This is the value, during the relevant period, for all acquisition costs as recognised under Australian Accounting Standards. Acquisition costs are incurred in obtaining and recording new business contracts. They include commission or brokerage paid to agents or brokers for obtaining business for the reporting party, selling and underwriting costs such as advertising and risk assessment, the administrative costs of accepting, issuing and initially recording the new business. 

Abnormal operating expenses are not to be excluded or shown separately, but included in the relevant category. Policy acquisition items are prior to any component deferred to either policy liabilities or a deferred acquisition cost asset.

Do not include amortization and impairment of existing deferred acquisition costs (DAC) recognised during the reporting period.