The Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth) specifies the circumstances in which a bankrupt is entitled to continue prosecuting legal proceedings after a sequestration order has been made. Sections 60 and 116 of the Act allow a bankrupt to continue with their proceedings if the proceedings are “in respect of any personal injury or wrong done to” the bankrupt.
This week’s TGIF considers Legend International Holdings Inc (In Liquidation) v Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd & Kisan International Trading FZE [2016] VSCA 151 in which it was held that s 581 does not prohibit a winding up order where Chapter 11 proceedings are on foot.
What happened?
This week’s TGIF considers the Federal Court decision of National Australia Bank Ltd v Garrett [2016] FCA 714 in which the Court stepped in to invalidate and restrain an improper registration on the PPSR
BACKGROUND
Legislation and proposed legislation
Government consults on proposals for technology neutrality in the distribution of company meeting communications
The Government has proposed a technology neutral mode of distributing company meeting notices and materials which aims to facilitate innovation and reduce economic and time costs for companies, while maintaining an appropriate level of shareholder engagement.
Major insolvency reform: Getting the (ipso) factos straight
In brief
In brief
Insolvency reform: let’s not forget about the scheme of arrangement regime (again!)
In brief
A recent decision of the Federal Court provides a timely warning for businesses engaged in cross-border trade where debts may be expressed in a foreign currency. The take away point of the decision is that in issuing bankruptcy notices based on a judgment debt expressed in a foreign currency and allowing for payment in Australian currency, care must be taken to ensure the correct foreign exchange rate is applied.
CGU Insurance Limited v Blakeley & Ors [2016] HCA 2
The High Court of Australia has held unanimously1 that a person who commences proceedings against an insolvent company or a bankrupt individual can join that defendant’s insurer to the proceedings and seek a declaration that the insurer is liable to indemnify the defendant.
The government's proposed changes to Australia's insolvency laws as part of the NISA are: