Key Issues · General Government Net Worth is estimated to be $12 330.8 million as at 30 June 2020. Net Worth is estimated to increase over the Forward Estimates period to $13 623.1 million by 30 June 2023. · In accordance with the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Government Finance Statistics reporting framework General Government GFS Net Debt excludes the impact of lease liabilities. GFS Net Debt is estimated to be negative $50.4 million as at 30 June 2020, a deterioration of $279.2 million on the 2018‑19 Budget estimate of negative $329.6 million as at 30 June 2019. GFS Net Debt is expected to be $839.8 million as at 30 June 2023. · Utilising the new Australian Accounting Standard, which incorporates for the first time the inclusion of lease liabilities, General Government Net Debt is estimated to be $284.5 million as at 30 June 2020, a deterioration of $614.1 million on the 2018‑19 Budget estimate of negative $329.6 million as at 30 June 2019. The increase is primarily due to the recognition for the first time of lease liabilities of $334.9 million as at 30 June 2020, as a result of changes to the Australian Accounting Standards. Net Debt is expected to be $1 114.1 million which includes $274.3 million of lease liabilities as at 30 June 2023. · The most significant liability on the General Government Balance Sheet is the General Government Superannuation liability, which is estimated to be $7 007.8 million as at 30 June 2020. · The Government continues to meet the cash cost of the defined benefit superannuation schemes on an emerging basis ($303.2 million in 2019‑20). While forecast to be manageable, a key ongoing Budget risk is that the cash cost to the Budget will increase significantly in the coming years, with cash payments anticipated to increase over the next 14 years, peaking in 2033‑34 ($451.4 million). · The present value of superannuation liabilities is particularly sensitive to discount rate movements, although these movements do not impact on the cash costs that require funding. The 2019‑20 Budget projections are based on a discount rate of 4.25 per cent. |
The Balance Sheet presented in this chapter provides assets and liabilities estimated as at 30 June 2019 to 2023 and reports key indicators for the same period. This includes an Estimated Outcome for the current year. By providing information on the nature of assets and liabilities held by the Government, this Statement gives an indication of the State’s financial strength.
The key measures presented in the Balance Sheet are Net Worth, Net Financial Worth, Net Financial Liabilities, Net Debt and GFS Net Debt.
Table 7.1 details the estimated General Government Sector Balance Sheet as at 30 June from 2019 to 2023.
|
2019 |
2019 |
||||
Estimated |
Forward |
Forward |
Forward |
|||
|
Budget |
Outcome |
Budget |
Estimate |
Estimate |
Estimate |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
|
Assets |
||||||
Financial assets |
||||||
Cash and deposits |
938.7 |
1 098.5 |
926.6 |
894.7 |
910.8 |
922.6 |
Investments |
139.8 |
107.9 |
158.8 |
191.7 |
206.1 |
51.4 |
Equity investment in PNFC and PFC sectors |
5 398.3 |
5 587.7 |
5 451.5 |
5 503.1 |
5 602.8 |
5 850.7 |
Other equity investments |
47.9 |
46.0 |
71.5 |
127.0 |
182.5 |
248.0 |
Receivables |
316.9 |
310.0 |
307.8 |
303.8 |
298.4 |
294.3 |
Other financial assets |
802.9 |
804.3 |
822.9 |
843.5 |
851.7 |
861.8 |
7 644.5 |
