AIIP Conference will focus on red hot market

ADVERTORIAL

After dominating conference agendas in recent years law reform’s taking a back seat at the next conference of the Association of Independent Insolvency Practitioners (AIIP) with organisers turning their attention to what keeps practitioners awake when the market’s running hot.

Staff retention, time pressures, practitioner health, both mental and otherwise. These issues are looming large for practitioners as appointment numbers multiply courtesy of inflation, higher interest rates, labour and materials shortages and a tax office which after slumbering through the COVID slowdown has returned to the debt recovery fray with inquisitorial zeal.

Scheduled for Thursday July 24 and Friday July 25, the annual AIIP event will bring together practitioners, regulators and expert commentators explore the issues and examine proposed solutions, opening on the Thursday morning with two workshops, the first of which will canvas insights into one of the hottest topics in the current environment.

Day 1, Thursday July 24

The SBR Regime

If growth in uptake is the sole criteria for success then Small Business Restructurings (SBRs), introduced by the former Coalition Government in January 1, 2021, have been a triumph.

At the AIIP conference last year ASIC Commissioner Kate O’Rourke told delegates that SBR appointments in FY 20224/2024 were up 200 per cent on the previous corresponding period.

With no sense that the queue to the SBR party is shortening this year’s conference workshop will focus on experience gleaned and potential pitfalls including traps for new players given the absence of case law around this new legislation.

There SBR discussion panel will include practitioners and short term funders attracted by the SBR Regime’s capacity to facilitate attractive debt compromises.

Media and Crisis Management

With insolvency appointment rates continuing to rise the potential for practitioners to become the focus of media scrutiny increases. This workshop will provide invaluable guidance for practitioners on how to respond when the media jams its foot in your office door.

Economic Update

Next up on Thursday will be an update on the economy presented bye the ever popular Ben Forrester of Macquarie Bank, who’ll discuss macro trends with a focus on interest rates, the global situation post the election of Donald Trump in the USA and the results Australia’s federal election tomorrow.

Day 2 – Friday July 25

Practitioner Health (and Sanity) – Keynote Speaker Dr Norman Swan

The prominent journalist, Gold Walkley Aware winner and health commentator will take to the stage on Friday morning to deliver the conference’s keynote address. Expect advice on managing the unique stressors insolvency practitioners are experiencing as work volumes swell.

Panel – Pressures of Work

After an exodus of staff during the COVID period slowdown, insolvency firm owners are now poaching with abandon, and being poached with equal enthusiasm as competition for qualified staff heats up. This panel will discuss coping mechanisms and how the problem;ems can be alleviated.

Regulator Updates – ASIC and AFSA, ATO and FEG

Panel – Construction – The NSW Building Commissioner will be appear to join a panel aimed at helping practitioners identify where liabilities will fall and will be joined by a Ray White representative to discuss issues around availability of land. Also on hand will be a former CEO of the Master Builder’s Association. 

Panel – Retail and Hospitality – Another general discussion in respect of an under pressure sector. Panellists will include a representative from the Retail Association; a representative from COSBOA; and a another guest speaker who’ll talk about whether franchising is a growing or dying industry.

Latest Legal Cases

The conference will wrap up Friday afternoon with an update on the latest legal cases of relevance.

To Book: https://aiip.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/AIIP-conference-program-Finalv4-1.pdf