Apartment owners jubilant as dodgy strata manager banned for life
A controversial strata manager who hired six burly security guards to prevent some apartment owners from attending their own AGM has become the first to be struck off for life.
Michael Lee, general manager of strata company Result Strata, has also been hit with the maximum fine allowable of $11,000 in addition to his disqualification from holding a licence by NSW Fair Trading. His company also had its licence cancelled and was fined the maximum $22,000.
After a long-running investigation into their activities, Fair Trading officials found that, under Lee's direction, the company had failed to disclose conflicts of interest, consistently breached rules of conduct, charged fees for services not rendered, and failed to ensure owners' properties complied with critical fire and safety obligations.
In addition, it hadn't provided information to owners when required, acted contrary to instructions given at general meetings, and failed to make sure a building had adequate insurance cover. As a result, he had become what they believed to be the first strata manager banned for life.
Michael Lee was contacted for comment.
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Fair Trading commissioner Natasha Mann said in a statement to this masthead: 'NSW Fair Trading is committed to strong, visible enforcement to protect consumers and this action sends a clear message that poor conduct in the property sector will not be tolerated.
'Through our dedicated Strata and Property Services Taskforce and ongoing reforms, standards and protections are being lifted and strengthened for the more than 1.2 million people who live in strata communities.'
One jubilant apartment owner who had campaigned against Lee's reign over his building in Sutherland said he was thrilled that the government had acted so decisively to free so many residents from the 'diabolical clutches of such a terrible player.'
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The Advertiser
5 days ago
- The Advertiser
South Korea's new president vows economic revival
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Lee has said he would address urgent economic challenges facing the country on the first day in office with a focus on the cost-of-living concerns affecting middle and low-income families and the struggles of small business owners. He also faces a deadline set by the White House on negotiating import duties that Washington has blamed for a large trade imbalance between the countries. The government under a caretaker acting president had made little progress in trying to assuage crushing tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump's administration that would hit some of the country's major industries, including autos and steel. Lee has expressed more conciliatory plans for ties with China and North Korea, in particular singling out the importance of China as a major trading partner while indicating reluctance to take a firm stance on security tensions in the Taiwan strait. The martial law decree and the six months of ensuing turmoil, which saw three different acting presidents and multiple criminal insurrection trials for Yoon and several top officials, marked a stunning political self-destruction for the former leader and a drag on an economy already slowing growth. South Korea's new liberal President Lee Jae-myung has begun his term vowing to raise the country from the turmoil of a martial law crisis and revive an economy reeling from slowing growth and the threat of global protectionism. Lee's decisive victory in Tuesday's snap election stands to usher in a sea change in Asia's fourth-largest economy, after backlash against a botched attempt at military rule brought down Yoon Suk Yeol just three years into his troubled presidency. He faces what could be the most daunting set of challenges for a South Korean leader in nearly three decades, ranging from healing a country deeply scarred by the martial law attempt to tackling unpredictable protectionist moves by the United States, a major trading partner and a security ally. Lee won 49.42 per cent of the nearly 35 million votes cast while conservative rival Kim Moon-soo took 41.15 per cent in the polls that brought the highest turnout for a presidential election since 1997, according to National Election Commission data. The 61-year-old former human rights lawyer called Tuesday's election "judgment day" against Yoon's martial law and his People Power Party's failure to stop the ill-fated move. "The first mission is to decisively overcome insurrection and to ensure there will never be another military coup with guns and swords turned against the people," Lee said in a victory speech outside parliament. "We can overcome this temporary difficulty with the combined strength of our people, who have great capabilities," he said. Lee was officially confirmed as president by the National Election Commission on Wednesday and immediately assumed the powers of the presidency and commander in chief. Lee has said he would address urgent economic challenges facing the country on the first day in office with a focus on the cost-of-living concerns affecting middle and low-income families and the struggles of small business owners. He also faces a deadline set by the White House on negotiating import duties that Washington has blamed for a large trade imbalance between the countries. The government under a caretaker acting president had made little progress in trying to assuage crushing tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump's administration that would hit some of the country's major industries, including autos and steel. Lee has expressed more conciliatory plans for ties with China and North Korea, in particular singling out the importance of China as a major trading partner while indicating reluctance to take a firm stance on security tensions in the Taiwan strait. The martial law decree and the six months of ensuing turmoil, which