7 954.4 |
7 739.1 |
7 863.8 |
8 052.4 |
8 228.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-financial assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land and buildings |
6 635.1 |
6 672.4 |
6 953.3 |
7 195.7 |
7 398.3 |
7 518.0 |
Infrastructure |
5 259.9 |
5 783.8 |
6 115.9 |
6 494.8 |
6 820.3 |
7 283.1 |
Plant and equipment |
255.9 |
259.2 |
270.9 |
291.8 |
295.2 |
298.9 |
Heritage and cultural assets |
486.0 |
474.3 |
486.5 |
498.7 |
511.1 |
523.4 |
Investment property |
4.0 |
3.9 |
4.1 |
4.4 |
4.7 |
5.1 |
Intangibles |
54.5 |
52.9 |
51.4 |
48.9 |
44.3 |
40.5 |
Assets held for sale |
9.4 |
11.3 |
6.6 |
5.6 |
5.6 |
5.6 |
Lease - right‑of‑use assets1 |
.... |
.... |
333.4 |
321.6 |
301.5 |
279.4 |
Other non-financial assets |
43.6 |
41.3 |
41.6 |
38.0 |
37.8 |
37.5 |
12 748.4 |
13 299.1 |
14 263.7 |
14 899.6 |
15 418.8 |
15 991.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets |
20 392.9 |
21 253.6 |
22 002.7 |
22 763.4 |
23 471.3 |
24 220.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings |
748.9 |
671.2 |
1 035.0 |
1 407.4 |
1 637.2 |
1 813.7 |
Lease liabilities1 |
.... |
.... |
334.9 |
322.1 |
299.8 |
274.3 |
Superannuation |
6 868.1 |
6 939.1 |
7 007.8 |
7 071.7 |
7 121.9 |
7 160.6 |
Employee entitlements |
648.3 |
683.8 |
665.2 |
679.4 |
697.5 |
719.8 |
Payables |
135.8 |
162.0 |
164.7 |
166.9 |
168.5 |
170.3 |
Other liabilities |
398.4 |
383.1 |
464.4 |
428.3 |
448.7 |
458.2 |
Total Liabilities |
8 799.6 |
8 839.2 |
9 671.9 |
10 075.8 |
10 373.7 |
10 597.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET ASSETS |
11 593.3 |
12 414.4 |
12 330.8 |
12 687.6 |
13 097.6 |
13 623.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2019 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
Estimated |
Forward |
Forward |
Forward |
|||
|
Budget |
Outcome |
Budget |
Estimate |
Estimate |
Estimate |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
|
Equity |
||||||
Accumulated funds |
6 098.7 |
6 197.0 |
5 830.6 |
5 886.6 |
5 993.7 |
6 214.6 |
Asset revaluation reserve |
5 494.6 |
6 217.5 |
6 500.2 |
6 801.0 |
7 103.9 |
7 408.5 |
Total Equity |
11 593.3 |
12 414.4 |
12 330.8 |
12 687.6 |
13 097.6 |
13 623.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET WORTH2 |
11 593.3 |
12 414.4 |
12 330.8 |
12 687.6 |
13 097.6 |
13 623.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
||
NET FINANCIAL WORTH3 |
(1 155.1) |
(884.7) |
(1 932.9) |
(2 212.0) |
(2 321.3) |
(2 368.2) |
|
|
|
|
|
||
NET FINANCIAL LIABILITIES4 |
6 553.4 |
6 472.5 |
7 384.4 |
7 715.0 |
7 924.0 |
8 218.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
||
NET DEBT5 |
(329.6) |
(535.2) |
284.5 |
643.1 |
820.0 |
1 114.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GFS NET DEBT6 |
(329.6) |
(535.2) |
(50.4) |
321.0 |
520.3 |
839.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes:
1. As a result of the new Australian Accounting Standard AASB 16 Leases, all leases are recognised on the Balance Sheet as a liability and right‑of‑use asset from 2019-20. Refer to appendix 1.2 of chapter 1 of this Budget Paper for more detail on this change.
2. Net Worth represents Total Assets (both Financial and Non‑financial) less Total Liabilities.
3. Net Financial Worth represents Total Financial assets less Total Liabilities.
4. Net Financial Liabilities represents Total Liabilities less Financial assets, excluding Equity investment in PNFC and PFC sectors.
