carrying value of other intangible assets is allocated to the Group’s 
cash generating units (“CGU”) identified as Objective Trapeze NZ Limited.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements – amortisation methods and useful lives 
Intangible assets with finite lives are amortised on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Useful lives are reassessed each 
period. The useful lives of intangible assets have been assessed as follows:

Asset class

Intellectual property

Patents

Customer relationship list and software

Brand names

Useful life

10 years

10 years

5–10 years

Indefinite useful life

Assessments of useful lives and estimates of remaining useful lives require significant management judgement. Brand names are generally 
assessed as having an indefinite useful life on the basis of brand strength, ongoing expected profitability and continuing support.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements – asset impairment 
The Group tests property, plant and equipment and intangible assets for impairment to ensure they are not carried at above their 
recoverable amounts:

 – at least annually for goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives; and

 – where there is an indication that the assets may be impaired (which is assessed at least each reporting date).

These tests for impairment are performed by assessing the recoverable amount of each individual asset or, if this is not possible, then 
the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit (CGU) to which the asset belongs. CGUs are the lowest levels at which assets are 
grouped and generate separately identifiable cash flows. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset or a CGU’s fair value less 
costs of disposal and value in use. The value in use calculations are based on discounted cash flows expected to arise from the asset. 
Management judgment is required in these valuations to forecast future cash flows and a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the 
present value of these future cash flows. 

The carrying value of goodwill is allocated to the Group’s cash generating units (“CGU”) identified as follows:

Objective Keystone 

Objective Planning and Building Solutions¹

Objective RegTech

Total goodwill

1 

 CGU in New Zealand. 

2021
$’000

5,973

10,023

16,720

32,716

2020
$’000

5,810

10,061

–

15,871

The recoverable amount of Objective Keystone Limited is determined based on value-in-use calculation. The calculation uses cash flow 
projections based on a five-year financial budget approved by management, extrapolated perpetually with an estimated general long-term 
continuous annual growth of not more than 15.0% (2020: 30.0%). The discount rate used of 15.5% (2020: 15.5%) is pre-tax and reflects 
specific risks related to the relevant operation A terminal value based on the EBITDA exit multiple method was used in the calculation.

The recoverable amounts of CGUs in New Zealand are determined based on value in-use calculation. The calculation uses cash 
flow projections based on a five-year financial budget approved by management, extrapolated perpetually with an estimated general 
long-term continuous annual growth of not more than 20.0% (2020: 20.0%). The discount rate used of approximately 15.5% (2020: 15.5%) 
is pre-tax and reflects specific risks related to the relevant operation.

The recoverable amounts of Objective RegTech is determined based on value in-use calculation. The calculation uses cash flow 
projections based on a five-year financial budget approved by management, extrapolated perpetually with an estimated general 
long-term continuous annual growth of not more than 25.0%. The discount rate used of approximately 15.5% is pre-tax and reflects 
specific risks related to the relevant operation.

The current financial forecasts used in the calculation is determined by management based on past performance and its expectations 
for market development and includes a number of initiatives designed to drive incremental sales and increased margins as well as 
reduce the costs of doing business. Management have assessed that the CGUs are sensitive to reasonably possible changes in 
the cash flow forecasts covering a period of five year and believe that any reasonably foreseeable changes in any of the above key 
assumptions would not cause the carrying amount of goodwill to exceed the recoverable amount.

Impact of COVID-19
The restrictions implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have triggered significant disruptions to a number of businesses 
globally. Governments and central banks have responded with monetary and fiscal interventions to stabilise overall economic 
conditions. The internal cash flow forecasts used for impairment assessments have given consideration to these impacts. Given 
the uncertainty as to the extent and duration of restrictions and the overall impact on economic activity, the impact assessment 
of COVID-19 is a continuing process. The Directors believe that the Company is well placed to manage its financing and other 
business risks satisfactorily and have a reasonable expectation that the forecasted outcome will not be significantly impacted  
by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our Business Inside ObjectiveDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsObjective Corporation Limited And Its Controlled Entities — Annual Report 202142

43

Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 30 June 2021

NOTE 14 NET DEFERRED TAX ASSETS

(a)  Deferred tax balances as disclosed in the consolidated statement of financial position

Deferred tax assets arising on deductible temporary differences

Deferred tax liabilities arising on taxable temporary differences

Total net deferred tax assets 

(b) Movement in deferred tax balances

CONSOLIDATED

2021
$’000

2,247

(77)

2,170

2020
$’000

1,812

(34)

1,778

CONSOLIDATED

Opening
balance
$’000

 Charged to
profit or loss
$’000 

Acquisition of
subsidiary
$’000

Others
$’000

Closing
balance
$’000

At 30 June 2021

Property, plant and equipment

Unrealised foreign exchange 

Employee benefits provision 

Rent incentive provision

Deferred expenditures for tax purposes

Intangibles

Accrued expenses

Unused tax losses

Other individually insignificant balances

Total net deferred assets

At 30 June 2020

Property, plant and equipment

Unrealised foreign exchange 

Employee benefits provision 

Rent incentive provision

Accrued expenses

Deferred expenditures for tax purposes

Unused tax losses

Other individually insignificant balances

Total net deferred assets

(c)  Tax losses

122

(34)

1,057

412

–

–

–

164

57

1,778

(101)

(45)

848

471

–

–

329

81

1,583

42

34

162

(126)

115

49

(1,130)

–

18

(836)

222

11

209

(59)

–

–

–

(24)

359

(29)

–

377

–

–

(126)

1,130

–

41

1,393

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1)

–

–

–

–

(164)

–

(165)

1

–

–

–

–

–

(165)

–

(164)

Unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset has been recognised 

Potential tax benefit 

CONSOLIDATED

2021
$’000

5,127

1,122

135

–

1,595

286

115

(77)

–

–

116

2,170

122

(34)

1,057

412

–

–

164

57

1,778

2020
$’000

4,500

944

Potential tax assets of approximately $1,122,000 (2020: $944,000) attributable to unused tax losses carried forward by foreign owned 
subsidiaries have not been recognised as the availability of future taxable profits against which the assets can be utilised is not 
considered to be probable at 30 June 2021. The benefit for tax losses will only be obtained if the relevant member entities:

(i)  derive future assessable income of a nature and amount sufficient to enable the benefit from the deductions for the losses to be 

realised; or 

(ii)  continue to comply with the conditions of deductibility imposed by tax legislation and no change in tax legislation adversely affects 

the relevant entities in realising the benefit from the deductions for the losses.

Recognition and measurement
Deferred tax assets are recognised when temporary differences arise between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their 
respective carrying amounts which give rise to a future tax benefit, or when a benefit arises due to unused tax losses. In both cases, 
deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable amounts will be available to utilise those 
temporary differences or tax losses. Deferred tax liabilities are recognised when such temporary differences will give rise to taxable 
amounts that are payable in future periods.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised at the tax rates expected to apply when the assets are recovered or the liabilities are 
settled under enacted or substantively enacted tax law.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and 
when the deferred tax balances relate to the same taxation authority. Current tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally 
enforceable right to offset and an intention to either settle on a net basis, or realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. 
Current and deferred taxes attributable to amounts recognised directly in equity are also recognised directly in equity.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements – recoverability of deferred tax assets
The Group exercises judgement in determining whether deferred tax assets, particularly in relation to tax losses, are probable of 
recovery. Factors considered include the ability to offset tax losses within the groups of entities in different tax jurisdictions, the nature 
of the tax loss, the length of time that tax losses are eligible for carry forward to offset against future taxable profits and whether future 
taxable profits are expected to be sufficient to allow recovery of deferred tax assets.

