Voluntary administration is not always bad—it depends on the business’s condition and outcome. It can provide time to restructure, negotiate with creditors, and continue trading. However, if the business is no longer viable, it may lead to liquidation, loss of control for directors, job losses, and reduced returns for creditors.
On This Page
- Introduction
- When it can help
- When it doesn’t help
- How to Understand if Voluntary Administration is Bad
- Important Points to Remember
- Next Steps
- FAQs
Introduction
Voluntary administration is often seen as a sign that a business has failed. For directors, employees, and creditors, it can feel like the beginning of the end.
But that isn’t always the case. In some situations, voluntary administration can stabilise a business, protect it from immediate creditor action, and create a pathway to recovery. In others, it confirms that the business can no longer continue.
This blog explains when voluntary administration is a constructive step, when it leads to negative outcomes, and how to assess what it means in your specific situation.
When it can help
It can help if the business still has a realistic chance of continuing, whether that’s by restructuring debts, cutting costs, or reaching an agreement with creditors.
It may allow:
- Time to deal with debts without immediate creditor action
- The business to keep operating during the process
- An agreement with creditors (DOCA) to repay part or all of what’s owed
- Directors to step back while an independent administrator reviews options
When it doesn’t help
If the business cannot continue, voluntary administration won’t bring positive results. It can lead to:
- Loss of control for directors
- Liquidation of the business
- Job losses
- Creditors receiving less than they’re owed
How to Understand if Voluntary Administration is Bad
| Factor | When It’s Not a Bad Outcome | When It’s Likely a Bad Outcome |
| Timing of Appointment | Business still has cash flow and is operating | Business has run out of money or assets |
| Core Business Strength | Still making sales and delivering value | Product/service no longer working or relevant |
| Creditor Support | Creditors open to a deal (DOCA) | Creditors prefer immediate recovery |
| Customer Impact | Customers continue buying; contracts remain stable | Contracts terminate; customers drop off |
| Cost vs Benefit | Debt reduction is more than admin costs | Costs are more than any financial benefit |
Important Points to Remember
- Employees are prioritised for unpaid wages, super, and leave. If the company can’t pay, the government’s Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG) may cover some of these—but only if the business ends up in liquidation.
- Usually held within 20–30 business days, the creditors’ meeting is where creditors decide what happens. They vote on the future of the company—whether to accept a DOCA, hand back control, or wind up.
- If directors have personally guaranteed debts (like leases or loans), those obligations still exist. Creditors usually can’t act during administration, but they can once it ends.
- Even with protections in place, some suppliers may only continue working with the business if they’re paid upfront (COD). This can put pressure on cash flow.
- If the ATO has issued a Director Penalty Notice (DPN) for unpaid PAYG or super, appointing an administrator within the required timeframe can sometimes reduce or remove personal liability.
- The appointment is listed on the ASIC insolvency notices website. This stays on record and can affect a director’s ability to get finance or credit later.
- Laws now stop many contracts from being terminated just because a company enters administration. This helps the business keep operating while options are explored.
- The administrator must review past transactions and report any issues—like unfair payments or illegal phoenix activity—to ASIC.
- For a decision to pass at a creditors’ meeting, it needs approval from both a majority of creditors by number and a majority by total debt value.
- Shares are usually frozen during administration. Shareholders only receive anything if all creditors are fully paid, which is uncommon.
Next Steps
Understanding whether voluntary administration is “bad” depends on your position and what stage the process is at. The next step is to:
- Confirm when the company entered voluntary administration.
- Identify who the appointed administrator is.
- Review whether the business is still operating and generating income.
- Check if a DOCA is being proposed.
- Understand what the proposed outcome means for you.
- Monitor creditor meeting dates and outcomes.
- Check what payments have been made (and what hasn’t).
- Lodge a Proof of Debt (POD) if required.
- Keep all documentation organised.
- Follow updates from the administrator.
- Seek legal advice if your position is unclear.
Acting early helps you understand where you stand and reduces the risk of missed deadlines or unfavourable outcomes.
At Halo Advisory, we work for you — the director. Financial expert Greg Bartels offers a no-obligation, confidential conversation to help you understand where you stand, what risks exist, and what options are realistically available before deadlines reduce control. Get in touch today.
FAQs
Can landlords terminate a lease during voluntary administration?
No, a landlord cannot terminate a lease solely because the company has entered voluntary administration.
However, they may take action if lease terms are breached—such as non-payment of rent or other defaults. It’s important to monitor lease obligations closely during this period.
Can the administrator sell the business?
Yes. Administrators can sell part or all of the business if it provides a better outcome for creditors.
This may involve selling assets individually or selling the business as a going concern, depending on what maximises value.
Do employees get paid during voluntary administration?
If the business continues trading, employees are usually paid for work performed during the administration.
Unpaid wages, leave, and other entitlements from before the appointment become priority claims. If the company cannot pay, employees may need to rely on the Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG), subject to eligibility.
Can directors be removed permanently after voluntary administration?
No, directors can regain control if the company exits administration, unless other legal action is taken.
Can employees lose their jobs during voluntary administration?
Yes. Roles may be terminated if the business restructures, downsizes, or shuts down.
While some employees may remain if the business continues trading or is sold, others may be made redundant depending on operational needs and financial viability.
Will voluntary administration affect my credit or future business opportunities?
Yes, it can. The appointment is recorded on public registers (such as ASIC insolvency notices), which may affect access to credit, finance, or supplier terms in the future. The impact depends on the outcome and the director’s ongoing business activities.
