One in eight: Australia's cafés and restaurants closing at nearly double the national rate
One in eight Australian cafés and restaurants have closed in the past year, with the sector's 12.03% closure rate almost double the national average. CreditorWatch's July Business Risk Index shows record 60+ day arrears (10.21%) and trade payment defaults (1.15%)—nearly four times the national rate—pointing to further hospitality distress and closures ahead in FY27.
Aug 19, 2026