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Telos Corporation

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FY2018 Annual Report · Telos Corporation
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Telstra Annual Report
2018

 
 
 
Our 2018 reporting suite

We appreciate that our 
shareholders and other 
stakeholders are looking  
for concise and up to date 
information about their 
company and that they have 
many and varied options and 
digital platforms to enable 
them to access information. 

In 2018 our reporting suite 
includes our Annual Report,  
our Corporate Governance 
Statement and our Bigger 
Picture Sustainability Report.

Our 2018 Annual Report 
Our Annual Report describes in a 
concise manner our strategy, our 
financial performance and our 
remuneration practices. 

The sections of our Annual Report  
titled Chairman and CEO message, 
Strategy and performance, Our material 
risks, Outlook and Full year results  
and operations review comprise our 
operating and financial review (OFR)  
and form part of the Directors’ Report.

Our OFR, Directors’ Report and Financial 
Report were released to the ASX on  
16 August 2018 in the document titled 
‘Financial results for the year ended  
30 June 2018’ which is available on  
our website at telstra.com/investor.

Our 2018 Corporate  
Governance Statement 
Our 2018 Corporate Governance 
Statement (CGS) provides detailed 
information about governance at  
Telstra. Our CGS, together with our ASX 
Appendix 4G which cross references the 
ASX Corporate Governance Principles  
& Recommendations to information in  
our CGS and on our website, is available 
online at telstra.com/governance.

Our 2018 Bigger Picture 
Sustainability Report
Our 2018 Bigger Picture Sustainability 
Report provides an in-depth look at 
Telstra’s approach and performance in 
relation to our most material social and 
environmental topics, is available online 
at telstra.com/sustainability/report.

Telstra Corporation Limited 
ABN 33 051 775 556

Our business 

FY18 highlights 

Governance at Telstra 

Sustainability 

Chairman and CEO message 

Strategy and performance 

Our material risks 

Outlook 

Full year results and operations review 

Board of Directors 

Senior management team 

Directors’ report 

• Remuneration report 

Financial report 

• Financial statements 

• Notes to the financial statements 

• Directors’ declaration 

Shareholder information 

Reference tables 

Glossary 

Contact details and Indicative financial calendar 

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Our business

Our purpose 

To create a brilliant connected future for everyone.

Our vision 

 To be a world class technology company that empowers people to connect.

Our brand 

 To create better ways to empower everyone to thrive in a connected world.

FY18 highlights

Financial 
performance

Total income  
up by 3% to $29.0 billion

Net profit after tax  
down by 8.9% to $3.5 billion 

Reported EBITDA  
down by 5.2% to $10.1 billion

FY18 total dividend of  
22 cents per share 

Our 
customers

2.3 million  
Sports Live Pass users  
– up by 73%  
year on year

Launched second generation  
of Telstra TV, bringing together  
free-to-air, pay TV and  
on-demand streaming

Added 67,000 Belong 
mobile customers in 
the price-conscious 
market segment

Almost 4 million  
active 24/7 App users  
– up by 22%  
year on year

Added 342,000 retail mobile 
customers, 88,000 retail fixed 
broadband customers and 
135,000 retail bundles

Reduced truck rolls in 
2H18 by 7,000 with  
NBN Get Help platform

307 new mobile base stations  
under the Federal Government’s  
Mobile Black Spot Program,  
bringing our total to more than 450

First Australian carrier to  
offer both Narrowband and  
Cat M1 IoT technologies

Opened 5G Innovation Centre  
and launched world first precinct  
of 5G-enabled Wi-Fi hotspots 

Helped around  
1 million vulnerable 
customers  
stay connected

Sustainable engagement  
score of 74 in Employee 
Engagement Survey

24% reduction  
in greenhouse gas 
emissions intensity 
from FY17 

World class 
technology

Sustainability

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Governance at Telstra

We are committed to excellence in corporate governance, transparency and accountability. 
This is essential for the long term performance and sustainability of our company, and to 
protect and enhance the interests of our shareholders and other stakeholders.

Our governance framework plays an 
integral role in supporting our business 
and helping us deliver on our strategy.  
It provides the structure through which  
our strategy and business objectives  
are set, our performance is monitored,  
and the risks we face are managed. 

It includes a clear framework for  
decision making and accountability  
across our business and provides 
guidance on the standards of  
behaviour we expect of each other.

We comply with the third edition  
of the ASX Corporate Governance  
Council’s Corporate Governance  
Principles and Recommendations.

Our 2018 Corporate Governance 
Statement, which provides 
detailed information about 
governance at Telstra, is 
available on our website at 
telstra.com/governance

Our governance  
framework includes:

• open, clear and timely 
communications with  
our shareholders

• a skilled, experienced, diverse  
and independent Board, with a 
Board Committee structure  
suited to our needs

• clear delegation, decision 
making and accountability 
frameworks

• robust systems of risk 

management and assurance

• Telstra Values, Code of Conduct  
and policy framework which  
explain what we stand for as  
an organisation and how we will 
conduct ourselves as we work 
together to deliver our strategy.

Shareholders

Telstra Board

Audit & Risk 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

Chief Executive Officer

Our People

Thriving in a digital world

Sustainability

Our goal is to embed social and 
environmental considerations into our 
business in ways that create value for 
the company and our stakeholders. 

Our Sustainability Strategy responds to the topics 
that are most material for our business, the areas  
in which we have the expertise to make a meaningful 
impact, and where we see opportunities to use 
innovative, tech-based solutions to help address 
major societal challenges and opportunities. 

Our 2018 Bigger Picture Sustainability 
Report, available online at telstra.com/
sustainability/report, provides a 
transparent overview of our progress  
and performance in relation to our 
Sustainability Strategy over FY18.  
The report also details the work we are 
undertaking in support of the United 
Nations’ Sustainable Development  
Goals (SDGs). 

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Digital futu r e s

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Chairman and CEO message

Chairman and CEO message | Telstra Annual Report 2018

Dear Shareholders,

Companies are defined  
by how they respond in 
challenging times and there  
is no doubt Telstra, and the 
telecommunications industry 
globally, is operating in times  
of enormous challenge  
and change.

On one hand demand for  
our core products and  
services continues to grow. 
Telecommunications networks 
have become some of the  
most important pieces of 
infrastructure in the world today. 
On the other hand, competition 
has never been more intense, 
our market dynamics are 
shifting rapidly, and customer 
expectations are changing. 

These challenges are not  
unique to Australia or to  
Telstra. However, a unique 
challenge we do have is the  
nbn™ network. This is having  
an enormous impact on our 
business – wholesale prices 
have risen, meaning we and 
other industry participants are 
facing a fixed-line market where 
reseller margins are rapidly 
reducing. At the same time, 
competition in the mobile 
market is increasing with the 
expected entrance of a fourth 
mobile network operator. 

These factors have influenced 
our performance this year and 
underpinned our decision to 
take bolder steps to transform 
the business through our new 
Telstra2022 (T22) strategy. We 
are determined to meet the 
challenges we face, and to 
continue to lead in the market, 
just as we have always done.

4

Our financial results 

Despite the challenges in the market in 
FY18 our results are in line with guidance 
and show strong subscriber growth in 
both fixed and mobile.

The Board announced a fully franked final 
dividend of 11 cents per share bringing 
the total dividend for the financial year to 
22 cents per share, comprising an ordinary 
dividend of 15 cents and a special 
dividend of 7 cents, in accordance with the 
dividend policy announced in August 2017. 

On a reported basis our Total Income  
grew by 3.0 per cent, Earnings Before 
Interest, Tax, Depreciation and 
Amortisation (EBITDA) reduced by  
5.2 per cent, and Net Profit after  
Tax (NPAT) reduced by 8.9 per cent.

We saw strong customer growth for  
the year and good progress on our 
productivity program, but the continued 
downward pressure on EBITDA and  
NPAT caused by the further rollout of  
the nbn and lower Average Revenue Per 
User (ARPU) reinforced the importance  
of our T22 strategy. 

Andrew Penn (CEO), John Mullen (Chairman)

During the year we added 342,000  
retail mobile customers, 88,000 retail 
fixed broadband customers and 135,000 
retail bundles. However, challenging 
trading conditions are expected to 
continue in FY19, including ongoing 
pressure on ARPU and further negative 
impact of the nbn network rollout on  
our underlying earnings.

Choosing to lead – T22

On 20 June 2018 we announced our new 
T22 strategy to lead the Australian market 
by simplifying our operations and product 
set, improving customer experience and 
reducing our cost base. T22 will deliver  
six key outcomes covering customer 
experience, simplification, network 
superiority, employees, cost reduction  
and strengthening the balance sheet. 

We have already made strong early 
progress on the new strategy, launching 
new mobile plans with no excess data 
charges, announcing a new organisational 
structure, leadership team and operating 
model. Telstra InfraCo has also been 
established as a standalone business  
unit with pro-forma financials provided  
as part of the financial results. For more 
information on T22, please refer to the 
Strategy and performance section of  
our Annual Report. 

Progressing our strategic 
investments

The new strategy builds on the foundation 
provided by our up to $3 billion strategic 
investment in creating the Networks for 
the Future and digitising the business.

We remain on track to realise the benefits 
of the investment program, with $1.8 
billion invested to date, including $1.5 
billion in Networks for the Future as we 
prepare for the launch of 5G, and $300 
million on digitisation. This had enabled  
us to grow the competitive differentiation 
provided by our network superiority  
and reliability.

Our ongoing strategic investment in the 
performance of our mobile and fixed 
networks for our customers has been 
recognised by a number of key industry 
awards. We were ranked number one on 
the Netflix Speed Index in July and this 
year also became the first Australian 
provider to win both the fixed and mobile 
Ookla fastest networks for Q1–Q2 2018.

More than 500 new and 1,100 upgraded 
mobile sites have been switched on  
and around 400 small cells activated.  
We continued to make significant progress 
in preparing for the commercial launch  
of 5G, which is central to Telstra’s network 
investment strategy, through a number  
of major milestones, including switching 
on 5G technology across selected areas  
of the Gold Coast, making Australia’s 
largest and fastest mobile network the 
first in the country to be 5G ready. We have 
demonstrated a number of world firsts at 
our 5G Innovation Centre on Queensland’s 
Gold Coast, which we opened in FY18, 
and significantly boosted Telstra’s IoT 
capability by activating Cat M1 across  
the 4GX coverage footprint and adding 
Narrowband IoT coverage in major 
Australian cities and many regional towns. 

We are building new digital platforms  
for our Consumer & Small Business  
and Enterprise customers covering  
the full customer lifecycle that will 
underpin Telstra’s ability to move to  
a new, simplified product suite and 
improve customer experience. 

You can read more about our network 
investments and the progress we  
are making on digitisation in the  
Strategy and performance section of  
our Annual Report. 

Delivering for our customers

Our Strategic Net Promoter Score (NPS) 
was flat during FY18, though we saw 
positive movement in the second half. 
Episode NPS, which measures customers’ 
assessments of individual interactions 
improved significantly.

As well as the improvements delivered 
through the Digitisation program,  
we introduced a number of customer 
experience improvements and made a 
number of enterprise acquisitions to boost 
our NAS and IoT solutions during FY18. 

This included significantly improving 
consumer customers’ experience when 
they connect to the nbn. The NPS score for 
nbn Consumer orders has seen a 13-point 
improvement year-on-year at a time when 
more customers are connecting to the nbn 
than ever before. Almost four million 
customers are now active users of our 
24x7 App, which is a 22 per cent year-on-
year increase. This app enables consumer 
customers to self-manage their account 
and services from their smartphone or 
tablet and has recently been redesigned 
to make it even easier and more intuitive 
for customers to use. 

We also introduced robotics across  
six processes which has significantly 
improved the speed of customer service. 
Billing activation for mobile handsets, 
which used to take three days, now takes 
less than a minute. 

We opened Telstra’s Security Operation 
Centres in Sydney and Melbourne from 
which Telstra offers a broad range of 
services to help government and 
enterprise customers manage their 
organisations’ cyber security.

During FY18 two of our key acquisitions 
include MTData, a leading provider of  
GPS and telematics fleet management 
solutions to help drive IoT growth in 
Australia and internationally. MTData 
delivers solutions that assist customers 
with compliance and safety, improving 
productivity and reducing operating costs. 
We also acquired VMtech, a leading 
professional and managed services 
provider with expertise in the delivery and 
management of enterprise-grade hybrid 
cloud, connectivity and security solutions.

Improving our productivity

In June 2018, we announced we would 
target a further $1 billion annual reduction 
in underlying core fixed costs by FY22 in 
addition to the previous target of $1.5 
billion, meaning underlying core fixed 
costs will be $2.5 billion per annum lower 
in FY22 compared with FY16. We have 
delivered against these cost ambitions  
for the year and are ahead of the run rate 
required to meet our net productivity 
target with underlying core fixed costs 
declining by 7.0 per cent or $480 million. 

Network disruptions 

Our network investment has seen a 
marked improvement in resiliency, with  
a reduction in mobile customer outage 
hours of more than 80 per cent since June 
2016. Despite every effort, networks are 
complex and not immune to disruption. 
Disappointingly, we did experience a 
number of network disruptions during 
May 2018 which impacted on our 
customers and the broader community  
for which we sincerely apologise. 

The most significant of these was a 
disruption to the 000 emergency service  
– a critical public service that receives our 
highest network prioritisation. During this 
incident, the network redundancy built  
to reduce the risk of isolated incidents 
causing widespread impacts did not 
function as designed. We have conducted 
a detailed investigation to understand  
why this happened, are putting in place 
additional network monitoring and 
protections, and are leading the 
development of a collective response 
management plan for the 000 service  
with all relevant stakeholders. 

Portfolio management

In April, we reached an agreement with 
News Corp to combine Foxtel** and FOX 
SPORTS* Australia. This agreement will 
deliver premium and innovative content  
to Australians with ever greater quality, 
variety and efficiency. Telstra’s 35 per cent 
holding in the new entity resulted in a  
one-off accounting gain of $261 million. 

In July Telstra Ventures formed a  
new fund with capital investment firm 
HarbourVest. This initiative has enabled 
us to continue to leverage the benefits  
of our successful Telstra Ventures 
activation while enhancing our capability 
and reducing capital commitments in  
the future. We will realise approximately 
$75 million from the initial HarbourVest 
investment. 

During the year we also recognised  
an impairment charge for the Ooyala 
Holdings Group, which resulted in an 
A$273 million write down.

Executive and Board renewal

On 30 July 2018, we announced a new 
organisational structure and leadership 
team. The structural changes, effective 
from 1 October 2018, are an important 
step in delivering our T22 strategy and  
will help ensure we deliver rapidly and 
effectively on all the commitments we 
made to our customers, the market and 
our people.

5

Chairman and CEO message | Telstra Annual Report 2018

Strategy and 
performance

Chief Financial Officer, Warwick Bray, 
Group Executive Media and Marketing,  
Joe Pollard, and Group Executive 
Wholesale, Will Irving, will be leaving 
Telstra in the first half of FY19. Group 
Executive Technology, Innovation and 
Strategy, Stephen Elop, left the business 
on 31 July 2018. We would like to 
recognise the significant contributions 
each Executive has made and thank  
them for their dedication over the years.

Experienced American 
telecommunications executive  
Roy H. Chestnutt joined the Board  
in May 2018, further enhancing the 
Board’s collective set of skills and 
experience. The Telstra Board is  
always cognisant of the rapidly  
changing environment in which the 
company operates and seeks to appoint 
directors with relevant skills and 
experience. Mr Chestnutt is a timely  
and impactful addition to the Board, 
bringing with him more than 30 years  
of direct telecommunications experience 
and significant perspective from the  
US and global markets. We would like  
to acknowledge Director Steve Vamos  
who has announced his intention to  
retire from the Telstra Board at our  
Annual General Meeting on 16 October 
2018. Mr Vamos has been a director  
since September 2009 and we thank  
him for his valued contribution over  
the past nine years. An announcement 
about the appointment of a new  
non-executive director will be made  
in due course.

Delivering on sustainability 

We are acutely aware of the important  
role we continue to play in connecting  
and supporting communities, including  
in regional areas, and to serving the  
needs of our vulnerable customers. 
Progress this year includes helping  
around one million vulnerable people  
to stay connected, and the launch of  
our refreshed Environment Strategy. 

We are planning and investing in a  
digital future that champions the needs  
of regional and remote communities.  
In FY18 we have switched on more  
than 300 new mobile base stations  
across Australia through the Federal 
Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program, 
and our newly launched co-investment 
program will fund regional infrastructure 
in areas that have high community value 
but would otherwise be uneconomical  
to build. To help us identify and address 
local challenges and opportunities we 
have established three state-based 
Regional Advisory Councils and a  
number of partnerships. 

We also remain committed to making 
progress on gender equality. In March 
2017 we introduced a Recruitment 
Equality Procedure that mandates a 
minimum female representation on 
shortlists and interview lists for all roles  
at Telstra. After 15 months in operation, 
the proportion of female applicants  
has remained stable, however female 
representation on shortlists and in 
interviews, offers, and commencements 
has increased. 

Our Bigger Picture 2018 Sustainability 
Report provides more information on 
these and other initiatives. You can read 
more at telstra.com/sustainability/report. 

Outlook

Our FY19 guidance has not changed  
from that provided on 20 June 2018  
at Telstra’s T22 announcement, except  
to adjust for the impact of the new 
Australian Accounting Standards Board 
accounting standard (AASB15). The result 
of the adjustment is that FY19 income 
guidance has decreased by $100 million 
and EBITDA guidance has increased  
by $100 million.

In FY19 we expect income in the range  
of $26.5 to $28.4 billion and EBITDA 
(excluding restructuring costs) of $8.8 to 
$9.5 billion. FY19 additional restructuring 
costs are expected to be around $600 
million. FY19 net one off nbn DA receipts 
less nbn cost to connect are expected to 
be between $1.8 and $1.9 billion. Capital 
expenditure is expected to be between 
$3.9 to $4.4 billion or approximately 16  
to 18 per cent of sales, and free cashflow 
is expected to be in the range of $3.1 to 
$3.6 billion.

FY19 is a very material year in the 
migration to the nbn and its impact on  
our business. This guidance is based  
on management’s best estimates and  
may need to be adjusted when nbn co 
releases its Corporate Plan, which is 
expected on 31 August 20181.

A year of challenge and change

This year, through our commitment to  
the new T22 strategy, we took a bolder 
stance to lead the market by simplifying 
our operations and product set, improving 
the customer experience and reducing  
our cost base.

T22 is about recognising what 
telecommunications looks like in the 
future and building the best possible 
capability to get there. It is bold, but we 
very much believe it is the right step  
and it will put us in a strong position in  
the future. 

Thank you to our shareholders, our 
employees and our customers for  
their ongoing support.

John P Mullen, 
Chairman

Andrew R Penn, 
CEO and Managing Director 

1.  This report will be available online from 31 August 2018. 

6

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Strategy and performance

Strategy and performance | Telstra Annual Report 2018

During FY18 we also activated one of  
the largest IoT enabled networks in  
the world. In our mobile network we have 
turned on both Cat M1 and Narrowband 
IoT technologies, which support devices 
with low bandwidth and long battery lives, 
such as location trackers and temperature 
and moisture sensors. Regional and  
rural Australia is likely to be one of the 
main beneficiaries of these technologies 
and our extensive regional coverage,  
as Cat M1 and Narrowband IoT are  
ideally suited for use cases like 
agriculture, transportation and mining. 
Telstra is the only carrier in Australia  
and one of the first carriers in the world  
to offer both these IoT technologies.

We have continued to reinforce our mobile 
network superiority, expanding our 4GX 
coverage to reach 99.2 per cent of the 
Australian population. In FY18 we 
switched on more than 300 new mobile 
base stations as part of the Federal 
Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program, 
bringing new coverage to regional and 
rural communities. Telstra delivers around 
one million square kilometres more 
mobile coverage than our competitors. 

In addition to coverage, we also increased 
the speed and capacity of our network. 
Continued upgrades of our network with 
4GX in selected areas and gigabit-capable 
4G means that 93.6 per cent of the 
Australian population now has access  
to double the speed of original 4G. 

During FY18 we experienced some 
network disruptions that impacted 
customers. We are acutely aware of the 
problems network disruptions can cause 
our customers and we are taking action  
to improve performance and reliability.  
By adding more capacity and redundancy 
to our network, as well as monitoring  
more data and real-time analytics about 
network performance, we have reduced 
mobile customer outage hours by more 
than 80 per cent since June 2016. 

While we continue to push the boundaries 
of what 4G can deliver for customers,  
we are building the foundations to lead  
on 5G – as we have done with each 
generation of mobile technology.  
During FY18 we opened our 5G Innovation 
Centre on Queensland’s Gold Coast to 
progress the development of this next 
generation of wireless technology and to 
ensure Australians are among the first 
people in the world to gain access to 5G. 

Working with technology partners we 
successfully completed a number of  
world firsts at the Innovation Centre 
including a 5G trial data call over 26GHz 
radiofrequency spectrum using our 
production core network in November 
2017, turning on a precinct of 5G enabled 
Wi-Fi hotspots in March 2018, and an end-
to-end 5G non-standalone data call on a 
commercial mobile network in July 2018.

New digital platforms
We are building new digital platforms  
that are enabling the simplification of  
our business, which in turn will lead to 
improved customer experience and cost 
savings. We have invested in building 
foundational capabilities, mobilising 
resources, fixing customer pain points  
and adopting new ways of working. 

We are building new technology platforms 
for our customers that will cover the full 
customer lifecycle and underpin our ability 
to move to a new, simplified product suite 
and improve customer experience.

We have made significant progress in  
the development of our new core digital 
platforms. Enterprise has already moved 
some of its customers to this environment 
and are designing products in it, while 
Consumer and Small Business will begin 
building products in FY19 and commence 
migration of customers in FY20. 

As we shift to new digital platforms, we will 
aggressively close down legacy systems to 
remove complexity from our business. 

Digital continues to grow as the way  
many customers prefer to be served  
and offers great opportunities to deliver  
a better customer experience. Currently,  
our enterprise customers navigate more 
than 50 platforms to manage their services 
for specific activities. To improve this 
experience, we developed Telstra Connect, 
which brings together multiple platforms 
into a single digital interface. It is already 
being used by 100 early adopter customers 
and we are seeing about a one-third 
reduction in calls to our call centres from 
these customers.

Almost 4 million customers are now  
active users of our 24/7 app, which is  
a 22 per cent year-on-year increase.  
Our 24/7 app enables consumer 
customers to self-manage their account 
and services from their smartphone or 
tablet and has recently been redesigned 
to make it even easier and more intuitive 
for customers to use.

As millions of Australians transition to  
the nbn™ network, we recognise that 
moving to the new network can be a 
challenging process at times. 

We have made significant improvements 
to enhance the experience for customers 
moving to the nbn and as part of our 
commitment to addressing customer pain 
points, we are improving the end-to-end 
nbn ordering process using a new digital 
platform. As we increase the scale of this 
platform in FY19, we expect to see a 
further improvement in customer 
experience, both in the order process itself 
and the time taken to activate an order. 

Improving customer experiences 
Delivering brilliant customer experiences 
remained our highest priority throughout 
FY18. 

Telstra’s Strategic Net Promoter Score 
remained flat during FY18 with positive 
movement in the second half. Episode 
NPS, which measures customer’s 
assessment of individual interactions, 
improved by five points on last year.

Telstra introduced a number of customer 
experience improvements during FY18 
including upgrading nbn speeds for more 
than 850,000 Telstra home and small 
business customers on selected plans  
at no additional cost. We also launched 
the Telstra Smart Modem™, which 
connects a home to the internet within 
minutes via the mobile network without 
having to wait for the fixed service to be 
connected. If there’s an interruption to 
their broadband service, the gateway will 
automatically switch over to a mobile 
connection within minutes. Customers 
using Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S9 
devices are also now benefitting from 
more reliable High Definition streaming 
using the AFL Live Official app, since we 
became the only operator in Australia  
and one of the first in the world to turn  
on LTE-Broadcast (LTE-B) technology 
nationally in our mobile network. 

We have also made progress simplifying 
our business processes, which have  
flow on benefits for customers. In FY18 
we made a number of automation 
improvements to our nbn Order to Activate 
processes. We made it easier for our 
people to serve our customers by reducing 
the number of screens our contact centre 
agents use in order to resolve customer 
issues from nine to one, reducing call 
times by 15 per cent and technician tasks 
by 60 per cent. Across Telstra we have 
replaced more than 100 different 
platforms and systems for sending 
messages to our customers with just one 
platform, Notify. This means customers 
receive more consistent and personalised 
communications from Telstra.

For more than 100 years,  
Telstra has been at the  
forefront of connecting 
Australians. During our  
history, we have confronted 
many challenges and we are 
now at another important 
turning point where we must 
deliver on our bold new  
strategy if we are to continue  
to be the nation’s leading 
telecommunications company.

Throughout FY18, the Australian 
telecommunications market continued  
to experience dynamic and challenging 
conditions, driven by factors including  
the nbn™ network rollout, technological 
innovation and increased mobile 
competition. 

At the same time, we continue to see  
new opportunities to grow our business 
and deliver new products and services  
to customers, particularly as 5G mobile 
technology develops and the Internet  
of Things (IoT) becomes a standard  
part of our homes, our businesses  
and our communities.

In this context, Telstra’s decision in  
August 2016 to invest up to an additional 
$3 billion in strategic capital has never 
been more important. The Telstra2022 
(T22) strategy will be underpinned by  
the benefits this investment is delivering. 

Progress on strategic investments

Since 2016 we have invested $1.8 billion 
across Networks for the Future, new 
digital platforms and delivering customer 
improvements that lay the foundations of 
our future success. 

Networks for the Future
With the explosive growth that is 
underway in video streaming, as well  
as the expanding number and variety of 
smart devices and digital applications,  
we expect five times the traffic and four 
times the number of devices across our 
networks from 2016–2020. 

To handle the ever-growing volumes  
of traffic at higher levels of reliability  
and drastically lower cost per bit of data, 
we are deploying new technologies in  
line with our ambition to provide our 
customers with Australia’s largest, fastest, 
safest, smartest and most reliable set  
of networks. For example, in FY18 we 
completed the next phase of the upgrade 
to our transmission network by deploying 
high-capacity, next-generation optical 
transport technology between five 
Australian cities – Melbourne, Sydney, 
Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. These 
upgrades increased capacity, flexibility, 
and improved resiliency, delivering better 
outcomes for customers and setting the 
foundations that will support the 
development of 5G. 

8

9

Telstra2022

The four pillars of the program are:

While many of the factors playing out  
in the market today were predictable,  
the intensity and depth of impact is 
accelerating and continues to have a 
financial impact on our business. In this 
context, continuing with ‘business as 
usual’ is not a sufficient response, so 
Telstra will take a bolder stance and use 
the disruption in the telecommunications 
industry to lead the market for the  
benefit of our customers, employees  
and shareholders.

On 20 June 2018, we unveiled a new 
strategy, called Telstra2022 (T22),  
which will empower us to respond to a 
rapidly changing environment and lead 
the Australian market by simplifying our 
operations and product set, improving 
customer experience and reducing  
our cost base. 

The progress we have made with our 
strategic investments has enabled us to 
deliver our new T22 strategy, which aims 
to fundamentally change the nature of 
telecommunication products and services 
in Australia by eliminating many pain 
points for customers.

Pillar 1: Radically simplify our product 
offerings, eliminate customer pain points 
and create all digital experiences
We are creating simple, flexible ways for 
customers to choose the best value 
connectivity, devices and services for 
them. We will fundamentally change the 
way Telstra designs products, sells 
services, and provides customers with 
support. We have made early progress on 
this simplified approach with the launch 
of Peace of Mind™ data across a range of 
new post-paid plans on 24 July, making 
excess data charges a thing of the past. 

Leveraging our investment in digitisation, 
we will simplify our products by retiring  
all of our more than 1,800 Consumer  
and Small Business plans and introducing 
20 core plans backed up by an effortless 
digital service. For Enterprise customers, 
Telstra will continue to be the best  
one-stop shop for all Business-to-
Business technology needs, offering  
a modular, curated, self-service and 
simplified product portfolio. Over the  
past year, Telstra has built completely  
new technology for our mid-market  
and Enterprise customers and will use  
the natural momentum in the business  
to migrate customers to a new suite  
of products.

Pillar 2: Establish a standalone 
infrastructure business unit to drive 
performance and set up optionality  
post the nbn rollout 
To better recognise the value of our 
infrastructure assets, on 1 July 2018 we 
established a standalone infrastructure 
business unit called Telstra InfraCo.  
The business unit comprises Telstra’s 
high-quality fixed network infrastructure 
including data centres, non-mobiles 
related domestic fibre, copper, HFC, 
international subsea cables, exchanges, 
poles, ducts and pipes. Its services will  
be sold to Telstra, wholesale customers 
and nbn co. Telstra InfraCo also comprises 
Telstra’s nbn co. commercial works 
activities and Telstra Wholesale, and 
controls assets with a book value of  
about $11 billion. 

The new business unit does not include 
the mobile network assets including 
spectrum, radio access equipment,  
towers and some elements of backhaul 
fibre, which will remain integrated with 
Telstra’s core customer segment focused 
business to support the company’s 
network differentiation. This is particularly 
important for Telstra’s mobiles business 
as we execute our 5G strategy.

T22

Strategic 
pillars

Radically simplify 
our product 
offerings, eliminate 
customer pain 
points and create all 
digital experiences

Establish a 
standalone 
infrastructure 
business unit to 
drive performance 
and set up 
optionality post the 
nbn rollout

Greatly simplify  
our structure and 
ways of working to 
empower our  
people and serve  
our customers

Industry leading 
cost reduction 
program and 
portfolio 
management

Enabled by 
our $3b 
investment 
program

New digital platforms

Australia’s largest, fastest, safest, smartest and most reliable next generation network

Delivering

Market leading 
customer 
experience

Simplified 
products, 
business and 
operating 
model

Extended 
network 
superiority  
and 5G 
leadership

Achieve  
Global High 
Performance 
Norm in 
employee 
engagement

Net cost 
productivity  
of $2.5b  
by FY22

Post-nbn  
ROIC  
> 10%

Strategy and performance | Telstra Annual Report 2018

Pillar 4: Deliver industry-leading  
cost reduction programs and  
portfolio management 
We intend to monetise assets of up to  
$2 billion over the next two years to 
strengthen our balance sheet. 

We are also increasing the target for  
our productivity program by a further  
$1 billion to reduce underlying core  
fixed costs by $2.5 billion by FY22, 
meaning these costs will be $2.5 billion 
per annum lower in FY22 compared  
with FY16. We expect our total costs will 
remain flat or reduce despite absorbing 
more than $1.5 billion of increased  
AVC/CVC costs that will be incurred  
as we migrate to the nbn™ network. 

The key drivers of the increased 
productivity targets include simplifying 
the product set, phasing out legacy 
products and systems and migrating 
customers to new products. Other drivers 
include further digitising sales and service 
channels and continuing to improve 
procurement practices. 

Benefits
The T22 strategy will deliver benefits  
for all stakeholders – customers, 
shareholders and employees and will 
ensure that Telstra remains Australia’s 
premium and most trusted brand in 
telecommunications.

It has six specific goals with tangible  
and clear milestones covering customer 
experience, simplifying the business, 
network superiority, people, cost 
improvements and strengthening  
the balance sheet. Details include: 

• Reducing the number of consumer and 
small business plans from 1,800 to 20. 

• Migrating all consumer and small 
business products and plans and  
50 per cent of enterprise customers to 
completely new technology stacks within 
three years and leave the legacy behind. 

• Establishing a standalone infrastructure 

business unit to drive improved 
performance and create optionality for 
the future including a potential demerger 
or the entry of a strategic investor post 
the rollout of the nbn. 

• Reducing 2–4 layers of management 

across the organisation. 

• Eliminating the need for one third of 

customer service calls within two years 
and two thirds by FY22. 

• Leading in all key industry surveys for 

network performance. 

• Increasing our productivity program by a 
further $1 billion to $2.5 billion by FY22. 

• Monetising up to $2 billion in assets  

over the next 24 months to strengthen 
the balance sheet.

Pillar 3: Greatly simplify our structure 
and ways of working to empower our 
people and serve our customers
Telstra is fundamentally re-engineering 
how we operate. On 30 July we announced 
a new topline organisational structure and 
leadership team designed to remove 
complexity and management layers, 
decrease the focus on hierarchical 
decision-making and increase the focus 
on empowered teams making decisions 
closer to the customer.

Ways of working are being simplified and 
re-aligned to increase the focus on best 
serving customers, on product leadership, 
breaking down silos, as well as enabling 
the sizeable transformation we have 
committed to. We will also elevate our 
focus and capabilities in product 
development and management across  
the company increasing the leverage  
and sharing of technical efforts across  
all customer segments. 

Our strategy to simplify our business will 
have an impact on our workforce. While we 
plan to create 1,500 new roles, we expect 
a net reduction of 8,000 jobs over the next 
three years. It is our priority to support 
individuals and teams through these 
changes. Recognising the very significant 
impact these changes have on our people, 
Telstra has made available initial funding 
of up to $50 million to out-placement 
support for roles that are no longer 
required, as well as programs to support 
upskilling and transitioning to new ways  
of working. 

New organisational structure and leadership team, effective from 1 October 2018

Andrew Penn
Chief Executive Officer

To be advised
Product & 
Technology – 
Group Executive

Vicki Brady
Consumer & 
Small Business 
– Group 
Executive

Michael Ebeid
Enterprise – 
Group Executive

David Burns
Global Business 
Services – 
Group Executive

Nikos Katinakis
Networks & IT – 
Group Executive

Robyn Denholm
Chief Financial 
Officer & Head 
of Strategy

Alex Badenoch
Transformation 
& People – 
Group Executive

Brendon Riley
Telstra InfraCo 
– Chief 
Executive 
Officer

Carmel 
Mulhern
Legal & 
Corporate 
Affairs –  
Group Executive  
& General 
Counsel

10

11

Our material risks

Managing our risks and 
opportunities is a critical 
element of our governance,  
and we continuously seek to 
identify, measure and monitor 
the most material risks across 
our organisation. The following 
describes the material risks  
and opportunities that could 
affect our business, including 
any material exposure to 
economic, environmental and 
social sustainability risks, and 
how we seek to manage them. 

These risks are not listed in  
any order of significance,  
nor are they all encompassing. 
Rather, they reflect the most 
significant risks identified at a 
whole-of-entity level through  
our risk management process.

12

Disruption, competition  
and transformation 

As the speed and scale of technological 
innovation and competition increases,  
so do the challenges facing 
telecommunications providers  
in Australia and around the world.  
Beyond the rapidly changing technology 
environment, a significant challenge  
for Telstra continues to be the impact  
of the nbn™ network rollout. The nbn 
rollout will result in Telstra no longer  
being the predominant wholesale fixed 
line provider in Australia, and will lead  
to a significant loss of revenue as 
consumers and businesses transition  
to nbn broadband services. Additionally, 
the rollout of the nbn network is driving  
a significant increase to the cost base  
for providing fixed broadband services, 
meaning Telstra and other industry 
participants are facing a fixed line market 
where reseller margins continue to come 
under pressure. This has resulted in 
intensified competition in the mobile 
market and the impending entrance of a 
fourth operator in the Australian mobile 
market is likely to see this trend increase.

In response to these competitive 
challenges, our new strategy, Telstra2022 
(T22), will enable us to take a bolder  
step, leave the past behind and be  
more ambitious to meet our challenges  
head-on. For more information about  
T22, please refer to the Strategy and 
performance section.

As we transform our business through our 
T22 strategy, it is critical that we manage 
this period of change effectively. Failure to 
do so could result in further complexity 
and cost in our business, as well as the 

potential for poor customer and employee 
experiences. We have formal structures 
and governance in place to ensure the 
risks of transformation and change are 
adequately identified and managed. It is 
also important that we have the right tools 
and technology to enable our workforce  
to deliver the transformation. To ensure 
this we will accelerate the implementation 
of our new ways of working into our 
business, building on the progress we 
have already made. Finally, transforming 
the organisation requires a team that can 
lead through the change and disruption, 
and we have maintained the focus on our 
people, particularly the importance of 
good leadership, during this transition.

People and culture

In transforming our organisation, we will 
significantly shift how we operate and 
serve our customers. As we transform,  
it is fundamental that we continue to 
attract, retain and develop the right 
capabilities, and to create the right  
culture and organisational structure  
to enable new and existing talent to be 
engaged and perform. Our Culture and 
Capability program is focused on building 
an agile and enabled culture, centred on 
simplicity and accountability and driven 
by strong leadership. 

In the future, our workforce will be smaller, 
with a structure and way of working that is 
agile enough to deal with rapid change.  
This will result in a significant reduction  
in our workforce and number of roles over 
the next three years. We recognise this 
transformation represents a significant 
change for our people and we will be 

consulting with them throughout the 
process. We will also have two new 
programs in place to support all of our 
employees. One is a transition program  
for those leaving Telstra which will  
provide enhanced outplacement support. 
The second program is for those remaining 
at Telstra and will provide support to  
upskill and transition to new ways of 
working in our leaner, more agile 
organisation. To support the programs  
we intend to make available initial  
funding of up to $50 million.

Health, safety, wellbeing  
and environment

We carry a level of inherent Health,  
Safety, Wellbeing and Environmental 
(HSWE) risk considering the nature of  
the infrastructure we maintain and  
the activities we undertake on a daily 
basis. This includes risks to employees, 
members of the public and environmental 
hazards associated with our work, our 
products and services and the facilities  
in which we operate. In addition, failure to 
manage these risks effectively could also 
impact our reputation with stakeholders 
and customers and expose us to 
regulatory action or litigation. We have a 
comprehensive system and processes in 
place to responsibly manage our risks and 
to actively monitor safety outcomes and 
build employee awareness. Our approach 
to managing HSWE risk incorporates 
broader considerations of our safety 
culture including managing workplace 
aggression and drug and alcohol use,  
how we manage environmental hazards 
and those that may arise from use of our 
products such as electromagnetic energy.

Network and business resilience

The speed, scale and reliability of our 
network remains a key source of 
competitive differentiation. We recognise 
the criticality of the services we provide  
our customers, and the fact that the 
dependency on connectivity is greater  
than it has ever been. When we do not  
meet customer expectations, for example 
during periods of network congestion  
or prolonged network disruptions,  
we understand the impacts are both 
frustrating and wide-reaching. We are  
also cognisant of the responsibilities we 
have in providing critical infrastructure  
and important products and services  
to our customers. When we get this wrong  
it can have severe ramifications for our 
customers, and may undermine their trust 
in us and impact our brand and reputation. 

The threats to our ability to ensure 
resilience and continuity of key processes 
and systems include equipment failure, 
natural disasters, malicious attacks,  
loss of third party key service providers, 
and human errors. Given the breadth and 
complexity of our underlying infrastructure, 
we expect our exposure to climate change-
related risk will increase over time in  
line with the frequency and intensity of  
extreme weather events. To manage these 
risks, we have a number of capabilities, 
strategies, and plans that seek to prevent, 
respond to and recover from network or 
critical service disruptions.

Looking forward, we need to continue  
to meet the exponential growth of data 
consumption. The transition to 5G will  
open up new opportunities that will allow 
us to satisfy our customers’ demands by 
delivering faster mobile data speeds and 
more capacity at a reduced cost, however it 
will also require that we make the right 
decisions in terms of architecture, vendors 
and technology to ensure we are set up to 
succeed. We are building the foundations 
to lead on 5G – as we have with each 
generation of mobile technology.

Major regulatory change and 
stakeholder engagement

Regulatory or policy changes may directly 
impact our strategy and business model, 
as well as increase complexity and the 
cost of doing business. As the leading 
provider in a heavily-regulated industry, 
our products and services and the ways 
we deliver them, are subject to ongoing 
scrutiny from a range of regulators  
and agencies. We proactively maintain 
relationships with relevant regulatory 
stakeholders and policy makers, 
community groups and industry in an 
effort to ensure fair and balanced policy 
and regulatory decisions.

It is important that we maintain clear, 
transparent and timely communications 
with our stakeholders (including 
customers, shareholders, investors, 
government and regulators) to ensure  
we understand their views and  
maintain good relationships with them. 
We recognise if we are not successful  
in doing so, it may adversely affect our 
ability to execute our strategy. We also 
understand the relationship between 
business and society is changing. 
Increasing stakeholder expectations, 
coupled with a decline in trust in business 
means it is critical we continue to conduct 
ourselves in a manner consistent with  
our stakeholders’ expectations.

Our material risks | Telstra Annual Report 2018

The key regulatory matters currently 
relevant to Telstra relate to nbn™ network 
customer experience, 5G spectrum,  
USO reform and data security legislation. 
As with any regulatory or policy changes, 
these matters may directly impact our 
strategy and business model as well  
as raise the risk of additional regulatory 
cost and complexity being imposed on  
our business. 

Privacy and cyber security

Ensuring the privacy and security of our 
customers’ data and our corporate data  
is paramount for our business. At Telstra, 
we all have a responsibility to protect 
customer and corporate information from 
misuse, loss, unauthorised disclosure  
or damage. The privacy and security of 
customer and corporate information may 
be breached in a variety of ways including 
as a result of compromises to our IT 
systems and vendor systems, unauthorised 
or inadvertent release of information, or 
human error. Failing to maintain the privacy 
and security of our customer and corporate 
information has a number of potential 
consequences. These include an erosion  
of customer confidence and the trust they 
place in us, which may damage our brand 
and reputation, as well as create the 
potential for financial penalties and  
further regulatory action. 

In relation to privacy, we face changing 
expectations from government and 
industry groups on issues including data 
availability and use, compliance with 
international frameworks such as the 
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 
and data breach reporting. We have a 
number of strategies to manage our privacy 
and cyber security risks, including 
mandatory training on data security and 
privacy awareness for all employees, 
regular cyber security and privacy drills 
across the organisation to test the level of 
staff compliance and vigilance, and the 
ongoing maintenance and development of 
policies and procedures. We regularly 
update our privacy statement and privacy 
procedures in consideration of how societal 
expectations and technological changes 
affect the way we collect, store and use 
personal information.

Further detail about our risk management 
framework and how we manage our  
risks is provided in our 2018 Corporate 
Governance Statement available at  
www.telstra.com/governance. Further 
information about our sustainability 
related risks is provided in our Bigger 
Picture 2018 Sustainability Report, 
available at www.telstra.com/
sustainability/report.

13

Outlook

Outlook | Telstra Annual Report 2018

The current competitive environment is expected to continue to intensify in the year ahead, just as it 
has done over the past 12 months. The accelerating impact of the transition to the nbn™ network and 
increased competition in Australia’s mobile market is driving a challenging period for the Australian 
telecommunications market. 

These competitive pressures are playing 
out in our financial performance and we 
expect the challenging trading conditions 
experienced in FY18 to continue in FY19. 

Our recently announced Telstra2022  
(T22) strategy details how we will lead  
the Australian market through simplified 
operations and products, and improved 
customer experiences. We have increased 
our net cost productivity target to $2.5 
billion by the end of FY22, and we expect 
to achieve more than $1.5 billion of our 
cost productivity target by the end of  
FY20. We also intend to monetise up to  
$2 billion in assets over the next two  
years to strengthen the balance sheet. 

The organisation we are becoming will 
look vastly different to the one we are 
today. Our workforce will be a smaller, 
knowledge-based one with a structure 
and way of working that is agile enough  
to deal with rapid change. While we plan  
to create 1,500 new roles, we expect a  
net reduction of 8,000 jobs over the next 
three years, including reducing two to  
four levels of management. Due to these 
changes, we expect to incur additional 
restructuring costs of approximately  
$600 million in FY19.

In the year ahead, we will dramatically 
simplify our products, remove customer 
pain points and give Australians the 
flexibility to truly personalise their home 
and mobile packages based on what  
is important to them. This experience  
will be backed up by easier and more 
intuitive digital tools for our customers 
and our employees. This will also help 
drive cost savings. 

We achieved the first milestone in our plan 
to simplify our products for Consumer and 
Small Business by launching Peace of 
Mind Data™ on selected new mobile plans 
in July 2018. Four more major product and 
service experiences will be progressively 
announced in the lead up to June 2019. 

By choosing to lead the market and 
simplifying the charging model for our 
customers, we are likely to eliminate up  
to $500 million in revenues over the next 
three years, with excess data charges 
being the first example. However, over the 
longer term these changes are in the best 
interests of customers and will drive long-
term value. They are expected to be more 
than offset by more services per customer 
and lower costs from simplicity and 
leadership shown by Telstra translating 
into new sources of growth. 

Our efforts within Enterprise to remove 
complexity will be accelerated to reduce 
the existing product portfolio by more  
than half over the next three years.  
Our approach to simplifying our product 
portfolio will have greater emphasis  
on a digital-first model, supported by 
software-based platforms and the 
Internet of Things. It is expected this  
will bolster our historical strength with 
large customers and enable us to push 
firmly into the mid-market and increase 
market share.

Demand for core products and services 
delivered over our networks has never 
been greater, and we expect this trend  
to continue. The volume of data moving 
across our fixed and mobile networks  
is expected to increase by 50 per cent  
per annum and the range of services 
supported by our networks is also 
increasing dramatically. 

We will continue to invest in high-quality 
content experiences for our customers.  
In Q2 FY19 we will be making new choices 
available to mobile customers that  
build on Telstra’s superior offerings in 
entertainment, music and sport, which  
we enhanced in FY18 by adding Foxtel 
Now and Football Federation Australia 
content to our offering.

Our ongoing network investments  
have been critical as we prepare to lead 
the market and win in 5G, ensuring 
Australians are among the first to benefit 
from this new technology. Our network  
will be ready for 5G use in the first half of 
FY19, with services in limited areas and 
pending the availability of 5G compatible 
devices. Subject to the acquisition of 
required spectrum, we anticipate full 
rollout to capital cities, regional centres 
and other high-demand areas by FY20. 

The technological innovation we are 
seeing today relies on high-quality,  
highly reliable, safe and secure 
telecommunications networks.  
Our strategic investment announced  
in August 2016 of up to $3 billion enables 
us to provide world-leading networks  
and digital platforms, and we are also  
on track to achieve more than $500 million 
of additional EBITDA benefits by FY21  
as an outcome of this investment.

We recognise that we have not always 
provided customers with the experience 
they expect from us. Addressing our 
customers’ pain points is a cornerstone  
of our new strategy, which puts customers 
at the centre of everything we do to deliver 
simpler, more flexible products with a 
great digital service experience.

Further information in relation to our 
Outlook is provided in the Chairman  
and CEO message.

14

15

Full year results and  
operations review

Summary financial results

Total revenue

Total income (excluding finance income)

Operating expenses

Share of net profit/(loss) from joint ventures and associated entities

EBITDA

Depreciation and amortisation

EBIT

Net finance costs

Income tax expense

Profit for the period

Profit attributable to equity holders of Telstra

Capex1

Free cashflow

Earnings per share (cents)

FY18

$m

26,011

29,042

18,899

(22)

10,121

4,470

5,651

549

1,573

3,529

3,563

4,717

4,695

30.0

FY17

$m

26,013

28,205

17,558

32

10,679

4,441

6,238

591

1,773

3,874

3,891

4,606

3,496

32.5

Change

%

(0.0)

3.0

7.6

n/m

(5.2)

0.7

(9.4)

(7.1)

(11.3)

(8.9)

(8.4)

2.4

34.3

(7.7)

1.   Capex is defined as additions to property, equipment and intangible assets including capital lease additions, excluding expenditure on spectrum, measured on an 

accrued basis. Excludes externally funded capex.

Full year results and operations review | Telstra Annual Report 2018

Reported results

For commentary on our key results and market context, please refer to the Chairman 
and CEO message section. Detail on our FY18 highlights and early progress against  
our T22 strategy can be found in the Strategy and performance section.

Results on  
a guidance basis1

Total income2

EBITDA

Net one-off nbn DA 
receipts less nbn net 
Cost to Connect (C2C)

Capex

Free cashflow

FY18

$28.6b

$10.1b

$1.8b

$4.7b

$4.9b

FY18 guidance3

Middle of $27.6b to $29.5b

Bottom end of $10.1b to $10.6b

Middle to upper end of $1.4b to $1.9b

Middle to upper end of $4.4b to $4.8b

Top end or moderately above $4.2b to $4.7b

1.   This guidance assumed wholesale product price stability and no impairments to investments, and excluded 
any proceeds on the sale of businesses, mergers and acquisitions and purchase of spectrum. The guidance 
also assumed the nbn™ rollout was broadly in accordance with the nbn Corporate Plan 2018 adjusted for a 
cease sale on hybrid fibre co-axial (HFC) technology for six to nine months from 11 December 2017. Capex 
excluded externally funded capex. Refer to the guidance versus reported results reconciliation section.

2.  Total income excludes finance income.
3.   FY18 guidance as provided on 14 May 2018 trading update. FY18 guidance initially revised on 1 December 

2017 as a result of nbn co’s HFC cease sale.

FY18

FY18

FY18

FY17

Guidance versus 
reported results1

Reported 
results $m

Adjustments 
$m

Guidance 
basis $m

Guidance 
basis $m

Total income2

EBITDA

Free cashflow

29,042

10,121

4,695

(397)

4

178

28,645

10,125

4,873

28,205

10,756

3,981

1.   This guidance assumed wholesale product price stability and no impairments to investments, and excluded 
any proceeds on the sale of businesses, mergers and acquisitions and purchase of spectrum. The guidance 
also assumed the nbn™ rollout was broadly in accordance with the nbn Corporate Plan 2018 adjusted for a 
cease sale on hybrid fibre co-axial (HFC) technology for six to nine months from 11 December 2017. Capex 
excluded externally funded capex. Refer to the guidance versus reported results reconciliation section.

2.  Total income excludes finance income.

On 16 August 2018, the Directors of  
Telstra Corporation Limited resolved  
to pay a fully franked final dividend of  
11 cents per ordinary share, comprising  
a final ordinary dividend of 7.5 cents  
and a final special dividend of 3.5 cents. 
Shares will trade excluding entitlement  
to the dividends from 29 August 2018  
with payment on 27 September 2018.

The total dividend for FY18 is 22 cents  
per share, fully franked, including  
15 cents ordinary and 7 cents special,  
in accordance with our dividend  
policy announced in August 2017.  
This represents a 78 per cent payout  
ratio on FY18 underlying earnings  
(net profit after tax excluding net one-off 
nbn receipts) and a 65 per cent payout 
ratio of FY18 net one-off nbn receipts  
(net nbn one off Definitive Agreement 
receipts – consisting of Per Subscriber 
Address Amount (PSAA), Infrastructure 
Ownership and Retraining – less nbn net 
cost to connect less tax).

Segment performance

We report segment information on the same basis as our internal management 
reporting structure as at the reporting date. Segment comparatives reflect 
organisational changes that have occurred since the prior reporting period to  
present a like-for-like view. 

Income related to nbn Definitive Agreements (nbn DAs) and commercial works  
is reported in the All Other segment with the exception of Infrastructure Service 
Agreement (ISA) amounts included in Telstra Wholesale and nbn commercial  
works included in Telstra Operations.

Segment total income

7%

4%

10%

28%

FY18

51%

Total external income

FY18

$m

FY17

Change

$m

Telstra Consumer and Small Business

14,683

14,722

Telstra Enterprise

Telstra Wholesale

Telstra Operations

All Other

8,249

2,737

1,217

2,156

8,108

2,837

1,151

1,387

Total Telstra segments

29,042

28,205

%

(0.3)

1.7

(3.5)

5.7

55.4

3.0

5%

4%

10%

FY17

52%

29%

16

17

Telstra Consumer and Small Business 

Telstra Enterprise

Telstra Wholesale

Telstra Operations

All Other

Telstra Consumer and Small Business
Telstra Consumer and Small Business 
income was largely flat, down 0.3 per cent 
to $14,683 million.

Telstra Consumer income increased by  
0.6 per cent with growth in postpaid 
handheld, mobile hardware and fixed 
bundle revenue partly offset by declines in 
prepaid handheld, mobile broadband and 
ongoing fixed voice decline. Fixed data 
grew by 4.7 per cent while mobile services 
revenue declined by 1.6 per cent and fixed 
voice was down 14.4 per cent.

Telstra Small Business income  
decreased by 4.0 per cent, impacted  
by lower mobile services revenue and 
ongoing declines in fixed voice. Mobile 
services revenue declined by 2.5 per cent 
with net subscriber additions offset by 
ARPU reductions. Network Applications 
and Services (NAS) revenue continued  
to grow, increasing by 14.5 per cent, 
primarily driven by growth in unified 
communications.

Telstra Enterprise
Telstra Enterprise income increased  
by 1.7 per cent to $8,249 million. Telstra 
Enterprise domestic income increased  
by 0.8 per cent, including an 8.0 per cent 
growth in NAS. This was partly offset by 
industry ARPU declines across mobility 
and Data & IP, and ongoing fixed voice 
decline. Telstra Enterprise international 
income grew by 5.4 per cent mainly due  
to growth across NAS with the acquisition 
of Company85 in June 2017, and growth  
in fixed voice products.

Telstra Wholesale
Telstra Wholesale income decreased by 
3.5 per cent to $2,737 million largely due 
to a decline across fixed products, but was 
partly offset by increased mobile and ISA 
ownership receipts in line with the nbn™ 
network rollout.

Telstra Operations
Telstra Operations income grew by 5.7 per 
cent to $1,217 million, primarily due to an 
increase in nbn commercial works.

All Other
Certain items of income and expense 
relating to multiple reportable segments 
are recorded by our corporate areas  
and included in the All Other category.  
This category also includes Technology, 
Innovation and Strategy (including Telstra 
Ventures and Ooyala), New Businesses 
(including Telstra Health), and Media  
& Marketing. Income growth in this 
category was largely due to increased  
nbn disconnection fees PSAA in line  
with the nbn™ network rollout.

The table opposite includes pro forma 
segment results as if the Telstra InfraCo 
segment existed at the end of FY18.  
The table is for information purposes  
only and provides an example of what  
the FY19 segment reporting will look  
like in principle. However, it does not 
reflect any other organisational changes 
resulting from the T22 announcement  
as those changes are yet to be finalised. 
Our 1H19 financial statements will  
provide a restatement of FY18 
comparatives reflecting segments  
as at 31 December 2018.

Consistent with information presented  
for internal management reporting 
purposes, the result of each segment  
is measured based on its EBITDA 
contribution except for Telstra InfraCo 
which includes the inter-segment charges. 
EBITDA contribution excludes the effects 
of all inter-segment balances and 
transactions with the exception of the 
transactions referred to in the table.  
As such, only transactions external  
to the Telstra Group are reported for  
all segments except for Telstra InfraCo.

Our approach to Telstra InfraCo segment 
reporting is to present its profitability  
as if it was a standalone business unit 
with no offsetting impact to the other 
segments to reflect how performance  
is managed internally.

Telstra InfraCo
Effective from 1 July 2018, we established 
a standalone infrastructure business unit, 
Telstra InfraCo, as part of our new T22 
strategy announced on 20 June 2018.

Our 1H19 financial statements will 
contain detailed segment reporting for 
Telstra InfraCo, the results of which will  
be regularly reviewed by management.  
The new segment will comprise:
• Infrastructure assets reported in FY18  

in our corporate areas.

• Telstra Wholesale results disclosed  
in FY18 in note 2.1 to the financial 
statements as a separate reportable 
segment but excluding one-off nbn 
Infrastructure Ownership Payments.

• nbn commercial works activities 

included in FY18 in note 2.1 to the 
financial statements as part of the 
Telstra Operations reportable segment.

Telstra InfraCo engages in the following 
activities:
• Holds our fixed network infrastructure 
including data centres, non-mobiles 
related domestic fibre, copper, HFC, 
international subsea cables, exchanges, 
poles, ducts and pipes.

• Provides access to our fixed network 
infrastructure assets to other Telstra 
business units, wholesale customers 
and nbn co.

• Provides a wide range of 

telecommunication products and 
services delivered over Telstra networks 
and associated support systems to  
other carriers, carriage service providers 
and internet service providers.

• Provides nbn co with long term access to 
certain components of our infrastructure 
and certain network services under the 
ISA and commercial contracts. 

Full year results and operations review | Telstra Annual Report 2018

Telstra 
Enterprise

Telstra 
Operations

All Other

Subtotal

Telstra 
InfraCo

Eliminations

Total

Telstra 
Consumer 
and Small 
Business

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

Year ended 30 June 2018

14,629

8,217

89

(20)

22,915

3,096

-

26,011

–

–

–

–

–

2,178

(2,178)

–

14,629

8,217

89

(20)

22,915

5,274

(2,178)

26,011

Telstra Group

Revenue from 
external 
customers

Revenue from 
transactions 
between Telstra 
InfraCo and other 
segments

Total revenue 
from external 
customers and 
Telstra InfraCo

Other income

54

32

Total income

14,683

8,249

162

251

2,572

2,820

211

–

3,031

2,552

25,735

5,485

(2,178)

29,042

Share of net 
profit/(loss) from 
joint ventures and 
associated 
entities

EBITDA 
contribution

Depreciation and 
amortisation

Telstra  
Group EBIT

Net finance costs

Telstra Group 
profit before 
income tax 
expense

–

2

–

(24)

(22)

–

–

(22)

6,970

3,216

(3,066)

501

7,621

3,407

(907)

10,121

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(4,470)

5,651

(549)

5,102

Total restated FY18 segment results 
reconcile to note 2.1 to the financial 
statements. However, the following  
items have been adjusted:

• Telstra InfraCo generates revenue  

from transactions with other business 
units. These inter-segment transactions 
relate to access charges for the use of 
the infrastructure assets. The access 
charges are charged on the assets  
which are allocated to Telstra InfraCo, 
being our fixed network infrastructure. 
Where such assets are shared with  
other business units, an allocation of  
the assets to Telstra InfraCo has been 
determined based on historical usage. 
These access charges are developed 
based on an approach that incorporates 
a variety of internally and externally 
observed inputs to reflect an arm’s 
length basis for charging. They are 
regularly reviewed by management  
and are eliminated at Telstra Group  
level for statutory reporting purposes.

