Social Security (Special Disability Trust — Trust Deed, Reporting and Audit Requirements) (FaHCSIA) Determination 2013

Administered by Department of Social Services

Legislation au F2013L01026 Not in force Legislative Instrument

Legislation content

Social Security (Special Disability Trust — Trust Deed, Reporting and Audit Requirements) (FaHCSIA) Determination 2013

made under subsections 1209P(2), 1209S(4) and 1209T(7) of the

Social Security Act 1991

Compilation No. 1

Compilation date: 28 February 2023

Includes amendments up to: F2023L00150

Registered: 3 May 2023

About this compilation

This compilation

This is a compilation of the Social Security (Special Disability Trust — Trust Deed, Reporting and Audit Requirements) (FaHCSIA) Determination 2013 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 28 February 2023 (the compilation date).

The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.

Uncommenced amendments

The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Legislation Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the series page on the Legislation Register for the compiled law.

Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments

If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.

Editorial changes

For more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes.

Modifications

If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the series page on the Legislation Register for the compiled law.

Selfrepealing provisions

If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.

 

 

 

Contents

Part 1 Preliminary

1.1 Name of Determination

1.4 Definitions

1.5 Application of Determination

Part 2 Trust deed requirements

2.1 Form of the trust deed

2.2 Provisions which must be included in the trust deed and the form of those provisions

2.3 Provisions which cannot be included in the trust deed

Part 3 Reporting requirements

3.1 Qualifications of persons preparing financial statements

3.2 Information that must be included in financial statements

3.3 Income tax returns

3.4 Statutory Declaration

Part 4 Auditing requirements

4.1 Audit period

4.2 Qualifications of persons preparing audit

4.3 Information that must be included in audit

Endnotes

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Endnote 4—Amendment history

 

 

 

Part 1 Preliminary

 

1.1 Name of Determination

  This Determination is the Social Security (Special Disability Trust — Trust Deed, Reporting and Audit Requirements) (FaHCSIA) Determination 2013.

1.4 Definitions

  In this Determination:

Act means the Social Security Act 1991.

Australian Accounting Standards means the accounting standards issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board.

Australian Auditing Standards means the auditing and assurance standards issued by the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board.

model trust deed means the document titled ‘Model Trust Deed for Special Disability Trusts’ published by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, as existing on 1 January 2011.

Note   The ‘Model Trust Deed for Special Disability Trusts’ is available on the Internet — see www.fahcsia.gov.au.

relevant financial year means:

 (a) in relation to a reporting requirement — the financial year about which the trustees are required to give financial statements under subsection 1209S(1) of the Act; or

 (b) in relation to an audit requirement — the financial year for which a person has requested an audit.

trustee corporation means each of the bodies corporate listed in Schedule 9 to the Corporations Regulations 2001.

1.5 Application of Determination

This Determination applies to special disability trusts established before, on or after commencement of the Determination.

Part 2 Trust deed requirements

 

2.1 Form of the trust deed

  For paragraph 1209P(2)(a) of the Act, the form of the trust deed required for a special disability trust is the model trust deed, in writing.

2.2 Provisions which must be included in the trust deed and the form of those provisions

 (1) For paragraph 1209P(2)(b) of the Act, the provisions which must be included in the trust deed are provisions dealing with the matters mentioned in column 2 of the following table.

 

