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        <title><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria - Court actions]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/rss?RssType=courtactions]]></link>
        <language><![CDATA[en-us]]></language>
        <copyright><![CDATA[24 Apr 2026]]></copyright>
        
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                    <title><![CDATA[Estate agents' representative given lifetime ban]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:29:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/estate-agents-representative-given-lifetime-ban]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A former agents’ representative has been permanently barred from holding an estate agent licence, after VCAT found he mishandled more than $200,000 in client funds, including rental payments and bonds.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Locksmith business Wise Tech Services facing court]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 17 Mar 2026 06:46:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/locksmith-business-wise-tech-services-facing-court]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria is taking court action against locksmith business Wise Tech Services Pty Ltd (trading as Pick &amp; Lock).]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Geelong conveyancer facing disciplinary action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 27 Feb 2026 02:27:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/geelong-conveyancer-facing-disciplinary-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Geelong conveyancer is facing disciplinary action for allegedly failing to comply with trust account audit obligations over a 5-year period.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[South Yarra conveyancer facing disciplinary action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 27 Feb 2026 02:20:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/south-yarra-conveyancer-facing-disciplinary-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A South Yarra conveyancer is facing disciplinary action for allegedly failing to comply with trust account audit obligations over 4 years.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Panda Mart Cranbourne facing criminal charges over unsafe products]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 21 Jan 2026 05:18:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/panda-mart-cranbourne-facing-criminal-charges-over-unsafe-products]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Warehouse retailer Panda Mart will face 147 criminal charges for offering unsafe products for sale to Victorian consumers.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Conveyancer's licence cancelled over client funds]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 16 Jan 2026 02:36:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/conveyancers-licence-cancelled-over-client-funds]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A conveyancer has had her licence cancelled after allegedly taking over $350,000 in property deposits.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Furniture maker fined for breaching consumer law]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 05 Jan 2026 11:05:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/furniture-maker-fined-for-breaching-consumer-law]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Bespoke furniture maker Ben Purchase has been fined for breaching the Australian Consumer Law. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Conviction and penalty for My Tiny Home Kit director]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 19 Dec 2025 03:51:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/conviction-and-penalty-for-my-tiny-home-kit-director]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Clyde North entrepreneur who took $1.3 million in payments for affordable ‘tiny home kits’ that he never supplied has been convicted and fined $750,000 in the County Court.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Home relocator facing court]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 20 Nov 2025 04:23:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/home-relocator-facing-court]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Victorian sole trader who bought, sold and moved relocatable homes is facing serious allegations in the Federal Court.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Macedon Ranges estate agent permanently banned]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 07 Oct 2025 11:35:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/macedon-ranges-estate-agent-permanently-banned]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Kyneton woman has been permanently banned from working as an estate agent after taking $193,000 of trust money.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Taking action to protect trust account funds]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 24 Sep 2025 04:03:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/taking-action-to-protect-trust-account-funds]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Poor management of trust accounts in the real estate industry is under the spotlight, with Consumer Affairs Victoria taking action to protect consumers’ money.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Property manager faces VCAT for client fund mishandling]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 11 Sep 2025 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/property-manager-faces-vcat-for-client-fund-mishandling]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Daniel Cvetkoski allegedly took nearly $200,000 in client funds for his personal use.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Car parts dealer set to face court]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 13 Aug 2025 01:42:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/car-parts-dealer-set-to-face-court]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The owner of an online car parts business is facing court for allegedly taking payments and then failing to provide the goods.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Estate agent facing legal action for unprofessional conduct]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 04 Aug 2025 02:29:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/estate-agent-facing-legal-action-for-unprofessional-conduct]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[We are taking disciplinary action against an estate agent who allegedly failed to meet her auditing responsibilities with client funds, including home deposits and rent. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Protecting homeowners from dodgy builders and tradespeople]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 01 Aug 2025 12:46:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/protecting-homeowners-from-dodgy-builders-and-tradespeople]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Austin Bongart is facing legal action for allegedly committing building work-related offences while trading as Aussie’s Concrete and Fencing Solutions. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Shannakian Fine Jewellery faces criminal charges]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 29 Jul 2025 12:15:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/shannakian-fine-jewellery-faces-criminal-charges]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Shannakian Fine Jewellery and an employee are facing criminal charges for allegedly accepting more than $40,000 for high-priced items they failed to deliver to customers within a reasonable time, or at all. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Estate agencies guilty of breaking renting laws]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 25 Jul 2025 02:13:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/estate-agencies-guilty-of-breaking-renting-laws]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Five real estate agencies have pleaded guilty to breaking Victoria’s rental laws, following an investigation by Consumer Affairs Victoria’s renting taskforce.  ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Estate agency worker faces improper conduct allegations]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 11 Jul 2025 02:43:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/estate-agency-worker-faces-improper-conduct-allegations]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[An estate agent’s representative is facing disciplinary action this month after allegedly using pressure sales tactics and lying to vulnerable homeowners. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Protecting buyers from dodgy car sales]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 17 Jun 2025 03:40:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/protecting-buyers-from-dodgy-car-sales]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria is pursuing legal action to protect consumers from car sellers who break the law.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Renting taskforce cracks down on rental bidding]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 10 Jun 2025 01:13:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/renting-taskforce-cracks-down-on-rental-bidding]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Five Victorian real estate agencies will face court next month for advertising rental properties in breach of Victoria’s rental bidding laws. This follows investigations by Consumer Affairs Victoria’s renting taskforce.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Estate agent faces court for trading and trust account breaches]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 19 May 2025 02:22:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/estate-agent-faces-court-for-trading-and-trust-account-breaches]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The high-profile director of a Melbourne real estate agency is facing criminal charges for unlicensed trading and trust account breaches, as Consumer Affairs Victoria continues to crack down on agents who break the law. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Underquoting taskforce launches legal action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 08 Apr 2025 11:42:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/underquoting-taskforce-launches-legal-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Real estate agents are being reminded of their responsibilities under Victoria’s underquoting laws – and the potential consequences of not meeting them – as our taskforce launched legal action this week against a Yarraville estate agency and its director.  ]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Unregistered builder convicted]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 17 Mar 2025 06:15:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/unregistered-builder-convicted]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Unregistered builder Mark (Najy) Rayes has been convicted and fined for taking more than $100,000 in payments from customers for services he did not provide.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Footscray agent fined for advertising breach]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 06 Jan 2025 05:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/footscray-agent-fined-for-advertising-breach]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Footscray real estate agent who improperly advertised the selling price of a Kew property in 2023 has been fined $7,000 after pleading guilty in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Company director convicted for deceiving tradies]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 27 Dec 2024 01:20:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/company-director-convicted-for-deceiving-tradies]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The County Court has convicted and fined Christopher Michael, Director of Australian Property Management Solutions, for a scheme that deceived 12 small businesses. act...]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Greenvale estate agent charged over trust fund misuse]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 21 Nov 2024 03:56:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/greenvale-estate-agent-charged-over-trust-fund-misuse]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria has filed criminal charges against licensed estate agent, Daniela Vella, 52, of Essendon West, for allegedly misusing client trust account funds from August to October 2020.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Tiny home kit director facing court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 19 Nov 2024 05:52:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/tiny-home-kit-director-facing-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria has charged Spencer William Porter for letting his businesses accept $1.3 million in payments for tiny home kits and fail to supply them in a reasonable time.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Springvale estate agent banned from industry for 10 years]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 07 Nov 2024 11:43:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/springvale-estate-agent-banned-from-industry-for-10-years]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A real estate agent who misused rent and bond money has had his licence to practice cancelled for 10 years.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Cranbourne estate agent facing VCAT over alleged failure to audit trust accounts]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 24 Oct 2024 10:52:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/cranbourne-estate-agent-facing-vcat-over-alleged-failure-to-audit-trust-accounts]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Cranbourne estate agent is facing disciplinary action for failing to have his company’s trust accounts audited for 4 years.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Ray White Oakleigh faces court action for alleged misleading practices]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 15 Oct 2024 10:28:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/ray-white-oakleigh-faces-court-action-for-alleged-misleading-practices]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) is taking Ray White Oakleigh and estate agent Nick Strilakos to the Federal Court for alleged misleading and deceptive conduct and making false and misleading statements in breach of the Australian Consumer Law.  ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Macedon Ranges estate agent to appear at VCAT over alleged trust account audit failures]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 17 Sep 2024 05:23:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/macedon-ranges-estate-agent-to-appear-at-vcat-over-alleged-trust-account-audit-failures]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[We’re taking disciplinary action against an estate agent who we allege deliberately failed to comply with her trust account audit obligations over four years.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Inner-city estate agency fined for trust account breaches]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 18 Aug 2024 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/inner-city-estate-agency-fined-for-trust-account-breaches]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Inner-city estate agency Charter Lane Pty Ltd and its Director, Hakan (Hayden) Ali, have been found to have failed to meet their trust account responsibilities over a five-year period. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Agent banned from industry for rental bond breaches]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 08 Aug 2024 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/agent-banned-from-industry-for-rental-bond-breaches]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A real estate agent who accessed and misused rental bonds funds has had his licence to practice cancelled for 5 years. