Why early advice matters
Addressing financial pressure sooner gives a business more choices and a better chance of long-term success.
In difficult periods it is hard to make objective decisions. Choices made under pressure, or on poor advice, can do lasting damage. We help owners, directors and boards step back, see the position clearly and act to protect the business and themselves.
We regularly advise businesses at the end of their lifecycle, so we see where things went wrong. We use that insight to help clients avoid the same risks.
Signs it is time to talk
Creditor pressure is building, or an ATO debt is growing
You have received a statutory demand or director penalty notice
A financier is reviewing or questioning your facilities
Cash flow no longer covers debts as they fall due
How we help
Negotiating payment arrangements with creditors and the ATO
Arranging additional finance to support cash flow
Restructuring the business and retaining key employees
Risk and asset protection strategies for owners and families, put in place before they are needed
Guiding directors through formal insolvency processes where needed
Reducing directors’ personal exposure to insolvent trading claims
Doyle’s Guide 2026 — Recommended, Leading Insolvency & Restructuring Law Firms, Queensland.
Guides
Common situations we advise on
Safe harbour for directors
How directors can pursue a turnaround while protected from insolvent trading liability.
Read the guide →
Voluntary administration and restructuring
Voluntary administration, small business restructuring and liquidation compared.
Read the guide →
Director penalty notices
What to do in the 21 days after a director penalty notice, and how lockdown notices work.
Read the guide →
Personal guarantees and bankruptcy
Personal guarantees, bankruptcy notices and the alternatives to bankruptcy.
Read the guide →
Insolvent trading
Directors’ personal liability under s 588G, the defences, and responding to a liquidator’s claim.
Read the guide →
Directors’ duties and personal liability
Every route by which a director can become personally liable, and the protections available.
Read the guide →
Distressed acquisitions in Australia
Buying businesses and assets out of administration, receivership or liquidation.
Read the guide →
Overseas directors of Australian companies
Duties, personal liability and practical risks for directors based outside Australia.
Read the guide →
Cross-border insolvency
How foreign liquidators and trustees obtain recognition and relief in Australia under the Model Law.
Read the guide →
Frequently asked questions
Questions we are often asked
My company can’t pay its debts as they fall due. What should I do first?
Get advice before signing new credit or making large payments. Directors can be personally liable for debts incurred while a company is insolvent, and early advice keeps more options open — informal creditor arrangements, refinancing, a safe harbour plan, small business restructuring or voluntary administration.
What is safe harbour?
Safe harbour protects directors from personal liability for insolvent trading while they develop and take a course of action reasonably likely to lead to a better outcome than immediate administration or liquidation. It has conditions, including paying employee entitlements and keeping tax lodgements up to date, so it should be set up with advice.
I’ve received a director penalty notice from the ATO. How long do I have?
Generally 21 days. Within that time, liability can usually be remitted by paying the debt, or by appointing an administrator, a small business restructuring practitioner or a liquidator. If BAS or super guarantee statements were lodged late, it may be a ‘lockdown’ notice that an appointment cannot remit, so act immediately.
What is small business restructuring?
A formal process for eligible companies with total liabilities under $1 million. Directors stay in control while a restructuring practitioner helps prepare a plan for creditors to vote on. It is usually faster and cheaper than voluntary administration.
These answers are general information, not legal advice.
The earlier we talk, the more options you have.
Email us at [email protected], send us an enquiry online or call +61 7 3229 9800. Every enquiry is treated in confidence.