5. Net Debt represents Borrowings plus Lease liabilities, less the sum of Cash and deposits and Investments. This measure incorporates the impact of recognising Lease liabilities on the Balance Sheet as a result of the changes under AASB16 which is effective from from 2019-20.
6. GFS Net Debt represents Borrowings less the sum of Cash and deposits and Investments. This is equivalent to Net Debt based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics Government Finance Statistics reporting framework, and excludes the impact of lease liabilities.
Total Assets are estimated to be $22 002.7 million as at 30 June 2020, an increase of $1 609.8 million from the 2018‑19 Budget estimate of $20 392.9 million as at 30 June 2019. The increase primarily reflects an increase in Land and buildings of $318.2 million, Infrastructure assets of $856 million and Lease ‑ right‑of‑use assets of $333.4 million.
This consists of the Government’s investment in the net assets of the Public Non‑Financial Corporations and Public Financial Corporations sectors.
The Government’s equity investment is estimated to be $5 451.5 million as at 30 June 2020, an increase of $53.2 million from the 2018‑19 Budget estimate of $5 398.3 million as at 30 June 2019. This primarily reflects an increase in the net assets of the PNFC Sector of $217.9 million. This increase is primarily the result of an increase in net assets held by electricity entities of $100.7 million and resource management entities (which includes Sustainable Timber Tasmania and Tasmanian Irrigation Pty Ltd) of $68.8 million. The increase is partly offset by a decrease in net assets of the PFC Sector of $164.8 million. This decrease is primarily due to the Mersey Community Hospital Dividend of $83.7 million and special dividends of $89.5 million to be paid by the PFC Sector in 2019-20.
Chart 7.1 illustrates the components of the Government’s equity investment holdings.
Other financial assets includes Income tax equivalents receivable and Prepayments as outlined in Table 7.2. Other financial assets is estimated to be $822.9 million as at 30 June 2020, an increase of $20 million on the 2018‑19 Budget estimate of $802.9 million as at 30 June 2019. This primarily reflects increases in the Income tax equivalents receivable estimate of $16.6 million and Prepayments of $3.4 million.
|
2019 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
Estimated |
Forward |
Forward |
Forward |
|||
|
Budget |
Outcome |
Budget |
Estimate |
Estimate |
Estimate |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax equivalents receivable |
779.9 |
777.0 |
796.5 |
816.8 |
824.8 |
834.6 |
Prepayments |
23.0 |
27.3 |
26.4 |
26.7 |
26.9 |
27.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
802.9 |
804.3 |
822.9 |
843.5 |
851.7 |
861.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non‑financial assets include the value of Crown Land and other land holdings, including national parks and conservation areas, schools, hospitals and other buildings held by the Government for the provision of goods and services. Non‑financial assets also includes Plant and equipment, Intangibles, Assets held for sale, Lease ‑ right‑of‑use assets and Other non‑financial assets.
Land and buildings is estimated to be $6 953.3 million as at 30 June 2020, an increase of $318.2 million on the 2018‑19 Budget estimate of $6 635.1 million as at 30 June 2019. Land and buildings is estimated to increase by $564.7 million to $7 518 million as at 30 June 2023. This primarily reflects increased capital expenditure on schools, housing, hospital and prison assets undertaken by the Department of Education, Department of Communities Tasmania, Department of Health and Department of Justice.
Infrastructure is estimated to be $6 115.9 million as at 30 June 2020, an increase of $856 million on the 2018‑19 Budget estimate of $5 259.9 million as at 30 June 2019. Infrastructure is estimated to increase by $1 167.2 million to $7 283.1 million as at 30 June 2023, which primarily reflects capital expenditure on road and bridge infrastructure assets by the Department of State Growth.
The increase in Land and buildings and Infrastructure over the 2019‑20 Budget and Forward Estimates period reflects the implementation of the Government’s agency infrastructure investment program. Further information regarding infrastructure investment is provided in chapter 6 of this Budget Paper.
