Our specialist debt recovery team, CG Collect, handles all aspects of debt recovery and credit management. The CG Collect team consists of dedicated lawyers with legal expertise, the credibility to resolve matters and to recover money efficiently.
The team has a proven track record in assisting government and the public sector. CG Collect offers a cost effective debt recovery service and is well-equipped to deal with a range of contractual and legislative disputes. Our lawyers are fully conversant with the Debt Collection Guideline for Collectors and Creditors published by the ACCC and ASIC.
CG Collect deals with a range of debt sizes, generally arising from a range of claims including for over payments, monies had and received, goods sold and delivered, services rendered or monies owing under a contract.
CG Collect team members have substantial debt recovery and litigation experience; they approach all matters with a commercial focus to obtain the best outcome for clients. Their expertise extends to the various methods of enforcement of judgment, including bankruptcy and company winding-up procedures, as well as the issue of writs of execution, registering writs of execution on title of real property (where the debt is above $10,000), issue of garnishee orders and debtor examinations.
Our five offices are conveniently located in Sydney CBD and across Western Sydney. Ideally located near major transport hubs, each office is equipped to facilitate a mediation or settlement conference of up to five separate parties plus the mediator.
Areas where we can assist you include:
- Debt collection services, including letters of demand, commencement of legal action and enforcement of judgments
- Issue of writs of execution, garnishee orders and examination summons
- Preparation of statutory demands
- Advice regarding litigation
- Representation in Court
- Bankruptcy and insolvency
- PPSA advice
- General insolvency advice, including advice on unfair preference claims
Coleman Greig are available to service your needs no matter where you are located in NSW. Our network of offices are supported by the latest digital technology, enabling us to work with you in a way that suits you best.
Recovering Public Funds. Defending Public Trust.
A letter from a collection agency is a reminder. A letter from our law firm is a clear statement of legal intent. For government bodies, that distinction is the key to effective and compliant government debt recovery.
CG Collect, Coleman Greig’s dedicated team, provides the legal authority required to secure public funds without compromising on ethics or procedural fairness. As a core part of our Debt Recovery services, we create a clear and enforceable path to payment, managing the process from first demand to final judgment and shielding your organisation from legal challenges.
Why Government Debt Recovery Requires Legal Expertise
A standard debt collector’s power is limited; a law firm’s is not. When we act on your behalf, we do so with the full weight of the law. This distinction is critical for public sector debt recovery:
- Immediate Authority: A letter of demand on our legal letterhead commands immediate attention and is less likely to be ignored.
- Ethical & Legal Compliance: We are bound by stricter legal and professional obligations than collection agencies, providing an unparalleled layer of compliance and risk management.
- Seamless Escalation: If a matter requires legal action, there is no hand-off. We manage the entire process, from initial demand to court enforcement, saving you time, resources, and administrative burden.
Our Proven Process for Government Debt Recovery: Firm, Fair, and Compliant
Our approach provides certainty and momentum. We have a clear, four-step process designed to achieve cost-effective results while upholding the highest standards of probity:
- Initial Demand & Pre-Legal Action: Upon receiving your instructions, we issue a formal, compliant letter of demand, typically within 48 hours. This initial contact clearly outlines the debt and the legal consequences of non-payment, resolving a significant number of matters without further action.
- Commencing Legal Proceedings: If the debt remains unpaid, we commence legal proceedings swiftly. Our integrated team drafts and files all necessary court documents, so the matter progresses without delay and puts immediate, formal pressure on the debtor.
- Legal Enforcement of Debts: A court judgment is only valuable if it can be enforced. We are experts in every method of legal enforcement of debts, including:
- Garnishee Orders to redirect funds from a debtor’s wages or bank accounts.
- Writs for Levy of Property to seize and sell assets to satisfy the debt.
- Examination Orders to compel debtors to disclose their financial position under oath.
- Insolvency and Bankruptcy Action: For corporate debtors, we can issue a Statutory Demand under the Corporations Act – a powerful precursor to winding up the company. For individuals, we can manage bankruptcy proceedings. Our expertise in Restructuring & Insolvency ensures these complex actions are handled with precision.
This entire process is designed for seamless escalation. Should a debtor formally dispute a claim in court, the matter is handled by our experienced lawyers. This direct integration with our firm’s core Litigation & Disputes practice means you have robust representation at every stage, without the cost or delay of briefing a separate firm.
Protecting Your Reputation at Every Step
We understand that recovering debts, especially from ratepayers, can attract public criticism. Our approach is designed to mitigate this risk. We treat every individual with dignity and respect, operating with a level of procedural fairness that protects your relationship with the community.
Crucially, we are experts in the legislative frameworks that govern public bodies, including the hardship provisions within the Local Government Act. We work within your existing hardship policies so vulnerable individuals are treated fairly, protecting you from valid complaints and reputational harm.
Beyond Recovery: Proactive Debt Management Advice
Effective debt management starts long before an invoice is overdue. As your strategic partners, we can review and strengthen your entire collections cycle. We provide proactive advice on:
- Drafting clearer terms of trade and service agreements.
- Strengthening your internal policies and dunning processes.
- Implementing effective security interests under the Personal Property Securities Act (PPSA).
This preventative approach reduces the frequency of defaults, improves cash flow, and minimises future recovery costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
While possible, it presents limitations. A law firm provides a higher level of legal authority, seamless escalation to court action, and stricter ethical oversight. This often leads to faster, more compliant resolutions and better protects your organisation from legal and reputational risk.
Immediately. Once we receive your instructions and the required documentation, we can issue a formal letter of demand on your behalf within 48 hours, initiating the process without delay.
We manage this risk by ensuring every action is firm, fair, and transparent. By adhering strictly to your hardship policies and all legal requirements, we demonstrate procedural fairness, which minimises reputational damage.
We are highly experienced in working within the mandatory hardship frameworks that apply to government bodies, particularly local councils. We will follow your established hardship policy to assess the situation and determine a fair and appropriate path forward, which may involve a payment plan or other arrangements.
We offer flexible fee structures to suit your needs, including fixed-fee stages and professional time-based rates. We do not charge a commission on the amount recovered, providing you with certainty and transparency on costs.
Speak with a Government Debt Recovery Specialist
Outstanding public funds represent a drain on resources and a challenge to your authority. A strategic, legally backed approach provides the most direct path to resolution.
Whether you need to act on a portfolio of aged debts or strengthen your policies to prevent future arrears, our team provides a clear and actionable plan. Speak directly with Laura Bazouni, our specialist in debt recovery for the government, to define your strategy.
Contact Us to schedule a confidential discussion.
