Bankruptcy Act 1966 - Australia

Act No. 33 of 1966 as amended


Contents

Part I—Preliminary                                                                                                                1

1............ Short title [see Note 1]....................................................................... 1

2............ Commencement [see Note 1].............................................................. 1

4............ Repeal................................................................................................. 1

Part IA—Interpretation                                                                                                       2

5............ Interpretation...................................................................................... 2

5AA...... Place of origin of bankruptcy and insolvency matters..................... 16

5A......... Acting in accordance with a person’s directions or instructions...... 17

5B......... Associated entities: companies......................................................... 17

5C......... Associated entities: natural persons................................................. 18

5D......... Associated entities: partnerships..................................................... 19

5E.......... Associated entities: trusts................................................................ 19

5F.......... Controlling an entity in relation to a matter..................................... 20

5G......... Financial affairs of a company.......................................................... 21

5H......... Financial affairs of a natural person.................................................. 22

5J.......... Financial affairs of a partnership...................................................... 23

5K......... Financial affairs of a trust................................................................. 23

6............ Meaning of intent to defraud creditors............................................. 24

6A......... Statement of affairs for purposes other than Part XI....................... 24

6B......... Provision of statement of affairs under Part XI and statement of administration of estate of deceased person     25

6C......... Interpretive provisions relating to proceeds of crime orders............ 25

Part IB—Application of Act                                                                                            27

7............ Application of Act........................................................................... 27

7A......... Application of the Criminal Code.................................................... 27

8............ Act to bind the Crown...................................................................... 27

9............ Laws of States and Territories not affected by Act......................... 28

Part II—Administration                                                                                                     29

Division 1—General                                                                                                    29

10.......... Delegation by Minister or Secretary................................................ 29

11.......... Inspector‑General in Bankruptcy..................................................... 29

12.......... Functions of Inspector‑General........................................................ 30

13.......... Bankruptcy Districts........................................................................ 33

15.......... Official Receivers.............................................................................. 33

16.......... Appointment of Inspector‑General and Official Receivers.............. 33

17.......... Acting Inspector‑General and Acting Official Receivers.................. 33

17B....... Arrangements for services of State and Northern Territory Magistrates                34

18.......... The Official Trustee in Bankruptcy................................................. 34

18AA.... Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 does not apply to Official Trustee     36

18A....... Liability of the Official Trustee........................................................ 36

19.......... Duties etc. of trustee........................................................................ 37

19AA.... Power of investigation of bankrupt’s affairs.................................... 38

19A....... Liability of Inspector‑General, Official Receivers etc...................... 38

Division 2—Common Investment Fund                                                           40

20A....... Interpretation.................................................................................... 40

20B....... The Common Investment Fund........................................................ 40

20D....... Investment of money in Common Fund........................................... 41

20E........ Borrowing for the Common Fund.................................................... 42

20F........ Moneys in Common Fund not held on account of particular estates etc.               43

20G....... Common Investment Fund Equalization Account........................... 44

20H....... Credits to and debits from the Equalization Account...................... 44

20J........ Interest on moneys in Common Fund payable only in certain circumstances        45

Part III—Courts                                                                                                                     48

Division 2—Jurisdiction and powers of courts in bankruptcy              48

27.......... Bankruptcy courts............................................................................ 48

29.......... Courts to help each other................................................................. 48

30.......... General powers of Courts in bankruptcy......................................... 49

31.......... Exercise of jurisdiction...................................................................... 50

32.......... Costs................................................................................................. 51

33.......... Adjournment, amendment of process and extension and abridgment of times        51

33A....... Alteration of filing date for statement of affairs............................... 51

34.......... Orders and commissions for examination of witnesses.................... 52

34A....... Standard of proof.............................................................................. 52

35.......... Family Court’s jurisdiction in bankruptcy where trustee is a party to property settlement or spousal maintenance proceedings etc................................................................................. 52

35A....... Transfer of proceedings to Family Court......................................... 53

35B....... Family Court of Western Australia.................................................. 55

36.......... Enforcement of orders etc................................................................. 55

37.......... Power of Court to rescind orders etc................................................ 55

Part IV—Proceedings in connexion with bankruptcy                                       57

Division 1—Acts of bankruptcy                                                                            57

40.......... Acts of bankruptcy.......................................................................... 57

41.......... Bankruptcy notices.......................................................................... 61

42.......... Payment etc. of debt to Commonwealth or State after service of bankruptcy notice             63

Division 2—Creditors’ petitions                                                                          64

