Frequently Asked Questions
SBR Question Index..Q: How much have you looked at other authentication process overseas?
Authentication : Brisbane, session 2, Sept 2008
A: The scope and requirements for the SBR authentication solution have been developed after looking at authentication systems around the world. The SBR authentication solution is still in the design phase.
Q: Will the findings of research into international authentication solutions feed back into the scope for SBR authentication?
Authentication : Brisbane, session 2, Sept 2008
A: Yes. As SBR works through the design phase, the authentication solution may change, taking into account research into latest trends and new technology.
Q: Can we have an online video of authentication?
Authentication : Sydney, session 2, Sept 2008
A: For future workshop sessions. SBR intends to develop mock-ups or possibly a prototype to demonstrate the authentication solution in use,
Q: Are incentives in scope for authentication?
Authentication : Sydney, session 2, Sept 2008
A: At this stage, no specific incentives are being considered, though SBR will be making take-up as easy as possible.
Q: Should credential sets be uniquely named so they can't be confused with other sets?
Authentication : Sydney, session 2, Sept 2008
A: SBR is currently considering this approach. Multiple credential sets for different services such as ELS will be required during a transition phase, until ATO migrates to a single sign on for all services.
Q: Can tax agents have an authorisation master key to access client information?
Authentication : Sydney, session 2, Sept 2008
A: The SBR authentication solution is still in the design phase. Authorisation master keys are currently in scope for discussion.
Q: Can existing non-SBR credentials be transitioned for use with SBR?
Authentication : Sydney, session 2, Sept 2008
A: It is not our intention to allow existing business credentials to be able to be used for SBR. We have a requirement to develop a transition strategy which will include developing a clear position on transition of credentials for businesses.
Q: Should credentials expire?
Authentication : Sydney, session 2, Sept 2008
A: A seamless or invisible renewal feature is currently in scope for SBR authentication.
Q: Can I tell who is authenticating from my organisation? Can I be sent an authentication transaction log?
Authentication : Sydney, session 2, Sept 2008
A: At a minimum, businesses will be able to understand who in their organisation has credentials.
Q: Will we be required to supply proof of identity to apply for an authentication credential?
Authentication : Sydney, session 2, Sept 2008
A: Yes, proof of identity will be required, but not necessarily for all credential holders within a business. Online registration is a requirement we intend to meet, so proof of identity requirements should not be onerous.
Q: Will concurrent authentication (internal and external) be possible (with one credential)?
Authentication : Sydney, session 2, Sept 2008
A: Yes. This should be possible.
Q: Current security for ELS is 128 bit encryption - will SBR use 256 bit encryption? If so, user machines will need updgrading.
Authentication : Sydney, session 2, Sept 2008
A: We expect that this requirement will be covered as part of the Threat and Risk assessment for Core Services.
Q: Will authentication be server based if required?
Authentication : Sydney, session 2, Sept 2008
A: SBR is considering this option. For some businesses it may be beneficial to have a machine or organisation credential.
Q: Are you leaning toward a PC based authentication solution?
Authentication : Melbourne, session 2, Sept 2008
A: The scope of the Authentication project supports multiple platforms. If the question relates to whether the credential will need to be stored on a PC - this will depend on the credential type we choose, and we are not yet at that stage of design.
Q: Will change tracking be available for credential management?
Authentication : Melbourne, session 2, Sept 2008
A: If change tracking means the ability for businesses to manage their credentials, and who holds them, and be able to change or update this information, then the answer is yes.
Q: Are there two types of authentication credential required? i.e. one for business and one for personal use?
Authentication : Melbourne, session 2, Sept 2008
A: The current thinking is that credentials will be issued to people in businesses. The process will require an assertion of individual identity and proof of a person's relationship to the business.
Q: Could an accountant with a credential act for a company?
Authentication : Melbourne, session 2, Sept 2008
A: Yes, and they would achieve this by using a credential that was allocated to the accountant.
Q: Can a credential be carried on a memory stick?
Authentication : Melbourne, session 2, Sept 2008
A: There is a requirement to have a portable solution, but we haven't yet determined exactly how portability will be achieved.
Q: What functions will people be authorised to perform? (e.g. Complex authorisation model necessary for large businesses with different users and different permissions.)
Authentication : Melbourne, session 2, Sept 2008
A: The credential will not restrict access to SBR functions. The functions that a credential holder will be allowed to perform will depend on the privileges assigned to that person at the agency end.