• The Telstra InfraCo segment result also 
includes inter-segment costs recharged 
by the Telstra Operations segment for 
operations and maintenance services 
related to Telstra InfraCo assets. These 
shared operations and maintenance 
costs allocated to Telstra InfraCo assets 
are based on a usage methodology.

• The Telstra Operations segment  
result includes network service  
delivery costs for Telstra Consumer and 
Small Business and Telstra Enterprise 
customers as well as Telstra InfraCo.  
The operations and maintenance costs 
are included in Telstra InfraCo costs,  
but have not been excluded from  
Telstra Operations.

• The Telstra Operations segment 

recognises expenses in relation to the 
installation, maintenance and running  
of the HFC cable network held in Telstra 
InfraCo (except for operations and 
maintenance costs recharged by Telstra 

Operations to Telstra InfraCo), while a 
portion of the running costs of the HFC 
cable network is managed by the Media 
& Marketing operating segment 
(included in the All Other category).

• The Telstra InfraCo segment result 

includes rental revenue from providing 
nbn co with long term access to ducts 
and pits and other components of our 
infrastructure under the ISA, while the 
associated costs are reported in the 
Telstra Operations segment and in  
the All Other category, respectively.

• Telstra InfraCo also includes costs 
associated with support functions  
which have not been removed from  
other segments. We allocate these  
costs by utilising driver-based cost 
allocation methodology for our  
internal performance reporting.

Full details about our FY18 reported 
segment results are included in  
note 2.1 to the financial statements.

18

19

39%

Key product revenue

FY18

$m

FY17

Change

Product performance

Product sales revenue breakdown

4%

4%

6%

FY18

14%

10%

13%

10%

Mobile

Fixed

Data & IP

NAS

23%

Global connectivity

4%

4%

5%

39%

FY17

EBITDA margins1

Mobile

Fixed data2

Fixed voice2

Data & IP

NAS

25%

Global connectivity

$m

10,145

10,102

5,812

2,557

3,646

1,513

6,402

2,698

3,358

1,449

%

0.4

(9.2)

(5.2)

8.6

4.4

FY18

2H18

1H18

FY17

%

40

16

35

59

10

16

%

39

15

31

59

13

17

%

40

17

38

59

6

15

%

43

31

48

59

9

17

1.  The data in this table includes minor adjustments to historic numbers to reflect changes in product hierarchy.
2.  Margins include nbn voice and data products.

Mobile

Fixed

Data & IP

NAS

Global connectivity

Media

Other

Mobile revenue increased by 0.4 per cent 
to $10,145 million. Retail customer 
services increased by 342,000 bringing 
the total to 17.7 million. We now have 7.9 
million postpaid handheld retail customer 
services, an increase of 304,000 (including 
67,000 from Belong). Postpaid handheld 
churn of 10.9 per cent is industry leading.

Postpaid handheld revenue declined by 
1.4 per cent to $5,374 million, however it 
was 0.4 per cent higher in 2H18 compared 
with 1H18. Postpaid handheld ARPU 
declined by 3.4 per cent from $67.70 in 
FY17 to $65.41 in FY18 (excluding the 
impact of mobile repayment option)  
due to lower out of bundle revenue and 
increased competition. Postpaid handheld 
ARPU declines are expected to continue 
into 1H19.

Prepaid handheld revenue declined by  
5.4 per cent to $958 million, with ARPU 
growth of 2.1 per cent from $22.29 to 
$22.75 offset by a reduction in unique 
users, increased competition, and 
migration to wholesale and Belong.

Mobile broadband revenue fell 10.3  
per cent to $890 million after a decline  
in ARPU and reduction of 37,000  
customer services. The decline 
accelerated in 2H18 compared to  
1H18 due to shared data impacts  
and a decline in prepaid unique users.

Machine to Machine revenue grew  
by 13.0 per cent to $165 million, 
increasing customer services by  
383,000. We continue to see growth  
with the acquisitions of MTData  
and VMtech, and new solutions  
being implemented in verticals such  
as logistics, utilities, health and  
financial services.

Mobile hardware revenue increased  
by 9.0 per cent to $2,338 million largely 
due to a higher volume of devices sold  
at a higher price per unit.

Mobile EBITDA margin declined by  
3 percentage points to 40 per cent  
due to a reduction in mobile services 
revenue and a smaller EBITDA benefit 
from Go Mobile Swap relative to FY17.

Mobile

Domestic mobile  
retail customer services 
(millions)

17.2

17.4

17.7

FY16

FY17

FY18

20

Full year results and operations review | Telstra Annual Report 2018

Fixed

Domestic fixed  
retail customer services  
(millions)

3.4

5.7

3.5

5.4

3.6

4.9

FY16

FY17

FY18

Fixed voice

Fixed data

Fixed revenue declined by 9.2 per cent to 
$5,812 million, impacted by an increased 
rate of nbn migration and competition, 
partly offset by improved 2H18 retail 
bundle momentum.

Fixed voice revenue decreased by 15.4 per 
cent to $2,642 million due to lower out of 
bundle usage and a decline in customer 
services. Retail fixed voice subscriber 
numbers fell in line with the nbn rollout, 
declining 472,000, taking total retail fixed 
voice customers to 4.9 million. We continue 
to focus on retention activity promoting the 
customer benefits from bundling. 

5.7

Fixed data revenue decreased by 0.2 per 
cent to $2,544 million, as retail fixed data 
revenue growth of 4.1 per cent was offset 
by lower wholesale revenue due to nbn 
migration. There were 88,000 retail fixed 
data net subscriber additions including 
48,000 from Belong, bringing total retail 
fixed data customers to 3.6 million.

Retail bundles continued to perform  
well with 3.1 million customers now on  
a bundled plan. Net subscriber additions 
of 135,000 were boosted by data and 
speed bestowals, and the launch of 
‘Unlimited Data Bundles’ and the new 
Telstra TV® in October 2017. There was 
improved momentum in 2H18 with  
78,000 net subscriber additions  
compared with 57,000 in 1H18.

We continue to lead the nbn market with  
a total of 1,946,000 nbn connections,  
an increase of 770,000. Our nbn market 
share is now 51 per cent (excluding 
satellite). The Telstra Smart Modem™  
is now being utilised by 12 per cent of  
our fixed data consumer base, providing  
a better experience on the nbn and 
improved churn outcomes.

Other fixed revenue, which includes 
intercarrier services, platinum services, 
payphones and customer premises 
equipment, decreased by 14.1 per cent to 
$626 million. Intercarrier access services 
revenue declined by 13.8 per cent.

Fixed voice and fixed data EBITDA  
margins declined to 35 and 16 per cent 
respectively, negatively affected by a 
reduction in revenue, upfront costs of 
connecting customers to the nbn™ 
network, and rising network payments  
to nbn co.

Data & IP
Data & IP revenue decreased by 5.2 per 
cent to $2,557 million reflecting customer 
growth in IP Virtual Private Network 
(IPVPN), offset by legacy product declines 
including ISDN and calling products.

IPVPN revenue declined by 0.4 per cent  
to $1,066 million as subscriber growth in 
higher ARPU fibre products, including IP 
Metropolitan Area Network (IPMAN), was 
offset by competitive yield pressures and 
legacy IP Wide Area Network (IPWAN) 
declines. The accelerated decline in ISDN 
revenue, down 13.5 per cent to $467 
million, represents legacy migration to 
IPVPN growth products, and NAS 
collaboration and calling solutions.

Other data and calling products revenue, 
which includes wholesale, inbound calling 
products, internet, media solutions and 
legacy data, decreased by 5.9 per cent to 
$1,024 million. Internet growth of 7.2 per 
cent was more than offset by declines in 
legacy inbound calling and data products, 
and media solutions.

Data & IP EBITDA margin remained  
stable at 59 per cent. EBITDA dollars 
declined, largely due to legacy migration 
from products including ISDN to NAS 
collaboration and calling solutions.

Network Applications and Services (NAS)

NAS revenue ($billions)

2.6

3.4

3.6

FY16

FY17

FY18

NAS revenue increased by 8.6 per cent  
to $3,646 million with double digit growth  
in Small Business and high single digit 
growth in Enterprise. There was strong 
growth in professional services across 
NAS offerings.

Managed network services revenue 
increased by 1.8 per cent, reflecting a  
3.8 per cent growth in security services 
and other one-off revenue in managed 
data networks. Managed data networks 
revenue grew by 1.4 per cent.

Unified communications revenue 
increased by 1.1 per cent due to 
collaboration and calling solutions,  
offset by lower revenue from  
professional services and customer 
premises equipment.

Cloud services revenue growth of 14.4  
per cent was facilitated by annuity growth 
in public cloud, consulting services and 
customer premises equipment.

Industry solutions revenue growth of  
11.0 per cent largely came from nbn 
network and other commercial works.

Integrated service revenue grew by  
39.5 per cent resulting from growth  
in professional services and timing  
of key customer milestones.

NAS EBITDA margin increased by  
1 percentage point to 10 per cent  
due to ongoing operational leverage, 
scalable standardised offerings and  
cost productivity.

Global connectivity
Global connectivity represents the 
international business of Telstra 
Enterprise. Revenue grew by 5.1  
per cent in local currency (LC) terms due 
to ongoing NAS and fixed product growth.

Fixed revenue increased by 5.0 per cent 
(LC) as a result of wholesale voice 
customer growth, while NAS revenue grew 
by 31.9 per cent (LC) due to an uptake in 
managed network services and customer 
premise equipment. Data & IP revenue 
increased 0.6 per cent (LC).

On a reported Australian dollar basis, 
global connectivity revenue increased  
by 4.4 per cent to $1,513 million.

Global connectivity EBITDA margin 
declined by 1 percentage point to 16  
per cent due to revenue mix shift towards 
lower margin products and yield pressure 
particularly in 1H18. EBITDA in 2H18 
improved by 3 per cent compared with the 
prior corresponding period from revenue 
growth and cost productivity.

Media
Media revenue excluding cable  
decreased by 1.2 per cent to $924 million 
mainly due to the performance of Foxtel 
from Telstra, which declined by 1.2 per 
cent to $768 million and had 18,000 
subscriber exits due to a broader industry 
transition from Broadcast to IPTV.  
There are now 1,290,000 Telstra TV® 
devices in the market, an increase of 
463,000. Sports Live Pass users increased 
by nearly 1 million to 2,301,000 across 
AFL, NRL and Netball, with most users 
receiving the service as part of their 
mobile subscription.

Other
Other sales revenue includes  
revenue related to nbn co access to  
our infrastructure, and revenue from 
Telstra Health and Ooyala. Other revenue 
primarily consists of Go Mobile Swap 
lease income and rental income. Other 
income includes gains and losses on asset 
and investment sales (including assets 
transferred under the nbn DAs), income 
from government grants under the Telstra 
Universal Service Obligation Performance 
Agreement (TUSOPA), income from nbn 
disconnection fees (PSAA), subsidies and 
other miscellaneous items. The increase in 
other income of 38.3 per cent is largely 
due to an increase in one-off PSAA, which 
increased by 42.5 per cent to $1,779 
million, and ISA receipts in line with the 
progress of the nbn™ network rollout.

21

Expense performance

In June 2018, we announced we would 
target a further $1 billion annual reduction 
in underlying core fixed costs by FY22  
in addition to the previous stated target  
of $1.5 billion, meaning underlying core 
fixed costs will be $2.5 billion per annum 
lower in FY22 compared with FY16.  
We expect total costs will be flat or  
decline in each year from FY18 excluding 
restructuring costs.

We have delivered against our cost 
ambitions for the year and are ahead of the 
run rate required for our net productivity 
target with underlying core fixed costs 
declining by 7.0 per cent or $480 million. 
We have now achieved around $700 million 
of annual cost out since FY16.

Operating expenses

Core sales costs1

Core fixed costs

• Underlying

• NAS labour and corporate2

New businesses costs3

One-off nbn DA and nbn C2C4

Guidance basis

Guidance adjustments5

Reported basis

+$391m

+$110m -$480m

+$344m $18,889m

+$1,009m

-$44m $18,555m

$17,481m

-7.0% 
cost out

–  Increased nbn network 

payments $494m

–  Increased NAS sales and 

variable labour costs $216m
–  Remaining increase mostly due 
to increased mobile hardware 
including Go Mobile lease costs

FY17 
Guidance 
basis

Core sales 
costs

Core fixed 
costs – NAS 
labour and 
corporate

One-off nbn 
DA and nbn 
C2C

Core fixed 
costs – 
underlying

New 
businesses

FY18 
Guidance 
basis

Guidance 
adjustments

FY18 
Reported 
basis

FY18

$m

8,427

9,240

6,365

2,875

370

518

18,555

344

18,899

FY17

$m

7,418

9,329

6,845

2,484

326

408

17,481

77

17,558

$m

1,009

(89)

(480)

391

44

110

1,074

267

1,341

Change

%

13.6

(1.0)

(7.0)

15.7

13.5

27.0

6.1

n/m

7.6

1. 
2. 

 Core sales costs excludes goods and services purchased associated with new businesses and one-off nbn C2C.
 NAS labour and corporate costs include significant transactions and events associated with NAS commercial works and labour, global connectivity costs including FX,  
Go Mobile Swap lease costs and bond rate impacts. FY17 restated to include $439m (FY18 $286m) additional restructuring costs represented as a guidance adjustment  
in prior year.
 New businesses includes Telstra Health, Ooyala and Telstra Ventures. New businesses costs restated to exclude international product costs, now global connectivity.
 FY17 one-off nbn C2C restated to exclude business as usual (BAU) connections. Costs associated with BAU connections included in core sales and underlying fixed costs.

3. 
4. 
5.  Refer to the guidance versus reported results reconciliation section.

FY18

FY17

Change

Operating expenses

Labour

Goods and services purchased

Other expenses

$m

5,157

8,758

4,984

$m

5,381

7,671

4,506

Total operating expenses

18,899

17,558

%

(4.2)

14.2

10.6

7.6

Total operating expenses increased by  
7.6 per cent to $18,899 million due to 
increased nbn access payments, nbn cost 
to connect (C2C), NAS growth and mobile 
hardware. Core sales costs, which are 
direct costs associated with revenue and 
customer growth, increased by $1,009 
million or 13.6 per cent. NAS labour and 
corporate costs, and one-off nbn DA and 
nbn C2C increased by 15.7 per cent and 
27.0 per cent respectively as the nbn 
rollout continues.

Our progress on achieving our productivity 
target is reported through the above 
operating expenses table. The detail  
following provides commentary on the 
operating expenses as disclosed in our 
statutory accounts.

22

Full year results and operations review | Telstra Annual Report 2018

Other expenses
Total other expenses increased by 10.6  
per cent or $478 million to $4,984 million. 
Impairment expenses increased by  
$262 million largely due to a $273 million 
impairment charge recognised for the 
Ooyala Holdings Group, while other 
expenses increased by 14.9 per cent or 
$357 million mainly due to the higher 
uptake of Go Mobile Swap lease plans. 
This was partially offset by a 7.8 per cent 
or $141 million decrease in service 
contract and other agreement costs, 
driven by the productivity and cost 
reduction programs.

Depreciation and Amortisation
Depreciation and Amortisation increased 
by 0.7 per cent to $4,470 million due to 
ongoing investment in business software 
assets with shorter useful lives. Review of 
useful lives during the year resulted in a 
$216 million decrease in depreciation and 
a $26 million decrease in amortisation.

Foreign currency impacts
For the purposes of reporting our 
consolidated results, the translation of 
foreign operations denominated in foreign 
currency to AUD decreased our expenses 
by approximately $41 million across 
labour, goods and services purchased, and 
other expenses. This foreign exchange 
impact has been offset by a reduction in 
sales revenue resulting in a favourable 
EBITDA contribution of approximately  
$7 million.

Net finance costs
Net finance costs decreased by 7.1 per 
cent or $42 million to $549 million. On an 
accounting basis, net finance costs were 
$157 million lower than our net borrowing 
costs of $706 million, due to capitalised 
interest of $101 million, non-cash gains of 
$52 million comprising valuation impacts 
on our borrowings and derivatives and  
$4 million interest revenue recognised  
on our defined benefit plan.

Capitalised interest increased by $20 
million to $101 million due to higher 
capital expenditure. Non-cash gains 
increased by $30 million mainly due to 
market valuation adjustments on our 
financial instruments.

Gross borrowing costs declined by $48 
million which reflects a reduction in our 
average gross interest cost from 5.1 per 
cent to 4.9 per cent. Gross debt decreased 
by $850 million, however average debt 
levels were marginally higher. We reduced 
our borrowing costs by taking advantage 
of lower interest rates when refinancing 
and by effectively using short term debt, 
including commercial paper and bank 
facilities, to manage liquidity.

Finance income decreased by $56 million 
primarily from targeted lower average 
cash balances and a reduction in interest 
revenue from our joint venture loan asset 
to Foxtel Management Pty Ltd, which was 
converted to an equity investment during 
the year.

Labour
Total labour expenses decreased by 4.2 
per cent or $224 million to $5,157 million. 
Redundancy costs decreased by 47.9 per 
cent or $150 million resulting from higher 
restructuring related costs in FY17,  
while labour substitution costs decreased 
by 6.1 per cent or $59 million due to  
a reduction in labour outsourcing.  
Salary and associated costs decreased  
by $9 million or 0.2 per cent.

Total full time staff and equivalents  
(FTE) remained steady at 32,293,  
with an increase in domestic FTE offset  
by an offshore reduction.

Goods and services purchased
Total goods and services purchased 
increased by 14.2 per cent or $1,087 
million to $8,758 million.

Cost of goods sold, which includes  
mobile handsets, tablets, cellular Wi-Fi, 
broadband modems and NAS hardware, 
increased by 8.0 per cent or $264 million 
to $3,551 million. Mobile hardware costs 
increased driven by more expensive 
handsets being sold while fixed hardware 
costs increased due to the launch of  
more expensive smart modems.

Network payments increased by 34.0  
per cent or $575 million to $2,267 million, 
including a $494 million increase in nbn 
access payments as customers migrate 
across to nbn services. Offshore network 
payments were $79 million higher mainly 
due to higher voice outpayments.

Other goods and services purchased costs 
increased by 9.2 per cent or $248 million 
mainly due to a $192 million increase in 
service fees, which are primarily for 
mobile content and NAS related costs.

Summary statement of cash flows

Net cash provided by operating activities 

Capital expenditure (before investments)

Other investing cash flows

Net cash used in investing activities

Free cashflow

Net cash used in financing activities

Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

FY18

$m

8,606

(4,932)

1,021

(3,911)

4,695

(5,015)

(320)

936

4

620

FY17

Change

$m

7,775

(5,321)

1,042

(4,279)

3,496

(6,104)

(2,608)

3,550

(6)

936

%

10.7

7.3

(2.0)

8.6

34.3

17.8

87.7

(73.6)

n/m

(33.8)

23

 
 
Summary statement of financial position 

Current assets

Non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Total equity

Return on average assets (%)

Return on average equity (%)

Full year results and operations review | Telstra Annual Report 2018

FY18

$m

7,077

35,793

42,870

8,816

19,040

27,856

15,014

15,014

13.6

24.1

FY17

Change

$m

7,862

34,271

42,133

9,159

18,414

27,573

14,560

14,560

15.6

25.6

%

(10.0)

4.4

1.7

(3.7)

3.4

1.0

3.1

3.1

(2.0)pp

(1.5)pp

Statement of financial position
Our balance sheet remains in a strong 
position with net assets of $15,014 million.

Current assets decreased by 10.0 per cent 
to $7,077 million largely due to a $450 
million reduction in trade and other 
receivables. Cash and cash equivalents 
declined by $309 million, which continues 
to fund our strategic investment program. 
Inventories decreased by $92 million 
primarily due to an increase in progress 
billings for nbn and Telstra Enterprise 
domestic commercial works.

Non-current assets increased by 4.4 per 
cent to $35,793 million. Investments 
accounted for using the equity method 
increased by $1,043 million primarily due 
to the capitalisation of the Foxtel 
shareholder loan on 28 September 2017, 
and Telstra’s investment in the new 
combined company resulting from the 

merger of Foxtel** and Fox Sports* 
Australia. Property, plant and equipment 
increased by $758 million, largely driven 
by mobile and Networks 2020 
investments. This was partially offset by a 
decrease of $378 million in intangible 
assets which was mainly due to the $273 
million impairment of the Ooyala Holdings 
Group. Derivative financial assets 
increased by $274 million due to foreign 
currency movements and other valuation 
impacts arising from measuring to fair 
value. As our derivatives are used to hedge 
foreign currency and interest rate 
exposures, the movement in total 
derivative position is largely offset by 
corresponding movements in borrowings 
and reserves (equity).

Current liabilities decreased by 3.7 per 
cent to $8,816 million. Trade and other 

payables increased by $646 million but 
was offset by a decrease in current 
borrowings of $841 million driven mainly 
by a $780 million decrease in commercial 
paper and a reduction in term debt due  
to mature within 12 months. Derivative 
financial liabilities decreased by $41 
million primarily as a result of foreign 
currency valuation impacts.

Non-current liabilities increased by 3.4 
per cent to $19,040 million mainly due to 
non-current borrowings, which increased 
by $508 million. The increase results from 
debt issuance of $718 million and foreign 
currency exchange movements, offset by 
reclassification of debt to mature within 
12 months to current borrowings. Deferred 
tax liabilities increased by $85 million due 
to the tax effect of timing differences 
between accounting and tax.

Financial position

Capital expenditure and cash flow
Net cash provided by operating activities 
increased by 10.7 per cent to $8,606 
million mainly due to an increase in  
one-off nbn receipts as the nbn™ network 
rollout continues and improvements in 
working capital initiatives including  
Go Mobile Swap leasing. The decrease  
in net cash used in investing activities 
primarily reflects lower capital 
expenditure for the period due to  
higher spectrum costs in FY17.

Our operating capital expenditure for the 
year was 18.4 per cent of sales revenue  
or $4,717 million (18.1 per cent excluding 
around $60 million of non-cash capital 
expenditure relating to our data centres  
in China that we won’t fund until 2023).  
For FY19, our plan is to expend 
approximately 16 to 18 per cent of sales 
revenue, inclusive of the continuation of 
our up to $3 billion of strategic investment 
announced in August 2016. We have 
invested approximately $1.8 billion of the 
additional capital expenditure to date.

This strategic investment program to  
date has enabled us to maintain our 
network leadership, strengthen our 
network resiliency, and build the 
foundations of the new generation 
network and digital capabilities.  
We accelerated our readiness for the  
5G era as demonstrated by our showcase 
of the world’s first non-standalone data 
call on 5G New Radio (NR) and we have 
made significant progress in the 
development of the new core digital 
platforms in our digital transformation 
which will enable strategic market 
propositions and growth. In FY18, our 
mobile network was upgraded so that  
93.6 per cent of the Australian population 
now has access to double the speed of  
our original 4G, 93 per cent of ADSL 
customers now have access to ADSL 
speeds that support a quality video 
experience, and our high level of 
Connectivity Virtual Circuit (CVC) 
provisioning is giving our nbn customers 
more than 90 per cent of maximum line 
speed during busy hours.

We added more than 500 new mobile 
sites, including over 300 black spots, 
added around 400 small cells, and 
upgraded more than 1,100 mobile sites, 
providing greater in building coverage and 
increased speed and capacity for mobile 
customers, while more than half of our 
mobile voice traffic has been moved to 
Voice over LTE (VoLTE), improving call 
quality. We have also launched world 
leading technology to more efficiently  
use our network capacity including  
LTE Broadcast and next generation  
video codecs (HVEC). These investments 
position us to deliver significant customer 
benefits and reinforce our market 

$m

648

70

718

$m

(853)

(9)

(809)

(120)

(1,791)

leadership over the longer term, while 
delivering financial benefits such as 
capital efficiency, reduced operating  
costs, and increased revenue.

lease additions of $143 million, unrealised 
revaluation impacts on our borrowings 
and derivatives of $73 million, and bank 
overdraft of $7 million.

During the year we issued a United States 
dollar denominated bond with a 10 year 
maturity in the amount of US$500 million 
($648 million Australian dollar equivalent).

Free cashflow generated from operating 
and investing activities was $4,695 
million, representing an increase of  
$1,199 million or 34.3 per cent. This was 
largely due to an increase in net cash 
provided by operating activities resulting 
from a $613 million increase in receipts 
from customers and a $230 million 
reduction in income taxes paid. The 
$1,089 million decrease in net cash  
used in financing activities principally 
reflects the $1.5 billion share buyback 
program that was completed in the prior 
corresponding period.

On a guidance basis free cashflow was 
$4,873 million. Performance against 
guidance has been adjusted for free 
cashflow associated with M&A activity 
($14 million), Foxtel ($51 million) and 
spectrum ($113 million).

Debt issuance

Bonds

Loans

Total

Debt repayments

Bonds

Loans

Short term commercial 
paper (net)

Financial 
settings

Debt 
servicing1

FY18 
Actual

FY18 
Comfort 
zone

Finance leases

Total

1.5x

1.3 to 1.8x

Gearing2

49.5%

50% to 
70%

Interest 
cover3

14.3x

>7x

1.  Debt servicing ratio equals net debt to EBITDA.
2.   Gearing ratio equals net debt to net debt plus  

total equity.

3.   Interest cover equals EBITDA to net interest.

Debt position 
Our gross debt position was $15,368 
million, comprising borrowings of $16,951 
million and $1,583 million in net derivative 
assets. Gross debt declined by 5.2 per 
cent or $850 million primarily from the 
repayment of $1,791 million in debt, partly 
offset by debt issuances of $718 million. 
This resulted in a $1,073 million decrease 
in gross debt which was offset by finance 

Net debt decreased by 3.5 per cent  
or $541 million to $14,739 million.  
This movement comprises the decrease  
in gross debt and a $309 million reduction 
in cash and cash equivalents. Excluding 
the effect of exchange rate changes on  
our cash balances and net of bank 
overdraft, our cash decreased by $320 
million. Reported free cashflow of $4,695 
million and available cash was utilised 
during the year to reduce debt and to  
fund outflows from interest, dividends, 
and other financing flows totalling  
$5,015 million. Closing cash and cash 
equivalents was $629 million ($620  
million net of bank overdraft).

We remain within our comfort ranges  
for all our credit metrics. Our gearing ratio 
is 49.5 per cent (30 June 2017: 51.2 per 
cent), debt servicing is 1.5 times (30 June 
2017: 1.4 times) and interest cover is  
14.3 times (30 June 2017: 15.4 times).

24

25

Board of 
Directors

John P Mullen

Andrew R Penn

Roy H Chestnutt

Robyn Denholm

Craig W Dunn

Peter R Hearl

Jane Hemstritch

Russell A Higgins AO

Joe Pollard

Tony Warren

Nora L Scheinkestel

Margaret L Seale

Steven M Vamos

Trae Vassallo

John P Mullen
Age 63, BSc

Non-executive Director since July 2008, 
Chairman effective 27 April 2016 and last  
re-elected in 2017. Chairman of the Nomination 
Committee and previously Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee (2009-2016).

John has extensive international transportation 
and logistics experience with more than two 
decades in senior positions with multinationals 
including most recently as Managing Director 
and Chief Executive Officer of Asciano Ltd from 
2011 to 2016. His experience includes 10 years 
with the TNT Group – two years of those as its 
Chief Operating Officer. From 1991 to 1994, he 
held the position of Chief Executive Officer of TNT 
Express Worldwide based in Europe. John was 
with the Deutsche Post DHL Group for 15 years 
from 1994, becoming Chief Executive Officer of 
DHL Express Asia Pacific in 2002, Chief Executive 
Officer of DHL USA and joint Chief Executive 
Officer DHL Express in 2005, and Global Chief 
Executive Officer, DHL Express, from 2006 to 
2009. John is currently Chairman of Toll Group,  
a transport and logistics company owned by 
Japan Post.

Directorships of listed companies (past three 
years) and other directorships/appointments: 
Director, Brookfield Infrastructure Partners  
L.P (from 2017), Asciano Ltd (2011-2016).  
Other: Chairman, Toll Group (from 2016).  
Chair, Australian National Maritime Foundation 
(from 2015) and Councillor, Australian National 
Maritime Museum (from 2016). Director 
Kimberley Foundation Australia Limited (from 
2016). Member, Australian Graduate School of 
Management (from 2005).

26

Andrew R Penn
Age 55, MBA (Kingston), AMP (Harvard),  
FCCA, HFAIPM

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director 
since 1 May 2015. Andy joined Telstra in 2012  
as Chief Financial Officer. Andy is an experienced 
executive with a career spanning almost 40 
years. Prior to joining Telstra, he was with AXA 
Asia Pacific in a variety of roles including Group 
Chief Executive (2006-2011), Chief Executive 
Officer Australia and New Zealand, Group Chief 
Financial Officer and Chief Executive for Asia. 
Andy has also contributed widely to not-for-
profit and community organisations.

Other directorships/appointments:  
Life Governor, Very Special Kids (from 2003). 
Member, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 
Advisory Council, The Big Issue Advisory Group, 
and Ambassador, Amy Gillet Foundation.

Roy H Chestnutt
Age 59, BSc, BA, MBA

Non-executive Director appointed 11 May 2018. 
Roy has more than 30 years of direct 
telecommunications experience. Most recently 
he was Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy 
Officer for Verizon Communications and  
has held leadership positions with other  
leading firms including Motorola, Grande 
Communications, Sprint-Nextel and AirTouch. 
Roy’s last six years with Verizon, included  
almost five as head of strategy responsible  
for the development and implementation of 
Verizon’s overall corporate strategy, including 
business development, joint ventures, strategic 
investments, acquisitions and divestitures.

Roy has been a Director for international industry 
association GSMA and is a former chair of the 
Chief Strategy Officers Group including 25 global 
strategists from the world’s leading wireless 
carriers. He is also a senior advisor at Blackstone 
and a board member for Saudi Telecom and 
Digital Turbine.

Directorships of listed companies (past three 
years) and other directorships/appointments: 
Director, Saudi Telecom (from 2018) and Digital 
Turbine Inc (from 2018). Other: Non-executive 
Partner, Delta Partners.

Craig W Dunn 
Age 54, BCom, FCA 

Non-executive Director appointed 12 April 
2016. Member of the Audit & Risk Committee. 
Craig is a highly regarded business leader with 
more than 20 years’ experience in financial 
services, pan-Asian business activities and 
strategic advice for government and major 
companies. Craig was Chief Executive Officer  
and Managing Director of AMP from 2008 to 
2013 and held various roles at AMP in a 13-year 
career including Managing Director of AMP 
Financial Services, Managing Director for AMP 
Bank and head of Corporate Strategy and M&A.

Previously he was at Colonial Mutual Group  
from 1991 to 2000, including Managing Director 
for EON CMB Life Insurance in Malaysia and 
senior roles in Group Strategy, M&A and Finance. 
He has also served as a member of the Federal 
Government’s Financial System Inquiry  
in 2014 and the Consumer and Financial  
Literacy Taskforce.

Directorships of listed companies (past three 
years) and other directorships/appointments: 
Director, Westpac (from 2015). Other: Chair, ISO 
Blockchain Standards Committee (from 2017). 
Chairman, Stone and Chalk Limited (from 2015), 
The Australian Ballet (from 2015 (Director from 
2014)) and the Australian Government Fintech 
Advisory Group (from 2016). Director, Jobs for 
NSW (from 2016) and Financial Literacy Australia 
Limited (from 2012). Member, ASIC External 
Advisory Panel (from 2015). 

Peter R Hearl
Age 67, B Com (UNSW), MAIM, FAICD,  
Member – AMA

Non-executive Director since 15 August 2014, 
last re-elected in October 2017. Chairman of 
the Remuneration Committee and member  
of the Nomination Committee. Peter is an 
experienced company director with substantial 
international experience as a senior executive  
in the fast moving consumer goods sector.  
Peter served in senior executive roles with  
Yum! Brands Inc from 1997 to 2008, including 
global Chief Operations and Development  
Officer for Yum! Brands from 2006 until 2008  
and President of Pizza Hut from 2002 to 2006.  
He previously worked for PepsiCo Inc in Sydney 
and London reaching regional vice-president 
level, as well as in various roles with Exxon in  
the United States and Australia.

Directorships of listed companies (past three 
years) and other directorships/appointments: 
Director, Santos Ltd (from 2016), Treasury Wine 
Estates (2012-2017) and Goodman Fielder Ltd 
(2010-2015). Other: Member, UNSW’s Australian 
School of Business Alumni Leaders Group and 
previously honorary Chairman of the US-based 
UNSW Study Abroad-Friends and US Alumni Inc.

Jane Hemstritch
Age 64, BSc (Hons), FAICD, FICAEW

Non-executive Director appointed 12 August 
2016 and elected 11 October 2016. Member  
of the Remuneration Committee. Jane is an 
experienced company director and has extensive 
senior executive experience in information 
technology, communications, change 
management and accounting. She also has 
broad experience across the financial services, 
telecommunications, government, energy and 
manufacturing sectors and in business 
expansion in Asia. During a 25-year career  
with Accenture and Andersen Consulting,  
Jane worked with clients across Australia,  
Asia and the US. She held a number of leadership 
positions within Accenture and was Managing 
Director Asia Pacific for Accenture from 2004 
until her retirement in 2007. Jane was a member 
of Accenture’s global Executive Leadership  
Team and oversaw the management of 
Accenture’s business in the Asia Pacific  
region which spanned 12 countries and  
included 30,000 personnel.

Directorships of listed companies (past three 
years) and other directorships/appointments: 
Director, Lendlease Group (from 2011), Tabcorp 
Holdings Ltd (2008-2017), Santos Limited  
(2010-2016) and Commonwealth Bank of 
Australia (2006-2016). Other: Vice President,  
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical 
Research (from 2016 (Director from 2013)), 
Deputy Chair, Council of the National Library  
of Australia (from 2016 (member from 2010)), 
Chairman, Victorian Opera Company (2012-2018 
(Director 2010-2018)). Member, Global Council  
of Herbert Smith Freehills (from 2015). 

Russell A Higgins AO
Age 68, BEc, FAICD

Non-executive Director since September 2009 
and last re-elected in 2015. Member of the 
Audit & Risk Committee and Remuneration 
Committee. Russell is an experienced company 
director who has worked at very senior levels  
of both government and private sectors. He has 
served on the boards of a wide range of listed 
companies, private companies, government 
business enterprises and international 
organisations, including as Chairman of the 
Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme and  
the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute 
and a Director of Ricegrowers Limited (SunRice). 
From 2003 to 2004, he was Chairman of the then 
Prime Minister’s Energy Task Force and prior  
to that he was Secretary of the Department of 
Industry, Science and Resources. In 2006, Russell 
was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia 
for service to the community in financial 
management and accountability, microeconomic 
reform and science and innovation.

Directorships of listed companies (past three 
years): Chairman, Argo Investments Limited 
(from 2018 (Director from 2011)), Chairman,  
Argo Global Listed Infrastructure Ltd (from 2018), 
Director, APA Group (from 2004), and Leighton 
Holdings Limited (2013-2014).

Nora L Scheinkestel
Age 58, LLB (Hons), PhD, FAICD 

Non-executive Director since August 2010 and 
last re-elected in 2016. Chairman of the Audit & 
Risk Committee. Nora is an experienced 
company director with a background as a senior 
banking executive in international and project 
financing. She consults to government, corporate 
and institutional clients in areas such as 
corporate governance, strategy and finance.  
She is also an Associate Professor in the 
Melbourne Business School at Melbourne 
University and a former member of the Takeovers 
Panel. Nora has served as Chairman and Director 
in a range of companies across various industry 
sectors including utilities, AMP Limited and its 
funds management and banking subsidiaries, 
Mayne Group Limited and Mayne Pharma 
Limited, Medical Benefits Fund of Australia Ltd, 
Newcrest Mining Limited, North Limited and 
Pacific Brands. In 2003, Nora was awarded a 
centenary medal for services to Australian 
society in business leadership.

Directorships of listed companies (past three 
years) and other directorships/appointments: 
Chairman, Atlas Arteria Limited (from 2015 
(Director from 2014), Director, Atlas Arteria 
International Limited (from 2015), OceanaGold 
Corporation (from 2018), AusNet Services Ltd 
(from 2016), Stockland Group (2015-2018), Orica 
Limited (2006 – 2015), Insurance Australia Group 
Limited (2013-2014). Other: Trustee, Victorian 
Arts Centre Trust (from 2017).

Margaret L Seale
Age 57, BA, FAICD

Non-executive Director since May 2012 and  
last re-elected in 2015. Member of the Audit  
& Risk Committee. Margie has more than  
25 years’ experience in senior executive roles in 
Australia and overseas, including in consumer 
goods, global publishing and the transition of 
traditional business models to adapt and thrive 
in a digital environment, and in sales and 
marketing. Margie was Managing Director of 
Random House, Australia (with managerial 
responsibility for Random House New Zealand) 
and President, Asia Development for Random 
House Inc, the global company. 

Board of Directors | Telstra Annual Report 2018

She was Chief Executive Officer of The 
Macquarie Dictionary and Lansdowne Publishing 
(1997-1999), and also of the Juvenile Diabetes 
Research Foundation (1994-1997). She served 
on the boards of Penguin Random House 
Australia/New Zealand as non-executive  
Director then Chair (2000-2016), the Australian 
Publishers’ Association, the Powerhouse 
Museum, the Sydney Writers Festival and on  
the Council of Chief Executive Women, chairing 
its Scholarship Committee (2011-2012). 

Directorships of listed companies (past three 
years) and other directorships/appointments: 
Director, Scentre Group Limited (from 2016), 
Ramsay Health Care Limited (from 2015),  
Bank of Queensland Limited (2014-2018).  
Other: Director, Australian Pacific (Holdings)  
Pty Limited (from 2018).

Steven M Vamos
Age 60, BEng (Hons) 

Non-executive Director since September 2009 
and last re-elected in 2015. Member of the 
Nomination Committee and the Remuneration 
Committee. Steve has more than 30 years’ 
experience in the information technology, 
internet and online media industry. He is the 
Chief Executive Officer of Xero Limited, a global 
online platform providing accounting software 
for businesses and their advisors. 

Steve led Microsoft Australia and New Zealand 
from 2003 to January 2007 before moving to  
the United States to become the company’s 
online business head of worldwide sales and 
international operations. He was the Chief 
Executive Officer of ninemsn (1998 – 2002) 
and held senior management roles at Apple 
Computer in the 1990s and various roles at  
IBM Australia over 14 years. 

Directorships of listed companies (past three 
years) and other directorships/appointments: 
Director, Fletcher Building Limited (from 2015), 
David Jones Limited (2012-2014). Other: Director, 
Divvy Parking (2016-2018), eGeneration 
Investments Pty Limited (from 1999), Medibank 
Private Limited (2011-2014). Member, Advisory 
Board of the University of Technology Sydney 
Business School (from 2011).

Trae Vassallo
Age 46, BSc, MSc, MBA (Stanford)

Non-executive Director elected 13 October 
2015. Trae is an experienced technology 
executive, investor and advisor based in the USA 
with a successful track record in the technology 
and venture capital sectors.

She is a co-founder and Managing Director of 
Defy Partners, an early stage venture capital firm. 
Prior to Defy, Trae spent over 10 years at KPCB 
where she played a leading role in KPCB’s 
investments in a number of successful 
companies including Nest Labs (acquired by 
Google), Dropcam (acquired by Google) and 
Opower (acquired by Oracle). 

Previously Trae was a co-founder of Good 
Technology, a KPCB portfolio company (acquired 
by Motorola) that provides end-to-end wireless 
email services to enterprise customers. Trae 
began her career at IDEO, where she developed 
ground-breaking products for companies 
including Palm and Dell. She holds 13 patents 
across a broad array of technologies and 
disciplines.

Other directorships/appointments (past three 
years): Director, Agentology Inc (from 2018), 
Grove Advisors LLC (from 2018), Owl Cameras Inc 
(from 2017), Enlighted Inc. (from 2011-2017).

27

Senior management team | Telstra Annual Report 2016

Directors’ 
Report

Senior management team

On 30 July 2018, Telstra 
announced a new topline 
organisational structure  
and leadership team.  
The changes, effective  
from 1 October 2018,  
are an important step  
in delivering the Telstra2022 
(T22) strategy.

Telstra’s new structure and the Group Executive team: 

Alex Badenoch, Transformation  
& People will lead the T22 strategy 
transformation execution as well  
as drive the way the company  
works and operates, strengthening 
employee engagement. 

Nikos Katinakis will join Telstra in  
mid-October to lead Networks & IT 
focused on extending the company’s 
network superiority and enabling  
digital experiences with world-leading 
technology execution. 

Vicki Brady will continue to lead 
Consumer & Small Business designing 
digitally-led propositions for customers, 
managing customer relationships with 
superior sales and services capabilities,  
to acquire new customers and grow 
Telstra’s base. 

Carmel Mulhern, Legal & Corporate 
Affairs will continue in her role  
engaging external stakeholders,  
including relationships with government 
and community. Carmel will also  
continue to hold the office of Group 
General Counsel and manage the  
internal provision of legal advice.

David Burns, will move from the 
Enterprise team to lead Global Business 
Services (GBS), which will bring together 
and radically simplify customer service 
operations and internal support services. 
GBS will drive a consistent approach  
to customer experience, efficiency and 
service levels.

Robyn Denholm will move to the role  
of Chief Financial Officer & Head of 
Strategy. She will support the CEO to  
drive the company’s overall strategy  
and deliver long-term shareholder  
value growth. 

Michael Ebeid will join Telstra to run the 
Enterprise team servicing Australian and 
international business and government 
customers with market-leading solutions 
and services. Michael will start at Telstra 
on 8 October 2018.

Brendon Riley will become the CEO  
of Telstra InfraCo, which will efficiently 
leverage the Telstra InfraCo assets and 
drive growth in the wholesale market, 
while creating future strategic optionality 
for these highly valuable assets. 

Product & Technology will drive  
an integrated product and technology 
roadmap for all of Telstra to deliver 
innovative and simple product 
experiences that lead the market and 
drive profitable growth. An external 
appointment has been made for this 
Group Executive role and the person  
will be announced in due course. 

Further details on our senior leadership team is available on our website 
telstra.com.au/aboutus/our-company

28

29

Directors’ Report

Directors’ Report | Telstra Annual Report 2018

In accordance with a resolution of the Board, the Directors present their report on the consolidated 
entity (Telstra Group) consisting of Telstra Corporation Limited (Telstra) and the entities it controlled  
at the end of, or during the year ended, 30 June 2018. Financial comparisons used in this report are  
of results for the year ended 30 June 2018 compared with the year ended 30 June 2017.

The historical financial information included in this Directors’ Report has been extracted from the 
audited Financial Report accompanying this Directors’ Report.

Principal activity

Dividend paid during the year were as follows:

Our principal activity during the financial year was to provide 
telecommunications and information services for domestic and 
international customers. There has been no significant change in 
the nature of this activity during the year.

Review and results of operations

Information on the operations and financial position for the 
Telstra Group is set out in the Operating and Financial Review 
(OFR), comprising the Chairman and CEO’s message, Strategy 
and performance, Our material risks, Outlook and Full year 
results and operations review sections accompanying this 
Directors’ Report.

Dividend

On 17 August 2017, we announced a change to our dividend 
policy which commenced after the payment of the final dividend 
for financial year 2017. From financial year 2018:
• we will pay a fully-franked ordinary dividend of 70 to 90 per 
cent of our underlying earnings, which is calculated as net 
profit after tax excluding net one-off nbn receipts; and

• we intend to return in the order of 75 per cent of net one-off 
nbn receipts to shareholders over time via fully-franked  
special dividend.

“Net one-off nbn receipts” is defined as the net nbn one-off 
Definitive Agreement receipts (consisting of Per Subscriber 
Address Amount, Infrastructure Ownership and Retraining)  
less nbn net cost to connect less tax. The return is subject to no 
unexpected material events, assumes the nbn™ network rollout 
and migration is broadly in accordance with management’s 
current best estimates, and is subject to Board discretion having 
regard to financial and market conditions, business needs and 
maintenance of financial strength and flexibility consistent with 
our capital management framework. 

On 15 February 2018, the Directors resolved to pay an interim 
fully franked dividend for the financial year 2018 of 11 cents  
per ordinary share, comprising an interim ordinary dividend of  
7.5 cents per share and an interim special dividend of 3.5 cents 
per share. 

On 16 August 2018, the Directors resolved to pay a final fully 
franked dividend of 11 cents per ordinary share ($1,308 million), 
comprising a final ordinary dividend of 7.5 cents per share and  
a final special dividend of 3.5 cents per share. The record date  
for the final dividend will be 30 August 2018, with payment to  
be made on 27 September 2018. Shares will trade excluding 
entitlement to the final dividend on 29 August 2018.

The Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) continues to operate for 
the final dividend for financial year 2018. The election date for 
participation in the DRP is 31 August 2018.

Date 
resolved

Date 
paid

Fully 
franked 
dividend 
per share 

Total 
dividend 
($ million)

17 Aug 
2017

28 Sept 
2017

15.5 cents

1,842

15 Feb 
2018

29 Mar 
2018

11.0 
cents

1,308

Dividend

Final dividend 
for the year 
ended 
30 June 2017

Total interim 
dividend for 
the year 
ended 30 
June 2018

Significant changes in the state of affairs

There were no significant changes in the state of affairs of our 
company during the financial year ended 30 June 2018.

Business strategies, prospects and likely developments

The OFR section sets out information on the business strategies 
and prospects for future financial years, and refers to likely 
developments in Telstra’s operations and the expected results  
of those operations in future financial years. Information in the 
OFR is provided to enable shareholders to make an informed 
assessment of the business strategies and prospects for future 
financial years of the Telstra Group. Detail that could give rise  
to likely material detriment to Telstra (for example, information 
that is commercially sensitive, is confidential or could give a  
third party a commercial advantage) has not been included. 
Other than the information set out in the OFR, information  
about other likely developments in Telstra’s operations and the 
expected results of these operations in future financial years  
has not been included.

Events occurring after the end of the financial year

The Directors are not aware of any matter or circumstance  
that has arisen since the end of the financial year that, in their 
opinion, has significantly affected, or may significantly affect in 
future years, Telstra’s operations, the results of those operations 
or the state of Telstra’s affairs, other than the final dividend for 
the financial year 2018 and that the DRP will continue to operate 
in respect of that dividend.

Details of Directors and executives

Changes to the Directors of Telstra Corporation Limited during the financial year and up to the date of this report were:
• Roy H Chestnutt was appointed as a non-executive Director effective 11 May 2018.

Information about our Directors and Senior Executives is provided as follows:
• names of our current Directors and details of their qualifications, experience, special responsibilities, periods of service and 

directorships of other listed companies are set out in the Board of Directors section accompanying this Directors’ Report

• details of Director and Senior Executive remuneration are set out in the Remuneration Report, which forms part of the  

Directors’ Report.

Board and Committee meeting attendance

Details of the number of meetings held by the Board and its Committees during financial year 2018, and attendance by Board 
members, are set out below:

Board

Audit and Risk

Nomination

Remuneration

Committees1

a

16

16

2

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

16

b

16

16

2

16

16

14

16

14

16

15

14

a

–

–

–

6

–

–

6

6

6

–

–

b

(2)

(6)

(1)

6

–

–

6

6

6

–

–

a

6

–

–

–

6

–

–

–

–

6

–

b

6

–

(1)

(6)

6

(6)

(6)

(6)

(6)

6

(6)

a

–

–

–

–

4

4

4

–

–

4

–

b

(1)

(3)

–

–

4

4

4

–

–

4

–

John P Mullen2

Andrew R Penn2

Roy H Chestnutt3

Craig W Dunn2

Peter R Hearl

Jane S Hemstritch

Russell A Higgins

Nora L Scheinkestel2

Margaret L Seale

Steven M Vamos

Trae A N Vassallo

Total number of meetings held

16

6

6

4

Column a: number of meetings held while a member. 

Column b: number of meetings attended.

1.   Committee meetings are open to all Directors to attend. Where a Director has attended a meeting of a Committee of which he or she was not a member, this is indicated by ( ).
2.    John Mullen, Andrew Penn, Craig Dunn and Nora Scheinkestel have also served on a special purpose Board committee relating to the company’s capital allocation review 

announced in November 2016. The special purpose Board committee met four times in financial year 2018.

3.   Appointed as a non-executive Director effective 11 May 2018.

30 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 31

Director shareholdings in Telstra

Directors’ and officers’ indemnity and insurance

Environmental regulation and performance

Non-audit services

Directors’ Report | Telstra Annual Report 2018

a) Constitution
Telstra’s constitution provides for it to indemnify each officer,  
to the maximum extent permitted by law, for any liability and 
legal costs incurred as an officer of Telstra or a related body 
corporate. If one of Telstra’s officers or employees is asked by 
Telstra to be a director or other officer of a company that is not 
related to it, Telstra’s constitution provides for it to indemnify  
the officer or employee for any liability he or she incurs in the 
capacity as an officer of that other company. This indemnity is  
to the maximum extent permitted by law, as if that liability had 
been incurred in the capacity as an officer of Telstra. Telstra’s 
constitution also allows it to indemnify employees and outside 
officers in some circumstances. The terms “officer”, “employee” 
and “outside officer” are defined in Telstra’s constitution.

b)  Deeds of indemnity in favour of directors, officers, 

employees and consultants

Telstra has also executed deeds of indemnity in favour of 
(amongst others):

• Directors and secretaries of Telstra (past and present)

• certain senior managers and employees of Telstra and its 
wholly-owned subsidiaries and partly-owned companies 
(including, for example, in relation to particular projects)

• certain Telstra Group senior managers, employees and other 

persons that act as nominee directors or secretaries (at 
Telstra’s request) for entities, including wholly-owned 
subsidiaries and partly-owned companies of Telstra,

in each case as permitted under Telstra’s constitution and the 
Corporations Act 2001 (the Act).

The deeds in favour of Directors of Telstra also give Directors 
certain rights of access to Telstra’s books and require it to 
maintain insurance cover for the Directors.

c) Directors’ and officers’ insurance
Telstra maintains directors’ and officers’ insurance policies that, 
subject to some exceptions, provide worldwide insurance cover 
to past, present and future directors, secretaries and officers  
and certain employees of Telstra and its subsidiaries and,  
in certain limited circumstances, other entities. Telstra has  
paid the premiums for the policies. The directors’ and officers’ 
insurance policies prohibit disclosure of the premiums payable 
under the policies and the nature of the liabilities insured.

Details of Directors’ shareholdings in Telstra as at 16 August 
2018 are shown in the table below:

Director

John P Mullen

Andrew R Penn2

Roy H Chestnutt

Craig W Dunn

Peter R Hearl

Jane S Hemstritch

Russell A Higgins

Nora L Scheinkestel

Margaret L Seale

Steven M Vamos

Trae A N Vassallo

Number of shares held1

101,159

1,429,346

–

70,073

70,000

91,000

103,217

108,794

253,500

40,000

15,793

1.    The number of shares held refers to shares held either directly or indirectly by 
Directors as at 16 August 2018. Shares in which the Director does not have a 
relevant interest, including shares held by the Directors’ related parties (including 
relatives), are excluded. Refer to the Remuneration Report tables for total shares 
held by Directors and their related parties directly, indirectly or beneficially as at 
30 June 2018. The numbers above include 175,000 shares held by a related party 
of Margaret Seale and 462 shares held by a related party of Russell Higgins. In 
both cases, the Director has a relevant interest.

2.   Andrew Penn also holds 853,210 Performance Rights.

Company Secretary

Sue Laver 
BA, LLB (Hons) (Monash), GAICD

Sue was appointed Company Secretary of Telstra Corporation 
Limited effective 1 February 2018.

Sue is a senior legal and governance professional with over  
20 years’ experience advising senior management and board 
levels. Sue reports to the board and her duties include 
continuous disclosure compliance, corporate governance  
and communication with Telstra’s 1.4 million shareholders.

Sue joined Telstra in 1997 and has served in senior legal  
roles throughout the company including as Deputy Group 
General Counsel, and General Counsel roles across the  
company including: Dispute Resolution, HR, Finance,  
Risk and Compliance, Media and Telstra Country Wide. 

She holds a Bachelor of Law (Hons) and a Bachelor of Arts  
from Monash University.

During financial year 2018, Telstra’s auditor, Ernst & Young (EY), 
has been employed on assignments additional to its statutory 
audit duties. Details of the amounts paid or payable to EY for 
audit and non-audit services provided during the year are 
detailed in note 7.2 to the financial statements in our 2018 
Financial Report.

The Directors are satisfied, based on advice provided by the Audit 
& Risk Committee that the provision of non-audit services during 
financial year 2018 is consistent with the general standard of 
independence for auditors imposed by the Act and that the 
nature and scope of each type of non-audit service provided did 
not compromise the auditor independence requirements of the 
Act for the following reasons:

• all EY engagements, including non-audit services, were 

approved in accordance with the external auditor services 
policy adopted by the Company and subject to confirmation by 
both management and EY that the provision of these services 
does not compromise auditor independence

• the external auditor services policy clearly identifies prohibited 
services, which include reviewing or auditing the auditor’s own 
work or EY partners or staff acting in a managerial or decision-
making capacity for Telstra

• the provision of non-audit services by EY is monitored by the 
Audit & Risk Committee via periodic reporting to the Audit & 
Risk Committee.

A copy of the auditor’s independence declaration is set out in the 
Auditor’s Independence Declaration to the Directors of Telstra 
Corporation Limited and forms part of this report.

Telstra, as a minimum, seeks to be compliant with all  
applicable environmental laws and regulatory permissions 
relevant to its operations. Where instances of non-compliance 
may occur, Telstra has procedures requiring that internal 
investigations are conducted to determine the cause of the  
non-compliance and to ensure that any risk of recurrence  
is minimised. Telstra’s procedures further require that the 
relevant government authorities are notified of any 
environmental incidents (where applicable) in compliance  
with statutory requirements. Telstra ensures that it complies 
with notices issued by government authorities.

a) Fines and prosecutions
Telstra has not been prosecuted for, or convicted of, any 
significant breaches of environmental regulation during  
the financial year.

b) Energy and greenhouse emissions
In Australia, Telstra is subject to the reporting requirements  
of the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007, 
which requires Telstra to report its annual Australian greenhouse 
gas emissions, energy consumption and energy production. 
Telstra has implemented systems and processes for the 
collection and reporting of data and has, in accordance with our 
obligations, reported to the Clean Energy Regulator on an annual 
basis. The next report is due on 31 October 2018 and will again 
be supported with an independent assurance report.

In the United Kingdom, Telstra is subject to the Energy Savings 
Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) Regulations 2014. Telstra qualifies 
for ESOS and must carry out energy savings assessments every 
four years. These assessments are audits of the energy used  
by our buildings, network facilities and transport to identify  
cost-effective energy saving measures. Telstra has met our 
obligations under ESOS for the first compliance period ended  
5 December 2015. Telstra’s obligations for ESOS’ second 
compliance period will be reassessed by the next qualification 
date on 31 December 2018.

For more information on environmental performance,  
including environmental regulation, refer to the Bigger  
Picture Sustainability Report 2018, which is available  
online at telstra.com.

32 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 33

Remuneration 
Report

This report details the remuneration framework 
and outcomes for Key Management Personnel 
(KMP) of the Telstra Group for the year ended  
30 June 2018 (FY18).

Executive Summary

Our aim in preparing this report is to enable you, our 
shareholders and interested stakeholders, to understand the 
links between remuneration, company strategy and Telstra’s 
performance, and the framework we have in place to provide 
effective governance over remuneration at Telstra. To support 
this we have sought to provide a comprehensive overview of our 
performance and remuneration outcomes, including additional 
voluntary disclosures, as well as a summary of our governance 
practices. The report has been prepared in accordance with 
section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001 (Corporations Act).

Key remuneration changes and outcomes in FY18
As outlined in our 2017 Remuneration Report, we introduced our 
Executive Variable Remuneration Plan (EVP) in FY18 which 
combines our former Short Term Incentive (STI) and Long Term 
Incentive (LTI) arrangements into a simplified variable incentive 
plan over a longer timeframe of 5 years.

Our remuneration philosophy is based on linking financial 
rewards directly to employee contributions and company 
performance.

Telstra’s full year results for financial year 2018 were in line with 
guidance delivering solid results in the context of challenging 
market conditions and increased competitive intensity. The 
Board assessed the overall results under the FY18 EVP noting 
the positive outcome on two financial measures, improved 
customer experience and the progress made on defining our 

Telstra 2022 (T22) strategy. Overall FY18 performance 
demonstrated reasonable delivery against expectations resulting 
in a reward outcome that was between threshold and target. 
However, the Board considered the overall performance of the 
company during the FY18 year and has exercised its discretion  
to reduce the FY18 EVP outcome. The FY18 EVP remuneration 
outcomes for the CEO and Group Executives were therefore 
reduced by 30%, resulting in Senior Executives (excluding  
the GE Telstra Wholesale) receiving 33% of their maximum 
opportunity. Refer to section 2.3(a) for further information on  
the FY18 EVP outcomes.

Key remuneration changes proposed for FY19
The Board has reviewed the CEO and Group Executive 
remuneration structures, in particular the implementation of  
the EVP in FY18. The Board is confident that the EVP remains  
an appropriate mechanism to align performance and reward  
for the CEO and Group Executives. However, having considered  
the introduction of our T22 strategy, the Board has further 
enhanced the performance measures for the FY19 EVP to 
increase shareholder alignment, executive retention and 
executive performance against delivery of the T22 plan.  
Refer to section 4 for further information.

