A Mount Waverley agent has been suspended by the Victorian watchdog for six months for failing to meet trust account auditing obligations.
Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) has suspended a Mount Waverley agent for six months after her business’ trust accounts went unaudited for several years.
The watchdog suspended Crystal Goni after her company, Australian Property Specialist Pty Ltd, failed to audit its trust accounts between 2021 and 2024.
Goni acted as a sole director and officer in effective control of the now de-registered business.
The regulator claimed that she failed to conduct the audit despite several reminders and assurances that an auditor would be appointed.
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) accepted CAV’s submissions that the breaches were flagrant.
VCAT found that Goni’s claims that she had appointed an auditor were “clearly not based in reality” and that she showed a complete lack of insight into the seriousness of her conduct.
In addition to receiving a six-month suspension, Goni was fined $1,500 and ordered to complete the outstanding audits within three months.
VCAT’s decision also leaves the possibility of further orders, including the cancellation of Goni’s licence, if she fails to comply with the audit requirements.
CAV said estate agents have a legal obligation to ensure trust accounts are properly managed and that audits are completed.
“If you’re an executive in an estate agency, you must meet your obligations,” CAV said.
Consumer Affairs Victoria has recently targeted agencies withholding bond funds and failing to lodge with the Residential Tenancy Board Authority, with several facing criminal proceedings in the coming months.
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