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Former estate agent Justin Scavo jailed for mishandling client funds]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 06 Aug 2024 02:32:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/former-estate-agent-justin-scavo-jailed-for-mishandling-client-funds]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A former estate agent who misused over $180,000 in trust account funds was sentenced to 4 months in prison and a 2-year Community Corrections Order in the County Court yesterday.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Estate agency and director fined for misusing trust funds]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 06 Aug 2024 12:53:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/estate-agency-and-director-fined-for-misusing-trust-funds]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A western suburbs estate agency and its director have been fined and reprimanded for misusing over $30,000 in trust account funds.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Estate agent at VCAT for alleged rental bond breaches]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 31 Jul 2024 03:37:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/estate-agent-at-vcat-for-alleged-rental-bond-breaches]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[We’re taking action in VCAT against an estate agent who allegedly accessed and misused rental bonds funds.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Preston furniture maker charged]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 30 Jul 2024 04:32:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/preston-furniture-maker-charged]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Bespoke furniture maker Ben Purchase and his business have been charged over allegedly accepting payment for goods and not supplying them within a reasonable time.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Shade Solutions Australia owner fined for failure to stop operating]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 19 Jul 2024 02:45:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/shade-solutions-australia-owner-fined-for-failure-to-stop-operating]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The Melbourne Magistrates’ Court fined business owner Andrew Valk yesterday after he pleaded guilty to failing to respond to a compulsory notice by the due date and continuing to trade.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Debt collector convicted]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 12 Jul 2024 06:48:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/debt-collector-convicted]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Melbourne debt collector who threatened, harassed, and misled debtors has been convicted and fined $15,000 after pleading guilty in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Agent facing suspension over missed trust account audits]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 21 May 2024 05:40:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/agent-facing-suspension-over-missed-trust-account-audits]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Williams Landing real estate agency and its director are facing disciplinary action after failing to audit their trust accounts.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Monica Smit and Reignite Democracy Australia convicted]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 03 May 2024 07:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/monica-smit-and-reignite-democracy-australia-convicted]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Advocacy group director Monica Smit and her organisation, Reignite Democracy Australia Pty Ltd (RDA), have been convicted in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on charges related to running an unregistered fundraiser to pay her legal bills. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Furniture maker fined]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 22 Apr 2024 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/furniture-maker-fined]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Furniture maker Ben Purchase has been fined $4000 without conviction, after pleading guilty to failing to comply with requirements to provide information as part of our investigations into his business.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Sunshine agency fined over $200,000  for unlicensed trading]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 16 Apr 2024 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/sunshine-agency-fined-over-$200000--for-unlicensed-trading]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Kamn Real Estate has been convicted and fined over $200,000 for unlicensed trading after Consumer Affairs Victoria took legal action.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Springvale estate agent faces permanent ban from industry]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 03 Apr 2024 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/springvale-estate-agent-faces-permanent-ban-from-industry]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria has warned real estate agents to comply with their trust account responsibilities or face serious legal consequences, as a Springvale agent faces being permanently banned from the industry for allegedly misusing rental bond money. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Unregistered builder to face court on multiple charges]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 27 Mar 2024 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/unregistered-builder-to-face-court-on-multiple-charges]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[An unregistered Melbourne builder is facing criminal charges after allegedly accepting more than $100,000 in payments from consumers for building services he did not provide.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Conveyancer facing ban for allegedly misappropriating millions]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 13 Feb 2024 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/conveyancer-facing-ban-for-allegedly-misappropriating-millions]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A conveyancer who allegedly misused more than $4.6 million in client funds is facing a possible ban from the industry after Consumer Affairs Victoria launched disciplinary action against her.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Andrew Valk and his blind/shade businesses – Legal action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 28 Dec 2023 06:38:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/andrew-valk-and-his-blind-shade-businesses-legal-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A business owner whose awning installation company is the focus of a public warning notice after ignoring orders to close, is now operating under a new business name. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Debt collector charged for unlawful practices]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 21 Nov 2023 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/debt-collector-charged-for-unlawful-practices]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Melbourne debt collector and his business are facing more than a dozen charges after allegedly using tactics to recover debts that are banned in Victoria.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Monica Smit and Reignite Democracy Australia to face court]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 29 Oct 2023 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/monica-smit-and-reignite-democracy-australia-to-face-court]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Advocacy group director Monica Smit, who allegedly conducted a fundraiser while not registered, will face the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria in November.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Estate agent facing disciplinary action for poor conduct]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 03 Sep 2023 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/estate-agent-facing-disciplinary-action-for-poor-conduct]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Malvern East estate agent is facing disciplinary action for alleged unprofessional conduct.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Kamn Real Estate Pty Ltd - commencement of action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 02 Aug 2023 11:25:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/kamm-real-estate-pty-ltd-commencement-of-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Sunshine-based estate agency, which allegedly traded while unlicensed, faces up to $165,220 in potential fines. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Studio Shade Australia/Shade Solutions - legal action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 26 Jul 2023 06:24:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/studio-shade-australia-shade-solutions-legal-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A business owner whose installation company is the focus of a public warning notice is facing legal action.]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Former estate agents representative fined and banned for 10 years]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 30 Jun 2023 06:03:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/former-estate-agents-representative-fined-and-banned-for-10-years]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A former agent’s representative who falsified records and mishandled his clients’ trust account funds for personal use, failing to meet his responsibilities under the Estate Agents Act 1980, has been banned from being an agent’s representative until 2033. He must also pay a $2,500 fine to the Victorian Property Fund. ]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Real estate agent jailed for mishandling trust money]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 16 Jun 2023 05:51:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/real-estate-agent-jailed-for-mishandling-trust-money]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A former estate agent who mishandled his clients’ trust account funds for personal use was sentenced to 12 months in prison and a two-year Community Corrections Order in the County Court today. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Supreme Court action – Berkeley Living Retirement Village  ]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 06 Jun 2023 02:06:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/supreme-court-action-berkeley-living-retirement-village]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria has filed a legal application in the Supreme Court of Victoria to recover in-going contributions paid by former residents of Berkeley Living Retirement Village in Patterson Lakes.  ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Estate agent Syed Nasir Zafar prosecuted for alleged trust account misuse]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 17 May 2023 12:37:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/estate-agent-syed-nasir-zafar-prosecuted-for-alleged-trust-account-misuse]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria has charged a real estate agent with misusing more than $930,000 in trust account funds, leaving clients unable to complete property transactions. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Former estate agent facing charges after alleged trust fund misuse]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 27 Mar 2023 12:42:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/former-estate-agent-facing-charges-after-alleged-trust-fund-misuse]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Former real estate agent Jean-Noel Alain Philippe Gillet is facing more than 900 charges after allegedly misusing approximately $75,000 in trust account funds. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Estate agent loses licence for two years]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 23 Feb 2023 10:19:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/estate-agent-loses-licence-for-two-years]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Estate agent Saowanee Howell has lost her licence to practise for two years, after consent orders were made that it be cancelled until 2025.]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Waterdale Estate Agents – Court outcome ]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 12 Sep 2022 12:55:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/waterdale-estate-agents-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[West Melbourne-based Waterdale Property Agent Pty Ltd (ACN 121 837 581), trading as Waterdale Estate Agents, was convicted of breaching laws introduced to protect vulnerable renters during the first coronavirus wave. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Estate agent Thomas Aloysius - Commencement of action ]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 01 Sep 2022 11:42:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/thomas-aloysius-commencement-of-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[An estate agent with a history of unprofessional conduct, including mishandling clients’ money, is facing the prospect of being banned from holding an estate agent’s licence. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Christopher Michael and Australian Property Management Solutions - Commencement of action ]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 14 Aug 2022 11:27:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/christopher-michael-and-apms-commencement-of-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Christopher Michael and Australian Property Management Solutions (APMS) Pty Ltd (ACN 602 464 700), allegedly accepted payment from 12 people for $30,000 worth of completed work orders within a 12-month period, in return for a $2,035 fee for registering with the company as a contractor. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Shahriyar Noori - Appeal outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 12 Aug 2022 01:22:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/shahriyar-noori-appeal-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Reservoir man has been ordered to pay an aggregate fine of $20,000 and had a conviction recorded against him, for unlicensed car trading. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Andreas Triantafyllos - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 03 Aug 2022 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/andreas-triantafyllos-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The former director of a luxury car hire business has been convicted and fined in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court after repeatedly failing to appear to give evidence to the Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria.]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Michael Johnson - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 07 Jul 2022 03:04:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/michael-johnson-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Unregistered builder Michael Johnson has been ordered to pay tens of thousands of dollars in compensation to former clients, after pleading guilty to multiple breaches of the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 (DBCA). ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Shahriyar Noori - Court action (appeal)]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 24 Jun 2022 12:45:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/shahriyar-noori-court-action-appeal]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP) Victoria is appealing the non-conviction and fine of Shahriyar Noori, 40, for trading in motor cars without holding a car trader’s licence.  ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Joshua Allison - Commencement of action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 24 May 2022 12:55:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/joshua-allison-commencement-of-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria is taking action against the director of a Port Melbourne estate agency.  