The Group is subject to income taxes in Australia and jurisdictions where it has foreign operations. The tax expense and deferred tax 
balances assume certain tax outcomes and values of assets in relation to the application of tax legislation as it applies to the Group’s 
entities. Judgement is required in determining the provisions for income taxes and in assessing whether deferred tax balances are to 
be recognised in the statement of financial position. Changes in tax legislation or the interpretation of tax laws by tax authorities may 
affect the amount of provision for income taxes and deferred tax balances recognised.

NOTE 15 TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Trade payables and accruals

Goods and services tax payable, net

Dividends payable

Total trade and other payables

CONSOLIDATED

2021
$’000

7,463

3,637

97

11,197

2020
$’000

4,972

3,402

111

8,485

Recognition and measurement
Trade and other payables are recognised when the Group becomes obliged to make future payments resulting from the purchase of 
goods and services. Payables are stated at their amortised cost.

Accruals comprised largely of accruals for staff costs, advertising and promotion expenses and miscellaneous operating expenses. 
Other creditors and accruals are expected to be settled or recognised as income within one year or are repayable on demand.

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST), except where the amount of GST 
incurred is not recoverable from the taxation authority. In these circumstances, the GST is recognised as part of the cost of purchase 
of the asset or as part of the expense.

Receivables and payables are stated with the amount of GST included. The net amount of GST recoverable from or payable to the 
taxation authority is included as a current asset or liability. Cash flows are included in the statement of cash flows on a gross basis. 
The GST components of cash flows arising from investing and financing activities which are recoverable from or payable to the taxation 
authority are classified as operating cash flows.

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45

Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 30 June 2021

NOTE 16 LEASE LIABILITIES

Current lease liabilities 

Non-current lease liabilities

Total lease liabilities

CONSOLIDATED

2021
$’000

3,010

8,488

11,498

2020
$’000

2,492

10,253

12,745

Lease payments not recognised as a liability
The Group has elected not to recognise a lease liability for short-term leases (leases with an expected term of 12 months or less) or for 
leases of low value assets. Payments made under such leases are expensed on a straight-line basis.

Recognition and measurement 
The Group measures the lease liability at the present value of the lease payments unpaid at lease commencement date, discounted 
using the interest rate implicit in the lease if that rate is readily available or the Group’s incremental borrowing rate. Generally, the Group 
uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate. The Group’s average incremental borrowing rate used is 4.14%.

Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability are made up of fixed payments (including in substance fixed), 
variable payments based on an index or rate and payments arising from options reasonably certain to be exercised. 

Subsequent to initial measurement, the liability will be reduced for payments made and increased for interest. It is remeasured to reflect 
any reassessment or modification, or if there are changes in in-substance fixed payments.

When the lease liability is remeasured, the corresponding adjustment is reflected in the right-of-use asset, or profit and loss if the 
right-of-use asset is already reduced to zero.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements – lease term
The lease term is a significant component in the measurement of both the right-of-use asset and lease liability. Judgement is exercised 
in determining whether there is reasonable certainty that an option to extend the lease or purchase the underlying asset will be 
exercised, or an option to terminate the lease will not be exercised, when ascertaining the periods to be included in the lease term. 
In determining the lease term, all facts and circumstances that create an economical incentive to exercise an extension option, or not 
to exercise a termination option, are considered at the lease commencement date. Factors considered may include the importance of 
the asset to the Group’s operations; comparison of terms and conditions to prevailing market rates; incurrence of significant penalties; 
existence of significant leasehold improvements; and the costs and disruption to replace the asset. The Group reassesses whether it 
is reasonably certain to exercise an extension option, or not exercise a termination option, if there is a significant event or significant 
change in circumstances.

NOTE 17 PROVISIONS

Current

Employee benefits

Total current provisions

Non-current

Employee benefits

Other provisions

Total non-current provisions

Total provisions

CONSOLIDATED

2021
$’000

4,960

4,960

512

133

645

2020
$’000

3,478

3,478

234

130

364

5,605

3,842

Recognition and measurement
A provision is recognised when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that 
an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made as to the amount of the 
obligation. The amount recognised is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the reporting 
date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation.
A provision is made for benefits accruing to employees in respect of annual leave and long service leave. Liabilities expected to be 
settled within 12 months are measured at their nominal values using the remuneration rate expected to apply at the time of settlement.

Liabilities which are not expected to be settled within 12 months are measured as the present value of the estimated future cash 
outflows to be made by the Group in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements – employee benefits assumptions
In estimating the value of employee benefits, consideration is given to expected future salary and wage levels (including on-cost rates), 
experience of employee departures and periods of service. The assumptions are reviewed periodically and given the nature of the 
estimate, reasonably possible changes in assumptions are not considered likely to have a material impact.

Where a provision is measured using the cash flows estimated to settle the obligation, the cash flows are discounted using a 
pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. Discount rates 
are reviewed periodically and given the nature of the estimate, reasonably possible changes are not considered likely to have a  
material impact.

NOTE 18 ISSUED CAPITAL

Share capital

94,010,371 fully paid ordinary shares (2020: 93,327,871)

Movement:

Opening balance

Issue of shares¹ 

Share options exercised by employees²

Share buy-backs³

Closing balance

CONSOLIDATED

2021

2020

Number of
shares

$’000

Number of
shares

$’000

93,327,871

5,448

92,879,112

4,994

225,000

457,500

–

500

995

–

–

548,759

(100,000)

–

454

–

94,010,371

6,943

93,327,871

5,448

 Represents issue of ordinary shares as a result of options exercised under the Group’s Employee Incentive Plan and in cash.
1 
2  Represents proceeds from share issues associated with limited recourse loans issued under the current Employee Incentive Plan.
3  The payment for share buy-backs are recognised in a share buy-back reserve within equity. 

Share capital
Holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared and are entitled to one vote per share at shareholders’ 
meetings. In the event of winding up of the Company, ordinary shareholders rank after all other shareholders and creditors and are 
fully entitled to any proceeds of liquidation. The ordinary shares have no par value and the Company does not have a limited amount 
of authorised capital. Capital raising costs are deducted from contributed equity.

Options issued during the year under the Employee Incentive Plan
The Company issues employee share options pursuant to the Employee Incentive Plan. Under the terms and conditions of the current 
Employee Incentive Plan, selected employees are granted the right to acquire shares at a nominated exercise price subject to agreed 
service and performance criteria (i.e. vesting conditions) being satisfied. On satisfaction of the vesting conditions the shares are issued 
to the employee with the exercise price being financed by a limited recourse loan. No amount is paid or payable by the employee on 
receipt of these shares. Dividends declared and paid on the issued shares are for the benefit of the employee. The employee is not 
permitted to deal in the shares until the limited recourse loan has been repaid. The value of the limited recourse loans and issue price 
of the shares are not recorded as loans receivable or share capital of the Company until repayment or part repayment of the loans 
occur. The Employee Incentive Plan shares are entitled to dividends. The dividends are applied to reduce the loans and increase share 
capital in accordance with both the current terms of the Employee Inventive Plan and AASB 2 Share-based Payment.

Specific terms of the option and loan agreement previously offered to employees, but no longer in effect, result in loans to these 
employees being recognised as a loan receivable until fully repaid and the value of the shares acquired included in share capital. 

Each option entitles the holder to the right to acquire one ordinary share at the nominated exercise price during the period 
commencing on the vesting date of the options. 

Refer Note 27 for further details. 

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47

Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 30 June 2021

NOTE 19 DIVIDENDS AND FRANKING CREDITS

(a) Dividends

Dividend type

2021 Final¹

2020 Final

2019 Final

2019 Special

Cents per share

Franking

Total amount $’000

Date paid/payable

9.00

7.00

5.00

1.00

100%

100%

100%

Nil

8,461

6,551

4,644

929

 16 September 2021

16 September 2020

16 September 2019

16 September 2019

1 

 The final dividend for the year ended 30 June 2021 has not been recognised in this financial report because it was resolved to be paid after 30 June 2021. 