Each year we review our CEO and Group Executives’ (including 
both KMP and non-KMP Group Executives) Fixed Remuneration 
against considerations of the company remuneration budget  
and individual performance, and having regard to internal 
relativity based on the accountabilities of each executive  
and relativity to comparable roles in the ASX20. Other than  
on appointment or promotion to a new role or a significant 
increase in accountabilities, increases in fixed remuneration  
are not anticipated in FY19 for Senior Executives. 

The Chairman Board fee and non-executive Director base fee 
have not changed since 2014 and 2012 respectively.

The key outcomes under  
our incentive plans this year were:

Executive Variable Remuneration 
Plan (EVP)
As a result of the Board exercising its discretion to reduce 
the FY18 EVP outcome, Senior Executives (excluding the  
GE Telstra Wholesale) received 33% of the maximum 
opportunity. Based on the assessment of financial, 
customer advocacy and individual performance measures, 
Telstra’s performance against target on the Total Income, 
Free Cashflow and Episode NPS performance measures 
was positive. We did not achieve our EBITDA and Strategic 
NPS performance measures resulting in no payment on 
these components. Telstra Wholesale performed solidly 
against all of its EVP performance measures. 

Long Term Incentives (LTI)
The FY16 LTI plan was tested on 30 June 2018 and did not 
satisfy the minimum threshold performance resulting in no 
awards under the plan. The results of the two FY16 LTI plan 
performance measures were that Telstra‘s RTSR ranked  
at the 10th percentile of the comparator group against  
a target of the 50th percentile and Telstra achieved a  
FCF ROI outcome of 15.4% against a target of 16.7%. 

Contents

1.0 

1.1 

1.2 

2.0 

2.1 

2.2 

2.3 

2.4 

2.5 

3.0 

3.1 

3.2 

4.0 

4.1 

5.0 

Introduction 

Key Management Personnel 

Remuneration policy, strategy and governance 

Senior Executive remuneration 

Remuneration structure 

Financial performance 

FY18 EVP outcomes

FY16 LTI plan outcomes 

Detailed remuneration and interests in Telstra shares 

Non-executive Director remuneration 

Remuneration structure 

Detailed remuneration and interests in Telstra shares 

Looking forward to FY19 

Changes to the FY19 EVP 

Glossary 

34 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 35

Remuneration Report | Telstra Annual Report 20181.0 Introduction

1.1 Key Management Personnel (KMP)
Telstra’s KMP are assessed each year and comprise the  
Directors of the company and Senior Executives. The term 
“Senior Executives” refers to the CEO and those executives  
with authority and responsibility for planning, directing and 
controlling the activities of the company and the Group,  
directly or indirectly. Each KMP held their position for the  
whole of FY18, unless stated otherwise.

Our KMP for FY18 were:

Non-executive Directors

John P Mullen

Roy H Chestnutt (from 11/05/2018)

Craig W Dunn

Peter R Hearl

Jane S Hemstritch

Russell A Higgins AO

Nora L Scheinkestel

Margaret L Seale

Steven M Vamos

Trae A N Vassallo

Senior Executives

Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director (CEO)
Andrew Penn

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) 
Warwick Bray

Chief Operations Officer (COO) 
Robyn Denholm

Group Executive Telstra Enterprise (TE) 
Brendon Riley

Group Executive Telstra Consumer & Small Business (C&SB) 
Kevin Russell (until 04/09/2017) 
Vicki Brady (from 05/09/2017)

Group Executive Telstra Wholesale 
Will Irving

On 30 July 2018 we announced a new topline organisational 
structure and leadership team which will take effect from 1 
October 2018 and that Warwick Bray and Will Irving will cease 
employment with Telstra on 30 September 2018. On 14 August 
2018, we announced that Steven M Vamos had announced his 
intention to retire as a non-executive Director at Telstra’s Annual 
General Meeting on 16 October 2018. These changes have no 
impact on FY18 remuneration disclosed in this report. During 
FY19 we will assess Telstra’s KMP for inclusion in the 2019 
Remuneration Report.

1.2 Remuneration policy, strategy and governance
Our remuneration policy is designed to:
• support our strategy and reinforce our culture and values
• link financial rewards directly to employee contributions and 

company performance

• provide market competitive remuneration to attract, motivate 

and retain highly skilled employees

• achieve remuneration outcomes of internal consistency
• ensure employees performing at similar levels in similar roles 

are remunerated within a broadly similar range

• ensure that all reward decisions are made free from bias and 

support diversity within Telstra

• support commercially responsible pay decisions.

Our governance framework for determining Senior Executive 
remuneration includes the aspects outlined below.

(a) The Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee monitors and advises the  
Board on remuneration matters and consists only of  
independent non-executive Directors. It assists the Board  
in its responsibilities by reviewing and advising on Board  
and Senior Executive remuneration, giving due consideration  
to the law and corporate governance principles.

The Remuneration Committee also reviews and makes 
recommendations to the Board on Telstra’s overall remuneration 
strategies, policies and practices, and monitors the effectiveness 
of Telstra’s overall remuneration framework in achieving Telstra’s 
remuneration strategies.

The governance of Senior Executives’ remuneration outcomes 
remains a key focus of the Remuneration Committee and  
the Board. We regularly review our policies to ensure that 
remuneration outcomes for our executives continue to be  
aligned with company performance. Further detail about  
the Remuneration Committee and its responsibilities is  
provided in our Corporate Governance Statement available  
at telstra.com/governance.

(b) Annual remuneration review
The Remuneration Committee and the Board review Senior 
Executive remuneration annually to ensure there is a balance 
between fixed and at risk pay, and that it reflects both short and 
long term performance objectives aligned to Telstra’s strategy.

The Board reviews the CEO’s remuneration based on market 
practice, performance against agreed measures and other 
relevant factors, while the CEO undertakes a similar exercise  
in relation to Senior Executives. The results of the CEO’s annual 
review of Senior Executives’ performance and remuneration  
are subject to Board review and approval.

(c) Engagement with consultants
During FY18, Telstra did not seek a remuneration 
recommendation from a remuneration consultant in relation  
to any of our KMP.

(d) Incentive design and performance assessment
The Remuneration Committee oversees the process of setting 
robust measures and targets to encourage strong Senior 
Executive performance and behaviour that is aligned to our 
values. The EVP performance measures are summarised in 
sections 2.1(c) and 2.1(d).

If performance targets are achieved we award 50 per cent of the 
total maximum potential. The maximum level is only paid if there 
is significant over achievement of targets. There is no incentive 
awarded unless a threshold level of performance is achieved.

At the end of each financial year, the Board reviews the 
company’s audited financial results and the results of the other 
non-financial measures. The Board then determines the 
percentage outcome of the EVP and LTI plan on foot, by assessing 
performance against each performance measure. The Board 
considers this is the most appropriate method for assessing 
whether these performance measures have been satisfied.

(h) Share Ownership Policies
The intent of Telstra’s Executive Share Ownership Policy is  
to align a significant portion of executive remuneration to the 
creation of longer term shareholder value. Under the policy,  
the CEO and Group Executives are required to hold Telstra shares 
to the value of 100 per cent of their Fixed Remuneration within 
five years of their first appointment to Group Executive level.

Any Restricted Shares held by Senior Executives are included  
in calculating their shareholding for the purposes of this policy.

Senior Executives must obtain Board or, in certain 
circumstances, CEO or Chairman approval before they sell 
shares if they have not yet met their share ownership 
requirements under the policy.

Progress is monitored on an ongoing basis. Where applicable,  
all Senior Executives met the shareholding requirement as  
at 30 June 2018.

To further align the interests of non-executive Directors with 
those of our shareholders, in August 2018 the Board changed  
its share ownership policy. Non-executive Directors are now 
required to hold Telstra shares to the value of at least 100  
per cent (increased from 50 per cent previously) of the annual 
non-executive Director base fee, within five years of their 
appointment. The value of such shares is based on their price  
at the time of acquisition.

Progress is monitored on an ongoing basis. Directors’ 
shareholdings as at 16 August 2018 are set out in the  
Directors’ Report.

(i)  Restrictions and governance
All KMP must comply with Telstra’s Securities Trading Policy, 
which includes a requirement that Telstra securities can only  
be traded during specified trading windows and with prior 
written approval. KMP must also consider how any proposed 
dealing in Telstra securities could be perceived by the market 
and must not deal if the proposed dealing could be perceived  
as taking advantage of their position in an inappropriate way.

They are also prohibited from speculative dealing in Telstra 
securities for short term gain, using Telstra securities as 
collateral in any financial transactions (including margin loan 
arrangements), or engaging in stock lending arrangements.

KMP are prohibited from entering into any hedging arrangement 
that limits the economic risk of holding Telstra securities 
(including those held under Telstra equity plans). This helps  
align our KMP’s interests with shareholders’ interests.

KMP are required to confirm on an annual basis that they  
comply with our Securities Trading Policy, which assists in 
monitoring and enforcing our policy. 

(e) Plan variation guidelines
The Board may, in its absolute discretion, amend the 
performance measures or the basis of determining whether  
the performance measures of the EVP and LTI plan are  
satisfied where a matter or event occurs that means these  
are no longer appropriate. Situations where this discretion  
can be applied include:
• Board approved material change to the corporate plan
• material regulatory or legislative change
• significant out of plan business development such as 

acquisitions and divestments

• quality of overall results in any given performance period.

In these circumstances the Board may also exercise discretion  
to determine the outcome under the EVP and LTI plan to take 
account of the relevant matters, events and their impacts.

During FY18 no amendments were made to the terms of any 
securities that had been issued under our employee equity plans. 
However, the Board exercised its discretion in determining the 
outcome of the FY18 EVP and the FY16 LTI plan as outlined in 
sections 2.3 and 2.4 respectively. 

(f)  Strategic investment program
In order to accelerate the delivery of our strategy, in 2016 we 
announced an additional investment of up to $3 billion over three 
years on our networks for the future and digitisation to transform 
our business and drive improvements in customer experience.  
As disclosed in last year’s report, the Board agreed not to make 
any adjustments, and therefore did not provide any relief, for the 
effects of the strategic investment program when assessing 
performance under the FY16 LTI plan as that plan was already  
in place when the strategic investment program was announced 
in August 2016.

For the FY17 LTI plan, when the FCF ROI measure is tested at  
the end of FY19 any reward will reflect the Board’s assessment  
of management’s performance in delivering against the strategic 
investment program. This will include both the cost and the 
benefits of the program in that period.

(g) NBN Transaction and remuneration
From FY13 the NBN Transaction was incorporated into Telstra’s 
established corporate planning processes and Senior Executives 
continue to be accountable for achieving planned outcomes, 
including NBN Transaction related cash flows.

Performance measures for future incentive plans will continue  
to be developed using the most up to date forecasts for the 
financial impacts of the NBN Transaction.

The Board may use its discretion as outlined in section 1.2(e)  
if, due to external factors, the nbn™ network rollout does not 
proceed according to the nbn co published business plan.  
The Board’s objective in considering the exercise of this 
discretion is to avoid windfall gains and losses for the  
Senior Executives.

Adjustments for the NBN Transaction were made for both the 
FY18 Senior Executive EVP and the FY18 GE Telstra Wholesale 
EVP as outlined in section 2.3. The NBN Transaction adjustments 
made in determining the FY16 LTI plan outcome are outlined in 
section 2.4.

36 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 37

Remuneration Report | Telstra Annual Report 2018(b) Senior Executive contract details
The key terms and conditions of the ongoing service contracts for current Senior Executives are summarised in the table below.

Upon notice being given, Telstra can require a Senior Executive to work through the notice period, or may terminate employment 
immediately by providing payment in lieu of notice, or a combination of both. Any payment in lieu of notice is calculated based on  
the Senior Executive’s Fixed Remuneration as at the date of termination.

There is no termination payment if termination is for serious misconduct, or for redundancy (unless the severance payment under 
Telstra’s redundancy policy would be less than the termination payment, in which case the termination payment applies instead).

Name

Title

FR at the end of FY18

Notice period

Termination payment

Andrew Penn

CEO

Vicki Brady

GE C&SB

Warwick Bray

CFO

Robyn Denholm COO

Will Irving

GE Telstra Wholesale

Brendon Riley

GE TE

$2,390,000

$1,000,000

$1,250,000

$1,100,000

$1,000,000

$1,400,000

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

12 months

The table above only includes those individuals who were Senior Executives as at 30 June 2018. The termination payment provisions 
in each executive contract reflect the company’s policy at the time the contract was entered into. Telstra’s current policy is to provide 
for a six month termination payment in executive contracts.

Termination payments in respect of Warwick Bray and Will Irving as determined under the contractual provisions as outlined above, 
will be disclosed in the 2019 Remuneration Report. 

2.0 Senior Executive remuneration

2.1 Remuneration structure
Our remuneration structure is designed to support our remuneration strategy and is consistent for our Senior Executives.  
The remuneration mix for Senior Executives reflects the nature of, and the appropriate market benchmark for, their roles.

Attract, motivate  
and retain highly  
skilled people

Fixed  
Remuneration

Reinforce our  
culture and values

Reward achievement  
of financial and  
strategic objectives

Align to long  
term shareholder  
value creation

Executive Variable  
Remuneration Plan (EVP)1,2

Cash

Equity

Base salary  
plus superannuation

EVP outcome based on financial, customer and individual performance measures

•  Set based on market and 

•  35% of the EVP outcome 

•  26% of the EVP outcome is 

internal relativities, 
performance, 
qualifications and 
experience

deferred as Restricted 
Shares

•  Subject to clawback and 

forfeiture

•  39% of the EVP outcome is 
allocated in Performance 
Rights subject to a Relative 
Total Shareholder Return 
(RTSR) performance 
condition

•  Subject to clawback and 

forfeiture

Market competitive  
base reward

Encourages sustainable performance in the medium  
to longer term and provides a retention element

1.  The GE Telstra Wholesale has different plan measures to comply with Telstra’s Structural Separation Undertaking (SSU).
2.   As outlined in our 2017 Remuneration Report, our FY18 EVP is a transition arrangement from our former STI and LTI plan structures. Refer to section 2.1(c) for further 

information.

(a) Remuneration mix for Senior Executives
The graph below shows the FY18 remuneration mix for Senior Executives expressed as a percentage of Fixed Remuneration.

CEO

100%
Fixed Remuneration

70%
EVP Cash

52%
EVP Restricted Shares

78%
EVP Performance Rights

EVP at Target = 200% of Fixed Remuneration comprised of:

Total Equity = 130% of Fixed Remuneration

EVP at Target = 180% of Fixed Remuneration comprised of:

Other Senior 
Executives

100%
Fixed Remuneration

63%
EVP Cash

46.8%
EVP Restricted Shares

70.2%
EVP Performance Rights

Total Equity = 117% of Fixed Remuneration

GE Telstra 
Wholesale

100%
Fixed Remuneration

EVP at Target = 140% of Fixed Remuneration comprised of:

49%
EVP Cash

36.4%
EVP Restricted 
Shares

54.6%
EVP Performance Rights

Total Equity = 91% of Fixed Remuneration

As Warwick Bray, CFO and Will Irving, GE Telstra Wholesale will cease employment for a Permitted Reason before allocation of the 
FY18 Restricted Shares and Performance Rights, they will be granted Cash Rights in lieu of those Restricted Shares and Performance 
Rights. The Cash Rights will be subject to the same time conditions and performance measures as those applying to the FY18 
Restricted Shares and Performance Rights (except that the Cash Rights granted to Will Irving in lieu of the Performance Rights will 
not be subject to an RTSR performance condition due to constraints under our SSU).

38 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 39

Remuneration Report | Telstra Annual Report 2018(c) FY18 EVP
The FY18 EVP is structured as follows:

Plan design 
attribute
Eligibility

Detail

CEO and Group Executives

Reward opportunity

CEO: 200% of FR at target; 400% of FR at maximum

Senior Executives: 180% of FR at target; 360% of FR at maximum

GE Telstra Wholesale: 140% of FR at target; 280% of FR at maximum

Performance 
measures and 
weightings

Initial performance 
period

Instrument type

Cash vs equity 
balance

Equity allocation 
methodology

Restriction and 
performance 
periods for equity

RTSR performance 
condition*

Senior Executives
 – 10% Telstra Group Total Income 
 – 20% Telstra Group EBITDA
 – 20% FCF
 – 20% Strategic NPS
 – 20% Episode NPS
 – 10% Individual Performance

1 year

GE Telstra Wholesale
 – 20% Telstra Wholesale Total Income
 – 10% Telstra Wholesale EBITDA
 – 30% Telstra Wholesale NPS
 – 40% Individual Performance

Cash with a combination of Restricted Shares (Tranches 1 and 2) and Performance Rights  
(Tranches 1 and 2).

Telstra has retained flexibility in the FY18 Performance Rights terms to settle Performance Rights in shares 
or a cash amount equivalent to the value of a share, and will determine how a Performance Right is settled 
at the time it is exercised having regard to the relevant circumstances at that time.

35:65 ratio of cash and equity (with 40% of the equity allocated in Restricted Shares and 60% of the equity 
allocated in Performance Rights).

The number of Restricted Shares and Performance Rights to be allocated will be based on the dollar value 
of the Senior Executive’s EVP outcome, multiplied by 26% for Restricted Shares and 39% for Performance 
Rights, and then divided by the five day VWAP of Telstra shares commencing on the day after the FY18 
results announcement (i.e. a face value allocation methodology).

Restricted Shares: Half have a Restriction Period ending 30 June 2019 and half have a Restriction Period 
ending 30 June 2020.

Performance Rights: In addition to the initial performance period, half of the Performance Rights will be 
subject to a RTSR performance condition* over a four year performance period from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 
2021, and the other half will be subject to a RTSR performance condition over a five year performance 
period from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2022. Therefore, each tranche of the Senior Executive’s Performance 
Rights will be subject to two performance assessments over a total performance period of four or five years.

Restricted Shares: Not applicable.

Performance Rights: The Performance Rights will only vest if Telstra’s RTSR ranks at the 50th percentile  
or greater against a comparator group comprising the ASX100 (excluding resource companies) as at 1 July 
2017 over the relevant performance period. For the purposes of RTSR performance testing, the average 
market value for Telstra against which RTSR performance will be determined at the testing dates (30 June 
2021 and 30 June 2022) was calculated by reference to Telstra’s daily closing share price over the 30 day 
period to 30 June 2017. For the performance rights under the FY18 EVP, the average market value was 
$4.38. Telstra measures the RTSR percentile ranking to two decimal places and rounds up to the nearest 
whole number if the two decimal places are .50 or above and rounds down to the nearest whole number  
if the two decimal places are below .50. If the RTSR performance condition is not satisfied, all of the 
Performance Rights will lapse.

Dividends

Restricted Shares: Participants receive dividends on allocated Restricted Shares.

Leaver

Performance Rights: No dividends are paid on Performance Rights prior to vesting. For Performance  
Rights that do vest, a cash payment equivalent to the dividends paid by Telstra during the period between 
allocation of the Performance Rights and vesting will be made at or around the time of vesting.

Before the Restricted Shares and Performance Rights are allocated: If a Senior Executive ceases 
employment for a Permitted Reason, the Senior Executive is eligible for a pro-rata EVP outcome based  
on the proportion of time employed during the initial performance period. The Senior Executive will receive 
a grant of Cash Rights in lieu of Performance Rights and Restricted Shares. There is no change to the 
restriction and performance periods, or the RTSR performance condition. If the Senior Executive ceases 
employment for any other reason, their EVP entitlement is forfeited.

After the Restricted Shares and Performance Rights are allocated: If a Senior Executive ceases 
employment for a Permitted Reason after the equity is allocated, Restricted Shares and Performance 
Rights that have been allocated will remain on foot. There is no change to the restriction and performance 
periods, or the RTSR performance condition. If the Senior Executive ceases employment for any other 
reason, their EVP entitlement is forfeited.

Clawback

The Board has discretion to clawback Performance Rights and Restricted Shares if certain Clawback 
Events occur during the performance period or Restriction Period.

*Due to the provisions of the SSU, Performance Rights (and Cash Rights allocated in lieu) for the GE Telstra Wholesale are not subject to a RTSR performance condition.

The construct of the FY18 EVP is illustrated in the table below:

EVP Equity Allocated (65%)

EVP Cash Paid 
(35%)

2018 
AGM

Restricted  
Shares

Restricted Shares (1st tranche)
End of restriction 30 June 2019

FY18 
Results 
Release

FY18 EVP Initial  
Performance 
Period
1 July 2017 to  
30 June 2018

Restricted Shares

Performance Rights

Performance Rights

Restricted Shares (2nd tranche)
End of restriction 30 June 2020

Performance Rights (1st tranche)
Final RTSR Test 30 June 2021

Performance Rights (2nd tranche)
Final RTSR Test 30 June 2022

FY18 EVP Performance Rights (1st Tranche) RTST Performance Period
1 July 2017 to 30 June 2021

FY18 EVP Performance Rights (2nd Tranche) RTST Performance Period
1 July 2017 to 30 June 2022

FY18

FY19

FY20

FY21

FY22

FY23

Jul

Jun

Aug

Oct

Nov

Jun

Jul

Jun

Jul

Jun

Jul

Jun

Jul

At the 2017 Annual General Meeting (AGM), Telstra sought shareholder approval for the CEO’s FY18 EVP equity grant on the basis  
of the EVP equity allocation formula but not the actual number of securities to be granted as both the FY18 EVP outcome, and the 
share price used to determine the number of securities to be granted, were not known at that time. Shareholder approval was  
sought at that time to ensure support before implementing the EVP which replaced the previous STI and LTI plans.

As shareholder approval for the CEO’s FY18 EVP equity grant has already been obtained, we will not seek shareholder approval  
again for the grant at the 2018 AGM.

We will seek shareholder approval at the 2019 AGM for the actual number of securities to be allocated to the CEO for the FY19  
EVP so that shareholders have the opportunity to approve the actual number of securities to be allocated based on the FY19 EVP 
outcome. This approach reflects market practice and the timing is aligned to how we sought shareholder approval for CEO equity 
allocations under our prior LTI plans.

(d) EVP performance measures, weightings and methodology
The Board selected the performance measures below for FY18 as they provided the critical link between achieving the outcomes  
of Telstra’s strategy and increasing shareholder value.

FY18 EVP Measures and Weightings

Financial

Customer

Individual

Total 
Income 
(10%)

EBITDA 
(20%)

FCF 
(20%)

Episode NPS 
(20%)

Strategic NPS 
(20%)

Individual 
Performance 
(10%)

Financial

Customer

Individual

Telstra Wholesale  
Total Income  
(20%)

Telstra 
Wholesale 
EBITDA 
(10%)

Telstra Wholesale NPS  
(30%)

Individual Performance  
(40%)

p
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G

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In relation to these performance measures:

• the financial measures were set in accordance with our FY18 corporate plan and strategy
• the NPS measures support Telstra’s strategy to deliver market leading customer experiences (an explanation of the way in which 

Strategic and Episode NPS is calculated is outlined below)

• the individual performance measures were set at the beginning of FY18 or at the time of appointment, and were based on each 

Senior Executive’s expected individual contribution to the achievement of our strategy.

The financial, customer and individual performance measures of the EVP operate independently of each other and each measure  
has a defined performance threshold, target and maximum.

The calculation of the Strategic NPS measure is based on Telstra’s customers’ response to a question on likelihood of recommending 
Telstra on a scale of 0 to 10, asked within third party surveys.

The calculation of the Episode NPS measure is based on responses to internal surveys following actual service experiences 
customers had with Telstra. The episode surveys measure the likelihood of our customers recommending Telstra based on their 
experience of an episode with us, for example sales and activations, moving their services to a new location, billing enquiries and 
modifications to existing services.

40 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 41

Remuneration Report | Telstra Annual Report 2018 
 
 
 
 
Both the Strategic and Episode NPS overall result for Telstra were a weighted average calculation of the survey results  
from Telstra business segments, based on the following:

Strategic & Episode NPS survey weightings

Senior Executive EVP

Strategic NPS

Survey Segment Methodology

C&SB

3 month average

Consumer

Telstra Enterprise

6 months consolidated result

Telstra Enterprise*

Episode NPS

50%

Survey Segment Methodology

Small Business

C&SB

3 month rolling NPS average

Premier Services

Telstra Enterprise

6 months NPS average

10%

15%

25%

*  Telstra Enterprise (TE) comprises of TE Australia representing 20%  

and TE International representing 5%. The TE International Strategic  
NPS score was used in both the Strategic and Episode NPS Telstra  
Group calculations for FY18.

GE Telstra Wholesale EVP

Strategic NPS

Survey Segment Methodology

Telstra Wholesale

Survey of Telstra Wholesale customers 
undertaken by 3rd party research company

The final Strategic and Episode NPS results were audited by Telstra’s Group Internal Audit team.

Details of the EVP outcomes for Senior Executives for FY18 are provided in sections 2.3(a) and 2.5(c). 

The FY18 EVP for the GE Telstra Wholesale must comply with Telstra’s SSU, which was completed as part of the NBN Transaction. 
This provides that the GE Telstra Wholesale may only participate in incentive plans that reflect solely the objectives and performance 
of the Telstra Wholesale business unit.

Relative Total Shareholder Return (RTSR)
RTSR measures the performance of an ordinary Telstra share (including the value of any cash dividend and other shareholder 
benefits paid during the period) relative to the other companies in the comparator group over the same period.

The Board believes that RTSR is an appropriate performance hurdle because it links executive reward to Telstra’s share price 
performance relative to its peers.

The FY18 EVP comparator group comprises the ASX100 (excluding resource companies) as at 1 July 2017. The Board has discretion  
to change members of the comparator group under the EVP terms where appropriate, for example in circumstances such as 
acquisitions, insolvency and de-listings.

2.2 Financial performance
The table below provides a summary of the key financial results for Telstra over the past five financial years and a summary of  
how those results have been reflected in the EVP and LTI remuneration outcomes is provided in sections 2.3 and 2.4 respectively.

Performance measures

Earnings

Total Income1

EBITDA1

Net Profit2

Shareholder Value

Share Price ($)3

Total Dividend Paid Per Share (cents) 

FY18

$m

29,042

10,121

3,563

2.62

26.5

FY17

$m

28,205

10,679

3,891

4.30

31.0

FY16

$m

27,050

10,465

5,780

5.56

31.0

FY15

$m

26,112

10,533

4,231

6.14

30.0

FY14

$m

26,296

11,135

4,275

5.21

28.5

1.   When there is a discontinued operation for the year, Total Income and EBITDA include only results from continuing operations. There are no discontinued operations in FY17 

and FY18.

2.   Net Profit attributable to equity holders of the Telstra entity includes results from continuing and discontinued operations (i.e. this includes the Autohome Group and the 

Sensis Group for FY16 and FY15, and the Sensis Group only for FY14).

3.  Share prices are as at 30 June for the respective year. The closing share price for FY13 was $4.77.

2.3 FY18 EVP outcomes
(a) Overall FY18 EVP outcomes
The EVP was first introduced to shareholders in our 2017 
Remuneration Report. At the 2017 AGM, shareholders approved 
the allocation of equity to the CEO under the FY18 EVP  
(89.13% of votes cast in favour of allocation). The design  
and implementation of the EVP was based upon extensive 
consultation with stakeholders. Through this consultation  
we identified the following remuneration matters:

• Transparency in the Remuneration Report: The 2017 

Remuneration Report provided all necessary information  
on our remuneration structure and approach. However, 
feedback from some investors suggested the report could  
be further enhanced via the disclosure of performance  
against targets as applied for executive remuneration.

• Use of non-financial measures: Feedback from some of our 
investors suggested the non-financial measures may be too 
highly weighted in the remuneration framework.

We have taken into account the feedback we received in 
preparing this year’s Remuneration Report. 

The Board undertook a comprehensive review of our Senior 
Executive remuneration framework and governance. We have 
considered the design of our FY19 EVP to ensure the alignment  
of Senior Executive remuneration outcomes to shareholder 
outcomes. In this regard, financial performance outcomes  
are the core component of performance. We also continue  
to support the use of appropriate non-financial measures to 
balance the needs of our customers and the broader community 
with shareholder outcomes. The intention is to ensure that 
sustainable outperformance over the entire EVP period supports 
long-term shareholder value creation as a primary driver of 
reward received by executives. In this regard the structure of  
our EVP ensures that remuneration outcomes balance both  
short term performance and appreciation in total shareholder 
return (see 2.1(c) for overview).

The Board actively evaluates performance against the EVP 
scorecard. The Board maintains absolute discretion to ensure 
Senior Executive remuneration outcomes are appropriate in the 
context of Telstra’s performance, our customer experience and 
shareholder expectations. The overall results under the FY18  
EVP delivered positive outcomes for two financial measures and 
improved customer experience as measured through our NPS. 
Together with the progress on defining our T22 strategy, the 
overall performance demonstrated reasonable delivery against 
our plan. The performance outcome was 94% of the target 
opportunity (47% of maximum) under the FY18 EVP (excluding 
Telstra Wholesale).

However, the Board considered the overall performance of the 
company during the FY18 year in exercising their discretion to 
reduce the FY18 EVP outcome, including:
• the decline in total shareholder returns over FY18 with Telstra 
underperforming against the ASX market and relevant peers

• the occurrence of service outages, adversely impacting our 

customer experience

In determining Senior Executive remuneration outcomes for 
FY18, the Board determined that our shareholder experience  
was less than satisfactory and recognised the adverse  
impacts caused to our customers as a result of service outages. 
Accordingly, the FY18 EVP remuneration outcomes for the  
CEO and Group Executives were reduced by 30% to 66% of  
their target opportunity or 33% of their maximum opportunity 
(94% of target or 47% of maximum for the GE Telstra Wholesale 
resulting in an average of 35.3% of the maximum opportunity  
for all Senior Executives). For the CEO this adjustment results  
in a $1.35 million reduction in his FY18 EVP outcome. The actual  
pay and benefits crystallised for Senior Executives in FY18  
is also significantly lower in comparison to the previous year  
(28% lower for the CEO and 29% lower on average for other 
Group Executives, excluding the GE Telstra Wholesale) due  
to the non-vesting of the FY16 LTI plan.

To support our shareholders, the following tables provide enhanced disclosure of FY18 EVP performance relative to targets by 
category of performance measure.

Summary of  
FY18 Senior  
Executive EVP

Financial

Total Income

EBITDA

Free Cash Flow

Customer

Strategic NPS

Episode NPS

Individual

Total

Outcome determined by 
the Board (reducing 
reward outcome by 30%)

Outcome

% of 
Target

44%

10%

0%

34%

40%

0%

40%

10%

94%

88%

100%

0%

171%

100%

0%

200%

100%

94%

% of  
Max

Summary of  
FY18 Telstra 
Wholesale EVP

44%

50%

Telstra Wholesale  
Total Income

0% Telstra Wholesale EBITDA

85.5%

50%

0% Telstra Wholesale NPS

100%

50%

47%

Outcome

% of 
Target

% of  
Max

34%

22%

12%

60%

60%

40%

134%

134%

112%

120%

200%

200%

100%

134%

67%

56%

60%

100%

100%

50%

67%

66%

66%

33%

94%

94%

47%

42 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 43

Remuneration Report | Telstra Annual Report 2018Total Income

NPS

Total Income is based on the Group’s annual corporate plan recognising revenue and other income from our products and services. 
It excludes finance income and discontinued operations. Total Income is a key measure against which EVP outcomes for our Senior 
Executives are measured and is, in our view, a relevant measure to assess the financial performance of the Group for this purpose. 

During the financial year and through assessment of performance, adjustments to Total Income are evaluated to ensure the 
assessment of performance appropriately measures outcomes that are within the control and influence of the Group and its Senior 
Executives. Exceptional items such as nbn income, acquisitions and divestments and the accounting treatment of swap lease 
income have been the most material impacts to the Group’s Total Income outcomes. The Board reviews each exceptional item to 
assess if it should be included in the result for the purposes of deriving the EVP outcome. The Board retains discretion to ensure 
that the EVP outcome is appropriately aligned with the overall performance of the Group for the year, and such outcome remains 
appropriate to both management and shareholders.

Financial scorecard target

Performance against target

The reported, baseline FY17 Total Income performance was 
$28,205m.

In respect of FY18, the Board determined a target for Total 
Income of $29,340m, with a threshold of $28,840m and a 
maximum of $30,090m.

Total Income of $29,042m was reported by Telstra for FY18. 

Adjusted for the factors outlined below, Total Income is 
$29,337m, which for the purpose of the EVP performance 
measure is between threshold and target as determined  
by the Board. 

The target was based on the Group’s approved annual budget 
and contains appropriate stretch performance required to 
achieve a target EVP outcome. The threshold and maximum are 
an appropriate range of Total Income outcomes which represent 
a lower limit of underperformance below which no EVP award 
should be made, and an upper limit of outperformance which 
would represent the maximum EVP award.

The following adjustments were made to ensure the FY18  
EVP outcome appropriately reflected the performance of  
Senior Executives:
• an increase of $735m for NBN Transaction adjustments 
including the impact of the HFC rollout delay announced  
by nbn co in November 2017 

• a decrease of $57m in respect of acquisition and divestment 

adjustments 

• a decrease of $383m due to the impact of swap lease income 

and expenses related to leasing of mobile phones.

Having reviewed all FY18 exceptional items, the Board 
determined that the net $295m adjustment appropriately 
reflected Senior Executive performance.

The outcome for Total Income was 10% against the target of 10%

EBITDA

EBITDA is a measure of the Group’s Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation and is a key measure against which 
EVP outcomes for our Senior Executives are measured and is, in our view, a relevant measure to assess the financial performance of 
the Group for this purpose. 

Having reviewed the FY18 EBITDA performance, the Board determined that performance did not achieve threshold performance.

The outcome for EBITDA was 0% against the target of 20%

Free Cashflow (FCF)

FCF for the purpose of the EVP is based on the Group’s operating cash flows less investing cash flows, excluding spectrum. FCF is a 
key measure against which EVP outcomes for our Senior Executives are measured and is, in our view, a relevant measure to assess 
the financial performance of the Group for this purpose. The target is approved at the commencement of the financial year. 

Financial scorecard target

Performance against target

For the FY18 EVP, the baseline FY17 FCF was $4,121m,  
being the FY17 reported FCF of $3,496m excluding  
spectrum payments of $625m.

In respect of FY18, the Board determined a target for FCF 
(excluding spectrum) of $4,436m, with a threshold of  
$4,236m and a maximum of $4,836m.

The FCF target of $4,436m was based on the planned cash  
flows included in the FY18 Corporate Plan, which was approved 
by the Board at the end of FY17. 

Threshold and maximum are an appropriate range of FCF 
outcomes which represent a lower limit of underperformance 
below which no EVP award should be made, and an upper limit  
of outperformance which would represent the maximum  
EVP award.

The outcome for FCF was 34% and exceeded the target of 20%

FCF of $4,695m was reported by Telstra for FY18. 

Adjusted for the factors outlined below, FCF is $4,722m  
which for the purpose of the EVP performance measure is 
between target and maximum as determined by the Board. 

The following adjustments were made to ensure the FY18  
EVP outcome appropriately reflected the performance of  
Senior Executives:
• a decrease of $76m for NBN Transaction adjustments
• a decrease of $10m in respect of acquisition and  

divestment adjustment

• an increase of $113m to exclude spectrum payments. 

Having reviewed all FY18 exceptional items the Board 
determined that the net $27m adjustment appropriately 
reflected Senior Executive performance.

Strategic and Episode NPS are key measures against which EVP outcomes for our Senior Executives are measured and is, in our  
view, relevant in assessing how we performed in our interactions with customers and the likelihood of customers recommending  
Telstra to others. 

NPS scorecard target

Performance against target

Having reviewed the NPS results as audited by Telstra’s  
Group Internal Audit, the Board determined that Strategic  
NPS fell below threshold and Episode NPS achieved the 
maximum result.

The Strategic NPS result was unchanged over FY18 being 
negatively impacted by network outages, as well as brand  
and media performance within Consumer & Small Business 
segments in the last quarter of FY18.

The FY18 Episode NPS increased significantly driven by 
excellent progress in key customer experiences including:
• strong improvement across Mass Market and Premier 

Customer journeys from Billing, Customer Moves, Sales  
& Activations and Assurance 

• improvement across Consumer customers from simplified 

welcome communications, reduced service connection time, 
a service proposition including Smart Modems in all bundles, 
improved service continuity and tools to support customer 
understanding of bills and connection times 

• the servicing of 65,000 moves in Q4 of which 84% were  

the recipients of the improved process providing customers 
increased information and greater visibility of progress  
within their move

• other initiatives deployed included concierge technology 

support and NBN initiatives. 

In respect of FY18, the Board determined a target that is  
based on the continued improvement of each NPS measure  
and contains appropriate stretch performance required to 
achieve a target EVP outcome. The threshold and maximum  
are an appropriate range of NPS outcomes which represent  
a lower limit of underperformance below which no EVP award 
should be made, and an upper limit of outperformance which 
would represent the maximum EVP award.

The outcome for NPS was 40% against a target of 40%

Individual Performance

EVP  
Outcome

10%

Commentary

The Board evaluates the performance of the  
CEO and determines the overall assessment  
for the CEO. The CEO, together with the Board, 
determines the performance assessment of  
the Group Executives.  
The considerations include : 
• the development and execution of our strategy 

and success across all business lines, functions 
and regions

• the consideration of market conditions and 

relative performance

• the effective application of risk management 

practices 

• the effective engagement with regulators  

and management of regulatory frameworks 

• enhancing the company’s reputation and 

reinforcing compliance with our standards  
and values

• enhancing customer experience through 

promoting collaboration across the business 

• the development of products and services 
• the development of successors for the most 
senior positions, facilitating talent mobility 
within the company, promoting a diverse and 
inclusive workforce and reinforcing a culture  
of accountability.

The outcome for Individual Performance was 10%  
(achieved on target performance)

44 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 45

Remuneration Report | Telstra Annual Report 2018(b) Historical payment results
The graph below shows the FY18 EVP and previous STI plan outcomes as a percentage of the maximum opportunity relative to total 
revenue growth over the past five years. As the initial performance period measures in the EVP are the same performance measures 
as the old STI plan, albeit the weightings have changed, we believe that including the historical STI outcomes in this graph still 
provides a useful comparison. 

Given that Telstra’s incentive plans measure performance against a range of financial and non financial metrics with varied 
weightings, the pay for performance relationship is based on the performance against these metrics as a whole and may not  
always align with total revenue growth. For FY18, whilst Total Revenue growth was flat, Telstra performed solidly against target  
on the FCF and Episode NPS performance measures.

)

m
$
(
e
u
n
e
v
e
r

l
a
t
o
T

$26,500

$26,000

$25,500

$25,000

$24,500

$24,000

61.0%

+0.8%

$25,528m

53.6%

+3.5%

$25,320m

+1.5%

$25,911m

+0.4%

$26,013m

0.0%

$26,011m

70.0%

60.0%

50.0%

40.5%

41.3%

35.3%

40.0%

FY14 STI Plan

FY15 STI Plan

FY16 STI Plan

FY17 STI Plan

FY18 EVP

Total Revenue ($m)1

% of maximum payout2

30.0%

20.0%

1.  Represents total revenue as reported (in 2016, the 2015 prior year comparative was restated for discontinued operations).
2.  The EVP outcomes as a percentage of the maximum shown for all KMP including the GE Telstra Wholesale.

2.4 FY16 LTI plan outcomes
The performance period for the FY16 LTI plan concluded on 30 June 2018. The vesting table is detailed below, reflecting performance 
up to 30 June 2018 against the two performance measures of RTSR and FCF ROI.

(a) FY16 LTI plan testing as at 30 June 2018

Test date

30 June 2018

Total

Performance measure

% of total plan vested

RTSR (0% vesting)

FCF ROI (0% vesting)

0%

0%

0%

The RTSR vesting result was based on Telstra ranking at the 10th percentile of the comparator group. As Portugal Telecom SPSG  
went through a significant restructure in FY16, the Board exercised its discretion under the LTI plan terms to remove it from the 
comparator group prior to calculation of the results. In addition, two companies within the FY16 LTI comparator group changed  
their name during the performance period: Belgacom Group was renamed to Proximus SA and Telia Sonera was renamed to Telia 
Company AB. 

The Board determines the FCF ROI outcome by adjusting reported results to remove spectrum and other acquisitions and 
divestments. The Board can exercise its discretion to ensure there are no windfall gains or losses due to the timing of the  
nbn™ network rollout or any other significant out of plan business development or material regulatory or legislative change.

For the FY16 LTI plan the FCF ROI adjustments are as follows:

+2.7%

+0.2%

13.4%

-1.7%

-0.2%

+0.5%

+0.2%

+0.3%

15.4%

17.0%

16.0%

15.0%

14.0%

13.0%

12.0%

11.0%

10.0%

Reported  
FCF ROI

Spectrum

Divestments 

Autohome

Other M&A

NBN

Restructuring 
costs

Regulatory

FCF ROI 
Outcome

Whilst the overall adjustments had the effect of increasing Telstra’s FCF ROI outcome from 13.4% to 15.4%, the result fell short  
of the plan target of 16.7% (as per table 2.4(a)). The results of Telstra’s RTSR were calculated by an external provider and the  
FCF ROI outcome was reviewed by our external auditor EY. These outcomes were also reviewed by Telstra’s Group Internal Audit  
team and approved by the Board in accordance with the LTI plan rules.

(b) Historical LTI plan performance relative to Telstra share price
The following chart compares Telstra’s LTI plan vesting results for the past four LTI plans (as a percentage of plan maximum 
opportunity) to the share price history during the same performance period:

)
$
(
e
c
i
r
P
e
r
a
h
S
a
r
t
s
l
e
T

7.00

6.00

5.00

4.00

3.00

2.00

1.00

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

m
u
m
i
x
a
m

f
o
I
T
L
%

85.5%

53.0%

30/06/2015
LTI Plan: FY13

30/06/2016 
LTI Plan: FY14

30/06/2017
LTI Plan: FY15

30/06/2018 
LTI Plan: FY16

0.0%

0.0%

LTI Plan Payout

Telstra Share Price

46 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 47

Remuneration Report | Telstra Annual Report 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.5 Detailed remuneration and interests in Telstra shares
The tables in this section disclose Senior Executive information and only represent their time as Senior Executives.

(a) Actual pay and benefits which crystallised in FY18 for Senior Executives
As a general principle, the Australian Accounting Standards require the value of share-based payments to be calculated at the  
time of grant and accrued over the performance period and Restriction Period. This may not reflect what Senior Executives actually 
received or became entitled to during the year.

The following tables are voluntary disclosures, are not prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and include  
the period that a person was KMP.

The table below is provided to demonstrate the remuneration the CEO received or became entitled to receive during FY18 in 
comparison to FY17. We believe this information is helpful to assist shareholders in understanding the actual pay and benefits 
received by the CEO from the various components of his remuneration during FY18.

Year

Fixed 
Remuneration 
($000)

Non-
monetary 
benefits 
($000)2

EVP/STI 
payable  
as cash  
($000)4

Value of LTI 
that became 
unrestricted 
($000)5,7

Value of STI 
Restricted 
Shares that 
became 
unrestricted 
($000)5,6

FY18 Total 
($000)

Andrew Penn

2018

20171

 2,374 

2,325 

 5 

9

 1,103 

1,486

 263 

349

 – 

1,039

% change in actual pay and benefits

3,745 

5,208

-28%

The table below details actual pay and benefits received during FY18 by Senior Executives as at 30 June 2018 (other than the CEO). 

Fixed 
Remuneration 
($000)

Non-
monetary 
benefits 
($000)2

Other 
($000)3

EVP 
payable  
as cash  
($000)4

Value of STI 
Restricted 
Shares that 
became 
unrestricted 
($000)5,6

Value of LTI 
that became 
unrestricted 
($000)5,7

FY18 Total 
($000)

Vicki Brady

Warwick Bray

Robyn Denholm

Will Irving

Brendon Riley

 819 

 1,212 

 1,100 

 1,000 

 1,387 

 5 

 2 

 6 

 9 

 10 

 410 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 340 

 519 

 559 

 461 

 582 

 47 

 129 

 37 

 113 

 161 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 1,622 

 1,862 

 1,702 

 1,583 

 2,140 

The amounts shown in the tables above include Fixed Remuneration (FR), cash payable under the FY18 EVP, as well as any restricted STI or LTI that has been earned as  
a result of performance in previous financial years but was subject to a Restriction Period ending 30 June 2018.
1.  As reported in the 2017 Remuneration Report.
2.  Includes the cost of personal home security services provided by Telstra, the provision of car parking and Telstra products and services.
3.   Relates to the third and final tranche of a sign-on bonus for Vicki Brady, which was provided as part of her appointment to the role of Group Managing Director,  

Consumer and has been pro-rated to represent her time as a Senior Executive.

4.  Amount relates to the cash component of the FY18 EVP earned payable in September 2018. 
5.  Equity in this table has been valued based on the Telstra closing share price on 30 June 2018 of $2.62.
6.   Amount relates to the value of STI earned in prior financial years which was provided as Restricted Shares. For amounts reported for FY18, the restriction period  

for these shares ended on 30 June 2018 and represent 50 per cent of the Restricted Shares relating to each of the FY16 and FY17 STI grants. 
7.  As the outcome of the FY15 LTI plan was that none of the Performance Rights vested as Restricted Shares, there are no values to report for FY18. 

(b) Senior Executive remuneration (main table)
The table below has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Corporations Act and the relevant Australian 
Accounting Standards. The figures provided under the equity settled share-based payments columns are based on accounting  
values and do not reflect actual payments received by Senior Executives in FY18.

Short term 
employee benefits

Post-
employ-
ment 
benefits

Termi-
nation 
benefits

Other  
long 
term  
benefits

Equity settled  
share-based 
payments

Accounting value  
(at risk) ($)8,9

Name  
and title

Andrew Penn
CEO

Vicki Brady
GE C&SB

Warwick Bray
CFO

Robyn Denholm
COO

Will Irving 
GE TW

Brendon Riley
GE TE

Kevin Russell
Former GE 
C&SB

Total current 
and former 
KMP

Year Salary 
& fees 
($000)1

EVP 
(cash) 
($000)2

Non-
monetary 
benefits 
($000)3

Other 
($000)4

Super-
annuation  
($000)5

Termi-
nation 
benefits 
($000)6

Accrued 
leave  
benefits 
($000)7

Restricted 
shares 
($000)10

 Perfor-
mance 
rights 
($000)11

Total  
($000)

2018

 2,354 

 1,103 

2017

 2,305 

 1,486 

2018

 803 

 340 

2017

 – 

 – 

2018

 1,187 

 519 

2017

 1,065 

 703 

2018

 1,080 

 559 

2017

 512 

 333 

2018

 980 

 461 

2017

 980 

 627 

2018

 1,367 

 582 

2017

 1,330 

 934 

2018

 195 

 – 

2017

 1,080 

 527 

 5 

 9 

 5 

 – 

 2 

 5 

 6 

 1 

 9 

 11 

 10 

 9 

 1 

 4 

 – 

 – 

 205 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 20 

 20 

 16 

 – 

 25 

 35 

 20 

 9 

 20 

 20 

 20 

 20 

 4 

 20 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 59 

 57 

 20 

 – 

 30 

 27 

 27 

 13 

 3 

 25 

 34 

 33 

 672 

 305 

 4,518 

 464 

 1,319 

 5,660 

 159 

 92 

1,640 

 – 

 320 

 214 

 248 

 22 

 283 

 199 

 379 

 301 

 – 

 – 

 98 

 2,181 

 499 

 2,548 

 62 

 2,002 

 – 

 890 

 235 

 1,991 

 193 

 2,055 

 222 

 2,614 

 606 

 3,233 

 495 

 (32)

 (85)

 (264)

 314 

 – 

 27 

 87 

 264 

 2,009 

2018

 7,966 

 3,564 

 38 

 205 

 125 

 495 

 141 

 1,976 

 750  15,260 

2017

 7,272 

 4,610 

 39 

 – 

 124 

 – 

 182 

 1,287 

 2,881 

 16,395 

The total for FY17 of $16.395 million in this table is less than the total for FY17 in the FY17 Remuneration Report of $17.331 million as it does not include the $0.936 million 
for the former COO, Kate McKenzie reported in last year’s report.

1. 
2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 
8. 

9. 

Includes salary, salary sacrifice benefits (excluding salary sacrifice superannuation which is included under Superannuation) and Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT). 
 For FY18, EVP cash relates to performance in FY18 under the FY18 EVP. For FY17, the amounts in this column relate to cash amounts paid for performance under  
the FY17 STI plan. 
 Includes the cost of personal home security services provided by Telstra, the cost of personal use of Telstra products and services and the provision of car parking.  
For Mr Irving the amount includes the value of non-recourse loans under TESOP 99 (which have not been expensed as they were issued prior to 7 November 2002  
and were therefore included in the exemption permitted under AASB 1 “First-time Adoption of Australian Equivalence to International Financial Reporting Standards”).  
The value of non-monetary benefits have been grossed up for FBT by the relevant FBT rates. 
 For Vicki Brady, the balance relates to the amortised amount for the third and final tranche of a sign-on bonus which was provided as a part of her appointment to  
the role of Group Managing Director, Consumer.
 Represents company contributions to superannuation as well as any additional superannuation contributions made through salary sacrifice by Senior Executives.  
Telstra does not provide any other post-employment benefits.
 Termination benefits for Mr Russell of $495,000 comprised a payment in lieu of notice as per his service agreement and was paid in compliance with Part 2D.2,  
Division 2 of the Corporations Act.
Includes the net movement of long service leave entitlement balances.
 The accounting values included in the table relate to the current year amortised value of all Restricted Shares and Performance Rights that had not yet fully vested  
at the commencement of the financial year. The value of each equity instrument is calculated by applying valuation methodologies or is based on the market value  
of Telstra shares at the grant date as described in note 5.2 to the financial statements and is then amortised, based on the maximum achievable allocation, over the  
relevant vesting period. This value includes an assumption that the instruments will vest at the end of the vesting period unless forfeited during the financial year.
 As required under AASB 2, accounting expense that was previously recognised as remuneration has been reversed in both FY18 and FY17 as the service condition  
or the non-market performance condition (FCF ROI) was not met. In relation to LTI Performance Rights, for FY18, this occurred for the FY16 plan that failed to satisfy  
the FCF ROI performance target at 30 June 2018, resulting in all of the Performance Rights lapsing allocated under this plan. 

10.  This includes the amortised value of the Restricted Share component of the FY18 EVP, as well as Restricted Shares allocated under the FY17, FY16 and FY15  

(only applicable to FY17 comparatives) STI plans.

11.  This includes the amortised value of the Performance Right component of the FY18 EVP, as well as Performance Rights allocated under FY17, FY16, FY15 and  

FY14 (only applicable to FY17 comparatives) LTI plans.

48 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 49

Remuneration Report | Telstra Annual Report 2018(c) FY18 EVP Payments (cash and equity)

(d) Number and value of equity instruments allocated, vested and exercised during FY18 (LTI and other equity)

Breakdown of FY18 EVP Outcome1

Year Maximum 
potential 
EVP 
opportunity 
($000)2

35%  
Cash 
component 
($000)

26% 
Restricted 
Shares 
component 
($000)3

39% 
Restricted 
Rights 
component 
($000)3

Total  
grant 
of EVP 
($000)

% of 
maximum 
opportunity 
earned

% of 
maximum 
opportunity 
forfeited

 9,560 

 2,950 

 4,500 

 4,840 

 2,800 

 5,040 

 358 

 1,103 

 340 

 519 

 559 

 461 

 582 

 – 

 820 

 253 

 386 

 415 

 342 

 432 

 – 

 1,229 

 379 

 579 

 622 

 514 

 648 

 – 

 3,152 

 972 

 1,484 

 1,596 

 1,317 

 1,662 

 – 

33%

33%

33%

33%

47%

33%

67%

67%

67%

67%

53%

67%

– 

100%

Name

Andrew Penn

Vicki Brady

Warwick Bray

2018

2018

2018

Robyn Denholm4

2018

Will Irving

Brendon Riley

Kevin Russell5

2018

2018

2018

1.   The FY18 EVP outcomes were approved by the Board on 15 August 2018. These values represent the time served in FY18 as a Senior Executive. The cash component of the 

FY18 EVP will be paid in September 2018.

2.   Represents the maximum potential EVP opportunity specific to their time as Senior Executives for FY18, adjusted for any variation in Fixed Remuneration throughout FY18 

that impacts the maximum potential EVP opportunity available. If the minimum threshold performance is not met, the minimum possible EVP payment is nil.

3.   The Restricted Shares and Performance Rights awarded are expected to be allocated in November 2018 and are subject to Restriction and Performance Periods (as set out 

in section 2.1(c)) subject to the Senior Executive’s continued employment. As Warwick Bray, CFO and Will Irving, GE Telstra Wholesale will cease employment before 
allocation of the FY18 Restricted Shares and Performance Rights, they will be granted Cash Rights.

4.   As disclosed in our FY17 Remuneration Report, Robyn Denholm did not participate in the FY17 LTI plan due to the timing of her appointment. In lieu of not receiving an FY17 
LTI allocation, for FY18 only, her EVP at target opportunity is 220% of Fixed Remuneration. For FY19, Ms Denholm’s at target opportunity will revert back to 180% of Fixed 
Remuneration.

5.  As Mr Russell resigned from Telstra during FY18, he forfeited any entitlement under the FY18 EVP.

Equity Movements

Instrument

Total  
held at  
1 July 
20171

Allocated  
during 
FY182

Value of 
instru-
ments 
allocated 
($000)3

Vested / 
exercised 
during 
FY184

Value of 
instru-
ments 
exercised 
($000)5

Other 
changes6

Total  
held at  
30 June 
20187 

Name

Andrew 
Penn

Performance 
Rights

 1,853,347 

Vicki 
Brady

Performance 
Rights

 85,872 

Warwick 
Bray

Performance 
Rights

 652,796 

Robyn 
Denholm

Performance 
Rights

 – 

Performance 
Rights

 251,292 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (241,573)

 $942  (758,564)

 853,210 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 85,872 

 – 

 (42,748)

 $167  (287,112)

 322,936 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 (158,294)

$617

 (92,998)

 – 

 – 

Will 
Irving9

Restricted 
Shares

-

 86,185 

 $334 

TESOP99

 400 

Brendon 
Riley

Performance 
Rights

 973,605 

Kevin 
Russell5

Performance 
Rights

 322,936 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 86,185 

 400 

 – 

 – 

 (224,911)

 $877  (352,364)

 396,330 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 322,936 

Equity 
Outcomes

Achieved 
perfor-
mance 
target 
during 
FY188

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

In the table above, vest has the meaning defined in the Australian Accounting Standards. A Performance Right vests when it has been performance tested and the resultant 
share has been released from restriction and provided to the executive. Table 2.5(e) includes details of such shares provided during FY18.

All service and performance conditions for rights granted in previous financial years and that have vested or been exercised in FY18 are summarised in the Remuneration 
Report for each relevant year of grant. Each equity instrument granted, vested or exercised in FY18 (where applicable) in the table above was issued by Telstra and resulted or 
will result in one ordinary Telstra share per equity instrument granted, vested or exercised. No amount is payable by the KMP EVP and STI Restricted Shares are excluded from 
this table, refer to tables 2.5(c) and (e) for further information.

1.   For Ms Brady, the balance reported at 1 July 2017 reflects the number of equity instruments held as at the date on which she commenced as a KMP.
2.   No Performance Rights were allocated during FY18 as there was no FY18 LTI plan due to the introduction of the EVP. The FY18 EVP Performance Rights will be allocated in 
November 2018, refer to section 2.1 for more information. Restricted Shares granted relate to the GE Telstra Wholesale LTI replacement plan, made in lieu of participation 
in the FY17 LTI plan. Further information relating to the GE Telstra Wholesale LTI replacement plan can be found in the 2017 Remuneration Report. 

3.   The fair value reflects the valuation approach required by AASB 2 using market values for Restricted Shares and an option pricing model for Performance Rights granted, 
as explained in the notes to the financial statements. The fair value of the Restricted Shares allocated during FY18 with a grant date of 18 August 2017 was $3.88 and was 
based on the market value of Telstra shares. Comparatively, FY18 EVP equity instruments will be allocated in FY19 with a fair value of the instruments calculated (for 
accounting purposes) based on the grant dates of 17 October 2017 for the CEO and 29 September 2018 for all other Senior Executives, respectively. For FY18 EVP 
Performance Rights, the fair values per instrument granted under the FY18 EVP are $1.20 (Tranche 1) and $1.25 (Tranche 2) for the CEO, $1.22 (Tranche 2) and $1.27 
(Tranche 2) for Senior Executives (excluding the GE Telstra Wholesale), and $2.77 (Tranche 1) and $2.61 (Tranche 2) for the GE Telstra Wholesale. For FY18 EVP Restricted 
Shares, the fair value per instrument granted under the FY18 EVP is $3.27 for all Senior Executives.

4.   Relates to Performance Rights vesting as defined above. Performance Rights vested during FY18 relate to the FY14 LTI plan. For more information on our Senior Executives’ 

interests in Telstra Shares refer to table 2.3(e).

5.   The value of the equity instruments vested/exercised reflects the market value at the date the instruments vested and were released from restriction.
6.   Relates to Performance Rights that lapsed due to the specified performance hurdles or service conditions not being achieved. Performance Rights in this column relate to 

the FY16 LTI plan that was performance tested at the end of FY18 and resulted in 100 per cent of the Performance Rights lapsing. 

7.   For Mr Russell, the balance reported at 30 June 2018 reflects the number of equity instruments held as at the date on which he ceased to hold the KMP position. Refer to 

section 1.1 for further information. 

8.   Relates to instruments that have been performance tested for the performance period ending on 30 June 2018 and met the specified performance hurdles. Performance 
Rights in this column relate to the FY16 LTI plan that was performance tested at the end of FY18 and resulted in zero per cent of the Performance Rights vesting and 
therefore no Restricted Shares being provided in early FY19.

9.   Mr Irving was granted TESOP99 shares in 1999, with an interest free loan which can be repaid at any time. There are no outstanding performance or restriction periods and 

the shares will vest if and when the loan is repaid in full. Refer to footnote 3 of table 2.5(b) for further information.

There are no Performance Rights or options held by any KMP’s related parties and no Performance Rights or options held indirectly or beneficially by our KMP. As at 30 June 
2018, there were no options or Performance Rights vested, or vested and exercisable or vested and unexercisable.

50 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 51

Remuneration Report | Telstra Annual Report 2018(e) Senior Executive interests in Telstra Shares
During FY18, our Senior Executives and their related parties held Telstra shares directly, indirectly or beneficially as follows:

3.2 Detailed remuneration and interests in Telstra shares
(a) Non-executive Director Remuneration

Total shares 
held at 
1 July 20171,2

STI Restricted 
Shares 
allocated3

LTI Restricted 
Shares 
received  
during FY184

Net shares 
acquired or 
disposed of 
and other 
changes

Total shares 
held at 
30 June 20181,5

Shares held 
nominally at 
30 June 20185,6

 1,301,712 

 127,634 

 908 

 257,826 

 25,913 

 1,351,214 

 1,293,470 

 6,260 

 34,752 

 60,386 

 28,622 

 53,866 

 80,200 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 86,185 

 – 

 – 

 (450,000)

 (410,000)

 (3,130)

 1,429,346 

 223,122 

 35,660 

 318,212 

 54,535 

 1,041,265 

 963,670 

 3,130 

 35,206 

 79,510 

 52,535 

 186,708 

 963,670 

 – 

 4,237,303 

 385,460 

 86,185 

 (863,130)

 3,845,818 

 1,540,751 

Name

Senior Executives

Andrew Penn

Vicki Brady

Warwick Bray

Robyn Denholm

Will Irving

Brendon Riley

Kevin Russell

Total

Each equity instrument exercised or allocated in FY18 (where applicable) in the table above, was issued by Telstra and resulted or will result in one ordinary Telstra share per 
equity instrument exercised or allocated. 

1.   Total shareholdings include shares held by our Senior Executives and their related parties. Unless related to our employee share plans, shares acquired or disposed of by 

our Senior Executives and their related parties during FY18 were on an arm’s length basis at market price. 

2.   For Vicki Brady, the balance as at 1 July 2017 represents shares held as at the date on which she became a Senior Executive. Refer to section 1.1 for further information. 
3.   STI Restricted Shares allocated during FY18 relate to the FY17 STI plan which was allocated on 13 November 2017. The allocation of Restricted Shares under the FY18 EVP 

will be made after the reporting date of 30 June 2018, therefore they have not been included in the table above.

4.   This column relates to those equity instruments that have been provided as Restricted Shares during this financial year. For FY18, this relates to the FY15 LTI plan that was 

performance tested last financial year. 

5.   For Kevin Russell, the balance as at 30 June 2018 represents shares held as at the date on which he ceased to be a Senior Executive. Refer to section 1.1 for further 

information. 

6.   Nominally refers to shares held either indirectly or beneficially by Senior Executives and shares held by their related parties including certain Restricted Shares held by 
Senior Executives. These shares are subject to a restriction period, such that the Senior Executive is restricted from dealing with the shares until the Restriction Period 
ends. Refer to note 5.2 to the financial statements for further details.

3.0 Non-executive Director Remuneration

3.1 Remuneration structure
Our non-executive Directors are remunerated with set fees  
and do not receive any performance based pay. This enables  
non-executive Directors to maintain independence and 
impartiality when making decisions affecting the future  
direction of the company.

The Telstra Board and Committee fee structure (inclusive of 
superannuation) during FY18 was:

FY18  
Board fees

Board

FY18  
Committee fees

Audit & Risk 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

Chairman

$775,000

Committee 
Chair

Non-executive 
Director

$235,000

Committee 
Member

$70,000

$35,000

$56,000

$28,000

–

$7,000

The Chairman of the Board does not receive Committee fees if  
he is a Member of a Board Committee.

Our non-executive Directors are remunerated in accordance  
with Telstra’s Constitution, which provides for an aggregate fee 
pool that is set, and varied, only by approval of a resolution of 
shareholders at the AGM. The current annual fee pool of $3.5 
million was approved by shareholders at Telstra’s 2012 AGM.

The total of Board and Committee fees, including 
superannuation, paid to non-executive Directors in FY18 
remained within the approved fee pool.

Superannuation contributions are included within each  
non-executive Director’s Total Remuneration, in accordance  
with the ASX Listing Rules and Telstra policy. Non-executive 
Directors may choose to increase the proportion of their 
remuneration taken as superannuation, subject to legislative 
requirements.

Telstra does not provide retirement benefits for non-executive 
Directors other than the superannuation contributions noted 
above.

Our 2017 Remuneration Report disclosed the FY18 non-
executive Director and Committee fees for which there has  
been no change during FY18. Table 3.2 provides full details  
of non-executive Director remuneration for FY18. 

Sections 1.2(h) and (i) of this report provide details of the  
share ownership policy and Telstra securities trading 
restrictions that apply to our non-executive Directors.

(a) Changes to the Board and Committee composition
During the year Roy H Chestnutt was appointed to the  
Board effective from 11 May 2018. He will stand for election  
by shareholders at Telstra’s 2018 Annual General Meeting  
in October 2018. There were no other changes to the  
Board and Committee composition. On 14 August 2018,  
we announced that Steven M Vamos had announced his 
intention to retire as a non-executive Director at Telstra’s  
2018 Annual General Meeting.

Name and title

John P Mullen
Chairman

Roy H Chestnutt3,4
Director

Craig W Dunn
Director

Peter R Hearl
Director

Jane S Hemstritch
Director

Russell Higgins
Director

Nora L Scheinkestel
Director

Margaret L Seale
Director

Steven M Vamos
Director

Trae A N Vassallo4
Director

Total

Year

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

Short term employee benefits

Post–employment 
benefits

Salary and  
fees ($000)1

Non-monetary 
benefits ($000)2

Superannuation 
($000)

Total  
($000)

 755 

 755 

 32 

 – 

 250 

 250 

 278 

 272 

 243 

 213 

 278 

 275 

 285 

 296 

 250 

 250 

 250 

 247 

 231 

 231 

 2,852 

 2,789 

 6 

 5 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 2 

 – 

 1 

 – 

 2 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 2 

 – 

 – 

 11 

 7 

 20 

 20 

 1 

 – 

 20 

 20 

 20 

 20 

 20 

 17 

 20 

 20 

 20 

 20 

 20 

 20 

 20 

 20 

 4 

 4 

 781 

 780 

 33 

 – 

 270 

 270 

 298 

 292 

 265 

 230 

 299 

 295 

 307 

 316 

 270 

 270 

 270 

 269 

 235 

 235 

 165 

 161 

 3,028 

 2,957 

The total for FY17 of $2.957 million in this table is less than the total for FY17 in the FY17 Remuneration Report of $3.025 million as it does not include the $0.068 million  
for a former Director, Chin Hu Lim, reported in last year’s report.

1.   Includes fees for membership on Board Committees.
2.   Includes the cost value of Telstra products and services (such as Foxtel) provided to Directors without charge to allow them to familiarise themselves with Telstra’s 
products and services and with recent technological developments. The value of non-monetary benefits have been grossed up for FBT by the relevant FBT rates.

3.   Roy Chestnutt qualifies as a KMP from 11 May 2018 when he was appointed as a non-executive Director of the company.
4.   As Roy Chestnutt and Trae Vassallo are overseas residents, their superannuation contributions for FY18 are less than the contributions for Australian resident  

non-executive Directors.

(b) Non-executive Directors’ interests in Telstra Shares
During FY18, our non-executive Directors and their related parties held Telstra shares directly, indirectly or beneficially as follows:

Name

John P Mullen

Roy H Chestnutt

Craig W Dunn

Peter R Hearl

Jane S Hemstritch

Russell A Higgins AO

Nora L Scheinkestel

Margaret L Seale

Steven M Vamos

Trae A N Vassallo 

Total

Total shares  
held at
1 July 20171,2

Net shares acquired 
or disposed of and 
other changes1

Total shares  
held at
30 June 20181

Shares held 
nominally at  
30 June 20183

 26,159 

 – 

 19,173 

 45,000 

 91,000 

 99,983 

 100,324 

 269,540 

 40,000 

 – 

 691,179 

 75,000 

 – 

 54,000 

 25,000 

 – 

 3,234 

 15,294 

 41,000 

 – 

 15,793 

 229,321 

 101,159 

 – 

 73,173 

 70,000 

 91,000 

 103,217 

 115,618 

 310,540 

 40,000 

 15,793 

 920,500 

 101,159 

 – 

 72,473 

 – 

 91,000 

 103,217 

 107,663 

 310,540 

 40,000 

 15,793 

 841,845 

1.   Total shareholdings include shares held by our non-executive Directors and their related parties. Shares acquired or disposed of by our non-executive Directors and their 

related parties during FY18 were on an arm’s length basis at market price. 

2.   For Roy Chestnutt, the balance as at 1 July 2017 represents shares held as at the date on which he became KMP (11 May 2018) 
3.   Nominally refers to shares held either indirectly or beneficially by non-executive Directors including those shares acquired under Directshare and shares held by their 

related parties. Any shares held under Directshare are subject to a restriction period, such that the non-executive Director is restricted from dealing with the shares until 
the Restriction Period ends.

52 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 53

Remuneration Report | Telstra Annual Report 20184.0 Looking forward to FY19

4.1 Changes to the FY19 EVP
The Board has reviewed the CEO and Group Executive 
remuneration structures, in particular the implementation of the 
EVP in FY18. Following the 2017 AGM, the EVP was implemented 
for FY18 combining the former STI and LTI arrangements into a 
simplified variable incentive plan. The EVP is designed to drive 
performance against financial and customer experience metrics, 
creating long-term shareholder value.

The Board is confident that the EVP remains an appropriate 
mechanism to align performance and reward for Senior 
Executives. However, having considered the introduction of our 
T22 strategy, the Board has further enhanced the performance 
measures for the FY19 EVP to increase shareholder alignment, 
executive retention and executive performance against delivery 
of the plan. 

FY19 EVP Measures and Weightings

Financial – 50%

Strategic, Customer & Transformation – 50%

Total Income 
12.5%

EBITDA 
12.5%

FCF 
12.5%

Net Opex 
Reduction 
12.5%

Episode NPS 
12.5%

Product 
Portfolio 
Simplication 
12.5%

Digital 
Delivery 
12.5%

People 
Capability & 
Engagement 
12.5%

p
u
o
r
G
&
O
E
C

s
e
v
i
t
u
c
e
x
E

The overall reward opportunity and the time-frame of the FY19 EVP will not change as per the timeline below:

EVP equity allocated (65%)

EVP Cash Paid (35%)

2019 
AGM

FY19 
Results 
Release

FY19 EVP Initial  
Performance 
Period
1 July 2018 to  
30 June 2019

Restricted Shares

Performance Rights

Restricted Shares
End of restriction  
30 June 2021

Performance Rights
Final RTSR Test  
30 June 2023

FY19 EVP Performance Rights RSTR Performance Period
1 July 2018 to 30 June 2023

FY19

FY20

FY21

FY22

FY23

FY24

Jul

Jun

Aug

Oct

Nov

Jun

Jul

Jun

Jul

Jun

Jul

Jun

Jul

5.0 Glossary

Average Investment 

Cash Rights

Clawback Event

Average investment over the period is the average of the sum of net debt and shareholders' funds 
over the entire three year performance period.

Rights granted to a Senior Executive who ceases employment for a Permitted Reason before the 
Restricted Shares and Performance Rights are granted in respect of the EVP in lieu of those 
Restricted Shares and Performance Rights. The Cash Rights are subject to the same time conditions 
and performance measures as those applying to those Restricted Shares and Performance Rights. 
On vesting a Cash Right will entitle the Senior Executive to a cash payment equivalent to the value of 
a share at the end of the applicable Restriction Period or performance period and dividends paid 
between the date the Cash Right is allocated and the end of the applicable Restriction Period and 
performance period.

Includes fraud, gross misconduct or material breach of obligations by the Senior Executive or 
behaviour that brings Telstra into disrepute or may negatively impact Telstra’s long term financial 
strength. It also includes where there is a significant and unintended deterioration in Telstra’s 
financial performance, where the financial results that led to the Performance Rights or Restricted 
Shares being granted are subsequently shown to be materially misstated or the Board determines 
that the Performance Rights or Restricted Shares are an inappropriate benefit.

FCF

FCF for LTI

Free Cashflow

Annual FCF from operating and investing activities adjusted for interest paid and non-recurring 
factors such as spectrum licence purchases, acquisitions (i.e. the removal of trading cashflows and 
purchase prices of those entities acquired), divestments (i.e. reinstate forecasted trading cashflows 
and sale proceeds for those entities disposed) and material regulatory adjustments that impact on 
pricing that was assumed when setting plan targets.

FCF ROI

The average of the annual FCF for LTI over the performance period expressed as a percentage of the 
Average Investment over the performance period.

Fixed Remuneration or FR

Base salary plus company and private salary sacrificed superannuation contributions.

FY

GE

KMP

LTI

NBN Transaction

Financial year

Group Executive

Key Management Personnel

Long Term Incentive

Agreements with nbn co and the Government in relation to Telstra's participation in the rollout of the 
nbn™ network. This includes the entire Definitive Agreement receipts, any impacts the nbn™ has on 
our existing products, costs associated with connecting customers to the nbn™ network and any tax, 
interest or debt impacts of nbn™ related changes in profit or cash. Any nbn™ related commercial 
works are excluded from this definition.

NPS

Net Promoter Score which is a non financial performance measure in Telstra’s EVP and consists of 
two components, Strategic NPS and Episode NPS. 

Performance Right

Permitted Reason

Related parties 

The Strategic NPS performance measure is based on Telstra’s customers’ response to a question on 
likelihood of recommending Telstra on a scale of 0 to 10, asked within third party surveys.

The Episode NPS performance measure is based on responses to internal surveys following actual 
service experiences customers had with Telstra.

Refer to 2.1(d)) for further information.

A right to a share or a cash amount equivalent to the value of a share at the end of a performance 
period, at Telstra’s discretion and subject to the satisfaction of certain performance measures and 
service conditions.

Permitted Reason under the EVP, means death, total and permanent disablement, certain medical 
conditions, company initiated separation for a reason unrelated to performance or conduct, 
redundancy or retirement. Permitted Reason under the EVP Performance Rights and Restricted 
Share terms also includes mutual separation.

of a person means:
• a close member of the person’s family; and/or
• an entity over which the person or close family member has, directly or indirectly, control, joint 

control or significant influence.

Restricted Share

A Telstra share that is subject to a Restriction Period.

Restriction Period

A period during which a Telstra share is subject to a service condition and cannot be traded. 
Restricted Shares are transferred to a Senior Executive on the first day after the end of the 
Restriction Period that the Senior Executive is able to deal in shares under Telstra's Securities 
Trading Policy.

RTSR

Relative Total Shareholder Return

Senior Executive

Refers to the CEO and those executives who are KMP with authority and responsibility for planning, 
directing and controlling the activities of the company and Group, directly or indirectly.

Service Agreement

A Senior Executive's contract of employment

SSU

STI

Structural Separation Undertaking

Short Term Incentive

Total Income

Total Telstra income

EBITDA

EVP

Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation 

Executive Variable Remuneration Plan

Total Remuneration

The sum of all the fixed and variable components of remuneration as detailed in section 2.5  
for Senior Executives, and all the remuneration components as detailed in section 3.2 for 
non-executive Directors.

54 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 55

Remuneration Report | Telstra Annual Report 2018 
 
 
Directors’  
Report

Ernst & Young
8 Exhibition Street
Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia
GPO Box 67 Melbourne VIC 3001
Tel: +61 3 9288 8000
Fax: +61 3 8650 7777
ey.com/au

Rounding

The Telstra Entity is a company of the kind referred to in the 
Australian Securities and Investments Commission Corporations 
(Rounding in Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 2016/191, 
dated 24 March 2016 and issued pursuant to section 341(1) of 
the Corporations Act 2001. Except where otherwise indicated, the 
amounts in this Directors’ Report and the accompanying 
financial report have been rounded to the nearest million dollars 
($m) and amounts in the Remuneration Report have been 
rounded to the nearest thousand dollars ($000).

Auditor’s Independence Declaration to the  
Directors of Telstra Corporation Limited

As lead auditor for the audit of Telstra Corporation Limited for the 
financial year ended 30 June 2018, I declare to the best of my 
knowledge and belief, there have been:

(a)  no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements  

of the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the audit; and

(b)  no contraventions of any applicable code of professional 

conduct in relation to the audit.

This report is made on 16 August 2018 in accordance with a 
resolution of the Directors.

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

John P Mullen 
Chairman 
16 August 2018

Ernst & Young

Andrew Price 
Partner 
16 August 2018

Andrew R Penn 
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director 
16 August 2018

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited  
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards 
Legislation

Financial 
Report

56 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

57

Section Title | Telstra Annual Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 58  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 59  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Telstra Corporation Limited
and controlled entities

Australian Business Number (ABN): 33 051 775 556

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Financial report: introduction and contents

As at 30 June 2018

About this report

This is the financial report for Telstra Corporation Limited (referred to 
as the Company or Telstra Entity) and its controlled entities (together 
referred to as we, us, our, Telstra, the Telstra Group or the Group) for 
the year ended 30 June 2018. 

Telstra Corporation Limited is a ‘for profit’ company limited by shares 
incorporated in Australia whose shares are publicly traded on the 
Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).

This financial report was authorised for issue in accordance with a 
resolution of the Telstra Board of Directors on 16 August 2018. The 
Directors have the power to amend and reissue the financial report.

Reading the financials

Section introduction

The introduction at the start of each section outlines the focus of the 
section and explains the purpose and content of that section. 

Note and topic summary

A summary at the start of certain notes explains the objectives and 
content of that note, or at the start of certain specific topics clarifies 
complex concepts, which users may not be familiar with. 

Narrative table

Some narrative disclosures are presented in a tabular format to 
provide readers with a clearer understanding of the information 
being presented.

Information panel

The information panel describes our key accounting estimates and 
judgements applied in the preparation of the financial report, which 
are relevant to that section or note.

Contents

Financial Statements
Income Statement
Statement of Comprehensive Income
Statement of Financial Position
Statement of Cash Flows
Statement of Changes in Equity

Notes to the Financial Statements

Section 1: Basis of preparation
1.1 -   Basis of preparation of the financial report
1.2 -   Key accounting estimates and judgements
1.3 -   Terminology used in our income statement
1.4 -   Principles of consolidation

Section 2: Our performance
2.1 -   Segment information
2.2 -   Income
2.3 -   Expenses
2.4 -   Income taxes
2.5 -   Earnings per share
2.6 -   Notes to the statement of cash flows

Section 3: Our core assets and working capital
3.1 -   Property, plant and equipment
3.2 -   Goodwill and other intangible assets
3.3 -   Trade and other receivables
3.4 -   Inventories
3.5 -   Trade and other payables

Section 4: Our capital and risk management
4.1 -   Dividend
4.2 -   Equity
4.3 -   Capital management
4.4 -   Financial instruments and risk management

Section 5: Our people
5.1 -   Employee benefits
5.2 -   Employee share plans
5.3 -   Post-employment benefits
5.4 -   Key management personnel compensation

Section 6: Our investments
6.1 -   Changes in the group structure
6.2 -   Investments in controlled entities
6.3 -   Investments in joint ventures and associated 

entities

Section 7: Other information
7.1 -   Other accounting policies
7.2 -   Auditor’s remuneration
7.3 -   Parent entity disclosures
7.4 -   Commitments and contingencies
7.5 -   Events after reporting date

Directors’ Declaration

Independent Auditor’s Report

59
60
61
62
63

64
64
64
64

65
69
73
74
77
77

79
82
86
88
89

90
91
93
101

109
110
116
118

119
120
125

131
137
137
138
139

140
141

142
141

Income
Statement

For the year ended 30 June 2018

Telstra Group

Income

Revenue (excluding finance income)

Other income

Expenses

Labour

Goods and services purchased

Other expenses

Share of net (loss)/profit from joint ventures and associated entities

Earnings before interest, income tax expense, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA)

Depreciation and amortisation

Earnings before interest and income tax expense (EBIT)

Finance income

Finance costs

Net finance costs

Profit before income tax expense

Income tax expense

Profit for the year

Profit/(loss) attributable to:

Equity holders of Telstra Entity

Non-controlling interests

Earnings per share (cents per share)

Basic

Diluted

The notes following the financial statements form part of the financial report.

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Year ended 30 June

2018

2017

Note

$m

$m

2.2

2.2

2.3

6.3

2.3

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.5

2.5

26,011

26,013

3,031

2,192

29,042

28,205

5,157

8,758

4,984

5,381

7,671

4,506

18,899

17,558

(22)

32

18,921

17,526

10,121

10,679

4,470

5,651

82

631

549

5,102

1,573

3,529

4,441

6,238

138

729

591

5,647

1,773

3,874

3,563

3,891

(34)

(17)

3,529

3,874

cents

cents

30.0

30.0

32.5

32.5

58 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 58

59 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 59

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 60  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 61  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Statement of
Comprehensive Income

For the year ended 30 June 2018

Telstra Group

Profit/(loss) for the year attributable to:

Equity holders of Telstra Entity

Non-controlling interests

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Year ended 30 June

2018

2017

Note

$m

$m

3,563

3,891

(34)

(17)

3,529

3,874

Items that will not be reclassified to the income statement

Retained profits

Actuarial gain on defined benefit plans attributable to equity holders of Telstra Entity

5.3

Income tax on actuarial gain on defined benefit plans

Cumulative gains from investments in equity instruments designated at fair value through other 
comprehensive income transferred to retained earnings on disposal

Fair value of equity instruments reserve

(Loss)/gain from investments in equity instruments designated at fair value through other comprehensive 
income

Share of other comprehensive income of equity accounted entities

Income tax on fair value movements for investments in equity instruments

Cumulative gain from investments in equity instruments designated at fair value through other 
comprehensive income transferred to retained earnings on disposal

Foreign currency translation reserve

Translation differences of foreign operations attributable to non-controlling interests

Items that may be subsequently reclassified to the income statement

Foreign currency translation reserve

Translation differences of foreign operations attributable to equity holders of Telstra Entity

Share of foreign currency translation reserve of equity accounted entities

Cash flow hedging reserve

Movements in cash flow hedging reserve

Income tax on movements in the cash flow hedging reserve

Foreign currency basis spread reserve

Changes in the value of the foreign currency basis spread

Income tax on movements in the foreign currency basis spread reserve

4.3

Total other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income attributable to:

Equity holders of Telstra Entity

Non-controlling interest

The notes following the financial statements form part of the financial report.

112

(34)

-

(16)

29

2

-

(3)

90

62

4

(97)

29

(31)

9

(24)

66

133

(40)

83

86

-

(9)

(83)

(4)

166

(77)

-

(72)

22

(41)

9

(159)

7

3,595

3,881

3,632

3,902

(37)

(21)

Statement of
Financial Position

As at 30 June 2018

Telstra Group

Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Inventories
Derivative financial assets
Current tax receivables
Prepayments
Total current assets
Non-current assets
Trade and other receivables
Inventories
Investments – accounted for using the equity method
Investments – other
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Derivative financial assets
Deferred tax assets
Defined benefit asset
Total non-current assets
Total assets
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Employee benefits
Other provisions
Borrowings
Derivative financial liabilities
Current tax payables
Revenue received in advance
Total current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Other payables
Employee benefits
Other provisions
Borrowings
Derivative financial liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Defined benefit liability
Revenue received in advance
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets
Equity
Share capital
Reserves
Retained profits
Equity available to Telstra Entity shareholders
Non-controlling interests
Total equity

Telstra Financial Report 2018

As at 30 June

2018

2017

Note

$m

$m

2.6
3.3
3.4
4.3

3.3
3.4
6.3
4.4
3.1
3.2
4.3
2.4
5.3

3.5
5.1

4.3
4.3

3.5
5.1

4.3
4.3
2.4
5.3

4.2
4.2

629
5,018
801
75
6
548
7,077

1,012
19
1,237
36
22,108
9,180
1,897
54
250
35,793
42,870

4,835
868
118
1,635
1
132
1,227
8,816

65
157
171
15,316
388
1,624
7
1,312
19,040
27,856
15,014

4,428
(117)
10,716
15,027
(13)
15,014

938
5,468
893
21
11
531
7,862

1,039
29
194
292
21,350
9,558
1,623
44
142
34,271
42,133

4,189
865
190
2,476
42
161
1,236
9,159

70
160
134
14,808
536
1,539
6
1,161
18,414
27,573
14,560

4,421
(105)
10,225
14,541
19
14,560

60 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 60

61 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 61

The notes following the financial statements form part of the financial report.

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 62  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 63  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Statement of
Cash Flows

For the year ended 30 June 2018

Telstra Group

Cash flows from operating activities

Receipts from customers (inclusive of goods and services tax (GST))

Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of GST)

Government grants received

Net cash generated by operations

Income taxes paid

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Payments for property, plant and equipment

Payments for intangible assets

Capital expenditure (before investments)

Payments for business and shares in controlled entities (net of cash acquired)

Payments for equity accounted investments

Payments for other investments

Total capital expenditure (including investments)

Government grants received

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

Proceeds from sale of business and shares in controlled entities (net of cash disposed)

Proceeds from sale of other investments

Distributions received from equity accounted investments

Interest received

Proceeds from finance lease principal amounts

Net cash used in investing activities

Operating cash flows less investing cash flows

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from borrowings

Repayment of borrowings

Repayment of finance lease principal amounts

Share buy-back

Purchase of shares for employee share plans

Finance costs paid

Dividend paid to equity holders of Telstra Entity

Other

Net cash used in financing activities

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

The notes following the financial statements form part of the financial report.

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Non- 
control- 
ling 
interests
$m
36
(17)
(4)
(21)
(2)
-
4
-
-
2
19
(34)
(3)
(37)
(2)
(1)
3
-
-
5
(13)

Total 
equity

$m
15,907
3,874
7
3,881
(3,738)
(1,502)
2
1
(22)
31
14,560
3,529
66
3,595
(3,152)
(1)
-
1
(18)
29
15,014

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Statement of
Changes in Equity

For the year ended 30 June 2018

Year ended 30 June

2018

2017

Note

$m

$m

Telstra Group

Share 
capital

Reserves Retained 

Total

profits

Balance at 1 July 2016
Profit/(loss) for the year
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income for the year
Dividend
Share buy-back (net of income tax)
Transactions with non-controlling interests
Amounts repaid on share loans provided to employees
Additional shares purchased
Share-based payments
Balance at 30 June 2017
Profit/(loss) for the year
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income for the year
Dividend
Non-controlling interests on disposals
Transactions with non-controlling interests
Amounts repaid on share loans provided to employees
Additional shares purchased
Share-based payments
Balance at 30 June 2018

$m
5,167
-
-
-
-
(754)
-
1
(22)
29
4,421
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
(18)
24
4,428

$m
62
-
(165)
(165)
-
-
(2)
-
-
-
(105)
-
(9)
(9)
-
-
(3)
-
-
-
(117)

$m
10,642
3,891
176
4,067
(3,736)
(748)
-
-
-
-
10,225
3,563
78
3,641
(3,150)
-
-
-
-
-
10,716

$m
15,871
3,891
11
3,902
(3,736)
(1,502)
(2)
1
(22)
29
14,541
3,563
69
3,632
(3,150)
-
(3)
1
(18)
24
15,027

The notes following the financial statements form part of the financial report.

2.4

2.6

31,901

31,288

(21,948)

(21,997)

174

10,127

235

9,526

(1,521)

(1,751)

8,606

7,775

(3,571)

(1,361)

(3,725)

(1,596)

(4,932)

(5,321)

(56)

(15)

(67)

(63)

(6)

(76)

(5,070)

(5,466)

91

796

49

24

9

65

125

-

679

-

285

10

109

104

(3,911)

(4,279)

4,695

3,496

4,195

4,710

(5,148)

(4,571)

(120)

(131)

-

(1,502)

(18)

(776)

(22)

(854)

4.1

(3,150)

(3,736)

2

2

(5,015)

(6,104)

(320)

(2,608)

936

4

620

3,550

(6)

936

2.6

62 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 62

63 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 63

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 64  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 65  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements

Section 1. Basis of preparation

This section explains basis of preparation of our 
financial report and provides a summary of our key 
accounting estimates and judgements.

SECTION 1. BASIS OF PREPARATION

1.1 Basis of preparation of the financial report

This financial report is a general purpose financial report, prepared 
by a ‘for profit’ entity, in accordance with the requirements of the 
Australian Corporations Act 2001, Accounting Standards applicable 
in Australia and other authoritative pronouncements of the 
Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB). It also complies with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and 
Interpretations published by the International Accounting Standards 
Board (IASB).

The financial report is presented in Australian dollars and, unless 
otherwise stated, all values have been rounded to the nearest million 
dollars ($m) under the option available under the Australian 
Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Corporations 
(Rounding in Financial/Directors’ Report) Instrument 2016/191. The 
functional currency of the Telstra Entity and its Australian controlled 
entities is Australian dollars. The functional currency of certain non- 
Australian controlled entities is not Australian dollars. The results of 
these entities are translated into Australian dollars in accordance 
with our accounting policy in note 7.1.

The financial report is prepared in accordance with historical cost, 
except for some categories of financial instruments, which are 
recorded at fair value.

1.2 Key accounting estimates and judgements

Preparing the financial report requires management to make 
estimates and judgements. The accounting policies and significant 
management judgments and estimates used and any changes 
thereto are set out in the relevant notes. They can be located within 
the following notes:

Key accounting estimates and judgements
Impact of nbn Infrastructure Services Agreement 
(ISA) on sales revenue and other income
Estimating provision for income tax
Unrecognised deferred tax assets 
Cash generating units (CGUs) for impairment 
assessment 
Useful lives and residual values of tangible assets
Impact of nbn Infrastructure Services Agreement 
(ISA) on our fixed asset base
Determining CGUs and their recoverable amount for 
impairment assessment 
Capitalisation of development costs
Determining fair value of identifiable intangible 
assets
Useful lives of intangible assets
Estimating allowance for doubtful debts
Estimating net realisable value 
Long service leave provision
Defined benefit plan
Accounting for business combinations
Significant influence over our investments
Joint control of our investments

Note Page

2.2

2.4
2.4

3.1

3.1

3.1

3.2

3.2

3.2

3.2
3.3
3.4
5.1
5.3
6.1
6.3
6.3

72

75
76

80

80

81

83

86

86

86
87
88
109
117
119
127
127

Note 7.1 includes our accounting policy on foreign currency 
translation, changes in accounting policies and a summary of new 
accounting standards to be applied in future reporting periods.

1.3 Terminology used in our income statement 

Earnings before interest, income tax expense, depreciation and 
amortisation (EBITDA) reflect our profit for the year, prior to including 
the effect of net finance costs, income taxes, depreciation and 
amortisation. Our management primarily uses EBITDA and earnings 
before interest and income tax expense (EBIT), in combination with 
other financial measures, to evaluate the Company’s operating 
performance. In addition, we believe EBITDA is useful to our 
shareholders, analysts and other members of the investment 
community who also view EBITDA as a widely recognised measure of 
operating performance.

EBIT is a similar measure to EBITDA, but takes into account 
depreciation and amortisation.

1.4 Principles of consolidation

Our financial report includes the assets and liabilities of the Telstra 
Entity and its controlled entities as a whole as at the end of the 
financial year and the consolidated results and cash flows for the 
year. 

An entity is considered to be a controlled entity where we are 
exposed, or have rights, to variable returns from our involvement with 
the entity and have the ability to affect those returns through our 
power to direct the activities of the entity. We consolidate the results 
of our controlled entities from the date on which we gain control until 
the date we cease control.

The effects of intra-group transactions and balances are eliminated 
in full from our consolidated financial statements.

Non-controlling interests in the results and equity of controlled 
entities are shown separately in our income statement, statement of 
comprehensive income, statement of financial position and 
statement of changes in equity.

The financial statements of controlled entities are prepared for the 
same reporting period as the Telstra Entity, using consistent 
accounting policies. Adjustments are made to bring into line any 
dissimilar accounting policies. 

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Section 2. Our performance

This section explains our results and performance 
and includes our segment results, which are 
reported on the same basis as our internal 
management structure, and our earnings per share 
for the period. It also provides details of selected 
income and expense items, information about 
taxation and a reconciliation of our profit to net cash 
generated from operating activities.

SECTION 2. OUR PERFORMANCE

2.1 Segment information

Segment information is based on the information that 
management uses to make decisions about operating matters 
and allows users to review operations through the eyes of 
management.

Our operating segments represent the business units which 
offer our main products and services in the market, however 
only some of our operating segments meet the disclosure 
criteria for reportable segments.

2.1.1 Operating segments

We report segment information on the same basis as our internal 
management reporting structure at the reporting date. Segment 
comparatives reflect any organisational changes that have occurred 
since the prior reporting period to present a like-for-like view. 

On 23 May 2017 and 14 June 2017, we announced organisational 
changes effective from 1 July 2017. As a result, our operating 
segments were amended as follows:
• Telstra Retail (TR) and Global Enterprise and Services (GES) 
changed their names to Telstra Consumer & Small Business 
(TC&SB) and Telstra Enterprise (TE), respectively. At the same 
time, Telstra Business results, previously included in TR, were split 
between TC&SB and TE with small business customers remaining 
in TC&SB and medium business customers moving to TE

• Telstra Ventures moved from New Business (NB) to Technology, 
Innovation and Strategy (TI&S) with no impact on reportable 
segment as the results of these operating segments are reported 
under the ‘All Other’ category. 

The ‘All Other’ category includes business units that do not qualify as 
operating segments in their own right as well as the operating 
segments which do not meet the disclosure requirements of a 
reportable segment, including NB (which includes Telstra Health), 
Media & Marketing and TI&S.

We have four reportable segments as follows:

Segment

Operation

Telstra Consumer and 
Small Business (TC&SB)

• provider of telecommunication products, services and solutions across mobiles, fixed and mobile 

broadband, telephony and Pay TV/IPTV and digital content to consumer and small business customers 
in Australia

• the operation of inbound and outbound call centres, Telstra shops (owned and licensed) and the 

Telstra dealership network

• online self-service capabilities for customers, from buying to billing and service requests

Telstra Enterprise (TE)

• sales and contract management for medium to large business and government customers in Australia 

and globally

• management of Telstra's networks outside Australia in conjunction with Telstra Operations
• product management for advanced technology solutions and services, including Data and Internet 
Protocol (IP) networks, Mobility Applications and Services, and Network Applications and Services 
(NAS) products such as managed network, unified communications, cloud, industry solutions and 
integrated services and monitoring in Australia and globally

• development of industry vertical solutions based on Telstra's networks and technology

Telstra Operations 
(TOps)

• overall planning, design, engineering architecture and construction of Telstra networks, technology 

and information technology solutions

• service delivery centre supporting the revenue-generating activities of TC&SB, TE and TW segments, 

including operational and risk management services

• provider of certain network services to nbn co under the revised nbn Definitive Agreements (nbn DAs) 

and commercial contracts

• provider of various telecommunication services to meet Telstra Universal Service Obligation 

Performance Agreement (TUSOPA)

Telstra Wholesale (TW) 

• provider of a wide range of telecommunication products and services delivered over Telstra networks 
and associated support systems to other carriers, carriage service providers and internet service 
providers

• provider of certain network assets and services to nbn co under the revised nbn DAs

64 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
64 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 65
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 65

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 66  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 67  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 2. Our performance (continued)

Section 2. Our performance (continued)

2.1 Segment information (continued)

2.1.1 Operating segments (continued)

Consistent with information presented for internal management 
reporting purposes, the result of each segment is measured based 
on its EBITDA contribution. EBITDA contribution excludes the effects 
of all inter-segment balances and transactions, with the exception of 
transactions referred to following Table A in note 2.1.2. As such, only 
transactions external to the Telstra Group are reported.

Certain items of income and expenses are recorded by our corporate 
areas (included in the ‘All Other’ category) rather than being allocated 
to each segment. These items include:
• the adjustment to defer our basic access installation and 
connection fee revenues and costs in accordance with our 
accounting policy (our reportable segments record these amounts 
upfront)

• the majority of redundancy expenses for the Telstra Entity and 

restructuring costs.

In addition, the following points further explain how some items are 
allocated and managed and, as a result, how they are reflected in our 
segment results:
• revenue associated with mobile handsets sold via dealers for the 
TE segment is allocated to the TC&SB segment along with the 
associated costs of goods sold, as the TC&SB segment manages 
our supplier, delivery and dealership arrangements. Ongoing pre-
paid and post-paid mobile revenues derived from our mobile 
usage services are recorded in the TC&SB and TE segments 
depending on the type of customer serviced

• call centre costs associated with the TE segment are included in 

the TC&SB segment

• a portion of NAS costs associated with revenue from small to 

medium business customers, included in the TC&SB segment, are 
reported in the TE segment

• the TOps segment result includes network service delivery costs 

for TC&SB, TE and TW customers

• the TOps segment recognises expenses in relation to the 

installation, maintenance and running of the Hybrid Fibre Coaxial 
(HFC) cable assets, while a portion of the running costs of HFC 
cable assets is managed by Media & Marketing operating segment 
(included in the ‘All Other’ category)

• domestic promotion and advertising expenses for the Telstra 

Entity are recorded centrally in the Media & Marketing operating 
segment (included in the ‘All Other’ category)

• late payment fees previously recorded in our corporate areas have 
been reclassified to TC&SB to align our product reporting with 
consumer and small business customer view

• following changes in the way we work and utilise our offices, we 

have now centralised the rental costs, with the exception of costs 
related to our retail shops and international operations, in TOps. 
Previously these expenses were recorded in their respective 
business units

• the TW segment result includes rental revenue and income from 

the transfer of Telstra assets under the nbn Infrastructure 
Services Agreement (ISA), while the associated costs are reported 
in the TOps segment and in the ‘All Other’ category, respectively
• the ‘All Other’ category includes income from nbn disconnection 

fees, while the associated costs are reported in the TOps segment.

2.1 Segment information (continued)

2.1.2 Segment results

Table A details our segment results and a reconciliation of EBITDA 
contribution to the Telstra Group’s EBITDA, EBIT and profit before 
income tax expense. 

Table A

Telstra Group

Revenue from external customers
Other income
Total income
Share of net profit/(loss) from joint ventures and associated 
entities
EBITDA contribution
Depreciation and amortisation
Telstra Group EBIT
Net finance costs
Telstra Group profit before income tax expense

Revenue from external customers
Other income
Total income
Share of net profit/(loss) from joint ventures and associated 
entities
EBITDA contribution
Depreciation and amortisation
Telstra Group EBIT
Net finance costs
Telstra Group profit before income tax expense

The effects of the following inter-segment transactions have not 
been excluded from segment EBITDA contribution:
• revenue from external customers in the TE segment includes $214 
million (2017: $192 million) of inter-segment revenue treated as 
external expenses in the TC&SB and TW segments, which is 
eliminated in the ‘All Other’ category

• external expenses in the TE segment also include $13 million 

(2017: $14 million) of inter-segment expenses treated as external 
revenue in the TW segment and eliminated in the ‘All Other’ 
category.

During the period, there was a total impairment loss of $327 million 
related to goodwill and other non-current assets, of which $273 
million related to Ooyala Holdings Group and was recognised in the 
‘All Other’ category. Refer to note 3.2.1 for further details.

TE

$m

TOps

$m

TW All Other

$m

$m

Total

$m

TC&SB

$m

14,629
54
14,683

-

Year ended 30 June 2018

8,217
32
8,249

2

844
373
1,217

-

2,341
396
2,737

-

6,970

3,216

(2,715)

2,544

14,647
75
14,722

-

Year ended 30 June 2017

8,089
19
8,108

4

789
362
1,151

-

2,394
443
2,837

(1)

7,972

3,442

(2,763)

2,627

(20)
2,176
2,156

(24)

106

94
1,293
1,387

29

(599)

26,011
3,031
29,042

(22)

10,121
(4,470)
5,651
(549)
5,102

26,013
2,192
28,205

32

10,679
(4,441)
6,238
(591)
5,647

66 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
66 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 67
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 67

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 2018 
2018.Financial Report.book  Page 68  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 69  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 2. Our performance (continued)

Section 2. Our performance (continued)

2.1 Segment information (continued)

2.1.2 Segment results (continued)

Table C provides information about revenue and other income from 
our products and services. 

Information about our geographical operations is presented in           
Table B.

Table C

Telstra Group

Table B

Telstra Group

Revenue from external customers
Australian customers
Offshore customers

Carrying amount of non-current assets
Located in Australia
Located offshore

Year ended/as at

30 June

2018

2017

$m

$m

24,701
1,310
26,011

30,141
2,384
32,525

24,734
1,279
26,013

28,884
2,218
31,102

Total income (excluding finance 
income)

Fixed

Mobile

Data & IP

Network applications and services

Media

Global connectivity

Other sales revenue ¹

Other revenue ²

Other income

Year ended 30 June

2018

2017

Note

$m

$m

5,812

6,402

10,145

10,102

2,557

3,646

993

1,513

1,001

344

3,031

2,698

3,358

1,039

1,449

862

103

2,192

29,042

28,205

2.2

2.2

2.2

Our geographical operations are split between our Australian and 
offshore operations. No individual geographical area of our offshore 
operations forms a significant part of our operations.

The carrying amount of our segment non-current assets excludes 
financial instrument assets, inventories, defined benefit assets and 
deferred tax assets.

1  Other sales revenue relates to nbn co accessing our infrastructure and miscellaneous 
revenue. It also includes revenue from Telstra Health and Telstra Software business units.

2  Other revenue primarily consists of $314 million (2017: $64 million) from Go Mobile Swap 
lease and rental income. 

On 20 June 2018, we announced the following organisational 
changes effective from 1 July 2018:
• A standalone infrastructure business unit, Telstra InfraCo will be 
established comprising Telstra Wholesale and Telstra’s nbn co 
commercial works activities which were part of Telstra Operations 
segment. Telstra InfraCo will comprise Telstra’s high quality fixed 
network infrastructure including data centres, non-mobiles 
related domestic fibre, copper, HFC, international subsea cables, 
exchanges, poles, ducts and pipes. Its services will be sold to 
Telstra, wholesale customers and nbn co

• Global Business Services (GBS), a new business unit will be 

created comprising Global Finance Services, Procurement and 
Supply Chain, Global Service Delivery and Property Services.

Year ended 30 June

2018

2017

$m

$m

21,608
2,994
1,065
25,667
344
26,011

607
323
209
1,779
113
3,031
29,042
82
29,124

22,132
2,773
1,005
25,910
103
26,013

686
(2)
178
1,248
82
2,192
28,205
138
28,343

2.2 Income

Table A

Telstra Group

Sales revenue
Rendering of services
Sale of goods
Construction contracts

Other revenue (excluding finance income)
Total revenue (excluding finance income)
Other income
Net gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangibles
Net gain/(loss) on disposal of business and investments
Government grants
nbn disconnection fees
Other miscellaneous income

Total income (excluding finance income)
Finance income
Total income

Other revenue includes income from operating leases of mobile 
handsets offered to our retail customers. Refer to note 7.4.2 for 
further information about these lease arrangements.

Net gain/(loss) on disposal of business and investments includes the 
fair value gain on Foxtel and Fox Sports Australia merger of $261 
million.

Government grants include income under the Telstra Universal 
Service Obligation Performance Agreement (TUSOPA), Mobile 
Blackspot Government Program and other individually immaterial 
contracts accounted for as government grants. There are no 
unfulfilled conditions or other contingencies attached to these 
grants.

Other miscellaneous income includes a $38 million fair value gain 
from conversion of the loan to our Foxtel joint venture (Foxtel) into  
investment. Refer to note 6.3.1(c) for further details.

68 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
68 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 69
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 69

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 70  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 71  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 2. Our performance (continued)

Section 2. Our performance (continued)

2.2 Income (continued)

2.2.1 Recognition and measurement

Revenue represents the fair value of the consideration received or 
receivable. Revenue is recorded net of sales returns, trade 
allowances, discounts, sales incentives, duties and taxes. We 
generate revenue and other income primarily from the following 
business activities:

Category

Recognition and measurement

Rendering of services

Telecommunication services
Revenue from:
• calls is earned on completion of the call
• internet and data is earned on a straight-line basis over the period of service provided, unless another 

method better represents the stage of completion.

Installation and connection fees that are not considered to be separate services are deferred and 
recognised over the average estimated customer life.

Rent of network facilities
We earn rent mainly from access to retail and wholesale fixed and mobile networks and from the rent of 
dedicated lines, customer equipment, property, plant and equipment and other facilities. The revenue 
from providing access to the network is recorded on an accrual basis over the rental period.

Advertising and subscription service
Revenue from online advertising services is recognised when displayed or over the stated display period 
for advertisements published on the websites or when the services have been rendered for promotional 
activities. Subscription revenue is recognised on a straight-line basis over the subscription period. 

Sale of goods

Revenue from the sale of goods includes revenue from the sale of customer equipment and other goods. 
This revenue is recorded on delivery of the goods sold.

Construction contracts

We record construction revenue and profit on a percentage of contract completion basis. The percentage 
of completion is calculated based on estimated costs to complete the contract. This does not apply to 
short duration contracts (less than one month) where revenue is only recorded upon contract completion.

Profits are recognised when:
• the stage of contract completion can be reliably determined
• costs to date can be clearly identified
• total contract revenues to be received and costs to complete can be reliably estimated.

Lease income

We earn income from operating subleases of mobile handsets offered to our retail customers (Telstra as 
a lessor), which we lease from a third party in a back-to-back arrangement (Telstra as a lessee). We also 
earn income from property leases. Lease income is recognised as other revenue on a straight-line basis 
over the lease term. Expenses arising from the head lease are recognised as other expenses (refer to note 
2.3).

Government grants

Government grants are recognised where there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received 
and Telstra will comply with all attached conditions.

Government grants relating to costs are deferred and recognised in the income statement over the period 
necessary to match them with the costs that they are intended to compensate.

Interest income

We record interest income on an accrual basis. For financial assets, interest income is determined by the 
effective yield on the instrument.

2.2 Income (continued)

2.2.1 Recognition and measurement (continued)

The following paragraphs further explain how we measure and 
recognise revenue generated from our business activities.

(a) Revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables

Where two or more revenue-generating activities or deliverables are 
sold under a single arrangement, each deliverable that is considered 
to have a value to the customer on a standalone basis is accounted 
for as a separate unit of account.

We allocate the consideration from the revenue arrangement to its 
separate units based on the relative selling prices of each unit. In the 
absence of a standalone selling price, the item is measured based on 
the best estimate of the selling price of that unit. The amount 
allocated to a delivered item is limited to the amount that is not 
contingent upon the delivery of additional items or meeting other 
specified performance conditions (non-contingent amount).

(b) Principal versus agency relationship (gross versus net revenue 
recognition)

Generally, we record the full gross amount of sales proceeds as 
revenue. However, if we are acting as an agent, revenue is recorded 
on a net basis. 

(c) Sales incentives

We provide cash and non-cash sales incentives. The incentives are 
accrued when it is probable that the customer will earn the 
incentives. Cash sales incentives are generally recorded as a 
reduction in revenue and allocated to each product/service 
contributing towards the earning of the incentive. The allocation is 
based on the relative amounts of revenue earned for each product 
and service, unless a more appropriate methodology is available.

A non-cash sales incentive is considered to be a separate deliverable 
in a multiple deliverables arrangement regardless of whether it is 
provided to customers at the commencement of a contract or is an 
amount that can be used to buy future products and services. A 
portion of the total revenue under the arrangement is allocated to the 
non-cash incentive in accordance with the policy for multiple 
deliverables arrangements. The sales revenue allocated to the 
incentive is recognised when the customer redeems the reward and 
we provide the product or service or when the right to purchase 
additional goods or services is forfeited.

70 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
70 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 71
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 71

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 72  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 73  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 2. Our performance (continued)

Section 2. Our performance (continued)

2.2 Income (continued)

2.2.1 Recognition and measurement (continued)

Impact of nbn Infrastructure
Services Agreements (ISA) on sales
revenue and other income

nbn co makes decisions about the access technologies (e.g. fibre to the premises 
'FTTP', fibre to the basement 'FTTB', fibre to the node 'FTTN', fibre to the curb 'FTTC' 
or Hybrid Fibre Coaxial 'HFC') which it intends to use to serve premises in each of 
its rollout regions. In any given rollout region, these decisions trigger its election to 
acquire the relevant Telstra assets, the ownership of which we are progressively 
transferring to nbn co under the nbn Infrastructure Services Agreement (ISA). 
These assets include lead-in conduits (LICs), certain copper and HFC assets and 
associated passive infrastructure (being infrastructure that supports the relevant 
copper and HFC assets). In addition to the progressive transfer of these assets, we 
also provide nbn co with long-term access to certain other components of our 
infrastructure.

Under the ISA, we receive from nbn co the following payments:
• Infrastructure Ownership Payment (IOP) for the transfer of LICs, certain copper 

and HFC assets and associated passive infrastructure

• Infrastructure Access Payment (IAP) for long-term access to ducts and pits
• payments for long-term access to other infrastructure, including dark fibre and 

exchange rack space.

IOP are received over the duration of the nbnTM network rollout, CPI adjusted and 
linked to the progress of the nbnTM network rollout.

IAP are also indexed to CPI, will grow in line with the nbnTM network rollout until its 
completion and subsequently continue for the remaining average contracted 
period of 30 years.

IOP and IAP are classified in the income statement as other income and sales 
revenue, respectively, and are recognised on a percentage rollout basis of the 
nbnTM network footprint.

For any given period, the IOP and IAP amounts ultimately received from nbn co may 
vary from the amounts recognised in the income statement depending on progress 
of the nbnTM network rollout and the final number of our existing fixed line premises 
as defined and determined under the ISA. A change in the nbnTM network rollout 
progress and/or the final number of these premises could result in a material 
change to the amount of IOP and IAP recognised in the income statement.

We have applied management judgement in determining our best estimate of the 
amounts of IOP and IAP recognised for the financial year 2018. Should evidence 
exist in the future reporting periods that changes these best estimates, other 
income and sales revenue will be adjusted in the future reporting periods.

2.3 Expenses

In our income statement, we classify our expenses (apart from 
finance costs) by nature as this classification more accurately 
reflects the type of operations we undertake.

Telstra Group

Included in our labour expenses are the following:
Employee redundancy
Share-based payments
Defined contribution plan expense
Defined benefit plan expense

Cost of goods sold

Other expenses
Impairment losses
Rental expense on operating leases
Service contracts and other agreements
Promotion and advertising
General and administration
Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Amortisation of intangible assets

Finance costs
Interest on borrowings
Other

Less: interest on borrowings capitalised

Year ended 30 June

2018

2017

$m

$m

163
29
253
69

313
31
251
72

3,551

3,287

568
1,071
1,661
344
1,056
284
4,984

3,005
1,465
4,470

784
(52)
732
(101)
631

306
724
1,802
330
998
346
4,506

3,058
1,383
4,441

832
(22)
810
(81)
729

The following paragraphs detail further information about our 
expenses and finance costs: 
• impairment losses include a $219 million (2017: $202 million) 
impairment of trade and other receivables and a $327 million 
(2017: $86 million) impairment of goodwill and other non-current 
assets. Refer to note 3.2.1 for further details on the impairment of 
goodwill

• interest on borrowings has been capitalised using a capitalisation 

• other finance costs include unrealised valuation impacts on our 

borrowings and derivatives. These include net (gains)/losses which 
arise from changes in the fair value of derivative financial 
instruments to the extent that hedge accounting is not effective or 
the hedge accounting criteria are not met. These fair values 
increase or decrease because of changes in financial indices and 
prices over which we have no control. All unrealised amounts 
unwind to nil at maturity of the underlying instrument

rate of 4.9 per cent (2017: 5.1 per cent)

• further information on our operating leases is provided in note 

7.4.2.

72 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
72 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 73
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 73

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 74  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 75  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018
Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 2. Our performance (continued)

Section 2. Our performance (continued)

2.4 Income taxes

This note sets out our tax accounting policies and provides an analysis of our income tax expense and deferred tax balances, including 
a reconciliation of tax expense to accounting profit.

Current income tax is based on the accounting profit adjusted for differences in accounting and tax treatments of income and expenses 
(i.e. taxable income).

Deferred income tax, which is accounted for using the balance sheet method, arises because the accounting income is not always the 
same as taxable income. This creates temporary differences, which usually reverse over time. Until they reverse, a deferred tax asset 
or liability must be recognised on the balance sheet.

In Table B we provide a breakdown of effective income tax rates and Tax Transparency Code effective income tax rates for both the 
Australian Economic Group (the Telstra Entity and its Australian resident controlled entities) and the Telstra Group. In Table C we 
provide a reconciliation of income tax expense to income tax paid during the period. These disclosures form part of the requirements 
of the Board of Taxation’s Voluntary Tax Transparency Code. Any disclosed amounts are determined in accordance with Australian 
Accounting Standards. Details on how we manage our tax affairs will be provided in our Bigger Picture 2018 Sustainability Report due 
to be released on 31 August 2018. 

2.4.1 Income tax expense

Table A provides a reconciliation of notional income tax expense to actual income tax expense. 

Table A

Telstra Group

Major components of income tax expense
Current tax expense
Deferred tax resulting from the origination and reversal of temporary differences
(Over)/under provision of tax in prior years

Reconciliation of notional income tax expense to actual income tax expense
Profit before income tax expense
Notional income tax expense calculated at the Australian tax rate of 30% (2017: 30%)
Notional income tax expense differs from actual income tax expense due to the tax effect of:
Different tax rates in overseas jurisdictions
Non-taxable and non-deductible items
Amended assessments
(Over)/under provision of tax in prior years
Income tax expense on profit
Income tax (benefit)/expense recognised directly in other comprehensive income or equity during the year

Year ended 30 June

2018

2017

$m

$m

1,552
24
(3)
1,573

5,102
1,531

(18)
66
(3)
(3)
1,573
(6)

1,731
26
16
1,773

5,647
1,694

(11)
78
(4)
16
1,773
18

Table B details effective income tax rates as part of the requirements of the Voluntary Tax Transparency Code.
Table B

Year ended 30 June

Telstra Group

Effective income tax rate
Tax Transparency Code effective income tax rate

2018

2017

Group
30.8%
30.9%

Australia
30.5%
30.6%

Group

31.4%
31.2%

Australia
32.5%
32.5%

The effective income tax rate for the Telstra Group of 30.8 per cent 
(2017: 31.4 per cent) was calculated as income tax expense divided 
by profit before income tax expense.  The Tax Transparency Code 
effective income tax rate (TTC ETR) for the Telstra Group of 30.9 per 
cent (2017: 31.2 per cent) differs to the effective income tax rate by 
excluding the impact of under or over provision of tax in prior years 
and amended assessments.  The TTC ETR forms part of the 
requirements of the Voluntary Tax Transparency Code to 
demonstrate the income tax expense borne by Telstra in respect of 
the Australian and global operations for the individual year.

Non-taxable and non-deductible items in the current period include 
the tax effect of:
• non-deductible impairment of Ooyala Holdings Group CGU ($82 

million)

• non-assessable gain on the merger of the Foxtel business ($78 

million)

• tax losses not recognised ($31 million)
• estimated share of taxable income from the Foxtel Partnership 

($17 million)

• non-deductible losses crystallised on equitisation of Foxtel 

shareholder loan ($13 million)
• various other items ($1 million).

2.4 Income taxes (continued)

2.4.1 Income tax expense (continued)

Table C below provides a reconciliation of income tax expense to 
income tax paid during the period. ‘Temporary differences 
recognised in deferred tax expense’ does not include the deferred tax 
impact of acquisitions and disposals or the deferred tax expense 
impact of under/over provisions of tax in prior years which is included 
in ‘Other’.

Table C

Telstra Group

Income tax expense
Temporary differences recognised in 
deferred tax expense
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Provision for employee entitlements
Trade and other payables
Revenue received in advance
Accrued revenue
Long-term construction contracts
Other temporary differences

Income tax payments relating to prior 
years
Current year income tax payable next year
Other
Income tax paid 

As at 30 June

2018

2017

$m
1,573

$m
1,773

(133)
118
(25)
18
36
(64)
40
(14)
(24)

101

(132)
3
1,521

(106)
118
6
12
63
(33)
(84)
(2)
(26)

174

(161)
(9)
1,751

Estimating
provision for
income tax

We are subject to income tax 
legislation in Australia and in 
jurisdictions where we have foreign 
operations. Judgement is required in 
determining our worldwide 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 in the countries we operate 
in may affect the amount of provision 
for income taxes and deferred tax 
balances recognised.

2.4.2 Deferred tax assets/(liabilities)

Table D details the amount of deferred tax assets and liabilities 
recognised in the statement of financial position. Deferred tax items 
recognised in the income statement include impact of foreign 
exchange movements.