Item

Matter

Clause of model trust deed

1

Date on which trust is made

P.1

2

Parties to the trust

P.2

3

Description of the Principal Beneficiary

1.1

4

Declaration of trust

1.2

5

Name of trust

1.3

6

Application of operative provisions

1.4

7

Duration of trust

1.5

8

Exclusion of settlors

1.7

9

Primary and other purposes of the trust

2.1

10

Priority of Principal Beneficiary

2.2

11

Power to accumulate income

2.4

12

Contributions

3.1

13

Nonacceptable contributions

3.2

14

Restrictions on use of trust funds

3.3

15

Prohibition on borrowing

3.4

16

Further prohibitions with regard to related parties

3.5

17

Prohibition on lending to Principal Beneficiary

3.6

18

Donor register

3.7

19

Qualifications of the trustee

5.1

20

Extent of trustee responsibility

5.5

21

Powers of trustee

6.1

22

Standard of care

6.2

23

Investment strategy

6.3

24

Requirement to keep accounts

8.1

25

Financial statements and reporting

8.2

26

Audit requirements

8.3

27

Amending the trust

9.2

28

Definitions

9.3

29

Interpretation

9.4

30

Applicable law

9.5

31

Execution

E.1

 (2) For paragraph 1209P(2)(c) of the Act, a provision dealing with a matter mentioned in column 2 of an item of the table in subsection (1) must be in the form of the clause of the model trust deed mentioned in column 3 of that item.

2.3 Provisions which cannot be included in the trust deed

  For paragraph 1209P(2)(d) of the Act, the following provisions cannot be included in the trust deed:

 (a) a provision that is inconsistent with a clause of the model trust deed mentioned in the table in subsection 2.2(1);

 (b) a provision that has the effect of overriding a clause of the model trust deed mentioned in that table.

Part 3 Reporting requirements

 

3.1 Qualifications of persons preparing financial statements

  For paragraph 1209S(2)(a) of the Act, financial statements about the trust must be prepared by a person who:

 (a) is either:

 (i) a member of CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand or the Institute of Public Accountants; or

 (ii) an employee of a trustee corporation who is engaged by the trustee corporation as an accountant or financial planner; and

 (b) is not an immediate family member of:

 (i) the principal beneficiary of the trust; or

 (ii) a residuary beneficiary of the trust; or

 (iii) a trustee of the trust.

3.2 Information that must be included in financial statements

 (1) For subsection 1209S(3) of the Act, the financial statements about the trust must include:

 (a) a profit and loss statement for the relevant financial year; and

 (b) a balance sheet with applicable notes for the relevant financial year; and

 (ba) notes that disclose:

 (i) the basis on which the financial statements were prepared, including whether they comply with the requirements of the Act and the trust deed; and

 (ii) the material accounting policies applied in the financial statements and the nature and extent of any changes in those accounting policies, including the reasons why applying the new accounting policy provides more relevant and reliable information; and

 (c) if necessary, a depreciation schedule for each class of trust assets for the relevant financial year.

 (2) Financial statements given in accordance with section 1209S of the Act and this Part must give a true and correct view in all material particulars of the trust’s financial position and performance as at 30 June of the relevant financial year.

 (3) The financial statements about the trust must include a statement to the effect that, for the relevant financial year:

 (a) all amounts paid out of the trust (other than amounts paid for reasonable administration expenses and taxation) were paid:

 (i) to meet reasonable care and accommodation needs of the principal beneficiary; or

 (ii) for other purposes, ancillary to meeting the reasonable care and accommodation needs of the principal beneficiary, that are necessary or desirable to facilitate the meeting of those needs; or

 (iii) for other purposes that are primarily for the benefit of the principal beneficiary; and

 (b) no amount was paid out of the trust for:

 (i) purposes other than those mentioned in subparagraph (a)(i), (ii) or (iii); or

 (ii) services provided to the principal beneficiary by an immediate family member of the principal beneficiary.

3.3 Income tax returns

 (1) Subject to subsection (2), the financial statements about the trust must be accompanied by a certified copy of the trust’s income tax return, completed and lodged in accordance with the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 for the relevant financial year.

 (2) If section 95AB of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 applies to the trust’s income, a certified copy of the trust’s income tax return is not required.

3.4 Statutory Declaration

  The financial statements about the trust must be accompanied by a statutory declaration made by all trustees of the trust to the effect that all information given in accordance with section 1209S of the Act and this Part is true and correct in all material particulars.

Part 4 Auditing requirements

 

4.1 Audit period

  For paragraph 1209T(2)(b) of the Act, the audit must relate to the period specified by the person requesting the audit under subsection 1209T(3) of the Act, being a period of 1 to 5 financial years in the period of 5 financial years ending on the 30 June last preceding the request.