saw three different acting presidents and multiple criminal insurrection trials for Yoon and several top officials, marked a stunning political self-destruction for the former leader and a drag on an economy already slowing growth. South Korea's new liberal President Lee Jae-myung has begun his term vowing to raise the country from the turmoil of a martial law crisis and revive an economy reeling from slowing growth and the threat of global protectionism. Lee's decisive victory in Tuesday's snap election stands to usher in a sea change in Asia's fourth-largest economy, after backlash against a botched attempt at military rule brought down Yoon Suk Yeol just three years into his troubled presidency. He faces what could be the most daunting set of challenges for a South Korean leader in nearly three decades, ranging from healing a country deeply scarred by the martial law attempt to tackling unpredictable protectionist moves by the United States, a major trading partner and a security ally. Lee won 49.42 per cent of the nearly 35 million votes cast while conservative rival Kim Moon-soo took 41.15 per cent in the polls that brought the highest turnout for a presidential election since 1997, according to National Election Commission data. The 61-year-old former human rights lawyer called Tuesday's election "judgment day" against Yoon's martial law and his People Power Party's failure to stop the ill-fated move. "The first mission is to decisively overcome insurrection and to ensure there will never be another military coup with guns and swords turned against the people," Lee said in a victory speech outside parliament. "We can overcome this temporary difficulty with the combined strength of our people, who have great capabilities," he said. Lee was officially confirmed as president by the National Election Commission on Wednesday and immediately assumed the powers of the presidency and commander in chief. Lee has said he would address urgent economic challenges facing the country on the first day in office with a focus on the cost-of-living concerns affecting middle and low-income families and the struggles of small business owners. He also faces a deadline set by the White House on negotiating import duties that Washington has blamed for a large trade imbalance between the countries. The government under a caretaker acting president had made little progress in trying to assuage crushing tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump's administration that would hit some of the country's major industries, including autos and steel. Lee has expressed more conciliatory plans for ties with China and North Korea, in particular singling out the importance of China as a major trading partner while indicating reluctance to take a firm stance on security tensions in the Taiwan strait. The martial law decree and the six months of ensuing turmoil, which saw three different acting presidents and multiple criminal insurrection trials for Yoon and several top officials, marked a stunning political self-destruction for the former leader and a drag on an economy already slowing growth. South Korea's new liberal President Lee Jae-myung has begun his term vowing to raise the country from the turmoil of a martial law crisis and revive an economy reeling from slowing growth and the threat of global protectionism. Lee's decisive victory in Tuesday's snap election stands to usher in a sea change in Asia's fourth-largest economy, after backlash against a botched attempt at military rule brought down Yoon Suk Yeol just three years into his troubled presidency. He faces what could be the most daunting set of challenges for a South Korean leader in nearly three decades, ranging from healing a country deeply scarred by the martial law attempt to tackling unpredictable protectionist moves by the United States, a major trading partner and a security ally. Lee won 49.42 per cent of the nearly 35 million votes cast while conservative rival Kim Moon-soo took 41.15 per cent in the polls that brought the highest turnout for a presidential election since 1997, according to National Election Commission data. The 61-year-old former human rights lawyer called Tuesday's election "judgment day" against Yoon's martial law and his People Power Party's failure to stop the ill-fated move. "The first mission is to decisively overcome insurrection and to ensure there will never be another military coup with guns and swords turned against the people," Lee said in a victory speech outside parliament. "We can overcome this temporary difficulty with the combined strength of our people, who have great capabilities," he said. Lee was officially confirmed as president by the National Election Commission on Wednesday and immediately assumed the powers of the presidency and commander in chief. Lee has said he would address urgent economic challenges facing the country on the first day in office with a focus on the cost-of-living concerns affecting middle and low-income families and the struggles of small business owners. He also faces a deadline set by the White House on negotiating import duties that Washington has blamed for a large trade imbalance between the countries. The government under a caretaker acting president had made little progress in trying to assuage crushing tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump's administration that would hit some of the country's major industries, including autos and steel. Lee has expressed more conciliatory plans for ties with China and North Korea, in particular singling out the importance of China as a major trading partner while indicating reluctance to take a firm stance on security tensions in the Taiwan strait. The martial law decree and the six months of ensuing turmoil, which saw three different acting presidents and multiple criminal insurrection trials for Yoon and several top officials, marked a stunning political self-destruction for the former leader and a drag on an economy already slowing growth.