43.......... Jurisdiction to make sequestration orders........................................ 64

44.......... Conditions on which creditor may petition...................................... 64

45.......... Creditor’s petition against partnership............................................ 65

46.......... Petition against 2 or more joint debtors............................................ 66

47.......... Requirements as to creditor’s petition............................................. 66

49.......... Change of petitioners [see Table B]................................................. 66

50.......... Taking control of debtor’s property before sequestration [see Table B]                66

51.......... Costs of prosecuting creditor’s petition........................................... 68

52.......... Proceedings and order on creditor’s petition.................................... 68

53.......... Consolidation of proceedings........................................................... 69

54.......... Bankrupt’s statement of affairs........................................................ 69

Division 2A—Declaration of intention to present debtor’s petition 72

54A....... Presentation of declaration............................................................... 72

54B....... When debtor disqualified from presenting declaration..................... 72

54C....... Acceptance or rejection of declaration.............................................. 72

54D....... Official Receiver to give information to debtor................................ 73

54E........ Enforcement suspended during stay period..................................... 73

54F........ Duties of sheriff................................................................................ 73

54G....... Duty of court registrar...................................................................... 74

54H....... Duties of person entitled to deduct money owing to declared debtor 74

54J........ Extension of time where this Division prevents the doing of an act 75

54K....... Section 33 not to apply to this Division.......................................... 75

54L........ Secured creditor’s rights under security not affected....................... 75

Division 3—Debtors’ petitions                                                                              76

55.......... Debtor’s petition.............................................................................. 76

56A....... Persons who may present a debtor’s petition against a partnership 79

56B....... Presentation of a debtor’s petition against a partnership................. 80

56C....... Referral to the Court of a debtor’s petition against a partnership... 80

56D....... Acceptance of a debtor’s petition against a partnership by the Official Receiver  82

56E........ Effects of acceptance of a debtor’s petition against a partnership... 82

56F........ Extra duties of non‑petitioning partners who become bankrupts.... 83

56G....... Inspection of statements of affairs of partners and partnerships.... 83

57.......... Debtor’s petition by joint debtors who are not partners................. 84

57A....... Time at which person becomes bankrupt on debtor’s petition........ 88

Division 4—Effect of bankruptcy on property and proceedings          89

58.......... Vesting of property upon bankruptcy—general rule....................... 89

58A....... Vesting of property upon bankruptcy—effect of orders in force under the proceeds of crime law       90

59.......... Second or subsequent bankruptcy.................................................... 91

59A....... Orders under Part VIII of the Family Law Act 1975........................ 93

60.......... Stay of legal proceedings.................................................................. 93

61.......... Actions by bankrupt partner’s trustee............................................. 95

62.......... Actions on joint contracts................................................................ 95

63.......... Death of bankrupt............................................................................ 95

Division 5—Meetings of creditors                                                                      96

Subdivision A—Preliminary                                                                                   96

63A....... Definitions [see Table B].................................................................. 96

63B....... Trustee’s representative [see Table B]............................................. 97

Subdivision B—Convening of meetings                                                                97

64.......... Trustee to convene meetings [see Table B]...................................... 97

64A....... Persons to whom notice of meeting to be given [see Table B]......... 97

64B....... Certain matters to be included in notice of meeting [see Table B]... 98

64C....... If telephone conference facilities are available.................................. 98

64D....... Statement by creditor as to amount of debt [see Table B]............... 99

64E........ Notice about voting by proxy [see Table B].................................. 100

64F........ Notice about appointment of attorney........................................... 100

64G....... Agenda to be set out in notice of meeting [see Table B]................ 100

Subdivision C—Procedure before opening of meeting                                     101

64H....... Creditors, or proxies or attorneys, participating by telephone...... 101

64J........ Preparation of attendance record [see Table B].............................. 101

Subdivision D—Procedure at meetings                                                              102

64K....... Opening of meeting [see Table B].................................................. 102

64L........ Appointment of minutes secretary [see Table B].......................... 103

64M...... Announcement of proxies and attorneys........................................ 104

64N....... Quorum [see Table B].................................................................... 104

64P........ Election of person to preside at meeting [see Table B].................. 105

64Q....... Whether holding of meeting is convenient to majority of creditors [see Table B]   106

64R....... Tabling of bankrupt’s statement of affairs [see Table B]............... 106

64S........ Statements and questions [see Table B]......................................... 106

64T....... Motions [see Table B].................................................................... 107

64U....... Remuneration of registered trustee [see Table B]........................... 107

