Rasmussen and Inspector-General in Bankruptcy

The dispute in *Rasmussen and Inspector-General in Bankruptcy* concerned an application by Mr Rasmussen for an order under s 153A of the *Bankruptcy Act 1966* (Cth) to extend the period of his bankruptcy. The Inspector-General in Bankruptcy opposed the application. The matter came before Deputy S A Forgie P of the Federal Court of Australia.

The primary legal issue before the Court was whether Mr Rasmussen had established sufficient grounds to warrant an extension of his bankruptcy period under s 153A of the *Bankruptcy Act*. This section allows for an extension where a bankrupt has failed to comply with their obligations under the Act, and the Court must be satisfied that it is just and equitable to grant the extension.

Deputy S A Forgie P considered the evidence of Mr Rasmussen's non-compliance with his obligations, including his failure to provide information and attend examinations. The Court applied the principles established in cases concerning s 153A, which require a balancing of the interests of the bankrupt against the public interest in the proper administration of the bankruptcy system. The Court noted that a failure to comply with obligations is a serious matter and that extensions are not granted lightly. The Court found that Mr Rasmussen had not demonstrated a sufficient reason for his non-compliance, nor had he shown that it would be just and equitable to extend his bankruptcy.

The application for an extension of the bankruptcy period was dismissed.