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News.com.au
6 days ago
- Business
- 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.
7NEWS
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
EV, hybrid servicing and repairs set to cost more, take longer under new laws
New regulations for technicians working on electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids in New South Wales could cause delays and see service costs rise due to a shortage of technicians meeting the new qualifications. The proposed rules would require mechanics to complete additional battery tech and safety courses before they can legally work on EVs and hybrids. The regulations have been proposed as part of a new Act to replace the current Motor Dealers and Repairers Regulation which expires on September 1, 2025. Should these pass into law, the rules will be applied to new mechanics and the 49,000 existing mechanics in NSW – which make up one third of the total number across Australia – even those having already worked on EVs. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The regulations extend to technicians carrying out 'steering, suspension and wheel alignment work' meaning tyre fitters may also be required to take the course in order to legally perform a wheel alignment on an EV. The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) estimates only around 10 per cent of technicians in NSW have completed any EV training. The AAAA also argues it's more challenging for technicians in regional areas to access the training and take the time out of their workshop to complete it. The regulations have been proposed by New South Wales (NSW) Fair Trading, which provides the regulatory framework for the buying, selling and repair of motor vehicles across the state. There are around 7.4 million cars on NSW roads, according to Fair Trading's data. The official course is the AURSS00064 Battery Electric Vehicle Inspection and Servicing Skill Set. It costs between $1500–$3000 and takes six days to complete, with some education providers advertising it over a four-day period. It's not just EV servicing and repair work affected, with hybrids – which also feature a high-voltage battery – also impacted. The proposed laws state that a tradesperson with certificates in three repair classes, such as electrical accessory fitting work, radiator repair work, and steering, suspension, and wheel alignment work, will also be prohibited from working on hybrid vehicles until they complete a mandatory course, dubbed Depowering and reinitialising BEVs – AURETH101 Depower and reinitialise battery. According to the AAAA the regulations, revealed in a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS), are 'deeply flawed' and need to be reviewed. 'This is not just a workforce issue — it's a consumer issue,' AAAA chief executive officer Stuart Charity in a statement. 'This rushed approach will reduce access to essential repair services and increase costs for NSW motorists.' Mr Charity suggests the 'rushed approach' included a lack of consultation with industry groups such as the AAAA, which recommends 'transition plans' for EV training in NSW. 'We agree that technicians working on high-voltage vehicles must be trained and competent — and that's already happening,' Mr Charity added. 'But this proposal creates a legislative barrier that will drastically reduce the number of qualified service providers overnight. It will drive up costs for consumers and cause serious delays in repair and servicing.'
Perth Now
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
EV, hybrid servicing and repairs set to cost more, take longer under new laws
New regulations for technicians working on electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids in New South Wales could cause delays and see service costs rise due to a shortage of technicians meeting the new qualifications. The proposed rules would require mechanics to complete additional battery tech and safety courses before they can legally work on EVs and hybrids. The regulations have been proposed as part of a new Act to replace the current Motor Dealers and Repairers Regulation which expires on September 1, 2025. Should these pass into law, the rules will be applied to new mechanics and the 49,000 existing mechanics in NSW – which make up one third of the total number across Australia – even those having already worked on EVs. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The regulations extend to technicians carrying out 'steering, suspension and wheel alignment work' meaning tyre fitters may also be required to take the course in order to legally perform a wheel alignment on an EV. The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) estimates only around 10 per cent of technicians in NSW have completed any EV training. The AAAA also argues it's more challenging for technicians in regional areas to access the training and take the time out of their workshop to complete it. The regulations have been proposed by New South Wales (NSW) Fair Trading, which provides the regulatory framework for the buying, selling and repair of motor vehicles across the state. There are around 7.4 million cars on NSW roads, according to Fair Trading's data. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The official course is the AURSS00064 Battery Electric Vehicle Inspection and Servicing Skill Set. It costs between $1500–$3000 and takes six days to complete, with some education providers advertising it over a four-day period. It's not just EV servicing and repair work affected, with hybrids – which also feature a high-voltage battery – also impacted. The proposed laws state that a tradesperson with certificates in three repair classes, such as electrical accessory fitting work, radiator repair work, and steering, suspension, and wheel alignment work, will also be prohibited from working on hybrid vehicles until they complete a mandatory course, dubbed Depowering and reinitialising BEVs – AURETH101 Depower and reinitialise battery. Supplied Credit: CarExpert According to the AAAA the regulations, revealed in a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS), are 'deeply flawed' and need to be reviewed. 'This is not just a workforce issue — it's a consumer issue,' AAAA chief executive officer Stuart Charity in a statement. 'This rushed approach will reduce access to essential repair services and increase costs for NSW motorists.' Mr Charity suggests the 'rushed approach' included a lack of consultation with industry groups such as the AAAA, which recommends 'transition plans' for EV training in NSW. 'We agree that technicians working on high-voltage vehicles must be trained and competent — and that's already happening,' Mr Charity added. 'But this proposal creates a legislative barrier that will drastically reduce the number of qualified service providers overnight. It will drive up costs for consumers and cause serious delays in repair and servicing.'