64V....... Appointment of committee of inspection [see Table B]................ 108

64W...... Other business [see Table B].......................................................... 108

64X....... Next meeting [see Table B]............................................................. 108

Subdivision E—Miscellaneous                                                                              109

64Y....... Adjournment of meeting [see Table B]........................................... 109

64Z....... Duties of minutes secretary [see Table B]..................................... 109

64ZA.... Entitlement to vote [see Table B]................................................... 111

64ZB..... Manner of voting [see Table B]...................................................... 112

64ZBA.. Creditors’ resolution without meeting............................................ 113

64ZC..... Appointment of proxies [see Table B]........................................... 114

64ZD.... Provisions relating to motions and amendments of motions.......... 115

64ZE..... Joint bankruptcies [see Table B].................................................... 116

64ZF..... Substantial compliance to be sufficient.......................................... 116

Division 5A—Committee of inspection                                                          117

70.......... Committee of inspection................................................................ 117

71.......... Vacation of office etc...................................................................... 118

72.......... Member of committee not to purchase part of estate.................... 118

Division 6—Composition or arrangement with creditors                     120

73.......... Composition or arrangement [see Table B].................................... 120

73A....... Trustee may require surety for cost of meeting............................. 121

73B....... Declaration of relationships by proposed trustee of composition or scheme of arrangement                121

73C....... Statement of affairs and declarations of relationships to be tabled at meeting        122

74.......... Annulment of bankruptcy [see Table B]........................................ 123

74A....... Variation of composition or scheme of arrangement...................... 124

75.......... Effect of composition or scheme of arrangement [see Table B]..... 124

76.......... Application of Part VIII to trustee of a composition or arrangement 125

76A....... Meetings of creditors...................................................................... 125

76B....... Setting aside and termination of a composition or scheme of arrangement              125

Part V—Control over person and property of debtors and bankrupts 127

Division 1—General                                                                                                  127

77.......... Duties of bankrupt as to discovery etc. of property..................... 127

77AA.... Access by Official Receiver and others to premises...................... 128

77A....... Access by trustee to books of associated entity............................ 129

77C....... Power of Official Receiver to obtain information and evidence..... 130

77D....... Allowances and expenses in respect of attendance........................ 131

77E........ Advance on account of allowances and expenses........................... 132

77F........ Allowances and expenses to be paid out of bankrupt’s estate [see Table B]          133

78.......... Arrest of debtor or bankrupt.......................................................... 133

80.......... Notification of change in name, address or day‑time telephone number 134

81.......... Discovery of bankrupt’s property etc. [see Table B].................... 134

Division 2—Offshore information notices                                                     139

81A....... Issue of notices............................................................................... 139

81B....... Extension of period of notice.......................................................... 139

81C....... Variation of notices......................................................................... 140

81D....... Withdrawal of notices..................................................................... 141

81E........ Notices may be included in same document................................... 141

81F........ Relationship between this Division and section 77C..................... 141

Division 3—Failure to comply with certain notices                                  142

81G....... Effect of non‑compliance with notice............................................. 142

Part VI—Administration of property                                                                       143

Division 1—Proof of debts                                                                                     143

82.......... Debts provable in bankruptcy [see Table B]................................. 143

83.......... Debt not to be considered proved until admitted........................... 144

84.......... Manner of proving debts................................................................ 144

85.......... Proof by employees....................................................................... 146

86.......... Mutual credit and set‑off................................................................ 147

87.......... Deduction of discounts [see Table B]............................................ 147

88.......... Apportionment to principal and interest of payments made before bankruptcy [see Table B]             147

89.......... Apportionment where security realized before or after bankruptcy 148

90.......... Proof of debt by secured creditor................................................... 148

91.......... Redemption of security by trustee etc........................................... 149

92.......... Amendment of valuation................................................................ 150

93.......... Repayment of excess...................................................................... 150

94.......... Subsequent realization of security.................................................. 150

95.......... Proof in respect of distinct contracts [see Table B]....................... 151

96.......... Proof in respect of proportionate part of periodical payment....... 151

97.......... Production of bills of exchange and promissory notes................... 151

98.......... Amendment of proof of debt.......................................................... 151

100........ Costs of proving debts etc.............................................................. 152

101........ Inspection of proofs by creditors etc............................................. 152

102........ Admission or rejection of proofs.................................................... 152

103........ Debts to be rounded down to nearest dollar................................... 153

104........ Appeal against decision of trustee in respect of proof [see Table B] 153

105........ Costs of appeal............................................................................... 154