Table D

Telstra Group

Deferred tax items recognised in the 
income statement
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Provision for employee entitlements
Trade and other payables
Defined benefit liability
Borrowings and derivative financial 
instruments
Revenue received in advance
Allowance for doubtful debts
Provision for workers' compensation and 
other provisions
Accrued revenue
Long-term construction contracts
Income tax losses
Capital tax losses
Other

Deferred tax items recognised in other 
comprehensive income or equity
Defined benefit liability
Financial instruments
Other

Net deferred tax liability
Comprising:
Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities

Year ended 30 June

2018

2017

$m

$m

(1,440)
(867)
305
136
96

(1,343)
(895)
330
113
95

(52)

(32)

271
27

68

(130)
(80)
32
123
(65)
(1,576)

(171)
184
(7)
6
(1,570)

54
(1,624)
(1,570)

241
36

72

(63)
(117)
35
-
34
(1,494)

(137)
147
(11)
(1)
(1,495)

44
(1,539)
(1,495)

74 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
74 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 75
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 75

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 76  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 77  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 2. Our performance (continued)

Section 2. Our performance (continued)

2.4 Income taxes (continued)

2.4.4 Recognition and measurement

2.5 Earnings per share

2.6 Notes to the statement of cash flows

Our income tax expense is the sum of current and deferred income 
tax expenses. Current income tax expense is calculated on 
accounting profit after adjusting for non-taxable and non-deductible 
items based on rules set by the tax authorities. Deferred income tax 
expense is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply for 
the period in which the deferred tax asset is realised or the deferred 
tax liability is settled. Both our current and deferred income tax 
expenses are calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or 
substantively enacted at reporting date.

Our current and deferred taxes are recognised as an expense in the 
income statement, except when they relate to items that are directly 
recognised in other comprehensive income or equity. In this case, our 
current and deferred tax expenses are also recognised directly in 
other comprehensive income or equity.

We apply the balance sheet method for calculating our deferred tax 
balances. Deferred tax is the expected tax payable or recoverable on 
all taxable and deductible temporary differences determined with 
reference to the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying 
amount for financial reporting purposes as at the reporting date.

We generally recognise deferred tax liabilities for all taxable 
temporary differences, except to the extent that the deferred tax 
liability arises from:
• the initial recognition of goodwill
• the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is 
not a business combination and affects neither our accounting 
profit nor our taxable income at the time of the transaction.

For our investments in controlled entities, joint ventures and 
associated entities, recognition of deferred tax liabilities is required 
unless we are able to control the timing of our temporary difference 
reversal and it is probable that the temporary difference will not 
reverse.

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable 
that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible 
temporary differences, and the carried forward unused tax losses 
and tax credits, can be utilised.

Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset in the 
statement of financial position where they relate to income taxes 
levied by the same taxation authority and to the extent that we intend 
to settle our current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis. 

2.4.2 Deferred tax assets/(liabilities) (continued)

Unrecognised
deferred tax
assets

We apply management judgement to 
determine a deferred tax asset and 
review its carrying amount at each 
reporting date. The carrying amount is 
only recognised to the extent that it is 
probable that sufficient taxable profit 
will be available in the future to utilise 
this benefit. Any amount unrecognised 
could be subsequently recognised if it 
has become probable that future 
taxable profit will allow us to benefit 
from this deferred tax asset.

Table E details deferred tax assets not recognised in the statement 
of financial position.

Table E

Telstra Group

Deferred tax assets not recognised
Income tax losses
Capital tax losses
Deductible temporary differences

Year ended 30 June

2018

2017

$m

$m

358
1,744
165
2,267

322
1,896
272
2,490

2.4.3 Tax consolidated group

Under Australian taxation law, the Telstra Entity and its Australian 
resident wholly owned entities (members) form a tax consolidated 
group and are treated as a single entity for income tax purposes. The 
Telstra Entity is the head entity of the group and, in addition to its 
own transactions, it recognises the current tax liabilities and the 
deferred tax assets arising from unused tax losses and tax credits for 
all members in the group. 

Entities within the tax consolidated group have entered into a tax 
sharing agreement and a tax funding agreement with the head entity.

The tax sharing agreement specifies methods of allocating any tax 
liability in the event the head entity defaults on its group payment 
obligations and the treatment where a member exits the tax 
consolidated group.

Under the tax funding agreement the head entity and each of the 
members have agreed to pay/receive a current tax payable to/
receivable from the head entity based on the current tax liability or 
current tax asset recorded in the financial statements of the 
members. The Telstra Entity will also compensate the members for 
any deferred tax assets relating to unused tax losses and tax credits. 

Amounts receivable by the Telstra Entity of $59 million (2017: $32 
million) and payable by the Telstra Entity of $114 million (2017: $101 
million) under the tax funding agreement are due in the next financial 
year upon final settlement of the current tax payable for the tax 
consolidated group.

This note outlines the calculation of Earnings per Share (EPS), 
which is the amount of post-tax profit attributable to each 
share. EPS excludes profit attributable to non-controlling 
interest and takes into account the average number of shares 
weighted by the number of days on issue.

We calculate basic and diluted EPS. Diluted EPS reflects the 
effects of the equity instruments allocated to our employee 
share schemes under the Telstra Growthshare Trust and the 
Telstra Employee Share Ownership Plans.

Telstra Group

Earnings used in the calculation of basic 
and diluted EPS
Profit for the year attributable to equity 
holders of Telstra Entity

Year ended 30 June

2018

2017

$m

$m

3,563

3,891

Weighted average number of ordinary 
shares

Number of shares 
(millions)

2.6.1 Reconciliation of profit to net cash provided by operating 
activities

Table A

Telstra Group

Profit for the year

Add/(subtract) items classified as 
investing/financing activities

Finance income

Finance costs

Net gain on disposal of property, 
plant and equipment and 
intangible assets
Net (gain)/loss on disposal of 
business, controlled entities and 
equity accounted investments
Government grants received 
relating to investing activities

Add/(subtract) non-cash items

Year ended 30 June

2018

2017

Note

$m

$m

3,529

3,874

(82)

631

(138)

729

(607)

(686)

(323)

(91)

2

-

Depreciation and amortisation

4,470

4,441

11,877

11,968

Share-based payments

Weighted average number of ordinary 
shares used in the calculation of basic EPS
Dilutive effect of certain employee share 
instruments
Weighted average number of ordinary 
shares used in the calculation of diluted 
EPS

Basic EPS
Diluted EPS

7

11

11,884

11,979

cents
30.0
30.0

cents
32.5
32.5

When we calculate the basic EPS, we adjust the weighted average 
number of ordinary shares to exclude the shares held in trust by 
Telstra Growthshare Trust (Growthshare) and by the Telstra 
Employee Share Ownership Plan Trust II (TESOP99).

Information about equity instruments issued under the Growthshare 
and TESOP99 share plans can be found in note 5.2.

Defined benefit plan expense

Share of net loss/(profit) from joint 
ventures and associated entities
Impairment losses (excluding 
inventories, trade and other 
receivables)

6.3

Other

Cash movements in operating 
assets and liabilities (net of 
acquisitions and disposals of 
controlled entity balances)
Increase in trade and other 
receivables

Decrease/(increase) in inventories

Increase in prepayments and other 
assets
Increase in trade and other 
payables
Increase in revenue received in 
advance

Increase in net taxes payable

(Decrease)/increase in provisions

Net cash provided by operating 
activities

29

69

22

327

(33)

(164)

106

(142)

649

204

52

(40)

31

72

(32)

86

(20)

(370)

(335)

(279)

99

225

26

50

8,606

7,775

76 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
76 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 77
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 77

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 78  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 79  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Section 2. Our performance (continued)

2.6 Notes to the statement of cash flows (continued)

2.6.2  Cash and cash equivalents

Table B

Telstra Group

Cash at bank and on hand
Bank deposits and negotiable certificates 
of deposit

Bank overdraft
Cash and cash equivalents in the 
statement of cash flows

Year ended 30 June

2018

2017

$m
129

500

629
(9)

620

$m
212

726

938
(2)

936

2.6.3 Recognition, measurement and presentation

(a) Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents include cash at bank and on hand, bank 
deposits and negotiable certificates of deposit that are held to meet 
short-term cash commitments rather than for investment purposes.

Bank deposits and negotiable certificates of deposit are classified as 
financial assets held at amortised cost.

(b) Short-term borrowings in financing cash flows 

Where our short-term borrowings are held for the purposes of 
meeting short-term cash commitments, we report the cash receipts 
and subsequent repayments in financing activities on a net basis in 
the statement of cash flows.

(c) Goods and Services Tax (GST) (including other value-added 
taxes)

We record our revenue, expenses and assets net of any applicable 
GST, except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable 
from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). In these circumstances the 
GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as 
part of the expense item.

Receivables and payables balances include GST where we have 
either included GST in our price charged to customers or a supplier 
has included GST in their price charged to us. The net amount of GST 
due to the ATO but not paid is included in our current trade and other 
payables.

Section 3. Our core assets and working
capital

This section describes our core long-term tangible and 
intangible assets underpinning the Group’s performance 
and provides a summary of our asset impairment 
assessment. This section also describes our short-term 
assets and liabilities, i.e. our working capital supporting the 
operating liquidity of our business.

SECTION 3. 

3.1 Property, plant and equipment

OUR CORE ASSETS AND WORKING CAPITAL

Table A shows movements in net book value of our tangible assets 
during the financial year.   

Table A
Telstra Group

Buildings

Land and 
site 
improve- 
ments

Commu- 
nication 
assets

Other plant, 
equipment 
and motor 
vehicles

Total 
property, 
plant and 
equipment

Net book value at 1 July 2016
Additions
Disposals
Impairment losses
Depreciation expenses
Net foreign currency exchange differences
Transfers
Net book value at 30 June 2017
At cost
Accumulated depreciation and impairment

Net book value at 1 July 2017
Additions
Acquisition of controlled entities
Disposals
Impairment losses
Depreciation expenses
Net foreign currency exchange differences
Transfers
Net book value at 30 June 2018
At cost
Accumulated depreciation and impairment

$m
52
-
-
-
-
-
-
52
52
-

52
-
-
-
-
(3)
-
-
49
52
(3)

$m
621
79
-
-
(72)
(4)
(4)
620
1,310
(690)

620
92
-
-
(4)
(96)
3
(3)
612
1,381
(769)

$m
19,429
3,647
(4)
(4)
(2,836)
(34)
22
20,220
60,987
(40,767)

20,220
3,536
-
(5)
(9)
(2,801)
48
76
21,065
62,111
(41,046)

$m
479
124
(1)
-
(150)
(4)
10
458
1,963
(1,505)

458
112
4
(3)
(7)
(105)
3
(80)
382
1,405
(1,023)

$m
20,581
3,850
(5)
(4)
(3,058)
(42)
28
21,350
64,312
(42,962)

21,350
3,740
4
(8)
(20)
(3,005)
54
(7)
22,108
64,949
(42,841)

78 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
78 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 79
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 79

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 80  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 81  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 3. Our core assets and working capital (continued)

Section 3. Our core assets and working capital (continued)

3.1 Property, plant and equipment (continued)

3.1.2 Recognition and measurement

3.1 Property, plant and equipment (continued)

(c) Leased assets (Telstra as a lessee)

The following paragraphs provide further information about our fixed 
asset classes:

• additions to property, plant and equipment include $73 million 

(2017: $54 million) of capitalised borrowing costs directly 
attributable to qualifying assets

• buildings include leasehold improvements and a $103 million 

(2017: $44 million) net book value of buildings under finance lease
• communication assets include certain network land and building 
assets that are essential to the operation of our communication 
assets

• as at 30 June 2018, we had property, plant and equipment under 
construction amounting to $1,388 million (2017: $1,147 million). 
As these assets were not installed and ready for use, no 
depreciation has been charged on these assets.

3.1.1  Impairment assessment

All non-current tangible assets are reviewed for impairment 
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the 
carrying amounts may not be recoverable. For our impairment 
assessment we identify cash generating units (CGUs), i.e. the 
smallest groups of assets that generate cash inflows that are largely 
independent of cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. 

The recoverable amount of an asset is the higher of its fair value less 
cost of disposal and its value in use. Fair value less cost of disposal 
is measured with reference to quoted market prices in an active 
market. Value in use represents the present value of the future 
amount expected to be recovered through the cash inflows and 
outflows arising from the asset’s continued use and subsequent 
disposal.

We recognise any reduction in the carrying value as an expense in the 
income statement in the reporting period in which the impairment 
loss occurs.

An impairment assessment is performed at the level of our Telstra 
Entity ubiquitous telecommunications network CGU.

Cash
generating
units (CGUs) for
impairment
assessment

We apply management judgement to 
establish our CGUs. 

We have determined that under the 
nbn Infrastructure Services 
Agreement (ISA) our ubiquitous 
telecommunications network also 
includes the Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) 
cable network. This resulted mainly 
from the fact that under the nbn ISA 
cash inflows generated by both 
networks can no longer be separated. 
No one item of telecommunications 
equipment is of any value without the 
other assets to which it is connected to 
deliver our products and services.

During the financial year 2018, we have assessed our 
telecommunications network CGU to identify indicators of 
impairment, using both external and internal sources of information 
and have concluded that no impairment charge is required. 

(a) Acquisition

Property, plant and equipment, including construction in progress, is 
recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment. 
Cost includes the purchase price and costs directly attributable to 
bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for its 
intended use. 

We capitalise borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the 
acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset. All other 
borrowing costs is recognised as an expense in our income 
statement when incurred.

(b) Depreciation

Items of property, plant and equipment, including buildings and 
leasehold property but excluding freehold land, are depreciated on a 
straight-line basis in the income statement over their estimated 
useful lives. We start depreciating assets when they are installed and 
ready for use.

The useful lives of our significant property, plant and equipment 
classes are detailed in Table B. 

Table B

Telstra Group

Buildings
Communication assets
Other plant and equipment

Useful life (years)

As at 30 June

2018

2017

5 - 48
2 - 57
4 - 13

5 - 48
2 - 57
4 - 20

Useful lives and
residual values
of tangible
assets

We apply management judgement to 
estimate useful lives and residual 
values of our assets and review them 
each year. If useful lives or residual 
values need to be modified, the 
depreciation expense changes from 
the date of reassessment until the end 
of the revised useful life (for both the 
current and future years). 

This assessment includes a 
comparison with international trends 
for telecommunication companies 
and, in relation to communications 
assets, includes a determination of 
when the asset may be superseded 
technologically or made obsolete.

The net effect of the assessment of 
useful lives was a $216 million (2017: 
$34 million) decrease in depreciation 
expense.

We distinguish between finance leases, which effectively transfer 
substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of the 
leased asset from the lessor to the lessee, and operating leases 
under which the lessor effectively retains substantially all such risks 
and benefits. The determination of whether an arrangement is, or 
contains, a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement at 
inception date, whether fulfilment of the arrangement depends on 
the use of a specific asset or assets and the arrangement conveys a 
right to use the asset, even if that right is not explicitly specified in an 
arrangement.

Property, plant and equipment under finance lease are capitalised at 
the beginning of the lease term at the lower of the fair value of the 
asset and the present value of the future minimum lease payments. 
A corresponding liability is also established and each lease payment 
is allocated between the liability and finance charges.

Capitalised property, plant and equipment under finance lease are 
depreciated on a straight-line basis to the income statement over 
the shorter of the lease term or the expected useful life of the assets.

Where we lease properties, costs of improvements to these 
properties are capitalised as leasehold improvements and 
amortised over the shorter of the useful life of the improvements and 
the term of the lease.

Operating lease payments are charged to the income statement on a 
straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

When we sell and lease back the same asset, the accounting 
treatment depends on the classification of the leaseback. If the 
leaseback is classified as a finance lease, any gain or loss on the sale 
is deferred and amortised over the lease term. If the leaseback is 
classified as an operating lease, any profit or loss on sale is 
recognised immediately.

3.1.2 Recognition and measurement (continued)

(b) Depreciation (continued)

Impact of nbn
Infrastructure
Services
Agreement
(ISA) on our
fixed assets
base

Under the nbn Infrastructure Services 
Agreement (ISA), we are required to 
progressively transfer the relevant 
Telstra assets to nbn co. These assets 
include lead-in conduits (LICs), certain 
copper and HFC assets and associated 
passive infrastructure (being 
infrastructure that supports the 
relevant copper and HFC assets). 

As at 30 June 2018, the net book value 
of assets that are in scope to be 
potentially transferred to nbn co under 
the ISA amounted to $625 million 
(2017: $825 million). This represents 
2.8 per cent of the net book value of our 
total property, plant and equipment. 
We have applied management 
judgement in assessing the useful 
lives of the in-scope assets based on 
the anticipated nbnTM network rollout 
period.

The nbnTM network rollout will also to a 
lesser extent impact useful lives of 
other assets, e.g. transmission and 
switching technologies, which will not 
be transferred to nbn co. The full 
impact on our useful lives is not yet 
known and will depend on nbn co's 
selection of access technologies in 
each rollout region and the sequence 
in which the nbnTM network rollout 
progresses. For the year ended 30 
June 2018, we have applied 
management judgement in assessing 
the useful lives of these assets based 
on our best estimate of the expected 
consequential impacts of the nbnTM 
network rollout. The result of our 
assessment is included in the net 
effect of our useful lives assessment. 

Should evidence exist in the future 
reporting periods that changes these 
best estimates, depreciation expense 
will be adjusted as a change in 
estimate in the future reporting 
periods.

80 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
80 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 81
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 81

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 82  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 83  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018
Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 3. Our core assets and working capital (continued)

Section 3. Our core assets and working capital (continued)

3.2 Goodwill and other intangible assets

This note provides details of our goodwill and other intangible 
assets and their impairment assessment. 

Our impairment assessment compares the carrying value of our 
CGUs with their recoverable amounts determined using a ‘value 
in use’ calculation. The value in use calculations use key 
assumptions such as cash flow forecasts, discount rates and 
terminal growth rates.

Table A
Telstra Group

Goodwill

Software 
assets

Licences

Deferred 
expen- 
diture

Other 
intan-
gibles

Net book value at 1 July 2016
Additions
Acquisition of controlled entities
Impairment losses
Amortisation expense
Net foreign currency exchange differences
Transfers
Net book value at 30 June 2017
At cost
Accumulated amortisation and impairment

Net book value at 1 July 2017
Additions
Acquisition of controlled entities
Impairment losses
Amortisation expense
Disposal through sale of controlled entities
Net foreign currency exchange differences
Transfers
Net book value at 30 June 2018
At cost
Accumulated amortisation and impairment

$m
1,346
-
22
(64)
-
(35)
-
1,269
1,571
(302)

1,269
-
24
(261)
-
(16)
33
-
1,049
1,624
(575)

$m
4,660
1,065
26
(16)
(1,158)
(6)
(28)
4,543
11,070
(6,527)

4,543
1,205
6
(31)
(1,217)
-
7
7
4,520
11,903
(7,383)

$m
1,869
652
-
-
(195)
(1)
-
2,325
3,087
(762)

2,325
88
-
-
(217)
(1)
-
-
2,195
3,174
(979)

$m
1,143
1,079
-
-
(981)
-
-
1,241
2,462
(1,221)

1,241
1,056
-
-
(1,039)
-
-
-
1,258
2,558
(1,300)

$m
211
-
2
-
(30)
(3)
-
180
332
(152)

180
-
20
(5)
(31)
(11)
5
-
158
343
(185)

Total 
intan- 
gible 
assets

$m
9,229
2,796
50
(80)
(2,364)
(45)
(28)
9,558
18,522
(8,964)

9,558
2,349
50
(297)
(2,504)
(28)
45
7
9,180
19,602
(10,422)

Refer to note 3.2.1 for further details on the impairment of goodwill.

3.2 Goodwill and other intangible assets (continued)

(a) Cash generating units with allocated goodwill

The following paragraphs detail further information about our 
intangible assets classes:

The carrying amount of goodwill has been allocated to the CGUs as 
detailed in Table B.

Table B

Telstra Group

CGU
Telstra Enterprise International Group ¹
Ooyala Holdings Group
Telstra Enterprise Australia Group ²
Telstra Europe Group ¹
O2 Networks Group
Other ³

Goodwill

As at 30 June

2018

2017

$m

$m

488
-
367
64
-
130
1,049

609
242
126
61
57
174
1,269

1  These CGUs operate in overseas locations. Therefore the goodwill allocated to these 
CGUs will fluctuate in line with movements in applicable foreign exchange rates.

2  The Telstra Enterprise Australia Group includes goodwill from past acquisitions 
integrated into this business. 

3  Other includes individually immaterial CGUs. 

During the financial year ended 30 June 2018, there have been no 
changes to our CGUs with allocated goodwill except for:

• the operations of O2 Networks Group, MSC Mobility and Telstra 

Broadcast Services were integrated into Telstra Enterprise 
Australia Group to generate combined cash inflows for the Group. 
Prior to integration, these three CGUs were treated and assessed 
individually

• the operations of Pacnet Services (A) Pty Ltd and Pacnet Internet 
(A) Pty Ltd were integrated into Telstra Enterprise Australia Group, 
resulting in a re-allocation of $150 million of goodwill from Telstra 
Enterprise International Group CGU to the Telstra Enterprise 
Australia Group CGU 

• changes in other individually immaterial CGUs due to acquisitions 

and disposal.

• as at 30 June 2018, we had software assets under development 
amounting to $493 million (2017: $456 million). As these assets 
were not installed and ready for use, no amortisation has been 
charged on the amounts

• additions to software assets include $28 million (2017: $27 

million) of capitalised borrowing costs directly attributable to 
qualifying assets

• software assets mostly comprise internally generated assets
• licences include $88 million for the 3.4 GHz, 2 GHz and 1.8GHz 

spectrum licences and 30 MHz land mobile systems acquired in 
the current financial year.

3.2.1 Impairment assessment

Goodwill and intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not 
subject to amortisation and are assessed for impairment at least on 
an annual basis, or whenever an indication of impairment arises. 
Assets that are subject to amortisation are reviewed for impairment 
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the 
carrying amount may not be recoverable. 

The recoverable amount of an asset is the higher of its fair value less 
cost of disposal and its value in use. 

Impairment loss is recognised in the income statement in the 
reporting period when the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the 
recoverable amount.

For our impairment assessment, we identify CGUs, to which goodwill 
is allocated, and which cannot be larger than an operating segment. 

Our impairment testing compares the carrying value of an individual 
CGU with its recoverable amounts determined using a value in use 
calculation.

Determining
CGUs and their
recoverable
amount for
impairment
assessment

We apply management judgement to 
identify our CGUs and determine their 
recoverable amounts using a ‘value in 
use’ calculation for our impairment 
assessment. These judgments include 
cash flow forecasts, as well as the 
selection of growth rates, terminal rates 
and discount rates based on past 
experience and our expectations for the 
future. 

Our cash flow projections are based on 
five-year management-approved 
forecasts unless a longer period is 
justified. The forecasts use management 
estimates to determine income, 
expenses, capital expenditure and cash 
flows for each asset and CGU. 

82 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
82 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 83
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 83

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 84  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 85  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 3. Our core assets and working capital (continued)

Section 3. Our core assets and working capital (continued)

3.2 Goodwill and other intangible assets (continued)

3.2.1 Impairment assessment (continued)

(b) Value in use

We have used the following key assumptions in determining the 
recoverable amount of our CGUs to which goodwill has been 
allocated:

Table C
Telstra Group

Discount rate

Terminal value 
growth rate

Telstra Enterprise 
International Group
Ooyala Holdings 
Group
Telstra Enterprise 
Australia Group
Telstra Europe 
Group
O2 Networks Group

2018

2017

2018

2017

%

9.2

%

9.2

24.0

24.0

12.8

12.8

8.5

-

6.2

11.5

%

%

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

-

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

3.0

Discount rate represents the pre-tax discount rate applied to the 
cash flow projections. The discount rate reflects the market 
determined, risk-adjusted discount rate that is adjusted for specific 
risks relating to the CGU and the countries in which it operates.

Terminal value growth rate represents the growth rate applied to 
extrapolate our cash flows beyond the five-year forecast period. 
These growth rates are based on our expectation of the CGUs’ long-
term performance in their markets. 

As at 31 December 2017, the carrying value of our assets in the 
Ooyala Holdings Group CGU was assessed for impairment. The 
recoverable amount of these CGUs were determined using a ‘value in 
use’ calculation and it was lower than their carrying value. As a 
result, we recognised in the income statement a $273 million 
impairment charge, writing down the remaining goodwill and other 
non-current assets to zero. The impairment was recorded in other 
expenses within the income statement and was reported in the “All 
Other” category in our segment note 2.1. The impairment reflects 
evolving market dynamics and challenges in the intelligent video 
business. Refer to Table C above for the pre-tax discount rate and 
terminal value growth rate used in determining the recoverable 
amount of this CGU. 

In addition, during the year, a $24 million impairment loss was 
recognised against goodwill and other non-current assets for 
individually immaterial CGUs which are reported in the ‘Other’ 
category in Table B.

Sensitivity analysis also examined the effect of a change in a key 
assumption on the remaining CGUs. The discount rate would need to 
increase by 221 basis points (2017: 57 basis points) or the terminal 
value growth rate would need to decrease by 294 basis points (2017: 
117 basis points) before the recoverable amount of any of the CGUs 
would equal its carrying value. No other changes in key assumptions 
will result in a material impairment charge for any of the CGUs.

3.2 Goodwill and other intangible assets (continued)

3.2.2 Recognition and measurement 

Category

Recognition and measurement

Goodwill

Goodwill acquired in a business combination is measured at cost. Cost represents the excess of what we 
pay for the business combination over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired at the date of 
acquisition.

Goodwill is not amortised but is tested for impairment on an annual basis or when an indication of 
impairment arises.

Goodwill amount arising on acquisition of joint ventures or associated entities constitutes part of the 
cost of the investment.

Internally generated 
intangible assets

Internally generated intangible assets include mainly IT development costs incurred in design, build and 
testing of new or improved IT products and systems.

Research costs are expensed when incurred.

Capitalised development costs include:

• external direct costs of materials and services consumed
• payroll and payroll-related costs for employees (including contractors) directly associated with the 

project

• borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the qualifying assets.

Refer to ‘Capitalisation of development costs’ for management judgment on recognition of development 
costs. 

Internally generated intangible assets have a finite life and are amortised on a straight-line basis over 
their useful lives.

Acquired intangible 
assets

We acquire other intangible assets either as part of a business combination or through a separate 
acquisition. Intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recorded at their fair value at the 
date of acquisition and recognised separately from goodwill. Intangible assets acquired through a 
specific acquisition are recorded at cost.

Refer to ‘Determining fair value of identifiable intangible assets’ for management judgment on 
measurement of fair value of intangible assets acquired as part of a business combination. 

Intangible assets that are considered to have a finite life are amortised on a straight-line basis over the 
period of expected benefit. Intangible assets that are considered to have an indefinite life are not 
amortised but tested for impairment on an annual basis or when an indication of impairment exists.

Deferred expenditure

Deferred expenditure mainly includes direct incremental costs of establishing a customer contract, 
costs incurred for basic access installation and connection fees for existing and new services, as well as 
deferred costs related to the revised nbn Definitive Agreements.

Significant items of expenditure are deferred to the extent that they are recoverable from future revenue 
and will contribute to our future earning capacity. Any costs in excess of future revenue are recognised 
immediately in the income statement.

We amortise deferred expenditure over the average period in which the related benefits are expected to 
be realised. The amortisation expense is recognised in our operating expenses.

84 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
84 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 85
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 85

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 86  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 87  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 3. Our core assets and working capital (continued)

Section 3. Our core assets and working capital (continued)

3.2 Goodwill and other intangible assets (continued)

3.2.2 Recognition and measurement (continued)

Capitalisation
of development
costs

Management judgement is required to 
determine whether to capitalise 
development costs. Development 
costs are only capitalised if the project 
is assessed to be technically and 
commercially feasible, we are able to 
use or sell the asset and we have 
sufficient resources and intent to 
complete the development. 

Determining
fair value of
identifiable
intangible
assets

Management judgement is required to 
determine the appropriate fair value of 
identifiable intangible assets acquired 
in business combinations. This 
involves estimating timing and 
amounts of future cash flows derived 
from the use of these assets as well as 
an appropriate discount rate to be 
applied to the forecast cash flows. 
Such estimates are based on current 
forecasts, extrapolated for an 
appropriate period and taking into 
account growth rates, operating costs 
and the expected useful life of the 
assets.

(a) Amortisation

The weighted average amortisation periods of our identifiable 
intangible assets are as follows:

Table D
Telstra Group

Expected benefit 
(years)

Non-current

Trade receivables

Software assets
Licences
Deferred expenditure
Other acquired intangibles

As at 30 June

2018

2017

8
14
4
10

8
14
5
10

Amounts owed by joint ventures 
and associated entities

6.3

Finance lease receivables

Other receivables

Useful lives of
intangible
assets

We apply management judgement to 
determine the amortisation period 
based on the expected useful lives of 
each asset class. In addition, we apply 
management judgement to assess 
annually the indefinite useful life 
assumption applied to certain 
acquired intangible assets. 

We review the useful lives of our 
identifiable intangible assets each 
year. The net effect of the 
reassessment of useful lives for the 
financial year 2018 was a $26 million 
(2017: $54 million) decrease in 
amortisation expense. 

3.3 Trade and other receivables

3.3.1 Current and non-current trade and other receivables

Table A

Telstra Group

Current

Trade receivables

Allowance for doubtful debts

Finance lease receivables

Accrued revenue

Other receivables

As at 30 June

2018

2017

Note

$m

$m

3,146

3,635

(103)

(133)

3,043

108

1,810

57

1,975

5,018

326

-

193

493

3,502

122

1,672

172

1,966

5,468

111

443

250

235

1,012

1,039

Refer to note 6.3.1(c) for conversion of the loan to Foxtel into 
investment.

(a) Trade receivables and allowance for doubtful debts

The majority of our receivables are in the form of contracted 
agreements with our customers. In general, the terms and conditions 
of these contracts require settlement between 14 to 30 days from 
the date of invoice. Credit and recovery risk associated with trade 
receivables has been provided for.

Our trade receivables include our customer deferred debt, which 
allows eligible customers the opportunity to repay the amounts due 
for certain hardware and professional installation services monthly 
over 12, 24 or 36 months. 

3.3 Trade and other receivables (continued)

3.3.1 Current and non-current trade and other receivables 
(continued)

(a) Trade receivables and allowance for doubtful debts (continued)

The ageing of current and non-current trade receivables is detailed in 
Table B.

Estimating
allowance for
doubtful debts

Table B

As at 30 June

Telstra Group

2018

2017

Not past due
Past due 0 - 30 days
Past due 31 - 60 days
Past due 61 - 90 days
Past due 91 - 120 
days
Past 120 days

Gross

Allow-
ance

Gross

Allow-
ance

$m
2,722
446
110
47

55

92
3,472

$m
(17)
(7)
(8)
(6)

(11)

(54)
(103)

$m
2,894
499
115
41

59

138
3,746

$m
(13)
(9)
(10)
(7)

(17)

(77)
(133)

Ageing analysis in the above table is based on the original due date of 
trade receivables, including where repayment terms for certain long 
outstanding trade receivables have been renegotiated. The 
comparatives have been adjusted to realign with updated aging 
reporting.

As at 30 June 2018, trade receivables with a carrying amount of $976 
million (2017: $732 million) were past due but not impaired. 

We hold security for a number of trade receivables, including past 
due or impaired receivables, in the form of guarantees, letters of 
credit and deposits. During the financial year 2018, the securities we 
called upon were insignificant. These trade receivables, along with 
our trade receivables that are neither past due nor impaired, 
comprise customers who have a good debt history and are 
considered recoverable.

Movements in the allowance for doubtful debts in respect of our 
trade receivables are detailed in Table C.

Table C

Telstra Group

Opening balance
Additional allowance
Amount used
Amount reversed
Closing balance

Year ended 30 June

2018

2017

$m
(133)
(48)
49
29
(103)

$m
(134)
(54)
40
15
(133)

We apply management judgement to 
estimate the allowance for doubtful 
debts for our trade receivables. Our 
assessment is based on historical 
trends and management’s 
assessment of general economic 
conditions. We consider credit risk, 
insolvency risk and incapacity to pay a 
legally recoverable debt and use:

• a statistical approach to determine 
debt risk segmentation and apply 
historical impairment rates

• an individual account by account 
assessment based on past credit 
history

• any prior knowledge of debtor 
insolvency or other credit risk. 

(b) Finance lease receivables

We enter into finance lease arrangements predominantly for 
communication assets dedicated to solutions management that we 
provide to our customers largely in a back-to-back finance lease 
arrangement. Refer to note 7.4 for information about our finance 
lease commitments arising from these finance arrangements 
(Telstra as a lessee). The weighted average term of the finance lease 
in our customer contracts is 6 years (2017: 6 years). Table D presents 
detailed information about our finance lease receivables. 

Table D

Telstra Group

Amounts receivable under finance leases
Within 1 year
Within 1 to 5 years
After 5 years
Total minimum lease receivables
Less: unearned finance income
Present value of minimum lease 
receivables
Included in the financial statements as:
Current finance lease receivables
Non-current finance lease receivables

As at 30 June

2018

2017

$m

$m

115
183
73
371
(70)

301

108
193
301

141
226
90
457
(85)

372

122
250
372

The interest rate inherent in the leases is fixed at the contract date 
for the entire lease term. The average effective interest rate was 5.3 
per cent (2017: 5.6 per cent) per annum. 

86 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
86 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 87
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 87

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 88  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 89  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 3. Our core assets and working capital (continued)

Section 3. Our core assets and working capital (continued)

3.5 Trade and other payables

Telstra Group

Current
Trade creditors
Accrued expenses
Accrued capital expenditure
Accrued interest
Contingent consideration
Other creditors

Non-current
Contingent consideration
Other creditors

As at 30 June

2018

2017

$m

$m

1,588
1,891
341
264
4
747
4,835

-
65
65

1,185
1,733
438
256
4
573
4,189

4
66
70

Trade creditors and other creditors are non-interest bearing 
liabilities. Our payment terms vary, however payments are generally 
made within 30 to 45 days from the invoice date.

From time to time, Telstra’s suppliers utilise supply chain finance, i.e. 
they transfer their rights of the amounts due from Telstra to third 
parties. However, Telstra’s obligation is to pay for goods and services 
purchased from our suppliers on the original due date without any 
change in payment terms. As at 30 June 2018, the amount payable 
under this arrangement was $42 million (2017: nil) and we have 
reclassified it from ‘Trade creditors’ to ‘Other creditors’.

3.5.1 Recognition and measurement 

Trade and other payables, including accruals, are recorded when we 
are required to make future payments as a result of purchases of 
assets or services. Trade and other payables are financial liabilities 
initially recognised at fair value and carried at amortised cost using 
the effective interest method.

3.3 Trade and other receivables (continued)

3.3.2 Recognition and measurement

Trade and other receivables are financial assets. They are initially 
recorded at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost 
using the effective interest method. 

An allowance for doubtful debts is raised to reduce the carrying 
amount of trade receivables based on a review of outstanding 
amounts at reporting date. 

Bad debts specifically provided for in previous years are written off 
against the allowance for doubtful debts. In all other cases, bad 
debts are written off directly against the carrying amount and 
expensed in the income statement. 

(a) Leased assets (Telstra as a lessor)

Refer to note 3.1.2 (c) for details about the distinction between 
finance leases and operating leases and whether an arrangement 
contains a lease. 

Where we lease assets via a finance lease, a lease receivable is 
recognised at the beginning of the lease term and measured at the 
present value of the minimum lease payments receivable plus the 
present value of any unguaranteed residual value expected to accrue 
at the end of the lease term. Finance lease receipts are allocated 
between finance income and a reduction of the lease receivable over 
the term of the lease in order to reflect a constant periodic rate of 
return on the net investment outstanding in respect of the lease.

Income from operating leases is recognised on a straight-line basis 
over the term of the relevant lease.

3.4 Inventories

Telstra Group

As at 30 June

2018

2017

Estimating net
realisable value

At the reporting date, we applied 
management judgement to determine 
net realisable value of inventories by 
making certain price assumptions to 
project selling prices into the future. 
We also made assumptions about 
current and future technologies.

3.4.1 Recognition and measurement

(a) Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. 
For the majority of inventory items, we assign cost using the 
weighted average cost basis.

Net realisable value of items expected to be sold is the estimated 
selling price less estimated costs of completion and the estimated 
costs incurred in marketing, selling and distribution. It approximates 
fair value less costs to sell.

Net realisable value of items expected to be consumed, for example 
used in the construction of another asset, is the net value expected 
to be earned through future use.

(b) Construction contracts

Construction work in progress represents the gross unbilled amount 
expected to be collected from customers for contract work 
performed to date. It is measured at cost and includes any profits 
recognised less progress billings and any provisions for foreseeable 
losses. The cost includes:

• both variable and fixed costs directly related to specific contracts 
• amounts that are attributable to contract activity in general and 

can be allocated to specific contracts on a reasonable basis
• costs expected to be incurred under penalty clauses, warranty 

$m

$m

provisions and other variances.

Where a significant loss is estimated to be made on completion of a 
construction contract, a provision for foreseeable losses is brought 
to account and recorded against the gross amount of construction 
work in progress.

Construction work in progress is presented as part of inventories for 
contracts in which costs incurred and recognised profits exceed 
progress billings. Where progress billings exceed the balance of 
construction work in progress, the net amount is shown as a current 
liability within trade and other payables.

Current
Construction work in progress
Contract costs incurred and recognised 
profits
Progress billings

Raw materials recorded at cost
Finished goods recorded at cost
Finished goods recorded at net realisable 
value

Non-current
Finished goods recorded at net realisable 
value
Total current and non-current 
inventories

1,072

(804)
268
59
375

99

533
801

19

820

973

(573)
400
45
361

87

493
893

29

922

Finished goods include goods available for sale and materials and 
spare parts to be used within one year in constructing and 
maintaining our telecommunications network. We also purchase 
strategic inventories for use in maintenance of network assets 
beyond one year.

88 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
88 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 89
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 89

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 90  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 91  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018
Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 4. Our capital and risk 
management

This section sets out the policies and procedures applied to 
manage our capital structure and the financial risks we are 
exposed to. Our total capital is defined as equity and net debt. 
We manage our capital structure in order to maximise 
shareholders’ return, maintain optimal cost of capital and 
provide flexibility for strategic investments.

 As at 30 June 2018, the final dividend for the financial year 2018 was 
not determined or publicly recommended by the Board, therefore no 
provision for the dividend has been raised in the statement of 
financial position. However, a provision for the final dividend payable 
amounting to $1,308 million has been raised as at the date of 
resolution. 

There are no income tax consequences for the Telstra Group 
resulting from the resolution and payment of the final dividend, 
except for $561 million of franking debits arising from the payment of 
this dividend that will be adjusted in our franking account balance.

Table B provides information about franking credits available for use 
in subsequent reporting periods. 

Table B

Telstra Group

Franking credits available for use in 
subsequent reporting periods
Franking account balance
Franking credits that will arise from the 
payment of income tax payable as at 30 
June (at a tax rate of 30% on a tax paid 
basis)

Year ended 30 June

2018

2017

$m

$m

191

9

115

146

306

155

We believe that our current balance in the franking account, 
combined with the franking credits that will arise on income tax 
instalments expected to be paid in the financial year 2019, will be 
sufficient to fully frank our 2018 final dividend. 

SECTION 4. OUR CAPITAL AND RISK MANAGEMENT

4.1 Dividend

This note includes dividend paid for the previous year final 
dividend and the current year interim dividend. On 17 August 
2017, we announced a change to our dividend policy. From 
financial year 2018, our dividend will comprise both ordinary 
and special dividend.

As the current year final dividend resolution was passed on 16 
August 2018, no provision had been raised as at 30 June 2018.

We currently pay dividend twice a year, an interim and a final 
dividend. Table A below provides details about dividend paid during 
the financial year 2018. 

Table A

Year ended 30 June

Telstra Entity

2018

2017

2018

2017

$m

$m

cents

cents

Dividend paid
Previous year final 
dividend paid
Interim dividend paid
Total dividend paid

1,842

1,894

1,308
3,150

1,842
3,736

15.5

11.0
26.5

15.5

15.5
31.0

On 17 August 2017, we announced a change to our dividend policy 
commencing after the payment of the final dividend for financial year 
2017. From financial year 2018:

• we will pay a fully-franked ordinary dividend of 70 to 90 per cent of 
our underlying earnings, which is calculated as net profit after tax 
excluding net one-off nbn receipts

• we intend to return in the order of 75 per cent of net one-off nbn 

receipts to shareholders over time via fully-franked special 
dividend.

‘Net one-off nbn receipts’ is defined as the net nbn one-off Definitive 
Agreement receipts, (consisting of Per Subscriber Address Amount 
(PSAA), Infrastructure Ownership and Retraining), less nbn net cost 
to connect less tax. The return is subject to no unexpected material 
events, assumes the nbn™ network rollout and migration is broadly 
in accordance with management’s current best estimates, and is 
subject to Board discretion having regard to financial and market 
conditions, business needs and maintenance of financial strength 
and flexibility consistent with our capital management framework.

On 16 August 2018, the Board resolved that the DRP will continue to 
operate for the final dividend. The election date for participation in 
the DRP is 31 August 2018.

On 16 August 2018, the Directors of Telstra Corporation Limited 
resolved to pay a fully franked final dividend for the financial year 
2018 of 11 cents per ordinary share, comprising a final ordinary 
dividend of 7.5 cents and a final special dividend of 3.5 cents. The 
final dividend will be fully franked at a tax rate of 30 per cent. The 
record date for the final dividend will be 30 August 2018, with 
payment to be made on 27 September 2018. From 29 August 2018, 
shares will trade excluding entitlement to the dividend.

Section 4. Our capital and risk management (continued)

4.2 Equity

This note provides information about our share capital and 
reserves presented in the statement of changes in equity.

We have established the Telstra Growthshare Trust (referred to 
as the Trust) to allocate and administer the Company's 
employee share schemes. The Trust is consolidated as it is 
controlled by us. Shares that are held within the Trust, known as 
treasury shares, are used to satisfy future vesting of 
entitlements in these employee share schemes. These treasury 
shares reduce our contributed equity.

4.2.1 Share capital

Table A

Telstra Group

Contributed equity
Share loan to employees
Shares held by employee share plans
Net services received under employee 
share plans

As at 30 June

2018

2017

$m
4,530
(11)
(64)

$m
4,530
(12)
(81)

(27)

(16)

4,428

4,421

(a) Contributed equity

As at 30 June 2018, we have 11,893,297,855 (2017: 11,893,297,855) 
authorised fully paid ordinary shares on issue. Each of our fully paid 
ordinary shares carries the right to one vote at a meeting of the 
Company. Holders of our shares also have the right to receive 
dividend and to participate in the proceeds from sale of all surplus 
assets in proportion to the total shares issued in the event of the 
Company winding up.

(b) Shares held by employee share plans

As at 30 June 2018, the number of shares held by employee share 
plans totalled 13,007,480 (2017: 14,434,930). During the financial 
year, 5,040,872 shares were acquired on market by Telstra 
Growthshare Trust at an average price of $3.50 per share. 

(c) Net services received under employee share plans

We measure the fair value of services received under employee share 
plans by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments granted. 
The net services received under employee share plans represent the 
cumulative value of all instruments issued.

90 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
90 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 91
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 91

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 92  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 93  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 4. Our capital and risk management (continued)

Section 4. Our capital and risk management (continued)

4.2 Equity (continued)

4.2.2 Reserves

Table B details our reserve balances. 

Table B
Telstra Group

Balance at 1 July 2016
Other comprehensive income
Transactions with non-controlling interests
Balance at 30 June 2017
Other comprehensive income
Transactions with non-controlling interests
Balance at 30 June 2018

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve

Cash flow 
hedging 
reserve

Foreign 
currency 
basis 
spread 
reserve

Fair value of 
equity 
instruments 
reserve

General 
reserve

Total 
reserves

$m
95
(77)
-
18
66
-
84

$m
(93)
(50)
-
(143)
(68)
-
(211)

$m
48
(32)
-
16
(22)
-
(6)

$m
14
(6)
-
8
15
-
23

$m
(2)
-
(2)
(4)
-
(3)
(7)

$m
62
(165)
(2)
(105)
(9)
(3)
(117)

The table below details the nature and purpose of our reserve 
balances.

Reserve

Nature and purpose

Foreign currency 
translation reserve

Used to record exchange differences arising from the conversion of the non-Australian controlled 
entities’ financial statements into Australian dollars. This reserve is also used to record our percentage 
share of exchange differences arising from our equity accounted non-Australian investments in joint 
ventures and associated entities.

Cash flow hedging 
reserve

Represents the effective portion of gains or losses on remeasuring the fair value of hedge instruments, 
where a hedge qualifies for hedge accounting.

Foreign currency basis 
spread reserve

Used to record changes in the fair value of our derivative financial instruments attributable to 
movements in foreign currency basis spread. Currency basis is included in interest on borrowings in the 
income statement over the life of the borrowing.

Fair value of equity 
instruments reserve

Represents changes in fair value of equity instruments we have elected to measure at fair value through 
other comprehensive income.

General reserve

Represents other items we have taken directly to equity.

4.2.3 Recognition and measurement

Issued and paid up capital is recognised at the fair value of the 
consideration received by the Telstra Entity.

Any transaction costs arising on the issue of ordinary shares are 
recognised directly in equity, net of income tax, as a reduction of the 
share proceeds received.

Where we undertake a share buy-back, contributed equity is reduced 
in accordance with the structure of the buy-back arrangement. Costs 
associated with the buy-back, net of income tax, are also deducted 
from contributed equity.

Services received under employee share plans (i.e. share-based 
payments) increase our share capital balance and vested employee 
share plans decrease the share capital balance resulting in a net 
movement in our equity. Non-recourse loans provided to employees 
to participate in these employee share plans are recorded as a 
reduction in share capital. 

We also record the purchase of Telstra Entity shares underpinning 
our employee share plan as a reduction in share capital.

4.3 Capital management

Table B summarises the key movements in net debt during the 
financial year and provides our gearing ratio.

This note provides information about components of our net 
debt and related finance costs, as well as our capital 
management policies. 

Table B

Telstra Group

We aim to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for 
other stakeholders, while:
• safeguarding our ability to continue as a going concern
• maintaining an optimal capital structure and cost of capital 

that provides flexibility for strategic investments.

In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, we may 
issue or repay debt, adjust the amount of dividend paid to 
shareholders, return capital to shareholders or issue new 
shares.

4.3.1 Net debt

A parameter used to monitor capital management is the gearing 
ratio. Our comfort zone for the gearing ratio is currently 50 to 70 per 
cent (2017: 50 to 70 per cent).

Gearing ratio equals net debt divided by total capital, where:

• net debt equals total interest bearing financial liabilities and 

derivative financial instruments, less cash and cash equivalents
• total capital equals equity, as shown in the statement of financial 

position, plus net debt.

We undertake the following transactions in relation to managing our 
net debt portfolio and associated financial risks: 

• invest surplus cash in bank deposits and negotiable certificates of 

deposit 

• issue commercial paper and have committed bank facilities in 

place to support working capital and short-term liquidity 
requirements

• issue long-term debt including bank loans, private placements 
and public bonds both in the domestic and offshore markets
• use derivative financial instruments, including cross currency 

swaps, interest rate swaps and forward foreign currency 
contracts, to hedge foreign currency and interest rate risks. 

Refer to note 4.4 for further discussion on financial risks. 

Table A lists the carrying value of our net debt components. 

Table A

Telstra Group

Borrowings
Derivative financial instruments
Gross Debt
Cash and cash equivalents
Net debt

As at 30 June

2018

2017

$m
(16,951)
1,583
(15,368)
629
(14,739)

$m
(17,284)
1,066
(16,218)
938
(15,280)

No components of net debt are subject to any externally imposed 
capital requirements and we did not have any defaults or breaches 
under any of our agreements with our lenders during the current or 
prior years.

Net debt at 1 July
Debt issuance
Net commercial paper repayments/
(issuance)
Debt repayments
Finance lease repayments
Net cash outflow/(inflow)
Fair value (loss)/gain impacting:
Equity
Other expenses
Finance costs
Other non-cash movements
Finance lease additions
Total decrease/(increase) in gross debt 
excluding bank overdraft
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 
net of bank overdraft (includes effects of 
foreign exchange rate changes)
Total decrease/(increase) in net debt
Net debt at 30 June

Total equity
Total capital

Gearing ratio

Year ended 30 June

2018

2017

$m
(15,280)
(718)

$m
(12,459)
(1,399)

809

(816)

862
120
1,073

(128)
15
40

(143)

857

2,076
131
(8)

(102)
(8)
(4)

(85)

(207)

(316)

(2,614)

541
(14,739)

(2,821)
(15,280)

(15,014)
(29,753)
%
49.5%

(14,560)
(29,840)
%
51.2%

(a) Borrowings and repayment of debt

During the financial year 2018, we repaid $853 million of term debt 
(Australian dollar equivalent). This included:

• $79 million New Zealand dollar bond
• $750 million Australian dollar bond
• $24 million Australian dollar private placements.

We also repaid $9 million loans from associated entities. The above 
also includes the cash settlement of derivative financial 
instruments, where applicable.

Debt issuance for the year of $718 million (Australian dollar 
equivalent), included:

• 10-year $500 million United States dollar bond ($648 million 

Australian dollar equivalent) 

• $56 million loan from associated entities
• $14 million loans held by controlled entities.

In addition, at 30 June 2018, we have $200 million (2017: $200 
million) drawn under our revolving bank facilities. All other tranches 
drawn during the period have been repaid. Drawings under our bank 
facilities and commercial paper issues are shown on a gross basis in 
the statement of cash flows.

92 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
92 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 93
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 93

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 94  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 95  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 4. Our capital and risk management (continued)

Section 4. Our capital and risk management (continued)

As at 30 June 2018

As at 30 June 2017

Carrying 
value

Fair value

Carrying 
value

Fair value

$m

$m

$m

$m

(541)
(315)
(2)
(9)
(677)
(91)
(1,635)

(2,182)
(12,147)
(713)
(274)
(15,316)
(16,951)

(543)
(315)
(2)
(9)
(684)
(91)
(1,644)

(2,373)
(12,779)
(735)
(274)
(16,161)
(17,805)

(813)
(95)
(2)
(2)
(1,457)
(107)
(2,476)

(2,642)
(11,225)
(707)
(234)
(14,808)
(17,284)

(812)
(95)
(2)
(2)
(1,457)
(107)
(2,475)

(2,859)
(12,081)
(728)
(234)
(15,902)
(18,377)

(a) Maturity of borrowings

We reduce refinancing risk by ensuring that our borrowings mature 
at different periods. Refer to Table F in note 4.4 for the repayment 
profile of our borrowings. The notional values disclosed represent 
values repayable at contractual maturities. 

4.3 Capital management (continued)

4.3.2 Borrowings

Table C details the carrying and fair values of borrowings included in 
the statement of financial position.

Table C

Telstra Group

Current borrowings
Domestic borrowings
Offshore borrowings
Bank loans
Bank overdraft
Commercial paper
Finance leases

Non-current borrowings
Domestic borrowings
Offshore borrowings
Bank loans
Finance leases

Total borrowings

Borrowings

Treasury policy and purpose

Offshore 
borrowings

Commercial 
paper

Unless designated as a hedge of a foreign 
controlled entity, our policy is to swap 
foreign currency denominated borrowings 
into Australian dollars using cross currency 
and interest rate swaps. Refer to note 4.4 for 
further details.

Commercial paper is used principally to 
support working capital and short-term 
liquidity. Commercial paper will continue to 
be supported by a combination of liquid 
financial assets, and access to committed 
bank facilities.

Finance 
leases

Finance lease balances are secured as the 
rights to the leased assets transfer to the 
lessor in the event of a default by us.

Generally all our borrowings are unsecured, except for finance leases 
as noted above. No assets are pledged as security for our borrowings. 
All our borrowings are interest bearing. 

The notional (face) value of our total borrowings is $16,737 million 
(2017: $17,017 million).

4.3 Capital management (continued)

4.3.2 Borrowings (continued)

(b) Recognition and measurement

(i) Borrowings

Borrowings are:

• recognised initially on the trade date (the date on which we 

become a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument)
• derecognised when our contractual obligations are discharged or 

cancelled or expired

• classified as non-current liabilities except for those that mature in 
less than 12 months from the reporting date, which are classified 
as current liabilities.

Recognition and measurement

Initial 
recognition 
and 
measurement

All loans and borrowings are initially 
recorded at fair value, which typically 
reflects the proceeds received, net of 
directly attributable transaction costs.

Subsequent 
measurement

After initial recognition, all interest 
bearing loans and borrowings are stated 
at amortised cost, using the effective 
interest method. Any difference between 
proceeds received net of direct 
transaction costs and the amount payable 
at maturity is recognised over the term of 
the borrowing using the effective interest 
method.

Loans or borrowings that are in 
designated fair value hedge relationships 
are adjusted for fair value movements 
attributable to the hedged risk. Refer to 
note 4.3.3 for our hedging policies.

Gains or losses are recognised in the 
income statement when the loan or 
borrowing is derecognised.

(ii) Finance leases

Refer to note 3.1.2 for our accounting policy, where Telstra is a 
lessee.

(c) Finance costs

Table D presents our net finance costs for the year ended 30 June 
2018. Interest on borrowings are net amounts after offsetting 
interest income and interest expense on associated derivative 
instruments. Our hedging strategies are discussed further in note 
4.3.3.

Table D

Telstra Group

Year ended 30 June

2018

2017

$m

$m

Interest expense on:
Domestic borrowings
Offshore borrowings
Bank loans
Commercial paper
Finance leases
Other
Total borrowing costs
Finance income
Net interest (income)/expense on defined 
benefit plan
Net finance costs before capitalised 
interest and remeasurements
Less: interest capitalised
Net gains on financial instruments 
included in remeasurements
Net finance costs

151
536
31
30
17
19
784
(78)

(4)

702

(101)

(52)

549

147
611
15
23
21
15
832
(138)

1

695

(81)

(23)

591

Net gains on financial instruments included in remeasurements 
comprise unrealised valuation impacts on our borrowings and 
derivatives which are recorded in the income statement. These 
include net unrealised gains or losses which arise from changes in 
the fair value of derivative financial instruments to the extent that 
hedge accounting is not achieved or is not effective. These fair values 
increase or decrease because of changes in financial indices and 
prices over which we have no control. 

94 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
94 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 95
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 95

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 96  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 97  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 4. Our capital and risk management (continued)

Section 4. Our capital and risk management (continued)

4.3 Capital management (continued)

4.3.3 Derivatives

Derivatives are financial instruments that derive their value 
from the price of an underlying item such as interest rate, 
foreign currency exchange rate, credit spread or other index.

Table E shows the carrying value of each class of derivative financial 
instruments.

Table E

Telstra Group

Current derivative financial instruments
Cross currency swaps
Interest rate swaps
Forward foreign exchange contracts

Non-current derivative financial instruments
Cross currency swaps
Interest rate swaps

Total derivative financial instruments

The terms of a derivative contract are determined at inception, 
therefore any movements in the price of the underlying item over 
time will cause the contract value to constantly fluctuate, which is 
reflected in the fair value of the derivative. Derivatives which are in an 
asset position (i.e. the market has moved in our favour) are referred 
to as being ‘in the money’ and derivatives in a liability position as ‘out 
of the money’.

Both parties are therefore exposed to the credit quality of the 
counterparty. We are exposed to credit risk on derivative assets as a 
result of the potential failure of the counterparties to meet their 
contractual obligations. We do not have credit risk associated with 
derivatives that are out of the money.

Refer to note 4.4.3 for information about our credit risk policies.

(a) Recognition and measurement

Derivative financial instruments are:

• recognised on the date on which we commit to purchase or sell an 

asset or liability

• included as non-current assets or liabilities, except for those that 
mature in less than 12 months from the reporting date, which are 
classified as current assets or liabilities.

As at 30 June 2018

As at 30 June 2017

Assets

Liabilities

Assets

Liabilities

$m

54
3
18
75

1,462
435
1,897
1,972

$m

-
-
(1)
(1)

(54)
(334)
(388)
(389)

$m

16
4
1
21

994
629
1,623
1,644

$m

-
-
(42)
(42)

(117)
(419)
(536)
(578)

4.3 Capital management (continued)

4.3.3 Derivatives (continued)

(a) Recognition and measurement (continued)

Recognition and measurement

Recognition and 
measurement

All derivatives are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently remeasured at fair value at each 
reporting date. Where the fair value of a derivative is positive, it is carried as an asset, and where negative, 
as a liability. Refer to note 4.4.5 for details on the determination of fair value. 

Right to set-off

We record derivative financial instruments on a net basis in our statement of financial position where we:
• have a legally recognised right to set-off the derivative asset and the derivative liability, and we intend 

to settle on a net basis or simultaneously

• enter into master netting arrangements relating to a number of financial instruments, have a legal 

right of set-off, and intend to exercise that right.

For our interest rate swaps, we do not offset the receivable or payable with the underlying financial asset 
or financial liability being hedged as the transactions are usually with different counterparties and are 
not generally settled on a net basis.

Derecognition

Derivative assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the derivative assets have 
expired or have been transferred and we have transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of 
ownership. 

Derivative liabilities are derecognised when the contractual obligations are discharged, cancelled or 
expired.

Impact to the income 
statement

The method of recognising the resulting gain or loss depends on whether the derivative is designated as 
a hedging instrument and, if so, on the nature of the item being hedged. 

(b) Utilisation of derivatives to manage risks

We enter into derivative transactions in accordance with policies 
approved by the Board to manage our exposure to market risks and 
volatility of financial outcomes that arise as part of our normal 
business operations. We do not speculatively trade in derivative 
financial instruments. 

Hedging refers to the way in which we use financial instruments, 
primarily derivatives, to manage our exposure to financial risks. The 
gain or loss on the underlying item (the ‘hedged item’) is expected to 
move in the opposite direction to the gain or loss on the derivative 
(the ‘hedging instrument’), therefore offsetting our risk position. 
Hedge accounting allows the matching of the gains and losses on 
hedged items and associated hedging instruments in the same 
accounting period to minimise volatility in the income statement. In 
order to qualify for hedge accounting, prospective hedge 
effectiveness testing must meet all of the following criteria:

• an economic relationship exists between the hedged item and 

hedging instrument

• the effect of credit risk does not dominate the value changes 

resulting from the economic relationship

• the hedge ratio is the same as that resulting from actual amounts 
of hedged items and hedging instruments for risk management.

