By Aravanis
Bankruptcies in Australia increased by 9.6% in the June quarter 2026 compared with the June quarter 2025, according to the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA). Total personal insolvencies increased by 13.1% over the same period. These percentages measure different categories: the total personal insolvency figure includes bankruptcy and other insolvency arrangements. Source: AFSA
Updated: 28 October 2026.
What are the recent Australian bankruptcy statistics?
AFSA’s official June quarter 2026 release reported:
| Measure | Result |
|---|---|
| Change in bankruptcies compared with the June quarter 2025 | Up 9.6% |
| Total new personal insolvencies | 3,596 |
| Total new personal insolvencies in the June quarter 2025 | 3,179 |
| Change in total personal insolvencies | Up 13.1% |
Bankruptcy was the most common form of personal insolvency in all states and territories except Western Australia and the Northern Territory, where debt agreements were more common. Source: AFSA’s June quarter 2026 release
Is personal insolvency the same as bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy is one type of personal insolvency. AFSA’s total personal insolvency statistics also include debt agreements, personal insolvency agreements and insolvent deceased estates.
This means the 3,596 new personal insolvencies recorded in the June quarter 2026 should not be described as 3,596 bankruptcies. Source: AFSA’s quarterly statistics
What do AFSA’s bankruptcy statistics count?
AFSA counts people entering bankruptcy through a debtor’s petition or a sequestration order. Its statistics are reported on a debtor basis, meaning they count individuals.
The quarterly figures measure people entering bankruptcy during that period. They do not represent everyone who remains bankrupt in Australia. Source: AFSA’s statistical technical notes
Are more recent AFSA figures available?
As at 28 October 2026, AFSA’s monthly statistics page covers August 2026, while its official quarterly statistics page covers the June quarter 2026.
Monthly statistics provide a more recent snapshot, but they are provisional and may change. AFSA’s official quarterly statistics are generally revised only if an error is identified. Monthly and quarterly figures may therefore differ when published. Sources: AFSA’s monthly statistics and quarterly statistics
What does the increase in bankruptcies mean?
The June quarter figures show that more people entered bankruptcy than in the same quarter a year earlier. This comparison alone does not establish the reasons behind each bankruptcy or predict future bankruptcy numbers.
For someone experiencing financial difficulty, national statistics provide context. Understanding how bankruptcy could affect their own circumstances requires an individual assessment.
Call Aravanis for more information about bankruptcy
For more information about bankruptcy in Australia, call Aravanis on 1300 369 108. Speak with a consultant about the bankruptcy process and your circumstances. Contact Aravanis.