Australis Scaffolding Pty Ltd directors may have failed to prevent insolvent trading

A Sunshine Coast scaffolding company, with more than $2m in debts, has revealed what is next as the administrator claims the directors may have failed to prevent the business from insolvently trading.

Australis Scaffolding Pty Ltd enters voluntary administration.

A Sunshine Coast scaffolding company, with $2m in debts, will not resume operations as the administrator revealed the directors may have failed to prevent the business from insolvently trading.

Administration of the scaffolding hire and labour business, Australis Scaffolding Pty Ltd, began in August this year with the appointment of administrator Nick Combis.

Earlier this month, Mr Combis released his latest report to creditors, which revealed possible failures to prevent insolvent trading relating to the company’s three directors, Kevin Joseph Lee, Scott Peter Jury and Luke Harper-Green.

“I have identified that the company may have traded whilst insolvent from 1 July 2023,” Mr Combis stated.

“I have estimated that the quantum of liabilities incurred from this time that remain outstanding at the date of my appointment is approximately $613,390.”

Australis Scaffolding director Kevin Joseph Lee.

The latest figures in the report show the company currently owes the Australian Taxation Office $597,707 along with $841,809 to the related entity, Australis Safety Rail Pty Ltd.

One of the company’s directors, Mr Lee, is also owed $57,692.

Scott Jury of Australis Construction Pty Ltd.

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia is also listed as a secured creditor for a total of $487,125 in debts.

In the report, Mr Combis said poor economic conditions contributed to the administration of the scaffolding company, which operated from a site in Chevallum.

“The directors cited poor economic conditions and trading losses as the reasons for the company’s insolvency,” the report stated.

“Based on investigations to date I concur with this statement. The directors have advised that the company will not trade again as they are looking to exit the scaffolding industry, however wish to resolve the affairs of the company and maximise the return to creditors of the company.”

Mr Jury’s second company, Australis Construction Pty Ltd, was placed into liquidation with a seven-figure debt in September this year.

Mr Combis is also expected to complete the construction company’s winding up, involving a debt of nearly $7m.

Mr Lee and Mr Jury have both been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Australis Scaffolding Pty Ltd directors may have failed to prevent insolvent trading