Our major exposure to interest rate risk and foreign currency risk 
arises from our long-term borrowings. We also have translation 
foreign currency risk associated with investments in foreign 
operations and transactional foreign currency exposures such as 
purchases in foreign currencies. These risks are discussed further in 
note 4.4.

96 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
96 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 97
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 97

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 98  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 99  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 4. Our capital and risk management (continued)

Section 4. Our capital and risk management (continued)

4.3 Capital management (continued)

4.3.3 Derivatives (continued)

(b) Utilisation of derivatives to manage risks (continued)

To the extent permitted by Australian Accounting Standards, we 
formally designate and document our financial instruments by 
hedge type as follows: 

Fair value hedges

Cash flow hedges

Net investment hedges

Objectives of this 
hedging arrangement

To hedge the exposure to 
changes in the fair value of 
borrowings which are issued at 
a fixed rate, or denominated in 
foreign currency, by converting 
to floating rate borrowings 
denominated in Australian 
dollars.

Instruments used

We enter into cross currency   
and interest rate swaps to 
mitigate our exposure to 
changes in the fair value of our 
long-term borrowings.

To hedge the exposure to 
changes in cash flows from 
borrowings that bear floating 
interest rates or are 
denominated in foreign 
currency. Cash flow hedging is 
also used to mitigate the 
foreign currency exposure 
arising from highly probable 
and committed future currency 
cash flows.

We enter into interest rate and 
cross currency swaps to hedge 
future cash flows arising from 
our borrowings. 

We use forward foreign 
exchange contracts to hedge a 
portion of firm commitments 
and highly probable forecast 
transactions.

To offset the foreign exchange 
exposure arising from the 
translation of our foreign 
investments from their 
functional currency to 
Australian dollars.

Where we choose to hedge our 
net investment exposures, we 
use forward foreign exchange 
contracts, cross currency 
swaps and/or borrowings in 
the relevant currency of the 
investment.

Economic relationships

In all our hedge relationships the critical terms of the hedging instrument and hedged item (including 
notional values, cash flows and currency) are aligned.

4.3 Capital management (continued)

4.3.3 Derivatives (continued)

(b) Utilisation of derivatives to manage risks (continued)

Table F shows the carrying value and notional value of each 
component of our gross debt including derivative financial 
instruments categorised by hedge type.

Table F

Telstra Group

Borrowings by hedge designation
Fair value hedges
Cash flow hedges
Not in a hedge relationship
Total borrowings
Derivative assets by hedge designation
Fair value hedges
Cash flow hedges
Not in a hedge relationship
Total derivative assets
Derivative liabilities by hedge designation
Fair value hedges
Cash flow hedges
Not in a hedge relationship
Total derivative liabilities
Total gross debt

As at 30 June 2018

As at 30 June 2017

Carrying 
value

Notional 
value

Carrying 
value

Notional 
value

$m

$m

$m

$m

(4,751)
(7,766)
(4,434)
(16,951)

962
999
11
1,972

-
(388)
(1)
(389)
(15,368)

(4,339)
(7,798)
(4,600)
(16,737)

669
932
11
1,612

-
-
(1)
(1)
(15,126)

(5,337)
(6,805)
(5,142)
(17,284)

775
868
1
1,644

(3)
(536)
(39)
(578)
(16,218)

(4,874)
(6,840)
(5,303)
(17,017)

458
579
1
1,038

(4)
(46)
(41)
(91)
(16,070)

(i) Fair value hedges

All changes in the fair value of the underlying item relating to the 
hedged risk are recognised in the income statement together with 
the changes in the fair value of derivatives. The net difference is 
recorded in the income statement as ineffectiveness. The carrying 
value of borrowings in effective fair value hedge relationships is 
adjusted for gains or losses attributable to the risk(s) being hedged. 

Table G outlines the cumulative amount of fair value hedge 
adjustments that are included in the carrying amount of borrowings 
in the statement of financial position. 

Table G

Telstra Group

Notional value as at 30 June
Unamortised discounts/premiums
Amortised cost
Cumulative fair value hedge adjustments
Carrying amount

As at 30 June

2018

2017

$m
(4,339)
12
(4,327)
(424)
(4,751)

$m
(4,874)
17
(4,857)
(480)
(5,337)

Table H shows the ineffectiveness recognised in the income 
statement. We have excluded foreign currency basis spreads from 
our designated fair value and cash flow hedge relationships. 

Table H

Telstra Group

Re-measurement of hedged item used to 
measure ineffectiveness
Change in value of hedging instruments
Net (gain)/loss before tax from 
ineffectiveness
Net (gain)/loss after tax

Year ended 30 June

2018

(Gain)/
loss

2017

(Gain)/
loss

$m

161

(167)

(6)

(4)

$m

(180)

199

19

13

98 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
98 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 99
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 99

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 100  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 101  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 4. Our capital and risk management (continued)

Section 4. Our capital and risk management (continued)

4.3 Capital management (continued)

4.3.3 Derivatives (continued)

(b) Utilisation of derivatives to manage risks (continued)

(ii) Cash flow hedges

The portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument that is 
effective (offsets the movement on the hedged item) is recognised 
directly in the cash flow hedging reserve in equity and any ineffective 
portion is recognised as finance costs directly in the income 
statement.

Gains or losses deferred in the cash flow hedging reserve are 
subsequently:

• transferred to the income statement when the hedged transaction 

affects profit or loss (e.g. a forecast transaction occurs)

• included in the initial carrying amount when the hedged item is a 

non-financial asset or liability

• transferred immediately to the income statement if a forecast 

hedged transaction is no longer expected to occur.

Table I shows the hedge gains or losses transferred to and from the 
cash flow hedging reserve.

Table I

Telstra Group

Year ended 30 June

2018

2017

$m

$m

Cash flow hedging reserve
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges
Changes in fair value transferred to other 
expenses
Changes in fair value transferred to goods 
and services purchased
Changes in fair value transferred to 
finance costs
Changes in fair value transferred to 
property, plant and equipment
Income tax on movements in the cash flow 
hedging reserve

154

(409)

3

117

3

155

208

-

29

(68)

2

22

(50)

During the current and prior financial years, there was no material 
impact on profit or loss resulting from ineffectiveness of our cash 
flow hedges or from discontinuing hedge accounting for forecast 
transactions no longer expected to occur.

Table J shows when the cash flows are expected to occur with 
respect to items in cash flow hedges. These amounts are the 
undiscounted cash flows reported in Australian dollars and 
represent our foreign currency exposures at the reporting date.

Table J
Telstra Group

Non-capital items
Within 1 year
Capital items
Within 1 year
Borrowings
Within 1 year
Within 1 to 5 years
After 5 years

Notional cash 
outflows

As at 30 June

2018

2017

$m

$m

(422)

(634)

(251)
(3,700)
(5,063)
(9,436)

(316)
(3,553)
(4,147)
(8,739)

Non-capital items will be recognised in the income statement in the 
same period in which the cash flows are expected to occur. 

(402)

(iii) Derivatives not in a formal hedge relationship

Some derivatives may not qualify for hedge accounting or are 
specifically not designated as a hedge as natural offset achieves 
substantially the same accounting results. This includes forward 
foreign currency contracts that are used to economically hedge 
exchange rate fluctuations associated with trade creditors or other 
liability and asset balances denominated in a foreign currency.

4.3.4 Other hedge accounting policies

(a) Discontinuation of hedge accounting

Hedge accounting is discontinued when a hedging instrument 
expires, is sold, terminated, or no longer meets the criteria for hedge 
accounting. At that time, any cumulative gains or losses relating to 
cash flow hedges recognised in equity are initially retained in equity 
and subsequently recognised in the income statement as the 
previously hedged item affects profit or loss. For fair value hedges, 
the cumulative adjustment recorded against the carrying value of the 
hedged item at the date hedge accounting ceases is amortised to the 
income statement using the effective interest method.

(b) Embedded derivatives

Derivatives embedded in host contracts that are financial assets are 
not separated from financial asset hosts and a hybrid contract is 
classified in its entirety at either amortised cost or fair value.

Derivatives embedded in other financial liabilities or other host 
contracts are treated as separate financial instruments when their 
risks and characteristics are not closely related to those of the host 
contracts and the host contracts are not measured at fair value 
through profit or loss.

4.4 Financial instruments and risk management

Our underlying business activities result in exposure to 
operational risks and a number of financial risks, including 
interest rate risk, foreign currency risk, credit risk and liquidity 
risk.

Our overall risk management program seeks to mitigate these 
risks in order to reduce volatility on our financial performance 
and to support the delivery of our financial targets. Financial 
risk management is carried out centrally by our treasury 
department under policies approved by the Board. 

This note summarises how we manage these financial risks.

All our financial instruments are accounted for under AASB 9 
(2013): ‘Financial instruments’.

-

(89)

4.4.1 Managing our interest rate risk

Interest rate risk arises from changes in market interest rates. 
Borrowings issued at fixed rates expose us to fair value interest 
rate risk. Variable rate borrowings give rise to cash flow interest 
rate risk, which is partially offset by cash and cash equivalents 
balances held at variable rates.

We manage interest rate risk on our net debt portfolio by:

• setting our target ratio of fixed interest debt to variable interest 

debt, as required by our debt management policy

• ensuring access to diverse sources of funding
• reducing risks of refinancing by establishing and managing our 

target maturity profiles

• entering into cross currency and interest rate swaps. Also refer to 

note 4.3.3.

(a) Exposure

Table C in note 4.3.2 sets out the carrying amount of borrowings. The 
use of cross currency and interest rate swaps allows us to manage 
the level of exposure our borrowings have to interest rate risks. Table 
A below shows our fixed to floating ratio based on the carrying value 
of our borrowings pre and post hedging.

For internal risk management purposes, we classify debt due to 
mature within 12 months as floating.

Table A

Telstra Group

Fixed rate

Floating rate

Total borrowings

As at 30 June 2018

As at 30 June 2017

Pre-hedge 
borrowings

Post-hedge 
borrowings

Pre-hedge 
borrowings

Post-hedge 
borrowings

Note

4.3

$m

(14,457)

(2,494)

(16,951)

$m

(10,220)

(6,731)

(16,951)

$m

(14,964)

(2,320)

(17,284)

$m

(9,627)

(7,657)

(17,284)

100 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
100 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 101
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 101

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 102  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 103  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 4. Our capital and risk management (continued)

Section 4. Our capital and risk management (continued)

4.4 Financial instruments and risk management (continued)

4.4.2 Managing our foreign currency risk

4.4 Financial instruments and risk management (continued)

4.4.1 Managing our interest rate risk (continued)

(b) Sensitivity

We have performed a sensitivity analysis based on the interest rate 
risk exposures of our financial instruments as at 30 June, showing 
the impact that a 10 per cent shift in interest rates would have on our 
profit after tax and on equity. In accordance with our policy to swap 
foreign currency borrowings into Australian dollars, interest rate 
sensitivity relates primarily to movements in Australian interest 
rates.

Table B shows the results of our sensitivity analysis.

Table B

Telstra 
Group

As at 30 June

2018

2017

Foreign currency risk is our risk that the value of a financial 
commitment, forecast transaction, recognised asset or liability 
will fluctuate due to changes in foreign exchange rates. We 
issue debt offshore and operate internationally and hence we 
are exposed to foreign exchange risk from various currencies. 
However, our largest concentration of risk is attributable to the 
Euro, United States dollar and the Philippine peso.

This risk exposure arises primarily from:
• borrowings denominated in foreign currencies
• trade and other creditor balances denominated in foreign 

currencies

• firm commitments or highly probable forecast transactions 
for receipts and payments settled in foreign currencies or 
with prices dependent on foreign currencies

• net investments in foreign controlled entities (foreign 

Gain/(loss)

operations).

Net 
profit/
(loss)

Equity

Net 
profit/
(loss)

Equity

(a) Borrowings 

Interest rates 
(+10%)
Interest rates 
(-10%)

$m

(18)

18

$m

32

(33)

$m

(19)

18

$m

48

(49)

A shift of 10 per cent has been selected as a reasonably possible 
change in interest rates based on the current level of both short-term 
and long-term interest rates. This is not a forecast or prediction of 
future market conditions. 

The results of the sensitivity analysis are driven by the following main 
factors:

• any increase or decrease in interest rates will impact our net 

unhedged floating rate financial instruments and therefore will 
directly impact profit or loss

• changes in the fair value of derivatives which are part of effective 

cash flow hedge relationships are deferred in equity with no 
impact to profit or loss

• changes in the fair value of foreign currency basis spreads 

associated with our cross currency swaps are deferred in equity 
• there is minimal net impact on profit or loss as a result of fair value 
movements on derivatives designated in effective fair value hedge 
relationships as there will be an offsetting adjustment to the 
underlying borrowing

• the analysis does not include the impact of any management 

action that might take place if a 10 per cent shift were to occur.

We mitigate the foreign currency exposure on foreign currency 
denominated borrowings by:

• converting borrowings to Australian dollars using cross currency 

swaps 

• holding borrowings to offset the translation of the net assets of a 
foreign controlled entity (we may also choose to hedge the foreign 
currency translation risk using derivatives). We have nil hedges in 
place for foreign currency translation risk associated with our 
investments in foreign operations (2017: nil).

Table C shows the carrying value of offshore borrowings by 
underlying currency. As at 30 June 2018, all offshore borrowings 
were swapped into Australian dollars (2017: all Australian dollars).

Table C

Telstra Group

United States dollar
Euro
Japanese yen
Swiss franc
Other
Total offshore borrowings

As at 30 June

2018

2017

$m
(3,391)
(8,372)
(126)
(311)
(262)
(12,462)

$m
(2,592)
(7,948)
(119)
(315)
(346)
(11,320)

As at 30 June 2018, we also held $677 million (2017: $1,457 million) 
of commercial paper at carrying value, including $100 million 
denominated in United States dollar ($135 million Australian dollar 
equivalent). This was converted into Australian dollars using foreign 
exchange swaps.

4.4.2 Managing our foreign currency risk (continued)

(b) Trading

We have some exposure to foreign currency risk from our operating 
(transactional) activities. We manage this risk by:

• hedging a proportion of the exposure of foreign exchange 

transaction risk arising from firm commitments or highly probable 
forecast transactions denominated in foreign currencies in 
accordance with our risk management policy. These transactions 
may be physically settled in a foreign currency or in Australian 
dollars but with direct reference to quoted currency rates in 
accordance with a contractual formula 

• economically hedging a proportion of foreign currency risk 
associated with trade and other asset and liability balances

• economically hedging the risk associated with our wholly owned 
controlled entities (‘WOCE’) that may be exposed to transactions, 
both forecast and committed, in currencies other than their 
functional currency, in accordance with our overall risk 
management policy. 

We hedge the above risks using forward foreign exchange contracts. 
Table D summarises the impact of outstanding forward foreign 
exchange contracts that are hedging our transactional currency 
exposures.

Table D

Telstra Group

Commercial paper borrowings
United States dollars
Transactions to and from WOCE
British pounds sterling
United States dollars
Other (various currencies)
Forecast transactions
United States dollars
Philippine peso
Other (various currencies)
Other assets and liabilities
United States dollars
Total in Australian dollars

(c) Natural offset

As at 30 June 2018

As at 30 June 2017

Exposure

Forward foreign exchange 
contract receive/(pay)

Exposure

Forward foreign exchange 
contract receive/(pay)

Local currency

Austra- 
lian 
dollars

Average 
exchange 
rate

Local currency

Austra- 
lian 
dollars

Average 
exchange 
rate

m

m

$m

$

m

m

$m

$

(100)

(18)
(174)
-

(257)
(2,840)
-

100

15
141
-

93
2,272
-

(46)

46

(133)

0.75

(1,020)

1,020

(1,357)

0.75

(26)
(186)
(12)

(121)
(56)
-

(61)
(595)

0.57
0.76
-

0.77
40.35
-

(15)
(342)
-

(469)
(3,840)
-

13
295
-

216
3,072
-

0.75

(83)

83

(23)
(390)
(3)

(284)
(80)
(7)

(109)
(2,253)

0.59
0.76
-

0.76
38.40
-

0.76

Our direct foreign exchange exposure arising from the impact of 
translation of the results of our foreign entities to Australian dollars 
is, in part, naturally offset at the Group level by foreign currency 
denominated operating and capital expenditure of business units, 
for which we do not have formal hedging in place.

102 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
102 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 103
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 103

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 104  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 105  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018
Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 4. Our capital and risk management (continued)

Section 4. Our capital and risk management (continued)

4.4 Financial instruments and risk management (continued)

4.4.3 Managing our credit risk

4.4 Financial instruments and risk management (continued)

We manage liquidity risk by:

4.4.2 Managing our foreign currency risk (continued)

(d) Sensitivity

We have performed a sensitivity analysis based on our foreign 
currency risk exposures existing at balance date. Table E shows the 
impact that a 10 per cent shift in applicable exchange rates would 
have on our profit after tax and on equity.

Table E

As at 30 June

Telstra Group

2018

2017

Gain/(loss)

Equity

Net 
profit/
(loss)

Equity

Net 
profit/
(loss)

$m

6

(8)

$m

(30)

36

$m

19

(23)

$m

(24)

30

Exchange rates 
(+10%)
Exchange rates 
(-10%)

A shift of 10 per cent has been selected as a reasonably possible 
change taking into account the current level of exchange rates and 
the volatility observed both on a historical basis and on market 
expectations of future movements. This is not a forecast or 
prediction of future market conditions.

We are exposed to equity impacts from foreign currency movements 
associated with our offshore investments and our derivatives in cash 
flow hedges of offshore borrowings. Foreign currency risk is spread 
over a number of currencies. We have disclosed the sensitivity 
analysis on a total portfolio basis and not separately by currency.

The translation of our foreign entities’ results into the Group’s 
presentation currency has not been included in the above sensitivity 
analysis as this represents translation risk rather than transaction 
risk.

Any unhedged foreign exchange positions associated with our 
transactional exposures will directly affect profit or loss as a result of 
foreign currency movements. 

There is no significant impact on profit or loss from foreign currency 
movements associated with our borrowings portfolio in effective fair 
value or cash flow hedges as an offsetting entry will be recognised on 
the associated hedging instrument.

The analysis does not include the impact of any management action 
that might take place if these events occurred.

Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty will default on its 
contractual obligations resulting in a financial loss. We are 
exposed to credit risk from our operating activities (primarily 
customer credit risk) and financing activities. 

We manage credit risk by:

• applying Board approved credit policies
• monitoring exposure to high risk debtors
• requiring collateral where appropriate
• assigning credit limits to all financial counterparties.

We may also be subject to credit risk on transactions not included in 
the statement of financial position, such as when we provide a 
guarantee for another party. Details of our contingent liabilities are 
disclosed in note 7.3.2. 

(a) Customer credit risk

Trade and other receivables consist of a large number of customers, 
spread across the consumer, business, enterprise, government and 
international sectors. Other than nbn co, we do not have any 
significant credit risk exposure to a single customer or group of 
customers. Ageing analysis and ongoing credit evaluation are 
performed on the financial condition of our customers and, where 
appropriate, an allowance for doubtful debts is raised. In addition, 
receivable balances are monitored on an ongoing basis so that our 
exposure to bad debts is not significant. Refer to note 3.3 for further 
details about our trade and other receivables.

(b) Treasury credit risk

We are exposed to credit risk from the investment of surplus funds 
(primarily deposits) and from the use of derivative financial 
instruments.

We have a number of exposures to individual counterparties. To 
manage this risk, we have Board approved policies that limit the 
amount of credit exposure to any single counterparty. Counterparty 
credit ratings and market conditions are reviewed continually with 
limits being revised and utilisation adjusted where appropriate. We 
also manage our credit exposure using a value at risk (VaR) 
methodology, which is an industry standard measure that estimates 
the maximum potential exposure of our risk positions as a result of 
future movements in market rates. This helps to ensure that we do 
not underestimate credit exposure with any single counterparty. 
Using VaR analysis, at 30 June 2018, 94 per cent (2017: 99 per cent) 
of our derivative credit exposure was with counterparties that have a 
credit rating of A- or better. Management does not expect any 
significant losses from non-performance by any of these 
counterparties.

4.4.4 Managing our liquidity risk 

Liquidity risk is the risk that we will be unable to meet our 
financial obligations as they fall due. 

Our objective is to maintain a balance between continuity and 
flexibility of funding through the use of liquid financial instruments, 
long-term and short-term borrowings, and committed available 
bank facilities. 

• defining minimum levels of cash and cash equivalents
• defining minimum levels of cash and cash equivalents plus 

undrawn bank facilities

• closely monitoring rolling forecasts of liquidity reserves on the 

basis of expected business cash flows

• using instruments which trade in highly liquid markets with highly 

rated counterparties

• investing surplus funds within various types of liquid instruments.

We believe that our contractual obligations can be met through 
existing cash and cash equivalents, operating cash flows and other 
funding arrangements we reasonably expect to have available to us, 
including the use of committed bank facilities.

Table F shows our contractual cash flow maturities of financial 
liabilities including estimated interest payments. The amounts 
disclosed are undiscounted future cash flows and therefore do not 
reconcile to the amounts in the statement of financial position. 

Table F

Telstra Group

Domestic borrowings
Offshore borrowings
Commercial paper
Interest on borrowings, 
excluding finance lease 
liabilities
Finance lease liabilities
Trade/other creditors and 
accrued expenses
Derivative financial assets
Derivative financial 
liabilities
Total

(a) Borrowing facilities

Contractual maturity

As at 30 June 2018

As at 30 June 2017

Less 
than 1 
year

1 to 2 
years

2 to 5 
years

$m
(548)
(313)
(686)

$m
(60)
(1,580)
-

$m
(2,080)
(5,179)
-

More 
than 5 
years

$m
(750)
(5,030)
-

Total

$m
(3,438)
(12,102)
(686)

Less 
than 1 
year

$m
(808)
(97)
(1,467)

1 to 2 
years

2 to 5 
years

$m
(538)
(306)
-

$m
(1,257)
(4,906)
-

More 
than 5 
years

$m
(1,550)
(5,606)
-

Total

$m
(4,153)
(10,915)
(1,467)

(721)

(503)

(450)

(161)

(1,835)

(530)

(498)

(1,158)

(456)

(2,642)

(102)

(4,835)

(70)

(10)

(106)

(233)

(511)

(125)

(14)

(41)

(4,900)

(4,190)

(73)

(11)

(100)

(184)

(482)

(18)

(40)

(4,259)

1,402

1,963

5,779

5,251

14,395

2,778

659

5,605

5,869

14,911

(1,481)

(2,035)

(5,042)

(4,928)

(13,486)

(2,963)

(772)

(5,551)

(5,612)

(14,898)

(7,284)

(2,295)

(7,092)

(5,892)

(22,563)

(7,402)

(1,539)

(7,385)

(7,579)

(23,905)

We have committed available bank facilities in place to support our 
liquidity requirements and our short-term and long-term 
borrowings. Table G shows our undrawn facilities as at 30 June.

Table G

Telstra Group

Facilities available
Facilities used
Facilities unused

As at 30 June

2018

2017

$m
3,200
(200)
3,000

$m
3,200
(200)
3,000

104 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
104 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 105
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 105

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 106  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 107  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 4. Our capital and risk management (continued)

Section 4. Our capital and risk management (continued)

4.4 Financial instruments and risk management (continued)

4.4.5 Valuation and disclosures within fair value hierarchy

The financial instruments included in the statement of 
financial position are measured either at fair value or their 
carrying value approximates fair value, with the exception of 
borrowings, which are held at amortised cost.

To determine fair value, we use both observable and 
unobservable inputs. We classify the inputs used in the 
valuation of our financial instruments according to a three level 
hierarchy as shown below. The classification is based on the 
lowest level input that is significant to the fair value 
measurement as a whole.

Fair value hierarchy:

• level 1: quoted (unadjusted) market prices in active markets for 

identical assets or liabilities

• level 2: the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value 
measurement is directly (as prices) or indirectly (derived from 
prices) observable

• level 3: one or more key inputs for the instrument are not based on 

observable market data (unobservable inputs).

The table below summaries the methods used to estimate the fair 
value of our financial instruments:

Level

Level 1

Level 2

Financial instrument

Fair value

Listed investments in equity 
instruments

Quoted prices in active markets.

Borrowings, cross currency 
and interest rate swaps

Valuation techniques maximise the use of observable market data. 
Present value of the estimated future cash flows using appropriate 
market based yield curves, which are independently derived. Yield 
curves are sourced from readily available market data quoted for all 
major currencies.

Forward foreign exchange 
contracts

Quoted forward exchange rates at reporting date for contracts with 
similar maturity profiles.

Level 3

Unlisted investments in equity 
instruments

Valuation techniques (where one or more of the significant inputs is 
not based on observable market data) include reference to 
discounted cash flows and fair values of recent orderly sell 
transactions between market participants involving instruments 
that are substantially the same.

Contingent consideration

Initial recognition: expectations of future performance of the 
business. Subsequent measurement: present value of the future 
expected cash flows.

4.4 Financial instruments and risk management (continued)

4.4.5 Valuation and disclosures within fair value hierarchy 
(continued)

Table H categorises our financial instruments which are measured at 
fair value, according to the valuation methodology applied.

Table H

Telstra Group

Assets
Derivative financial instruments
Investments in listed securities
Investments in unlisted securities

Liabilities
Derivative financial instruments
Contingent consideration

Total

As at 30 June 2018

As at 30 June 2017

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

-
11
-
11

-
-
-
11

1,972
-
-
1,972

(389)
-
(389)
1,583

-
-
25
25

-
(4)
(4)
21

1,972
11
25
2,008

(389)
(4)
(393)
1,615

-
15
-
15

-
-
-
15

1,644
-
-
1,644

(578)
-
(578)
1,066

-
-
277
277

-
(8)
(8)
269

1,644
15
277
1,936

(578)
(8)
(586)
1,350

Table I details movements in the level 3 unlisted security balances. 

Table I
Telstra Group

Opening balance 1 July 2017
Purchases
Remeasurement recognised in other comprehensive 
income
Transfer to listed securities
Disposals
Contribution to Telstra Ventures Fund II, L.P.
Closing balance 30 June 2018

Unlisted 
securities

Level 3

$m
277
67

12

(13)
(22)
(296)
25

The remeasurement recognised in other comprehensive income in 
the financial year 2018 related to investments held by Telstra 
Ventures Pty Ltd.

During the financial year, we have not received any dividend from our 
listed or unlisted equity investments and there have been no 
transfers to or from equity in relation to these investments.

During the financial year, a financial instruments balance of $13 
million was transferred from Level 3 to Level 1 following the 
investment listing on a stock exchange. The valuation technique for 
the investment changed to reflect the quoted market price.

Refer to note 6.3.1 for further information on contribution to Telstra 
Venture Fund II, L.P.

Our borrowings as per Table C in note 4.3.2 are classified as level 2 in 
the fair value hierarchy.

106 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
106 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 107
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 107

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 108  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 109  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Section 4. Our capital and risk management (continued)

4.4 Financial instruments and risk management (continued)

4.4.6 Offsetting and netting arrangements

Table J presents financial assets and financial liabilities subject to 
offsetting, enforceable master netting arrangements or similar 
agreements.

Table J
Telstra Group

Gross 
amounts

Gross 
amounts 
offset in the 
statement of 
financial 
position

Net amounts 
presented in 
the 
statement of 
financial 
position

Gross amounts not offset in 
the statement of financial 
position

Net amounts

Financial 
instruments

Collateral 
received or 
pledged

Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
Derivative financial assets
Derivative financial liabilities
Total

Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
Derivative financial assets
Derivative financial liabilities
Total

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

A

B

C=A-B

D

E

F=C-D-E

658
(370)
1,972
(389)
1,871

732
(329)
1,644
(578)
1,469

110
(110)
-
-
-

100
(100)
-
-
-

As at 30 June 2018

548
(260)
1,972
(389)
1,871

As at 30 June 2017

632
(229)
1,644
(578)
1,469

51
(51)
370
(370)
-

109
(109)
480
(480)
-

10
-
-
-
10

9
-
-
-
9

487
(209)
1,602
(19)
1,861

514
(120)
1,164
(98)
1,460

Gross amounts not offset in the statement of financial position 
reflect amounts subject to conditional offsetting arrangements.

Gross amounts of financial instruments not offset in the statement 
of financial position, i.e. our material rights of set-off that are not 
otherwise included in column B, related to:

• our inter-operative tariff arrangements with some of our 
international roaming partners, where we have executed 
agreements that allow the netting of amounts payable and 
receivable by us on cessation of the contract

• our wholesale customers, where we have executed Customer 

Relationship Agreements that allow for the netting of amounts 
payable and receivable by us in certain circumstances where there 
is a right to suspend the supply of services or on the expiration or 
termination of the agreement

• our derivative financial instruments, where we have executed 

master netting arrangements under our International Swaps and 
Derivatives Association agreements. These agreements allow for 
the netting of amounts payable and receivable by us or the 
counterparty in the event of default or a credit event. In line with 
contractual provisions, in the event of insolvency all derivatives 
with a positive or negative fair value that exist with the respective 
counterparty are offset against each other, leaving a net receivable 
or liability.

Notes to the financial statements (continued)
Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Section 5. Our people
Section 5. Our people

We are working to attract and retain employees with 
We are working to attract and retain employees with 
the skills and passion to best serve our markets. This 
the skills and passion to best serve our markets.  
section provides information about our employee 
This section provides information about our employee 
benefits obligations. It also includes details of our 
benefits obligations. It also includes details of our 
employee share plans and compensation paid to key 
employee share plans and compensation paid to key 
management personnel.
management personnel.

SECTION 5. OUR PEOPLE

5.1 Employee benefits

5.1.1 Aggregate employee benefits
Our employee benefits include provisions and accrued expenses for 
our employee benefits and incentives, which are separately 
presented in the statement of financial position. These provisions 
and accruals include elements where we apply estimates and 
judgement. Accrued labour and related on-costs are disclosed 
within our current trade and other payables in note 3.5. 

Table A provides a summary of all these employee obligations.

Table A

Telstra Group

Current provision for employee benefits
Non-current provision for employee 
benefits
Current redundancy provisions
Accrued labour and on-costs

As at 30 June

2018

2017

$m
868

157

5
498
1,528

$m
865

160

86
480
1,591

Provision for employee benefits includes annual leave, long service 
leave and incentives accrued by employees. 

Long service
leave provision

We applied management judgment to 
determine the following key 
assumptions used in the calculation of 
long service leave entitlements:
• 4.5 per cent (2017: 4.5 per cent) 
weighted average projected 
increases in salaries

• 3.9 per cent (2017: 4 per cent) 

discount rate.

The discount rate used to calculate the 
present value has been determined by 
reference to market yields at 30 June 
2018 on 10 year (2017: 10 year) high 
quality corporate bonds which have 
due dates similar to those of our 
liabilities. 

For the amounts of the provision presented as current, we do not 
have an unconditional right to defer settlement for any of these 
obligations. However, based on past experience, we do not expect all 
employees to take the full amount of accrued leave or require 
payment within the next 12 months. Amounts disclosed in Table B 
have been determined in accordance with an actuarial assessment 
and reflect leave that is not expected to be taken or paid within the 
next 12 months.

Table B

Telstra Group

Leave obligations expected to be settled 
after 12 months

5.1.2 Recognition and measurement

As at 30 June

2018

2017

$m

524

$m

532

The liabilities for employee benefits relating to wages and salaries, 
annual leave and other current employee benefits are accrued at 
their nominal amounts. These are calculated based on remuneration 
rates expected to be current at the settlement date and include 
related costs.

Certain employees who have been employed by Telstra for at least 10 
years are entitled to long service leave of three months (or more 
depending on the actual length of employment). We accrue liabilities 
for long service leave not expected to be paid or settled within 12 
months of reporting date at the present values of future amounts 
expected to be paid. This is based on projected increases in wage and 
salary rates over an average of 10 years, experience of employee 
departures and periods of service.

Provisions are recognised when:

• the Telstra Group has a present legal or constructive obligation to 
make a future sacrifice of economic benefits as a result of past 
transactions or events

• it is probable that a future sacrifice of economic benefits will arise
• a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

We recognise a provision for redundancy costs when a detailed 
formal plan for the redundancies have been developed and a valid 
expectation has been created that the redundancies will be carried 
out in respect of those employees likely to be effected. 

108 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
108 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 109
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 109

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 110  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 111  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Section 5. Our people (continued)

5.2 Employee share plans

We have a number of employee share plans that are available for executives and employees as part of their short-term and long-term 
remuneration packages. Active share plans are conducted through the Telstra Growthshare Trust (Growthshare). Telstra wholly owns 
Telstra Growthshare Pty Ltd, the corporate trustee for Growthshare (the Trustee), the results of which are consolidated into our Telstra 
Group Financial Report.

A transaction will be classified as share-based compensation where the Group receives services from employees and pays for these in 
shares or similar equity instruments.

This note summarises the primary employee share plans conducted through Growthshare and the key movements in the share-based 
payment arrangements during the financial year. 

The performance rights will only vest into Telstra ordinary shares if 
Telstra’s RTSR ranks at the 50th percentile or greater against a 
comparator group comprising the ASX100 (excluding resource 
companies) over the performance period. If the RTSR measure is not 
satisfied, all of the applicable performance rights in the relevant 
tranche will lapse.

No dividend will be paid on performance rights prior to vesting. For 
performance rights that do vest, a cash payment equivalent to 
dividend paid by Telstra during the period between allocation of the 
performance rights and vesting will be made at or around the time of 
vesting. This cash entitlement is not included in the grant date fair 
values of the performance rights as this will be accounted for 
separately.

The performance rights will have a nil exercise price.

The RTSR measure does not apply to performance rights granted to 
the Group Executive (GE) Telstra Wholesale due to constraints under 
our Structural Separation Undertaking (SSU) arising from the nbn 
transaction.

As at 30 June 2018, there are no performance rights allocated yet 
under the EVP.

5.2.1 Description of Executive Variable Remuneration Plan (EVP) 
share-based payment arrangements
The EVP was implemented for the CEO and other eligible senior 
executives from financial year 2018. The EVP combines and replaces 
our short-term incentive (STI) and long-term incentive (LTI) share-
based payment arrangements for those executives into a simplified 
single incentive plan. Under the EVP, the amount earned by an 
executive is determined at the end of an initial one year performance 
period based on the executive’s performance. The last allocations of 
restricted shares and performance rights under the previous STI and 
LTI arrangements to those executives were made in November 2017 
and November 2016, respectively. The first allocation of restricted 
shares and performance rights under the EVP will be made in 
financial year 2019. 

(a) Restricted shares

Restricted shares are subject to a two year restriction period 
following the initial one year performance period. In order to have a 
smooth transition from our existing STI arrangements, the restricted 
shares allocated under the FY18 EVP will be split into two equal 
tranches, with half of them restricted for 12 months ending 30 June 
2019 and the other half for 24 months ending 30 June 2020.

Performance hurdles are applied in determining the number of 
restricted shares to be allocated under EVP, and therefore, no other 
performance hurdles will apply once they are allocated. During the 
restriction period, executives are entitled to vote and earn dividend 
on their restricted shares from the actual allocation date. However, 
they are restricted from dealing with the shares during this period. 
The restricted shares will have a nil exercise price.

If an executive leaves Telstra for a non-permitted reason (the 
definition of which is set out in the Remuneration Report Glossary) 
before the end of the relevant restriction period, the restricted 
shares will be forfeited. Restricted shares may also be forfeited if 
certain clawback events occur during the restriction period.

As at 30 June 2018, there are no restricted shares allocated yet 
under the EVP.

(b) Performance rights

Under the EVP, the number of performance rights allocated to an 
executive will depend on the executive’s performance against certain 
performance hurdles over the initial one year performance period.

Once allocated, the performance rights will be tested against a 
Relative Total Shareholder Return (RTSR) measure over a five year 
period inclusive of the initial one year performance period.

In order to have a smooth transition from our previous LTI 
arrangements, the performance rights will be split into two equal 
tranches under the FY18 EVP. Half of the rights will be subject to the 
RTSR measure over a four year performance period from 1 July 2017 
to 30 June 2021. The second half will be subject to the RTSR measure 
over a five year performance period from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2022.

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018
Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 5. Our people (continued)

5.2 Employee share plans (continued)

5.2.1 Description of Executive Variable Remuneration Plan (EVP) 
share-based payment arrangements (continued)

(i) Fair value measurement of performance rights

Table A provides details of the inputs used in the measurement of fair 
values at grant date of the performance rights under the FY18 EVP.

Table A

Telstra Group

CEO

GE Telstra Wholesale

All other executives

Tranche 1

Tranche 2

Tranche 1

Tranche 2

Tranche 1

Tranche 2

Share price
Risk free rate
Dividend yield
Expected life in years
Expected stock volatility
Fair value ($)

Oct 2017

$3.55
2.14%
6.01%
3.7
20.0%
$1.20

$3.55
2.27%
6.01%
4.7
20.0%
$1.25

Measurement date at

Sep 2017
$3.49
2.15%
6.11%
3.8
20.0%
$2.77

$3.49
2.28%
6.11%
4.8
20.0%
$2.61

Sep 2017
$3.49
2.15%
6.11%
3.8
20.0%
$1.22

$3.49
2.28%
6.11%
4.8
20.0%
$1.27

The expected stock volatility is a measure of the amount by which the 
price is expected to fluctuate during a period. This is based on an 
annualised historical daily volatility of closing share prices over a 
certain period to the measurement date.

5.2.2 Description of STI share-based payment arrangements

(b) Summary of movements

Table B summarises the movements in the number of STI restricted 
shares outstanding for the Group. ‘Exercised’ refers to restricted 
shares being released from restriction.

Table B

Telstra Group
Opening balance
Allocated
Forfeited
Exercised
Closing balance
Weighted average fair value of 
instruments allocated during the year
Weighted average share price at date of 
exercise during the year

As at 30 June

2018
5,433,477
2,912,859
(334,906)
(1,933,945)
6,077,485

2017
6,609,538
1,708,194
(363,205)
(2,521,050)
5,433,477

$3.88

$5.47

$3.91

$5.44

(a) Restricted shares

Under the STI arrangements, 25 per cent of executives' actual STI 
payment is provided as restricted shares with an effective allocation 
date of 1 July each financial year. For the CEO and other senior 
executives who participated in those arrangements, up to financial 
year 2017, half of these shares were restricted for 12 months and 
half for 24 months from their effective allocation date. For other 
executives who continue to participate in these arrangements, these 
shares are restricted for three years from their effective allocation 
date. 

Performance hurdles are applied in determining the number of 
restricted shares allocated to executives, and therefore, restricted 
shares are not subject to any other performance hurdles once they 
are allocated. During the restriction period, from the actual grant 
date, executives are entitled to vote and earn dividend on their 
restricted shares. However, they are restricted from dealing with the 
shares during this period.

If an executive leaves Telstra for a non-permitted reason before the 
end of the relevant restriction period, the restricted shares are 
forfeited. Restricted shares may also be forfeited if certain clawback 
events occur during the restriction period.

110 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
110 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 111
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 111

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 112  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 113  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Section 5. Our people (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018
Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 5. Our people (continued)

5.2 Employee share plans (continued)

5.2.3 Description of LTI share-based payment arrangements

Under the previous LTI arrangements that applied up to (and 
including) financial year 2017, there were two key types of LTI share-
based payment arrangements for executives being: 

• Executive LTI performance rights
• GE Telstra Wholesale restricted shares.

We still have an LTI arrangement for non-executives, being the 
employee share plan restricted shares.

The performance rights and restricted shares have a nil exercise 
price.

(a) Executive LTI performance rights

The last allocation under this type of LTI share-based payment 
arrangement was made in November 2016.

In respect of performance rights, an executive has no legal or 
beneficial interest in the underlying shares, no entitlement to receive 
dividend from the shares and no voting rights in relation to the shares 
unless the performance rights become restricted shares.

If the performance hurdle is satisfied at the end of the applicable 
performance period, a specified number of performance rights will 
become restricted shares. 

Although the Trustee holds the restricted shares in trust, the 
executive will retain the beneficial interest (dividend, voting rights, 
bonus issues and rights issues) in these shares until they vest and 
are transferred to them, on the first day after the end of the 
restriction period that the executive is able to deal with the shares 
under Telstra's Securities Trading Policy (unless forfeited). 

The performance rights and restricted shares are subject to lapsing 
and forfeiture provisions if the executive leaves Telstra before the 
end of the performance period or restriction period. The performance 
rights may also lapse and the restricted shares may be forfeited if a 
specified clawback event occurs during the performance period or 
restriction period. 

Two types of Executive LTI performance rights were outstanding in 
financial year 2018 as follows:

• Relative Total Shareholder Return (RTSR) performance rights
• Free Cashflow Return on Investment (FCF ROI) performance rights.

Table C provides details of the two types of outstanding LTI 
performance rights, including relevant performance hurdles and 
vesting schedules.

Minimum threshold target refers to the minimum allocation 
threshold specified in each of the relevant plan terms. Stretch target 
refers to the maximum potential allocation threshold specified in 
each of the relevant plan terms.

Table C

Telstra Group

LTI plan component
Performance measure 
weighting

Performance period

Restriction period after vesting 
of performance rights as 
restricted shares
RTSR Performance Rights
Performance Hurdle - RTSR

Vesting schedule

FCF ROI Performance Rights
Performance Hurdle - FCF ROI

Vesting schedule

Detail
50% to RTSR

50% to FCF ROI
Three years from 1 July to 30 
June
Approximately one year

RTSR measures the growth in 
Telstra's total shareholder 
return (TSR) relative to the 
growth in total shareholder 
return of telecommunication 
companies in a global peer 
group over the same period
25% vests at minimum 
threshold target 

Straight-line vesting from 
minimum threshold target to 
stretch target where 100% vests

FCF ROI is calculated by dividing 
the average annual free 
cashflow (adjusted for interest 
paid and specific non-recurring 
factors) over the performance 
period by Telstra’s average 
investment over the same period 
and may be adjusted by the 
Board to ensure that material 
events do not result in 
unintended windfall gains or 
losses
50% vests at minimum 
threshold target 

Straight-line vesting from 
minimum threshold target to 
stretch target where 100% vests

The performance hurdles for the outstanding GE Telstra Wholesale 
restricted shares were applied in determining the number of 
restricted shares allocated and the restricted shares are not subject 
to any other performance hurdles.

If the GE Telstra Wholesale executive leaves Telstra for any non-
permitted reason before the end of the three-year restriction period, 
the restricted shares are forfeited. If the executive leaves for a 
permitted reason, he or she will forfeit a pro rata number of 
restricted shares. Restricted shares may also be forfeited if certain 
clawback events occur during the restriction period.

(d) Outstanding equity based instruments

Table D provides further information about each type of LTI plan that 
was outstanding during the financial year. 

End date refers to the end of the restriction period for ESP restricted 
shares, GE Telstra Wholesale restricted shares, and the restricted 
shares allocated after vesting of RTSR and FCF ROI performance 
rights.

All ESP restricted shares, GE Telstra Wholesale restricted shares 
and RTSR & FCF ROI performance rights have a nil exercise price. 

5.2 Employee share plans (continued)

5.2.3 Description of LTI share-based payment arrangements 
(continued)

(b) Employee Share Plan (ESP) restricted shares

Restricted shares provided under the ESP in each financial year were 
allocated at no cost to certain eligible employees (executives are 
excluded from the ESP). 

The restricted shares are held by the Trustee on behalf of employees 
until the restriction period ends. For Australian based employees, 
the shares are released from trust on the earlier of three years from 
the date of allocation or the date on which the participating 
employee ceases relevant employment. Although the Trustee holds 
the restricted shares in trust, the employees retain beneficial 
interest (dividend, voting rights, bonus issues and right issues) in 
these shares until the end of the restriction period. 

There are no performance hurdles for these restricted shares.

(c) GE Telstra Wholesale restricted shares

The last allocation under this type of LTI share-based payment 
arrangement was made in November 2017.

Due to the SSU arising from the nbn transaction, the executive 
fulfilling the GE Telstra Wholesale role was prohibited from 
participating in the LTI plans. As a result, an alternative 
remuneration arrangement was provided to that executive, which 
was a restricted share plan where the allocated number of restricted 
shares was based on the executive’s STI outcome for the previous 
financial year. The restriction period for the outstanding restricted 
shares is three years from the allocation date.

Table D

Telstra Group

Growthshare 2014
RTSR & FCF ROI performance rights
Growthshare 2015
ESP restricted shares
GE Telstra Wholesale restricted shares
Growthshare 2016
ESP restricted shares
RTSR & FCF ROI performance rights
GE Telstra Wholesale restricted shares
Growthshare 2017
ESP restricted shares
RTSR & FCF ROI performance rights
GE Telstra Wholesale restricted shares
Growthshare 2018
ESP restricted shares

Effective 
allocation 
date

Performance period

End date

from

to

1 Jul 2013

1 Jul 2013

30 Jun 2016

30 Jun 2017

27 Feb 2015
1 Jul 2014

n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a

27 Feb 2018
30 Jun 2017

26 Feb 2016
1 Jul 2015
1 Jul 2015

n/a
1 Jul 2015
n/a

n/a
30 Jun 2018
n/a

26 Feb 2019
30 Jun 2019
30 Jun 2018

24 Feb 2017
1 Jul 2016
1 Jul 2017

n/a
1 Jul 2016
n/a

n/a
30 Jun 2019
n/a

24 Feb 2020
30 Jun 2020
30 Jun 2020

23 Feb 2018

n/a

n/a

23 Feb 2021

112 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
112 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 113
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 113

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 114  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 115  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 5. Our people (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Section 5. Our people (continued)

5.2 Employee share plans (continued)

5.2.3 Description of LTI share-based payment arrangements 
(continued)

(e) Summary of movements

Table E provides a summary of the movements in our LTI plans. 

Forfeited refers to either instruments that lapsed on cessation of 
employment or following a clawback event or instruments that 
lapsed unexercised.

Exercised refers to performance rights and restricted shares 
released from restriction.

Expired refers to instruments that lapsed as a result of the 
performance hurdle not being met.

Table E

Telstra Group

Growthshare 2014
RTSR performance rights
FCF ROI performance rights
Growthshare 2015
ESP restricted shares
GE Telstra Wholesale restricted shares
Growthshare 2016
ESP restricted shares
RTSR performance rights
FCF ROI performance rights
GE Telstra Wholesale restricted shares
Growthshare 2017
ESP restricted shares
RTSR performance rights
FCF ROI performance rights
GE Telstra Wholesale restricted shares
Growthshare 2018
ESP restricted shares

Outstan- 
ding at 30 
June 2017

496,734
1,201,768

1,972,100
100,174

2,171,400
1,228,380
1,228,380
39,893

2,380,500
1,925,108
1,925,108
-

-
-

-
-

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
86,185

5.2 Employee share plans (continued)

5.2.3 Description of LTI share-based payment arrangements 
(continued)

(f) Reconciliation of outstanding share plans

Table F summarises the number of each type of LTI equity 
instrument.

Table F

Telstra Group

Opening balance
Allocated
Forfeited
Exercised
Expired
Closing balance
Weighted average fair value of instruments allocated during the year
Weighted average share price at date of exercise during the year

(g) Fair value of performance rights

Table G provides details of the inputs used in the measurement of the 
fair values at grant date of the performance rights under the LTI 
arrangement.

Number of equity instruments

Allocated

Forfeited Exercised

Expired

Outstan- 
ding at 30 
June 2018

-
-

-
-

(496,734)
(1,201,768)

(1,972,100)
(100,174)

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
-

-
(121,327)
(121,327)
-

-
(464,757)
(464,757)
-

(252,800)
-
-
-

(233,400)
-
-
-

-
(1,107,053)
(1,107,053)
-

1,938,000
-
-
39,893

Table G
Telstra Group

LTI RTSR 
performance 
rights

LTI FCF ROI 
performance 
rights

Measurement date at

Oct 2016

-
-
-
-

-

2,127,700
1,460,351
1,460,351
86,185

2,429,100

Share price
Risk free rate
Dividend yield
Expected life
Expected stock volatility
Expected rate of achievement of 
TSR performance hurdles
Fair value ($)

$5.10
1.76%
6.0%
(a)
15.0%

43.2%

$2.18

$5.10
1.76%
6.0%
(a)
15.0%

n/a

$4.35

-

2,492,700

(200)

(63,400)

Performance rights

Restricted shares

As at 30 June

2018
8,005,478
-
(1,172,168)
(1,698,502)
(2,214,106)
2,920,702
n/a
$4.11

2017
10,411,513
3,923,426
(527,192)
(3,564,166)
(2,238,103)
8,005,478
$3.27
$5.41

2018
6,664,067
2,578,885
(200)
(2,621,874)
-
6,620,878
$3.45
$3.43

2017
7,189,303
2,460,600
(43,241)
(2,942,595)
-
6,664,067
$4.84
$4.77

The employee share loan balance as at 30 June 2018 was $11 million 
(2017: $12 million). For TESOP99, the weighted average loan still to 
be repaid was $3.54 (2017: $3.74) per instrument.

5.2.5 Recognition and measurement

Our employee share plans are equity settled and consist of restricted 
shares and performance rights. For each of our share plans, we 
measure the fair value of the equity instrument at grant date and 
recognise the expense over the relevant vesting period in the income 
statement with a corresponding increase in equity (i.e. share capital). 
The expense is adjusted to reflect actual and expected levels of 
vesting.

The fair values of our equity instruments are calculated by taking into 
account the terms and conditions of the individual plan and as 
follows:

Equity instrument

Fair value approach

Restricted shares

Market value of Telstra share 
at grant date

(a) The expected life represents the date on which the instruments 
become exercisable.

Performance rights

The expected stock volatility is a measure of the amount by which the 
price is expected to fluctuate during a period. This is based on the 
historical daily and weekly closing share prices. 

Black-Scholes methodology 
and utilises Monte Carlo 
simulations

The restricted shares are subject to a specified period of service, 
except for ESP for Australia based employees. Performance rights 
are subject to certain performance conditions and are measured 
over the relevant period depending on the plan. 

5.2.4 Other equity plans

(a) TESOP 99

As part of the Commonwealth's sale of its shareholding in the 
financial years 1998 and 2000, Telstra offered eligible employees the 
opportunity to buy ordinary shares of Telstra with an interest-free 
loan from Telstra. The shares are held by Telstra ESOP Trustee Pty 
Limited (TESOP Trustee) on behalf of the employee until the loan has 
been repaid in full. The Telstra Employee Share Ownership Plan II 
(TESOP 99) has 2,989,600 outstanding equity instruments as at 30 
June 2018 (2017: 3,093,400) with a total fair value of $8 million 
(2017: $13 million). This plan did not have a material impact on our 
results.

114 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
114 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 115
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 115

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 116  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 117  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Section 5. Our people (continued)

5.3 Post-employment benefits

We participate in, or sponsor, defined benefit and defined 
contribution schemes for our employees. This note provides 
details of our Telstra Superannuation Scheme (Telstra Super) 
defined benefit plan.

Our employer contributions to Telstra Super are based on our 
actuary’s recommendations in line with any legislative 
requirements. The net defined benefit asset/(liability) at 
balance date is also affected by the valuation of Telstra Super’s 
investments and our obligations to members of Telstra Super.

5.3.1 Net defined benefit plan asset/(liability)

Table A details our net defined benefit plan asset/(liability) 
recognised in the statement of financial position.

Table A

Telstra Group

Fair value of defined benefit plan assets
Present value of the defined benefit 
obligation
Net defined benefit asset
Attributable to:
Telstra Super Scheme
Other

As at 30 June

2018

2017

$m
2,423

$m
2,565

2,180

2,429

243

136

5.3.2 Telstra Superannuation Scheme (Telstra Super)

The Telstra Entity participates in Telstra Super, a regulated fund in 
accordance with the Superannuation Industry Supervision Act 
governed by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority.

Telstra Super’s board of directors operates and governs the plan, 
including making investment decisions.

Telstra Super has both defined benefit and defined contribution 
divisions. The defined benefit divisions, which are closed to new 
members, provide benefits based on years of service and final 
average salary paid as a lump sum. Post-employment benefits do not 
include payments for medical costs.

On an annual basis, we engage qualified actuaries to calculate the 
present value of the defined benefit obligations. 

Contribution levels made to the defined benefit divisions are 
determined by Telstra after obtaining the advice of the actuary and in 
consultation with Telstra Super Pty Ltd (the Trustee). These are 
designed to ensure that benefits accruing to members and 
beneficiaries are fully funded as they fall due. The benefits received 
by members of each defined benefit division take into account 
factors such as each employee’s length of service, final average 
salary, and employer and employee contributions.

Telstra Super is exposed to Australia’s inflation, credit risk, liquidity 
risk and market risk. Market risk includes interest rate risk, equity 
price risk and foreign currency risk. The strategic investment policy 
of the fund is to build a diversified portfolio of assets to match the 
projected liabilities of the defined benefit plan.

(a)  Reconciliation of changes in fair value of defined benefit plan 
assets

Table B provides a reconciliation of fair value of defined benefit plan 
assets from the opening to the closing balance. 

Table B

Telstra Super

Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 
at beginning of year
Employer contributions
Member contributions
Benefits paid (including contributions tax)
Plan expenses after tax
Interest income on plan assets
Actual asset gain
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets 
at end of year

As at 30 June

2018

2017

$m

$m

2,565

2,638

60
33
(334)
(8)
97
10

66
36
(266)
(9)
81
19

2,423

2,565

(b) Reconciliation of changes in the present value of the wholly 
funded defined benefit obligation

Table C provides a reconciliation of the present value of defined 
benefit obligation from the opening to the closing balance. 

Present value of defined benefit 
obligation at beginning of year
Current service cost
Interest cost
Member contributions
Benefits paid
Actuarial (gain) due to change in financial 
assumptions
Actuarial (gain) due to change in 
demographic assumptions
Actuarial (gain)/loss due to experience
Present value of wholly funded defined 
benefit obligation at end of year

As at 30 June

2018

2017

$m

$m

2,423

2,623

79
93
14
(334)

(74)

(23)

(5)

82
82
16
(266)

(144)

(8)

38

2,173

2,423

The actual return on defined benefit plan assets was 4.4 per cent 
(2017: 4.5 per cent). 

Net actuarial gain recognised in other comprehensive income for 
Telstra Super amounted to $112 million (2017: $133 million net gain). 

250
(7)
243

142
(6)
136

Table C

Telstra Super

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 5. Our people (continued)

5.3 Post-employment benefits (continued)

(d) Actuarial assumptions and sensitivity analysis

5.3.2 Telstra Superannuation Scheme (Telstra Super) (continued)

(c) Categories of plan assets

Table D details the weighted average allocation as a percentage of 
the fair value of total defined benefit plan assets by class based on 
their nature and risks. 

Defined benefit
plan

Management judgement was used to 
determine the following key 
assumptions used in the calculation of 
our defined benefit obligations:
• 3.0 per cent (2017: 3.3 per cent) 

average expected rate of increase in 
future salaries

• 3.7 per cent (2017: 3.9 per cent) 

discount rate.

We have used a 8 year (2017: 9 year) 
high quality corporate bond rate to 
determine the discount rate as the 
term matches closest to the term of 
the defined benefit obligations.

Our assumption for the salary inflation 
rate for Telstra Super reflects our long-
term expectation for salary increases.

If the estimates prove to be different to 
actual experience, this may materially 
affect balances in the next reporting 
period.

Table E summarises how the defined benefit obligation as at 30 June 
2018 would have increased/(decreased) as a result of a change in the 
respective assumptions by 1 percentage point (1pp).

Table E
Telstra Super

Discount rate
Expected rate of increase in future 
salaries

Defined benefit 
obligation

1pp 
increase

1pp 
decrease

$m
(121)

84

$m
139

(76)

Table D

Telstra Super

Asset allocations
Equity instruments
Australian equity ¹
International equity ¹
Private equity
Debt instruments
Fixed interest ¹

Property
Cash and cash equivalents
Other

As at 30 June

2018

2017

%

%

16
18
4

46

7
4
5
100

18
17
7

45

4
6
3
100

1  These assets have quoted prices in active markets.

(i) Related party disclosures

As at 30 June 2018, Telstra Super owned 41,973,318 (2017: 
39,779,094) shares in the Telstra Entity at a cost of $166 million 
(2017: $198 million) and a market value of $110 million (2017: $171 
million). All these shares were fully paid at 30 June 2018. In the 
financial year 2018, we paid dividend to Telstra Super of $10 million 
(2017: $9 million). We own 100 per cent of the equity of Telstra Super 
Pty Ltd, the Trustee of Telstra Super.

Telstra Super also holds promissory notes and bonds issued by the 
Telstra Entity. As at 30 June 2018, these securities had a cost of $61 
million (2017: $24 million) and a market value of $61 million (2017: 
$24 million).

All purchases and sales of Telstra shares, promissory notes and 
bonds by Telstra Super are on an arm’s length basis and are 
determined by the Trustee and/or its investment managers on behalf 
of the members of Telstra Super.

116 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
116 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 117
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 117

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 118  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 119  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Section 5. Our people (continued)

5.3 Post-employment benefits (continued)

5.3.2 Telstra Superannuation Scheme (Telstra Super) (continued)

(e) Employer contributions

During the year, we paid contributions totalling $60 million (2017: 
$66 million) at the rate of 15 per cent (2017: 15 per cent) to our 
defined benefit divisions, following recommendations from our 
actuary.

We expect to continue to contribute at the rate of 15 per cent to our 
defined benefit divisions for the financial year 2019. This 
contribution rate could change depending on market conditions and 
actuarial review during the financial year 2019.