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- The Advertiser
'Our biggest challenge': Facilities heads list of goals for NNSW football board
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"We have discussed at board level the potential for representative games, whether it is against the Jets or other member federations," Parsons said. "It would allow scouts to eye talent that might not be seen otherwise and give the pathway an extra level. That would extend to our match officials as well." New Jets chief executive Tain Drinkwater said in an interview in the Newcastle Herald last week that the A-League club hoped to work closer with NNSWF for the betterment of both organisations. "I think there is an opportunity for us to partner closer," Drinkwater said. "NNSWF has a catchment of 100,000 registered players. Young kids want to play for the Jets. How do we use our brand with their reach, and the amazing work they do across the state? We are stronger together rather than working in our own patches." Parsons said he was "looking forward to strengthening that relationship" and would invite Drinkwater to a NNSWF board meeting. The Hunter has by far the most particpants of the seven member zones in NNSWF Sneddon is the sole board member from the region. "In the past, we have traditionally had a more Newcastle-centric board," parsons said. "I'm really proud that the board is representative across the entire footprint. "To have people on the ground in regional areas, who understand some of the difficulties of service delivery is a real benefit. The board has a vast and extensive skill set, which includes a love and level of support for the game." NORTHERN NSW Football (NNSWF) chairman Mike Parsons has confirmed that promotion-relegation in its premier competitions is here to stay, the return of a senior representative program is under consideration, and that the governing body plans to strengthen ties with the Newcastle Jets,. But Parson stressed the biggest challenge facing the board was the urgent need for improved infrastructure and facilities to accommodate booming player numbers. Parsons, who is based in Taree, was re-elected for a third term as chairman at the NNSWF AGM in Coffs Harbour on Saturday. There was one change to the board, with Stephen Sneddon elected ahead of incumbent deputy chair Mark Trenter. As well Parsons, Lauren Edwards was re-elected. "Stephen has an extensive background in football," Parsons said. "He is a B-licenced coach and has played at various levels for Weston and West Wallsend. He also has a strong business accumen and brings strategic value to the organisation. "Mark has been a valued contributor and the catalyst facilitator for promotion-relegation which the board introduced and has been successful. It is staying in place and will flow down the [football] pyramid as well." An extremely wet start to the season has put further stress on already inadequate facilities. In some cases, teams have gone five weeks without playing games. "We are the largest team particpant sport in the country with 1.9 million participants," Parsons said. "Our biggest challenge is to provide infratsructure and facilities that are suitable for our players. "I am a massive supporter of grassroots football. I acknowledge that pathways are important but 98 per cent of our players play, what I call, Saturday afternoon park football. "It's not always about winning premierships, it's about social inclusiveness and interaction and support at all levels. "Our game is growing exponentially and we need to bring infrasructure along for the ride to provide an enjoyable and better experience, in particular, for females and all-abilities. "The sport is under funded. We need to engage more diligently and closely with governments. We have recently appointed a full-time government relations manager, Gary Fisher, to represent our region. "We look forward to working with Football Australia and the other member federation states in gaining better access to our politicians and ensuring we are singing from the same hymn sheet." Trenter had been exploring the return of a senior representative program for NPL players. An NNSWF NPL side would potentiall play other NPL sides over a period at the end of the season. It would add to the new regional super league, which involves teams from the mid-north coast, north coast and northern inland. "We have discussed at board level the potential for representative games, whether it is against the Jets or other member federations," Parsons said. "It would allow scouts to eye talent that might not be seen otherwise and give the pathway an extra level. That would extend to our match officials as well." New Jets chief executive Tain Drinkwater said in an interview in the Newcastle Herald last week that the A-League club hoped to work closer with NNSWF for the betterment of both organisations. "I think there is an opportunity for us to partner closer," Drinkwater said. "NNSWF has a catchment of 100,000 registered players. Young kids want to play for the Jets. How do we use our brand with their reach, and the amazing work they do across the state? We are stronger together rather than working in our own patches." Parsons said he was "looking forward to strengthening that relationship" and