Australian debt guide
How long can a debt collector chase a debt in Australia?
By DebtReply · Sources checked
There is no single age that settles every debt. National Debt Helpline guidance discusses six years, or three in the Northern Territory, for certain old unsecured debts. Payments, written acknowledgement and court action matter. Secured debts and judgments need separate consideration. Get advice before paying or writing about an old claim.
Why is the date not enough?
The National Debt Helpline’s old-debt guide explains the qualifications around old unsecured claims and court judgments. That is why this site has no countdown that labels a debt unenforceable. A balance disappearing from a credit report is not a substitute for checking court records.
Which records should I collect?
Create a timeline for your adviser: when the account began, when payments occurred, when you received messages, and whether court papers were received. Mark uncertain dates as unknown. Keep the original records alongside your notes so you can distinguish a document from your recollection. Do not guess a date to make a form look complete.
What does the old-debt letter do?
The letter asks for account documents and details of any judgment. It does not declare that a limitation period has expired or promise a result. ASIC’s overview also highlights the complexity of old-debt collection. Read the warning in the builder and obtain advice before exporting. The last-payment field is a private preparation note, not part of the letter.
What can I do next?
- Gather the old account records and recent demand.
- Prepare a timeline without guessing missing dates.
- Ask an adviser how the relevant place, debt type and court history affect the claim.
- Check the draft with that advice in mind.
- Keep the response and any new documents together.
Put your next step into words
Use a free starting-point letter, then check that every detail fits your situation.
Write the letter →Common questions
Does six years always mean I can ignore it?
No. The relevant rules depend on the claim and its history. Court judgments and secured debts need separate consideration.
Does the builder calculate the time limit?
No. It requests records and directs you to advice. It does not decide whether a claim is statute-barred.
Is my last-payment note sent in the letter?
No. That field is for preparation in your browser only and is excluded from the generated letter.
Sources you can check
- Debt collection: old debts ↗National Debt Helpline · Checked 26 September 2026
- Debt collection guidance ↗ASIC · Checked 26 September 2026
This guide explains a process. It has not been reviewed as advice for your situation. How we use sources.