Table F shows the expected proportion of benefits paid from the 
defined benefit obligation in future years.

The actuaries use the projected unit credit method to estimate the 
present value of the defined benefit obligations of the plan. This 
method determines each year of service as giving rise to an 
additional unit of benefit entitlement. Each unit is measured 
separately to calculate the final obligation. The present value is 
determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows using 
rates based on high quality corporate bonds.

We recognise all our defined benefit costs in the income statement, 
with the exception of actuarial gains and losses that are recognised 
directly in other comprehensive income. 

Actuarial gains and losses are based on an actuarial valuation of 
each defined benefit plan at a reporting date. Actuarial gains and 
losses represent the differences between previous actuarial 
assumptions of future outcomes and the actual outcome, in addition 
to the effect of changes in actuarial assumptions.

Table F

Telstra Super

Within 1 year
Between 1 and 4 years
Between 5 and 9 years
Between 10 and 19 years
After 20 years

Year ended 30 June

2018

2017

%
16
25
18
33
8
100

%
6
19
20
42
13
100

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit plan 
obligations at the end of the reporting period was eight years (2017: 
nine years).

5.4 Key management personnel compensation

Key management personnel (KMP) refer to those who have 
authority and responsibility for planning, directing and 
controlling the activities of the Telstra Group. KMP are deemed 
to include the following:
• the non-executive Directors of the Telstra Entity
• certain executives in the Chief Executive Officer’s (CEO’s) 

senior leadership team, including the CEO.

This note summarises the aggregate compensation of our KMP 
during the financial years 2018 and 2017, and provides 
information about other transactions with our KMP and their 
related parties.

5.3.3 Other defined benefit schemes

5.4.1 KMP aggregate compensation

Our controlled entities also participate in both funded and unfunded 
defined benefit schemes, which are individually and in aggregate 
immaterial.

During the financial years 2018 and 2017, the aggregate 
compensation of our KMP was:

5.3.4 Recognition and measurement

(a) Defined contribution plans

Telstra Group

Our commitment to defined contribution plans is limited to making 
contributions in accordance with our minimum statutory 
requirements and other obligations. The contributions are recorded 
as an expense in the income statement as they become payable. We 
recognise a liability when we are required to make future payments 
as a result of employee services provided.

(b) Defined benefit plans

(i) Telstra Superannuation Scheme

We currently sponsor a post-employment defined benefit plan under 
the Telstra Superannuation Scheme. 

At reporting date, where the fair value of the plan assets is less than 
the present value of the defined benefit obligations, the net deficit is 
recognised as a liability. In the reverse situation, the net surplus is 
recognised as an asset. We recognise the asset only when we have 
the ability to control this surplus to generate future funds that will be 
available to us in the form of reductions in future contributions or as 
a cash refund.

Short-term employee benefits
Post-employment benefits
Other long-term benefits
Termination benefits
Share-based payments

As at 30 June

2018

2017

$000
14,636
290
141
495
2,726
18,288

$000
15,024
284
184
672
4,193
20,357

Refer to the Remuneration Report, which forms part of the Directors’ 
Report for further details regarding KMP remuneration.

5.4.2 Other transactions with our KMP and their related parties

During the financial years 2018 and 2017, apart from transactions 
trivial and domestic in nature and on normal commercial terms and 
conditions, there were no other transactions with our KMP and their 
related parties.

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Section 6. Our investments

This section outlines our group structure and includes 
information about our controlled entities, joint 
ventures and associated entities. It provides details of 
changes to these investments and their effect on our 
financial position and performance during the financial 
year. It also includes the results of our material joint 
ventures and associated entities.

SECTION 6.   OUR INVESTMENTS

6.1 Changes in the group structure

6.1.1 Current year acquisitions and disposals

There were no material acquisitions and disposals during the 
financial year 2018 except for Telstra Media Pty Ltd, which held our 
investment in the Foxtel joint venture (Foxtel) and Telstra Ventures’ 
contribution of investments to Telstra Ventures Fund II, L.P. Refer to 
note 6.3.1 for further details.

Accounting for
business
combinations

We apply management judgment to 
determine the fair value of acquired 
net assets. The relevant accounting 
standard allows the fair value of net 
assets acquired to be refined for a 
window of a year after the acquisition 
date and judgment is required to 
ensure that the adjustments made 
reflect new information obtained 
about facts and circumstances that 
existed as of the acquisition date. The 
adjustments made to fair value of net 
assets are retrospective in nature and 
have an impact on goodwill recognised 
on acquisition.

6.1.2 Recognition and measurement

We account for the acquisition of our controlled entities using the 
acquisition method of accounting. This involves recognising the 
acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities at 
their fair value at the date of acquisition. Any excess of the fair value 
of consideration over our interest in the fair value of the acquiree’s 
net identifiable assets is recognised as goodwill. We expense 
acquisition related costs as incurred in the income statement.

The non-controlling interests on the date of acquisition can be 
measured at either fair value or at the non-controlling shareholders’ 
proportion of the net fair value of the identifiable assets assumed. 
This choice is made separately for each acquisition. Transactions 
with non-controlling interests are recorded directly in the statement 
of comprehensive income.

Contingent consideration is classified as a financial instrument. It is 
recognised at fair value at acquisition date and subsequently 
remeasured to fair value, with changes in fair value recognised in the 
income statement.

If a business combination is achieved in stages, we remeasure any 
previously held equity interest at its acquisition fair value and any 
resulting gain or loss is recognised in income statement. 

118 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
118 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 119
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 119

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 120  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 121  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 6. Our investments (continued)

Section 6. Our investments (continued)

6.2 Investments in controlled entities

6.2.1 List of our investments in controlled entities

A complete list of our controlled entities is available online at 
www.telstra.com/investor. 

6.2 Investments in controlled entities (continued)

6.2.1 List of our investments in controlled entities (continued)

Table A sets out our material operating controlled entities as at 30 
June 2018 (or ownership changes to such entities) based on a 
percentage of earnings before interest, income tax expense, 
depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA). The ownership percentages 
represent the relevant percentage of equity held by the subsidiary’s 
immediate and ultimate parent, respectively. 

Table A

Name of entity

Ultimate parent entity

Telstra Corporation Limited

Controlled entities
1300 Australia Pty Ltd 8

Asia Global Crossing Finance Co. Ltd

Asia Netcom Pacnet (Ireland) Limited

Bridge Point Communications Pty Ltd

CloudMed Pty Ltd

Telstra Health Pty Ltd (formerly DCA Direct Health Pty Ltd)
Fred IT Group Pty Ltd 1, 2
Neto E-Commerce Solutions Pty Ltd 5

O2 Networks Pty Ltd 3

Ooyala AB 4,6
Ooyala Holdings Inc. 4,6

Ooyala Inc. 4,6
Pacific Business Solutions (China) 1, 2, 4

Pacnet Cable Limited

Pacnet Internet (A) Pty Ltd

Pacnet Internet (HK) Limited

Pacnet Limited

Pacnet Networks (Philippines) Inc.

Pacnet Network (UK) Limited

Pacnet Network Limited

Pacnet Services (A) Pty Ltd

Pacnet Services (Japan) Corp. 3
PT Teltranet Aplikasi Solusi 1, 4

Telstra Broadcast Services Pty Ltd

Telstra Cable (HK) Limited 

Telstra Global (HK) Limited 

% of equity held by 
immediate parent

% of equity held by 
ultimate parent

As at 30 June

As at 30 June

2018

2017

2018

2017

Country of 
incorporation

%

%

%

%

Australia

Australia

Bermuda

Ireland

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Sweden

-

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

50.0

66.9

85.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

50.0

59.7

-

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

50.0

66.9

85.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

50.0

59.7

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

United States

97.0

98.4

United States

100.0

100.0

China

Bermuda

Australia

Hong Kong

Bermuda

Philippines

United Kingdom

Bermuda

Australia

Japan

Indonesia

Australia

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

50.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

49.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

50.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

49.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

97.0

97.0

97.0

50.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

49.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

98.4

98.4

98.4

50.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

49.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

Table A (continued)

Name of entity

Telstra Global (Singapore) Pte Ltd 7

Telstra Holdings Pty Ltd

Telstra Inc.

Telstra International (Aus) Limited

Telstra International Limited

Telstra International Philippines Inc.

Telstra Internet (S) Pte Ltd 

Telstra iVision Pty Ltd

Telstra Japan K.K.

Telstra Limited
Telstra Media Pty Ltd 8

Telstra Multimedia Pty Ltd

Telstra Pay TV Pty Ltd
Telstra ReadyCare Pty Ltd 5
Telstra Services (Taiwan) Inc. 3

Telstra Services (USA) Inc. 

Telstra Services Asia Pacific (HK) Limited 
Telstra Services Global (S) Pte Ltd 7

Telstra Singapore Pte Ltd 7

Telstra SNP Monitoring Pty Ltd 1
Telstra Telecommunications Private Limited 4
Telstra Web Holdings Inc. 3

% of equity held by 
immediate parent

% of equity held by 
ultimate parent

As at 30 June

As at 30 June

2018

2017

2018

2017

%

-

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

-

100.0

100.0

90.5

100.0

100.0

100.0

-

100.0

51.0

74.0

64.0

%

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

88.7

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

51.0

74.0

64.0

%

-

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

-

100.0

100.0

90.5

100.0

100.0

100.0

-

100.0

51.0

74.0

64.0

%

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

88.7

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

51.0

74.0

64.0

Country of 
incorporation

Singapore

Australia

United States

Australia

Hong Kong

Philippines

Singapore

Australia

Japan

United Kingdom

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Taiwan

United States

Hong Kong

Singapore

Singapore

Australia

India

Philippines

1  We have control over these companies through our decision making ability on the board.

2  These companies are not audited by Ernst & Young, our Australian statutory auditor.

3  The investment in these companies is held by various entities. The immediate parent percentage reflected represents the ultimate ownership by Telstra Corporation Limited.

4  These entities have a 31 December reporting date except for Telstra Telecommunications Private Limited which has a 31 March reporting date.

5  We increased our ownership interest in these entities via additional equity contributions during the year.

6  We decreased our ownership interest in these entities during the year. This was due to shares issued to management which was partially offset via additional equity contributions. 

7  We amalgamated Telstra Global (Singapore) Pte Ltd and Telstra Service Global (S) Pte Ltd into Telstra Singapore Pte Ltd during the year.

8  We disposed of 1300 Australia Pty Ltd and Telstra Media Pty Ltd (refer to note 6.3 for our retained interests in Foxtel) during the year.

120 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
120 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 121
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 121

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 122  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 123  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 6. Our investments (continued)

Section 6. Our investments (continued)

On 18 June 2018, a revocation deed was lodged with ASIC to revoke 
and release Prentice Management Consulting Pty Ltd, Kelzone Pty 
Ltd, Goodwin Enterprises (VIC) Pty Ltd and The Silver Lining 
Consulting Group Pty Ltd from the Deed in preparation for the 
voluntary deregistration of these entities. The revocation deed will 
take effect 6 months after the date of lodgement with ASIC at which 
point these entities will cease being members of the Closed Group.

There are no other members of the Extended Closed Group (as 
defined in the ASIC Instrument). Telstra Finance Limited is trustee 
under the Deed. However, it is not a member of the Closed Group or 
the Extended Closed Group.

The consolidated statement of financial position and statement of 
comprehensive income of the entities that are members of the 
Closed Group are presented in Tables B and C respectively. This 
excludes Telstra Finance Limited. All transactions between 
members of the Closed Group have been eliminated. 

6.2 Investments in controlled entities (continued)

6.2.2 Deed of cross guarantee

Telstra Corporation Limited and each of the wholly-owned 
subsidiaries set out below (together the ‘Closed Group’), are 
party to a deed of cross guarantee (Deed), as defined in ASIC 
legislative instrument: ‘ASIC Corporations (Wholly-owned 
Companies) Instrument 2016/785’ (ASIC Instrument).

The effect of the Deed is that each entity in the Closed Group 
guarantees the payment in full of all debts of the other entities 
in the Closed Group in the event of their winding up.

Pursuant to the ASIC Instrument, the wholly-owned 
subsidiaries within the Closed Group are relieved from the 
requirement to prepare and lodge separate financial 
statements, directors’ reports and auditors’ reports.

The statement of comprehensive income and statement of 
financial position disclosed in this section present consolidated 
results of the Closed Group.

The following entities are party to the Deed and part of the Closed 
Group:

• Telstra Corporation Limited
• Bridge Point Communications Pty Ltd
• Telstra Health Pty Ltd (formerly DCA Direct Health Pty Ltd)
• DCA eHealth Solutions Pty Ltd
• Goodwin Enterprises (VIC) Pty Ltd
• Kelzone Pty Ltd
• iCareHealth Pty Ltd
• Readify Pty Ltd
• Telstra Software Group Pty Ltd
• Network Design and Construction Limited
• O2 Networks Pty Ltd
• Prentice Management Consulting Pty Ltd
• Telstra Communications Limited
• Telstra Holdings Pty Ltd
• Telstra International (Aus) Limited
• Telstra iVision Pty Ltd
• Telstra Multimedia Pty Ltd
• Telstra Pay TV Pty Ltd
• Telstra Plus Pty Ltd
• Telstra Services Solutions Holdings Limited
• Telstra Ventures Pty Ltd
• Kloud Solutions (National) Pty Ltd
• Telstra Broadcast Services Pty Ltd
• The Silver Lining Consulting Group Pty Ltd

On 3 April 2018, we disposed of Telstra Media Pty Ltd, which has now 
ceased to be both a party to the Deed and a member of the Closed 
Group.

These entities were added as parties to the Deed via an assumption 
deed on 25 June 2018 and are also part of the Closed Group:

• Kloud Solutions Pty Ltd
• Mobile Tracking and Data Pty Ltd
• MTData Holdings Pty Ltd
• MSC Mobility Pty Ltd
• Pacnet Internet (A) Pty Ltd
• Virtual Machine Technology Pty Ltd

Year ended 30 June

2018

2017

$m

$m

24,647
3,025
27,672

4,656
8,025
5,034
17,715

24,596
2,192
26,788

4,868
7,007
4,412
16,287

(25)

27

17,740

16,260

9,932

10,528

4,191

5,741

88
629
541

5,200
1,602
3,598

4,114

6,414

141
724
583

5,831
1,736
4,095

6.2 Investments in controlled entities (continued)

6.2.2 Deed of cross guarantee (continued)

Table C

Closed Group

Income
Revenue (excluding finance income)
Other income

Expenses
Labour
Goods and services purchased
Other expenses

Share of net (loss)/profit from joint 
ventures and associated entities

Earnings before interest, income tax 
expense, depreciation and amortisation 
(EBITDA)
Depreciation and amortisation
Earnings before interest and income tax 
expense (EBIT)
Finance income
Finance costs
Net finance costs

Profit before income tax expense
Income tax expense
Profit for the year

Table B

Closed Group

Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Inventories
Derivative financial assets
Current tax receivables
Prepayments
Total current assets
Non-current assets
Trade and other receivables
Inventories
Investments – controlled entities
Investments – accounted for using the 
equity method
Investments – other
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Derivative financial assets
Defined benefit asset
Total non-current assets
Total assets
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Provisions
Borrowings
Derivative financial liabilities
Current tax payables
Revenue received in advance
Total current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Other payables
Provisions
Borrowings
Derivative financial liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Revenue received in advance
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets
Equity
Share capital
Reserves
Retained profits
Equity available to the closed group

As at 30 June

2018

2017

$m

$m

582
4,219
786
75
-
501
6,163

1,018
19
2,750

1,228

32
20,901
7,903
1,897
250
35,998
42,161

4,436
966
2,369
1
119
1,131
9,022

62
314
15,155
388
1,551
926
18,396
27,418
14,743

809
4,711
877
21
7
487
6,912

1,037
29
2,816

187

289
20,239
7,859
1,663
142
34,261
41,173

3,811
1,029
3,031
42
92
1,153
9,158

62
276
14,725
536
1,456
767
17,822
26,980
14,193

4,428
(89)
10,404
14,743

4,421
(93)
9,865
14,193

122 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
122 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 123
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 123

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 124  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 125  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018
Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 6. Our investments (continued)

Section 6. Our investments (continued)

6.2 Investments in controlled entities (continued)

6.2.2 Deed of cross guarantee (continued)

Table D provides a reconciliation of retained profits of the Closed 
Group from the opening to the closing balance.

Table D

Closed Group

Retained profits at the beginning of the 
financial year available to the Closed 
Group
Effect on retained profits from addition of 
entities to the Closed Group
Share buy-back (net of income tax)
Total comprehensive income recognised in 
retained profits
Dividend
Retained profits at the end of the 
financial year available to the Closed 
Group

Year ended 30 June

2018

2017

$m

$m

9,865

10,074

13

-

4

(748)

3,676

4,271

(3,150)

(3,736)

10,404

9,865

Table C (continued)

Closed Group

Year ended 30 June

2018

2017

$m

$m

Items that will not be reclassified to the 
Closed Group income statement
Retained profits
Actuarial gain on defined benefit plans
Income tax on actuarial gain on defined 
benefit plans
Cumulative gains from investments in 
equity instruments designated at fair 
value through other comprehensive 
income transferred to retained earnings 
on disposal
Fair value of equity instruments reserve
Gains from investments in equity 
instruments designated at fair value 
through other comprehensive income
Income tax on fair value movements for 
investments in equity instruments
Cumulative gains from investments in 
equity instruments designated at fair 
value through other comprehensive 
income transferred to retained earnings 
on disposal

Items that may be subsequently 
reclassified to the Closed Group income 
statement
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedging 
reserve
Income tax on movements in the cash flow 
hedging reserve
Changes in the value of the foreign 
currency basis spread
Income tax on movements in the foreign 
currency basis spread reserve

Total other comprehensive income for 
the Closed Group
Total comprehensive income for the year 
for the Closed Group

112

(34)

133

(40)

-

83

13

2

-

86

(9)

(83)

93

170

(97)

29

(31)

9

(90)

3

(32)

10

(41)

9

(54)

116

3,601

4,211

6.3 Investments in joint ventures and associated entities

We account for joint ventures and associated entities using the 
equity method. Under this method, we recognise the 
investment at cost and subsequently adjust it for our share of 
profits or losses, which are recognised in the income statement 
and our share of other comprehensive income, which is 
recognised in the statement of comprehensive income. 
Generally, dividend received reduce the carrying value of the 
investment.

The movements in the carrying amount of equity accounted 
investments in our joint ventures and associated entities are 
summarised in Table A.

Table A

Telstra Group

Carrying amount of investments at beginning of year
Additions
Disposals
Contribution to Telstra Ventures Fund II, L.P.
Reclassification to other investment
Net (impairment loss)/reversal of impairment recognised in the income 
statement

Share of net (loss)/profit
Share of distributions
Share of reserves
Carrying amount of investments at end of year

As at 30 June

Joint ventures

Associated entities

2018

2017

2018

2017

$m
2
759
(485)
-
-

-

276
(16)
-
36
296

$m
6
1
-
-
(7)

-

-
2
-
-
2

$m
192
800
(1)
(26)
-

(9)

956
(6)
(9)
-
941

$m
165
5
-
-
-

2

172
30
(10)
-
192

Refer to note 6.3.1 for further information on additions, disposals and the contribution to Telstra Ventures Fund II, L.P.

124 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
124 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 125
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 125

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 126  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 127  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 6. Our investments (continued)

Section 6. Our investments (continued)

Ownership interest

As at 30 June

2018

2017

Principal place of 
business / country of 
incorporation

%

%

6.3 Investments in joint ventures and associated entities 
(continued)

6.3.1 List of our investments in joint ventures and associated 
entities

Table B shows a list of our investments in joint ventures and 
associated entities, their principal place of business/country of 
incorporation and our ownership interest.

Table B

Name of entity

Joint ventures

Foxtel Partnership (c)

Foxtel Television Partnership (c)

Principal activities

Pay television

Pay television

Customer Services Pty Ltd (c)

Customer service

Foxtel Management Pty Ltd (c)

Management services

Foxtel Cable Television Pty Ltd (c)

Pay television

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Guernsey

Bermuda

Australia

Reach Limited (a)

3GIS Pty Ltd

ProQuo Pty Ltd

International connectivity services

Bermuda

Management of former 3GIS 
Partnership (non-operating)

Digital marketplace for small 
businesses

Telstra Ventures Fund II, L.P. (b)

Venture capital

Associated entities

Australia-Japan Cable Holdings Limited (a) Network cable provider

Telstra Super Pty Ltd

IPScape Pty Ltd (b)

Whispir Limited (b)

IP Health Pty Ltd 

Project Sunshine I Pty Ltd

Near Pte Ltd (b)

Panviva Pty Ltd (b)

Superannuation trustee

Cloud based contact centre solution

Australia

Cloud communication software 
provider

Health workflow software 
development

Holding entity of Sensis Pty Ltd 
(directory services)

Australia

Australia

Australia

Location intelligence and analytics

Singapore

Cloud based business process 
guidance software

Australia

Gorilla Technology Group Inc. (b)

Video analytics software provider

Taiwan/Cayman Islands

enepath (Group Holdings) Pte Ltd (a)

Trading turret and calling software 
provider

Singapore

PharmX Pty Ltd

Internet based ordering gateway

Australia

Asia Netcom Philippines Corporation (a)

Ownership of physical property

Philippines

Dacom Crossing Corporation (a)

Network cable provider

Korea

Digitel Crossing Inc. (a)

Telecommunication services

Philippines

Pivotal Labs Sydney Pty Ltd

Software development

NXE Australia Pty Limited (c) 

Pay television

Australia

Australia

-

-

-

-

-

50.0

50.0

50.0

62.5

46.9

100.0

-

-

-

30.0

-

-

-

28.1

15.0

40.0

49.0

48.0

20.0

35.0

50.0

50.0

50.0

50.0

80.0

50.0

50.0

50.0

-

46.9

100.0

24.9

24.5

32.9

30.0

12.5

22.2

8.9

24.8

15.0

40.0

49.0

48.0

20.0

-

(b) Telstra Ventures Fund II, L.P.

On 29 June 2018, Telstra entered into agreement with HarbourVest 
to form a new fund, “Telstra Ventures Fund II, L.P.” As part of the 
agreement, Telstra contributed a majority of Telstra Ventures Pty 
Ltd’s investments into the new fund. This resulted in a $25 million fair 
value gain recognised in other income and a $53 million fair value 
loss recognised in other comprehensive income.

(c) Foxtel joint venture and NXE Australia Pty Limited

As at 30 June 2017, our investment in Foxtel was recorded at zero 
due to our share of equity accounted losses exceeding the carrying 
amount. On 28 September 2017, the face value of the shareholder 
loan was converted into investment in Foxtel resulting in a $38 
million fair value gain ‘recognised in other income. 

This resulted in the $44 million cumulative unrecognised share of 
equity accounted losses up until 28 September 2017 being 
recognised in the income statement as our share of loss from joint 
ventures and associated entities. 

The profit for the financial period from 1 July 2017 to 2 April 2018 for 
Foxtel and its controlled entities is $91 million. The profit for the 
financial year ended 30 June 2017 was $132 million. 

On 3 April 2018, Telstra and News Corporation merged the previously 
shared joint venture Foxtel, with Fox Sports Australia, which is 
owned 100 per cent by News Corporation. As a result of the 
transaction, Telstra contributed its shares in Telstra Media Pty Ltd in 
exchange for a 35 per cent interest in NXE Australia Pty Limited, 
which is the newly formed head entity of the merged group of Foxtel 
and Fox Sports Australia. This resulted in a $261 million gain 
recognised in other income. 

We have applied judgement and determined that we have significant 
influence over our investment in NXE Australia Pty Limited.

6.3 Investments in joint ventures and associated entities 
(continued)

6.3.1 List of our investments in joint ventures and associated 
entities (continued)

Significant
influence over
our
investments

We applied management judgment to 
determine that we do not control 
Telstra Super Pty Ltd even though we 
own 100 per cent of its equity. Telstra 
Super Pty Ltd is a trustee for the 
Telstra Superannuation Scheme. We 
do not consolidate Telstra Super Pty 
Ltd as we do not control the board of 
directors. The board of directors 
consists of an equal number of 
employer and member representatives 
and an independent chairman. Our 
voting power over the relevant 
activities is 44 per cent, which is 
equivalent to our representation on the 
board. The entity is therefore classified 
as an associated entity as we have 
significant influence over it. 

(a) Joint ventures and associated entities with different reporting 
dates

Several of our joint ventures and associated entities have reporting 
dates that differ from our reporting date of 30 June for financial year 
2018 as follows:

• Reach Limited – 31 December
• Australia-Japan Cable Holdings Limited – 31 December
• Asia Netcom Philippines Corporation – 31 December
• Dacom Crossing Corporation – 31 December
• Digitel Crossing Inc. – 31 December
• enepath (Group Holdings) Pte Ltd – 31 March
• Pivotal Labs Sydney Pty Ltd – 31 January.

The differences in reporting dates are due to jurisdictional 
requirements. Financial reports prepared as at 30 June are used for 
equity accounting purposes. Our ownership interest in joint ventures 
and associated entities with different reporting dates is the same at 
that reporting date as at 30 June unless otherwise noted.

Joint control of
our
investments

We applied management judgment to 
determine that we have joint control of 
our investment in Telstra Ventures 
Fund II, L.P. While we hold 62.5 per 
cent of the partnership interest on a 
fully committed basis, key decisions 
for the entity require the unanimous 
approval of the Advisory Committee, on 
which we hold one of the two seats, or 
a majority of at least 75 per cent of the 
fully committed capital. 

126 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
126 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 127
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 127

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 128  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 129  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 6. Our investments (continued)

Section 6. Our investments (continued)

6.3 Investments in joint ventures and associated entities 
(continued)

6.3.1 List of our investments in joint ventures and associated 
entities (continued)

(c) Foxtel joint venture and NXE Australia Pty Limited (continued)

Financial information of NXE Australia Pty Limited and its controlled 
entities for the period 3 April 2018 to 30 June 2018 is summarised in 
Table C based on their consolidated management financial 
statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. The information 
disclosed reflects the amounts presented in the financial 
statements of NXE Australia Pty Limited and not Telstra’s share of 
those amounts. The management financial information has been 
amended to reflect adjustments made by Telstra when using the 
equity method, including fair value adjustments and modifications 
for differences in accounting policy.

Table C
NXE Australia Pty Limited

Revenue
Share of profit from associated entities
Expenses
Depreciation and amortisation
Interest expense
Other finance costs
Income tax expense
Loss for the period
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income for the 
period
Fair value adjustments
Adjusted loss for the period
Telstra's share of result (35%)

Year 
ended 
30 June

2018

$m
808
2
(664)
(106)
(27)
(31)
6
(12)
-

(12)

(57)
(69)
(24)

Financial liabilities exclude trade and other payables and provisions. 

6.3.2 Other joint ventures and associated entities

Our share of the aggregate financial information (including joint 
ventures and associated entities where equity accounting has been 
suspended) is presented in Table D.

Table D

Year ended/As at 30 June

Telstra Group

Joint ventures

Associated 
entities

2018

2017

2018

2017

Carrying amount of 
investment
Group's share of:
(Loss)/profit
Other 
comprehensive 
income
Total 
comprehensive 
income

$m

296

(14)

32

18

$m

2

7

4

11

$m

941

$m

192

-

(1)

(1)

58

1

59

6.3.3 Suspension of equity accounting 

Table E presents our unrecognised share of profits/(losses) for the 
period and cumulatively for our entities where equity accounting has 
ceased and the investment is recorded at zero due to losses made by 
these entities and/or reductions in the equity accounted carrying 
amount. Refer to note 6.3.1 for further information on equity 
accounting for Foxtel.

Table E

Year ended 30 June

Telstra Group

Period

Cumula 
-tive

Period

Cumula 
-tive

2018

2018

2017

2017

$m

$m

$m

$m

Joint ventures
Foxtel
Reach Ltd
Associated entities
Australia-Japan 
Cable Holdings 
Limited

-
2

6

8

-
(548)

(71)

(619)

62
5

28

95

(63)
(550)

(77)

(690)

(a) Sale and purchase of goods and services 

We sold and purchased goods and services, and received and paid 
interest from/to our joint ventures and associated entities. These 
transactions were in the ordinary course of business and on normal 
commercial terms and conditions.

Details of individually significant transactions with our joint ventures 
and associated entities during the financial year 2018 were as 
follows:

• we purchased pay television services amounting to $810 million 

(2017: $811 million) from Foxtel. The purchases were to enable the 
resale of Foxtel** services, including Pay TV content, to our 
existing customers as part of our ongoing product bundling 
initiatives

• we made sales to Foxtel for our broadband system services of $69 
million (2017: $103 million) and wholesale services of $58 million 
(2017: $58 million).

(b) Loans to joint ventures and associated entities

Loans provided to joint ventures and associated entities relate to 
Reach Ltd of $7 million (2017: $443 million to Foxtel Management Pty 
Ltd and $7 million to Reach Ltd). 

On 28 September 2017, the face value of the loan to Foxtel 
Management Pty Ltd was converted into investment, which was 
subsequently disposed on 3 April 2018 in exchange for our 
investment in NXE Australia Pty Limited.

The loan provided to Reach Ltd is an interest-free loan and repayable 
upon the giving of 12 months’ notice by both PCCW Limited and us. 
We have fully provided for the non-recoverability of the loan as we do 
not consider that Reach Ltd is in a position to be able to repay the 
loan amount in the medium term.

(c) Loans from joint ventures and associated entities

As at 30 June 2018, we had a loan payable amount of $80 million 
(2017: $29 million) under a loan agreement with an associated entity, 
Project Sunshine I Pty Ltd which includes capitalised interest. The 
loan has an interest rate of 9.5 per cent per annum and a maturity 
date of 22 September 2020.

6.3 Investments in joint ventures and associated entities 
(continued)

6.3.4 Transactions with our joint ventures and associated entities

Table F details transactions with our joint ventures and associated 
entities recorded in the income statement and statement of financial 
position.

Table F

Telstra Group

Income
Sale of goods and services
Interest income from loans to joint 
ventures and associated entities
Expenses
Purchase of goods and services
Interest expense on loans from joint 
ventures and associated entities
Total amounts receivable as at 30 June
Current
Joint ventures and associated entities – 
receivables

Non-current
Joint ventures and associated entities – 
loans
Allowance for amounts owed by joint 
ventures and associated entities

Movement in allowance for amounts 
owed by joint ventures and associated 
entities
Opening balance
Foreign currency exchange differences
Closing balance
Total amounts payable as at 30 June
Current
Joint ventures and associated entities – 
payables
Joint ventures and associated entities – 
loans

Non-current
Joint ventures and associated entities – 
loans

Year ended/As at

30 June

2018

2017

$m

$m

258

13

927

6

36

36

7

(7)

-

(7)
-
(7)

92

-

92

80

80

287

49

933

2

69

69

450

(7)

443

(7)
-
(7)

89

29

118

-

-

128 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
128 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 129
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 129

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 130  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 131  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Section 6. Our investments (continued)

6.3 Investments in joint ventures and associated entities 
(continued)

6.3.4 Transactions with our joint ventures and associated entities 
(continued)

(d) Commitments

We have purchase commitments to Project Sunshine I Pty Ltd, 
primarily for advertising services, amounting to $8 million (2017: $21 
million) over the remaining one-year contract term. 

6.3.5 Recognition and measurement

(a) Investments in joint ventures

A joint venture is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that have 
joint control of the arrangement have rights to the net assets of the 
arrangement. Our interests in joint ventures are accounted for using 
the equity method of accounting.

(b) Investments in associated entities

These are investments in entities over which we have the ability to 
exercise significant influence but we do not control the decisions of 
the entity. Our interests in associated entities are accounted for 
using the equity method of accounting. 

(c) Equity method of accounting

Investments in associated entities and joint ventures are carried in 
the consolidated balance sheet at cost plus post-acquisition 
changes in our share of the investment’s net assets and net of 
impairment loss. Goodwill relating to an investment in an associated 
entity or joint venture is included in the carrying value of the 
investment and is not amortised. When Telstra’s share of losses 
exceeds our investment in an associated entity or joint venture, the 
carrying amount of the investment is reduced to nil and no further 
losses are recognised. 

Notes to the financial statements (continued)
Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Section 7. Other information
Section 7. Other information

This section provides other information and 
This section provides other information and 
disclosures not included in the other sections, for 
disclosures not included in the other sections,  
example our external auditor’s remuneration, 
for example our external auditor’s remuneration, 
commitments and contingencies, parent entity 
commitments and contingencies, parent entity 
disclosures and significant events occurring after 
disclosures and significant events occuring after 
reporting date.
reporting date.

SECTION 7. 

7.1 Other accounting policies

OTHER INFORMATION

7.1.1 Changes in accounting policies

The following amendments to the accounting standards are 
applicable to us from 1 July 2017:
• AASB 2016-1 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards - 

Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealised Losses’

• AASB 2016-2 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards - 

Disclosure Initiative: Amendments to AASB 107’ 

• AASB 2017-2 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards - 

Further Annual Improvements 2014-2016 Cycle’  

These amendments do not have any material impact on our financial 
results. 

7.1.2 Foreign currency translation

(a) Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the relevant 
functional currency at the spot exchange rate at transaction date. At 
the reporting date, amounts receivable or payable denominated in 
foreign currencies are translated into the relevant functional 
currency at market exchange rates at reporting date. Any currency 
translation gains and losses that arise are included in our income 
statement.

Non-monetary items denominated in foreign currency that are 
measured at fair value (i.e. certain equity instruments not held for 
trading) are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the 
fair value was determined. The differences arising from the 
translation are reported as part of the fair value gain or loss in line 
with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the non-
monetary item.

(b) Financial reports of foreign operations that have a functional 
currency that is not Australian dollars

The financial statements of our foreign operations are translated 
into Australian dollars (our presentation currency) using the 
following method: 

Foreign currency amount

Exchange rate

Assets and liabilities 
including goodwill and fair 
value adjustments arising on 
consolidation

The reporting date rate

Equity items

The initial investment date 
rate

The exchange differences arising from the translation of financial 
statements of foreign operations are recognised in other 
comprehensive income.

7.1.3 New accounting standards to be applied in future reporting 
periods

The accounting standards that have not been early adopted for the 
financial year 2018 but will be applicable to the Telstra Group in 
future reporting periods are detailed below.

(a) Financial instruments - impairment of financial assets

In December 2014, AASB issued the final version of AASB 9: 
‘Financial Instruments’ (AASB 9 (2014)), and AASB 2014-7: 
‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 
9 (December 2014)’.

AASB 9 (2014) is the final version of a new principal standard that 
consolidates requirements for the classification and measurement 
of financial assets and liabilities, hedge accounting and impairment 
of financial assets. AASB 9 (2014) supersedes all previously issued 
and amended versions of AASB 9 and applies to Telstra from 1 July 
2018.

We early adopted the previous version of the standard, AASB 9 
(2013), from 1 July 2014. This version excluded the impairment 
section, which replaces the incurred loss impairment model used 
today with an expected credit loss (ECL) model for impairment of 
financial assets. We will adopt these impairment requirements from 
1 July 2018.

AASB 9 requires us to record ECL on our financial assets measured 
at amortised cost or at fair value through other comprehensive 
income, except for investments in equity instruments, on either of 
the following bases:

• 12-month ECL which result from all possible default events within 

the 12 months after the reporting date; and

• lifetime ECL which result from all possible default events over the 

expected life of a financial instrument.

The financial assets in scope of the new impairment requirements 
also include contract assets arising under AASB 15: ‘Revenue from 
Contracts with Customers’. 

In general, lifetime ECL measurement applies if the credit risk of a 
financial asset at the reporting date has increased significantly since 
its initial recognition. Otherwise, 12-month ECL measurement basis 
applies. However, lifetime ECL measurement always applies to trade 
receivables and contract assets that result from transactions that 
are within the scope of AASB 15 and that do not contain a significant 
financing component. For our lease receivables and for trade 
receivables and contract assets with a significant financing 
component we have elected to calculate lifetime ECL. 

(i) Cash and cash equivalents

130 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
130 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 131
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 131

Income statements

Average rate (or the 
transaction date rate for 
significant identifiable 
transactions) 

 In accordance with Telstra policies, the counterparty we transact 
with must have a credit rating of investment grade or better. 
Therefore, our cash and cash equivalents are held with 
counterparties that have a credit rating of A or better.

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 132  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 133  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 7. Other information (continued)

Section 7. Other information (continued)

7.1 Other accounting policies (continued)

7.1.3 New accounting standards to be applied in future reporting 
periods (continued)

(a) Financial instruments - impairment of financial assets 
(continued)

The impairment assessment on cash and cash equivalents was 
performed based on the 12-month ECL basis and reflects the short 
maturities of the exposures. Based on the external credit ratings of 
the counterparties we consider cash and cash equivalents to have 
low credit risk. Therefore we do not expect any increase in 
impairment loss for cash and cash equivalents after implementation 
of AASB 9 (2014) requirements.

(ii) Trade and other receivables including contract assets

For our trade and other receivables and contract assets the 
estimated ECL is calculated using either:

• portfolio approach based on historical credit loss experience, or
• a probability of default and expected loss from any outstanding 

balance.

The calculation is then adjusted for forward looking factors. For 
Telstra Consumer and Small Business trade receivables and Telstra 
Enterprise Australian customers, we have chosen to implement a 
scenario based approach incorporating both good and bad economic 
scenarios. The scenarios are adjusted for current and forecast 
economic conditions, such as employment and interest rates, gross 
domestic product and exchange rates.

Any customer account with debt more than 90 days past due is 
considered to be in default, which is in line with the AASB 9 (2014) 
guidance.

Given AASB 9 (2014) requires us to hold provisions for expected 
rather than incurred credit losses, most portfolio provision holdings 
will be impacted by these changes.

On adoption of the new standard in the financial year ending 30 June 
2019, we expect a reduction in opening retained earnings (before tax) 
of $74 million (after tax $52 million) as at 1 July 2018 due to earlier 
recognition of credit losses. However, any final AASB 9 (2014) 
impacts may be subject to change as the opening retained earnings 
adjustments also have to incorporate the impacts from the first time 
adoption of AASB 15, the estimates of which are presented in note 
7.1.3 (b) (vii).

(b) Revenue from contracts with customers

In December 2014, the AASB issued AASB 15: ‘Revenue from 
Contracts with Customers’ and AASB 2014-5: ‘Amendments to 
Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 15’. In October 
2015 the AASB issued AASB 2015-8: ‘Amendments to Australian 
Accounting Standards – Effective Date of AASB 15’ which deferred 
the effective date of the new revenue standard from 1 January 2017 
to 1 January 2018. In May 2016, the AASB issued AASB 2016-3: 
‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards - Clarifications to 
AASB 15.’ All these standards apply to Telstra from 1 July 2018 and 
are further collectively referred to as AASB 15.

AASB 15 supersedes the existing accounting standards and 
interpretations for revenue. It establishes principles for reporting the 
nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows 
arising from an entity’s contracts with customers and requires 
revenue to be recognised in a manner that depicts the transfer of 
promised goods or services to a customer and at an amount that 
reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for 
transferring those goods or services. This is achieved by applying the 
following five steps:

• identify the contract with the customer

• identify the performance obligations in the contract
• determine the transaction price
• allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in 

the contract based on their standalone selling prices 

• recognise revenue when (or as) performance obligations are 

satisfied.

AASB 15 also provides guidance relating to the treatment of contract 
costs, which are not in scope of other accounting standards, i.e. 
incremental costs of obtaining a contract and costs to fulfil the 
contract.

The application of AASB 15 will not affect our cash flows from 
operations or the methods and underlying economics through which 
we transact with our customers.

We have substantially completed our analysis and the impact 
assessment of the new revenue standard on our financial results, 
including changes to our accounting policies, internal and external 
reporting requirements, IT systems, business processes and 
associated internal controls in order to support ongoing compliance 
with the new accounting requirements from 1 July 2018 i.e. the 
mandatory effective date. However, we will continue to fully embed 
the new requirement into our processes in the financial year 2019. 
We will apply the standard retrospectively to prior reporting periods 
from 1 July 2017.

Like many other telecommunications companies we have identified 
that the adoption of the new revenue standard will result in a number 
of accounting policy changes and a financial impact on our opening 
retained earnings (as at 1 July 2017) and on restatement of the 
financial performance for 2018. Impacts identified primarily relate to 
the timing of revenue recognition, the classification of revenue, the 
capitalisation of costs to obtain a contract with a customer and 
expensing some of the currently deferred costs to fulfil a contract. 
These changes are summarised below together with the most 
reliable estimates of the expected financial impacts. Those 
estimates may be subject to some changes as we progress to fully 
operationalise the new requirements in the financial year 2019. Our 
final adjustments and detailed disclosures will be included in our 
financial year 2019 financial statements.

(i) Our contracts with customers

We generate revenue from customer contracts, which vary in their 
form (standard or bespoke), legal term (casual, short-term or long-
term) and customer segment (consumer, small to medium business 
and government and large enterprise). AASB 15 impacts will differ 
depending on the type of customer contract, with the main contracts 
being:

• homogeneous retail consumer contracts (mass market prepaid 

and postpaid mobile, fixed and media offerings)

• retail small to medium business contracts (mass market and off-

the shelf technology solutions)

• retail enterprise and government contracts (carriage, 

standardised and bespoke technology solutions and their 
management)

• network capacity contracts (mainly Indefeasible Right of Use)
• wholesale contracts for telecommunication services 
• nbn Definitive Agreements (nbn DAs)
• network design, build and maintenance contracts (mainly with nbn 

co).

A summary of the changes in our accounting policies on the adoption 
of AASB 15 is presented below.

7.1 Other accounting policies (continued)

7.1.3 New accounting standards to be applied in future reporting 
periods (continued)

(b) Revenue from contracts with customers (continued)

(ii) Identifying customer contracts, their combinations and 
modifications

AASB 15 focuses on legal rights and obligations included in a 
contract (which may be a contract that AASB 15 requires to be 
combined with another contract) when determining the contract 
level and its term for accounting purposes. AASB 15 guidance also 
assumes that the contract will not be cancelled, renewed or 
modified. Establishing the contract term for accounting purposes 
impacts determination of performance obligations and the 
transaction price to be allocated to goods and services. Therefore, 
timing and amount of revenue recognised may be impacted.

Our mobile long-term contracts often offer a bundle of hardware 
(delivered upfront) and services (delivered over the contract term), 
where the customer pays a monthly fee and receives a discount, 
which is allocated between the hardware and services based on their 
relative selling prices. When determining the customer contract, 
AASB 15 requires us to assess the combination of two or more 
contracts entered into at or near the same time with the same 
customer. As a result, we will change the accounting treatment of 
customer contracts sold via our dealer channel, where the currently 
applied substance over form principle will be overridden by the new 
contract combination rules. This will preclude us from combining 
separate legal contracts, i.e. with the dealer for hardware and the 
customer for services. Consequently, no discounts will be allocated 
to hardware sold via dealer channel, which will result in a higher 
hardware revenue at the time of its recognition and lower services 
revenue over the customer contract term.

Our nbn DAs include a number of separate legal contracts with both 
nbn co and the Commonwealth Government (being related parties 
hence treated as the same customer) which have been negotiated 
together with a common commercial objective. The nbn DAs were 
originally signed in 2011 and subsequently modified in 2014 and 
2015. These separate legal contracts have been combined under the 
AASB 15 assessment. However, the combined nbn DAs include a 
number of out of scope elements. This includes Telstra Universal 
Service Obligation Performance Agreement and the Retraining Deed, 
which have both been separately priced and will continue to be 
accounted for as government grants. The Subscriber Agreement will 
also continue to be separately accounted for as other income given 
the nbn disconnection fees do not relate to our ordinary activities and 
there is no price dependency with other nbn DAs. On the other hand, 
the additional payment received under the Information Campaign 
and Migration (ICM) Deed for the build of nbn related infrastructure, 
will now be combined and accounted for together with the 
Infrastructure Services Agreement (ISA). ISA also includes payments 
for sale of our infrastructure assets, which are not in scope of AASB 
15, however, the timing of control transfer over these assets and the 
amount of consideration to be included in the net gain on their 
disposal will be calculated by reference to the AASB 15 principles. 
The combined contract has a minimum fixed term for accounting 
purposes of 30 years.

When determining the contract term for accounting purposes AASB 
15 focuses on legal rights and obligations of counterparties to the 
agreement. Currently our accounting is largely aligned to the legal 
term of the contacts. On adoption of the AASB 15 the contract term 
for accounting purposes will change mainly for our enterprise and 
government contracts, our wholesale contracts and commercial 
contracts with nbn co. These types of contracts often include general 
terms and conditions (including pricing) under which customers can 
order goods and services in the future, i.e. they are framework /
umbrella agreements rather than accounting contracts. This is 
because on signing of the framework agreement the customer would 
not have committed to purchase any goods or services; rather goods 
or services will only be transferred to the customer once a valid 
purchase order or a statement of work is raised. Furthermore, where 
the goods or services have been identified the term of legal contracts 
may need to be reduced if the termination of the contract would not 
result in a substantive penalty to the customer over and above the 
amounts owed by the customer for goods and services already 
delivered (i.e. where the contract can be cancelled by either party at 
any time). In such circumstances additional good or services 
requested by the customer under the same order will often be 
treated and accounted for as separate short-term accounting 
contracts.

AASB 15 gives far greater detail on how to account for contract 
modifications than the current revenue accounting principles. 
Changes must be accounted for either as a retrospective cumulative 
change to revenue (creating either a catch up or deferral of past 
revenues for all performance obligations in the original contract), a 
prospective change to revenue with a reallocation of revenues 
amongst remaining performance obligations in the original contract, 
as a separate contract which will not require any reallocation to 
performance obligations in the original contract, or both a 
cumulative change and prospective change to revenue in the original 
contract.

Currently we account for any changes in our retail mass market 
contracts prospectively. Upon transition to AASB 15, we do not 
expect material impacts from modifications of these contracts 
because the standard terms and conditions of our homogeneous 
mass market contracts are normally not re-negotiated and the 
customer rights to move up and down within the plan family are 
included in each contract from its inception and considered to be a 
non-beneficial option.

However, our bespoke contracts with small business, enterprise and 
wholesale customers are varied or re-negotiated from time to time. 
Currently each time we consider specific facts and circumstances 
and, depending on the nature and legal form of the negotiated 
changes, we determine the appropriate accounting treatment using 
the existing accounting principles. On transition to AASB 15 we 
expect our bespoke contracts to be impacted by the new rules which 
will apply to any contract re-negotiations from financial year 2018 
onwards. This is because we have elected to apply a transition 
practical expedient for contracts that were modified before 1 July 
2017, i.e. we will not retrospectively restate the transitioning 
contracts for each of their modifications. Instead, we will reflect the 
aggregate effect of all of the modifications that have occurred before 
1 July 2017 when estimating the retained earnings adjustments. For 
the restatement of the financial year 2018 we have not identified 
material adjustments arising from contract modifications of our 
bespoke contracts.  

132 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
132 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 133
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 133

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 134  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 135  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 7. Other information (continued)

Section 7. Other information (continued)

7.1 Other accounting policies (continued)

7.1.3 New accounting standards to be applied in future periods 
(continued)

(b) Revenue from contracts with customers (continued)

(iii) Identifying performance obligations

AASB 15 provides guidance on determining if goods or services are 
distinct and therefore if revenue should be allocated and recognised 
when these goods have been delivered or the services performed (i.e. 
when the customer controls them). The new guidance will result in 
some changes to our current accounting policy of identifying 
deliverables which have value to the customer on standalone basis.

Under some of our enterprise and wholesale arrangements we 
receive customer and developer contributions to extend, relocate or 
amend our network assets to ultimately enable delivery of 
telecommunication services to end users. The contributed network 
assets (or cash for network construction activities) are currently 
recognised as sales revenue over the period of the network 
construction activities if they are a separate deliverable under 
Interpretation 18: ‘Transfer of Assets from Customers’. 
Interpretation 18 is superseded by AASB 15 and we have identified 
changes to current accounting for these type of arrangements. 

Depending on whether ongoing telecommunication services are also 
purchased under the same arrangement will determine whether 
these contracts are in scope of AASB 15. This is because Telstra 
continues to control the contributed network assets (i.e. they will 
never transfer to the counterparty) and therefore on their own they 
cannot be a performance obligation to which sales revenue from 
these arrangements can be allocated.

Where the counterparty makes a contribution for network 
construction activities and under the same (or linked) contract(s) 
purchases ongoing services the arrangement represents a contract 
with a customer, as the customer purchases goods or services, and 
therefore it is in scope of AASB 15. As the contributed network assets 
cannot be a performance obligation to the customer as these are our 
assets, the upfront contribution should be added to a total 
transaction price of the customer contract and allocated to the 
distinct goods and services to be delivered under that contract. 
Compared to current accounting this will result in a deferral of sales 
revenue due to the long term nature of these contracts. 

However, where under the same (or linked) contract(s) the 
counterparty does not purchase any ongoing services, the 
arrangement is not in scope of AASB 15 because the counterparty is 
not transacting to purchase any goods or services, i.e. is not 
considered to be a customer under AASB 15. These kind of 
arrangements are not covered by any specific accounting guidance. 
Therefore we will continue to account for them consistent with the 
current accounting treatment under an internally developed 
accounting policy based on the ‘Framework for the Preparation and 
Presentation of Financial Statements’.

Another change to current accounting will result from AASB 15 
defining a material right, which constitutes a separate performance 
obligation in a customer contract and gives the customer an option to 
acquire additional goods or services at a discount or for free i.e. it is 
beneficial. In principle this concept is largely consistent with our 
current accounting policy for non-cash sales incentives which are 
treated as separate deliverables. However, determination and 
measurement of material rights (including accounting for their 
breakage) will differ from our current practice. As a result revenue 
will be allocated to some of the goods and services we currently offer 
for free in our mass market plans or as part of the small business and 
enterprise loyalty programs and technology funds, but given the 
value of material rights is usually not significant compared to the 
total contract value we have not identified material adjustments for 
those items on transition to AASB 15.

Finally, in our nbn DAs the build of nbn related infrastructure under 
the ICM Deed will not be considered a separate performance 
obligation because the constructed infrastructure is an asset owned 
and controlled by us. As a result, on transition to AASB 15 the 
payment received, for which revenue had already been recognised 
between the financial years 2012 and 2014, will instead be treated as 
an advance receipt for performance obligations transferred over the 
ISA average contracted period of 35 years, leading to an opening 
retained earnings adjustment on transition of our nbn DAs.

(iv) Determining and allocating the transaction price

AASB 15 removes our contingent consideration accounting policy. 
Currently in the arrangements with multiple deliverables we limit 
revenue to the amount that is not contingent upon the delivery of 
additional items or meeting other specified performance conditions 
(non-contingent amount). Because our mobile long-term mass 
market contracts which offer a bundle of hardware and services 
comprise of two legal contracts and under the terms of these 
contracts the allocated hardware amount is not contingent on 
delivery of future services, we currently recognise the hardware 
revenue on delivery of the handset. Therefore, on adoption of AASB 
15, and unlike many other telecommunication companies, we have 
not identified an acceleration of hardware revenue in our mobiles 
business due to the removal of the contingent consideration rules. 
Also we have not identified material adjustments to small business, 
enterprise or wholesale contracts as generally they have not been 
impacted by the contingent consideration rules. 

In some of our mass market contracts the amount of consideration 
can vary because of a price concession offered when a customer 
agrees to an early upgrade of their contract, which constitute 
variable consideration under AASB 15. AASB 15 defines variable 
consideration wider than our current accounting policy and provides 
guidance on estimating and constraining it, limiting revenue 
recognition to the amounts which are highly probable not be reversed 
when the uncertainty related to the variable consideration is 
resolved. However, we have not identified material adjustments 
related to accounting for variable consideration in those contracts on 
transition to AASB 15.

Our contracts offer customers the ability to move up and down within 
the plan family under predefined terms. As a result, often we can only 
contractually enforce a lower amount than the monthly fee customer 
has initially signed up for. In situations such as these, we should 
allocate revenue between performance obligations using the 
minimum enforceable rights and obligations and any excess amount 
should be recognized as revenue as it is earned. However, due to low 
level of plan changes we have not identified material adjustments 
resulting from this accounting change on transition to AASB 15.

7.1 Other accounting policies (continued)

7.1.3 New accounting standards to be applied in future periods 
(continued)

(b) Revenue from contracts with customers (continued)

If a customer receives any discounts when purchasing a bundle of 
goods or services under one accounting contract, AASB 15 requires a 
proportional allocation of the discounts to all performance 
obligations, unless the exception allocation criteria are met, in which 
case the discounts can be allocated to only one or some but not all 
performance obligations. This differs from our current accounting 
policy which allocates cash sales incentives to goods or services 
contributing towards the earning of the incentives. Meeting the 
allocation exemption criteria is expected to be rare. On transition to 
AASB 15 we have identified some changes in timing of revenue 
recognition and product allocations in our mobile and fixed mass 
market contracts and product allocations in our wholesale 
contracts. 

AASB 15 also provides new guidance on how to determine 
standalone selling prices, by reference to which the total transaction 
price gets allocated to goods and services. Despite the fact that our 
current accounting policy uses relative selling prices as allocation 
basis, i.e. a concept similar to standalone selling prices, AASB 15 
requires consideration of similar customer circumstances, including 
for example assessment of volumes they are expected to purchase. 
As a result, we have identified an adjustment to our mass market 
mobile contracts where a higher hardware revenue will be 
recognised at the time of its recognition, and lower services revenue 
over the customer contract term as well as revenue allocation 
between the products in a bundle will change. 

For our bespoke contracts no material impacts on transition to AASB 
15 have been identified because in general, negotiated prices are 
aligned with the standalone selling prices of distinct goods and 
services promised under the contract.

Under some of our mass market contracts customers obtain a 
handset or another device on a device repayment plan, i.e. under 
deferred payment terms. Under AASB 15 Telstra is considered to 
provide financing to the customer. AASB 15 requires us to separately 
account for a significant financing component and measure it at 
contract inception using a discount rate that would be used in a 
separate financing transaction between Telstra and the customer. 
This rate would reflect the credit characteristics of the party 
receiving the financing in the contract, i.e. the customer. For our 
mass market customers this rate is significantly higher than our 
current practice of using Telstra’s incremental borrowing rate. This 
change will result in a reduction of revenue and a higher interest 
income being recognised over the contract term.

AASB 15 also introduces accounting for a significant financing 
element for arrangements where customers pay for goods or 
services in advance of receiving them (i.e. Telstra receives financing 
from the customer). In those circumstances revenue recognised will 
exceed the cash payments received in advance of performance as 
interest expense will be recorded. This change will impact 
accounting for some of our domestic and international bespoke 
network capacity agreements, i.e. Indefeasible Right of Use which 
include an upfront prepayment and have an average legal contract 
term between 10 and 33 years.

AASB 15 requires accounting for a financing component only if it is 
assessed as significant in the context of a contract as a whole. As a 
result, we will cease to account for the financing component in our 
nbn DAs because financing is not considered to be significant in 
these agreements.

AASB 15 defines a concept of a sale with a right of return and 
provides clear guidance for accounting for refund liabilities and 
recognition of the products expected to be returned. We have not 
identified material impacts for this change but some of our contracts 
include the right of return and their revenue recognition, 
measurement and presentation on the balance sheet will be 
impacted.

(v) Contract costs

AASB 15 provides accounting guidance for incremental costs of 
obtaining a contract and costs to fulfil a contract. Currently we 
account for these costs under our internal policy based on the 
Interpretation 1042: ‘Subscriber Acquisition Costs in the 
Telecommunications Industry’, which is superseded by AASB 15. 
Contract costs which meet AASB 15 capitalisation criteria must be 
amortised on a basis consistent with the transfer of goods and 
services to which these costs relate to under an existing and an 
anticipated customer contract(s) (if for example the customer can 
renew the contract for the same or subset of same goods and 
services). 

Under current accounting, incremental costs to obtain a contract, 
such as directly attributable sales commissions, are capitalised in 
deferred expenditure and amortised on a straight line basis over the 
average customer contract term. Under AASB 15 we have identified 
a net increase in these capitalised costs, due to a combination of 
factors. We have substantially extended the amortisation periods for 
sales commissions paid on acquisition of the initial contract where 
these commissions are not commensurate with recontracting 
commissions. Therefore, the amortisation period for the initial 
commissions reflects the expected customer life rather than just an 
initial contract term. This impact has been partly offset by 
adjustments for early terminated contracts and commissions 
related to short term contracts (i.e. one year or less) which have been 
expensed as incurred under the practical expedient allowed by AASB 
15. Under AASB 15, these costs will also be presented in the 
statement of financial position as contract costs instead of 
intangible assets.

We have identified impacts in relation to costs to fulfil a contract. On 
adoption of AASB 15 we will expense two major classes of deferred 
expenses, which are currently included in our intangible assets. 
These are costs associated with connection and activation activities 
related to our fixed network contracts and remediation costs related 
to our nbn DAs. These costs arise from work performed on Telstra 
owned assets and therefore are not in scope of AASB 15 as they are 
already assessed under AASB 116: ‘Property, plant and equipment’. 
We will continue to capitalise and amortise over the contract term 
certain set up costs that relate to our large enterprise contracts, 
however these costs will be presented in the statement of financial 
position as contract costs instead of intangible assets.

Our deferred expenses currently also include certain balances 
related to cash and non-cash sales incentives which have been 
granted mainly to our small business, enterprise and wholesale 
customers at contract inception. Under current accounting, both 
types of incentives reduce sales revenue over the term of the 
customer contract on a straight line basis and either result in an 
upfront reduction of receivables or cash (for cash sales incentives) or 
the recognition of other liabilities (for non-cash sales incentives 
considered to be separate deliverables) to reflect our obligation to 
deliver additional goods or services. Under AASB 15 these amounts 
either represent a discount that should reduce the transaction price 
(if the incentive is cash) or a material right for additional goods or 
services (if the incentive is non-cash), which represents a separate 
performance obligation in the customer contract. 

