Audit Lowe Down – New standards at 31 December 2024

Lowe Lippmann Chartered Accountants

New standards at 31 December 2024



There are three new accounting standards to be considered for the first time for 31 December 2024 reporters.


A summary of each of these standards has been considered below as well as potential impacts on our clients.


Revised AASB 101 Presentation of Financial Statements provides additional guidance regarding presentation of liabilities as current or non-current. In particular, the standard includes more clarity around the existence of covenants and waivers / periods of grace in the event of a breach. Additional disclosures are required where covenants are tested after the reporting date. This is likely to have impact for many of our clients and we recommend that bank agreements are reviewed as soon as possible as well as identification of potential covenant breaches.


AASB 2022-5 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback clarifies how a seller-lessee should measure lease liabilities arising from a sale and leaseback transaction. It ensures that the leaseback does not lead to the recognition of gains that aren't aligned with the right-of-use asset retained. Expected to have little impact, generally if our clients enter sale and leaseback arrangements, there is a failed sale as control is not transferred from the selling entity.


AASB 2023-1 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Supplier Finance Arrangements (2024-1 for Tier 2) introduces new disclosure requirements to enhance transparency about the nature, timing, and amount of liabilities financed by suppliers in relation to the effects of such arrangements on an entity’s liquidity risk and leverage. Little impact expected, however disclosure amendment only.



Please do not hesitate to contact your Lowe Lippmann Relationship Partner if you wish to discuss any of these matters further.

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