A new wave of insolvencies could emerge within the Australian economy as an increasing number of small businesses around the country are unable to pay their invoices on time.
According to CreditorWatch’s latest business risk report, payment defaults had risen by 53 percent in August compared to the same time last year.
The credit reporting agency said the increase was a sign of financial stress as businesses were impacted by ballooning inflation, interest rate hikes, labour shortages and supply chain disruptions.
Among the industries, food and beverage companies reported the highest rise in payment defaults at 7.2 percent, followed by those in the arts and recreation sector at 4.68 percent and the education and training sector at 4.63 percent….