The new debtor-in-possession model for small business restructuring is aimed at allowing viable small businesses to seize the initiative to quickly restructure to survive the economic impact of COVID-19, but we need greater clarity on key elements of the proposed insolvency framework.

On 24 September 2020 the Federal Government announced, as part of its JobMaker plan, a package of reforms directed at streamlining insolvency processes for small businesses.

The reforms draw on key features of the US Chapter 11 bankruptcy process and include:

No one expected these immortal words by Split Enz to be so relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, that is exactly how some directors may be left feeling regarding the requirements to qualify for protection from trading while insolvent under the COVID-19 Safe Harbour provisions.

NAVIGATING COVID-19

When COVID-19 hit Australia, it created a crisis requiring urgent and extraordinary action by Federal and State Governments to protect the health of the Australian people and economy.

The Federal Government has announced its largest insolvency reform package in over 30 years, which includes a simplified formal debt restructuring process for eligible small businesses.

The centerpiece of the reforms is the adoption of a US-style "debtor in possession" restructuring model, which closely mirrors the recently enacted small business restructuring provisions of subchapter V of the US Bankruptcy Code.

The Treasurer has announced major proposed reforms to Australia’s insolvency framework aimed at facilitating the restructuring of small to medium businesses (MSMEs) and streamlining their liquidation if rescue is not achievable (Reforms). The Reforms are intended to come into effect from 1 January 2021, after the suite of current insolvency protections introduced to address the economic impact of COVID-19, expire on 31 December 2020.

A short week this week due to the public holiday in Western Australia.

This is a service specifically targeted at the needs of busy non-executive directors. We aim to give you a “heads up” on the things that matter for NEDs in the week ahead – all in two minutes or less.

The Australian Federal Government has announced significant insolvency law reforms that will affect small businesses with liabilities of less than $1 million. The reforms are expected to commence on 1 January 2021 and will introduce, among other measures, a new debt restructuring process and liquidation pathway for small businesses which the Government intends to be simpler, more flexible and more efficient than existing processes.

In brief

We update our earlier client alert with a version including additional details that are available.

In brief

On 24 September 2020, the Treasurer announced that the Australian Government would introduce new legislation to give effect to:

This alert briefly discusses key amendments to the insolvency legislation that the federal government has enacted and how councils can protect themselves from contractor insolvency in construction contracts.

Changes to insolvency legislation

This week’s TGIF discusses the key elements of the Federal Government’s recently announced reforms to insolvency laws for businesses with liabilities below $1 million.

Key takeaways