106........ Trustee may administer oaths etc................................................... 154

107........ Creditor not to receive more than the amount of his or her debt and interest         154

Division 2—Order of payment of debts                                                          155

Subdivision A—General                                                                                         155

108........ Debts proved to rank equally except as otherwise provided......... 155

109........ Priority payments [see Table B].................................................... 155

109A..... Debts due to employees [see Table B]........................................... 159

110........ Application of estates of joint debtors [see Table B].................... 160

113........ Apprenticeship etc. claims [see Table B]....................................... 160

114........ Payment of liabilities etc. incurred under terminated deed etc. [see Table B]         161

Subdivision B—The effect of proceeds of crime orders and applications for proceeds of crime orders         161

114A..... The effect of proceeds of crime orders........................................... 161

114B..... The effect of applications for proceeds of crime orders................. 162

114C..... Director of Public Prosecutions must notify the trustee of certain matters            162

Division 3—Property available for payment of debts                              163

Subdivision A—General                                                                                         163

115........ Commencement of bankruptcy...................................................... 163

116........ Property divisible among creditors [see Table B].......................... 164

117........ Policies of insurance against liabilities to third parties [see Table B] 170

118........ Execution by creditor against property of debtor who becomes a bankrupt etc. [see Table B]              171

119........ Duties of sheriff after receiving notice of presentation of petition etc. [see Table B]             174

119A..... Duties of sheriff after receiving notice of bankruptcy etc. [see Table B]                177

120........ Undervalued transactions............................................................... 179

121........ Transfers to defeat creditors........................................................... 181

121A..... Transactions where consideration given to a third party............... 184

122........ Avoidance of preferences [see Table B]......................................... 184

123........ Protection of certain transfers of property against relation back etc. [see Table B]               187

124........ Protection of certain payments to bankrupt etc. [see Table B]..... 188

125........ Certain accounts of undischarged bankrupt [see Table B]............. 189

126........ Dealings with undischarged bankrupt in respect of after‑acquired property [see Table B]    190

127........ Limitation of time for making claims by trustee etc. [see Table B] 190

128........ Notice to trustee where identity of vendor etc. with bankrupt in doubt 191

Subdivision B—Superannuation contributions                                                 192

128A..... Simplified outline............................................................................ 192

128B..... Superannuation contributions made to defeat creditors—contributor is a person who later becomes a bankrupt 193

128C..... Superannuation contributions made to defeat creditors—contributor is a third party            194

128D..... Time for making claims by trustee................................................. 196

128N..... Definitions...................................................................................... 197

Division 4—Realization of property                                                                  198

129........ Trustee to take possession of property of bankrupt..................... 198

129AA.. Time limit for realising property.................................................... 199

129A..... Eligible judges................................................................................. 200

130........ Warrant for seizure of property connected with the bankrupt...... 200

132........ Vesting and transfer of property.................................................... 202

133........ Disclaimer of onerous property [see Table B]............................... 203

134........ Powers exercisable at discretion of trustee [see Table B]............... 206

136........ Right to pay off mortgages [see Table B]....................................... 208

137........ Right of trustee to inspect goods held as security [see Table B]... 208

138........ Limitation of trustee’s power in respect of copyright, patents etc. [see Table B] 209

139........ Protection of trustee from personal liability in certain cases [see Table B]            209

Division 4A—Orders in relation to property of entity controlled by bankrupt or from which bankrupt derived a benefit                                                                               211

139A..... Trustee may apply to Court.......................................................... 211

139B..... Application to be served on respondent entity.............................. 211

139C..... Who may appear at hearing............................................................ 211

139CA.. Definition of examinable period..................................................... 211

139D..... Order relating to property of entity other than a natural person... 212

139DA.. Order relating to property of natural person.................................. 213

139E...... Order relating to net worth of entity other than a natural person.. 214

139EA... Order relating to increase in value of property of natural person.. 215

139F...... Court to take account of interests of other persons....................... 215

139G..... Giving effect to orders under this Division.................................... 215

139H..... Entity entitled to claim in bankruptcy........................................... 216

Division 4B—Contribution by bankrupt and recovery of property  217

Subdivision A—Preliminary                                                                                 217

139J...... Objects of Division......................................................................... 217

Subdivision B—Interpretation                                                                              217

139K..... Definitions...................................................................................... 217

Subdivision C—Income                                                                                          219

139L...... Meaning of income......................................................................... 219

139M.... Derivation of income...................................................................... 221

139N..... Income varied by income tax payments and refunds and child support payments 222

Subdivision D—Liability of bankrupt to pay contributions                             223

139P...... Liability of bankrupt to pay contribution...................................... 223

139Q..... Change in liability of bankrupt....................................................... 223

139R..... Liability not affected by subsequent discharge.............................. 224

139S...... Contribution payable by bankrupt................................................. 224

139T..... Determination of higher income threshold in cases of hardship..... 224

Subdivision E—Provision of information to trustee                                          226

139U..... Bankrupt to provide evidence of income........................................ 226

139V..... Power of trustee to require bankrupt to provide additional evidence 228

Subdivision F—Assessments of income and contribution                               228

139W.... Assessment of bankrupt’s income and contribution...................... 228

139WA. No time limit on making assessment.............................................. 229

139X..... Basis of assessments...................................................................... 229

139Y..... Trustee may regard bankrupt as receiving reasonable remuneration 230

139Z..... If bankrupt claims not to be in receipt of income........................... 231

Subdivision G—Review of assessment                                                                231

139ZA.. Internal review of assessment......................................................... 231

139ZC... Inspector‑General may request further information....................... 232

139ZD.. Decision on review......................................................................... 232

139ZE... Inspector‑General to notify bankrupt and trustee of decision....... 233

139ZF... Review of assessment decisions..................................................... 234

Subdivision H—When contribution payable                                                       234

139ZG.. Payment of contribution................................................................. 234

139ZH.. If excess contribution paid.............................................................. 235

139ZI.... Notice of determinations................................................................ 235

Subdivision HA—Supervised account regime                                                   236

139ZIA. Objects............................................................................................ 236

139ZIB. Definitions...................................................................................... 236

139ZIC. Trustee may determine that the supervised account regime applies to the bankrupt             238

139ZID. Revocation of determination........................................................... 238

139ZIDAWhen determination ceases to be in force...................................... 239

139ZIE.. Bankrupt must open and maintain supervised account.................. 240

139ZIEA...................................................................... New supervised account  241

139ZIF.. Bankrupt’s monetary income to be deposited to supervised account 242

139ZIG. Trustee to supervise withdrawals from supervised account.......... 244

139ZIH. Constructive income receipt arrangements..................................... 245

139ZIHANon‑monetary income receipt arrangements................................. 247

139ZII... Cash income.................................................................................... 248

139ZIIA Keeping of books............................................................................ 249

139ZIJ.. Injunctions...................................................................................... 250

139ZIK. Interim injunctions.......................................................................... 250

139ZIL.. Discharge etc. of injunctions........................................................... 250

139ZIM Certain limits on granting injunctions not to apply........................ 251

139ZIN. Other powers of the Court unaffected........................................... 251

139ZIO. Inspector‑General may review trustee’s decision.......................... 252

139ZIP.. Inspector‑General may request further information....................... 253

139ZIR. Inspector‑General’s decision on review......................................... 253

139ZIS.. Inspector‑General to notify bankrupt and trustee of decision....... 253

139ZIT. AAT review of decisions................................................................ 254

Subdivision I—Collection of money or property by Official Receiver from person other than the bankrupt                255

139ZJ.... Definition [see Table B]................................................................. 255

139ZK.. Persons to whom Subdivision applies [see Table B]..................... 255

139ZL... Official Receiver may require persons to make payments [see Table B]                256

139ZM. Power of Court to set aside notice................................................. 257

139ZN.. Charge over property..................................................................... 258

139ZO.. Failure to comply with notice........................................................ 259

139ZP... Employer not to dismiss or injure bankrupt because of giving of notice 259

Subdivision J—Collection of money or property by Official Receiver from party to transaction that is void against the trustee                                                                                          260

139ZQ.. Official Receiver may require payment [see Table B].................... 260

139ZR... Charge over property [see Table B]............................................... 261

139ZS... Power of Court to set aside notice................................................. 262

139ZT... Failure to comply with notice........................................................ 262

Division 5—Distribution of property                                                                263

140........ Declaration and distribution of dividends....................................... 263

141........ Joint and separate dividends........................................................... 264

142........ Apportionment of expenses of administration of joint and separate estates          264

143........ Provision to be made for creditors residing at a distance etc. [see Table B]            264

144........ Right of creditor who has not proved debt before declaration of dividend              265

145........ Final dividend................................................................................. 265

146........ Distribution of dividends where bankrupt fails to file statement of affairs [see Table B]      266

147........ No action for dividend.................................................................... 266

Part VII—Discharge and annulment                                                                        267