(b) Franking credits

NOTE 21 RETAINED EARNINGS

Summary of movement in consolidated retained earnings

Balance at 1 July

Profit for the year

Dividends paid for or provided (Note 19(a))

Balance at 30 June

The balance of franking credit account at balance date adjusted for the payment of current tax liability

NOTE 20 RESERVES

2021
$’000

2,514

2020
$’000

2,227

NOTE 22 CASH FLOW INFORMATION

(a) Reconciliation of profit for the year to net cash inflow from operating activities

At 30 June 2021

Opening balance

Share-based payment

Share buy-backs 

Translation of foreign operations

Closing balance

At 30 June 2020

Opening balance

Share-based payment

Share buy-backs 

Translation of foreign operations

Closing balance

CONSOLIDATED

Share
buy-back
reserve
$’000

Share-based
payments
reserve
$’000

Foreign
currency
translation
reserve
$’000

Total
$’000

(10,812)

–

–

–

1,365

500

–

–

(1,503)

(10,950)

–

–

78

500

–

78

(10,812)

1,865

(1,425)

(10,372)

(10,310)

–

(502)

–

926

439

–

–

(10,812)

1,365

(853)

(10,237)

–

–

(650)

(1,503)

439

(502)

(650)

(10,950)

Share buy-back reserve
The share buy-back reserve represents the value of the Company’s shares which were purchased and subsequently cancelled. 
The cancellation of the shares creates a non-distributable reserve. During the financial year, the Company bought back and 
cancelled nil of its ordinary shares (2020: 100,000 at a total cost of $502,000).

Foreign currency translation reserve 
Exchange differences arising on translation of the financial statements of the Group’s foreign controlled entities into Australian dollars 
are in other comprehensive income and accumulated in a separate reserve within equity.

Share-based payments reserve 
The share-based payments reserve is used to recognise the share-based payments expense resulting from the value of share options 
issued to key management personnel and employees under the Group’s Employee Incentive Plan. Further information about share-based 
payments to employees is made in Note 27. 

Profit for the year  

Adjustments:

Depreciation and amortisation expenses

Depreciation of right-of-use assets

Non-cash employee benefits expense – share based payments

Net gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Net unrealised foreign exchange differences

Credit loss allowance – trade and other receivables

Share of loss from joint venture

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables

Decrease/(increase) in other operating assets

Increase in contract assets

Increase in trade and other payables

Increase in contract liabilities

(Decrease)/increase in current tax balances

Decrease/(increase) in deferred tax assets

Increase in provisions

Increase in other operating liabilities

Net cash inflow from operating activities

(b) Non-cash investing activities
During the current year, the Group entered into the following non-cash investing activities which are not reflected in the consolidated 
statement of cash flows:

Motor vehicle financed under hire purchase agreement

CONSOLIDATED

2021
$’000

26

2020
$’000

–

CONSOLIDATED

2021
$’000

40,845

16,086

(6,551)

50,380

2020
$’000

35,393

11,025

(5,573)

40,845

CONSOLIDATED

2021
$’000

2020
$’000

16,086

11,025

2,479

2,392

500

(12)

42

195

6

(1,206)

337

(1,367)

1,058

3,024

(529)

1,002

646

43

1,764

1,748

439

–

13

(70)

–

693

(178)

(377)

1,402

11,809

400

(195)

680

–

24,696

29,153

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49

Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 30 June 2021

NOTE 22 CASH FLOW INFORMATION CONTINUED

The below table summarises the Group’s exposure to credit risk at the end of the reporting period:

(c) Reconciliation of movements in liabilities to cash flows arising from financing activities

30 June 2021

Opening balance at 1 July 2020

Cash flows from financing activities

Dividends declared¹

Additions arising from new leases, net of interest

Additions through acquisition of subsidiary (Note 25)

Foreign exchange movement

Total liabilities from financial activities

30 June 2020

Opening balance at 1 July 2019

Cash flows from financing activities

Dividends declared¹

Additions arising from new leases, net of interest

Additions through acquisition of subsidiary

Foreign exchange movement

Total liabilities from financial activities

CONSOLIDATED

Dividends
payable
$’000

Lease
liabilities
$’000

111

(6,565)

6,551

–

–

–

97

121

(5,583)

5,573

–

–

–

12,745

(2,927)

–

27

1,502

151

11,498

11,935

(2,008)

–

2,858

134

(174)

Total

12,856

(9,492)

6,551

27

1,502

151

11,595

12,056

(7,591)

5,573

2,858

134

(174)

111

12,745

12,856

1 

 Dividends payables are included as part of the Trade and other payables balance on the consolidated statement of financial position. 

NOTE 23 FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT AND FAIR VALUES
Exposure to credit, liquidity, interest rate and currency risks arises in the normal course of the Group’s business. The Group’s exposure 
to these risks and the financial risk management policies and practices used by the Group to manage these risks are described below.

(a) Credit risk
Financial assets which potentially subject the Group to credit risk consist principally of cash, short-term deposits and trade debtors. 
The Group’s deposits and cash are placed with major financial institutions with sound credit ratings. Trade debtors are presented net 
of the allowance for expected credit losses. 

Credit risk with respect to trade debtors is limited due to the large number of customers comprising the Group’s customer base are 
government organisations or their diverse dispersion across different industries and geographical areas. Accordingly, the Group has 
no significant concentration of credit risk. The Group manages credit risks by monitoring credit ratings and limiting the aggregate risk 
to any individual counterparty.

The recoverability of trade debtors at 30 June 2021 has been assessed to consider the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and no 
material recoverability issues have been identified. 

CONSOLIDATED

2021
$’000

48,360

13,171

10,418

1,258

774

721

2020
$’000

 51,048

10,683

10,413

32

54

184

13,171

10,683

Cash and cash equivalents¹

Trade and other receivables, at gross

Ageing analysis of trade and other receivables is as follows:

Fully performing debts

Past due more than 30 days²

Past due more than 60 days²

Past due more than 90 days²

Total

1    The Group held cash and cash equivalents with banks and financial institution counterparties which are rated A+ to F1, based on Fitch ratings. 
2 

 The Group did not consider a credit risk on the aggregate balances after reviewing the credit terms of customers based on recent collection practices. Trade 
receivables past due and not impaired at 30 June 2021 is $2,753,000 (2020: $270,000). Different customers have different credit terms which may vary by 
their contracts. 

(b) Currency risk
The Group is exposed to foreign currency risk primarily as a result of operations in the Asia Pacific region, the United Kingdom, 
Singapore and the United States of America. The Group also has transactional currency exposures arising from sales and purchases that 
are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the operations to which they relate. The currencies giving rise to 
foreign currency risk are primarily denominated in Pounds Sterling (“GBP”), United Stated dollars (“USD”), New Zealand dollars (“NZD”) 
and Singapore dollars (“SGD”).

Foreign currency risk is defined as the fair value of future cash flows of a financial instrument fluctuating because of changes in foreign 
exchange rates. The sensitivity analysis provided does not include the currency risk of financial assets and liabilities of the controlled 
entities denominated in the controlled entity’s functional currency or their conversion into the functional currency of Objective Corporation 
Limited on consolidation as outside the scope of the definition. The conversion of these financial assets and liabilities on consolidation 
may result in a gain or loss to the Group.

The Group’s exposure is to the movement in foreign exchange rates is partly mitigated by a natural hedge arising from operations in 
these countries. The Group regularly monitors its foreign currency exposure which includes considering the level of cash in foreign 
currency and cash flow forecasting.

The summary quantitative data about the Group’s exposure to foreign currency risk is as follows:

30 June 2021

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

30 June 2020

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

GBP
’000

10

20

GBP
’000

1

18

NZD
’000

11

1,442

NZD
’000

9

1,955

SGD
’000

1

–

SGD
’000

1

–

USD
’000

187

63

USD
’000

144

10

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51

Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 30 June 2021

NOTE 23 FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT AND FAIR VALUES CONTINUED

Sensitivity analysis
The table below summarises the instantaneous change in the Group’s profit after tax and total equity that would arise had the 
Australian dollar strengthened/weakened by 10% against the respective foreign currencies to which the Group has significant exposure 
at the end of the reporting period, assuming all other risk variables remained constant. The 10% sensitivity is based on reasonably 
possible changes, over a financial year.

