In short: Family violence perpetrators are burdening their partners with tax debts they cannot shake, sometimes leading to bankruptcy. A change in the federal budget means the tax office can defer chasing debts in certain circumstances. What’s next? Advocates want the ATO to adopt a model used overseas, in which debts are reassigned to perpetrators.…
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…
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…
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…
Business failures are on the rise in Britain, with several high-profile names lost already this year. But since the 1980s, the UK has made it a priority to throw a lifeline to struggling companies. It appears, however, that these efforts to enhance the law are being hampered by sloppy language in the media, increasing the…
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…
Sydney-based theatre-makers Darlinghurst Theatre Company have announced today that they entered voluntary administration on June 17th. BRI Ferriers Jonathon Keenan and Peter Krejci have been announced as the Joint & Several Administrators of the theatre company as they seek a means to save or restructure the business. They have asked any parties interested in assisting…
In short: Childcare group Precious Cargo has gone into voluntary administration. Founder and director Cheryl Shigrov says seven operating childcare centres are affected in South Australia. A further four non-trading entities are in liquidation. What’s next? She says the childcare centres will remain operational until a buyer is found. A Montessori childcare chain that has…