For purposes of the Australian Auditing Standards, the following terms have the meanings attributed below:

External confirmation means audit evidence obtained as a direct written response to the auditor from a third party (the confirming party), in paper form, or by electronic or other medium.

Positive confirmation request means a request that the confirming party respond directly to the auditor indicating whether the confirming party agrees or disagrees with the information in the request, or providing the requested information.

Negative confirmation request means a request that the confirming party respond directly to the auditor only if the confirming party disagrees with the information provided in the request.

Non-response means a failure of the confirming party to respond, or fully respond, to a positive confirmation request, or a confirmation request returned undelivered.

Exception means a response that indicates a difference between information requested to be confirmed, or contained in the entity’s records, and information provided by the confirming party.