Average global air temperatures breached 1.5C for the first time at the start of 2024 at least five years earlier than predicted. So, while developing countries burn, global climate injustice persists. No high-emitting country has complied with the 1.5C target set by the Paris agreement. Governments in the UK and Scotland are exacerbating the crisis…
The Australian startup ecosystem is facing its next wave of financial challenges. With a 54% decline in capital raised by Australian startups in 2023 and a 14.5% rise in insolvencies, Australian startups are financially strained. For those operating in the capital-intensive tech sector in particular, the time between funding rounds is harder than ever. Tech…
It has been 33 years since the “recession we had to have” in 1991. Fears that Australia would enter a technical recession during 2023 didnt eventuate. At the time of writing, our economy continues to still be resilient (relying on massive population growth through migration) despite ongoing decreasing consumer sentiment but another year of slow…
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…
Key Points Bankruptcy lasts for three years but the consequences can last much longer. Bankruptcy wont release you from all your debts. Always seek the advice of a financial counsellor. Bankruptcy is a legal process that helps you regain financial control by releasing you from most of your debts. It allows you to start fresh.…
Online book retailer Booktopia has appointed voluntary administrators after it failed to secure enough funding to avoid collapse. The Australian online business has appointed Keith Crawford, Matthew Caddy and Damien Pasfield from McGrathNicol to oversee a sale, or the selling of parts. The Administrators are undertaking an urgent assessment of Booktopias business while options for…
Booktopia (ASX: BKG) has entered voluntary administration pending an urgent assessment of options for sale or recapitalisation. Insolvency firm McGrathNicol has been appointed and shares in the cash-strapped company will be suspended from trading during the administration process. All Booktopia subsidiaries including online bookseller, publisher and printer Angus and Robertson have been included in the…
By Jessica Yun Updated July 3, 2024 5.34pmfirst published at 10.40am Normal text sizeLarger text sizeVery large text size Booktopia has gone into voluntary administration weeks after suspending its shares on the ASX as rival Dymocks considers snapping up some of its assets. The embattled online book retailer, which has been scrambling to secure emergency…
International bus and coach manufacturing giant Van Hool is hoping for a rapid restart after reaching a binding offer with other brands to rescue it from bankruptcy. On April 8, Van Hool was declared bankrupt, with the major global manufacturer facing permanent closure. Now, a board of four curators, including coach and bus group VDL…
A recent court case has demonstrated to trustees the withdrawal and transfer of superannuation benefits prior to declaring bankruptcy will not protect those assets from creditors claims even if they remain within the retirement savings system, according to an SMSF technical specialist. Heffron head of education and content Lyn Formica noted this outcome had occurred…