Australian Accounting Standard AASB 16 Leases comes into effect from 1 July 2019. The new Standard will result in the recognition of a right‑of‑use asset together with a corresponding lease obligation on the GGS Balance Sheet. For further detail on this change, refer to appendix 1.2 of chapter 1 of this Budget Paper.
Table 7.3 outlines leases by category, which represents Operating lease arrangements that are now disclosed on the GGS Balance Sheet. Whilst this has resulted in an increase in GGS Total Assets, this is a presentational change only and there has been no material change in the economic position of the GGS. A corresponding liability is recognised which means there is minimal change in GGS Net Worth.
Lease - right‑of‑use assets is estimated to be $333.4 million as at 30 June 2020. This consists of $280.4 million for Land and buildings which primarily represents the leasing of Government office accommodation held by Finance‑General and $53 million for Plant and equipment which primarily represents the leasing of medical equipment by the Department of Health.
|
2019 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
Estimated |
Forward |
Forward |
Forward |
|||
|
Budget |
Outcome |
Budget |
Estimate |
Estimate |
Estimate |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
|
Lease - right‑of‑use assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land and buildings |
.... |
.... |
280.4 |
266.8 |
245.1 |
221.2 |
Plant and equipment |
.... |
.... |
53.0 |
54.7 |
56.5 |
58.2 |
.... |
.... |
333.4 |
321.6 |
301.5 |
279.4 |
|
Lease liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land and buildings |
.... |
.... |
279.2 |
266.0 |
243.7 |
218.6 |
Plant and equipment |
.... |
.... |
55.7 |
56.1 |
56.1 |
55.7 |
.... |
.... |
334.9 |
322.1 |
299.8 |
274.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note:
1. While the value of the right-of-use assets will equal lease liabilities on initial recognition, differences arise over the term of the lease, as lease liabilities decrease based on the principal component of the cash-based lease repayment, while right-of-use assets are generally depreciated on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.
Total Liabilities is estimated to be $9 671.9 million as at 30 June 2020, increasing over the Forward Estimates period, with estimated Total Liabilities of $10 597 million as at 30 June 2023.
The estimated Borrowings of $1 035 million as at 30 June 2020 includes an estimated end of year borrowing of $834.9 million to be undertaken on 30 June 2020. The end of year borrowing has no impact on the Government’s Net Debt as the same amount will be borrowed and invested overnight on 30 June with the Tasmanian Public Finance Corporation, grossing up the amount of cash held and borrowings.
Other liabilities is estimated to be $464.4 million as at 30 June 2020, an increase of $66 million compared to the 2018‑19 Budget estimate of $398.4 million as at 30 June 2019. The increase primarily reflects the Revenue in advance liability of $76.2 million as at 30 June 2020 that is recognised in relation to National Partnership Payments from the Australian Government. This liability is a result of the change in Australian Accounting Standards that is effective from 2019-20. For further detail on this change, refer to appendix 1.2 of chapter 1 of this Budget Paper.
The Government’s superannuation liability is an estimate of the obligations of the State with respect to liabilities arising from the current and former members of unfunded or partially funded Public Sector defined benefit superannuation schemes, which were closed to new members with effect from May 1999.
The superannuation liability is an estimate of the net present value of the Government’s share of meeting current and future benefit payments for scheme members. The superannuation liability differs from many other financial liabilities, such as Borrowings, which can be called on for repayment in full at any point in time.
The superannuation liability has arisen over many decades because benefits are funded on an emerging basis when scheme members become entitled to a pension or lump sum benefit. That is, the Government’s portion of the final benefit is paid when it falls due, with the remaining part of the benefit being funded from the scheme’s assets. The major schemes currently operating in the General Government Sector that have an unfunded liability are those established under the Public Sector Superannuation Reform Act 2016, the former Parliamentary Superannuation Act 1973, the former Parliamentary Retiring Benefits Act 1985 and the Judges’ Contributory Pensions Act 1968.
