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A real estate agent has come under fire after allegedly failing to meet her auditing responsibilities despite repeated reminders between 2021 and 2024.
Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) is cracking down on a real estate agent who allegedly failed to meet her auditing responsibilities regarding client funds, including home deposits and rent.
Crystal Goni, 37, was the sole director and officer in effective control of Australian Property Specialist, which is now de-registered.
According to CAV, it is alleged that Goni, from Mount Waverley, failed to ensure the company’s trust accounts were audited annually.
The alleged breaches came despite repeated reminders between 2021 and 2024.
“It is also alleged that Goni advised she had an auditor, but she failed to give them the information needed to do an audit,” CAV said.
“She later wound up the agency without advising Consumer Affairs Victoria.”
In her role, Goni held the responsibility of ensuring the agency complied with legal and ethical standards, with particular regard to managing trust accounts.
In addition, it was also part of her job to oversee the operation of the business, and manage and provide guidance to staff.
“We will allege that Goni’s conduct was unprofessional and detrimental to the reputation and interests of the real estate industry,” CAV continued.
The matter will be heard by VCAT (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal) at a date to be set.
CAV said it has also referred the matter to the Business Licensing Authority, which has imposed conditions on Goni’s licence.
Goni is prevented from operating or managing trust accounts, handling trust account money, accessing trust money and records held by her current employer.
Because of the conditions, Goni is prevented from continuing in a different role as officer in effective control at another real estate agency, which she started in March this year.
If disciplinary proceedings are proven, VCAT has the ability to suspend or cancel an agent’s licence.
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