Australia has not been immune to the economic impacts of global financial and geopolitical events. The recent global economic downturn has brought about a heightened focus on financial stability and risk management in Australian businesses. Sponsors and financiers alike are now navigating a complex economic terrain marked by: volatile markets; supply chain disruptions; asset re-valuations;…
With businesses collapsing at levels not seen since 2012, Grant Thornton Australias John McInerney suggested that the small business restructuring scheme could be a more favourable option than a payment plan. He made the comments ahead of his session at the ACE24 Accounting Conference and Expo 2024, where he will unpack how accountants can help…
What is the Small Business Restructuring process? Australias Small Business Restructuring (SBR) process is a formal insolvency process introduced by the Federal Government in 2021 to give small businesses the opportunity to restructure their debts while directors remain in control of the business, under the supervision of a restructuring practitioner. The SBR process involves a…
A proposal to reduce HECS debt for lawyers relocating to rural, regional and remote areas has the potential to transform the accessibility of legal services for these underserved communities. A request has been made to the Commonwealth government urging the implementation of an initiative aimed at reducing Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) debt for legal…
Brett McGrath, President of the Law Society of NSW, has renewed calls for a debt relief scheme to incentivise lawyers to practice in rural, regional, and remote (RRR) areas. During a visit to Lismore, which experienced a significant exodus of lawyers following the devastating floods in 2022, McGrath highlighted the urgent need for legal services…
The Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA) will sharpen its regulatory posture to maximise its impact as personal insolvencies head back towards pre-pandemic levels, chief executive Tim Beresford says. He said a modernisation program was underway that would make it simpler for most bankrupts typically consumers involving small amounts to go through administration so AFSA could…
The Federal Court’s recent decision in Stone (Liquidator), in the matter of RIC Admin Pty Ltd (in liq) v Mandalinic (No 2) [2024] FCA 164 demonstrates the analysis the courts will undertake in determining a director’s personal liability for insolvent trading, even when the director does not appear for the hearing. The case reiterates how…
Data from the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA) has found a significant rise in personal insolvencies for the March 2024 quarter. According to the report, there has been a 19.5% increase compared to the same period last year. Unsurprisingly, economic challenges have been contributing to this rise, including cost of living pressures. However, a large…
Jun 15, 2024 A judge has appointed a trustee to liquidate the personal assets of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. -AP A United States bankruptcy judge has ordered the court-supervised liquidation of Alex Jones’ personal assets, but has dismissed the bankruptcy of the conspiracy theorist’s company Free Speech Systems. Hold tight – were checking permissions before…
In short: A US judge has ordered conspiracy theorist Alex Joness personal assets be liquidated in order to pay $US1.5 billion to the families of the Sandy Hook shooting victims. Jones had claimed the 2012 school shooting that killed 20 students and six teachers was a hoax, leading to victims’ families being harassed. What’s next?…