• Section 1 - Background and Purpose
• Section 2 - Scope
• Section 3 - Policy Statement
• Section 4 - Procedures
• Part A - Introduction
• Part B - Definition of an Asset
• The University’s Definition of an Asset
• Part C - Asset vs Expense for Infrastructure Purchases/Building Works and Projects
• Part D -  Asset vs Expense for ICT Purchases and Projects
• Part E - Asset Class Guidance - Introduction
• Land and Land Improvements
• Buildings
• Infrastructure
• Plant and Equipment
• Furniture, Fixtures and Office Equipment
• Motor Vehicles
• Hardware (Computer/Technical Equipment)
• Software
• Leasehold Improvements
• Part F - Depreciation/Amortisation
• Summary Table – Asset Useful Life
• Section 5 - Definitions

Section 1 - Background and Purpose

(1) The following procedures provide a checklist and framework to determine if an item being purchased meets the definition of an asset, and therefore needs to follow the asset purchase or assets under construction procedures.

Section 2 - Scope

(2) Refer to the Asset Management Policy.

Section 3 - Policy Statement

(3) Refer to the Asset Management Policy.

Section 4 - Procedures

Part A - Introduction

(4) When staff of the University purchase items of value, it is important to determine correct accounting treatment to ensure compliance with International and Australian Accounting standards, as per the Asset Management Policy. When an item/group of items is determined as an asset, the University will manage, secure, verify and report on that asset over its useful life (and in accordance with the Financial Management Act).

Part B - Definition of an Asset

(5) The Australian Accounting Standard 138.8 defines an asset as a resource that is:

1. controlled by an entity as a result of past events; and
2. from which future economic benefits are expected to flow to the entity. 
   1. Note that ownership is not important in the definition of an asset (that is, we can hold an asset in the University’s balance sheet that is not held on University land, providing we have control over that asset)
3. In order to have control without ownership, there must be some form of access agreement or lease in place over the land or property to guarantee our access and on-going benefit of the asset.
4. ‘Future Economic Benefits’ refers to the University’s income earning activities. In order for something to be considered an asset, it must directly or indirectly be linked to the University’s ability to earn income.
5. Note that in the case of software, and software development, Intangible Asset definitions and Standards apply (refer AASB 138) in addition to the above. Please refer to Part E for further information and guidance on classifying software.

The University’s Definition of an Asset

(6) The University defines an asset as follows:
A transaction/group of transactions that comply with the above accounting definition; and

1. that do not meet the definition of an expense (refer below for capital vs expense guidance);and
2. that as an individual unit is valued over $5,000 GST exclusive; and/or
3. that as individual units, may cost less than $5,000 GST exclusive, but may combine to form an operating unit or network or have the same or similar nature with a combined cost of more than $10,000 GST exclusive.

(7) For further guidance on how to determine if an item or group of items constitute an asset (including intangible asset guidance with regard to software/website development), please refer to the frameworks/guidance in Part D and E, or contact Corporate Finance.

Part C - Asset vs Expense for Infrastructure Purchases/Building Works and Projects

(8) The table below provides a decision framework to guide users to determine accounting treatment for common infrastructure purchases. If after referring to this table (and the project guidance table below), staff are still unable to determine accounting treatment, please refer to Corporate Finance for assistance.

Part E - Asset Class Guidance - Introduction

(12) All University Assets are required to be recorded in an Asset Class. The Asset Class groups assets on the asset register for financial reporting purposes, and will also determine the ‘useful life’ applied to the asset for accounting purposes (this will determine the rate of depreciation).

(13) The following section will provide guidance on what kinds of assets are included in each of the asset classes. The guidance is a framework only. If staff are unsure of which asset class to use after referring to the guidance below they should contact Corporate Finance for assistance.

Land and Land Improvements

(14) Land refers to any freehold land, or any leasehold agreement greater than 21 years.

(15) Land is held as a fixed asset and does not require depreciation.

(16) Land improvements will be coded to the land asset most closely related and will form part of the land asset value.

(17) Ground works can be considered land improvements if they satisfy the following:

1. The works are required in order to use the land for its intended purpose; and
2. The works would be required by any other party should the land be sold; and therefore
3. They add to the recoverable value of the land

(18) The acquisition or disposal of land (for value >$5 million) requires approval from the Minister, unless that land (in the opinion of Council) is held for investment purposes (in accordance with the La Trobe University Act 2009). Ministerial approval is not required if the value of the land is <$5 million, unless the land was acquired via a Crown grant.

