CQUniversity Annual Report - Central Queensland University

CQUniversity ANNUAL REPORT 2012
Note 41. Financial risk management
The consolidated entity's activities expose it to a variety of financial risks, as follows:
(a)
Central Queensland University
and Controlled Entities
Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2012
Market risk
(i) Foreign exchange risk
Foreign currency risk arises when commercial transactions and recognised assets and liabilities are denominated in a
currency that is not the entity's functional currency. The consolidated entity operates internationally and is exposed to
foreign exchange risk arising from currency exposure to the Fijian and Singapore dollar.
Fees charged to overseas students are generally denominated in Australian dollars.
The consolidated entity manages foreign currency risk by maintaining sufficient cash balances in these currencies to
meet offshore purchases.
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ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(ii) Equity market risk
Equity market risk arises when the value of an investment decreases due to moves in market factors. In accordance
with the accounting policy discussed in note 1(l), these investments are measured at fair value at each balance date and
changes in fair value are recognised in equity.
The consolidated entity negates equity risk as it holds no investments in an active market.
(iii) Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk (variability in value) borne by an interest-bearing asset due to the variability of interest rates.
The consolidated entity minimises its exposure to fluctuating market interest rates by diversifying its investments in both
cash and short term funding with Queensland Treasury Corporation (QTC). It regularly reviews its investments and
markets to obtain best interest rates. The entity does not have any borrowings which are subject to interest rate risk.
Summarised sensitivity analysis
Consolidated
An increase in interest rates of 100 basis points (1%) would have increased the Group profit before tax and Equity by
$182,000 (2011: $442,000). A decrease of 100 basis points (1%) would have decreased the Group profit before tax and
Equity by an equivalent amount.
An increase in the foreign exchange rate of 10% would have decreased the Group profit before tax and Equity by $Nil
(2011:$Nil). A decrease of 10% would have increased the Group profit before tax and Equity by an equivalent amount.
Parent
An increase in interest rates of 100 basis points (1%) would have increased the Parent profit before tax and Equity by
$81,000 (2011: $294,000). A decrease of 100 basis points (1%) would have decreased the Parent profit before tax and
Equity by an equivalent amount.
An increase in the foreign exchange rate of 10% would have decreased the Parent profit before tax and Equity by $Nil
(2011:$Nil). A decrease of 10% would have increased the Parent profit before tax and Equity by an equivalent amount.
(b) Credit risk
Credit risk arises from the potential failure of students, other customers and other contractual counterparties to meet
their obligations under the respective contracts. The consolidated entity has a Collections Policy in place to manage the
collection of accounts receivable. A provision for impaired receivables has been established.
Detailed information on the consolidated groups' impaired receivables is contained in Note 18.