Insolvency numbers remain relatively modest in the face of the pandemic, thanks to loan repayment deferrals and JobKeeper arrangements.

The latest update from the Australian Financial Security Authority shows that 587 people entered into a personal insolvency over the two weeks to July 12 – down from 611 in the two weeks prior.

The peak period this year was in the two weeks to April 5, when 1019 people entered into a personal insolvency. Government and bank support measures were being implemented around this time.

Despite all the talk about the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism and hospitality sector, the industry sector that contributed most to insolvencies in the latest period was transport and warehousing, with 73 people entering a personal insolvency.

Other sectors with relatively high rates of insolvency include healthcare and social assistance, with 62 insolvencies, construction (54 insolvencies) retail trade (50 insolvencies) and accommodation and food services (41 insolvencies).

There were 185 insolvencies n Queensland, 167 in New South Wales, 110 in Victoria, 71 in Western Australia, 23 in South Australia, 14 in Tasmania, nine in the Australian Capital Territory and six in the Northern Territory.