Buildings

(19) A building asset would normally either be a result of the purchase of a new property (subject to the La Trobe Act and Council approval), or at the completion of an ‘Asset Under Construction’ (refer to Asset Procedure - Asset Purchase and Asset Under Construction). If the University purchases a new building, the components (land, building, plant and equipment, infrastructure) must be valued and recorded separately. In order to achieve this, the new building should be valued by a Quantity Surveyor or a comparative consultant to enable correct capitalisation on the Balance Sheet.

(20) The value of a building includes all structural works (internal and external) including lift shafts, trenches, tunnels, demolition and all consultant fees required in the building (including but not limited to, any fees associated with site surveys, permits, specialist advice, project management, quantity surveyors and architecture).

(21) A list of components that would normally be included in a building asset are below (note this list is not exhaustive and should be considered a guide): 

1. Authorities/Permits
2. Utilities/Headwork’s
3. Demolition
4. All Consultants Fees including Legal & Security
5. Structural works
6. Tunnels/Excavation
7. Slab/Pilings/Footings
8. Frame
9. Roof/Ceilings/Floors/Walls
10. Windows
11. Exterior Fabric

(22) Buildings are subject to revaluation to fair value periodically (refer to Valuations and Revaluations Policy).

Infrastructure

(23) Infrastructure assets are those which are primarily stationary in nature, associated with a network or a system, and cost more than $5,000 individually, or more than $10,000 for a ‘total unit’ or ‘network’. Infrastructure assets include building systems and external works on roads, supply of services to site, public transport infrastructure, water supply/services, drainage, sewerage, bridges etc.

(24) The cost of Infrastructure assets includes the purchase cost plus any costs incidental to the purchase, delivery and installation.

(25) Infrastructure assets would most commonly be capitalised at the completion of an ‘Asset under Construction’ (refer Asset Procedure - Asset Purchase and Asset Under Construction), or valued as a component of a new building purchased by the University (refer to ‘Buildings’, clauses 19 through 22).

(26) A list of components that would normally be included in an infrastructure asset are below (note this list is not exhaustive and should be considered a guide): 

1. Internal fixtures and fittings that do not meet the definition of Plant and Equipment (clauses 28 through 32) or Furniture, Fixtures and Office Equipment (clauses 33 through 35)
2. Water supply and systems
3. Lighting systems
4. Dams and other water storage facilities
5. Public transport Infrastructure
6. Bridges, Road Networks, Car Parks, footpaths, paved areas
7. Electricity Supply systems
8. Gas supply systems/networks
9. Pipelines
10. Sewerage Systems
11. Cabling and Communication systems
12. Ductwork
13. Stormwater and Drainage
14. Retaining Walls
15. Parking Barriers
16. Fountains
17. Covered Ways
18. Street Furniture
19. Only Hard & Soft Landscaping (when building on a new site in a previously un-landscaped area)
20. Irrigation systems
21. Fencing

(27) Note: Artworks (external/internal are to be classified under Art Collection)

Plant and Equipment

(28) Plant and Equipment is defined as any item of a mechanical, electrical or technical nature, that has an individual cost greater than $5,000 or a ‘total unit’ or ‘network’ cost greater than $10,000; and does not meet the definition of Furniture, Fittings and Equipment, Infrastructure or Motor Vehicles.

(29) The cost of Plant and Equipment includes the purchase cost plus any costs incidental to the purchase, delivery and installation. Plant Equipment is categorised as either 10 or 20 year life (refer Part F).

(30) Items of Plant and Equipment would most commonly be capitalised at the completion of an ‘Asset under Construction’ (refer Asset Procedure - Asset Purchase and Asset Under Construction), or purchased individually by staff.