30 June 2021

Great British pounds

New Zealand dollars

Singapore dollars

United States dollars

Total

Great British pounds

New Zealand dollars

Singapore dollars

United States dollars

Total

30 June 2020

Great British pounds

New Zealand dollars

Singapore dollars

United States dollars

Total

Great British pounds

New Zealand dollars

Singapore dollars

United States dollars

Total

CONSOLIDATED

Movement in 
exchange rate
%

Sensitivity of 
profit after tax
$’000

Sensitivity of
total equity
$’000

+10%

+10%

+10%

+10%

–10%

–10%

–10%

–10%

+10%

+10%

+10%

+10%

–10%

–10%

–10%

–10%

2

92

–

16

110

(2)

(113)

–

(19)

(134)

1

124

1

9

135

(1)

(152)

(1)

(12)

(166)

2

92

–

16

110

(2)

(113)

–

(19)

(134)

1

124

1

9

135

(1)

(152)

(1)

(12)

(166)

(c)  Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk management requires maintaining sufficient cash by continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows and 
matching the maturity profiles of financial assets and liabilities. The Group’s approach to managing liquidity is to ensure, as far as 
possible, that it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when due, without incurring unacceptable losses or risking 
damage to the Group’s reputation. 

The tables below present the Group’s financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on their contractual maturities for all 
non-derivative financial liabilities. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows. Balances due within 
12 months equal their carrying balances as the impact of discounting is not significant.

30 June 2021

Trade and other payables

Lease liabilities

Contingent consideration

Total non-derivatives

30 June 2020

Trade and other payables

Lease liabilities

Contingent consideration

Total non-derivatives

CONSOLIDATED

Less than
1 year
$’000

1–5 years
$’000

5+ years
$’000

Total
contractual
cashflows
$’000

Carrying
amount of
liabilities
$’000

11,197

3,407

392

14,996

8,485

2,889

392

11,766

–

7,966

392

8,358

–

8,981

784

9,765

–

1,112

–

1,112

–

2,261

–

2,261

11,197

12,485

784

24,466

8,485

14,131

1,176

23,792

11,197

11,498

756

23,451

8,485

12,745

1,110

22,340

As the Group is in a net financial assets position, the Directors are of the opinion that the Group will be able to pay off its debts as and 
when they are due and payable. 

Capital management 
The Board’s policy is to maintain a strong capital base so as to maintain investor, creditor and market confidence and to sustain future 
development of business. The Board monitors the return on capital and the level of dividends to ordinary shareholders. There were no 
significant changes in the Group’s approach to capital management during the year.

Fair values measurement of financial instruments
The fair values of trade debtors, deposits and cash and trade creditors and accruals approximate their carrying amounts due to the 
short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities.

Financial instruments carried at fair value
The Group’s financial instruments are measured at fair value at the end of the reporting period on a recurring basis, categorized 
into three-level fair value hierarchy as defined in AASB 13 Fair Value Measurement. The level into which a fair value measurement is 
classified and determined with reference to the observability and significance of the inputs used in the valuation technique as follows:

 – Level 1 valuations: Fair values measured using only Level 1 inputs i.e. unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets 

or liabilities at the measurement date

 – Level 2 valuations: Fair values measured using Level 2 inputs i.e. observable inputs which fail to meet Level 1, and not using 

significant unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs are inputs for which market data are not available

 – Level 3 valuations: Fair values measured using significant unobservable inputs

The following table sets out how the fair value of the financial liabilities measured at fair value are determined:

Financial liabilities

Fair value at 
30 June 2021 
$’000

Fair value at 
30 June 2020 
$’000

Fair value
hierarchy

Valuation
technique 

Contingent consideration for business combination

784

1,176

Level 3

Discounted
cash flow

Significant
unobservable
input

Probability 
adjusted non–
financial terms

During the year ended 30 June 2021, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, or transfers into or out of Level 3 of the fair 
value hierarchy classifications.

Our Business Inside ObjectiveDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsObjective Corporation Limited And Its Controlled Entities — Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
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53

Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 30 June 2021

NOTE 24 SUBSIDIARIES
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets, liabilities and financial results of the following subsidiaries in accordance 
with the accounting policies of the Group.

GROUP STRUCTURE

NOTE 25 BUSINESS COMBINATIONS 

Name of subsidiary

Country of Incorporation

Objective Corporation Solutions NZ Limited

Objective Trapeze NZ Limited

Omega Group Holdings Limited

Alpha 88 Limited

Master Business Systems Limited

Objective RegTech Pty Limited

Objective Corporation Singapore Pte Limited

Objective Corporation North America Inc

Objective Corporation USA Inc

Objective Alpha UK Limited

Objective Corporation UK Limited

Objective Keystone Limited

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

Australia

Singapore

United States of America

United States of America

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Ownership

2021

100%

n/a¹

n/a¹

100%

n/a¹

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

2020

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

–

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

1 

 On 1 July 2020, the Company completed the amalgamation of all its subsidiaries in New Zealand to streamline the Group’s compliance activities in 
New Zealand. Objective Corporation Solutions NZ Limited has assumed the operations of all the amalgamating entities from 1 July 2020.

(a) Acquisitions in the current year
On 1 July 2020, the Group acquired 100% of the issued capital of Objective RegTech Pty Limited (formerly known as Itree Pty Limited), 
which is focused on the delivery of government regulation technology solutions and services to customers in Australia and New Zealand. 
The acquisition of the business was strategic as it enhances the Group’s product offering. The purchase consideration was $23,997,000. 

The acquired net identifiable assets were $1,651,000 (excluding cash and bank balances acquired of $5,626,000), giving rise to 
goodwill of $16,720,000.

Details of the purchase consideration, the net identifiable assets acquired and goodwill arising from the acquisition of Objective 
RegTech Pty Limited at the acquisition date are as follows:

Cash payments

Less: cash and bank balances acquired

Purchase consideration, net of cash and bank balances acquired

Assets acquired and liabilities assumed

Trade and other receivables

Other current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Right-of-use assets

Identifiable intangible assets

Deferred tax assets

Trade and other payables

Contract liabilities

Lease liabilities

Provisions

Other liabilities

Fair value of net assets acquired

Goodwill arising on acquisition

$’000

23,997

(5,626)

18,371

821

708

518

1,502

1,765

1,395

(1,097)

(767)

(1,502)

(1,117)

(575)

1,651

16,720

The goodwill is attributable to key employees, future growth opportunities and synergies from combining operations with 
Objective RegTech Pty Limited. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.

Revenue and profit contribution
From the date of acquisition to 30 June 2021, the acquired entity contributed a total revenue of $15,252,000. The business has been 
integrated into the Group’s existing activities and it is not practicable to precisely identify the impact on the Group profit in the year.

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55

Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 30 June 2021

NOTE 25 BUSINESS COMBINATIONS CONTINUED 

(b) Acquisition in the prior year
The Group obtained control of the following entities and businesses in the prior year. The class of shares held is ordinary unless 
otherwise stated.

Name of entity

Master Business Systems Limited

Type of
acquisition

Percentage
acquired

Date
acquired

Shares

100%

29 November 2019

On 29 November 2019, the Group acquired 100% of the issued capital of Master Business Systems Ltd, which is focused on the 
delivery of GoGet, an end to end building consent solution, to customers in New Zealand. The acquisition of the business was 
strategic as it enhances the Group’s product offering. The purchase consideration was $4,859,000, settled in part by an upfront cash 
payment of $3,793,000 and offset by an estimated cash refund of $44,000 in relation to working capital adjustment to be received in 
November 2020. The remaining balance of $1,110,000 is recorded as deferred contingent consideration and carried in the consolidated 
statement of financial position at net present value under other financial liabilities. Of the net deferred consideration payable, $339,000 
is current and $727,000 is non-current as at 30 June 2020. 