4.2 Qualifications of persons preparing audit

  For paragraph 1209T(5)(a) of the Act, the audit must be prepared by a person who:

 (a) is a member of:

 (i) CPA Australia; or

 (ii) the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia; or

 (iii) the National Institute of Accountants; and

 (b) is not the person who prepared, or is preparing, any of the financial statements about the trust for the relevant financial year; and

 (c) is not an immediate family member of:

 (i) the principal beneficiary of the trust; or

 (ii) a residuary beneficiary of the trust; or

 (iii) a trustee of the trust.

4.3 Information that must be included in audit

 (1) For subsection 1209T(6) of the Act, an audit must include the following information:

 (a) a statement to the effect that the trust’s financial statements give a true and fair view of the trust’s financial position and performance as at 30 June of the relevant financial year;

 (b) if the person requesting the audit under subsection 1209T(3) of the Act requests the audit for the purpose of determining whether the trust has met the requirements of all of the provisions of the trust deed — a statement indicating whether the trust has met the requirements of all of the provisions of the trust deed;

 (c) if the person requesting the audit under subsection 1209T(3) of the Act requests the audit for the purpose of determining whether the trust has met the requirements of specified provisions of the trust deed — a statement indicating whether the trust has met the requirements of those specified provisions of the trust deed.

 (2) Information mentioned in subsection (1) must comply with the relevant Australian Auditing Standards.

Endnotes

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

The endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.

The following endnotes are included in every compilation:

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Endnote 4—Amendment history

Abbreviation key—Endnote 2

The abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.

Legislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4

Amending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.

The legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.

The amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.

Editorial changes

The Legislation Act 2003 authorises First Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial and presentational changes to a compiled law in preparing a compilation of the law for registration. The changes must not change the effect of the law. Editorial changes take effect from the compilation registration date.

If the compilation includes editorial changes, the endnotes include a brief outline of the changes in general terms. Full details of any changes can be obtained from the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.

Misdescribed amendments

A misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe how an amendment is to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, then the misdescribed amendment can be incorporated through an editorial change made under section 15V of the Legislation Act 2003.

If a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the amendment is not incorporated and “(md not incorp)” is added to the amendment history.

 

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

ad = added or inserted

o = order(s)

am = amended

Ord = Ordinance

amdt = amendment

orig = original

c = clause(s)

par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s)

C[x] = Compilation No. x

/subsubparagraph(s)

Ch = Chapter(s)

pres = present

def = definition(s)

prev = previous

Dict = Dictionary

(prev…) = previously

disallowed = disallowed by Parliament

Pt = Part(s)

Div = Division(s)

r = regulation(s)/rule(s)

ed = editorial change

reloc = relocated

exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have

renum = renumbered

effect

rep = repealed

F = Federal Register of Legislation

rs = repealed and substituted

gaz = gazette

s = section(s)/subsection(s)

LA = Legislation Act 2003

Sch = Schedule(s)

LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003

Sdiv = Subdivision(s)

(md) = misdescribed amendment can be given

SLI = Select Legislative Instrument

effect

SR = Statutory Rules

(md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment

SubCh = SubChapter(s)

cannot be given effect

SubPt = Subpart(s)

mod = modified/modification

underlining = whole or part not

No. = Number(s)

commenced or to be commenced

 

Endnote 3—Legislation history

 

Name

Registration

Commencement

Application, saving and transitional provisions

Social Security (Special Disability Trust — Trust Deed, Reporting and Audit Requirements) (FaHCSIA) Determination 2013

17 June 2013 (F2013L01026)

1 July 2013 (s 1.2)

 

Social Security (Special Disability Trust — Reporting Requirements) Amendment Determination 2023

27 Feb 2023 (F2023L00150)

28 Feb 2023 (s 2(1) item 1)

Endnote 4—Amendment history

 

Provision affected

How affected

Part 1

 

s 1.2....................

