National

Bathla Group Meets Payroll Deadline Amid Voluntary Administration

Shivangi

Sep 3, 2026 5:13 PM IST

Category National

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Synopsis

Bathla Group meets its payroll deadline as Teneo administrators work to secure short-term funding, with 200 NSW projects and thousands of buyers at risk.

Key Highlights

• Bathla Group has secured enough funds to pay a portion of its payroll liabilities today.
• Administrator Teneo says discussions for a short-term funding package with lenders are continuing
• Collapse of Sydney property developer leaves 200 projects across NSW in limbo.
• Bathla Group debts peak $3.2bn with about 1,000 customer deposits depending on it
• Payroll Secured, But Still a Fragile Situation

The future of Bathakaran’s embattled property developer Bathla Group is at stake even though it appears able to meet its payroll deadline today (January 6). Two sources close to the negotiations confirmed to ABC News it has at least reached agreement on some funding that covers a portion of Bathla’s payroll obligations.

Teneo administrator Stephen Longley, who is handling Bathla Group’s voluntary administration, said employees due to be paid today will receive a payment for September 25 covering wages earned from August 25 when the administrators were appointed. This only pays for employees’ regular weekly and two-week payments. The administrators liaised closely with Bathla’s staff to pinpoint and free up sufficient funds so that these partial payments could be made, Longley said.

Ongoing Negotiations With Lenders

Discussions on short-term funding between lenders and the administrators have continued, with lawyers currently reviewing a part of what may comprise the package. Bathla Group has not taken a demise decision but it is in dire straits and its position will be evaluated day to day.

Writing in an update on the court case, Longley said an immediate priority is what he described as the first creditors meeting scheduled for Thursday when people owed money will get to hear directly from the administrators, ask questions and talk about procedural issues. The meeting will take place Friday at 11 a.m.

The Size of the Collapse Among Sydney Property Developers

It has also placed about 200 projects under threat throughout New South Wales, impacting the construction of around 2,000 homes and putting about 13,000 further homes planned to be built through Bathla Group at risk. The residential developer was unable to cover more than $3.2 billion in debts and called in administrators last Tuesday.

A week later, with no buyer or rescuer stepping forward for the company, Teneo confirmed it would move ahead into formal administration. Administrators had sought additional funding from current lenders and, last week, wrote to the New South Wales government for a $20 million lifeline to enable it to continue operating. The state government refused to contribute any bailout money.

Lender Negotiations Prompt Deadline Move

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Longley said that Bathla Group had no cash left and that Thursday was the final day for it to get emergency funding. Without a solution, the business would be forced to close. He said there was no money for wages or suppliers when speaking with reporters.

After the emergency meeting with lenders later that night, Longley brought the deadline forward to Tuesday night. Some lenders have even seized control of individual worksites and will manage specific projects on their behalf, per ABC News.

Teneo stated it had provided Bathla Group a $1 million loan from its own head office to pay for key maintenance costs, including vehicle registrations, fuel and minimal operating costs needed to keep the business alive.

Impact on Customers

There was no agreement when the administration said Bathla Group had taken at least 1,000 deposits from customers - leaving many buyers uncertain about what happens to their homes while the administration continues.

Source: ABC News