Government response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
On 24 March 2020, the Australian Government made temporary changes to bankruptcy laws as a part of its economic response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The changes will help Australians facing financial distress by reducing the threat of individuals being forced into chapter 11 during these difficult times.
The temporary changes increase the:
- level of debt required before a creditor can make someone bankrupt- external site from $5000 to $20,000
- timeframe for a debtor to reply to a Bankruptcy Notice- external site from 21 days to 6 months
- temporary debt protection- external site period from 21 days to six months.
These changes are limited to six months to make sure they respond appropriately and proportionately to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
More Information
Get more information about the Australian Government's economic response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on The Treasury website
Australian Financial Security Authority
The administration and regulation of Australia's bankruptcy system is that the responsibility of the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA).
The AFSA website has further information about bankruptcy, including:
- what to try to to about unmanageable personal debts
- what to try to to if you're owed money by an individual
- how to be a trustee or administrator
- complaints processes
- personal insolvency within the context of Coronavirus.
