Licences Suspended for Australian Trades Pty Ltd and Charbel Alha
Building Commission NSW has suspended the licences of Australian Trades Pty Ltd (300418C) and Charbel Alha (190178C) effective immediately, pending possible disciplinary action, in relation to allegations of repeated breaches of their obligations under the Home Building Act and the Australian Consumer Law.
The suspensions arise from an ongoing investigation which has resulted in Building Commission NSW determining Charbel Alha and Australian Trades Pty Ltd (ABN 11 164 770 852) may have engaged in multiple contraventions of their legal obligations, including in relation to:
- Misrepresentations and overcharging for emergency plumbing services
- Use of unfair contract terms
- Offences relating to Home Building insurance.
The suspensions were imposed when formal Show Cause notices were sent. The suspension will be in place for 60 days, in that time the parties will have a chance to respond to Building Commission NSW’s findings and make representations on why disciplinary action should not be taken.
The suspension also applies to other names used by Australian Trades Pty Ltd to advertise to NSW consumers, including Fergusons Plumbing, which advertises from the website: https://www.fergusonsplumbing.com.au/
The suspension also applies to other trading names associated with Australian Trades Pty Ltd, including:
- ANDERSONS PLUMBING AUS
- BOB'S PLUMBING NSW
- Dan's Electrical AUS
- Dan's Electrical NSW
- Dan's Plumbing AUS
- Dan's Plumbing NSW
- LLOYD'S PLUMBING & GAS
- Willson's Plumbing NSW.
Consumers who have been affected by the conduct of Australian Trades Pty Ltd should contact Building Commission NSW for assistance.
Quotes to be attributed to NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard:
“Building Commission NSW has conducted an investigation into Australian Trades Pty Ltd for offences under the Home Building Act (1989) and the Australian Consumer Law.”
“This suspension has been put in place while Australian Trades Pty Ltd and its director, Charbel Alha, have a chance to respond to the findings of our investigation.”
“In this 60-day suspension period Australian Trades Pty Ltd and Charbel Alha cannot contract, attempt to contract or advertise for plumbing work.”
“Building Commission NSW is continuing to investigate allegations related to these parties and may take further regulatory action if deemed necessary.”