In the second part of our “Meet Liam Bailey” series, we dive deeper into the values, expertise, and vision that drive O’Brien Palmer’s Managing Partner, and the unique role OBP plays in supporting Australia’s struggling construction industry and business owners.
With more than 3,000 construction businesses collapsing last year alone, the challenges facing directors have never been more serious. But as Liam points out, the problem isn’t always poor management. It’s often the result of external pressures: skyrocketing material costs, slow payments, complex regulations, and a lack of formal business training for trade-based founders.
“Most of these businesses start because someone’s great at what they do – but no one teaches you how to be a director.”
Liam and the OBP team have carved out a powerful niche helping construction businesses and many from other industries, not through judgment, but through smart restructuring strategies, deep empathy, and honest conversations. One story stands out: a formwork company on the brink after a crane collapse at UTS halted construction and drained their cash flow. With Liam’s leadership, OBP negotiated with unions, developers, and the ATO to craft a deal that saw the business survive, rebuild, and thrive on the Barangaroo development. That’s the power of collaborative turnaround.
But Liam’s contribution goes far beyond casework.
As Managing Partner, he leads a team of 30+, many of whom he’s mentored from day one. He’s a passionate advocate for ethical practice, inclusive leadership, and mental health awareness across the industry. He’s also deeply involved in ARITA – Australia’s peak body for restructuring and insolvency professionals, where he contributes to education, policy development, and championing gender diversity in a male-dominated field.
And when he’s not helping businesses through the insolvency and rebuild journey, you’ll find him cheering on the Cronulla Sharks, proudly flying the OBP banner at home games as sponsors.
“We want people to feel confident picking up the phone. Insolvency shouldn’t be intimidating, it should be a path forward.”
From humble beginnings to shaping policy and transforming businesses, Liam Bailey’s leadership is grounded in purpose, people, and progress.
If you’re facing challenges in your business, or supporting a client who is, now’s the time to reach out. The entire O’Brien Palmer team are here to help.
Contact O’Brien Palmer today for confidential advice and support.
📞 Call us at 1300 545 133 for a confidential chat.
📩 Email us at: obp1@obp.com.au
Want to watch Part 1 of the Meet Liam Bailey series?
If you want to catch up on the first edition of this two part series, click below.
https://obp.com.au/2025/05/21/meet-liam-bailey-obp/