Division 1—Preliminary                                                                                          267

148........ Misleading conduct by bankrupt.................................................... 267

Division 2—Discharge by operation of law                                                   269

Subdivision A—Discharge after certain period                                                269

149........ Automatic discharge....................................................................... 269

149A..... Bankruptcy extended when objection made................................... 270

Subdivision B—Objections                                                                                    271

149B..... Objection to discharge.................................................................... 271

149C..... Form of notice of objection............................................................ 271

149D..... Grounds of objection...................................................................... 271

149F...... Copy of notice of objection to be given to bankrupt..................... 273

149G..... Date of effect of objection.............................................................. 274

149H..... Trustee ceasing to object on some grounds.................................... 274

149J...... Withdrawal of objection................................................................. 274

Subdivision C—Review of objection                                                                     274

149K..... Internal review of objection............................................................ 274

149M.... Inspector‑General may request further information....................... 275

149N..... Decision on review......................................................................... 275

149P...... Inspector‑General to notify bankrupt and trustee of decision....... 276

149Q..... Review of decisions........................................................................ 277

Division 4—Provisions applicable to all discharges                                 278

152........ Discharged bankrupt to give assistance.......................................... 278

153........ Effect of discharge.......................................................................... 278

Division 5—Annulment of bankruptcy                                                            280

153A..... Annulment on payment of debts.................................................... 280

153B..... Annulment by Court...................................................................... 281

154........ Effect of annulment........................................................................ 281

Part VIII—Trustees                                                                                                          283

Division 1—Appointment and official name                                                  283

154A..... Application to become a registered trustee.................................... 283

155........ Processing of an application........................................................... 283

155A..... Committee’s decision on an application......................................... 284

155B..... Effect of committee’s decision....................................................... 286

155C..... Registration as a trustee.................................................................. 286

155D..... Extension of registration................................................................. 287

155E...... Application for change of conditions on practising as a registered trustee              287

155F...... Decision on application for change of conditions........................... 288

155G..... Voluntary termination of registration............................................. 288

155H..... Consideration of involuntary termination of registration............... 289

155I....... Decision on involuntary termination of registration....................... 290

155J...... After termination of registration..................................................... 291

155K..... Payment of fees etc. for application, registration and extension.... 291

156A..... Consent to act as trustee [see Table B].......................................... 291

157........ Appointment of trustees [see Table B].......................................... 293

158........ Appointment of more than one trustee etc. [see Table B]............. 294

159........ Vacancy in office of trustee [see Table B]...................................... 294

160........ Official Trustee to be trustee when no registered trustee is trustee [see Table B]  295

161........ Trustee may act in official name [see Table B].............................. 295

161A..... Registered trustee to notify Inspector‑General of certain events... 296

Division 2—Remuneration and costs                                                               297

161B..... Trustee’s remuneration—minimum entitlement [see Table B]...... 297

162........ Trustee’s remuneration—general [see Table B]............................. 297

163........ Remuneration of the Official Trustee............................................. 298

163A..... Costs and expenses of Official Receiver......................................... 298

164........ Two or more trustees acting in succession..................................... 299

165........ Trustee not to accept extra benefit etc........................................... 299

167........ Taxation of costs............................................................................ 300

Division 3—Accounts and audits                                                                        302

168........ Trustee not to pay moneys into private account........................... 302

169........ Trustee to pay moneys into bank account..................................... 302

170........ Trustee to give Official Receiver and bankrupt information etc. [see Table B]       303

171........ Trustee to give and obtain receipts................................................. 303

173........ Books to be kept by trustee [see Table B]..................................... 304

174........ Trustee’s books when trading........................................................ 304

175........ Audit of trustee’s accounts............................................................ 304

176........ Court may order trustee to make good loss caused by breach of duty 305

Division 4—Control over trustees                                                                    306

177........ Control of creditors over trustees................................................... 306

178........ Appeal to Court against trustee’s decision etc............................... 306

179........ Control of trustees by the Court.................................................... 306

Division 5—Vacation of office                                                                              307

180........ Resignation of trustee [see Table B]............................................... 307

181........ Removal of trustee [see Table B]................................................... 307

181A..... Streamlined method for replacing trustee [see Table B]................. 307

182........ Bankruptcy of trustee etc............................................................... 308

183........ Release of registered trustee by the Court...................................... 308

184........ Release of registered trustee by operation of law after 7 years...... 309

184A..... Release of the Official Trustee....................................................... 309

Part IX—Debt agreements                                                                                            311

