The long-standing uncertainty about the availability of statutory set-off to unfair preference claims has finally been determined by the High Court.  The Court in Metal Manufactures Pty Ltd v Morton unanimously found that section 553C set-off is not available to creditors that are found to have received an unfair preference. 

The decision provides much need certainty to liquidators and creditors alike.

The Case

Statutory demands and bankruptcy notices are powerful tools used by businesses seeking payment. For 6 months they will be much weaker. What options remain?

The Government has announced proposed changes to personal and corporate insolvency laws to provide temporary relief to debtors in connection with compulsory insolvency processes.

Changes to statutory demands and bankruptcy notices

A recent NSW Court of Appeal decision has re-enlivened the possibility of insolvent construction companies successfully recovering debts via the Security of Payment legislation. Insolvency practitioners appointed to construction companies should seek advice promptly following their appointment.

On 12 February 2019, the New South Wales Court of Appeal handed down its decision in Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Ltd v Ostwald Bros Pty Ltd (in liquidation) [2019] NSWCA 11.

The Victorian Court of Appeal delivered judgment in Re Amerind today and held that the priority regime in the Corporations Act applies to insolvent corporate trustees.

In an important decision for insolvency practitioners, the Victorian Court of Appeal today delivered judgment in Commonwealth of Australia v Byrnes and Hewitt in their capacity as joint and several receivers and managers of Amerind Pty Ltd (Receivers and Managers Appointed) (in liq) & Ors [2018] VSCA 41.

From 1 July 2018, new laws will commence which stay the enforcement of ipso facto clauses that are triggered by certain insolvency events.

What are ipso facto clauses?

An ipso facto clause in a contract allows one party to terminate or modify the operation of a contract upon the occurrence of a specific event. Many commercial contracts contain such clauses which operate to allow one party to terminate a contract only due to the commencement of formal insolvency proceedings.

A recent decision of the Full Court of the Federal Court has considered whether certain types of third party payments to a creditor fall outside the preference provisions.

Australia is on the cusp of implementing various changes to the Bankruptcy Act 2001 (Cth) that will likely increase the number of people voluntarily entering into personal bankruptcy.

The Bankruptcy Amendments (Enterprise Incentives) Bill 2017 was introduced in the Senate on 19 October 2017. The Bill follows from reforms proposed in the National Innovation and Science Agenda (from which the ‘Safe Harbour’ Reforms also originated).[1]

Significant reforms to Australia’s insolvency law introducing a “safe harbour” for directors who suspect their company may become or be insolvent have now commenced.

The Corporations Act imposes a duty on company directors to prevent a company from trading whilst insolvent. A director of a company can be personally liable for any debts incurred by a company trading whilst insolvent and might also have civil or criminal penalties imposed against them.