Q: Who is SBR aimed at? Is it just small business?
Authentication : Melbourne, session 2, Sept 2008
A: Standard Business Reporting aims to reduce the reporting burden by making it faster, cheaper and easier for businesses, regardless of their size, to report financial information to government.
Q: Is there a time limit?
Core Services : Brisbane, session 3, Sept 2008
A: SBR will be operational in 2010.
Q: Why do you need a user profile for core services?
Core Services : Brisbane, session 3, Sept 2008
A: SBR requires a user profile for software developers in order to provide better user support. We need to know which of the developers are using SBR core services - for example if SBR gets multiple bounce backs from one developer, SBR can see if they are doing things correctly.
Q: Will you supply specific test data?
Core Services : Brisbane, session 3, Sept 2008
A: SBR will supply developers with test data, a test harness, and access to test environments, subject to demand. It is currently intended that SBR will schedule access to test environments to support all developers.
Q: Will we have to book time to test?
Core Services : Brisbane, session 3, Sept 2008
A: Initially yes - it depends on popularity. SBR will consult with test managers to determine what entails the right level of services to support all developers.
Q: When is the likely delivery of the Software Developers' Kit?
Core Services : Brisbane, session 3, Sept 2008
A: The software developers' kit to support the Tax File Number (TFN) Declaration Pilot has been made available to pilot participants. Further software developer kits will be developed in line with the forms testing rollout schedule, incorporating feedback from developers.
Q: Is SBR creating an individualised calendar?
Core Services : Brisbane, session 3, Sept 2008
A: The current design is based on a calendar for each individual client, based on their ABN as the identifier, with the details accessible only by the respective client, or their authorised representative..
Q: Will core services take individual information from agencies and bundle as one report?
Core Services : Sydney, session 3, Sept 2008
A: Yes - it is expected that SBR will provide a client with a consolidated view of their obligations across SBR agencies. This information could be available in Core or provided by the Software package.
Q: In the September Core Services presentation there is a common process flow diagram representing the natural system for checking reporting obligations. This diagram presents two options - one where lodgement status updates are a product of software functionality and another option where lodgement status updates are a product of core services funtionality. Will both options be supported?
Core Services : Sydney, session 3, Sept 2008
A: Both are possible but no decision has been made yet.
Q: Will you update status of documents?
Core Services : Sydney, session 3, Sept 2008
A: Yes - the question becomes how often. The notion is updated daily.
Q: What about tax agents who want to get calendars for all clients at once?
Core Services : Sydney, session 3, Sept 2008
A: We need to look at how we can facilitate this level of access via our Authorisation process.
Q: Can reports be completed offline after the pre-fill step?
Core Services : Sydney, session 3, Sept 2008
A: Yes.
Q: Will core services supply the lodgement validation rules for reports?
Core Services : Sydney, session 3, Sept 2008
A: The SBR taxonomy will, yes. The Software developers kit (which may include a WIG and MIG) will help you do that. SBR is currently looking at ways to automate this as much as possible, possibly through dll and/or api 'plug-ins'.
Q: Are we going to have individual validation for each report or can we validate batch reports?
Core Services : Sydney, session 3, Sept 2008
A: Batch validation is in scope
Q: Will we tell users which forms are transformed?
Core Services : Sydney, session 3, Sept 2008
A: SBR will deliver forms to the relevant agency as XBRL documents. Agencies will then undertake necessary actions to be able to support internal processing, including transformation. It is not expected that this will require notification to SBR users.
Q: What is the minimum system requirement to use SBR?
SBR Program : Sydney, session 3, Sept 2008
A: This is an issue for both SBR and Software Developers. Once SBR has finalised its design it can provide an indication of likley system requirements, but as SBR will operate as part of client software packages, the SBR system requirements will be additional to those for specific software packages from software developers. The issue of system requirements will be kept open until these facts are known.
Q: Will the test harness support all valid versions?
Core Services : Sydney, session 3, Sept 2008
A: The Test harness will support all current valid versions of the SBR Taxonomy. The number of versions to be supported is still subject to discussion and agreement with Software Developers.
Q: Is SBR on schedule?
SBR Program : Sydney, session 3, Sept 2008
A: Core services, taxonomy architecture development and agency preparedness are on schedule. SBR will focus on high volume, high value forms first. There is a major decision point at December this year. The real test will be when SBR knows that authentication and core services work, and can test with businesses and accountants. At this stage SBR is on schedule.
