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MembersVoluntary administration is a formal insolvency process where an independent administrator takes temporary control of an insolvent company to assess its future. It gives directors protected company breathing space while an expert reviews the company's affairs and overall financial circumstances.
During this period:
Voluntary administration typically occurs when a business experiences sustained financial difficulty and cannot meet obligations when due.
Common triggers include:
Directors often act when they suspect the company may already be insolvent. Early entry improves survival prospects and reduces exposure to insolvent trading claims.
Contact us
ASAP
Appointment of administrator
Day 0
First creditors meeting
Within 8 business days
Investigation
Approx 3-4 weeks
Second creditors meeting
25–30 business days
We focus on practical outcomes and director protection.
Our role is to preserve value wherever possible and guide directors through uncertainty.
Winding up your insolvent company for good? Liquidation is a formal process that ensures remaining assets are fairly distributed to creditors. Our experts guide you through every step, providing clear advice and support to help you exit with confidence and compliance.
In a CVL, our ASIC-registered liquidators manage the formalities - from convening shareholders to placing the company into liquidation - making the process smoother and less stressful at every stage.
Eliminate communication hurdles when dissolving a company through MVL. Allow us to assist by conducting a review, liquidating your company and distributing assets to the relevant parties.
Worried your business may not stay afloat? Voluntary Administration gives you the breathing room to restructure, continue trading, and work towards profitability - while ensuring fair distribution to creditors.
Want to manage debt while retaining control of your business? If your company owes less than $1 million, a Small Business Restructure offers a faster, more cost-effective solution.
Safe Harbour protects directors from insolvent trading claims when following a formal restructuring plan. We act as your restructuring partner, developing a clear strategy to stabilise & strengthen your business.
We bring extensive experience in Receivership appointments and acting as agents for Mortgagees. If you're a funder, secured creditor, or adviser to a financial institution, we’re here to support you.
Early advice creates more options. Contact Mackay Goodwin to understand whether voluntary administration is the right step for your situation.
A voluntary administrator is an independent insolvency practitioner appointed to investigate the company and recommend the best outcome.
A director’s role includes:
Voluntary Administration typically runs for about 25–30 business days from the appointment of the administrator to the second creditors’ meeting where the company’s future is decided.
If a DOCA is approved, the administration phase ends but the repayment arrangement can continue for months or years depending on the agreed terms.
The three most likely outcomes of voluntary administration are:
Outcome 1: DOCA Approved
Outcome 2: Liquidation
Outcome 3: Return to Directors
A DOCA (Deed of Company Arrangement) is an agreement between the company and its creditors to relieve the company debts. The agreement binds all creditors, with terms and conditions of repayments ensuring they are appropriate to the company’s financial status.
A DOCA provides the company with the opportunity to continue to trade, provide return for creditors as well as making ongoing contributions. After approval, a deed administrator's ongoing role supervises compliance while the business continues trading.
Administration seeks recovery or compromise, while liquidation finalises closure and distributes company assets.
Explore key differences with our voluntary administration vs liquidation comparison table.
| Voluntary Administration | Liquidation | |
| Purpose | Assess whether the business can be saved | Wind up and close the company |
| Goal | Restructure or reach agreement with creditors | Sell assets and repay creditors |
| Control of company | Administrator temporarily takes control | Liquidator permanently takes control |
| Business trading | May continue trading during process | Usually stops trading |
| Outcome | Return to directors, DOCA, or liquidation | Company deregistered after completion |
| Impact on creditors | Potentially higher return if business survives | Paid from asset sales only |
| Directors’ involvement | Possible to regain control | Control ends permanently |
| Company future | Opportunity to survive | Company ceases to exist |
At Mackay Goodwin, we have a nationwide team ready to assist you. Our team of qualified professionals, including ASIC-Registered Liquidators are experts at finding solutions for people facing financial difficulties. Located across all major Australian cities, we’re ready to help you in any situation.
Edwin is a valuable member of the senior Mackay Goodwin team, with a huge amount of expertise and experience in running a range of different Deed of Company Arrangement proposals, for Administrations across a diverse range of industry sectors, and in all states across Australia.
Mitchell has 20 years’ experience in corporate insolvency and restructure. Mitchell is a Registered Liquidator having working on many types of corporate appointments. He has managed complex liquidations and voluntary administrations in numerous industries with expertise in property, finance, manufacturing, IT and building and constructions. Mitchell brings value to appointments from start to finish, from marketing and having initial contact with clients to achieving exceptional outcomes.
Gavin King is a seasoned business advisor and insolvency expert with extensive experience in corporate restructuring and turnaround management. Over the course of his career, Gavin has helped numerous businesses navigate complex financial challenges, providing tailored solutions that maximise stakeholder value. Specialising in insolvency administration, he brings a hands-on approach to managing voluntary administrations, liquidations, and corporate workouts. With a proven track record of leading successful recovery processes, Gavin leverages his deep industry knowledge to guide businesses through periods of distress, ensuring they emerge stronger and more resilient.
Speak to one of our experts now for a free consultation. Enter your details below or call 02 8001 6520.