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ARTICLE · 06 JULY 2025

Once a lifeline, now a labyrinth

Worrells
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The changing landscape of SBRs, why SBR acceptance rates are decreasing.

AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law
Hayden Asper
Hayden Asper
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One shot, one chance

Businesses only get one shot at undertaking a Small Business Restructure (SBR). If that proposal is rejected by creditors, you're unable to try again for seven years. That's a long time to carry the weight of unmanageable debts.

At Worrells, we understand the stakes. That's why we're proud to share that we have done the most SBRs of any firm in Australia at 593 (between 1 July 2021 and 31 March 2025), with an SBR success rate that exceeds the industry average. However, the stark reality is that the numbers don't lie; as of January 2025, the acceptance rates of SBRs have plummeted, with approximately 20% less being accepted by creditors.

In this article, I'll explore the changing landscape of SBRs, why SBR acceptance rates are decreasing and what Worrells does differently to help clients achieve better outcomes.

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The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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