Joshua Allison, 41, of Port Melbourne, is the sole director and officer in effective control of Josh Allison Enterprises Pty Ltd (ACN: 168 306 312). ]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Saowanee Howell - Commencement of action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 23 May 2022 01:18:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/saowanee-howell-commencement-of-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria is taking action against estate agent Saowanee Howell, 61, allegedly failed her responsibilities to act fairly and honestly, conducted herself in a way detrimental to the industry and failed to have her trust accounts audited for a decade. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Justin Scavo - Commencement of action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 21 Feb 2022 12:15:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/justin-scavo-commencement-of-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria is taking former real estate agent Justin Scavo, 38, to court for allegedly causing more than $180,000 in trust account deficiencies, and converting that amount to his own use.]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Richard Michael Hayden - Commencement of action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 04 Jan 2022 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/richard-michael-hayden-commencement-of-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria is taking former real estate agent Richard Michael Hayden, 51, to court for allegedly causing nearly $1.6 million in trust account deficiencies. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Robert Pedersen and Robert Pedersen Real Estate Pty Ltd - Commencement of action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 30 Dec 2021 04:06:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/robert-pedersen-and-robert-pedersen-real-estate-pty-ltd-commencement-of-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria has launched a disciplinary inquiry into a Heidelberg Heights estate agency and its director, alleging that they breached Victoria’s estate agent laws.]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Michael Johnson - Commencement of action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 22 Dec 2021 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/michael-johnson-commencement-of-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria has commenced criminal proceedings against Michael Johnson, 54, of Churchill, for alleged breaches of the Domestic Building Contracts Act (1995) (DBCA). ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Zhenhua Yang and Ausco Real Estate Pty Ltd - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 25 Oct 2021 03:12:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/zhenhua-yang-and-ausco-real-estate-pty-ltd-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A former real estate agent has received an 18-month Community Corrections Order and must complete 300 hours of community service after being convicted of trust account offences.]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Drives (Aus) Pty Ltd - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 17 Oct 2021 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/drives-aus-pty-ltd-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A former licensed motor car trader has been convicted and fined $28,000 for odometer tampering and other offences likely to deceive customers. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Andreas Triantafyllos - Commencement of action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 08 Aug 2021 11:37:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/andreas-triantafyllos-commencement-of-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria is taking Andreas Triantafyllos, 44, to court for failing to attend and give evidence in accordance with statutory notices. We issued those notices under the Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012 as part of an investigation into luxury car hire services.]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Amit Miglani and SNM Properties Pty Ltd (trading as MIG Real Estate) - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 03 Aug 2021 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/amit-miglani-and-snm-properties-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The Officer in Effective Control of a former western suburbs estate agency has narrowly avoided an immediate jail term, after being convicted of misusing his clients’ money.  ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Zehar Saoud - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 26 Jul 2021 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/zehar-saoud-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A trader has been convicted and fined $12,650 for selling cars while unlicensed.]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Drives (Aus) Pty Ltd - Commencement of action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 18 Jul 2021 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/drives-aus-pty-ltd-commencement-of-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A former licensed motor car trader which allegedly wound back odometers on cars it was selling, falsely recorded their details and misled potential buyers, will face court next month. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Thomas Aloysius - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 15 Jul 2021 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/thomas-aloysius-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[An estate agent’s representative has been given a criminal conviction and fined $8,000 after he asked a purchaser to pay some of their deposit to his personal bank account instead of to the agency’s trust account on behalf of the vendors who had engaged him to help sell their home. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Waterdale property agent - Commencement of action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 10 Jun 2021 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/waterdale-property-agent-commencement-of-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria has commenced criminal action against a real estate agency which allegedly served Notices to vacate illegally under laws introduced to protect renters during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Vic Solar Technologies and Sunny Srinivasan - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 06 May 2021 02:17:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/vic-solar-technologies-and-sunny-srinivasan-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A solar panel retailer which made misleading representations to consumers and engaged in unconscionable conduct, among other breaches of the Australian Consumer Law, has been fined $3 million in the Federal Court, and its Director ordered to pay $450,000.]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Amit Miglani and SNM Properties (trading as MIG Real Estate) - Commencement of action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 13 Apr 2021 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/amit-miglani-and-snm-properties-commencement-of-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The Officer in Effective Control of a former western suburbs estate agency has been charged with diverting more than $150,000 from the trust accounts of his clients.  ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Harold Simon Michaelis and Boston &amp; Brighton Property Consultants Pty Ltd - Commencement of action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 22 Feb 2021 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/harold-simon-michaelis-and-boston-and-brighton-commencement-of-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria has started criminal action against Harold Simon Michaelis and Boston &amp; Brighton Property Consultants Pty Ltd, for alleged breaches of Victorian estate agent laws. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Kylie Jane Campbell - Commencement of action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 22 Feb 2021 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/kylie-jane-campbell-commencement-of-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria has started criminal action against Kylie Jane Campbell, Director of BSM Realty Melbourne Pty Ltd for alleged breaches of Victorian estate agent laws. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Zhenhua Yang and Ausco Real Estate Pty Ltd - Commencement of action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 22 Feb 2021 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/zhenhua-yang-and-ausco-real-estate-pty-ltd-commencement-of-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria has started criminal action against Zhenhua Yang and Ausco Real Estate Pty Ltd for alleged breaches of Victorian estate agent laws. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Hans Eric Richmond - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 16 Nov 2020 01:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/hans-eric-richmond-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A former conveyancer has been ordered to pay $5000 in fines and more than $44,000 restitution to the Victorian Property Fund after being found guilty of continuing to work as a conveyancer without a licence.]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Colliers International (Victoria) Pty Ltd - Commencement of action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 08 Jul 2020 02:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/colliers-international-victoria-commencement-of-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria has started legal action against estate agency Colliers International (Victoria) Pty Ltd for alleged underquoting and making misleading representations about property sale prices.  ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Zehar Saoud - Commencement of action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 04 Jun 2020 02:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/zehar-saoud-commencement-of-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria has started criminal action against Zehar Saoud, 32, of Truganina, for alleged breaches of the Motor Car Traders Act 1986.  ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Tsun Ngai Lee - Commencement of action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 21 Apr 2020 02:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/tsun-ngai-lee-commencement-of-action-2020]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria has launched a disciplinary inquiry at VCAT into estate agent Tsun Ngai Lee. Mr Lee, 60, of Caroline Springs, trades under the business name Ably Realtor Worldwide Agency.  ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Thomas Henry Albert Aloysius - Commencement of action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 22 Mar 2020 01:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/thomas-henry-albert-aloysius-commencement-of-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria has commenced criminal action against Thomas Henry Albert Aloysius, 47, of Hallam, for alleged breaches of the Estate Agents Act 1980 and its Regulations. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Taleb Youseff - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 11 Mar 2020 01:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/taleb-youseff-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Thomastown man has been convicted, fined $12,500 and ordered to pay costs of $5,000, after he pleaded guilty to a charge of unlicensed motor car trading. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Stephen George Snowden - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 05 Feb 2020 01:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/stephen-george-snowden-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Stephen George Snowden, 53, of Ferntree Gully, has been ordered to pay costs of more than $29,000, plus a fine of $12,000, after he was found guilty of offences under Victorian retirement village laws. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Property Express Pty Ltd, Dean Anthony Johnson and Darren James Dean - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 27 Nov 2019 01:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/property-express-pty-ltd-dean-anthony-johnson-and-darren-james-dean-nov-2019-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Estate agency Property Express Pty Ltd and two of its former directors have lost their licences, after misleading clients about property prices. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Hoskins Maroondah Pty Ltd and Brent Robert Peters - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 10 Oct 2019 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/hoskins-maroondah-pty-ltd-and-brent-robert-peters-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne estate agency Hoskins Maroondah Pty Ltd and its director must pay almost $900,000 in fines and compensation for underquoting contraventions.]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[David Alexander Scott Steel - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 19 Sep 2019 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/david-alexander-scott-steel-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A former Cobden estate agent has been sentenced to three months’ jail after pleading guilty to almost 40 charges relating to mismanagement of his clients’ money.]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Hans Eric Richmond - Commencement of action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 11 Sep 2019 02:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/hans-eric-richmond-commencement-of-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[We have started legal action against Hans Eric Richmond, 69, of Officer, alleging that he breached Victoria's conveyancing laws. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Five Star Car Sales Pty Ltd and Bo Li - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 02 Jul 2019 02:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/five-star-car-sales-and-bo-li-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A motor car trader and its director have been disqualified from holding a licence for two and a half years, after they agreed that they breached their obligations under Victorian motor car trader laws. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Robert Pedersen and Robert Pedersen Real Estate Pty Ltd - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 02 Jul 2019 02:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/robert-pedersen-and-robert-pedersen-real-estate-pty-ltd-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Heidelberg Heights estate agency and its director have been reprimanded, ordered to a pay a $2,000 penalty, and had a condition placed on their licences, after they contravened the trust account provisions of Victoria’s estate agent laws. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Truc Thanh Le Nguyen (aka Judy Nguyen) - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 10 Jun 2019 02:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/truc-thanh-le-nguyen-aka-judy-nguyen-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A former Glen Waverley estate agent has been jailed for 20 months after pleading guilty to 11 charges of misusing more than $800,000 of her clients’ money, in breach of the Estate Agents Act 1980.  ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Marjan Hayvari - Court outcome ]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 06 May 2019 02:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/marjan-hayvari-court-outcome-may-2019]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Glenroy woman has been convicted and fined $26,175, and ordered to pay costs of $6069.13, following an appeal at the County Court of Victoria. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Tsun Ngai Lee (trading as Ably Realtor Worldwide Agency) - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 29 Apr 2019 02:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/tsun-ngai-lee-trading-as-ably-realtor-worldwide-agency-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[An estate agent trading as Ably Realtor Worldwide Agency has been reprimanded, and has had a condition placed on his licence, after breaching his duties under the Estate Agents Act 1980 and its regulations. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Gelzar Ali Aziz - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 22 Apr 2019 02:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/gelzar-ali-aziz-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A North Fitzroy woman has been fined more than $35,000 after pleading guilty to unlicensed motor car trading, in breach of the Motor Car Traders Act 1986.]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Micheal Arrow - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 09 Apr 2019 02:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/micheal-arrow-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[An unregistered builder who contravened Victorian consumer and domestic building contract laws has been ordered to pay penalties totalling $46,200, plus costs of $5,000. ]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Vic Solar Technologies Pty Ltd and Sunny Srinivasan - Commencement of action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 07 Apr 2019 02:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/vic-solar-technologies-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria has started legal action against a solar company that we allege did not comply with the unsolicited consumer agreement provisions of the Australian Consumer Law (Victoria), plus other breaches of consumer law. ]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Wens Bros Trading Pty Ltd and Wen Hui Xu - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 12 Feb 2019 01:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/wens-bros-trading-pty-ltd-and-wen-hui-xu-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A company and its director who breached the Australian Consumer Law’s product safety provisions have been ordered to pay a total of $415,000 in penalties, plus $15,000 in costs. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Helen Sly and Ranelagh Realty Pty Ltd - Commencement of action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 23 Jan 2019 01:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/helen-sly-and-ranelagh-realty-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria has started criminal action against Helen Sly and Ranelagh Realty Pty Ltd for alleged breaches of Victorian estate agent laws. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Abdellatif Cheairi Bouiaji - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 02 Jan 2019 01:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/abdellatif-cheairi-bouiaji-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Shepparton man has been convicted and fined $30,000 after pleading guilty to unlicensed motor car trading, in breach of the Motor Car Traders Act 1986. ]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Domain Register Pty Ltd - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 26 Dec 2018 01:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/domain-register-pty-ltd-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A company that engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct by sending out certain types of unsolicited notices for domain name registrations has been ordered to offer a $249 refund each to more than 9,800 customers.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Melbourne South Eastern Real Estate Pty Ltd - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 29 Nov 2018 01:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/melbourne-south-eastern-real-estate-pty-ltd-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A company that operates three Barry Plant estate agent offices in Melbourne will pay $720,000, after the Federal Court of Australia found it engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct and making false representations about property sales. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Wapshott Motors Pty Ltd - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 26 Nov 2018 01:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/wapshott-motors-pty-ltd-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Surrey Hills car dealership and its director have been disqualified from holding a licence for four years, after a hearing found that they breached various provisions of Victorian motor car trading laws. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Meganita Marannu - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 12 Nov 2018 01:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/meganita-marannu-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Preston woman has been jailed for one year, and must complete a three-year community corrections order following her release, after admitting she stole or misused almost $130,000 of clients’ money whilst operating as a conveyancer.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Cain Robert Padman (trading as Priority Fencing and Constructions) - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 10 Sep 2018 02:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/cain-robert-padman-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Cain Robert Padman, 35, (trading as Priority Fencing Projects and Constructions), has been convicted, fined $3,000 and ordered to refund two customers $1,674 in total; Mr Padman pleaded guilty at Frankston Magistrates’ Court to breaching Victorian domestic building contract and consumer laws ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Origo &amp; Co Pty Ltd - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 19 Aug 2018 02:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/origo-and-co-pty-ltd-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The operator of seven Daiso stores (six in Victoria and one in New South Wales) has been penalised $ 355,000  after admitting that it sold or offered for sale items that did not meet the relevant safety or information standards under the Australian Consumer Law (Victoria). ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Stephen George Snowden - Commencement of action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 05 Aug 2018 02:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/stephen-george-snowden-commencement-of-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria has commenced criminal proceedings against Stephen George Snowden, 51, of Ferntree Gully. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Walid El Haouli - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 22 Apr 2018 02:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/walid-el-haouli-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The Werribee Magistrates’ Court has ordered that an unregistered builder pay costs and stop certain conduct unless he becomes registered. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Tri Duc (Joseph) Ngo - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 14 Mar 2018 01:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/tri-duc-joseph-ngo-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A former Glen Waverley estate agent has been sentenced to five years’ jail, after pleading guilty to 48 charges of misusing more than $6 million of his clients’ money, in breach of the Estate Agents Act 1980.  ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Melbourne Deluxe Real Estate Pty Ltd (trading as Melbourne Deluxe) and Paul Wayne Pfeiffer - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 13 Mar 2018 01:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/melbourne-deluxe-real-estate-pty-ltd-and-paul-wayne-pfeiffer-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[An estate agent must repay $69,000 in compensation; been fined $25,000; and sentenced to a two-year community corrections order, after pleading guilty to charges including fraudulent conversion. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[The Reject Shop Ltd - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 07 Mar 2018 11:34:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/the-reject-shop-ltd-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[National variety goods retailer The Reject Shop Ltd has been penalised $140,000 after admitting that it contravened the product safety provisions of the Australian Consumer Law (Victoria) by selling projectile toys.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Tim Phan - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 29 Jan 2018 01:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/tim-phan-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[An Avondale Heights man who worked as a builder while unregistered has been ordered to refund three of his customers a total of more than $26,700 at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Muralietharan Varadharajah - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 27 Dec 2017 01:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/muralietharan-varadharajah-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A rooming house operator will lose his licence after he was found guilty of offences under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 and its regulations. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Peter Maxwell Simmons - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 26 Dec 2017 01:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/peter-maxwell-simmons-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Estate agent Peter Maxwell Simmons, 66, has been banned from holding a licence, or acting as an agent’s representative, after Consumer Affairs Victoria was notified that more than $5,000 in trust account money was missing. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Fletcher &amp; Parker (Balwyn) Pty Ltd - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 13 Dec 2017 01:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/fletcher-and-parker-balwyn-pty-ltd-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A real estate agency in Melbourne’s east will pay $880,000 after the Federal Court of Australia found it engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct and making false or misleading representations about property sales. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Daiso Industries (Australia) Pty Ltd - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 05 Dec 2017 01:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/daiso-industries-australia-pty-ltd-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A national retailer that sold unsafe and insufficiently labelled products to Victorian, New South Wales and Queensland consumers has been ordered to pay $1 million by the Federal Court of Australia.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Manningham Property Group Pty Ltd (trading as Hocking Stuart Doncaster) - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 03 Dec 2017 01:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/manningham-property-group-trading-as-hocking-stuart-doncaster-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A real estate agency in Melbourne’s east will pay $160,000 after it admitted to engaging in misleading and deceptive conduct and making false and misleading representations about the sale of land.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Gull and Company Pty Ltd - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 28 Nov 2017 01:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/gull-and-company-pty-ltd-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Ballarat estate agency Gull and Company has been reprimanded and penalised $5,000 by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for operating without a licence during 2015. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Danielle Talia and Bond's Real Estate Sales Pty Ltd - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 25 Oct 2017 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/danielle-talia-and-bonds-real-estate-sales-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Doncaster East estate agent will have her licence suspended and, with her company, pay a total fine of $5,000 to the Victorian Property Fund, after she and the company both accepted that they had knowingly employed a disqualified person as an agent’s representative. ]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Sedinsi Pty Ltd and Peter Murray Daly - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 23 Oct 2017 12:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/sedinsi-pty-ltd-and-peter-murray-daly-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A director of a Southbank estate agency has been penalised $1,000 for contraventions of Victoria's estate agent laws.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Annabelle (Belle) Gibson and Inkerman Road Nominees Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 27 Sep 2017 02:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/annabelle-gibson-and-inkerman-road-nominees-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Annabelle Natalie Gibson (also known as Belle Gibson) has been ordered to pay $410,000 after a penalty hearing at the Federal Court of Australia.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Century 21 Australia Pty Ltd - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 17 Sep 2017 02:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/century-21-australia-pty-ltd-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Century 21 Australia Pty Ltd has been ordered to pay more than $109,000 in compensation, plus more than $28,000 in interest, after the misappropriation of trust account funds by an estate agent with which it was in a franchise agreement.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Big Aussie Deals Pty Ltd and Steven Petrovski - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 29 Aug 2017 12:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/big-aussie-deals-pty-ltd-and-steven-petrovski-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Brunswick-based company that supplied banned miniature motorbikes has been ordered to pay a penalty of $10,000 for failing to meet the product safety provisions of the Australian Consumer Law (Victoria). ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Ezy Lite Pty Ltd and Adnan Dennaoui - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 21 Jul 2017 12:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/ezy-lite-pty-ltd-and-adnan-dennaoui-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A building cladding company and its director have been convicted and fined a total of $70,000, after pleading guilty to making false and misleading representations about the fire ratings of some of its products. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Andrew Michael Renn - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 03 Jul 2017 02:08:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/andrew-michael-renn-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Hawthorn builder and landscaper has been convicted and fined for failing to comply with the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 and the Australian Consumer Law (Victoria).]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[The Sarain Pty Ltd (previously t/as Ray White Werribee) - Commencement of action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 28 Jun 2017 07:15:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/the-sarain-pty-ltd-ray-white-werribee-commencement-of-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria has applied to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal to hold an inquiry in relation to The Sarain Pty Ltd and its director, Surinder Sarain.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Aldergate Nominees Pty Ltd (t/as Stockdale and Leggo Yarrawonga) and Tracey Anne Smith - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 26 Jun 2017 12:07:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/aldergate-nominees-t-as-stockdale-and-leggo-yarrawonga-and-tracey-anne-smith]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Yarrawonga estate agency and its director have been fined $15,000 after pleading guilty to causing trust account deficiencies and misappropriating trust funds after a Consumer Affairs Victoria investigation revealed that they misappropriated more than $18,500, relating to 21 transactions.