Q: How is New Zealand (NZ) SBR progressing?
International progress : Melbourne, before session, Sept 2008
A: A collaborative arrangement is in place with NZ. There are regular phone hook-ups and SBR is sharing common architecture, taxonomy architecture, design concepts and core services. There is no point for both countries to create the same thing because Australia and NZ share a population of developers, accountants and businesses. SBR is also constantly in touch with the Dutch. The Dutch are closer to a final solution than SBR. The UK is still deciding whether or not to go forward. XBRL has been in use in the UK for two years and they're in the process of mandating its use. One of the problems with the UK experience is that there is no umbrella agency coordinating the efforts of the three participating agencies.
Q: What was happening in the UK prior to mandating?
International progress : Melbourne, before session, Sept 2008
A: Like Australia, the UK has a range of reporting channels. However, there was no direct channel between accounting software and the UK tax administration. The process was to submit electronically to an ELS-like service, then print out and send each form manually. Due to the complexity of this approach, users kept sending paper. To combat this, the UK government offered £50 for each electronic submission. This had little impact on the accounting community who asked: "Why would I bother submitting electronically if I have to pay developers to develop software?" In addition, the UK has separate reporting taxonomies for each participating government agency, whereas Australia will extend IFRS. But when you have three agencies as in UK it becomes more complicated.
Q: Are there any other countries that have mandated?
International progress : Melbourne, before session, Sept 2008
A: The US Securities and Exchange Commission has opened up a mandate for XBRL submission in the US. Submission of electronic forms has been mandated in Netherlands. XBRL reporting is big in Europe, supported by a strong core of XBRL professionals.
Q: Do references come with legal backing such as a non-liability clause?
Cycle 2.2 Taxonomy : Melbourne, before session, Sept 2008
A: SBR will be providing an assurance that legal concepts are valid - each participating government agency will be asked to sign off on legal concepts. IASB has agreed to provide a certain level of assurance. SBR legal concepts will be underwritten by Government.
Q: We have a number of clients who can't access a browser - usually big business.
Core Services : Melbourne, session 3, Sept 2008
A: SBR will provide feedback through dashboard services which will be a combination of browser and/or web services. The browser option is more a case of embedding an HTTP client/web UI on the software package as opposed to a full browser. The same web services that update the web UI can be exposed to software packages. We're still working through the design to understand how we may prevent repeated pinging of the web service which will create a denial of service situation. .
Q: Are you planning on adding access control - authorisation functionality?
Core Services : Melbourne, session 3, Sept 2008
A: Authorisation rests with the Agencies. SBR is working with the agencies to make this seamless.
Q: Does rendering rest with SBR or software package?
Core Services : Melbourne, session 3, Sept 2008
A: Rendering rests with the software package. SBR is working with agencies to understand specific requirements and will work with software developers to develop a rendering solution.
Q: Will the test harness have a message or report content base?
Core Services : Melbourne, session 3, Sept 2008
A: Still early in design - is there a preference?
Q: Are you going to get a binary response back?
Core Services : Melbourne, session 3, Sept 2008
A: Still early in design but current thinking is that responses will be either XML or XBRL
Q: How many taxonomies will SBR release per year? How many taxonomy releases per year?
Future Taxonomy releases : Melbourne, session 3, Sept 2008
A: Generally, two taxonomy releases are planned for each calendar year leading up to 2010 and at least annually thereafter. However, 2008 will see four taxonomy releases. This may be supplemented with extensions to fix errors or update the taxonomy based on feedback, and as the additional information is available. The need for taxonomy releases will be balanced against the impact on software developers.
Q: In terms of accounting standards, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) relates to big business. We don't seem to have anything for small to medium businesses.
Cycle 2.2 Taxonomy : Sydney, session 1 , Sept 2008
A: The SBR taxonomy is not soley based on IFRS. SBR will use IFRS data elements where relevant to small business and supplement these where necessary.
Q: Is the taxonomy viewing tool browser independent?
Cycle 2.2 Taxonomy : Sydney, session 1 , Sept 2008
A: Yes, the SBR collaboration environment is browser independent.
Q: At the September workshops three bundles of forms were presented in the taxonomy section of the presentation. Can we send all forms from all bundles at once?