rep LA s 48D

s 1.3....................

rep LA s 48C

Part 3

 

s 3.1....................

am F2023L00150

s 3.2....................

am F2023L00150

 

 

Overview

The Social Security (Special Disability Trust — Trust Deed, Reporting and Audit Requirements) (FaHCSIA) Determination 2013, enacted under the Social Security Act 1991, was introduced to ensure the proper administration and regulation of special disability trusts. This Determination is made under the authority of the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. The policy objective is to provide a comprehensive framework for the establishment, operation, and oversight of special disability trusts, ensuring that these trusts operate in accordance with legislative requirements and for the benefit of the principal beneficiaries. The Determination applies to all special disability trusts established before, on, or after its commencement and mandates specific requirements for the trust deed, financial reporting, and auditing of these trusts.

Scope and Application

The Social Security (Special Disability Trust — Trust Deed, Reporting and Audit Requirements) (FaHCSIA) Determination 2013 applies to special disability trusts established before, on, or after its commencement. This Determination mandates specific requirements for the trust deed, financial reporting, and auditing of these trusts, as stipulated by the Social Security Act 1991. The trust deed must conform to the model trust deed, with specified provisions included and certain provisions explicitly prohibited. Financial statements must be prepared by qualified individuals who are not immediate family members of the principal beneficiary, a residuary beneficiary, or a trustee, and must include detailed financial information and a statutory declaration attesting to their accuracy. The audit, which must be conducted by a qualified auditor who is neither the preparer of the financial statements nor an immediate family member of certain beneficiaries or trustees, must cover a period of 1 to 5 financial years within the last 5-year period ending on 30 June prior to the audit request. The audit report must confirm the accuracy of the financial statements and compliance with the trust deed provisions if requested. The Determination includes provisions for its amendment through subordinate instruments, reflecting any changes in the requirements over time.

Key Provisions

This determination provides rules and requirements for special disability trusts under the Social Security Act 1991. It applies to special disability trusts established before, on or after the commencement of the determination. The determination sets out the form and content of the trust deed, reporting requirements, and audit requirements for these trusts. The trust deed must take the form of the model trust deed specified in the determination. The trust deed must include certain provisions dealing with matters such as the date of the trust, the parties involved, the principal beneficiary, the declaration of trust, the name of the trust, the application of the trust provisions, the duration of the trust, exclusion of settlors, the primary and other purposes of the trust, the priority of the principal beneficiary, accumulation of income, contributions, non-acceptable contributions, restrictions on use of trust funds, prohibition on borrowing, prohibitions with regard to related parties, prohibition on lending to the principal beneficiary, the donor register, qualifications of the trustee, extent of trustee responsibility, powers of the trustee, standard of care, investment strategy, requirement to keep accounts, financial statements and reporting, audit requirements, amending the trust, definitions, interpretation, applicable law, and execution. The trust deed cannot include provisions that are inconsistent with or override the clauses of the model trust deed. Financial statements about the trust must be prepared by a qualified person and include a profit and loss statement, a balance sheet, notes disclosing the basis of preparation and accounting policies, and a depreciation schedule if necessary. The financial statements must give a true and correct view of the trust's financial position and performance and include a statement that all amounts paid out of the trust were for purposes specified in the determination. The financial statements must be accompanied by a statutory declaration by the trustees and a certified copy of the trust's income tax return. Audits of the trust must be prepared by a qualified person and include a statement that the trust's financial statements give a true and fair view of the trust's financial position and performance. The audit must also include a statement indicating whether the trust has met the requirements of the trust deed provisions specified in the audit request. Breach of the requirements of this determination may have legal consequences for trustees, including potential penalties and enforcement actions by the relevant authorities. The maximum penalties for contraventions of the Social Security Act 1991 are set out in that Act.

Legal classification tags

Area of Law
Social Security Law
Instrument
Legislative Instrument
Concepts
Definitions & Interpretation
Reporting & Disclosure Obligations
Audit Requirements
Trustee Qualifications

Interactions

Authorises

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.