Comlek returns to administration with $1.1 million tax debt and 140 jobs at risk

Comlek Group Pty Ltd and Comlek TIC Pty Ltd, companies associated with Mackay-based mining services contractor Comlek, entered voluntary administration on 23 October 2026, with Andrew McCabe of Wexted Advisors appointed administrator. The appointments mark the second insolvency process involving the business in less than four years, with approximately 140 jobs at risk and outstanding tax liabilities estimated at $1.1 million.

Comlek, which provides mining services and labour hire in Queensland, is operated by Michael Donaldson and has experienced declining revenue and recurring losses in recent years. The latest appointments follow an earlier restructuring that began in December 2022, when the business entered voluntary administration amid a $9.4 million claim from the Queensland Revenue Office.

McCabe, who also oversaw the earlier administration, told creditors at an initial meeting on 4 November that he had commenced an investigation into the companies' affairs, including potential governance issues and the movement of employees, operations and assets before the latest appointments. The review will also reportedly consider transactions involving Roar Solutions, a related entity associated with Donaldson's wife. No findings of wrongdoing have been reported.

The earlier administration resulted in a deed of company arrangement, allowing the business to continue operating. However, Comlek reportedly returned to loss-making operations shortly after the restructuring as anticipated new work failed to materialise. The deed administrators retired in December 2024, and creditors were told that the relevant company subsequently ceased trading before the October 2026 appointment.

The administrator has also identified significant outstanding tax liabilities, with approximately $1.1 million currently owed to the Australian Taxation Office. That figure is expected to increase as the review of the companies' financial position progresses.

The position of approximately 140 employees remains uncertain as the administrator continues his investigations.