134 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
134 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 135
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 135

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 136  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 137  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018
Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 7. Other information (continued)

Section 7. Other information (continued)

AASB 16 substantially carries forward the lessor accounting 
requirements of AASB 117. Accordingly, a lessor continues to 
classify its leases and account for them as operating or finance 
leases. 

We have a significant number of long-term non-cancellable property 
leases for our office buildings and network sites, which are expected 
to have a material impact when recognised in the statement of 
financial position. Lease liabilities recognised on adoption of AASB 
16 will differ from our operating lease commitments currently 
disclosed in the notes to the annual financial statements. The 
differences will mostly arise from the effects of discounting and 
judgements regarding whether options to continue leasing the 
assets are reasonably certain.

We continue to assess the impact of the new leasing standard on our 
financial results. This includes identifying changes to our accounting 
policies, internal and external reporting requirements, IT systems, 
business processes and controls. We will not early adopt the 
standard and we expect that we will apply the standard using a 
modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initial 
application recognised as an adjustment to the opening balance of 
retained earnings at 1 July 2019, with no restatement of comparative 
information. Various practical expedients are available on adoption 
to account for leases previously classified as operating leases under 
AASB 117. The election is made on a lease-by-lease basis. We are 
still assessing the potential impact of using these practical 
expedients.

(d) Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting

In March 2018 the International Accounting Standards Board (the 
IASB) issued a revised Conceptual Framework for Financial 
Reporting (‘Framework’) which will be used immediately by the IASB. 
The reason behind issuing the revised Framework was that some 
important areas were not previously covered and the guidance in 
some areas was unclear. The main purpose of the Framework is to 
help the IASB develop accounting standards and to help companies 
develop accounting policies based on the Framework when there is 
no specific or similar standard that addresses a particular issue. It is 
not a standard and it does not override the concepts or requirements 
in any standard. Therefore, we do not expect the practical 
consequences of the new Framework to be significant in the short 
term. However, we are currently assessing the impact arising from 
the amendments to the standards effective for Telstra from 1 July 
2020 arising from ‘Amendments to References to the Conceptual 
Framework in IFRS Standards’.

(e) Other

We do not expect any other recently issued accounting standards to 
have a material impact on our financial results upon adoption.

7.1 Other accounting policies (continued)

7.1.3 New accounting standards to be applied in future periods 
(continued)

(b) Revenue from contracts with customers (continued)

Given our current accounting largely aligns with the new 
requirements, no material re-measurement adjustments have been 
identified for these types of deferred expenses. However, they will be 
presented as part of a contract asset or contract liability under AASB 
15.

(vi) Presentation and classification 

AASB 15 requires changes to presentation and classification of 
items in the statement of financial position and in the income 
statement. This includes presentation in the statement of financial 
position of a contract asset or contract liability at the contract level, 
separate presentation of contract costs and appropriate current and 
non-current split of all relevant balance sheet line items. On 
adoption of AASB 15 a number of existing line items in the statement 
of financial position (e.g. accrued revenue and revenue received in 
advance) will be replaced by the new presentation of contract assets 
and liabilities and new items will be created (e.g. refund liabilities). 
AASB 15 also requires disclosure of disaggregated revenue. We will 
provide detailed disclosures for the financial year 2018 on its 
restatement in our financial statements for the financial year 2019.

(vii) Expected financial impact on the first time adoption in financial 
year 2019

On adoption of the new standard in the financial year ending 30 June 
2019, we expect the following adjustments to be made to our 
financial statements for the financial year 2019 to reflect the 
requirements of AASB 15:

• $516 million decrease ($412 million after tax) in opening retained 

earnings as at 1 July 2017 with corresponding adjustments 
against relevant line items in the statement of financial position; 

• $191 million decrease in total income, $300 million decrease in 

operating expenses, $109 million increase in EBITDA, $39 million 
increase in net finance costs, $70 million increase in profit before 
tax and $51 million increase in our net profit after tax for the year 
ended 30 June 2018.

We expect the above estimates to be consistent with the full 
restatement of the financial year 2018 (i.e. comparative period) 
results in our 30 June 2019 financial statements. However, we are 
yet to fully operationalise the AASB 15 requirements across all parts 
of our business and should we identify any other changes or adjust 
current estimates we will update the above estimates to reflect our 
final adjustments in the financial year 2019 financial statements.

(c) New leasing standard

In February 2016, AASB issued AASB 16: 'Leases', which replaces the 
current guidance in AASB 117: 'Leases', Interpretation 4 
'Determining whether an Arrangement contains a Lease', 
Interpretation 115 'Operating Leases - Incentives' and Interpretation 
127 'Evaluating the Substance of Transactions Involving the Legal 
Form of a Lease'. The new standard will apply to us from 1 July 2019. 
Early adoption is permitted, but only in conjunction with AASB 15: 
‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’.

The new standard requires the lessee to recognise its leases in the 
statement of financial position as an asset (the right to use the 
leased item) and a liability reflecting future lease payments. 
Depreciation of the right-of-use asset and interest on lease liability 
will be recognised over the lease term. The lessee can utilise the 
exceptions related to short-term and low-value leases, however, 
assets that are subject to subleases or are expected to be subleased 
do not qualify for the low-value exception. 

7.2 Auditor’s remuneration

7.3 Parent entity disclosures

Our external auditor of the Group is Ernst & Young (EY). In 
addition to the audit and review of our financial reports, EY 
provides other services throughout the year. This note shows 
the total fees to external auditors split between audit, audit-
related and non-audit services.

This note provides details of Telstra Entity financial 
performance and financial position as a standalone entity. The 
results include transactions with its controlled entities.

Tables A and B provide a summary of the financial information for the 
Telstra Entity. 

Telstra Group

Year ended 30 June

2018

2017

$m

$m

Table A

Telstra Entity

Audit fees
EY fees for the audit and review of the 
financial reports
Other services
Audit-related
Non-audit services
Tax services
Advisory services
Total other services provided by EY

9.011

8.011

1.322

2.114

0.065
0.664
2.051

0.164
0.596
2.874

Audit-related fees charged by EY are for services that are reasonably 
related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial 
reports and for other assurance engagements. These services 
include regulatory financial assurance services, services over debt 
raising prospectuses, additional control assessments, various 
accounting advice and additional audit services related to our 
controlled entities.

We have processes in place to maintain the independence of the 
external auditor, including the nature of expenditure on non-audit 
services. EY also has specific internal processes in place to ensure 
auditor independence.

Statement of financial position
Total current assets
Total non-current assets
Total assets
Total current liabilities
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Share capital
Cash flow hedging reserve
Foreign currency basis spread reserve
General reserve
Retained profits
Total equity

Table B

Telstra Entity

Statement of comprehensive income
Profit for the year
Total comprehensive income

As at 30 June

2018

2017

$m

$m

6,802
38,613
45,415
12,792
18,370
31,162
4,428
(211)
(6)
201
9,841
14,253

7,493
36,967
44,460
12,817
17,797
30,614
4,421
(143)
16
194
9,358
13,846

Year ended 30 June

2018

2017

$m

$m

3,555
3,547

3,934
3,945

Total non-current assets include impairment losses of $545 million 
(2017: $324 million) recognised in the income statement and relating 
to the value of our investments in, and amounts owed by, our 
controlled entities. The impairment losses have been eliminated on 
consolidation of the Telstra Group.

7.3.1 Property, plant and equipment commitments

Table C provides details of our expenditure commitments for the 
acquisition of property, plant or equipment, which have been 
contracted for at balance date but not recognised in the financial 
statements.

Table C

Telstra Entity

Total property, plant and equipment 
expenditure commitments

As at 30 June

2018

2017

$m

635

$m

802

136 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
136 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 137
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 137

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 138  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 139  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Telstra Financial Report 2018
Telstra Financial Report 2018

Section 7. Other information (continued)

Section 7. Other information (continued)

7.3 Parent entity disclosures (continued)

7.4 Commitments and contingencies

7.3.2 Contingent liabilities and guarantees

(a) Common law claims

Certain common law claims by employees and third parties are yet to 
be resolved. As at 30 June 2018, management believes that the 
resolution of these contingencies will not have a significant effect on 
the Telstra Entity’s financial results. The maximum amount of these 
contingent liabilities cannot be reliably estimated.

(b) Indemnities, performance guarantees and financial support

We have provided the following indemnities, performance 
guarantees and financial support through the Telstra Entity:

• indemnities to financial institutions to support bank guarantees to 
the value of $189 million (2017: $212 million) in respect of the 
performance of contracts

• indemnities to financial institutions and other third parties in 

respect of performance and other obligations of our controlled 
entities, with the maximum amount of our contingent liabilities of 
$133 million (2017: $153 million)

• letters of comfort to indicate support for certain controlled entities 
to the amount necessary to enable those entities to meet their 
obligations as and when they fall due, subject to certain conditions 
(including that the entity remains our controlled entity)

• during the financial year 1998, we resolved to provide IBM Global 
Services Australia Limited (IBMGSA) with guarantees issued on a 
several basis up to $210 million as a shareholder of IBMGSA. 
During the financial year 2000, we issued a guarantee of $68 
million on behalf of IBMGSA. During the financial year 2004, we 
sold our shareholding in this entity. The $68 million guarantee, 
provided to support service contracts entered into by IBMGSA and 
third parties, was made with IBMGSA bankers or directly to 
IBMGSA customers. As at 30 June 2018, this guarantee remains 
unchanged and $142 million (2017: $142 million) of the $210 
million guarantee facility remains unused. Upon sale of our 
shareholding in IBMGSA and under the deed of indemnity between 
shareholders, our liability under these performance guarantees 
has been indemnified for all guarantees that were in place at the 
time of sale. Therefore, the overall net exposure to any loss 
associated with a claim has effectively been offset.

(c) Other

In addition to the above matters, entities in the Telstra Group may be 
recipients of, or defendants in, certain claims, regulatory or legal 
proceedings and/or complaints made, commenced or threatened. At 
30 June 2018, management believes that the resolution of these 
contingencies will not have a material effect on the financial position 
of the Telstra Group, or are not at a stage which supports a 
reasonable evaluation of the likely outcome of the matter.

7.3.3 Recognition and measurement

The accounting policies for the Telstra Entity are consistent with 
those of the Telstra Group, except for those noted below:
• under our tax funding arrangements, amounts receivable (or 
payable) recognised by the Telstra Entity for the current tax 
payable (or receivable) assumed from our Australian wholly-
owned entities are booked as current assets or liabilities

• investments in controlled entities, included within non-current 
assets, are recorded at cost less impairment of the investment 
value. Where we hedge the value of our investment in an overseas 
controlled entity, the hedge is accounted for in accordance with 
note 4.3. Refer to note 6.2 for details on our investments in 
controlled entities

• our interests in associated entities and joint ventures, including 

partnerships, are accounted for using the cost method of 
accounting and are included within non-current assets.

This note provides details of our commitments for capital 
expenditure, operating leases and finance leases arising from 
our contractual agreements.

This note also includes information about contingent liabilities 
for which no provisions have been recognised due to the 
uncertainty regarding the outcome of future events and/or 
inability to reliably measure such liabilities.

7.4.1 Capital expenditure commitments 

Table A shows the capital expenditure commitments contracted for 
at balance date but not recorded in the financial statements.

Table A

Telstra Group

Property, plant and equipment 
commitments
Intangible assets commitments

As at 30 June

2018

2017

$m

638

209

$m

833

395

Property, plant and equipment commitments include the Telstra 
Entity capital expenditure commitments of $635 million (2017: $802 
million) as disclosed in note 7.3.

7.4.2 Operating lease commitments 

Table B shows future lease payments for non-cancellable operating 
leases (Telstra as a lessee) not recorded in the financial statements.

Table B

Telstra Group

Within 1 year
Within 1 to 5 years
After 5 years

As at 30 June

2018

2017

$m
1,008
1,467
1,649
4,124

$m
753
1,477
1,724
3,954

Table C provides information about the assets under our operating 
leases and their weighted average lease terms. 

Table C
Telstra Group

Weighted average 
lease term (years)

As at 30 June

2018

2017

Land and buildings
Motor vehicles
Light commercial vehicles (caravan huts 
and trailers)
Trucks and mechanical aids and heavy 
excavation equipment
Personal computers, laptops, printers and 
other related equipment used in non-
communications plant activities
Mobile handsets

16
2

3 - 4

5 - 7

3-4

2

16
2

3 - 4

5 - 7

3

2

7.4 Commitments and contingencies (continued)

7.4.2 Operating lease commitments (continued)

Table F provides information about the assets under our finance 
leases and their weighted average lease terms. 

The majority of our operating leases relate to land and buildings. We 
have several subleases with total minimum lease payments of $42 
million (2017: $40 million) for the Telstra Group. Our property 
operating leases generally contain escalation clauses, which are 
fixed increases generally between three and five per cent, or 
increases subject to the consumer price index or market rate. We do 
not have any significant purchase options.

We also lease handsets which we then sublease to our retail 
customers in a back-to-back arrangement. 

Table D sets out our future minimum lease receivables from retail 
customers under non-cancellable operating leases (Telstra as 
lessor).

Table D

Telstra Group

Within 1 year
Within 1 to 5 years

As at 30 June

2018

2017

$m
332
130
462

$m
158
104
262

Refer to notes 3.1 and 3.3 for our lease accounting policy (Telstra as 
lessee and Telstra as a lessor, respectively). The accounting policy 
described in note 3.1 applies to both property, plant and equipment 
and other assets, including handsets.

7.4.3 Finance lease commitments 

Table E includes finance lease commitments of the Telstra Group as 
a lessee. 

Table E

Telstra Group

Finance lease commitments
Within 1 year
Within 1 to 5 years
After 5 years
Total minimum lease payments
Future finance charges on finance leases
Present value of net future minimum 
lease payments
The present value of finance lease 
liabilities is as follows:
Within 1 year
Within 1 to 5 years
After 5 years
Total finance lease liabilities

As at 30 June

2018

2017

$m

$m

102
176
233
511
(146)

365

81
114
170
365

125
173
184
482
(141)

341

107
124
110
341

Table F
Telstra Group

Property lease in our controlled entity, 
Telstra Limited (initial life 25 years)
Computer mainframes, processing 
equipment and other related equipment

Weighted average 
lease term (years)

As at 30 June

2018

2017

19

6

20

6

We lease computer mainframes, processing equipment and other 
related equipment to our customers as part of the solutions 
management and outsourcing services. Refer to note 3.3 for further 
details on these finance leases.

Refer to note 3.1 for our lease accounting policy (Telstra as a lessee).

7.4.4 Commitments of our associated entities

Information about our share of our associated entities’ commitments 
is included in note 6.3.

7.4.5 Contingent liabilities and contingent assets 

We have no significant contingent assets as at 30 June 2018. Other 
than the above, details and estimated maximum amounts (where 
reasonable estimates can be made) of contingent liabilities for the 
Telstra Entity are disclosed in note 7.3.2.

Other contingent liabilities identified for the Telstra Group relate to 
the ASIC deed of cross guarantee. A list of the companies that are 
part of the deed are included in note 6.2.2. Each of these companies 
(except Telstra Finance Limited) guarantees the payment in full of 
the debts of the other named companies in the event of their winding 
up.

7.5 Events after reporting date

We are not aware of any matter or circumstance that has occurred 
since 30 June 2018 that, in our opinion, has significantly affected or 
may significantly affect in future years:

• our operations
• the results of those operations 
• the state of our affairs 

other than the following:

7.5.1 Final dividend

The details of the final dividend for the financial year 2018 are 
disclosed in note 4.1.

138 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities
138 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 139
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 139

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 141  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 141  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Directors’ 
Declaration

Directors’ Declaration

This Directors’ Declaration is required by the Corporations Act 2001 
of Australia.

The Directors of Telstra Corporation Limited have made a resolution 
that declared:

(a)

in the Directors’ opinion, the financial statements and 
notes of the Telstra Group for the financial year ended 30 
June 2018 as set out in the financial report:
(i)

comply with the Accounting Standards applicable in 
Australia, International Financial Reporting 
Standards and Interpretations (as disclosed in note 
1.1 to the financial statements), and Corporations 
Regulations 2001

(ii) give a true and fair view of the financial position of 

Telstra Corporation Limited and the Telstra Group as 
at 30 June 2018 and of the performance of Telstra 
Corporation Limited and the Telstra Group, for the 
year ended 30 June 2018

(iii) have been made out in accordance with the 

Corporations Act 2001.

(b) they have received declarations as required by section 

295A of the Corporations Act 2001

(c) at the date of this declaration, in the Directors’ opinion, 
there are reasonable grounds to believe that Telstra 
Corporation Limited will be able to pay its debts as and 
when they become due and payable

(d) at the date of this declaration there are reasonable 

grounds to believe that the members of the extended 
closed group identified in note 6.2.2 to the financial 
statements, as parties to a Deed of Cross Guarantee, will 
be able to meet any liabilities to which they are, or may 
become, subject to because of the Deed of Cross 
Guarantee described in note 6.2.2. 

For and on behalf of the board

John P Mullen
Chairman

Andrew R Penn
Chief Executive Officer and 
Managing Director

16 August 2018
Melbourne, Australia

Ernst & Young
8 Exhibition Street
Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia
GPO Box 67 Melbourne VIC 3001

Tel: +61 3 9288 8000
Fax: +61 3 8650 7777
ey.com/au

Independent Auditor’s Report

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Shareholders of Telstra Corporation Limited
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Shareholders of Telstra Corporation Limited

Report on the Audit of the Financial Report
Report on the Audit of the Financial Report

Key Audit Matters

Opinion
Opinion

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional 
judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the financial 
We have audited the financial report of Telstra Corporation Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries (collectively the Group), which 
We have audited the financial report of Telstra Corporation Limited 
report of the current year. These matters were addressed in the 
comprises the consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 June 2018, the consolidated income statement, consolidated statement 
(the Company) and its subsidiaries (collectively the Group), which 
context of our audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming 
of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of changes in equity and the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then 
comprises the consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 
our opinion thereon, but we do not provide a separate opinion on 
ended, notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies and the Directors’ Declaration.
June 2017, the consolidated income statement, consolidated 
these matters. For each matter below, our description of how our 
statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of 
In our opinion:
audit addressed the matter is provided in that context.
changes in equity and the consolidated statement of cash flows for 
the accompanying financial report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:
the year then ended, notes to the financial statements, including a 
summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory 
a.   Giving a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 30 June 2018 and of its consolidated financial 
information and the Directors’ Declaration.

In our opinion:
b.   Complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001.
the accompanying financial report of the Group is in accordance with 
Basis for Opinion
the Corporations Act 2001, including:
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described 
a.   Giving a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of 
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 Group as at 30 June 2017 and of its consolidated financial 
the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and 
performance for the year ended on that date; and
Ethical Standards Board’s APES110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (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.
b.   Complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the 

We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor’s 
Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report section of our 
report, including in relation to these matters. Accordingly, our audit 
included the performance of procedures designed to respond to our 
assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial 
report. The results of our audit procedures, including the procedures 
performed to address the matters below, provide the basis for our 
audit opinion on the accompanying financial report.

performance for the year ended on that date; and

Corporations Regulations 2001.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Basis for Opinion
Key Audit Matters
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing 
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the financial report of the 
Standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further 
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, 
described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the 
but we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. For each matter below, our description of how our audit addressed the matter is 
Financial Report section of our report. We are independent of the 
provided in that context.
Group in accordance with the auditor independence requirements of 
We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report section of our report, 
the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the 
including in relation to these matters. Accordingly, our audit included the performance of procedures designed to respond to our assessment 
Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES110 
of the risks of material misstatement of the financial report. The results of our audit procedures, including the procedures performed to 
Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are 
address the matters below, provide the basis for our audit opinion on the accompanying financial report.
relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia; and we have 
fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the 
Code.
Key audit matter
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and 
Revenue recognition
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
There are three areas where the Group exercises significant 
Key audit matter
judgment relating to revenue recognition:
Revenue recognition

We evaluated the effectiveness of key controls over the capture and 
How our audit addressed the matter
measurement of revenue transactions across all material revenue 
streams, including evaluating the relevant IT systems.

How our audit addressed the matter

element arrangements;

• accounting for new products and plans including multiple 
There are three significant judgment areas relating to revenue 
• accounting for large Network Application Services (NAS) 
recognition. These are:
contracts; and

• accounting for new products and plans including multiple 
• accounting for NBN revenue under the revised Definitive 
element arrangements;
Agreements (DAs) with nbn co and the Commonwealth 
• accounting for large Network Application Services (NAS) 
Government. 
contracts; and

Disclosures relating to revenue recognition can be found at Note 2.2.

• accounting for NBN revenue under the revised Definitive 
Agreements (DAs) with nbn co and the Commonwealth 
Government. 

The accuracy and completeness of amounts recorded as revenue is 
an inherent industry risk due to the complexity of billing systems, the 
complexity of products and services, and the combination of 
Disclosures relating to revenue recognition can be found at Note 2.2 
products sold and price changes in the year.
Income.
The complexity of the billing systems was also considered as part of 
The accuracy and completeness of amounts recorded as revenue is 
the reliance on automated processes and controls Key Audit Matter 
an inherent industry risk due to the complexity of billing systems, the 
below.
complexity of products and services, and the combination of 
products sold and price changes in the year. The complexity of the 
billing systems was also considered as part of the automated 
processes and controls in the below Key Audit Matter.

We examined the process and controls over the capture and 
We evaluated the design and operating effectiveness of key controls 
assessment of the timing of revenue recognition for new products 
over the capture and measurement of revenue transactions, 
and plans, as well as performed testing of a sample of new plans to 
including evaluating the relevant IT systems.
supporting evidence. 
We examined the process and controls over the capture and 
We stratified the population and tested a sample of major NAS 
assessment of the timing of revenue recognition for new products 
contracts, focusing our work on those which we regarded as higher 
and plans, as well as performed testing of a sample of new plans to 
risk because of the nature of the contract, its stage of delivery or the 
supporting evidence. 
quantum of the related assets, and then by those which were 
We tested revenue recognition and the process to make adjustments 
significant by size.
to revenue recognised for a sample of NAS contracts.
In performing this testing, we assessed the appropriateness of the 
We tested the revised DAs including understanding the timing of 
assumptions and estimates underpinning the accounting for these 
disconnections and the transfer of the copper and Hybrid Fibre 
major contracts as follows:
Coaxial (HFC) networks to nbn co. We assessed the estimation 
• We tested the effectiveness of controls that operate across the 
techniques applied in determining the timing of revenue recognised 
in relation to these revised DAs.

contract life cycle for major contracts.

• We obtained and read the relevant sections of certain contracts, 
to identify the contracted revenues, key provisions in the event 
of contract termination (such as penalties or the ability for the 
Group to recover costs) and other significant obligations.

We assessed the Group accounting policies as set out in Note 2.2 
Income, and the adequacy of disclosures for compliance with the 
revenue recognition requirements of Australian Accounting 
Standards (AASBs). 

140 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 141

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited
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141
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
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A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited
149
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 141

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 142  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 143  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the matter

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the matter

• We ensured the future forecasts reflected the contract terms, 

testing any significant changes (such as new services) to 
contract amendments or other supporting documentation.

• We tested a sample of recorded revenue and cost transactions 
by agreeing them to supporting evidence, which for revenue 
included evidence of delivery and/or customer acceptance.

• We compared the historical forecast results of certain contracts 
with the actual results to assess the performance of the contract 
and the historical accuracy of forecasting.

• We considered the future forecast profitability and the contractual 
terms to assess the recoverability of the contract-specific assets 
and to determine if any contracts required loss provisions.

We assessed the appropriateness of the assumptions and estimates 
underpinning the accounting for the revised DAs including 
understanding the timing of disconnections, the progress of the 
NBN rollout and the transfer of the copper and Hybrid Fibre Coaxial 
(HFC) networks to nbn co.

We assessed the Group accounting policies as set out in Note 2.2, 
and the adequacy of disclosures for compliance with the revenue 
recognition requirements of Australian Accounting Standards. 

Our IT specialists assessed the Group’s manual and automated 
controls relating to IT systems relevant to financial reporting, 
including the recognition of revenue. When testing controls was not 
considered an appropriate or efficient testing approach, alternative 
audit procedures were performed on the financial information being 
produced by systems.

Our IT specialists analysed the impact on our audit of new systems 
that are significant to our audit. This included assessing the design 
of relevant automated processes and controls. 

We evaluated the effectiveness of the controls in the new systems.

Reliance on automated processes and controls

A significant part of the Group’s financial processes are heavily 
reliant on IT systems with automated processes and controls over 
the capturing, valuing and recording of transactions. This is a key 
part of our audit because of the:

• Complex IT environment supporting diverse business 

processes;

• Mix of manual and automated controls;
• Multiple internal and outsourced support arrangements; and

• Complexity of the billing systems which result in revenue being 

recognised.

The Group continues to enhance its IT systems and during the year 
implemented new systems which were significant to our audit.

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

Given the dynamic nature of the industry in which the Group 
operates, there is a risk that there could be material impairment to 
goodwill, other intangible asset balances and other non-current 
assets.

We evaluated the Group’s impairment calculations including the 
testing of the recoverable amount of each CGU where there were 
indicators of impairment, or there were significant goodwill or 
indefinite life intangible asset balances.

Determination as to whether or not there is an impairment relating to 
an asset or Cash Generating Unit (CGU) involves significant 
judgment about the future cash flows and plans for these assets and 
CGUs.

We evaluated the Group’s assessment of indicators of impairment or 
impairment reversal. Where we or the Group determined indicators 
existed, we evaluated the Group’s calculation of the recoverable 
amount of each CGU.

At 31 December 2017 an impairment charge of $242 million was 
recorded against goodwill relating to the Ooyala CGU. Further 
disclosure regarding the Group’s impairment testing can be found in 
Note 3.2.

We assessed the reasonableness of the Board approved cash flow 
projections used in the impairment models as well as the reliability 
of the Group’s historical cash flow forecasts.

We involved our valuation specialists to assess the impairment 
models and evaluated the reasonableness of key assumptions 
including the discount rate, terminal growth rates and forecast 
growth assumptions.   We also performed sensitivity analysis around 
the key drivers of the cash flow projections. Having determined the 
change in assumptions (individually or collectively) that would be 
required for the CGUs to be impaired, we considered the likelihood of 
such a movement in those key assumptions arising.

We evaluated the adequacy of impairments that had been 
recognised during the financial year.

We evaluated the adequacy of the disclosures included in Note 3.2.

Capitalisation and asset lives

There are a number of areas where judgment impacts the carrying 
value of property, plant and equipment, software intangible assets 
and their respective depreciation and amortisation profiles. These 
areas are as follows:

• the decision to capitalise or expense costs;
• the annual asset life review; and
• the timeliness of the transfer from assets in the course of 

construction.

Our audit procedures included the following:

• Assessed the effectiveness of the Group’s controls over the 

acquisition and disposal of fixed assets.

• Evaluated the appropriateness of capitalisation policies.
• Selected a sample of costs capitalised during the year to 

determine whether capitalisation was appropriate.

• Assessed the appropriateness of the date from which assets 

commenced being depreciated.

Changes in these judgments have a significant impact on the results 
of the Group. Accordingly, this was considered a key audit matter.

We assessed the application of the Group’s annual asset life review. 
This included assessing judgments made by the Group on:

Disclosures relating to the capitalisation and write-off of assets can 
be found at Notes 3.1 and 3.2.

• the nature of underlying costs capitalised; and
• the appropriateness of assets lives applied in the calculation of 

depreciation and amortisation.

We evaluated the adequacy of disclosures included in Notes 3.1 and 
3.2.

AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (AASB 15) applies 
to the Group from 1 July 2018. The adoption of the new standard and 
the disclosure of the expected financial impact is inherently complex 
due to the need to apply the requirements of the new standard to 
complex billing systems, the complex range of products and 
services, and the combination of products sold, including multiple 
element arrangements.

On adoption the Group will apply the standard retrospectively to prior 
reporting periods from 1 July 2017. The new standard will result in a 
number of accounting policy changes and a financial impact on retained 
earnings as at 1 July 2017, and on restatement of the financial 
performance for 2018.

During the period the Group substantially completed the analysis of 
this new standard on the Group. Disclosure is required of the 
expected financial impact on first time adoption in the financial 
report for the year ended 30 June 2018. These disclosures can be 
found in Note 7.1.3.

We assessed the Group’s process for estimating the expected 
impact of the new standard. 

We assessed the analysis of the expected financial impact of the 
new standard and the accounting policies, estimates and 
judgements made in respect of the products and services of the 
Group.

We evaluated the effectiveness of key systems, processes and 
controls to capture and measure revenue transactions in 
accordance with the new standard, which were used to determine 
the expected financial impact.

We assessed the appropriateness of the methods used to determine 
the estimated impact of the initial application of AASB 15 and 
assessed the accuracy of identified amounts captured in the 
adjustment to opening retained earnings calculated by the Group. 
We evaluated the adequacy of disclosures included in Note 7.1.3.

142
142 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited
A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited
A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

143
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 143

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 20182018.Financial Report.book  Page 144  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

2018.Financial Report.book  Page 145  Thursday, August 23, 2018  3:17 PM

Information Other than the Financial Statements and Auditor’s Report Thereon

The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Group’s 2018 Annual 
Report other than the financial report and our auditor’s report thereon. We obtained the Directors’ Report that is to be included in the Annual 
Report, prior to the date of this auditor’s report, and we expect to obtain the remaining sections of the Annual Report after the date of this 
auditor’s report.

Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and we do not and will not express any form of assurance conclusion 
thereon, with the exception of the Remuneration Report and our related assurance opinion.

Report on the Audit of the Remuneration Report

Opinion on the Remuneration Report

We have audited the Remuneration Report included in the Directors' Report for the year ended 30 June 2018.

In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Telstra Corporation Limited for the year ended 30 June 2018, complies with section 300A of the 
Corporations Act 2001.

Responsibilities

In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information 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. 

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.

If, based on the work we have performed on the other information obtained prior to the date of this auditor’s report, 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.

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 Group’s ability 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 have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Ernst & Young

Andrew Price
Partner
Melbourne
16 August 2018

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 judgment 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.

• 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, related safeguards.

From the matters communicated to the Directors, we determine those matters that were of most significance in the audit of the financial 
report of the current year 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.

144
144 | Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited
A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited
A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

145
Telstra Corporation Limited and controlled entities | 145

Notes to the financial statements (continued)Notes to the financial statements (continued)Telstra  Financial Report 2018Shareholder  
information

Listing information

Stock Exchange Listings 

We are listed, and our issued shares are quoted on the  
Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and the New Zealand  
Stock Exchange (NZX).

As an overseas listed issuer on the NZX, Telstra is deemed  
to satisfy and comply with the NZX Listing Rules, so long as it 
remains listed on the ASX. The only NZX requirements applicable 
to the company are to give the NZX the same information and 
notices the company is required to give to the ASX and to include 
the statement appearing below in Telstra’s Annual Report. 

In compliance with NZX Listing Rule 5.1.7(d), Telstra notes that 
the ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Corporate Governance 
Principles and Recommendations may materially differ from  
the NZX’s corporate governance rules and principles in the  
NZX Corporate Governance Best Practice Code. 

More information about the corporate governance rules  
and principles of the ASX can be found at asx.com.au and,  
in respect of the NZX, at nzx.com. Further information in  
relation to Telstra’s corporate governance practices are set  
out in our 2018 Corporate Governance Statement which can  
be found at telstra.com/governance.

Markets on which our debt securities are listed

We also have debt securities listed on the Australian Securities 
Exchange, the London Stock Exchange, the Singapore Stock 
Exchange and the Swiss Stock Exchange.

Distribution of securities and security holdings

The following table shows the number of listed shares on issue at 30 July 2018:

Title of class

Listed shares

Identity of person of group

Amount owned

Listed shareholders 

11,893,297,855

Distribution of shares

The following table summarises the distribution of our listed shares as at 30 July 2018:

Size of holding

Number of shareholders

625,735

494,287

126,015

114,209

4,440

%

45.85

36.22

9.23

8.37

0.33

Number of shares

344,854,118

1,188,870,896

903,858,640

2,797,136,015

6,658,578,186

1–1,000

1,001–5,000

5,001–10,000

10,001–100,000

100,001 and over

Total

%

100

%

2.90

10.00

7.60

23.52

55.99

The number of shareholders holding less than a marketable parcel of shares was 51,808 holding 5,878,751 shares (based on the 
closing market price on 30 July 2018).

1,364,686

100.00

11,893,297,855

100.00

Shareholder information | Telstra Annual Report 2018

Substantial shareholders

As at 30 July 2018, we are not aware of any substantial shareholders.

Twenty largest shareholders as at 30 July 2018

The following table sets out the Top 20 holders of our shares (when multiple holdings are grouped together): 

Shareholder name

Number of shares

% of issued capital

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED

J P MORGAN NOMINEES AUSTRALIA LIMITED

CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED

BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LIMITED

NATIONAL NOMINEES LIMITED

NETWORK INVESTMENT HOLDINGS PTY LTD

ARGO INVESTMENTS LIMITED

AUSTRALIAN FOUNDATION INVESTMENT COMPANY LIMITED

AMP LIFE LIMITED

IOOF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LIMITED

NETWEALTH INVESTMENTS LIMITED

EQUITAS NOMINEES PTY LTD

NAVIGATOR AUSTRALIA LTD

NULIS NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED

UBS NOMINEES PTY LTD

TELSTRA GROWTHSHARE PTY LTD

PACIFIC CUSTODIANS PTY LTD

MILTON CORPORATION LIMITED

BKI INVESTMENT COMPANY LIMITED

DYNAMIC SUPPLIES INVESTMENTS PTY LTD

Total for Top 20

Total other Investors

Grand total

2,229,061,805 

1,327,390,675 

679,573,979 

449,359,802 

415,137,306 

53,727,868 

46,014,800 

40,175,000 

38,025,524 

35,771,564 

30,635,827 

23,218,179 

22,741,262 

21,826,900 

21,157,590 

18,810,040 

17,023,352 

15,065,253 

9,234,451 

9,000,000 

5,502,951,177

6,390,346,678

11,893,297,855

18.74

11.16

5.71

3.78

3.49

0.45

0.39

0.34

0.32

0.30

0.26

0.20

0.19

0.18

0.18

0.16

0.14

0.13

0.08

0.08

46.27

53.73

100.00

Voting rights

Shareholders (whether residents or non-residents of Australia) may vote at a meeting of shareholders in person, directly or by proxy, 
attorney or representative, depending on whether the shareholder is an individual or a company. 

Subject to any rights or restrictions attaching to our shares, on a show of hands each shareholder present in person or by proxy, 
attorney or representative has one vote and, on a poll, has one vote for each fully paid share held. Presently, we have only one class  
of fully paid ordinary shares and these do not have any voting restrictions. If shares are not fully paid, on a poll the number of votes 
attaching to the shares is pro-rated accordingly.

146

147

 
 
 
Reference tables

Continuing operations

$m

$m

$m

$m

2018

2017

2016

20151

2014

$m

Total income (excluding finance income)

29,042

28,205

27,050

26,112

26,296

EBITDA2

EBIT3

Profit for the year from continuing operations

Profit / (loss) for the year from  
discontinued operations4

Profit for the year from continuing  
and discontinued operations 

10,121

10,679

10,465

10,533

11,135

5,651

3,529

6,238

3,874

6,310

3,832

6,559

4,114

7,185

4,549

–

–

2,017

191

(204)

3,529

3,874

5,849

4,305

4,345

Dividends declared per share (cents)

22.0

31.0

31.0

30.5

29.5

Total assets

Gross debt

Net debt

Total equity

42,870

42,133

43,286

40,445

39,360

15,368

16,218

16,009

14,962

16,048

14,739

15,280

12,459

13,566

10,521

15,014

14,560

15,907

14,510

13,960

Capital expenditure5

4,717

4,606

4,045

3,589

3,661

Free cashflow from continuing and discontinued 
operations

4,695

3,496

5,926

2,619

7,483

Earnings per share from continuing and 
discontinued operations (cents)

Dividend payout ratio (%)6

30.0

73

32.5

95

47.4

65

34.5

88

34.4

86

1.  Represented the Autohome Group being classified as a discontinued operation.
2.   Operating profit before interest, depreciation and amortisation and income tax expense. EBITDA is used as a measure of financial performance by excluding certain 

variables that affect operating profits but which may not be directly relate to all financial aspects of the operations of the company. EBITDA is not a measure of operating 
income, operating performance or liquidity under A-IFRS. Other companies may calculate EBITDA in a different manner to us.

3.  EBITDA less depreciation and amortisation.
4.   Profit/(loss) for the year from discontinued operations for FY15 and FY16 included both Sensis and Autohome Group results, while FY14 only included Sensis results.
5.   Capex is defined as additions to property, equipment and intangible assets including capital lease additions, excluding expenditure on spectrum, measured on an accrued 

basis. Excludes externally funded capex.

6.  Dividend payout ratio from continuing and discontinued operations. Dividend payout ratio from continuing operations FY16: 98%.

148

149

Guidance versus reported results

This schedule details the adjustments made to the reported results for the current period to reflect the performance of the business 
on the basis on which we provided guidance to the market.

This guidance assumed wholesale product price stability and no impairments to investments, and excluded any proceeds on the sale 
of businesses, mergers and acquisitions and purchase of spectrum. The guidance also assumed the nbn™ rollout was broadly in 
accordance with the nbn Corporate Plan 2018 adjusted for a cease sale on hybrid fibre co-axial (HFC) technology for six to nine 
months from 11 December 2017.

Capex excluded externally funded capex.

Reference tables | Telstra Annual Report 2018

Adjustments Jun-18

Jun-17

Guidance Basis

Reported

Year ended 30 Jun

2018

2017

Growth

$m

$m

%

25,667

25,910

(0.9%)

26,011

26,013

(0.0%)

Sales revenue

Total revenue

Total income (excl. finance income)

29,042

28,205

3.0%

Labour

5,157

5,381

(4.2%)

Goods and services purchased

8,758

7,671

14.2%

Other expenses

4,984

4,506

10.6%

Operating expenses

18,899

17,558

7.6%

Share of net profit/(loss) from joint 
ventures and associated entities

(22)

32

n/m

EBITDA

10,121

10,679

(5.2%)

Depreciation and amortisation

4,470

4,441

0.7%

EBIT

5,651

6,238

(9.4%)

Net finance costs

549

591

(7.1%)

Profit before income tax expense

5,102

5,647

(9.7%)

Income tax expense

Profit for the period

Attributable to:

1,573

1,773

(11.3%)

3,529

3,874

(8.9%)

Equity holders of Telstra Entity

3,563

3,891

(8.4%)

Non controlling interests

(34)

(17)

100.0%

Free cashflow

4,695

3,496

34.3%

M&A 
Controlled 
Entitiesi

M&A  
JVs/
Associates1

M&A 
Other 
Investments1

M&A  
Disposals1

$m

(35)

(45)

(45)

(16)

(28)

(3)

(47)

0

2

0

2

0

2

3

(1)

(1)

0

56

$m

$m

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

3

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

67

$m

0

(53)

(53)

0

0

0

0

0

(53)

0

(53)

0

(53)

0

(53)

(53)

0

(112)

This table has been reviewed by our auditors.

Notes:
There are a number of factors that have impacted  
our results this financial year. In the table above,  
we have adjusted the results for:

1.   Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) adjustments: 

 Adjustments relating to acquisition and disposals  
of controlled entities, joint ventures, associates  
and other investments and any associated net  
gains or losses. Adjustments relating to acquisition 
of controlled entities and contingent consideration 
paid. This includes the acquisition of MTData 
Holdings Pty Ltd and its controlled entities and 
Virtual Machine Technology Pty Ltd and its 
controlled entity, acquisition adjustment for 
Company85 Limited and contingent consideration 
paid for Kloud Solutions (National) Pty Ltd and  
its controlled entities, Health IQ Pty Ltd and MSC 
Mobility Pty Ltd. 

 Joint Ventures/Associates includes additional 
investments purchased through our interest in  
the Telstra Ventures Fund II L.P.

 During this period we disposed of our investment  
in 1300 Australia Pty Ltd and its controlled entity, 
TeleSign Holdings Inc, IP Health Pty Ltd and 
VeloCloud Networks, Inc. We also received deferred 
consideration from our disposal of Nexmo Inc. and 
received proceeds from the sell down of our interest 
in the Telstra Ventures Fund II L.P.

2.   Foxtel adjustments: 

Adjustments relating to fair value gains resulting 
from the conversion of the shareholder loan into 
additional investment in the Foxtel joint venture 
(Foxtel) and recognition of our cumulative 
unrecognised share of equity accounted losses.

 Adjustments relating to our merger of the previously 
shared joint venture Foxtel, with Fox Sports 
Australia, which is owned 100% by News Corp.  
As a result of the transaction, Telstra contributed  
its 50 per cent interest in Foxtel in exchange for a  
35 per cent interest in NXE Australia Pty Limited, 
which is a newly formed head entity of the merged 
group of Foxtel and Fox Sports Australia.

3.   Spectrum adjustments: 

Adjustment relating to the impact on Free cashflow 
associated with our Spectrum purchases and 
renewals for the period including:
•  $27m for renewal of spectrum licences in the 900 

MHz band.

 • $50m for spectrum licenses in the 3400 MHz band.
• $19m for spectrum licenses in the 2100 MHz band.
 • $4m for spectrum licenses in the 1800Mhz band.
 •  $13m for apparatus licences in various spectrum 

bands.

4.   Impairment adjustments: 

Adjustments relating to an impairment of $273m  
for the remaining goodwill, intangibles and property, 
plant and equipment in Ooyala Holdings Group.

 Adjustments relating to the impairment of $24m  
for goodwill, intangibles and related assets in  
other CGUs.

Foxtel2

Spectrum3

Impairment4

Impairment5

Spectrum6

M&A7

Year ended 30 June

$m

0

(299)

(299)

0

0

0

0

57

(242)

0

(242)

0

(242)

(11)

(231)

(231)

0

51

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

%

2018

2017

Growth

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

113

0

0

0

0

0

(297)

(297)

0

297

0

297

0

297

0

297

286

11

0

0

0

0

0

0

(77)

(77)

0

77

0

77

0

77

4

73

73

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

25,632

25,910

(1.1%)

25,614

26,013

(1.5%)

28,645

28,205

1.6%

5,141

5,381

(4.5%)

8,730

7,671

13.8%

4,684

4,429

18,555

17,481

5.8%

6.1%

35

32

9.4%

10,125

10,756

(5.9%)

4,470

4,441

0.7%

5,655

6,315

(10.5%)

549

591

(7.1%)

5,106

5,724

(10.8%)

1,565

1,777

(11.9%)

3,541

3,947

(10.3%)

3,564

3,964

(10.1%)

(23)

(17)

35.3%

625

(140)

4,873

3,981

5.   Impairment adjustments: 

7.   M&A adjustments: 

Adjustments relating to the FY17 impairment of 
$77m for goodwill, intangibles and related assets  
in Telstra Health.

6.   Spectrum adjustments: 

Adjustments relating to the impact on Free Cashflow 
associated with our Spectrum purchases and 
renewals for the period including:
•   $27m for renewal of Spectrum licences in the 

900MHz band (2x8.4MHz national PMTS Class  
B licence).

 •  $190m for new Spectrum licenses in the  

1800MHz band in regional areas (2x25MHz  
in nine regions, 2x20MHz in two regions, and 
2x10MHz in one region).

 •  $408m for renewal of Spectrum licenses in the 
2100MHz band (2x15MHz in eight capital cities 
and 2x10MHz in regional areas).

Adjustments relating to acquisition of controlled 
entities, businesses and contingent consideration.

 This includes the acquisition of Mercury Holdings 
Corporation Pty Limited and its controlled entities, 
Mobile Payment Gateway Pty Limited, the 
acquisition of the Cognevo business from the 
Wynyard Group, the acquisition of Company 85 
Limited and its wholly owned subsidiary DVC 
Channel Services Limited and the acquisition of  
the business of Inabox Group Limited.

 Joint Ventures/Associates includes additional equity 
injections in Near Pte Ltd, ProQuo Pty Ltd, enepath 
(Group Holdings) Pte Ltd and Panviva Ptd Ltd.

 Other Investments include purchase of shares/
additional shares in NSOne Inc, Attack IQ, Inc., 
Headspin Inc., Monk’s Hill Ventures Fund I, L.P, 
VeloCloud Networks, Inc., Matrixx Software, Inc., 
Crowdstrike Inc, Phantouch International Ltd, 
SILICON QUANTUM COMPUTING PTY LTD, Auth0, 
Inc., OpenGov Inc., Skillz Inc., PhishMe, Inc. and 
Nginx, Inc. 

 During this period we disposed of our remaining 
interest in Autohome and our investments in  
Vonage Holdings Corporation.

150

151

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Glossary

4G 
The fourth generation of wireless mobile 
networks, with typically faster download 
and upload speeds and better response  
times than previous generations. 

Bundle
A combination of products. For example,  
a customer can bundle a fixed-line home 
phone service and internet connection.

4GX
The latest step in our 4G evolution. 4GX is 
capable of greater peak network speeds 
and adds another lane of capacity to the 
Telstra mobile broadband super highway.

Capital expenditure (capex)
Funds invested to purchase, upgrade  
or improve long-term assets such as 
property, infrastructure or equipment  
to create future benefit.

5G
The fifth generation of wireless mobile 
networks, 5G will deliver a step change  
in typical network speeds, with reduced 
latency and much greater capacity to  
help address the explosion in wireless 
devices and data usage. 

Access Virtual Circuit (AVC) charge
The access charge that Retail Service 
Providers pay to NBN Co. per customer 
depending on the bandwidth allocated  
to the end-user premise. 

Cat M1
An Internet of Things (IoT) technology, 
currently operating over Telstra’s 4GX 
coverage areas, that is suitable for 
applications requiring data with peak 
speeds of up to 1Mbps (typical speeds will 
be less). Cat M1 devices typically provide 
greater reach in distance and depth into 
buildings and extended battery life.

Connectivity Virtual Circuit  
(CVC) charge
A charge levied by NBN Co. on Retail 
Service Providers based on the capacity 
they acquire for retail customers’ use. 

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber  
Line (ADSL)
A broadband technology that provides 
access to the internet at fast speeds.  
Data is carried over the copper network 
phone lines. These data speeds can 
enable the delivery of voice, data and 
video services.

Cloud
The provision of services, software, 
storage and security over the internet, 
typically on a pay-for-use basis.  
Cloud can allow access to information  
and programs on multiple devices in 
multiple locations.

Cyber safety 
The safe use of information and 
telecommunications technology  
(including mobile phones) and  
the internet.

Dark fibre
An optical fibre network used for  
data transmission.

Backhaul fibre
Backhaul fibre is the link that connects 
each mobile base station to the core 
network allowing traffic on each base 
station to be routed to all other base 
stations, to fixed telephone lines and  
to the internet.

Broadband
Describes a class of internet access 
technologies, such as ADSL, HFC cable 
and WiFi, offering a data rate significantly 
higher than narrowband services. These 
services typically do not tie up a telephone 
line exclusively for data. 

Glossary | Telstra Annual Report 2018

Definitive Agreement
The documents that record the final, 
binding arrangements between Telstra, 
NBN Co. and the Commonwealth 
Government for Telstra’s participation  
in the nbn™ network rollout.

Fixed Wireless (nbn™)
The NBN Co. Fixed Wireless network  
uses advanced wireless technology to 
deliver fixed telephone and broadband 
services to the premises within each 
coverage area.

Dividend per share (DPS)
A dividend is a payment of a portion of  
our earnings to our shareholders and  
is most often quoted in terms of the 
amount each share receives.

Free cashflow
The cash that a company is able to 
generate from its operations after 
spending money required to maintain  
or expand its asset base.

Earnings before interest, income  
tax expense, depreciation and 
amortisation (EBITDA)
An indicator of a company’s operational 
profitability.

Gigabit per second (Gbps)
A unit of measurement of transmission 
speeds equal to one billion bits per 
second.

Live chat
Telstra LiveChat is an application  
which allows visitors to Telstra.com the 
opportunity to communicate ‘live’ or in 
near to live interactions  with a Telstra 
consultant. Customers can have their 
questions answered and/or purchase  
any number of products in one single  
chat session.

LTE Broadcast (LTE-B)
A technology that allows content to be 
sent via a single stream of data to many 
mobile users in the one area at once  
(i.e. one to many), enabling a better  
quality and more seamless video and 
audio experience for these customers.

Earnings per share (EPS)
The portion of profit allocated to  
each share. 

Fibre to the Basement (FTTB)
A broadband access solution that  
delivers fibre from an exchange facility  
to a location (eg the basement) in an 
apartment block or similar types of 
building, with the final connection to  
the end user customer premises being 
another access solution such as copper.

Fibre to the Node (FTTN)
A broadband access solution that  
delivers fibre from an exchange facility  
to a street cabinet (the “node”), with the 
final connections to a premises being  
the copper network phone lines.

Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)
A broadband access solution that delivers 
fibre from an exchange facility directly  
to the outside of a building, offering 
potentially faster internet speeds than 
FTTN solutions (see definition of FTTN).

Fixed line 
Refers to the delivery of telephone and/or 
internet services over a cable, rather than 
the mobile or wireless phone network. 
Fixed line is also a term used to describe  
a customer segment, for example ‘fixed 
line customers.’ 

Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC)
A way of delivering video, voice and data 
using both coaxial and fibre optic cables. 

Megabit per second (MBps)
A unit of measurement of transmission 
speeds equal to one million bits per 
second.

Infrastructure Service Agreement 
(ISA)
An agreement between Telstra and  
NBN Co. that gives NBN Co. long-term 
access rights to certain types of Telstra 
infrastructure to enable the nbn™ network 
rollout, such as rack spaces in exchange 
buildings, ducts (and pits/manholes),  
dark fibre and certain poles.

Internet of Things (IoT)
The connectedness of ‘things’ (for example 
machinery, vehicles, appliances) to the 
internet via sensors and actuators that 
collect information about the state and 
condition of those things, and transmit 
that data to software platforms that  
can help people make sense of the 
information and take appropriate action.

Internet Protocol (IP)
Part of the family of protocols  
describing software that identifies 
internet addresses, directs outgoing 
messages, and recognises incoming 
messages. Used in gateways to  
connect networks at a high level.

Migration plan
An outline of how Telstra will progressively 
migrate voice and broadband services 
from its copper and HFC networks to  
the nbn™ as NBN Co.’s fixed line network  
is rolled out across Australia. The 
migration plan was originally approved  
by the ACCC on 27 February 2012 and  
has since been varied by approval of  
the ACCC to accommodate shifts in  
NBN Co.’s approach to its rollout.

Mobile data
Wireless internet access delivered over 
the mobile phone network to computers 
and other digital devices using portable 
modems.

Multi-Technology Model (MTM) 
Refers to the current Government’s policy 
to rollout the nbn™ network using a mix  
of technologies.

Narrowband
A type of Internet of Things (IoT) 
technology that operates over Telstra’s 
4GX coverage areas. Narrowband IoT is 
suited to stationary applications that send  
very small amounts of data infrequently 
and operate with longer battery life. 

152

153

Net profit after tax (NPAT)
Total Income less expenses (including 
depreciation, amortisation and finance 
costs) and tax. 

Network Function Virtualisation 
(NFV)
A network architecture concept that  
uses the technologies of IT to virtualise 
traditionally physical network node 
functions into virtual building blocks  
that may connect, or chain together,  
to create communication services.

Over The Top (OTT)
The delivery of audio, video, and other 
media over the internet without the 
involvement of a system operator in the 
control or distribution of the content.

Peace of mind data™
A feature available on selected new Telstra 
consumer plans that replaces excess data 
charges in Australia. After a customer 
reaches their included data allowance, 
data speeds are capped for the remainder 
of the current bill cycle. 

Points of presence (network)
An access point (port) that enables 
Internet Service Provider (ISP) customers 
to enter the internet network from outside 
the Telstra network.

Public Switched Telephone Network 
(PSTN)
Public telephone networks, often referred 
to as “fixed line”, that delivers the standard 
home telephone service over copper wires.

Telstra2022 (T22)
Telstra’s new strategy, announced on  
20 June 2018, to lead the Australian 
market by simplifying its operations  
and product set, improving customer 
experience and reducing its cost base.

Roaming
A service which allows customers to use 
their mobile phone while in a service area 
of another carrier.

Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)
A measure of how efficiently a company  
is using capital to generate income.  
If ROIC is greater than a company’s 
weighted average cost of capital (WACC), 
value is being created for investors.

Software Defined Networking (SDN) 
A computer networking approach, 
comprised of multiple kinds of network 
technologies, designed to deliver greater 
flexibility and agility.

Spectrum
Wireless communications signals travel 
through the air via radio frequency, known 
also as spectrum. The government grants 
licences for dedicated use of portions 
(bands) of spectrum. 

Telstra Smart Modem™
A device that includes the latest Wi-Fi 
technology and a built-in mobile backup 
to help keep customers connected more 
often. Once plugged in, the modem will 
connect a home to the internet within 
minutes via the mobile network, without 
having to wait for the broadband service 
to be connected. If there is an interruption 
to their broadband service, the modem 
will automatically switch over to a mobile 
connection within minutes.

Universal service obligation (USO)
Obligations placed on Telstra under the 
Telecommunications Act 1997 to ensure 
that standard telephone services, 
payphones and prescribed carriage 
services are reasonably accessible to all 
people in Australia on an equitable basis, 
wherever they reside or carry on business.

Wi-Fi
The most prevalent form of wireless local 
area network (WLAN) technology. WLANs 
are small-scale wireless networks with a 
typical radius of several hundred feet. 

® Registered trademarks of Telstra Corporation Limited.
™ Trademarks of Telstra Corporation Limited.
nbn™, nbn co and other nbn™ logos and brands are 
trademarks of nbn co limited and used under licence.
^^  

 Microsoft and Office 365 are trademarks  
of Microsoft Corporation.

++  Google and Pixel are trademarks of Google Inc.
*  

 Fox Sports is a registered trademark of Twentieth 
Century Fox Film Corporation
**    Foxtel is a registered trademark of  

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.

All amounts are expressed in Australian dollars ($A)  
unless otherwise stated.
The Telstra Values (ie “Show you care”, “Better together”, 
“Trust each other to deliver”, Make the complex simple”, 
“Find your courage”) are registered trademarks of Telstra 
Corporation Ltd, ABN 33 051 775 556.

154

155

Keeping informed
To keep up to date with the latest news about Telstra:

• follow us on Twitter @Telstra_news

• follow us on Facebook

•  subscribe to our media releases on our website at  

telstra.com.au/aboutus/media/rss-feeds

•  subscribe to our sustainability newsletter at  

telstra.com/sustainability/subscribe 

• visit Telstra Exchange at exchange.telstra.com.au

Contact details

Registered Office

Online shareholder information

Level 41, 242 Exhibition Street
Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia
Sue Laver
Company Secretary
Email: companysecretary@team.telstra.com

General Enquiries – Registered Office

All Other: +61 3 8647 4838 
Customer enquiries: 13 2200

Shareholder Enquiries

Australian Share Register
Australia: 1300 88 66 77
All Other: +61 1300 88 66 77
Fax: +61 2 9287 0303
Email: telstra@linkmarketservices.com.au 
Website: www.linkmarketservices.com.au/telstra
Link Market Services Limited
PO Box A942, Sydney, South NSW 1234 Australia

New Zealand Share Register
New Zealand: 0800 835 787
All Other: +64 9 375 5998
Fax: +64 9 375 5990
Email: enquiries@linkmarketservices.co.nz 
Website: www.linkmarketservices.co.nz 
Link Market Services Limited
PO Box 91976, Auckland 1142 New Zealand

Investor Relations

Level 28, 242 Exhibition Street
Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia
Australia: 1800 880 679
All Other: +61 (3) 8647 4954
Email: investor.relations@team.telstra.com

Telstra’s Investor Centre at telstra.com/investor has all  
the latest news and information available for shareholders.

Shareholders can also easily manage their shareholding  
online at www.linkmarketservices.com.au/telstra

Shareholders require their SRN/HIN and postcode  
for access and then can view and update information  
under the following menus:
• Holdings – transaction history, holding balance  

and value and latest closing share price.

• Payment and Tax – dividend payment history,  

tax information, payment instructions and TFN  
details. Update bank details here.

• Communication – become an e-Shareholder and update 

postal/email addresses and communication elections here. 

Sustainability

Level 39, 242 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia
Email: sustainability@team.telstra.com

Telstra Corporation Limited

ABN 33 051 775 556
Incorporated in the Australian Capital Territory.  
Telstra is listed on Stock Exchanges in Australia  
and in New Zealand (Wellington).

Websites

Telstra Investor Centre: telstra.com/investor 
Telstra Sustainability: telstra.com/sustainability 
Telstra Customer Enquiries: telstra.com 

Indicative financial calendar1

Half year results announcement
Thursday 14 February 2019

Ex-dividend share trading commences
Wednesday 27 February 2019

Record date for interim dividend
Thursday 28 February 2019

DRP election date
Friday 1 March 2019

Interim dividend paid
Friday 29 March 2019

Annual results announcement
Thursday 15 August 2019

Ex-dividend share trading commences
Wednesday 28 August 2019

Record date for final dividend
Thursday 29 August 2019

DRP election date
Friday 30 August 2019

Final dividend paid
Thursday 26 September 2019

Annual General Meeting
Tuesday 15 October 2019

1.  Timing of events may be subject to change. Any change  

will be notified to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).

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