Author: Una Ebsworth
Practice area: fraud offences
Una is a Director at Doogue + George, recognised by Doyle's Guide as a Preeminent Criminal Defence Lawyer in Victoria (2026) and an LIV Accredited Criminal Law Specialist since 2014 with over 15 years of experience in serious indictable matters. Her depth of experience in this area means clients receive accurate, considered advice.
View full profile →Una authored this content and last revised it for accuracy on 6 August 2026.
What is the offence of Incurring of Certain Debts?
Incurring of Certain Debts is an offence under section 592 of the Corporations Act 2001 that applies to company conduct occurring before 23 June 1993. It concerns the incurring of company debts in circumstances involving financial incapacity, giving rise to criminal responsibility where specific legal criteria are met.
Key points
- What must be proved: A company incurred a debt before 23 June 1993 while unable to pay its existing debts.
- Nature of conduct: Incurring company debts during a period of insolvency.
- Usual court: Magistrates’ Court.
Common defences may include: The debt was incurred without express or implied authority, or there was no reason to expect the company could not pay its debts when due.
Have you been accused of Incurring of Certain Debts; Fraudulent Conduct?
Interview
Do not answer any of the investigator’s questions without first calling us to seek some initial advice about how to conduct yourself during the interview. A number of complicated questions may be put to you from an officer trained in interrogation. They are seeking to elicit information that strengthens their case. They are not searching for the truth. A time will come later where you can explain your version of events or raise a defence against any charges filed. The interview is not the forum for advocating for charges to be dropped or for charges not to be filed.
Pleading Not Guilty
Not every allegation is true and charges are often laid against innocent parties. It is not a simple process to contest a complex financial charge such as this. You may have defences available to you such as that it was believed the company could have paid the debts once they were due or the debt was incurred without your express or implied consent. Our lawyers are experts in all areas of criminal law and have the expertise that will ensure you the best chance of successfully defending the charges levelled against you.
Pleading Guilty
You want to receive the fairest possible financial penalty if you plead guilty to a charge of incurring of certain debts; fraudulent conduct. Our lawyers make pleas in mitigation to the Court every day. It is important to tell the Court your explanation that puts the offending in context and details your other achievements or positive characteristics. Our lawyers are experienced in persuading the Court and know what does and does not work in Court. We want the Court to know WHO they are sentencing not just What they have done.
Examples of Incurring of Certain Debts
- On 03 January 1992, directors of a company borrow $1 million from a bank, knowing they will not be able to pay the amount back.
Defences
- The debt was incurred without your express or implied authority or consent.
- At the time when the debt was incurred, you did not have a reason to expect the company would not be able to pay all its debts.
There are other possible defences, depending on the circumstances surrounding the alleged offending. Each matter is unique and requires an individual approach and strategy.
Questions in cases like this
- When was the debt incurred?
- Did you know about the debt?
- Did you authorise the debt?
- Did you have any reason to think the company could not pay the debt or other debts?
Court that deals with this charge
The charge of Incurring of Certain Debts (s592 of the Corporations Act 2001) would likely be heard in the Magistrates’ Court.
Legislation
The section that covers this offence is section 592 of the Corporations Act 2001.
What is the legal definition of Incurring of Certain Debts?
The Prosecution must show that the company incurred the debt, that the debt was incurred before the 23rd of June 1993 and at the time of incurring the debt it was known by the directors of that company that the company could not pay existing debts.
Was the debt incurred before 23 June 1993?