Division 1—Definitions and procedures                                                         311

185........ Definitions...................................................................................... 311

185A..... Procedures for dealing with proposals........................................... 312

185B..... Acceptance of a proposal............................................................... 313

Division 2—Debt agreement proposals                                                          315

185C..... Giving a debt agreement proposal to the Official Receiver............ 315

185D..... Statement of affairs to be given with a debt agreement proposal... 316

185E...... Accepting a debt agreement proposal for processing..................... 317

185F...... Effect of accepting a debt agreement proposal for processing....... 318

185G..... Lapsing of a debt agreement proposal............................................ 318

Division 3—Making a debt agreement                                                           320

185H..... Making a debt agreement................................................................ 320

185I....... Parties to a debt agreement............................................................. 320

185J...... Release of debtor from debts.......................................................... 320

185K..... Prevention of proceedings relating to debts.................................... 321

185L...... Distribution of property under a debt agreement........................... 321

Division 4—Varying a debt agreement                                                           322

185M.... Varying a debt agreement................................................................ 322

Division 5—Ending a debt agreement                                                             323

185N..... End of debt agreement on discharge of obligations under agreement 323

185P...... Terminating a debt agreement by accepting a proposal.................. 323

185Q..... Terminating a debt agreement by order of the Court...................... 324

185QA.. Terminating a debt agreement by special resolution of creditors... 325

185R..... Terminating a debt agreement by the bankruptcy of the debtor.... 325

185S...... Validity of things done under a debt agreement that was terminated 326

Division 6—Voiding a debt agreement                                                           327

185T..... Applying for an order declaring a debt agreement void.................. 327

185U..... Making an order declaring a debt agreement void........................... 328

185V..... Validity of things done under a debt agreement that was declared void  328

Division 7—General provisions relating to debt agreements            329

185W.... Court directions to the Official Receiver........................................ 329

185X..... No stamp duty payable on a debt agreement................................. 329

185Y..... Delegation of powers and functions relating to processing of proposals                329

185Z..... Remuneration of registered trustees and other persons.................. 330

185ZA.. Notification of death of administrator............................................ 330

185ZB... Official Receiver to replace an administrator who dies.................. 331

185ZC... Official Receiver may appoint a new administrator....................... 331

185ZD.. Remuneration of administrator....................................................... 331

Division 8—Registration of debt agreement administrators etc.     332

Subdivision A—Introduction                                                                                 332

186A..... Basic eligibility test........................................................................ 332

Subdivision B—Registration of debt agreement administrators                   334

186B..... Application for registration as a debt agreement administrator...... 334

186C..... Inspector‑General must approve or refuse to approve registration application     334

186D..... Registration as a debt agreement administrator.............................. 336

186E...... Duration of registration as a debt agreement administrator............ 337

186F...... Conditions of registration—general................................................ 337

186G..... Condition of registration—companies............................................ 337

186H..... Application to change or remove registration conditions............... 338

Subdivision C—Surrender and cancellation of registration as a debt agreement administrator    339

186J...... Surrender of registration as a debt agreement administrator........... 339

186K..... Cancellation of an individual’s registration as a debt agreement administrator        339

186L...... Cancellation of a company’s registration as a debt agreement administrator          341

Subdivision D—Ineligibility of a person to act as a debt agreement administrator            342

186M.... Inspector‑General may declare a person ineligible to act as an administrator         342

Subdivision E—Miscellaneous                                                                              343

186N..... Return of certificate of registration................................................. 343

186P...... Cessation of registration as a debt agreement administrator—no refund of fees     345

186Q..... Guidelines relating to Inspector‑General’s powers........................ 345

Part X—Personal insolvency agreements                                                             346

Division 1—Interpretation                                                                                     346

187........ Interpretation.................................................................................. 346

187A..... Application of Part to joint debtors [see Table B]......................... 346

Division 2—Meeting of creditors and control of debtor’s property 347

188........ Debtor may authorise trustee or solicitor to be controlling trustee [see Table B]   347

188A..... Personal insolvency agreement [see Table B]................................. 349

188B..... Inspection of statement of debtor’s affairs.................................... 351

189........ Control of property of a debtor who has given authority under section 188          351

189AAA Stay of proceedings relating to creditor’s petition until meeting of debtor’s creditors           352

189AA.. Court orders with effect during period of control of debtor’s property 353

189AB.. Charge over debtor’s property that is subject to control.....................
[see Table B]................................................................................... 354

189AC.. Right of indemnity for controlling trustee...................................... 355