During the current year, the first instalment payment of $353,000 was made in settlement of the deferred consideration payable in 
relation to the acquisition of Master Business Systems Limited and interest expenses of $43,000 was recognised. Of the net deferred 
consideration payable at 30 June 2021, $399,000 is current and $357,000 is non-current. 

The contingent consideration will be payable if specific employment related conditions are met by the business in the three years post 
acquisition. Where acquisitions include an element of purchase price contingent on future performance, management has estimated 
the fair value of this deferred contingent consideration, at the time of acquisition, based on an appropriate estimate of future outcomes, 
on which the purchase price is determined, discounted to present value. Changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration that 
qualify as measurement period adjustments are adjusted retrospectively, with corresponding adjustments against goodwill. 

The acquired net identifiable assets were $734,000, giving rise to goodwill of $4,125,000.

Details of the purchase consideration, the net identifiable assets acquired and goodwill arising from the acquisition of Master Business 
Systems Limited at the acquisition date are as follows:

Cash paid to vendor (NZ$4,015,000)

Working capital adjustment

Deferred contingent consideration

Acquisition date fair value of the total consideration

Assets acquired and liabilities assumed

Cash and bank balances

Trade receivables

Current tax receivable

Other assets

Property, plant and equipment

Identifiable intangible assets

Trade and other payables

Contract liabilities

Lease liabilities

Provisions

Acquisition date fair value of net assets acquired

Goodwill arising on acquisition 

$’000

3,793

(44)

1,110

4,859

212

321

12

6

148

640

(171)

(155)

(134)

(145)

734

4,125

The goodwill is attributable to key employees, future growth opportunities and synergies from combining operations with Master 
Business Systems Limited. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.

From the date of acquisition to 30 June 2020, the acquired entity contributed a total revenue of $1,656,000 and a net profit after tax 
of $665,000 to the Group. If the business had been acquired at the beginning of the year, it is estimated that Group turnover in 2020 
would have been approximately $1,182,000 higher. The business has been integrated into the Group’s existing activities and it is not 
practicable to identify the impact on the Group profit in the year.

Recognition and measurement
As stated in Note 1, business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method, regardless of whether equity instruments 
or other assets are acquired. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary comprises of the fair values of the assets 
transferred (including cash), the liabilities incurred and the equity interests issued by the Group (if any).

Other than acquisitions under common control, identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a 
business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date.

The excess of the consideration transferred and the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree over the fair value of the 
net identifiable assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. If those amounts are less than the fair value of the net identifiable assets of 
the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognised directly in profit or loss as a bargain purchase. For acquisitions occurring while 
under common control and for consolidation purposes, the assets and liabilities acquired continue to reflect the carrying values in the 
accounting records of the consolidated group prior to the business combination occurring.

Critical accounting estimates and judgements – purchase price allocation
For the business combinations undertaken by the Group, the Group allocates the costs of the acquisition to the assets acquired and 
the liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair value on the date of acquisition. This process is commonly referred to as the 
purchase price allocation. As part of the purchase price allocation, the Group is required to determine the fair value of any identifiable 
intangible assets acquired. 

The determination of the fair value of the intangible assets acquired involves certain judgement and estimates. These judgements can 
include, but are not limited to, the cash flows that an asset is expected to generate in the future.

The fair values of the identifiable intangible assets were determined by the Group with inputs from the independent appraisers using 
mainly the income approach. Future cash flows are predominantly based on the historical pricing and expense levels, taking into 
consideration the relevant market size and growth factors, and involves making a number of assumptions including growth rates, 
royalty rates and product life cycles. The resulting cash flows are then discounted at a rate reflecting specific risks related to the 
relevant operation.

A change in the amount allocated to identifiable intangible assets would have an offsetting effect on the amount of goodwill recognised 
from the acquisition and would change the amount of amortisation expense recognised related to those identifiable intangible assets.

NOTE 26 PARENT ENTITY DISCLOSURES

(a)  Summary statement of financial position

Current assets

Non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Share capital

Reserves

Retained earnings

Total equity

(b) Summary statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income 

Profit for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year

2021
$’000

49,652

28,602

78,254

45,969

4,140

50,109

6,943

(8,948)

30,150

28,145

2021
$’000

5,550

5,550

2020
$’000

53,287

22,531

75,818

42,827

5,840

48,667

5,448

(9,448)

31,151

27,151

2020
$’000

6,865

6,865

(c)  Contingent liabilities
The parent entity, Objective Corporation Limited (the “Company”) has entered into commercial property leases as Lessee. In the event 
the Company ceases to be the Lessee under the lease or occupy the premises, whether by virtue of default and termination of the 
lease or otherwise, the Company may be subject to claims for payment of liquidated damages based on a percentage of the lease 
incentives initially received under the lease. 

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Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 30 June 2021

NOTE 26 PARENT ENTITY DISCLOSURES CONTINUED
Additionally, a performance guarantee has been provided by the Company to Objective Corporation UK Limited (subsidiary) with 
regards to the provision of software support services for customers. 

The Company continues to support its subsidiaries in their operations, by way of financial support.

(d) Company details
The registered office and principal place of business of the Company is:

Level 30, 177 Pacific Highway, North Sydney NSW 2060, Australia.

NOTE 27 SHARE BASED PAYMENTS

Employee Incentive Plan
Objective Corporation Limited has an Employee Incentive Plan which was approved at the 2003 Annual General Meeting of the 
Company. The Plan is described as follows: 

Offers
Under the Plan the Board may offer to any employee either options to acquire shares or loans to acquire shares in the Company. 
Tony Walls, Chief Executive Officer and Gary Fisher, Non-Executive Director will not be participating in the Plan.

The options expire ten years after the date of grant and vest upon grant; however, they are not exercisable until one year after grant and 
released in four equal tranches on each anniversary of grant date. If a participant under the Plan ceases to be employed by the Company, 
any unexercised option will be forfeited immediately. 

Price
The Board has discretion to grant options for a fee and set the exercise price and term of the options. 

Quotation
Options issued under the Plan will not be quoted on the ASX. Where the Company issues options and the options are exercised, the 
Company will apply to have the issued shares quoted on the ASX.

Maximum number of shares or options
The Company must not issue shares or options to any employee if to do so would contravene applicable laws or result in any 
employee holding an interest in more than 5% of the shares in the Company.

Sales restrictions
Options issued under the Plan are not transferable. Shares acquired under the Plan are not transferable unless any loan to acquire the 
shares has been repaid in full.

New shares
All shares issued on the exercise of options will rank equally with all existing shares from the date of issue. 

Dividends
All shares acquired pursuant to the Plan rank equal in all respects and will be entitled to any dividends declared by the Company. Any 
dividends paid on shares acquired under the Plan will be offset against the loan balance outstanding to acquire shares under the Plan. 
Options issued under the Plan are not entitled to dividends. 

Restrictions
The Board may impose vesting and performance conditions before which options cannot be exercised or the shares sold. The options 
issued pursuant to the Plan will usually lapse and the loans to acquire shares will usually become repayable if the holder ceases to be 
an employee.

Participation in future issues
Under the Employee Option Plan’s rules, the number of shares over which an option is granted and or the exercise price of the options 
may be altered in the event of a reconstruction of the Company’s share capital or a bonus or rights issue of shares to shareholders. 
Shares acquired under the Plan will rank equal in all respects with existing shares. 

Loans
The Board has discretion to provide a loan for the acquisition of shares in the Company under terms and conditions as set out in the 
loan agreement.