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Mandeep Johal - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 19 Apr 2017 12:58:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/mandeep-johal-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Carlton conveyancer Mandeep Johal, 37, has been reprimanded and had conditions placed on his licence, by his and Consumer Affairs Victoria’s consent, after the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal found he contravened the Conveyancers Act 2006.  ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[LMG Commercial Property Services Pty Ltd and Leo Mark Grogan - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 29 Mar 2017 01:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/lmg-commercial-property-services-pty-ltd-and-leo-mark-grogan-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A former South Yarra estate agency and its director and officer in effective control (OIEC) have been reprimanded and disqualified from holding an estate agents licence for two years.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Ben Alexander Strachan, Strachan Research Pty Ltd and House Share Melbourne Pty Ltd - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 07 Mar 2017 04:22:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/ben-alexander-strachan-strachan-research-pty-ltd-and-house-share-management-pty-ltd-court-outcome]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Two companies operating rooming houses and their sole director have been ordered to stop operating rooming houses for five years, unless they implement a strict legal compliance program.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[John Michael Talia - Court outcome]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 28 Feb 2017 12:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/john-michael-talia-court-outcome-feb-2017]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A man who continued to practice as an estate agent after a tribunal ruled him ineligible to hold a licence has been found guilty of contempt, fined $10,000 and ordered to pay costs. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Melbourne Prestige Cars Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 24 Jan 2017 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/melbourne-prestige-cars-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Melbourne licensed car dealership has been fined $2,800 and entered guilty pleas to aiding and abetting an unlicensed motor car trader.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Illawong Lakeside Retirement Pty Ltd, Illawong Retirement Group Pty Ltd and Vladymir Martyniuk - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 20 Jan 2017 12:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/illawong-lakeside-retirement-pl-illawong-retirement-group-and-vladymir-martyniuk-court-action-20-jan]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The director of a Patterson Lakes retirement village must pay more than $3,000 in costs after being found in contempt of court by failing to comply with previous orders.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Meganita Marannu and Bonzi Group Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 18 Jan 2017 12:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/meganita-marannu-and-bonzi-group-pty-ltd-court-action-18-jan-2017]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Preston woman has been ordered to cease acting as a conveyancer, shut down her website and pay around $900 in costs.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[David James Donald - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 12 Jan 2017 12:21:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/david-james-donald-court-action-18-january-2017]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A door-to-door salesman who took advantage of older Victorians has been ordered to cease trading for five years and pay more than $17,000 in refunds, damages, penalties and costs.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[SLM Housing Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 23 Dec 2016 12:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/slm-housing-pty-ltd-court-action-23-december-2016]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[One of Victoria's largest rooming house operators has been found guilty of 126 charges for failing to comply with rooming house requirements.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Michael Andrew John Hoban - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 25 Nov 2016 02:05:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/michael-andrew-john-hoban-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A former estate agent has had his licence cancelled and been disqualified from holding a licence for three years, after admitting to contravening the Estate Agents Act 1980.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Joel Phillip Murray - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 22 Nov 2016 01:54:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/joel-phillip-murray-court-action-january-2017]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[An estate agent has been reprimanded and had his licence suspended for six months, after failing to have his trust accounts audited and meet conditions attached to his licence.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[ADG Windows Pty Ltd and John Stanley Heath - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 02 Nov 2016 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/adg-windows-pty-ltd-and-john-stanley-heath-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Montmorency-based company ADG Windows (trading as Australian Double Glazing) and its sole director, John Stanley Heath, have been ordered to stop entering into agreements to supply windows and doors for the next five years.]]></description>
                </item>
            
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                    <title><![CDATA[Hocking Stuart (Richmond) Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 06 Oct 2016 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/hocking-stuart-richmond-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Melbourne estate agency has been penalised $330,000 after admitting it had engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct, and making false and misleading representations about the sale of land. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Brendan Lansley - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 19 Aug 2016 02:14:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/brendan-lansley-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Newborough man has been convicted and fined for engaging in debt collection while prohibited from doing so. ]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Daniel Chung Keat Leong - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 18 Aug 2016 06:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/daniel-chung-keat-leong-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Port Melbourne man has been convicted and fined $20,000 for making false and misleading representations in job advertisements, following action by Consumer Affairs Victoria in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Marlo Woods (Australia) Pty Ltd and Choung Heng Taing - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 26 Jul 2016 02:06:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/marlo-woods-australia-pty-ltd-and-choung-heng-taing-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates' Court has imposed $30,000 in penalties against merchandise retailer Marlo Woods (Australia) Pty Ltd and its sole director, Choung Heng Taing, for contraventions of the Australian Consumer Law (Vic) product safety standards.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[LKS Lifestyle Solutions Pty Ltd and Lauren Kate Smith - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 20 Jul 2016 12:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/lks-lifestyle-solutions-pty-ltd-and-lauren-kate-smith-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A pool company and its sole director have been found guilty of engaging in conduct that breaches Victorian consumer and building laws.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[James Owen Reid - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 21 Jun 2016 06:38:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/james-owen-reid-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[An unregistered builder has been convicted and fined $2,400 in the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court after he failed to meet his duties under Victorian building laws. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Illawong Lakeside Retirement Pty Ltd, Illawong Retirement Group Pty Ltd and Vladymir Martyniuk - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 08 Jun 2016 04:12:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/illawong-lakeside-retirement-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A retirement village operator and two related parties have agreed to pay $1,500 in costs and implement a number of measures for recording information, following contraventions of Victorian retirement village laws. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[David James Donald - Interim injunction]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 03 Jun 2016 06:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/david-james-donald-interim-injunction]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria has obtained an interim injunction against David James Donald, 72, of Reservoir, after he continued to contravene the Australian Consumer Law (Victoria) relating to unsolicited consumer agreements. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Hassan Al Dali - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 03 Jun 2016 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/hassan-al-dali-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[An unlicensed motor car trader will spend at least six months in jail, after an unsuccessful appeal hearing at the County Court of Victoria.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Ljupco (Lou) Petrovski and DNL Security Australia Pty Ltd - Court Action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 27 May 2016 02:28:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/ljupco-lou-petrovski-and-dnl-security-australia-pty-ltd--court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The Melbourne Magistrates' Court has fined a company and its director a total of $59,000 for misleading consumers into enrolling in training courses that were advertised as job advertisements. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Ashleigh Maliki - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 26 May 2016 06:57:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/ashleigh-maliki-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A tradesman who performed building work while unregistered and harassed a former client has been fined a total of $3000 and ordered to pay $500 in costs.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Mecon Insurance Pty Ltd and Mechanical and Construction Insurance Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 10 May 2016 02:17:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/mecon-insurance-pty-ltd-and-mechanical-and-construction-insurance-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Two related insurance companies have agreed to refund customers and pay costs of $20,000 for engaging in price exploitation and misleading and deceptive conduct, following proceedings in the Supreme Court of Victoria. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Nightingale Electrics Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 07 Apr 2016 01:33:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/nightingale-electrics-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A former Altona North company has been penalised $60,000 for supplying banned miniature motor bikes (commonly known as monkey bikes) and other products that did not comply with Australian safety standards. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[The Good Guys Discount Warehouse (Australia) Pty Ltd and Parke Muir's Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 21 Mar 2016 12:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/the-good-guys-discount-warehouse-australia-pty-ltd-and-parke-muir-s-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[We took action against these companies alleging they made false or misleading representations to consumers about their ACL rights when marketing extended warranties.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Frank Valentic and Advantage Property Consulting Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 09 Mar 2016 10:16:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/frank-valentic-and-advantage-property-consulting-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne estate agency director Frank Valentic has had his licence suspended for six months for contraventions of professional conduct regulations relating to the sale of a four-unit development in Malvern.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Christopher Miles - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 22 Feb 2016 11:49:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/christopher-miles-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Melbourne-based online toy retailer has been banned from taking money up-front from customers until 2020.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Michael Robert Knight - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 12 Feb 2016 03:56:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/michael-robert-knight-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The director of a former Boronia estate agency has been declared ineligible to hold an estate agent’s licence, or be an estate agent’s representative for five years, after he admitted to knowingly authorising and permitting the agency to convert trust money to its own use. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Anthony Vito Brancatella - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 09 Feb 2016 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/anthony-vito-brancatella-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Former real estate agent Anthony Vito Brancatella has been sentenced to 40 months jail, and must serve a minimum of 20 months, for misappropriating nearly $2 million of clients’ money. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Australian Mechanical Services - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 15 Jan 2016 03:48:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/australian-mechanical-services-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Camberwell-based heating and cooling installation company has been restrained from taking money or deposits from customers, following an action Consumer Affairs Victoria brought in response to an increase in complaints.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[David James Donald - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 13 Jan 2016 11:04:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/david-james-donald-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The Supreme Court of Victoria has granted an interim injunction against door-to-door carpet cleaner David James Donald, of Reservoir, whose carpet cleaning and repair business practices prompted numerous complaints to Consumer Affairs Victoria. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Anthony Lee, Fair Finance Group Pty Ltd and Fair Financial Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 30 Oct 2015 02:25:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/anthony-lee-fair-finance-group-pty-ltd-and-fair-financial-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Anthony Lee, 36, of Melbourne, and two of his companies have been restrained from certain business practices, following an interim injunction granted at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Joel Phillip Murray - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 25 Oct 2015 11:43:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/joel-phillip-murray-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[An estate agent has been reprimanded, had his licence suspended for three months and had conditions attached to his licence, after failing to have his trust accounts audited.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Clynton Mark Roberts - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 22 Oct 2015 05:41:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/clynton-mark-roberts-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[An estate agent has been reprimanded and had his licence suspended for six months for failing to ensure that trust account audit reports were prepared and lodged with Consumer Affairs Victoria.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Scott Hoare - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 31 Jul 2015 06:36:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/scott-hoare-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Former real estate agent Scott Hoare has been reprimanded and cannot hold an estate agent’s licence or act as an agent’s representative until 12 October 2024, after a hearing at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Tom Bull - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 31 Jul 2015 01:03:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/tom-bull-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Seaford funeral director has been ordered to stop taking pre-paid funeral contracts; pay refunds to clients; and hand over that side of his business to a receiver to manage, following a hearing in the County Court of Victoria. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Bluebell Conveyancing Australia and Anthony Lee - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 28 Jul 2015 02:28:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/bluebell-conveyancing-australia-and-anthony-lee-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Bluebell Conveyancing Australia has been restrained from operating as a conveyancing business or representing that it is authorised to do so, after an interim injunction granted in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.  ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Terry Pak Kwai Choe - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 17 Jul 2015 06:13:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/terry-pak-kwai-choe-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Docklands estate agent has been reprimanded and ordered to pay a penalty after failing to lodge annual trust account audit reports for four years, following action by Consumer Affairs Victoria. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Yuze Cao and AusCarClub - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 23 Jun 2015 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/yuze-cao-and-auscarclub-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[AusCarClub Pty Ltd and its director Yuze Cao have been restrained from engaging in unlicensed motor car trading until further order of the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court under an interim injunction. ]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Craig Alan McIntosh and Sunnymac Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 16 Jun 2015 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/craig-alan-mcintosh-and-sunnymac-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Sunnymac Pty Ltd, trading as McIntosh City Residential, and its director Craig Alan McIntosh, have been restrained from carrying on business as a real estate agent until licensed to do so, following a hearing in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Ashley Clarke and Low Co$t Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 21 May 2015 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/low-cost-conveyancing-and-ashley-clarke-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Conveyancing business Low Co$t Pty Ltd (ACN 129 490 553) and its director Ashley Clarke have been penalised and reprimanded in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for breaches of the Conveyancers (Professional Conduct and Trust Account and General) Regulations 2008. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Mark Smith - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 17 May 2015 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/mark-smith-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The director of a training organisation that failed to provide thousands of dollars in education services has been restrained from certain business practices for nine years. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Keat Enterprises Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 23 Apr 2015 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/keat-enterprises-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Melbourne training company has been convicted and fined $165,000 for more than 30 breaches of the Australian Consumer Law (Victoria), including engaging in conduct likely to mislead job seekers and recent accounting graduates into enrolling in its courses. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Baycrown Management Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 22 Apr 2015 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/baycrown-management-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne real estate agency Baycrown Management Pty Ltd (ACN 112 960 960) has had its licence cancelled and been disqualified from holding an estate agent’s licence for five years, following a number of breaches of Victoria’s rental and estate agent laws.   ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[G L Lee Real Estate Pty Ltd and Quoc Hung Ly - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 19 Apr 2015 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/g-l-lee-real-estate-pty-ltd-and-quoc-hung-ly-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Sunshine estate agency and its director have been found to have breached the Estate Agents Act 1980 and its Regulations. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[1House Group (trading as Online Centric) and Nicole Papadopoulos - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 09 Apr 2015 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/1house-group-trading-as-online-centric-and-nicole-papadopoulos-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Nicole Papadopoulos, director of graphic design business 1House Group, which traded as Online Centric, has been disqualified from managing corporations for breaches of the Australian Consumer Law (Victoria)]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Mr Yuting Wang - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 29 Mar 2015 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/mr-yuting-wang-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Maribyrnong man has been fined $12,000 in the Melbourne Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to charges relating to making false and misleading representations and unlicensed motor car trading.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Boris Real Estate and Suzanne Zvizdalo - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 16 Mar 2015 12:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/boris-real-estate-and-suzanne-zvizdalo-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Formerly licensed estate agent Boris Real Estate (ACN  163 343 744) has been convicted and fined $10,000 and its sole director, Suzanne Zvizdalo, received a three-month suspended jail sentence, for breaches of the Estate Agents Act 1980. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Burlesque Interiors Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 15 Jan 2015 12:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/burlesque-interiors-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Burlesque Interiors Pty Ltd (ACN  147 691 012), has been restrained until 1 January 2018 from taking deposits for the sale, supply, delivery or installation of any furniture or furniture fit outs, prior to the delivery or fit out.  ]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Qantas Airways Limited and Alpha Flight Services Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 12 Jan 2015 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/qantas-airways-limited-and-alpha-flight-services-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Qantas Airways and Alpha Flight Services have been fined for selling banned products on flights.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Cornell Conveyancing Pty Ltd, Jing Xu and Han Yan - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 17 Dec 2014 12:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/cornell-conveyancing-pty-ltd-jing-xu-and-han-yan-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The conveyancing licences of Kew-based Cornell Conveyancing Pty Ltd, Han Yan and Jing Xu have been cancelled. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Alexsander Jovanovski and Melbourne Autohaus Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 20 Nov 2014 12:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/alexsander-jovanovski-and-melbourne-autohaus-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Former licensed trader Melbourne Autohaus Pty Ltd and its sole director, Alexsandar Jovanovski, have been fined a total $22,500 after they were convicted of motor car trading and Australian Consumer Law offences. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Christine Parsons - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 17 Nov 2014 12:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/christine-parsons-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Former Du Pont Sung Pty Ltd Director Christine Parsons has been reprimanded for unprofessional conduct and other breaches of Victoria’s estate agent laws.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Cars National Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 12 Nov 2014 12:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/cars-national-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Licensed motor car trader Cars National Pty Ltd must pay fines totalling $7500 after pleading guilty to 16 contraventions of the Motor Car Traders Act 1986.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[CK Import &amp; Wholesale Pty Ltd and William Yang - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 08 Sep 2014 12:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/ck-import-and-wholesale-pty-ltd-and-william-yang-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Moorabbin-based CK Import &amp; Wholesale Pty Ltd and its director have been fined $15,000 after supplying sunglasses that did not meet mandatory safety standards.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[D W International Trading Pty Ltd and Bo Hui Dong - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 08 Sep 2014 12:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/d-w-international-trading-pty-ltd-and-bo-hui-dong-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Toy importer D W International Trading and its director Bo Hui Dong must pay a $30,000 penalty for supplying face paints that contained excessive amounts of lead.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Mustapha Ali Ali - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 24 Aug 2014 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/mustapha-ali-ali-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Unlicensed motor car trader Mustapha Ali Ali has been fined $1500 for buying and selling 12 cars while unregistered.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Konstantinos Balasis (Appeal decision) - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 14 Aug 2014 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/konstantinos-balasis-appeal-decision-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Former Craigieburn estate agent Konstantinos Balasis has been sentenced to a 12-month jail term, with a six month non-parole period, after the Victorian County Court rejected his appeal against sentence.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Co.As.It Italian Assistance Association - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 13 Aug 2014 12:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/coasit-italian-assistance-association-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has made orders distributing over $120,000 raised for communities affected by the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Emrah Sen - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 10 Aug 2014 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/emrah-sen-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Former Campbellfield motor car trader Emrah Sen has been convicted and fined for breaches of Victoria’s motor car trading laws and the Australian Consumer Law (Victoria).]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Gayle Stewart - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 10 Aug 2014 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/gayle-stewart-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has suspended the estate agent’s licence of Gayle Stewart until January 2015.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Robsco Nominees Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 10 Aug 2014 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/robsco-nominees-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Frankston Magistrates’ Court has fined former Seaford motor car trader, Robsco Nominees Pty Ltd, for breaches of Victoria’s motor car trading law.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Kian Meng 'Dennis' Ong - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 05 Aug 2014 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/kian-meng-ong-also-known-as-dennis-ong-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Former real estate agents representative Kian Meng Ong also known as Dennis Ong has been sentenced to a four-month jail term, wholly suspended for eighteen months,  and fined $2500 for the misappropriation of $52,000 in trust account money.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Afif Shaba and Northern Real Estate Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 05 Aug 2014 12:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/afif-shaba-and-northern-real-estate-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Former real estate agent Afif Shaba has been reprimanded and made ineligible to hold a licence for eight years for his role in a $50,000 trust account fraud.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Anthony Jakupi and Jakupi Excavations Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 04 Aug 2014 12:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/anthony-jakupi-and-jakupi-excavations-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Unregistered builder Anthony Jakupi and his company must pay more than $18,000 in fines and compensation after they were convicted on 10 charges.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Frank Flanagan and Matthew White, trading as Elite Franchise Recruitment - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 21 Jul 2014 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/frank-flanagan-and-matthew-white-trading-as-elite-franchise-recruitment-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has made orders restraining Matthew White and Frank Flanagan, from operating as estate agents unless licensed  under the Estate Agents Act 1980.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Australia Heating and Air Conditioning Pty Ltd, Mardi Tovey and Richard Tovey - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 24 Jun 2014 12:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/australia-heating-and-air-conditioning-pty-ltd-mardi-tovey-and-richard-tovey-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates Court has ordered a Victorian heating and air conditioning business to pay $20,000 in costs and $100,000 compensation to customers.