Customers Plead For Liquidated Company Owners To Stop Doing Business | A Current Affair

Happy Tuesday! Well, maybe not so happy for everyone, especially those who are feeling the sting of the recent interest rate hike. Mortgage repayments have gone up, and for some, it hurts a little more. But what about those who don't even have a home to call their own? They are the ones who are truly feeling the impact, as more and more builders are going bust. It's clear that the system is broken, and it's time to address the discrimination that exists within the building industry.

The Builders Who Walk Away

For the past few weeks, the building industry has been in the spotlight. Companies are crumbling, leaving customers in the wind. And what about the company directors who put their businesses into liquidation? They seem to walk away unscathed, as if it's just water off a duck's back. This is the reality that many homeowners are facing, and it's time to shine a light on this injustice.

Left in Limbo

Imagine paying a deposit for your dream home, only to discover that the builder has gone into liquidation and left you in limbo. This is the situation that many customers of Hallbury Homes are facing. The builder failed to take out domestic building insurance policies on their behalf, leaving more than 40 sites in a state of uncertainty. Families like Cameron Compton's, who have worked hard and saved for years, are now left wondering if they will ever be able to live a good life in their own home.

Discrimination and Double Standards

While customers of Porter Davis will have their deposits covered by a $15 million grant from the government, Hallbury customers have been left out in the cold. They are wondering why they have been discriminated against and why they are not receiving the same support. It's clear that there are double standards at play here, and it's time for the government to extend their assistance to all those who have been affected.

The Legal Consequences

Directors of construction companies are not usually liable for company debts, but there are exceptions. If the company continues to trade while insolvent, directors can be held responsible for the liabilities that accrue. It's important to hold these directors accountable for their actions, especially when they have a history of troubled businesses. Cliff Hall, the director of Hallbury Homes, has been involved in similar situations in the past, raising questions about his integrity and the need for consequences.

The Difficulty of Clawing Back

Even if a director is found to have traded while insolvent, it can be difficult to claw back the cash. Well-structured directors may not have any assets in their own name, making it challenging to recover the funds. This further highlights the flaws in the current system and the need for reform.

Reeling in Government Support

For homeowners like Des Umbers, who were left out of pocket by Porter Davis, the dream of moving into their own home seems like a distant reality. Des and many other customers were promised insurance policies to protect their deposits, but those promises were not fulfilled. Now, they are left hoping for government support to help them build the homes they have been dreaming of.

In conclusion, the discrimination and injustices within the building industry are clear. It's time for the government and regulators to take action and address these issues. Homeowners should not have to suffer the consequences of builders going bust and directors walking away unscathed. It's time for a change, and it's time for justice to be served. Let's ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live a good life and build a home they can be proud of.