Canberra city skyline representing small business restructuring in the ACT

ACT — 1.8% of All SBR Appointments

Small Business Restructuring in the Australian Capital Territory — SBR for Canberra & Queanbeyan

Q: How many SBR appointments have been made in the ACT?

The ACT has recorded 111 SBR appointments, representing 1.8% of all national appointments. As a compact territory, virtually all appointments are within the Canberra metropolitan area.

Q: Does SBR affect my ACT trade licence?

SBR does not automatically cancel trade licences in the ACT. However, Access Canberra may review your licence depending on the circumstances. Discuss licensing implications with your practitioner before proceeding.

Q: Can I include ACT payroll tax debts in an SBR plan?

Yes. Outstanding payroll tax owed to the ACT Revenue Office is an eligible unsecured debt that can be included in an SBR restructuring plan, provided the overall debt remains under $1 million.

Q: Will SBR affect my government contracts in the ACT?

SBR may impact your eligibility for government procurement panels. Some Commonwealth and ACT Government contracts require disclosure of restructuring or insolvency events. Check your contract terms and discuss with your practitioner before proceeding.

Q: How do I find an SBR practitioner in Canberra?

Search the ASIC registered liquidator directory for practitioners based in the ACT. Some practitioners based in Sydney or regional NSW also service Canberra. Request scoping calls from at least two practitioners to compare approach and fees.

The ACT has recorded 111 SBR appointments — 1.8% of the national total. Canberra's professional services and government contractor businesses are using SBR to restructure debt and keep trading.

TL;DR

→ ACT SBR volume — 111 appointments representing 1.8% of the national total of 3,388 (ASIC Report 810, June 2025); SBR operates under Part 5.3B of the Corporations Act 2001 for companies with under $1 million in liabilities
→ Area breakdown — Canberra CBD & Civic 28 appointments (25.2%), Belconnen & Gungahlin 24 (21.6%), Woden & Tuggeranong 22 (19.8%), Fyshwick & Kingston 19 (17.1%), Queanbeyan Region 18 (16.2%)
→ Top industries — professional services 31% (consulting, IT, advisory — reflecting Canberra's government-adjacent economy), construction 22%, hospitality & food services 14%
→ ACT licensing & government contracts — Access Canberra manages trade licensing (SBR does not automatically cancel licences but may trigger review); government contractor businesses should assess procurement panel eligibility as some Commonwealth and ACT contracts require disclosure of restructuring events
→ Territory tax obligations — ACT Revenue Office payroll tax (threshold $2M in wages) is an eligible SBR debt; land tax, rates, and other ACT Revenue Office debts may also be included; WorkSafe ACT obligations continue during restructuring
→ Outcomes & director control — plan approval rate 87%, 93% of companies remain trading post-SBR; unlike liquidation, directors retain control throughout the process
→ Practitioner fees & DPN risk — median practitioner fee $16,137, median plan fee $6,739; directors face personal liability via Director Penalty Notices from the ATO for unpaid PAYG withholding, superannuation guarantee, and GST — SBR can resolve these debts before a DPN becomes lockdown

ACT SBR Data

ACT Small Business Restructuring Statistics — 111 SBR Appointments

The Australian Capital Territory accounts for 1.8% of all Small Business Restructuring appointments nationally, with professional services leading the way.

ACT Business Context

ACT businesses often need a restructuring plan that fits government-linked revenue, service contracts, and disciplined cash flow timing

In Canberra, many businesses operate in professional services, construction, and supplier ecosystems tied to government or institutional work. SBR can create breathing room before tax pressure or creditor action starts disrupting those relationships.

Professional services dominate ACT volume

Consulting, advisory, and IT firms make up the largest share of ACT appointments, reflecting Canberra's services-led economy.

Government contract settings matter

Businesses on procurement panels or public-sector contracts should check disclosure and continuity implications early.

Territory obligations still need managing

Access Canberra licensing, payroll tax, and WorkSafe obligations continue while the restructuring plan is being developed.

Canberra business owners reviewing restructuring plans and contract cash flow

111

Total ACT Appointments

Since SBR inception

1.8%

National Share

Seventh by volume

31%

Professional Services

Dominant ACT industry

Metro Hotspots

SBR Hotspots in Canberra — Where ACT Businesses Are Restructuring

SBR appointments are spread across Canberra's town centres, with some cross-border activity from Queanbeyan.

Area	Appointments	Share of ACT Total
Canberra CBD & Civic	28	25.2%
Belconnen & Gungahlin	24	21.6%
Woden & Tuggeranong	22	19.8%
Fyshwick & Kingston	19	17.1%
Queanbeyan Region (NSW border)	18	16.2%

Note: Figures represent top areas. Queanbeyan region figures include NSW border businesses serviced by ACT practitioners.

Territory Considerations

ACT Regulatory Considerations — Access Canberra, Payroll Tax & Government Contracts

Government contracting, territory licensing, and payroll tax create unique factors for ACT businesses entering SBR.

ACT Licensing & Registrations

Builders, electricians, and other licensed trades should check whether SBR triggers any notification or review obligations under Access Canberra licensing requirements.

Payroll Tax Thresholds

ACT payroll tax applies above $2M in wages. Outstanding payroll tax is an eligible SBR debt and can be included in a restructuring plan.

ACT Revenue Office Debts

Land tax, rates, and other ACT Revenue Office debts may be included in an SBR plan depending on the specific circumstances of the liability.

Government Contractor Businesses

Many ACT small businesses rely on government contracts. SBR may affect pre-qualification for government procurement panels, so businesses should assess contract implications before proceeding.

ACT Regulator References

Always confirm current requirements directly with the relevant regulator before proceeding with SBR.

Access Canberra ACT Revenue Office WorkSafe ACT

Industry Breakdown

Top ACT Industries Using Small Business Restructuring — Professional Services, Construction & Hospitality

Professional services leads, followed by construction and hospitality.

31% of ACT appointments

Professional Services

Consulting, IT, and advisory firms dominate ACT SBR appointments, reflecting Canberra's government-adjacent services economy.

22% of ACT appointments

Construction

Building and trades feature prominently as Canberra's residential and commercial construction sector faces project cash flow pressures.

14% of ACT appointments

Hospitality & Food Services

Canberra's restaurant and cafe sector has experienced financial pressure from rising costs and changing dining patterns.

View all industries using SBR

Find a Practitioner

How to Find an SBR Restructuring Practitioner in Canberra & the ACT

Follow these steps to identify and engage a registered restructuring practitioner in the Australian Capital Territory.

Confirm your total debt is under $1 million (excluding employee entitlements).
Ensure all employee entitlements (wages, super, leave) are current.
Gather BAS lodgement history, creditor aging reports, and recent financials.
Search the ASIC registered liquidator directory for ACT-based practitioners.
Request scoping calls from at least two practitioners to compare approach and fees.
Ask specifically about their experience with government contracts and ACT licensing requirements.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions — Small Business Restructuring in the ACT

How many SBR appointments have been made in the ACT?

Does SBR affect my ACT trade licence?

Can I include ACT payroll tax debts in an SBR plan?

Will SBR affect my government contracts in the ACT?

How do I find an SBR practitioner in Canberra?

View all FAQs

ACT business owner checking eligibility for small business restructuring

ACT Eligibility Check

Check Whether Your ACT Business Is Eligible for Small Business Restructuring

Check eligibility now so creditor pressure can be managed before it affects service delivery, licensing, government contract positioning, or your next restructuring option.

Check Your Eligibility