Fair value of share options granted in the year
Fair value of share options granted during the year ended 30 June 2021 are provided in the table below:

Number of
options granted

635,000

200,000

Grant date

Expiry date

01/07/2020

01/07/2030

04/01/2021

31/01/2025

Fair value at
grant date
($)

$0.44

$1.40

Option
exercise
price
($)

$7.50

$12.50

Risk free
interest rate
(%)

0.91%

 0.32%

Expected
volatility
(%)

 18.60% 

 19.55%

Dividend
yield
(%)

2.17%

2.17%

The fair values of options are determined using Black-Scholes option pricing model and applying a 10-year time period to expiration. 
Assumptions for expected volatility and dividend yield were based on historic data. Inputs for risk free rate and grant date share price 
was determined by the prevailing prices on the day of issue.

No new share options were granted in the prior year. 

Movement in share options during the year
The following reconciles the share options outstanding at the beginning and end of the current year:

Grant date

Expiry date

07/10/2014

24/02/2015

29/07/2016

02/01/2017

29/07/2018

01/01/2019

01/04/2019

01/07/2020

04/01/2021

07/10/2024

24/02/2025

29/07/2026

02/01/2027

29/07/2028

01/01/2029

01/04/2029

01/07/2030

31/01/2025

Weighted average exercise price

Option
exercise
price
($)

$1.00

$1.17

$1.50

$1.80

$2.75

$2.75

$2.75

$7.50

$12.50

Balance
1 July 2020

80,000

150,000

62,500

125,000

200,000

1,257,500

25,000

–

–

1,900,000

$2.45

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited/
cancelled

Balance
30 June 2021

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

635,000

200,000

835,000

$8.70

(80,000)

–

(62,500)

(125,000)

–

(402,500)

(12,500)

–

–

(682,500)

$2.26

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

150,000

–

–

200,000

855,000

12,500

635,000

200,000

2,052,500

$5.05

The following reconciles the share options outstanding at the beginning and end of the prior year:

Grant date

Expiry date

07/10/2014

24/02/2015

29/07/2016

02/01/2017

15/01/2018

29/07/2018

01/01/2019

01/04/2019

07/10/2024

24/02/2025

29/07/2026

02/01/2027

15/01/2028

29/07/2028

01/01/2029

01/04/2029

Weighted average exercise price

Option  
exercise
price
($)

$1.00

$1.17

$1.50

$1.80

$3.00

$2.75

$2.75

$2.75

Balance
1 July 2019

80,000

150,000

125,000

500,000

23,759

200,000

1,320,000

50,000

2,448,759

$2.34

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited/
cancelled

Balance
30 June 2020

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(62,500)

(375,000)

(23,759)

–

(62,500)

(25,000)

(548,759)

$1.97

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

80,000

150,000

62,500

125,000

–

200,000

1,257,500

25,000

1,900,000

$2.45

The share options outstanding at the end of the year had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 5.70 years (2020: 6.25 years).

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58

59

Notes to the Financial Statements continued 

For the year ended 30 June 2021

NOTE 28 RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
The parent entity in the Group is Objective Corporation Limited. Details of transactions between the Group and other related parties 
are disclosed below. 

NOTE 30 CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

(a) Loans to key management personnel
There are no loan balances outstanding from key management personnel at the end of the financial year (2020: Nil).

(b) Key management personnel remuneration
Total remuneration paid or payable to directors and key management personnel is set out below:

Contingent liabilities, capable of estimation, arise in respect of the following categories:

Bank guarantees

Total contingent liabilities

CONSOLIDATED

2021
$’000

1,460

1,460

2020
$’000

1,190

1,190

Short-term employee benefits  

Long-term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

Share-based payments expense

Total remuneration paid or payable

CONSOLIDATED

2021

2020

754,023

732,855

8,112

47,726

37,923

40,676

46,344

61,856

847,784

881,731

Details of remuneration and the Objective Corporation Limited equity holdings of Directors and other key management personnel are 
shown in the Remuneration Report on pages 17 to 19.

(c) Other transactions with directors or other key management personnel
Other transactions entered into during the financial year with directors of Objective Corporation Limited and other key management 
personnel of the Group and with their closely related entities which are within normal customer or employee relationships on terms 
and conditions no more favourable than those available to other customers, employees or shareholders included:

 – contracts of employment (refer Remuneration Report) and reimbursement of expenses;

 – equity holdings and acquisition of shares in Objective Corporation Limited under the employee share plans; and

 – dividends from shares in Objective Corporation Limited.

(d) Other related parties
Last year the Group was provided management consulting services and was charged $23,021 by Kingsbury Ventures Limited, 
a company associated with Nick Kingsbury, a Non-Executive Director of the Company. Additionally, the Group was provided 
management consulting services and was charged $9,916 by Strategic Outcomes Consulting, a company of which Darc Rasmussen, 
a Non-Executive Director of the Company, is the beneficial owner. These transactions were conducted on normal commercial terms 
and conditions. 

No material amounts were receivable from, or payable to, other related parties as at 30 June 2021 (2020: nil), and no material 
transactions with other related parties occurred during the year.

NOTE 29 COMMITMENTS
Commitments in relation capital expenditure contracted but not provided for in the consolidated financial statements are payable as follows:

Capital expenditure commitments

CONSOLIDATED

2021
$’000

–

2020
$’000

–

Bank guarantees are issued to contract counterparties in the normal course of business as security for the performance by Group 
entities of various contractual obligations. 

Additionally, a performance guarantee has been provided by the Company to Objective Corporation UK Limited (subsidiary) with 
regards to the provision of software support services for customers.

As at 30 June 2021, the Directors do not consider it is probable that a claim will be made against the Group under any of the guarantees.

Objective (the Company) has been advised that the New Zealand Commerce Commission (NZCC) has completed its investigation into 
Objective’s potential breach of section 47 of the Commerce Act 1986 on the acquisition of Master Business Systems Limited – refer 
our announcement to the ASX on 26 May 2020. Objective continues to assist the NZCC with further information on a voluntary basis 
and no Statement of Claim has been received to date. In the absence of any claim, Objective is not able to determine its response or 
defence and is not able to reliably estimate any financial effect or timing.

NOTE 31 AUDITOR’S REMUNERATION

Pitcher Partners

Audit and review of financial statements

Total remuneration of Pitcher Partners

Non-Pitcher Partners 

Audit and review of financial statements

Tax compliance services

Total remuneration of non-Pitcher Partners 

NOTE 32 OTHER ACCOUNTING POLICIES

CONSOLIDATED

2021
$

2020
$

90,017

90,017

29,724

13,041

42,765

79,833

79,833

28,057

12,280

40,337

Accounting standards and interpretations issued but not operative at 30 June 2021
At the date of authorisation of these finance statements, a number of amendments, new standards and interpretations have been 
issued, including those issued by the IASB but not yet issued by the AASB, which are not yet effective for the financial year ended 
30 June 2021.

Management anticipates that all relevant pronouncements will be adopted for the first period beginning on or after the effective date of 
the pronouncement. New Standards, amendments and Interpretations not adopted in the current year have not been disclosed as they 
are not expected to have a material impact on the Group’s financial statements.

NOTE 33 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Dividends
For dividends resolved to be paid after 30 June 2021, refer to Note 19.

NOTE 34 APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 25 August 2021.

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Directors’ Declaration

Independent Auditor’s Declaration

61

The Directors of the Company declare that:

1.  The attached financial statements and notes set out on pages 14 to 59 are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth); and

a)  Comply with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001; 

  b)  As stated in Note 1, the consolidated financial statements also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards; and

c)   Give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Group as at 30 June 2021 and its performance for the year ended 

on that date.

2.  The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have each declared that:

a)   The financial records of the Group for the financial year have been properly maintained in accordance with section 286 of the 

Corporations Act 2001 (Cth);

  b)  The financial statements and notes for the financial year comply with the Australian Accounting Standards; and

c)  The financial statements and notes for the financial year give a true and fair view.