Forms schedule : Sydney, session 1, Sept 2008
A: Each of these forms will be available by the time of the pre-Christmas release. However, the Tax File Number Declaration report is the only form that will be available for submission prior to July 2010. Once all forms in scope have been implemented, it is expected they will be available for submission at the same time.
Q: Which bundle will the individual return be in? When SBR goes live, will it be possible to submit bundle 2 forms at the same time as bundle 3 forms - e.g. if you're a high net worth individual, will you be able to submit an individual return and the accounting information to support that return?
Forms schedule : Sydney, session 1, Sept 2008
A: The individual return will be part of the cycle 3.0 release (31 March, 2009). Yes, when SBR goes live all SBR forms in scope will be able to be submitted.
Q: Will payment summaries be able to be submitted by June 2009?
Forms schedule : Sydney, session 1, Sept 2008
A: No - The only form that will be able to be submitted by June 2009 will be the TFN Declaration report. Subject to success of TFN limited release SBR may bring some reports forward for development earlier than 30 June 2010.
Q: What is the year of impact? Can we submit forms in July 2010 that contain information gathered prior to 2010?
Authentication : Sydney, session 1, Sept 2008
A: This is still being resolved and may vary by agency.
Q: What is the expected date of impact for activity statements?
Cycle 2.2 Taxonomy : Sydney, session 1, Sept 2008
A: The intent is to have all reports in the Cycle 2.2 taxonomy (including Activity Statements) ready for pre-Christmas 2008 taxonomy release. However, you will only be able to lodge the Tax File Number Declaration report prior to July 2010.
Q: Will SBR be taking extensions of IFRS?
Cycle 2.2 Taxonomy : Sydney, session 1, Sept 2008
A: Yes. IFRS is the base set of elements, but industry will need to extend it for industry specific applications. SBR will encourage the development of industry extensions. SBR are agreeing an assurance process to accept these extensions as best practice and to ensure extensions align with the SBR taxonomy.
Q: Will taxonomy cover instance examples?
Cycle 2.2 Taxonomy : Melbourne, session 1, Sept 2008
A: Yes. Instance documents will be included.
Q: Will the Cycle 2.2 taxonomy use generic linkbases?
Cycle 2.2 Taxonomy : Melbourne, session 1, Sept 2008
A: You will find elements of the XBRL General Ledger in the 2.2 taxonomy
Q: What's the scale of people who don't have ABN's?
Cycle 2.2 Taxonomy : Melbourne, session 1, Sept 2008
A: Very few businesses do not have an ABN, and the number of these expected to be interested in SBR is neglible
Q: Why aren't validation rules included in the taxonomy?
Cycle 2.2 Taxonomy : Melbourne, session 1, Sept 2008
A: Validation rules will be included in the reporting taxonomy where possible.
Q: Is there any reason we can't use existing SILU registrations to register to download the Cycle 2.2 taxonomy?
Cycle 2.2 Taxonomy : Melbourne, session 1, Sept 2008
A: For the purpose of providing user support, SBR is requesting that all users register using current details prior to viewing or downloading the taxonomy. The taxonomy collaboration environment is not available from SILU, therefore a separate process is required.
Q: Will SBR consider a subscription service where reports are grouped by type and function for easier access and navigation by users? For example, this service could create separate groups for payroll reports and financial reports. The service could then notify registered users by email of any changes or updates to the taxonomy that would impact on reports in the subsribers nominated report category.
Core Services : Sydney, session 2, Sept 2008
A: SBR Core Services are in the technical design stage and a subscription service with grouping function is currently in scope for discussion.
Q: What difference will SBR make?
Benefits : General, Sept 2008
A: SBR will save businesses around $800 million per year when fully implemented. The Australian Government is working directly with software developers, intermediaries and business to enable SBR reporting to become a by-product of the information already in business accounting software. SBR will provide a system that will enable business to electronically interact with government directly from their software and accounting packages, ultimately reducing the burden associated with reporting financial based information to the government. SBR enabled business accounting software will pre-fill government forms from data held in the accounting package before sending the report securely to the correct government agency. This will be done without logging into government portals and re-keying information. SBR will not only improve reporting to multiple regulators, but will also improve a businesses own internal reporting and financial analysis. In many cases the reporting work has been outsourced by businesses to accountants and bookkeepers. As a result of SBR, accountants and bookkeepers will spend less time on the reporting process, and be able to devote more resources to the provision of financial and other value adding advice for business. The key principle for SBR is that by adding some intelligence (a definition) to business information through a tagging in a company’s accounting records, the information can be used for a range of purposes – including reporting to government. Once the accounting information has been tagged, multiple reports can be generated in businesses software, to support the business in financial management. In the process of defining the information required for reporting, the SBR Program will also initiate reviews of the information currently on the forms and will remove duplicated and obsolete information – a further reduction in the reporting burden. SBR will also develop a single sign-on process and system so that businesses can use one credential and password to access the secure online services of all of the agencies in SBR’s scope.