189A..... Report and declaration by controlling trustee................................ 356

189B..... Controlling trustee to prepare statement about possible resolutions 357

190........ Duties and powers of controlling trustee....................................... 357

190A..... Additional duties of controlling trustee.......................................... 358

191........ Payments to protect property etc.................................................. 359

192........ Changing the controlling trustee..................................................... 359

194........ Time for calling meeting.................................................................. 360

194A..... Statement of affairs and declarations of relationships to be tabled at meeting        360

195........ Debtor to attend meeting................................................................ 361

196........ Procedure for calling and holding meeting....................................... 362

204........ Resolution for personal insolvency agreement............................... 362

205........ Duties of sheriff after receiving notice of signing of authority under section 188 etc.            363

205A..... Duties of sheriff after receiving notice of execution of personal insolvency agreement etc.    366

206........ Court may adjourn hearing of petition where creditors have passed resolution for personal insolvency agreement........................................................................................................ 370

207........ Surrender of security etc. where secured creditor has voted.......... 371

208........ Termination of control of debtor’s property by the Court............ 372

209........ Acts of controlling trustee to bind trustee of subsequent personal insolvency agreement or bankruptcy              372

210........ Other provisions about controlling trustee..................................... 373

211........ Other provisions about debtor....................................................... 373

Division 3—General provisions                                                                          374

215........ Eligibility to be trustee of personal insolvency agreement............. 374

215A..... Nomination or appointment of trustee of personal insolvency agreement              374

216........ Execution of personal insolvency agreements................................ 375

217........ Failure of trustee to execute personal insolvency agreement.......... 375

218........ Notice of execution of personal insolvency agreement................... 376

219........ Trustee may sue, be sued etc. by official name.............................. 376

220........ Filling of vacancy in office of trustee after execution of personal insolvency agreement etc. 377

221........ Sequestration order where debtor fails to attend meeting, execute personal insolvency agreement etc.  378

221A..... Variation of personal insolvency agreement................................... 379

222........ Court may set aside personal insolvency agreement...................... 380

222A..... Termination of personal insolvency agreement by trustee............. 383

222B..... Termination of personal insolvency agreement by creditors.......... 384

222C..... Court may terminate personal insolvency agreement..................... 384

222D..... Termination of personal insolvency agreement by occurrence of terminating event               386

223........ Calling of meetings after the first meeting...................................... 386

223A..... Rules in relation to meetings........................................................... 386

224........ Validity of acts if personal insolvency agreement set aside or terminated              387

224A..... Notice that a personal insolvency agreement has been set aside, varied or terminated           387

225........ Evidence of personal insolvency agreement, resolution etc............ 388

226........ Creditor may inspect personal insolvency agreement etc.............. 389

227........ Stamp duty not payable on personal insolvency agreements etc. entered into under this Part              389

229........ Personal insolvency agreement to bind all creditors....................... 390

230........ Release of provable debts............................................................... 391

231........ Application of general provisions of Act to personal insolvency agreements        392

231A..... Right of debtor to remaining property........................................... 393

232........ Certificate relating to discharge of obligations................................ 394

Part XI—Administration of estates of deceased persons in bankruptcy 395

244........ Administration of estates under this Part upon petition by creditor 395

245........ Debtor dying after presentation of creditor’s petition................... 397

246........ Statement of deceased debtor’s affairs etc. by legal personal representative          398

247........ Petition for administration under this Part by person administering deceased person’s estate              398

247A..... Commencement of administration under Part................................ 399

248........ Application of Act in relation to administrations under this Part.. 400

248A..... Consolidation of proceedings......................................................... 401

249........ Vesting of property on making of order......................................... 402

249A..... Charge over property owned in joint tenancy................................ 409

250........ Effect of order under Part where deceased person was bankrupt.. 410

251........ Real property devised by will that vests directly in devisee to form part of estate in certain cases      413

252........ Liability of legal personal representative........................................ 413

252A..... Annulment on payment of debts.................................................... 414

252B..... Annulment by Court...................................................................... 415

252C..... Effect of annulment........................................................................ 415

Part XIA—Farmers’ debts assistance                                                                    417

253A..... Interpretation.................................................................................. 417

253B..... Law of State or Territory may be proclaimed................................ 417

253C..... Notice about stay under proclaimed law........................................ 418

253E...... Relevant authority may apply for stay of proceedings under certain petitions      418

253F...... Relevant authority may be heard on application relating to debtor’s petition        419

Part XII—Unclaimed dividends or moneys