(31) A list of items that would normally be included in Plant and Equipment (10 year life) are below (note this list is not exhaustive and should be considered a guide);

1. Microscopes
2. Specialist teaching, research or laboratory equipment e.g. Spectrometers, autoclaves, fume cupboards etc.
3. Building management systems
4. Air Conditioning systems (including split systems etc.)
5. Security Cameras
6. UPS systems
7. AV large lecterns
8. Communication room components (e.g. racks)
9. Grounds Equipment (e.g. spray unit)
10. Boats, motorised or other

(32) A list of items that would normally be included in Plant and Equipment (20 year life) are below (note this list is not exhaustive and should be considered a guide);

1. Switch boards/power boards
2. Chillers
3. Air handling units
4. Generators
5. Boilers
6. Fire protection systems.

Furniture, Fixtures and Office Equipment

(33) Furniture, Fixtures and Office Equipment assets have an individual cost greater than $5,000 or a ‘total unit’ or ‘network’ cost greater than $10,000; and include items of furniture and fixtures used in the daily running of the University’s administrative requirements, furniture and fixtures in public and teaching spaces, and electronic equipment (other than that which meets the definition of computer hardware (clauses 43 through 46) or plant and equipment (clauses 28 through 32)).

(34) The cost of Furniture, Fixtures and Office Equipment includes the purchase cost plus any costs incidental to the purchase, delivery and installation. 

(35) A list of items normally included in Furniture, Fixtures and Office Equipment are below (note this list is not exhaustive and should be considered a guide);

1. Desks
2. Chairs (replacement or new for large areas)
3. Partitioning
4. Meeting Tables
5. Shelving
6. Bookcases/Filing systems/Drawers
7. Compactus
8. Photocopier
9. Scanner
10. Fax Machines
11. Printers
12. White boards
13. Floor and Window coverings
14. Electronic Whiteboards

Motor Vehicles

(36) Motor Vehicles include automobile, truck, wagon, motorcycle or any other self-propelled vehicle designed for running on land but not on rails or water.

(37) Motor vehicles must individually cost greater than $5,000 to be classed as an asset.

(38) Motor vehicles are categorised as either Commercial motor vehicles or Passenger motor vehicles.

(39) The cost of Motor Vehicles includes the purchase cost plus any costs incidental to the purchase, delivery and getting the vehicle ready for its intended use. Registration and Insurance costs are operating expenses and do not form part of the cost of purchasing the vehicle.

(40) Commercial Motor Vehicles: Any motor vehicle whose primary use is not to transport passengers.

(41) Common examples of Commercial Motor Vehicles are:

1. Grounds equipment used by Infrastructure and Operations e.g. Elevated Work Platforms, ride on lawn mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, forklifts, motorcycles (where used for University security) etc.
2. Trucks used to transport goods.

(42) Passenger motor vehicles: All motor vehicles that are not commercial motor vehicles.

(43) Common examples of Passenger Motor Vehicles are:

1. Executive Vehicles
2. Fleet Cars
3. Security Vehicles

Hardware (Computer/Technical Equipment)

(44) Hardware refers to computer and technical equipment that is greater than $5,000 individually, or has a ‘total unit’ or ‘network’ cost greater than $10,000, and does not meet the definition of Furniture, Fixture and Office Equipment (5.5), Software (5.8) or Plant and Equipment (5.4).

(45) Items of Hardware would most commonly be capitalised at the completion of an ‘Asset under Construction’ (refer Asset Procedure - Asset Purchase and Asset Under Construction), or purchased individually by staff.

(46) The cost of Hardware includes the purchase cost plus any costs incidental to the purchase, delivery and installation.

(47) A list of items normally included in Hardware are below (note this list is not exhaustive and should be considered a guide);

1. Servers
2. Operating systems (Software integral to the related Hardware) 
3. Network appliances
4. Desktop Computers
5. Laptop Computers
6. Phones, Phone networks, Phone Systems
7. Mobile Phones, iPhones, Blackberrys
8. IPads or other transportable technical devices
9. Monitors/Screens
10. Audio Visual Equipment, including screens, projectors, controllers, microphones
11. Video Conferencing Equipment including screens, projectors, controllers, microphones, cameras
12. Polycom or other sound devices
13. Lectopia equipment
14. Stand alone Projectors
15. Interactive Whiteboards

Software

(48) Software is any program used to enhance business processes that is greater than $5,000 individually or has a ‘total unit’ or ‘network’ cost greater than $10,000. In accordance with the Asset Management Policy, the University will comply with International and Australian Accounting standards when accounting for asset purchases, which requires different considerations with regard to software.