While these schemes have been closed to new members, because of the long‑term nature of superannuation benefits, the superannuation liability continues to increase as existing members accrue additional years of service as they approach retirement age. The liability is projected to increase until 2023‑24 and then gradually decline over the following five or six decades.
The Government recognises that superannuation is a significant liability and will continue to ensure that it manages this critical ongoing funding task in the most prudent way and in accordance with the recommendations of the State Actuary.
General Government Superannuation Liability is estimated to be $7 007.8 million as at 30 June 2020, which is comprised of the estimated present value of the liability of $8 855.7 million less the estimated fair value of plan assets of $1 847.9 million.
|
2019
Budget |
2019 Estimated |
2020
Budget |
2021 Forward |
2022 Forward |
2023 Forward |
|
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Present value of superannuation liability |
8 747.2 |
8 801.3 |
8 855.7 |
8 897.5 |
8 917.1 |
8 917.9 |
Fair value of plan assets |
(1 879.2) |
(1 862.3) |
(1 847.9) |
(1 825.8) |
(1 795.2) |
(1 757.4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
6 868.1 |
6 939.1 |
7 007.8 |
7 071.7 |
7 121.9 |
7 160.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chart 7.2 projects the General Government Superannuation liability (net of plan assets) over the total life of the defined benefit schemes to 30 June 2080.
Independent actuarial assessments are prepared by the State Actuary to provide reporting and disclosure information, relating to the General Government Superannuation liability, in respect of current and former employees who have defined benefits arising from membership of the closed defined benefit superannuation schemes.
The actuarial assumptions are used for the variables that will determine the ultimate cost of providing long‑term superannuation benefits. Actuarial assumptions must be unbiased (i.e. neither imprudent nor excessively conservative) and should reflect the economic relationships between factors such as inflation, rates of salary increase, the return on scheme assets and discount rates.
Key assumptions used by the State Actuary in preparing the most recent actuarial estimate of the General Government Superannuation liability are:
· Discount rate ‑ 4.25 per cent;
· Salary increase rate ‑ 3.0 per cent;
· Pension increase rate ‑ 2.5 per cent; and
· Investment earnings ‑ 4.25 per cent.
It is important to recognise that the actuarial estimate is a snapshot of a scheme’s estimated financial position at a particular point in time, and that the actuarial results do not predict a scheme’s future financial position or its ability to pay benefits in the future. Over time, a scheme’s total cost will depend on a number of factors, including the amount of benefits the scheme pays, the number of people paid benefits (for example mortality and marital status are estimated), scheme expenses and the amount earned on any assets invested to pay the benefits. These variables will change over the life of the liability. The variables are uncertain at the valuation date and are estimated by the State Actuary.
The superannuation liability is particularly sensitive to discount rate movements. Since 2009‑10, due to the volatility of the bond market and the long‑term nature of the liability, the Budget projections of the superannuation liability do not use the current Australian Government long‑term bond rate. The 2019‑20 Budget projections are based on a discount rate of 4.25 per cent. Based on advice from the State Actuary, the rate has not changed from the 2018-19 Budget.
There is a strong inverse relationship between the discount rate and the valuation of the liability. Chart 7.3 shows the impact of an increase or decrease of one per cent in the average discount rate used to value the General Government Superannuation liability. The base rate column represents the estimated present value of the superannuation liability (gross) as at 30 June in each year valued by the State Actuary using a discount rate of 4.25 per cent.
Currently, the emerging cash cost of defined benefit superannuation payments is met from the Public Account, funded partly by agency contributions and by a Reserved by Law contribution, which comprises the balance of the Government’s share of pension and lump sum benefit costs.
Chart 7.4 shows the estimated employer contribution payments, made up of both pension and lump sum benefit costs, over the period 2019-20 to 2079-80.
