As we know, the Federal Government has implemented a package of changes to Australian insolvency and bankruptcy laws to provide relief from the economic impacts of COVID-19.
In an economic climate where the risk of insolvency is high, it is paramount to that creditors are prepared for debtors going into administration. Participation as a creditor does not have to be passive. The ability to understand and protect your own interests, can be enhanced with knowledge and early action.
In this article, we pinpoint eight key considerations landlords should be mindful of when dealing with the administration process, and outline key action items from day one.
Key considerations
In the liquidation of corporate groups it is not uncommon for liquidators to be confronted by inter-company claims, including a multitude of potentially voidable transactions. Adjudicating on proofs of debt from related parties can be complicated, particularly where the liquidator is appointed to both parties.
After two recent judgments, liquidators should be aware that:
This week, the Federal Court published judgments in three unfair preference claims brought by the liquidators of the Gunns Group. We acted for the liquidators in each proceeding.
Virgin Australia Airlines operated a fleet of 144 aircraft of which 142 were leased to approximately 73 lessors and financiers when the Board resolved to appoint Administrators on 20 April 2020 because of concerns as to solvency. Virgin Australia Airlines Pty Ltd is the second largest airline operating in Australia.
Hogan Lovells Publications | 29 May 2020
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The Federal Court, in the second significant case arising out of the Virgin collapse, has made extraordinary limited recourse and limited liability orders on application by the Administrators.
The Coronavirus Economic Response Package Omnibus Act 2020 (Cth) (Omnibus Act) amended the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Act) and the Corporations Regulations 2001 (Cth) (Regulations) with effect from 25 March 2020 to create a “safety net” for Australian businesses facing COVID-19 related financial distress.
Liquidators have a limited time in which to bring proceedings in respect of voidable transactions, generally three years from the relation back day (Limitation Period).[1] However, a Court may grant liquidators a longer period to bring a voidable transaction claim provided the liquidator makes an application for this extension within the Limitation Period itself.
In KSK Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd (in liquidation) [2019] NSWSC 1463 a liquidator sought directions from the Supreme Court of New South Wales under section 90-15(1) of the Insolvency Practice Schedule (Corporations) at Schedule 2 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).