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Umberto Tassoni - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 19 Jun 2014 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/umberto-tassoni-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Trustees are investigating the financial affairs of former chief executive Umberto Tassoni after he was made bankrupt for failing to refund more than $146,000 owed to 54 consumers.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[James-Paul Moularas - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 29 May 2014 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/james-paul-moularas-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A real estate agent’s representative who stole nearly $15,000 of trust account money has been reprimanded and declared ineligible to hold a licence or to act as agent’s representative for 7 years.]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Solareco Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 15 May 2014 02:01:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/solareco-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Solareco Pty Ltd has been fined $60,000 and must compensate two consumers, after Consumer Affairs Victoria prosecuted the solar company for offences under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Pamela Redford and Ambiance Property Group Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 30 Apr 2014 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/pamela-redford-and-ambiance-property-group-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Former Glen Waverley conveyancer Pamela Redford has lost her professional licence for a year, after she failed to submit trust account records and co-operate with inspectors.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Mark Bailey and Bailey Designed Engineering Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 02 Apr 2014 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/mark-bailey-and-bailey-designed-engineering-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Bailey Designed Engineering Pty Ltd’s sole director Mark Bailey has been disqualified from managing a corporation for five years.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Eric Cohen - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 19 Mar 2014 12:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/eric-cohen-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A real estate agent who made disparaging comments about a property at auction must pay a $5000 penalty and has been reprimanded for unprofessional conduct.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[City Residential Real Estate Pty Ltd and Riad Mindraoui - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 04 Mar 2014 12:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/city-residential-real-estate-pty-ltd-and-riad-mindraoui-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[City Residential Real Estate Pty Ltd (ACN 126 085 373) and its director and Officer in Effective Control, Mr Riad Mindraoui, must pay $7500 after failing to properly supervise the agency’s trust accounts. ]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Bailey Designed Engineering Pty Ltd and Mark Bailey - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 13 Feb 2014 12:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/bailey-designed-engineering-pty-ltd-and-mark-bailey-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Solar and wind energy company Bailey Designed Engineering Pty Ltd has been ordered to stop taking payments before it delivers promised products and services.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Daniel John McNamara - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 04 Feb 2014 12:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/daniel-john-mcnamara-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Numurkah estate agent Daniel McNamara has been sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment for trust account offences.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Hassan Al Banna Al Dali - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 26 Dec 2013 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/hassan-al-banna-al-dali-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[An unlicensed motor car trader has been sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended, and fined $4000 for odometer tampering and other offences.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Dimmeys Stores Pty Ltd, Starite Distributors Pty Ltd and Douglas Edward Zappelli - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 16 Dec 2013 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/dimmeys-stores-pty-ltd-starite-distributors-pty-ltd-and-douglas-edward-zappelli-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Discount retailer Dimmeys Stores Pty Ltd, Starite Distributors Pty Ltd and the companies’ director, Douglas Edward Zappelli, have been ordered to pay $3.72 million for product safety breaches.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[DNL Security Australia Pty Ltd, Skilltopia Pty Ltd, and Natasha Petrovska and Lou Petrovski - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 09 Dec 2013 12:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/dnl-security-australia-pl-skilltopia-pl-and-natasha-petrovska-and-lou-petrovski-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has found employment services company DNL Security Australia Pty Ltd misled and deceived jobseekers.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Dynasty Global Pty Ltd and Andrew Sackl - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 09 Dec 2013 12:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/dynasty-global-pty-ltd-and-andrew-sackl-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The sole director of an employment business must pay nearly $10,000 compensation to a consumer after his company failed to provide promised services.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Silk Road Trading (Aust) Pty Ltd and Shaole Wu - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 25 Nov 2013 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/silk-road-trading-aust-pty-ltd-and-shaole-wu-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has ordered a Moorabbin wholesaler and its director to pay a $25,000 penalty for supplying dangerous toys.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Konstantinos Balasis - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 18 Nov 2013 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/konstantinos-balasis-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Craigieburn estate agent Konstantinos Balasis has been sentenced to imprisonment and must pay more than $200,000 compensation after pleading guilty to trust account fraud offences.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Mayman Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 14 Nov 2013 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/mayman-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has found that importer Mayman Pty Ltd breached an enforceable undertaking it gave to Consumer Affairs Victoria in January 2013 after more than 100 banned miniature motorbikes were seized from its business premises.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Morgan Realty Pty Ltd and Kent Morgan - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 14 Nov 2013 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/morgan-realty-pty-ltd-and-kent-morgan-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has restrained Kent Morgan and his business Morgan Realty Pty Ltd from operating as estate agents without holding a licence.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Superstar Removals and Cleaning P/L, Shine Removals P/L, Blue Rhino Removals and Transport P/L - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 12 Nov 2013 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/superstar-removals-and-cleaning-shine-removals-blue-rhino-removals-and-transport-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Three removalist companies and two individuals misled and deceived customers about the insurance applying to their services, Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has found.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[David Christopher Stogiannou convicted - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 17 Oct 2013 12:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/david-christopher-stogiannou-court-action-2]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[An unregistered builder has been convicted and fined $3000 for illegally entering a contract, accepting payments he was not entitled to and failing to perform work on a South Morang property.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Mark William Whittingham and Connection Blue Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 01 Oct 2013 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/mark-william-whittingham-and-connection-blue-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has banned Mark William Whittingham as a company director until 2028.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Nigel Vivian Cowan - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 15 Sep 2013 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/nigel-vivian-cowan-court-action2]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A former licensed motor car trader has been convicted and fined $13,500 for breaching the Australian Consumer Law (Victoria) (ACL) and the Motor Car Traders Act 1986.]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Durmaz Pty Ltd, Sergio Durso and Alfred Mazzaferro - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 13 Sep 2013 12:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/durmaz-pty-ltd-sergio-durso-and-alfred-mazzaferro-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has found that importer and wholesaler Durmaz Pty Ltd offered for sale and sold cosmetics and costume make up sets that failed to meet  the mandatory Australian information standard for cosmetics.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Top Blue Pty Ltd and Ping Zhang - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 12 Sep 2013 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/top-blue-pty-ltd-and-ping-zhang-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has found that Top Blue Pty Ltd and its director Ping Zhang contravened the Australian Consumer Law (Vic) by offering to supply or supply toys and sunglasses that failed to comply with mandatory safety standards for children’s toys and sunglasses.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Australia Heating and Air Conditioning - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Fri, 23 Aug 2013 12:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/australia-heating-and-air-conditioning-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates Court has extended the orders that limit South Melbourne-based Australia Heating and Air Conditioning Pty Ltd to cash-on-delivery services.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Northside Motor Wholesale Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 07 Aug 2013 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/northside-motor-wholesale-pty-ltd-court-action-3]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Former licensed motor car trader Northside Motor Wholesale Pty Ltd has been refused leave to appeal against a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal decision to affirm a $23,000 claim against the Motor Car Traders Guarantee Fund.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Top Blue Pty Ltd and Mr Ping Zhang - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 24 Jul 2013 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/top-blue-pty-ltd-and-mr-ping-zhang-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has made interim orders restraining children’s toy retailer and wholesaler Top Blue Pty Ltd and its director, Ping Zhang, from supplying or offering to supply identified goods including assorted sunglasses and battery operated whale toys.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Gifts King Import Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 21 Jul 2013 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/gifts-king-import-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has ordered the destruction of more than 7000 banned flammable candle holders seized by Consumer Affairs Victoria from a Moorabbin importer and wholesaler.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Spot On Cash Pty Ltd trading as Red Back Tools Import - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 21 Jul 2013 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/spot-on-cash-pty-ltd-trading-as-red-back-tools-import-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has made orders against a dirt bike and power tool retailer and wholesaler.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Iftiaz Ali - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 09 Jul 2013 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/iftiaz-ali-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Heidelberg Magistrates' Court has convicted Mill Park resident Iftiaz Ali of odometer tampering and ordered him to serve a community corrections order.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Connection Blue Pty Ltd and Mark William Whittingham – Court action ]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 07 Jul 2013 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/connection-blue-pty-ltd-and-mark-william-whittingham-july-2013-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Mark William Whittingham and his business, Connection Blue Pty Ltd, must transfer $198,331 to the Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria, as compensation to four real estate agents who paid deposits for rent rolls which were not supplied.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Neil Turner - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 30 Jun 2013 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/neil-turner-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Dandenong Magistrates’ Court has convicted and fined refrigeration installer Neil Turner $10,000, after he took deposits but failed to do any work.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Connection Blue Pty Ltd and Mark William Whittingham - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 13 Jun 2013 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/connection-blue-pty-ltd-and-mark-william-whittingham-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has confirmed an interim injunction restraining Mark William Whittingham and his business, Connection Blue Pty Ltd and ordered the defendants to pay more than $5000 costs.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[DNL Security Australia Pty Ltd, Skilltopia Pty Ltd, Lou Petrovski and Natasha Petrovska – Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 11 Jun 2013 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/dnl-security-australia-skilltopia-lou-petrovski-and-natasha-petrovska-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has granted an interim injunction against two companies offering employment services and their officers, who allegedly made misleading representations to jobseekers.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Antonios Giannakos, trading as Champion Caravans - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 03 Jun 2013 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/antonios-giannakos-trading-as-champion-caravans-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has ordered that Antonios (Tony) Giannakos, trading as Champion Caravans, stop accepting any deposits or payments for caravans or camper vans prior to delivery.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Hair Science International Pty Ltd, Steve Sindiris and Joseph Zwaigoft – Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 30 May 2013 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/hair-science-international-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has imposed a civil pecuniary penalty of $100,000 on Hair Science International Pty Ltd (Hair Science) for making false claims that its treatment could regrow hair - when clients are actually given a hairpiece.