would invite Drinkwater to a NNSWF board meeting. The Hunter has by far the most particpants of the seven member zones in NNSWF Sneddon is the sole board member from the region. "In the past, we have traditionally had a more Newcastle-centric board," parsons said. "I'm really proud that the board is representative across the entire footprint. "To have people on the ground in regional areas, who understand some of the difficulties of service delivery is a real benefit. The board has a vast and extensive skill set, which includes a love and level of support for the game." NORTHERN NSW Football (NNSWF) chairman Mike Parsons has confirmed that promotion-relegation in its premier competitions is here to stay, the return of a senior representative program is under consideration, and that the governing body plans to strengthen ties with the Newcastle Jets,. But Parson stressed the biggest challenge facing the board was the urgent need for improved infrastructure and facilities to accommodate booming player numbers. Parsons, who is based in Taree, was re-elected for a third term as chairman at the NNSWF AGM in Coffs Harbour on Saturday. There was one change to the board, with Stephen Sneddon elected ahead of incumbent deputy chair Mark Trenter. As well Parsons, Lauren Edwards was re-elected. "Stephen has an extensive background in football," Parsons said. "He is a B-licenced coach and has played at various levels for Weston and West Wallsend. He also has a strong business accumen and brings strategic value to the organisation. "Mark has been a valued contributor and the catalyst facilitator for promotion-relegation which the board introduced and has been successful. It is staying in place and will flow down the [football] pyramid as well." An extremely wet start to the season has put further stress on already inadequate facilities. In some cases, teams have gone five weeks without playing games. "We are the largest team particpant sport in the country with 1.9 million participants," Parsons said. "Our biggest challenge is to provide infratsructure and facilities that are suitable for our players. "I am a massive supporter of grassroots football. I acknowledge that pathways are important but 98 per cent of our players play, what I call, Saturday afternoon park football. "It's not always about winning premierships, it's about social inclusiveness and interaction and support at all levels. "Our game is growing exponentially and we need to bring infrasructure along for the ride to provide an enjoyable and better experience, in particular, for females and all-abilities. "The sport is under funded. We need to engage more diligently and closely with governments. We have recently appointed a full-time government relations manager, Gary Fisher, to represent our region. "We look forward to working with Football Australia and the other member federation states in gaining better access to our politicians and ensuring we are singing from the same hymn sheet." Trenter had been exploring the return of a senior representative program for NPL players. An NNSWF NPL side would potentiall play other NPL sides over a period at the end of the season. It would add to the new regional super league, which involves teams from the mid-north coast, north coast and northern inland. "We have discussed at board level the potential for representative games, whether it is against the Jets or other member federations," Parsons said. "It would allow scouts to eye talent that might not be seen otherwise and give the pathway an extra level. That would extend to our match officials as well." New Jets chief executive Tain Drinkwater said in an interview in the Newcastle Herald last week that the A-League club hoped to work closer with NNSWF for the betterment of both organisations. "I think there is an opportunity for us to partner closer," Drinkwater said. "NNSWF has a catchment of 100,000 registered players. Young kids want to play for the Jets. How do we use our brand with their reach, and the amazing work they do across the state? We are stronger together rather than working in our own patches." Parsons said he was "looking forward to strengthening that relationship" and would invite Drinkwater to a NNSWF board meeting. The Hunter has by far the most particpants of the seven member zones in NNSWF Sneddon is the sole board member from the region. "In the past, we have traditionally had a more Newcastle-centric board," parsons said. "I'm really proud that the board is representative across the entire footprint. "To have people on the ground in regional areas, who understand some of the difficulties of service delivery is a real benefit. The board has a vast and extensive skill set, which includes a love and level of support for the game." NORTHERN NSW Football (NNSWF) chairman Mike Parsons has confirmed that promotion-relegation in its premier competitions is here to stay, the return of a senior representative program is under consideration, and that the governing body plans to strengthen ties with the Newcastle Jets,. But Parson stressed the biggest challenge facing the board was the urgent need for improved infrastructure and facilities to accommodate booming player numbers. Parsons, who is based in Taree, was re-elected for a third term as chairman