A key budget risk is that the cost to the Budget will increase significantly in coming years, increasing by 48.9 per cent over the next 14 years and peaking in 2033‑34. The estimated cost to the Budget is based on the most recent actuarial estimates. The change from the projections in the 2018-19 Budget reflects a 3.1 per cent increase in the expected peak cost to $451.4 million ($437.8 million in the 2018‑19 Budget).
In 2019‑20, defined benefit superannuation costs are estimated to be 4.7 per cent of Cash receipts from operating activities in the General Government Sector. Defined benefit superannuation costs, as a percentage of General Government cash receipts, is estimated to peak at 5 per cent in eight years (2027‑28), followed by a decrease to 4.3 per cent in 15 years (2034-35) and 3.4 per cent in 20 years (2039-40).
While movements in discount rates have a significant impact on the valuation of the superannuation liability at any point of time, those discount rate movements do not impact on the nominal cash flows required to meet the emerging cost of benefits paid to members.
Table 7.5 shows the estimated nominal cash flows required to meet the emerging cost of superannuation benefits payable to members. This represents the estimated total cost of benefits payable and includes the General Government share, together with the share of benefits that are funded from plan assets.
|
2019 |
|
Estimate |
|
$m |
Estimated total benefit payments to be made in the period |
|
No later than 1 year |
433 |
Later than 1 year and no later than 2 years |
439 |
Later than 2 years and no later than 5 years |
1 394 |
Later than 5 years and no later than 10 years |
2 602 |
Later than 10 years and no later than 15 years |
2 831 |
Later than 15 years and no later than 20 years |
2 800 |
Later than 20 years and no later than 25 years |
2 570 |
Later than 25 years and no later than 30 years |
2 213 |
Later than 30 years and no later than 35 years |
1 750 |
Later than 35 years and no later than 40 years |
1 224 |
Later than 40 years and no later than 45 years |
725 |
Later than 45 years and no later than 50 years |
339 |
Undiscounted defined benefit obligation |
19 322 |
|
|
After 50 years there is expected to be a reducing level of cash for a further 25 years totalling approximately: |
143 |
|
|
Total State Superannuation as at 30 June 2020 is estimated to be $7 547.4 million, which is comprised of the estimated present value of the liability of $9 531.4 million less the estimated fair value of plan assets of $1 984 million. Total State includes government businesses.
|
2019
Budget |
2019 Estimated Outcome |
2020
Budget |
2021 Forward |
2022 Forward |
2023 Forward |
|
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Present value of superannuation liability |
9 419.2 |
9 472.6 |
9 531.4 |
9 576.9 |
9 598.5 |
9 599.9 |
Fair value of plan assets |
(2 018.3) |
(1 999.5) |
(1 984.0) |
(1 960.4) |
(1 927.7) |
(1 887.3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
7 400.8 |
7 473.1 |
7 547.4 |
7 616.4 |
7 670.7 |
7 712.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chart 7.5 shows the impact of an increase or decrease of one per cent in the discount rate used to value the Total State Superannuation Liability. The base rate column represents the estimated present value of the superannuation liability (gross) as at 30 June in each year valued by the State Actuary using a discount rate of 4.25 per cent.
Table 7.7 shows the estimated nominal cash flows required to meet the emerging cost of superannuation benefits payable to members. This represents the estimated total cost of benefits payable and includes the Total State share, together with the share of benefits that are funded from plan assets.
|
2019 |
|
Estimate |
|
$m |
Estimated total benefit payments to be made in the period |
|
No later than 1 year |
466 |
Later than 1 year and no later than 2 years |
473 |
Later than 2 years and no later than 5 years |
1 499 |
Later than 5 years and no later than 10 years |
2 799 |
Later than 10 years and no later than 15 years |
3 047 |
Later than 15 years and no later than 20 years |
3 014 |
Later than 20 years and no later than 25 years |
2 767 |
Later than 25 years and no later than 30 years |
2 383 |
Later than 30 years and no later than 35 years |
1 886 |
Later than 35 years and no later than 40 years |
1 319 |
Later than 40 years and no later than 45 years |
781 |
Later than 45 years and no later than 50 years |
366 |
Undiscounted defined benefit obligation |
20 800 |
|
|
After 50 years there is expected to be a reducing level of cash for a further 25 years totalling approximately: |
154 |
|
|
The Tasmanian Risk Management Fund was established on 1 January 1999 to provide a whole‑of‑government approach to funding and managing the insurable liabilities of inner‑Budget agencies.