Q: Do we understand that the cost for the small end of town to get set up may in fact be greater than the benefit value for them?
Benefits : General, Sept 2008
A: SBR’s business case calculations make assumptions about SBR take up rates. One of these assumptions is that 60 per cent of businesses are running contemporary accounting software. The remainder of businesses are excluded. For example, SBR would not be the catalyst for small or micro businesses to buy a PC and an accounting package. This means 40 per cent are without contemporary software. While the business might not have this software, their bookkeeper or accountant is probably doing this work for businesses in the bookkeeper/accountants software. On the basis of the outsourcing of the work, the time and cost saved would be in the hands of the bookkeeper/accountants - which SBR expects will be passed on to business. However, these savings for these businesses are not calculated into the business case. The SBR business case document mentions many categories of savings, but the calculation mentioned above demonstrates SBR’s value to the business community only and is not indicative of SBR’s focus.
Q: What additional effectiveness improvements will occur at the agency level?
Benefits : General, Sept 2008
A: No agency would be getting any more data than they currently do, and the main administrative benefits would be when the electronic channel becomes the channel of choice. The existence of an audit trail with lodgement would allow the Commissioner to provide businesses with closure from potential review activities much sooner than the present situation. There would be effectiveness improvements for investor transparency, as well as business to business (including accountants) in the better use and manipulation of the data/information to guide better business financial decisions.
Q: Username and password authentication is accepted by the banks. Why does the government require digital certificate authentication?
Authentication : General, Sept 2008
A: The level of authentication required for on-line transactions with government depends upon the level of risk associated with the transaction. The Australian Government e-Authentication Framework (AGAF) comprises a set of principles to guide government agencies in selecting the appropriate e-authentication approach. The Standard Business Reporting (SBR) Program is currently using the AGAF to assess the transactions in scope for 2010. The design phase of the SBR authentication project will determine the most appropriate credential that provides a fit for purpose experience for users and meets the requirements of key stakeholders – business, intermediaries, software developers and government agencies.
Q: Where does authorisation take place? Where does validation take place? What messaging / receipting will be available?
Authentication : General, Sept 2008
A: Each agency has documented and provided their respective business processes, including indications of any likely interactions where messages or receipts are likely to be passed between the agency and the client.. These processes are currently being validated by the agencies and once endorsed will be available for the information of software developers. The issue of where authorisation and validation occur are currently being discussed as part of the design process. Agencies have been requested to document their current authorisation processes, with the intention of verifying any transactional authorisations at Core, so that any problems can be advised to the client as soon as possible. However, some agencies wish to retain this check within their own processing systems as well. Validation can occur at either client, Core or agency and this is the subject of current design discussions.
Q: How do we lodge under this new system?
Using SBR : General, Sept 2008
A: It will be possible to lodge forms to participating agencies electronically, directly from an SBR-enabled accounting package. It will also be possible to send complete and partially completed forms to an intermediary such as an accountant or tax professional for checking before information is sent to government.
Q: What form do I do differently?
Using SBR : General, Sept 2008
A: There are 95 forms currently in scope for the SBR program. Using SBR-enabled software, forms can be pre-populated from data stored within a businesses accounting package and sent them directly to the relevant government agency, which cuts down the time required to fill out forms. The forms involved can be found at the following address: http://www.sbr.gov.au/content/taxonomy_cycle1_prototype_forms.htm.
Q: How do I know what I have sent to SBR is correct?
Using SBR : General, Sept 2008
A: Using SBR, it will be possible to check whether information you send to government is correct. The pre-filled amounts will be viewed on screen and can be checked for accuracy. There will also be some fields that the business also needs to complete. If an error is detected when the form is lodged with the relevant agency, you or your accountant will be notified and you will have the opportunity to resubmit the form. The processes for amending returns and forms that have already been submitted (for example retrospective adjustments to accounts) will also be available through SBR.