at the NNSWF AGM in Coffs Harbour on Saturday. There was one change to the board, with Stephen Sneddon elected ahead of incumbent deputy chair Mark Trenter. As well Parsons, Lauren Edwards was re-elected. "Stephen has an extensive background in football," Parsons said. "He is a B-licenced coach and has played at various levels for Weston and West Wallsend. He also has a strong business accumen and brings strategic value to the organisation. "Mark has been a valued contributor and the catalyst facilitator for promotion-relegation which the board introduced and has been successful. It is staying in place and will flow down the [football] pyramid as well." An extremely wet start to the season has put further stress on already inadequate facilities. In some cases, teams have gone five weeks without playing games. "We are the largest team particpant sport in the country with 1.9 million participants," Parsons said. "Our biggest challenge is to provide infratsructure and facilities that are suitable for our players. "I am a massive supporter of grassroots football. I acknowledge that pathways are important but 98 per cent of our players play, what I call, Saturday afternoon park football. "It's not always about winning premierships, it's about social inclusiveness and interaction and support at all levels. "Our game is growing exponentially and we need to bring infrasructure along for the ride to provide an enjoyable and better experience, in particular, for females and all-abilities. "The sport is under funded. We need to engage more diligently and closely with governments. We have recently appointed a full-time government relations manager, Gary Fisher, to represent our region. "We look forward to working with Football Australia and the other member federation states in gaining better access to our politicians and ensuring we are singing from the same hymn sheet." Trenter had been exploring the return of a senior representative program for NPL players. An NNSWF NPL side would potentiall play other NPL sides over a period at the end of the season. It would add to the new regional super league, which involves teams from the mid-north coast, north coast and northern inland. "We have discussed at board level the potential for representative games, whether it is against the Jets or other member federations," Parsons said. "It would allow scouts to eye talent that might not be seen otherwise and give the pathway an extra level. That would extend to our match officials as well." New Jets chief executive Tain Drinkwater said in an interview in the Newcastle Herald last week that the A-League club hoped to work closer with NNSWF for the betterment of both organisations. "I think there is an opportunity for us to partner closer," Drinkwater said. "NNSWF has a catchment of 100,000 registered players. Young kids want to play for the Jets. How do we use our brand with their reach, and the amazing work they do across the state? We are stronger together rather than working in our own patches." Parsons said he was "looking forward to strengthening that relationship" and would invite Drinkwater to a NNSWF board meeting. The Hunter has by far the most particpants of the seven member zones in NNSWF Sneddon is the sole board member from the region. "In the past, we have traditionally had a more Newcastle-centric board," parsons said. "I'm really proud that the board is representative across the entire footprint. "To have people on the ground in regional areas, who understand some of the difficulties of service delivery is a real benefit. The board has a vast and extensive skill set, which includes a love and level of support for the game."
News.com.au
6 days ago
- News.com.au
Beauty clinics collapse around Sydney, staff and customers left in limbo
Authorities are investigating a beauty chain after it abruptly shut its doors, leaving staff unpaid and customers hundreds of dollars out of pocket. can reveal that Future Laser and Body Clinic, which had three stores in Sydney, has ceased trading. Customers had forked out hundreds of dollars in prepaid laser sessions while staff who spoke to on condition of anonymity said they are owed thousands in unpaid wages and superannuation. Future Laser and Body Clinics is currently the second most complained about business in the state according to the NSW Fair Trading register, receiving 49 complaints from customers in the past month. The only business that has received more complaints is Mos X, a struggling moss selling business founded by ex Married At First Sight star Brent Vitiello, with a total of 68 customer reports. NSW Fair Trading confirmed they are investigating Future Laser and Body Clinic. knows several employees who have also made complaints to the Fair Work Ombudsman. Staff claim they were subjected to a 'toxic' work environment where they were pushed to meet ambitious business targets or be fired, and that issues with the company's solvency had cropped up as early as last year. 