Agencies are covered for the majority of insurable risks to which they are exposed or for which they choose to accept responsibility and the Fund agrees to cover, including:
· personal injury (including workers’ compensation and personal accident);
· property (including buildings and contents, business interruption, motor vehicles, machinery, marine hull, transit and fraud);
· liability (including public and products, professional, and directors’ and officers’ liability);
· medical liability; and
· travel.
All classes are self‑insured by the Fund apart from marine hull and travel. These classes remain insured through the private sector, as this is more cost-effective than self‑insurance for these two categories of risk. From 1 July 2015, an Industrial Special Risks insurance policy has been purchased in the external market to cover catastrophe risk for property claims above $5 million.
The Fund operates on a cost recovery basis with all inner‑Budget agencies making contributions each year in order to build up reserves to meet current and emerging costs. Contributions are based on advice from an independent actuary and are adjusted over time according to the claims experience of agencies.
Overall, total agency contributions are expected to increase from $67.5 million in 2018-19 to $74 million in 2019-20. The expected overall increase in contributions for 2019-20 is mainly due to increases in both workers’ compensation and general property contributions. The significant increase in workers’ compensation contributions is primarily as a result of higher claim costs in recent years, inflationary factors and a further deterioration in the funding level of this risk category. The contribution for general property has increased moderately, reflecting higher costs projected for small claims. These increases will, in part, be offset by substantial decreases in contributions for both medical liability and general liability risks, which is mainly due to the continued favourable funding positions of these risk categories.
In terms of the financial position of the Fund, the Fund’s Actuary takes into account the level of assets and liabilities in each risk category when determining annual contributions. The net assets of the Fund are expected to increase over the Forward Estimates period, mainly reflecting improvement in the funding position for the workers’ compensation risk, a rebuilding of the large claim funding reserve of $5 million for property risk and a significant pre-2001 medical liability risk provision. The provision is being maintained for medical liability risk as claims can take many years to be reported and many more years to reach a settlement. These reporting and settlement delays mean that the outstanding claims liability in this risk category is subject to considerable uncertainty.
|
2019 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Budget |
Estimated Outcome |
Budget |
Forward Estimate |
Forward Estimate |
Forward Estimate |
|
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
$m |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
259.1 |
260.6 |
271.1 |
285.4 |
298.4 |
312.4 |
Receivables |
0.8 |
1.5 |
1.5 |
1.5 |
1.5 |
1.5 |
|
259.9 |
262.1 |
272.6 |
286.9 |
300.0 |
313.9 |
Liabilities1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Personal injury |
108.5 |
109.7 |
117.8 |
125.0 |
131.5 |
137.3 |
Property |
5.4 |
7.1 |
2.9 |
4.5 |
4.6 |
4.8 |
Motor vehicle |
0.3 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.3 |
0.3 |
0.3 |
Liability |
4.2 |
4.1 |
4.2 |
4.3 |
4.5 |
4.7 |
Medical |
122.9 |
120.3 |
123.8 |
128.2 |
132.9 |
138.6 |
Payables |
1.3 |
0.7 |
0.7 |
0.7 |
0.7 |
0.7 |
|
242.6 |
242.2 |
249.6 |
262.9 |
274.4 |
286.3
|
Net Assets |
17.3 |
19.9 |
23.0 |
24.0 |
25.6 |
27.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note:
1. Liabilities are calculated by the Fund’s Actuary as at 31 December 2018.