Q: If I send wrong information, what is the penalty?
Using SBR : General, Sept 2008
A: As with any financial reporting, the intentional supply of false or misleading information to government is against the law and serious penalties can apply. However, if you have made a genuine error, you will have the chance to submit an amended form. Your accountant or tax professional can continue to help make sure you are on the right track before submitting any forms to government.
Q: Will forms be viewable by businesses for checking-over prior to submission to government?
Using SBR : General, Sept 2008
A: Feedback from business is that they would like to see the information that is about to be sent, and to be able to confirm that it is correct before sending. This information has been provided to the software developers and their companies for them to consider in the design of their software packages. There are other transactions that may be sent, such as bulk/batch forms from payroll service providers. It is possible that such providers will not want to check each individual form prior to submission, rather they may want to review the details of the batch to be sent (e.g. type of form and number of forms included). The design of these functions is yet to be worked through in detail, however, SBR will conduct user-testing of these approaches to ensure that the systems and processes meet with the needs of business and the accounting/bookkeepers communities.
Q: With regard to accounts, will rendering be applicable or will existing pdf technology still be used?
Using SBR : General, Sept 2008
A: SBR is working with participating government agencies to determine the level of forms rendering support that is required for the various reporting forms. It is technically possible for financial statements to be prepared using XBRL — and rendered XBRL — and at the same time converted to PDF or Microsoft Word documents. The SBR Program will be working through this during the current design phase.
Q: Is a parallel system to SBR being developed by the Department of Finance and Deregulation? If so, how does this fit in with the wider net presence of the government and the SBR strategy?
SBR Scope : General, Sept 2008
A: SBR's scope is on reporting from businesses (and their intermediaries) to government. On the other hand, the Department of Finance and Deregulation’s system, is focussed completely on an individual’s on-line connection to government agencies such as Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support. Where there are opportunities to share designs, infrastructure and standards, the two projects will do so. To aid this process, the SBR Program has a representative on the Department of Finance and Deregulation Steering Committee.
Q: Is the scope of the program sufficient to encourage business take up if voluntary? For example: APRA – banks and insurers already have this technology, ABS – only a small sample of businesses will need to do this, BAS – already built into many systems, Will there be value in submitting electronically versus printing and posting? ASIC – only a very small proportion of companies file accounts
SBR Scope : General, Sept 2008
A: There are benefits to businesses as well as their accountants and bookkeepers in having a better system for financial reporting and analysis, and the reporting to government is a by-product. With more than 90 forms in scope for SBR, the expectation is that a broad offering of reporting across these agencies will provide a good incentive to business to use these services. While this technology is currently available in some sectors, the broader community has been waiting for the government to signal its direction on XBRL. In terms of electronic versus lodgement of paper forms, it is expected that business will be faced with a decision to press the print or the send button. If the send button is pressed, a password can be entered, the form is sent, and the user will receive a receipt. This will provide the user peace of mind, as they can be assured that they have not transposed any numbers, or put details in the wrong box. If they choose to print, the user will then have to write the information onto the correct form, check it, envelope and post it – creating a greater margin for error. In a market test carried out on behalf of the Australian Taxation Office in 2006, more than 50% of businesses (that didn’t use on-line reporting services) indicated that they would adopt on-line reporting if they could do so directly from their accounting/record keeping software.
Q: Will the United States SEC accept an AIFRS taxonomy for foreign private issuers or will they only accept an IFRS taxonomy?
SBR Scope : General, Sept 2008
A: The scope of the reporting arrangements for the SEC are yet to be signed off, however it is expected that they will be International Finance Reporting Standards (IFRS) compliant. The AIFRS is an extension to the IFRS, so the US reporting should be a core sub-set of reporting elements. ASIC and SBR have met with the Australian companies that will be subject to SEC reporting in XBRL to discuss alignment with Australia’s reporting.
Q: Will the United States only accept AIFRS if it has been signed off or approved by the local standard setter? Will AASB be doing this?
SBR Scope : General, Sept 2008
A: The current version of the AIFRS has already been endorsed by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB). It is expected that the SBR Taxonomy together with the IFRS 2008 taxonomy will eventually replace the current AIFRS extensions. The SBR Program is working with the AASB and the Financial Reporting Council to determine the appropriate sign off certification and assurance processes.