3.   In the Directors’ opinion, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Group will be able to pay its debts as and when they 

become due and payable.

This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of Directors.

Tony Walls

Director

Date: 25 August 2021

Level 16, Tower 2 Darling Park 
201 Sussex Street 
Sydney NSW 2000 

Postal Address 
GPO Box 1615 
Sydney NSW 2001 

p. +61 2 9221 2099 
e. sydneypartners@pitcher.com.au 

AUDITOR'S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION 
TO THE DIRECTORS OF OBJECTIVE CORPORATION LIMITED 

In relation to the independent audit for the year ended 30 June 2021, to the best of my 
knowledge and belief there have been: 

(i) 

(ii) 

no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations  Act 
2001; and 

no  contraventions  of  APES  110  Code  of  Ethics  for  Professional  Accountants 
(including Independence Standards).  

This declaration is in respect of Objective Corporation Limited and the entities it controlled 
during the year. 

R M SHANLEY   
Partner  

25 August 2021 

PITCHER PARTNERS 
Sydney  

Adelaide    Brisbane    Melbourne    Newcastle    Perth    Sydney 

Page 65 

Pitcher Partners is an association of independent firms. 
An independent New South Wales Partnership. ABN 35 415 759 892. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional 
Standards Legislation. Pitcher Partners is a member of the global network of Baker Tilly International Limited, the members of which 
are separate and independent legal entities. 

pitcher.com.au 

Our Business Inside ObjectiveDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsObjective Corporation Limited And Its Controlled Entities — Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Independent Auditor’s Report

63

Level 16, Tower 2 Darling Park 
201 Sussex Street 
Sydney NSW 2000 

Postal Address 
GPO Box 1615 
Sydney NSW 2001 

p. +61 2 9221 2099 
e. sydneypartners@pitcher.com.au 

OBJECTIVE CORPORATION LIMITED 
ABN 16 050 539 350 

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 
TO THE MEMBERS OF OBJECTIVE CORPORATION LIMITED 

Report on the Audit of the Financial Report 

Opinion  

We have audited the financial report of Objective Corporation Limited “the Company” and its controlled entities (“the 
Group”),  which  comprises  the  consolidated  statement  of  financial  position  as  at  30  June  2021,  the  consolidated 
statement  of  profit  or  loss,  the  consolidated  statement  of  comprehensive  income,  the  consolidated  statement  of 
changes in equity and the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes to the financial 
statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies, and the directors’ declaration.  

In  our  opinion,  the  accompanying  financial  report  of  the  Group  is  in  accordance  with  the  Corporations  Act  2001, 
including: 

(a) 

(b) 

giving  a  true  and  fair  view  of  the  Group’s  financial  position  as  at  30  June  2021  and  of  its  financial 
performance for the year then ended; and  

complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001.  

Basis for Opinion  

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those standards 
are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report section of our report. We 
are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 
2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of 
Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) “the Code” that are relevant to our audit of 
the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code.  

We confirm that the independence declaration required by the Corporations Act 2001, which has been given to the 
Directors of the Company, would be in the same terms if given to the Directors as at the time of this auditor’s report. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

Adelaide    Brisbane    Melbourne    Newcastle    Perth    Sydney 

Pitcher Partners is an association of independent firms. 
An independent New South Wales Partnership. ABN 35 415 759 892. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional 
Standards Legislation. Pitcher Partners is a member of the global network of Baker Tilly International Limited, the members of which 
are separate and independent legal entities. 

pitcher.com.au 

Page 66 

Key Audit Matters  

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the 
financial report of the current year. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial report 
as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.  

Key Audit Matter 
Revenue from contracts with customers 
(Refer  to  Note  4  in  the  Notes  to  the  Financial 
Statements). 

Due  to  the  nature  of  the  Group’s  business,  its 
contracts  with  customers  can  contain  multiple 
performance obligations.  

recognition 
is  dependent  on 
Revenue 
significant 
judgements,  where  a  contract 
includes  multiple  performance  obligations,  in 
respect of: 

•  identifying performance obligations; 

•  determining when a performance obligation 

is satisfied; 

•  determination of total transaction price; and 

•  allocation  of  the  transaction  price  to  each 

performance obligation. 

to 

the 

We focused on this area as a key audit matter 
due 
in 
importance  of 
measurement of the Group’s performance and 
the  significant  judgements  surrounding  the 
timing of revenue recognition. 

revenue 

Impairment of Intangible Assets 
(Refer to Note 13 in the Notes to the Financial 
Statements). 

At 30 June 2021 the consolidated statement of 
financial position of the Group includes goodwill 
amounting to $32.716 million subject to annual 
impairment testing. 

In  assessing  impairment  of  intangible  assets, 
management  have  estimated  value  in  use  for 
each Cash Generating Unit (CGU) – Objective 
Keystone,  Objective  Planning  and  Building 
Solutions and Objective RegTech. 

The value in use model for impairment includes 
significant management judgement in respect of 
assumptions  and  estimates  including  discount 
rates,  estimated  future  cash  flows,  terminal 
value, and foreign currency rates. 

This is considered a key audit matter due to the 
degree  of  subjectivity  involved  in  assessing 
the  quantum  of 
potential 

impairment  and 

 Pitcher Partners is an association of independent firms. 
ABN 35 415 759 892.  
An independent New South Wales Partnership. 

How our audit addressed the Key Audit Matter 

Our procedures included, amongst others: 

•  Assessing  the  Group’s  policy  in  respect  of  identifying 
transaction  price  and 
total 
performance  obligations, 
allocation  of  the  transaction  price  to  each  performance 
obligation; 

•  Documenting,  understanding  and  evaluating  the  design  of 
relevant controls in the assessment process for determining 
the timing of revenue recognition; 

•  Inspecting  a  sample  of  contracts  with  customers  and 
considered the appropriateness of the significant judgements 
in  determining  the  allocation  of  the  transaction  price  to  the 
performance obligations; 

•  Testing  a  sample  of  revenue  transactions  to  customer 
contracts,  work 
records,  milestone 
progress 
acknowledgements  and  receipts  from  customer,  where 
applicable; 

in 

•  Reviewing  and  analysing  general  journals  that  impact 

revenue; and 

•  Considering the adequacy of the financial report disclosures. 

Our procedures included, amongst others: 

•  Assessing management’s determination of CGUs based on 
our understanding of the nature of the Group’s business and 
the economic environment; 

•  Documenting,  understanding  and  evaluating  the  design  of 
relevant controls over management’s determination of CGUs 
based  on  our  understanding  of  the  nature  of  the  Group’s 
business  and  the  economic  environment;  Reviewing  and 
challenging  significant 
in 
respect  of  the  key  assumptions  and  estimates  used  to 
determine the recoverable value of the assets of each CGU 
(value in use model); 

judgements  by  management 

•  Testing the mathematical accuracy of the value in use model; 

•  Assessing the historical accuracy of forecasting; 

•  Performing  sensitivity  analysis  on  key  assumptions  and 
estimates in the value in use models including discount rates, 
future cash flows, terminal value, and foreign currency rates; 
and 

Page 67 

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65

Independent Auditor’s Report continued

Key Audit Matter 
intangibles  in  the  financial  report.  Intangibles 
are 30% of total assets.  

How our audit addressed the Key Audit Matter 

•  Considering the adequacy of the financial report disclosures. 

Acquisition Accounting 
Refer to Note 13 in the Notes to the Financial 
Statements. 
On  1  July  2020  the  Group  acquired  iTree  Pty 
Limited  which  has  been  renamed  to  Objective 
RegTech  Pty  Limited.  The  accounting  for  this 
business  combination  resulted  in  the  initial 
recognition of goodwill of $16.720 million. 

This is considered a key audit matter due to the 
inherent  subjectivity  involved  in  assessing  the 
significance of intangibles to the financial report.  

