Pooling orders possible in group liquidation, but under what provision?

This week's TGIF examines the recent decision of the Federal Court in Reid, in the matter of Kununurra Panel Beating Works (Holdings) Pty Ltd Ltd (in liq) [2025] FCA 593 (Kununurra). In providing a helpful summary of the principles applicable to applications for pooling orders, the Court has also indicated that the traditionally broad scope of section 90-15 of the Insolvency Practice Schedule (Corporations) (IPSC) is not without its limitations.

Key takeaways

• Pooling orders are a handy tool available to liquidators appointed to multiple companies, allowing them to circumvent unnecessary and costly investigation into intercompany affairs and maximise payment to creditors of the companies as a whole.