[2025] FCA 486
General information, not legal advice.
Federal Court of Australia
2025-05-01
Mr J, Wheatley J
Original judgment source is linked above.
IN THE MATTER OF HARBOUR GUIDANCE PTY LTD (ADMINISTRATORS APPOINTED) (ACN 621 504 096)
DAVID RAJ VASUDEVAN, ANDREW REGINALD YEO AND LINDSAY STEPHEN BAINBRIDGE IN THEIR CAPACITIES AS JOINT AND SEVERAL ADMINISTRATORS OF HARBOUR GUIDANCE PTY LTD (ADMINISTRATORS APPOINTED) (ACN 621 504 096)
HARBOUR GUIDANCE PTY LTD (ADMINISTRATORS APPOINTED) (ACN 621 504 096)
(a) a circular posted on any website maintained by the Administrators;
(b) sending such information electronically to the email addresses of the creditors for whom the Administrators have an email address; and
(c) sending such information to the postal address or facsimile number, or otherwise as provided for by the Act or the Insolvency Practice Rules (Corporations) 2016 (Cth), to creditors in respect of whom the Administrators do not have an email address.
(a) the Administrators to apply to the Court for any further extensions or variations of the convening period under Order 1 above any time before that time expires; and
(b) any creditor or any person who is otherwise affected by these orders who can demonstrate sufficient interest to make an application to vary or discharge these Orders no later than three business days prior to the last day of the convening period as extended by Order 1 of these orders.
Note: Entry of orders is dealt with in Rule 39.32 of the Federal Court Rules 2011.
(a) there is a proper evidentiary case for the extension; > > (b) there is no evidence of material prejudice to those affected by the moratorium during the continued period of administration; and > > (c) the length of the extension sought by the administrator is exposed as having a reasonable basis.
- the size and scope of the business: Lombe, Re Babcock & Brown Ltd (Administrators Appointed) [2009] FCA 349; Worrell; Re Storm Financial Ltd (Receivers and Managers Appointed) [2009] FCA 70; ABC Learning Centres Ltd, in the matter of ABC Learning Centres Ltd; application by Walker (No 5) [2008] FCA 1947;
- substantial offshore activities: Lehman Bros Australia Ltd [2008] NSWSC 1132;
- large number of employees with complex entitlements: Re S & D International Pty Ltd (in liq); Malhotra v Tiwari [2005] VSC 496; Re Ansett Australia & Ors (All Admin Appointed) and Korda and Anor (As Administrators) [2002] FCA 90;
- complex corporate group structure and intercompany loans: Lombe, Re Babcock & Brown Ltd (Administrators Appointed) [2009] FCA 349; Re Octaviar Limited (Administrators Appointed) (Receivers and Managers Appointed (ACN 107 863 436) [2008] QSC 272; In the matter of LED Builders Pty Ltd (Administrators Appointed); LED Builders Pty Ltd (Administrators Appointed) and Ors [2008] NSWSC 633; Hall, in the matter of Australian Capital Reserve Limited (Administrators Appointed) [2007] FCA 1328;
- complex transactions entered into by the company (e.g. securities lending or derivatives transactions): In the matter of Lift Capital Partners Ltd (Administrators Appointed) [2008] NSWSC 446;
- complex prospects of recovery proceedings: Worrel, Re Storm Financial Ltd (Receivers and Managers Appointed) [2009] FCA 70; Deputy Commissioner of Taxation v Wellnora Pty Limited [2007] FCA 1324 ;
- lack of access to corporate financial records: Sims, in the matter of Destra Corporation Ltd [2008] FCA 2002; Fincorp Group Holdings Pty Ltd & Ors [2007] NSWSC 363;
- the time needed to execute an orderly process of disposal of assets: Carter, in the matter of SFM Australasia Pty Ltd (Administrators Appointed) ACN 105 317 333 (No 2) [2009] FCA 419; ABC Learning Centres Ltd, in the matter of ABC Learning Centres Ltd; application by Walker (No 7) [2009] FCA 454;
- the time needed for thorough assessment of a proposal for a deed of company arrangement: Silvia, in the matter of Austcorp Group Ltd (Administrators Appointed) [2009] FCA 636;
- where the extension will allow sale of the business as a going concern: Lombe Re Australian Discount Retail Pty Ltd [2009] NSWSC 110; Stewart, in the matter of Kleins Franchising Pty Ltd (Administrators Appointed) (ACN 007 348 236) [2008] FCA 721; Uni-Aire Security Pty Ltd (Administrators Appointed) ACN 085 430 619, in the matter of Uni-Aire Security Pty Ltd (Administrators Appointed) ACN 085 430 619 [2006] FCA 1423;
- more generally, that additional time is likely to enhance the return for unsecured creditors: Deputy Commissioner of Taxation v Scottsdale Homes No 3 Pty Ltd (No 2) [2009] FCA 190; Fitzgerald, in the matter of Primebroker Securities Limited (Administrator Appointed) (Receivers and Managers Appointed) [2008] FCA 1247; Ex parte Vouris; in the matter of Marrickville Bowling and Recreation Club Ltd (under Administration) [2008] DCA 622.
... to provide for the business, property and affairs of an insolvent company to be administered in a way that:
(a) maximises the chances of the company, or as much as possible of its business, continuing in existence; or
(b) if it is not possible for the company or its business to continue in existence - results in a better return for the company's creditors and members than would result from an immediate winding up of the company.
Note: Schedule 2 contains additional rules about companies under external administration.
(a) the true value of the Company's assets and liabilities after the orderly winding down of its business and the sale of all of the Company's inventory and non-essential assets;
(b) any deed of company arrangement proposal that may be received; and
(c) any transactions of the Company that appear to be, in the Administrators' opinion, voidable transactions.
(1) the benefits that might be available to the creditors in a liquidation of the company;
(2) whether the administration should end; and/or
(3) whether the company should be wound up in insolvency.
I certify that the preceding forty-six (46) numbered paragraphs are a true copy of the Reasons for Judgment of the Honourable Justice Wheatley.
Farnsworth
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