The Advertiser
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
EV, hybrid servicing and repairs set to cost more, take longer under new laws
New regulations for technicians working on electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids in New South Wales could cause delays and see service costs rise due to a shortage of technicians meeting the new qualifications. The proposed rules would require mechanics to complete additional battery tech and safety courses before they can legally work on EVs and hybrids. The regulations have been proposed as part of a new Act to replace the current Motor Dealers and Repairers Regulation which expires on September 1, 2025. Should these pass into law, the rules will be applied to new mechanics and the 49,000 existing mechanics in NSW – which make up one third of the total number across Australia – even those having already worked on EVs. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The regulations extend to technicians carrying out "steering, suspension and wheel alignment work" meaning tyre fitters may also be required to take the course in order to legally perform a wheel alignment on an EV. The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) estimates only around 10 per cent of technicians in NSW have completed any EV training. The AAAA also argues it's more challenging for technicians in regional areas to access the training and take the time out of their workshop to complete it. The regulations have been proposed by New South Wales (NSW) Fair Trading, which provides the regulatory framework for the buying, selling and repair of motor vehicles across the state. There are around 7.4 million cars on NSW roads, according to Fair Trading's data. The official course is the AURSS00064 Battery Electric Vehicle Inspection and Servicing Skill Set. It costs between $1500–$3000 and takes six days to complete, with some education providers advertising it over a four-day period. It's not just EV servicing and repair work affected, with hybrids – which also feature a high-voltage battery – also impacted. The proposed laws state that a tradesperson with certificates in three repair classes, such as electrical accessory fitting work, radiator repair work, and steering, suspension, and wheel alignment work, will also be prohibited from working on hybrid vehicles until they complete a mandatory course, dubbed Depowering and reinitialising BEVs – AURETH101 Depower and reinitialise battery. According to the AAAA the regulations, revealed in a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS), are 'deeply flawed' and need to be reviewed. "This is not just a workforce issue — it's a consumer issue," AAAA chief executive officer Stuart Charity in a statement. "This rushed approach will reduce access to essential repair services and increase costs for NSW motorists." Mr Charity suggests the 'rushed approach' included a lack of consultation with industry groups such as the AAAA, which recommends 'transition plans' for EV training in NSW. "We agree that technicians working on high-voltage vehicles must be trained and competent — and that's already happening," Mr Charity added. "But this proposal creates a legislative barrier that will drastically reduce the number of qualified service providers overnight. It will drive up costs for consumers and cause serious delays in repair and servicing." Content originally sourced from: New regulations for technicians working on electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids in New South Wales could cause delays and see service costs rise due to a shortage of technicians meeting the new qualifications. The proposed rules would require mechanics to complete additional battery tech and safety courses before they can legally work on EVs and hybrids. The regulations have been proposed as part of a new Act to replace the current Motor Dealers and Repairers Regulation which expires on September 1, 2025. Should these pass into law, the rules will be applied to new mechanics and the 49,000 existing mechanics in NSW – which make up one third of the total number across Australia – even those having already worked on EVs. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The regulations extend to technicians carrying out "steering, suspension and wheel alignment work" meaning tyre fitters may also be required to take the course in order to legally perform a wheel alignment on an EV. The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) estimates only around 10 per cent of technicians in NSW have completed any EV training. The AAAA also argues it's more challenging for technicians in regional areas to access the training and take the time out of their workshop to complete it. The regulations have been proposed by New South Wales (NSW) Fair Trading, which provides the regulatory framework for the buying, selling and repair of motor vehicles across the state. There are around 7.4 million cars on NSW roads, according to Fair Trading's data. The official course is the AURSS00064 Battery Electric Vehicle Inspection and Servicing Skill Set. It costs between $1500–$3000 and takes six days to complete, with some education providers advertising it over a four-day period. It's not just EV servicing and repair work affected, with hybrids – which also feature a high-voltage battery – also impacted. The proposed laws state that a tradesperson with certificates in three repair classes, such as electrical accessory fitting work, radiator repair work, and steering, suspension, and wheel alignment work, will also be prohibited from working on hybrid vehicles until they complete a mandatory course, dubbed Depowering and reinitialising BEVs – AURETH101 Depower and reinitialise battery. According to the AAAA the regulations, revealed in a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS), are 'deeply flawed' and need to be reviewed. "This is not just a workforce issue — it's a consumer issue," AAAA chief executive officer Stuart Charity in a statement. "This rushed approach will reduce access to essential repair services and increase costs for NSW motorists." Mr Charity suggests the 'rushed approach' included a lack of consultation with industry groups such as the AAAA, which recommends 'transition plans' for EV training in NSW. "We agree that technicians working on high-voltage vehicles must be trained and competent — and that's already happening," Mr Charity added. "But this proposal creates a legislative barrier that will drastically reduce the number of qualified service providers overnight. It will drive up costs for consumers and cause serious delays in repair and servicing." Content originally sourced from: New regulations for technicians working on electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids in New South Wales could cause delays and see service costs rise due to a shortage of technicians meeting the new qualifications. The proposed rules would require mechanics to complete additional battery tech and safety courses before they can legally work on EVs and hybrids. The regulations have been proposed as part of a new Act to replace the current Motor Dealers and Repairers Regulation which expires on September 1, 2025. Should these pass into law, the rules will be applied to new mechanics and the 49,000 existing mechanics in NSW – which make up one third of the total number across Australia – even those having already worked on EVs. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The regulations extend to technicians carrying out "steering, suspension and wheel alignment work" meaning tyre fitters may also be required to take the course in order to legally perform a wheel alignment on an EV. The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) estimates only around 10 per cent of technicians in NSW have completed any EV training. The AAAA also argues it's more challenging for technicians in regional areas to access the training and take the time out of their workshop to complete it. The regulations have been proposed by New South Wales (NSW) Fair Trading, which provides the regulatory framework for the buying, selling and repair of motor vehicles across the state. There are around 7.4 million cars on NSW roads, according to Fair Trading's data. The official course is the AURSS00064 Battery Electric Vehicle Inspection and Servicing Skill Set. It costs between $1500–$3000 and takes six days to complete, with some education providers advertising it over a four-day period. It's not just EV servicing and repair work affected, with hybrids – which also feature a high-voltage battery – also impacted. The proposed laws state that a tradesperson with certificates in three repair classes, such as electrical accessory fitting work, radiator repair work, and steering, suspension, and wheel alignment work, will also be prohibited from working on hybrid vehicles until they complete a mandatory course, dubbed Depowering and reinitialising BEVs – AURETH101 Depower and reinitialise battery. According to the AAAA the regulations, revealed in a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS), are 'deeply flawed' and need to be reviewed. "This is not just a workforce issue — it's a consumer issue," AAAA chief executive officer Stuart Charity in a statement. "This rushed approach will reduce access to essential repair services and increase costs for NSW motorists." Mr Charity suggests the 'rushed approach' included a lack of consultation with industry groups such as the AAAA, which recommends 'transition plans' for EV training in NSW. "We agree that technicians working on high-voltage vehicles must be trained and competent — and that's already happening," Mr Charity added. "But this proposal creates a legislative barrier that will drastically reduce the number of qualified service providers overnight. It will drive up costs for consumers and cause serious delays in repair and servicing." Content originally sourced from: New regulations for technicians working on electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids in New South Wales could cause delays and see service costs rise due to a shortage of technicians meeting the new qualifications. The proposed rules would require mechanics to complete additional battery tech and safety courses before they can legally work on EVs and hybrids. The regulations have been proposed as part of a new Act to replace the current Motor Dealers and Repairers Regulation which expires on September 1, 2025. Should these pass into law, the rules will be applied to new mechanics and the 49,000 existing mechanics in NSW – which make up one third of the total number across Australia – even those having already worked on EVs. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The regulations extend to technicians carrying out "steering, suspension and wheel alignment work" meaning tyre fitters may also be required to take the course in order to legally perform a wheel alignment on an EV. The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) estimates only around 10 per cent of technicians in NSW have completed any EV training. The AAAA also argues it's more challenging for technicians in regional areas to access the training and take the time out of their workshop to complete it. The regulations have been proposed by New South Wales (NSW) Fair Trading, which provides the regulatory framework for the buying, selling and repair of motor vehicles across the state. There are around 7.4 million cars on NSW roads, according to Fair Trading's data. The official course is the AURSS00064 Battery Electric Vehicle Inspection and Servicing Skill Set. It costs between $1500–$3000 and takes six days to complete, with some education providers advertising it over a four-day period. It's not just EV servicing and repair work affected, with hybrids – which also feature a high-voltage battery – also impacted. The proposed laws state that a tradesperson with certificates in three repair classes, such as electrical accessory fitting work, radiator repair work, and steering, suspension, and wheel alignment work, will also be prohibited from working on hybrid vehicles until they complete a mandatory course, dubbed Depowering and reinitialising BEVs – AURETH101 Depower and reinitialise battery. According to the AAAA the regulations, revealed in a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS), are 'deeply flawed' and need to be reviewed. "This is not just a workforce issue — it's a consumer issue," AAAA chief executive officer Stuart Charity in a statement. "This rushed approach will reduce access to essential repair services and increase costs for NSW motorists." Mr Charity suggests the 'rushed approach' included a lack of consultation with industry groups such as the AAAA, which recommends 'transition plans' for EV training in NSW. "We agree that technicians working on high-voltage vehicles must be trained and competent — and that's already happening," Mr Charity added. "But this proposal creates a legislative barrier that will drastically reduce the number of qualified service providers overnight. It will drive up costs for consumers and cause serious delays in repair and servicing." Content originally sourced from:
The Age
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Age
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. Loading 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.'