'Therapists weren't showing up because they weren't being paid,' said Amani, a 19-year-old beauty therapist who estimates she is owed between $7000 and $10,000 in unpaid wages. Aesthetic Laser and Body Clinic Pty Ltd is the holding entity of Future Laser and Body Clinics. Ibrahem 'Ibby' Sabra, a 33-year-old from Sydney's west, is listed as the sole director and owner of the holding company, according to ASIC documents. The business is still registered. Bizcap AU, which provides loans to small businesses, lodged winding up proceedings against the business and three other company Mr Sabra directs in May. Court documents state the businesses cumulatively owe $79,000 after a debt was taken out last year. understands Bizcap AU had made several efforts to recover their funds before taking legal action. They were contacted for comment. This is not the first time a beauty business run by Mr Sabra has sensationally collapsed; in 2023, Elan Laser Clinics, with stores in Sydney and the Gold Coast, also bit the dust. The Elan business was transferred to another man from Western Sydney. Although Elan is still a registered company on ASIC, it does not appear to be trading. Its emails bounced and its phone number is disconnected and it hasn't made a post on social media since 2023. Elan Laser Clinics and Mr Sabra have been contacted for comment. Elan Laser was offering up to 80 per cent off laser services for customers who prepaid before it shut down with no explanation. And a similar occurrence has happened at Future Laser. Customers told they were coaxed into handing over hundreds of dollars in prepayments because of a series of promotions that was advertised in the months leading up to Future Laser's shut down. Do you know more or have a similar story? Get in touch | Amira Hussein, 30, said she was a regular customer and used to drive more than an hour to get to a Future Laser clinic in Granville. Ms Hussein, a single mum, saw a deal where if she bulk bought four sessions minimum, she got everything for half price – $150 instead of $300. 'I thought that's actually good,' she told 'I said I'll do it. They said they would like my payment straight away.' Although she paid for the treatments at the end of last year, Future Laser told her they were fully booked out until April. But by the time her appointment date came and went, the business had shut up shop. 'Closer to the date I tried to call them so many times,' she lamented. When calls, texts and messages on social media went unanswered, she went to their Granville branch and saw it had shut down. 'That's $720 down the drain. I haven't even had one facial or laser,' Ms Hussein said. Then there's Tatjana Nikcevic, who jumped at the opportunity to get a full body laser treatment for $75 a session as normally it would cost at least $300. The 24-year-old paid for 10 sessions upfront as part of the promotion in January. Ms Nikcevic managed to get to one laser session but after that, every time she tried to lock down an appointment time, she received a text message informing her the treatment had been cancelled 'due to unforeseen circumstances'. She tried to call the business but its number had been disconnected. And when she visited the clinic, its roller doors were shut for good. 'I'm currently working in a warehouse. I work hard for my money,' Ms Nikcevic said. She's been left more than $600 out of pocket. Staff claim they've had trouble getting paid as far back as last year – and have said the writing was on the wall given the pressure they were under to make money. A number of women who worked at Future Laser – most of them aged between 19 and 21 – claim they were 'verbally abused' during their shifts and were threatened with termination to incentivise them to push more treatments on customers. Jacinta* has lodged a claim with the Fair Work Ombudsman claiming she is owed as much as $5000 in unpaid wages from November. 'I left in November,' Jacinta said. 'They stopped paying me, so I stopped showing up to work. We were begging for our pay.' Future Laser then began launching promotions to customers the following month. Another beauty therapist, Amani, said the business set them insane KPI targets to meet. 'They threatened us. If we don't make $1500 a day we'd get fired, we had to make that much money or we'd get told off or screamed at,' she said. Amani is owed the most that knows of – which could be as high as $10,000 – and has lodged a claim with the Fair Work ombudsman. She said her contract stated that if she burned a customer, or if they otherwise left a complaint about a negative experience, then Future Laser would deduct $200 from her pay. So when she ended up resigning after months of not being paid, she was shocked the discover the business was deducting more than $2000 from her final wages. 'When I was quitting, I had no customer complaints. I was not aware of anything (like that),' Amani said. Emma*, 19, another beauty clinician who is owed thousands, claims the only payment she ever received was done through PayID, which she found 'weird'. She also said she sometimes worked 9am until 9pm with no breaks. And she was expected to get to work half an hour early, so was supposed to be there by 8.30am. If she got there at 8.35am, she was told off for being late. It led to long, exhausting 12.5 hour days. Emma also said staff would be berated if they didn't make video content of the work they were doing. 'It wasn't the best environment.' Staff were informed that the Wetherill Park clinic was undergoing renovations – but Emma said she later found out it had simply shut down.