(49) Software is categorised as either 5 or 10 Year Life (refer Part F).

(50) Software should be categorised to the useful life most closely aligned with the expected length of economic benefit (for example the core financial system of the University would be a 10 year life, whereas the graphic design of a website would be 5 years). The project manager, in conjunction with Finance will decide on the useful life. 

Accounting Standard Guidance for the Recognition of Software

(51) In accordance with Australian Accounting Standard AASB138, software that is not integral to the related hardware is considered an intangible asset. This results in software being subject to a different recognition criteria than other asset classes.

(52) In accordance with AASB 138, software that is integral to the related hardware (for example operating systems) is considered part of Property, Plant and Equipment, and is included in the ‘Hardware’ category (5.7).

(53) Under AASB138, an intangible asset is recognised when it is probable that the expected future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the University and the cost of the asset can be measured reliably.

(54) When the University purchases software externally, this recognition criteria is generally met. However if software is internally generated AASB 138 outlines additional requirements that must be fulfilled in order for internally generated software to be recognised (this also relates to web design and development). 

(55) When assessing whether internally generated software meets the criteria the University is required to classify work performed internally into two phases: 

1. the research phase; and 
2. the development phase

(56) Costs associated with the research phase cannot be treated as an asset, and must be expensed in the period they are incurred.

(57) Examples of activities classified in the research phase are:

1. feasibility studies, and investigation of alternatives; and
2. the formulation, design, evaluation and final selection of possible alternatives for new or improved materials, devices, products, processes, systems or services, including proof of concept.

(58) Examples of activities classified in the development phase are:

1. the design, construction and testing of software; and
2. the design, construction and testing of a chosen alternative for new or improved materials, devices, products, processes, systems or services.

(59) If activities or costs of internally generated software are classified in the development phase above, they must still meet all criteria below in order to meet the definition of an intangible asset. If any of the below cannot be demonstrated, the costs associated must be expensed in the period they are incurred:

1. the technical feasibility of completing the software so that it will be available for use;
2. its intention to complete and use the software;
3. its ability to use the software;
4. how the software will generate probable future economic benefits. Among other things, the University can demonstrate the usefulness of the software;
5. the availability of adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and to use the software; and
6. its ability to measure reliably the expenditure attributable to the software during its development.

(60) The cost of Software includes the purchase cost plus any directly attributable costs (excluding costs related to the research phase). Directly attributable costs include delivery, installation, professional fees and employee costs of bringing software into working order and also costs of testing the software. 

(61) There are some costs that cannot be treated as an asset in the purchase or generation of software under any circumstances. These include staff training costs (for use or technical support) and administrative and other overhead costs. These costs must always be expensed in the period they were incurred.

Leasehold Improvements

(62) Where the following conditions/considerations are met, an asset should be purchased/settled under the ‘Leasehold Improvement’ asset class:

1. The item being built/purchased meets the definition of an asset from Part A; and
2. The asset is not easily transportable/is fixed (mainly clauses 14 through 35);and
3. The land or building the asset will be installed/positioned on is not owned by La Trobe University; and
4. La Trobe University have a lease, or a written access agreement to the land and/or building the asset will be installed/positioned on.

(63) Where an asset is considered a ‘Leasehold Improvement’ it will be depreciated over the shorter of the useful life (refer Part F) or the life of the lease/agreement, whichever is shorter. 

Part F - Depreciation/Amortisation

(64) All fixed assets other than land, land improvements, special collections and assets under construction are depreciated (or in the case of software amortised) over their estimated economic useful lives using the straight line method. Leasehold improvements are depreciation over their useful lives, or the unexpired period of the lease, whichever is shorter.

(65) Depreciation of all fixed assets and amortisation of intangible assets will be calculated from the month after acquisition (or when the asset is put into use), until the item is fully depreciated/amortised or until the month of retirement, whichever is shorter.

(66) Depreciation/Amortisation will be charged to the cost centre responsible for the management and safekeeping of the asset (this will also be the cost centre responsible for stock-take and impairment testing annually).

(67) For further details of depreciation and amortisation, including current depreciation/amortisation rates, refer to the Accounting (Financial) Procedures.

Summary Table – Asset Useful Life

Section 5 - Definitions

(68) Nil.