In short: Lawyers say a shortage of workers outside metropolitan areas is straining the court system and leaving people in need without help. They say people are representing themselves in court, which can double the average time it takes to hear a case and lead to people owing large amounts of money. What’s next? There…
Several of these factors contributed to the rising levels of formal insolvency appointments and distressed asset sales seen over the past year, which is likely to continue into 2024. In this article, we look back at, and think forward to, the trends and legal developments which businesses, insolvency professionals, accountants and investors need to be…
On the 24 September 2020, the Australian Government announced changes to Australias insolvency framework to better serve Australian small businesses, their creditors and their employees. The changes introduced new processes suitable for small businesses, reducing complexity, time and costs for small businesses. Effective from 1 January 2021, these are the most significant reforms to Australias…
Last week the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) granted a 60-day extension to the grounded airline Go First to complete its insolvency process. It was the fourth time it was doing so. In this issue of DH Deciphers, Abhilash Reddy, unpacks why the matter is dragging and how it got here. How long has the…
Advertorial ARYZAs new head of corporate insolvency, Tom OConnor. Aryza, a leading provider of financial software solutions, announces the appointment of Tom OConnoras its Head of Corporate Insolvency. With an extensive career spanning over a decade in the insolvency sector and a proven track record in product development and client engagement, Tom brings invaluable experience…
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…
In an announcement that has surprised many in Sydneys independent theatre sector, the Directors of Darlinghurst Theatre Company have resolved to place Darlinghurst Theatre Limited (Company) into Voluntary Administration. Jonathon Keenan and Peter Krejci of BRI Ferrier have been appointed Joint & Several Administrators of the Company. Given the Companys financial position, all trading has been suspended…
A farming business with operations across Australia has entered voluntary administration, putting some 500 jobs at risk. HS Fresh Food, which specialises in fresh salads, ready-made meals, snacks, food-to-go and pre-prepared vegetables products, collapsed on June 14, with FTI Consulting administrators Vaughan Strawbridge, Joanne Dunn and Ben Campbell brought in to restructure the troubled company.…
Tasmanian-headquartered food business HS Fresh Food has been placed into voluntary administration, with a sale or restructure of the business likely. HS is a major supplier of salads and fresh produce to Coles and Woolworths and the parent company behind the brands Houstons Farm, Sunfresh, Gourmet Selections and HS Fresh Farms. Advertisement Administrators from FTI…