Our procedures included, amongst others: 

•  Documenting,  understanding  and  evaluating  the  design  of 

relevant controls in respect to acquisition accounting; 

•  Reviewing accounting policies of the acquired subsidiary to 

ensure compliance with the Group’s policies;  

•  Examining 

identify 
the  asset  purchase  agreement 
intangible assets acquired based on our understanding of the 
business acquired;  

to 

•  Assessing  fair  value  of  net  assets  acquired  against  net 
assets reported in the audited financial statements of iTree 
Pty Limited at 30 June 2020; 

•  Testing  accuracy  of  the  goodwill  calculation  based  on  our 

understanding of the acquired business; and 

•  Considering the adequacy of the financial report disclosures 
and  confirming  that  the  correct  accounting  treatment  has 
been applied. 

Other Information – The annual report is not complete at the date of the audit report. 

The Directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in 
the  Directors  report,  which  was  obtained  as  at  the  date  of  our  audit  report,  and  any  additional  other  information 
included in the Company’s annual report for the year ended 30 June 2021 but does not include the financial report 
and  our  auditor’s  report  thereon.  Our  opinion  on  the  financial  report  does  not  cover  the  other  information  and 
accordingly we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.  

In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information above and, in 
doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial report or our knowledge 
obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If, based on the work we have performed, we 
conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have 
nothing to report in this regard.  

When  we  read  the  other  information  not  yet  received  as  identified  above,  if  we  conclude  that  there  is  a  material 
misstatement therein, we are required to communicate the matter to the directors and use our professional judgment 
to determine the appropriate action to take. 

Responsibilities of the Directors for the Financial Report  

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view 
in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 and for such internal control as 
the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view 
and is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.  

In preparing the financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the ability of the Group to continue as a 
going  concern,  disclosing,  as  applicable,  matters  related  to  going  concern  and  using  the  going  concern  basis  of 
accounting  unless  the  directors  either  intend  to  liquidate  the  Group  or  to  cease  operations,  or  has  no  realistic 
alternative but to do so.  

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report  

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable 
assurance  is  a  high  level  of  assurance  but  is  not  a  guarantee  that  an  audit  conducted  in  accordance  with  the 
Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise 
from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected 
to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of this financial report.  

As part of an audit in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards, we exercise professional judgement and 
maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:  

• 

Identify  and  assess  the  risks  of  material  misstatement  of  the  financial  report,  whether  due  to  fraud  or  error, 
design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and 
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from 
fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, 
misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.  

•  Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are 
appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the 
Group’s internal control.  

•  Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and 

related disclosures made by the directors.  

•  Conclude on the appropriateness of the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on 
the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast 
significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty 
exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial report 
or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence 
obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Group to 
cease to continue as a going concern.  

 Pitcher Partners is an association of independent firms. 
ABN 35 415 759 892.  
An independent New South Wales Partnership. 

  Pitcher Partners is an association of independent firms. 

ABN 35 415 759 892.  
An independent New South Wales Partnership. 

Page 67 

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67

Independent Auditor’s Report continued

Shareholder Information

•  Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial report, including the disclosures, and 
whether the financial report represents the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair 
presentation. 

•  Obtain  sufficient  appropriate  audit  evidence  regarding  the  financial  information  of  the  entities  or  business 
activities within the Group to express an opinion on the financial report. We are responsible for the direction, 
supervision and performance of the Group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.  

We communicate with the directors regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and 
significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.  

We also provide the directors with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding 
independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to 
bear on our independence, and where applicable, actions taken to eliminate threats or safeguards applied.  

From the matters communicated with the directors, we determine those matters that were of most significance in the 
audit of the financial report of the current period and are therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters 
in our auditor’s report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely 
rare  circumstances,  we  determine  that  a  matter  should  not  be  communicated  in  our  report  because  the  adverse 
consequences  of  doing  so  would  reasonably  be  expected  to  outweigh  the  public  interest  benefits  of  such 
communication.  

Report on the Remuneration Report 

Opinion on the Remuneration Report  

We have audited the Remuneration Report included in pages 15 to 17 of the directors’ report for the year ended 30 
June 2021. In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Objective Corporation Limited, for the year ended 30 June 
2021, complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001.  

Responsibilities  

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the Remuneration Report in 
accordance  with  section  300A  of  the  Corporations  Act  2001.  Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  the 
Remuneration Report, based on our audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards.  

R M SHANLEY   
Partner  

25 August 2021 

PITCHER PARTNERS 
Sydney  

  Pitcher Partners is an association of independent firms. 

ABN 35 415 759 892.  
An independent New South Wales Partnership. 

Page 69 

Additional information required by the Australian Stock Exchange Limited Listing Rules and not disclosed elsewhere in this report is 
set out below:

The shareholder information set out below was compiled from Objective Corporation Limited’s register of shareholders as at 
10 September 2021.

A. TWENTY LARGEST HOLDERS OF ORDINARY SHARES

Rank

Name

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

TBW TRUSTEES LIMITED

BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD

J P MORGAN NOMINEES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED

CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED

NATIONAL NOMINEES LIMITED

ANACACIA PTY LTD

UBS NOMINEES PTY LTD

MIRRABOOKA INVESTMENTS LIMITED

MERRILL LYNCH (AUSTRALIA) NOMINEES PTY LIMITED

WEM SUPER PTY LTD

CS THIRD NOMINEES PTY LIMITED

MR BEN TREGONING

MR DAVID GORDON

ARRAS PTY LTD

TRUEBELL CAPITAL PTY LTD

AMCIL LIMITED

BRISPOT NOMINEES PTY LTD

CS FOURTH NOMINEES PTY LIMITED

MR JEREMY GODDARD

Units held

% of listed  

units

62,000,000

65.729

8,077,100

3,861,823

2,732,506

1,667,030

1,506,811

1,245,991

1,235,537

614,444

597,450

535,000

527,441

323,759

300,000

294,832

290,000

274,075

266,412

251,821

250,000

8.563

4.094

2.897

1.767

1.597

1.321

1.310

0.651

0.633

0.567

0.559

0.343

0.318

0.313

0.307

0.291

0.282

0.267

0.265

Total: Top 20 holders of issued capital

Total remaining holders balance

86,852,032

7,474,589

92.074

7.926

B. SUBSTANTIAL HOLDERS
The names of Objective Corporation Limited’s substantial holders and the number of shares in which each has a relevant interest, 
are listed below:

TBW TRUSTEES LIMITED

BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD

C. DISTRIBUTION OF SHAREHOLDINGS
A distribution schedule of the number of holders of shares is set out below:

Range

1 – 1,000

1,001 – 5,000

5,001 – 10,000

10,001 – 100,000

100,001 and over

Total

Units held

Voting power

62,000,000

8,077,100

65.729

8.563

No. of holders

No. of units

% of issued  

shares

1,520

582,736

619

114

140

1,436,862

897,965

3,800,776

0.618

1.523

0.952

4.029

25

87,608,282

2,418

94,326,621

92.878

100.000

Our Business Inside ObjectiveDirectors’ ReportFinancial StatementsObjective Corporation Limited And Its Controlled Entities — Annual Report 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
68

Corporate Directory

Registered Office
Level 30 
177 Pacific Highway
North Sydney NSW 2060
Australia
Tel: +61 2 9955 2288

Company Website
www.objective.com.au

ASX Code
OCL

ABN
16 050 539 350

Directors
Tony Walls
Gary Fisher
Nick Kingsbury
Darc Rasmussen

Company Secretary
Ben Tregoning

Stock Exchange Listing
The Company’s shares are listed on the ASX.

Electronic Announcements
Shareholders who wish to receive a copy of announcements 
made to the ASX are invited to provide their email address 
to the Company. This can be done by emailing us at 
enquiries@objective.com or writing to us at our registered office.