Q: Should emissions reporting be included?
SBR Scope : General, Sept 2008
A: Emissions reporting and information relating to emissions reporting is being managed within business software. The SBR program will continue to work closely with the development of the emissions reporting administrative design.
Q: Does the FRC have a lead role in conjunction with SBR and governmental direction?
SBR Scope : General, Sept 2008
A: The SBR Program is working with the AASB and the Financial Reporting Council to determine the appropriate sign off and certification processes.
Q: Will SBR be mandated?
SBR Scope : General, Sept 2008
A: No, SBR won’t be mandated. However, SBR will be seeking to promote an alternative reporting channel that should become the channel of choice for the majority as it will be more efficient than the current channels.
Q: Is the use of taxonomies mature enough for the exposition of the "effectiveness measures"? What is SBR’s position on the value of the effectiveness benefits?
SBR Scope : General, Sept 2008
A: SBR will lead to greater effectiveness in the use of financial data, however the use and exploitation of financial data rests largely with the accounting community, and is very difficult for the government to measure and seek to achieve. SBR is trying to catalyse the use of the technology for greater benefits, but is not in a position to dictate. UQ was mounting and saw this as a good stimulus for the take up of SBR, and this was more their role than the governments. There are examples of business improvements to Netherlands accounting firms on the SBR website. There will also be an International conference as well as financial portals provided by NL accountants that give contemporary views of financial affairs without human intervention.
Q: "Will government Agencies maintain all existing reporting channels?"
SBR Scope : General, Sept 2008
A: This is a question for each Agency. However, SBR is an additional channel to existing Agency channels and it is not mandatory for agency clients to use SBR, so it is expected that Agencies will maintain existing channels for the foreseeable future.
Q: What’s in the software and what’s in Core?
SBR Scope : General, Sept 2008
A: The design for Core Services is still being progressed and we are in discussions with a number of software developers to answer this question. Where possible, we want to provide software developers with access to any "shared requirements" rather than have each software developer invent their own solution.
Q: Could we have a means of testing functionality up-front?
SBR Scope : General, Sept 2008
A: Again, this issue is being considered in the design of Core Services. It is expected that all software developers will test their SBR enabled products to ensure that they operate as expected by the client, the developer and the respective agencies receiving the transaction.
Q: Will we be given a plug-in, DLL, API, JAR …?
SBR Scope : General, Sept 2008
A: We are discussing the range of options available here and are interested in talking to software developers regarding any views they have. For the TFN Declaration Limited Release we are providing the Taxonomy and a range of supporting documentation.
Q: Could we have a simple web service that delivers the schema…?
SBR Scope : General, Sept 2008
A: We are discussing the range of options available here and are interested in talking to software developers regarding any views they have. For the TFN Declaration Limited Release we are providing the Taxonomy and a range of supporting documentation.
Q: "How will we deliver schema?" "Is it under design?" "Have SBR thought this through?"
SBR Scope : General, Sept 2008
A: For the 2010 delivery we are anticipating delivery of all material to software developers will be via a web service from Core Services. This is currently being worked through as part of the design process for Core Services, with the premise of seeking to make it as simple as possible for all parties. Once options are available we will be seeking software developer feedback on the options.
Q: "What’s the web service providing?"
SBR Scope : General, Sept 2008
A: Again, we are looking at the options here and will be seeking software developer feedback before the end of September 2008.
Q: Could you show us work in progress, rather than make us wait for a complete solution?
SBR Scope : General, Sept 2008
A: Over the past 12 months we have been providing regular updates to software developers and agencies, via the scheduled monthly SBR update meetings and attendance at each SDCG meeting.
Q: The schedule is too tight. How can SBR support us in meeting the timeline?
SBR Scope : General, Sept 2008
A: SBR is keen to provide whatever support it can to software developers in order to better enable them to adopt SBR within their products. As stated elsewhere we are looking for any options where we can provide a "shared service" rather than for each developer to provide their own solution.
Q: "[Can we get an] R and D development grant?"
SBR Scope : General, Sept 2008
A: SBR cannot provide information with respect to any Research and Development grants. Information should be available from the ATO or the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
Q: "How do we get involved with user experience testing?"
SBR Scope : General, Sept 2008
A: To receive more information on SBR user testing, please email sbr@treasury.gov.au.
SBR Question Index..