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Adam Greiner - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 29 May 2013 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/adam-greiner-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Unregistered builder Adam Greiner has been convicted, fined $10,000 and ordered to compensate a consumer, after accepting payments for building and landscaping work he did not complete.]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Northside Motor Wholesale Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 15 May 2013 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/northside-motor-wholesale-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has affirmed a decision by the Motor Car Traders Claims Committee to pay a $23,000 claim against the Motor Car Traders Guarantee Fund.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Alejandro Bejares, director of Alandale Homes Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 09 May 2013 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/alejandro-bejares-director-of-alandale-homes-pty-ltd--court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has ordered the director of a building company to pay $11,530 compensation to a customer for breaches of consumer and building laws.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Anfastar Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 09 May 2013 12:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/anfastar-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has affirmed a decision by the a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Justice to refuse a company’s application for $31,000 compensation from the Victorian Property Fund.]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Allan Patterson and Cynthia Patterson, trading as Cohuna Car Sales - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 02 May 2013 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/allen-patterson-and-cynthia-patterson-cohuna-car-sales-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Licensed motor car traders (LMCTs) Allan and Cynthia Patterson, trading as Cohuna Car Sales, have given undertakings to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal after contravening the Motor Car Traders Act 1986.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Robert Turner - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 08 Apr 2013 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/robert-turner-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Refrigeration installer Robert Turner, 39, of Pakenham, who took deposits from two businesses but failed to do the work, convicted and fined.]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Robert James Marshall - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 25 Mar 2013 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/robert-james-marshall-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Reservoir real estate agent who failed to submit trust account records to Consumer Affairs Victoria has been suspended for a year, reprimanded and fined $1500.]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Mark William Whittingham and Connection Blue Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 19 Mar 2013 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/mark-william-whittingham-and-connection-blue-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has granted an interim injunction restraining Mark William Whittingham and his business, Connection Blue Pty Ltd.]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[FNP Pty Ltd and Grigoriy Trunov - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 03 Mar 2013 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/fnp-pty-ltd-and-grigoriy-trunov-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates Court has restrained building contractor FNP Pty Ltd and its director, Grigoriy Trunov, from entering into major domestic building contracts until 1 January 2016.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Clay Young Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 26 Feb 2013 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/clay-young-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[South Melbourne licensed motor car trader Clay Young Pty Ltd, trading as Melbourne Vehicle Brokers, has been fined $15,000 by the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for selling three cars with money owing on them.]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Champion Caravans and Tony Giannakos - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 19 Feb 2013 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/champion-caravans-and-tony-giannakos-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has restrained Champion Caravans and its operator, Antonios ‘Tony’ Giannakos, from accepting deposits for the supply or manufacture of caravans or any other payments for the supply of caravans, or related goods, prior to their actual delivery to the purchaser.]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Frankston Car City Pty Ltd and Liron Serbi - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 19 Feb 2013 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/frankston-car-city-and-liron-serbi-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The Melbourne Magistrates' Court declared that both motor car trader Frankston Car City Pty Ltd and its sole director, Liron Serbi, engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct and unlicensed motor car trading.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Michael Minh Le - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 08 Jan 2013 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/michael-minh-le-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Springvale agent’s representative Michael Minh Le was fined and reprimanded after he and his wife bought a property that his employer was selling -without telling the client, his employer or authorities.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Stuart Ritchie Mitchell - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 03 Jan 2013 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/stuart-ritchie-mitchell-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Stuart Ritchie Mitchell, of Rye, who took payment for products he failed to supply has been convicted and fined by the Melbourne Magistrates Court.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Gerardo Aquino - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 02 Jan 2013 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/gerardo-aquino-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Gerardo Aquino, an estate agent's representative who used part of a clients’ home deposit to pay debts, was disqualified for more than a year.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Houseshare Vic Pty Ltd and Vasilios Panagiotopoulos - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 19 Dec 2012 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/houseshare-vic-pty-ltd-and-vasilios-panagiotopoulos-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates Court has found that a rooming house operator and its sole director breached Victoria’s residential tenancy laws. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Architeck Homes Pty Ltd Unibase Homes Pty Ltd and Mehmet Mehmet - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 06 Dec 2012 06:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/architeck-homes-pty-ltd-unibase-homes-pty-ltd-and-mehmet-mehmet-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria has succeeded in having the director of two building companies disqualified from managing a corporation until 2017.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[HQ Pacific Pty Ltd and Jia Hao Huang - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 27 Nov 2012 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/hq-pacific-pty-ltd-and-jia-hao-huang-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Moorabbin importer and wholesaler who supplied unsafe children’s toys must recall the products, give customers a full refund and pay to have the toys destroyed.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Bluefly Mobile, Gadget Price Pty Ltd and James Curtis Alexander - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 21 Nov 2012 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/bluefly-mobile-gadget-price-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A business which accepted payments for the supply of mobile phones and cameras ordered online has been convicted and fined $1000, and its director has given an undertaking to repay more than $10,000 compensation, after the business committed 14 breaches of the Fair Trading Act 1999.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Ewing Glenn Gallaher - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 21 Nov 2012 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/ewing-glenn-gallaher-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Frankston Magistrates’ Court has convicted and fined Ewing Glenn Gallaher $1000 for working in a customer service capacity at a motor car trader, while a prohibited person.]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Michael Delosa - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 21 Nov 2012 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/michael-delosa-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[An unlicensed motor car trader has been convicted and fined $8000 after advertising 26 different cars for sale online on 183 occasions between 9 June 2011 and 31 May 2012.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Kids Outdoors, Andrew Khoury and Neville Morrison - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 18 Nov 2012 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/kids-outdoors-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Two businessmen who accepted payments from customers but failed to provide them with the cubby houses they had ordered have been convicted and fined $30,000 each.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Northside Motor Wholesale Pty Ltd and Philip Michael Tulloch - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 08 Nov 2012 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/northside-motor-wholesale-pty-ltd-court-action-2]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has imposed civil injunctions on motor car trader Northside Motor Wholesale Pty Ltd and Philip Michael Tulloch for failing to comply with conditions on the company’s motor car traders licence.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Haki Zyka - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 18 Oct 2012 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/haki-zyka-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[An unregistered builder has been convicted, fined $20,000 and ordered to pay $7500 compensation for multiple breaches of the law, including accepting payments for uncompleted building work.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Nadem Polos - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 18 Oct 2012 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/nadem-polos-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[An unlicensed motor car trader who advertised 15 cars for sale online within a year has been ordered to pay a penalty of $7500.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Frankston Car City Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 04 Oct 2012 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/frankston-car-city-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has granted interlocutory orders stopping an unlicensed motor car trader from operating in Frankston until the final hearing of the matter or they are licensed.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Century 21 Craigieburn and Kon Balasis - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 04 Oct 2012 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/kon-balasis-and-victorian-realty-group-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Real estate agents Kon Balasis and Victorian Realty Group Pty Ltd (VRG), operating as Century 21 Craigieburn, have been permanently disqualified from holding estate agents’ licences after breaking the law on trust accounts.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Zoran Rakocevic - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 02 Oct 2012 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/zoran-rakocevic-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Real estate agent’s representative Zoran Rakocevic has been found ineligible to be an agent’s representative for five years and to hold an estate agent’s licence for that period.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Scott Darragh - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 28 Aug 2012 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/scott-darragh-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has upheld a decision by the Business Licensing Authority to deny a man permission to work as a real estate agent’s representative.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Gregory James Stewart - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 05 Aug 2012 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/gregory-james-stewart-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[La Trobe Valley Magistrates’ Court has granted a civil injunction restraining a Mr Gregory James Stewart from working as a customer service officer unless he is granted permission to do so by the Business Licensing Authority.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Bruce Bin Chen - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 24 Jul 2012 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/bruce-bin-chen-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has found that a Moorabbin-based sporting goods, giftware and children’s toy importer and wholesaler supplied children’s toys in contravention of ban orders and safety standards.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Yan Liu - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 28 Jun 2012 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/yan-liu-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The landlord of a Mont Albert rooming house has been fined $3000 after being found guilty of seven breaches of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Baycrown Management Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 06 Jun 2012 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/baycrown-management-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A company that sold and leased apartments in Melbourne’s CBD operated as a real estate agent while unlicensed, Melbourne Magistrate’s Court has found.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Giovanni Marvelli - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 31 May 2012 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/giovanni-marvelli-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A real estate agent has been fined $5000 and had his licence suspended for one year after his company, Southern Star Real Estate Pty Ltd was found to have been backdating sale of land and house contracts to avoid paying the full amount of stamp duty.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Dean Anthony Johnson - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/dean-anthony-johnson-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Footscray real estate agent‘s licence has been suspended for two months after he contravened the Estate Agents Act 1980 by underquoting on four properties. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Operation Smile (Australia) Incorporated – Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 14 May 2012 06:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/operation-smile-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The Victorian Court of Appeal has found that the operators of 'The Hope Clinic' misled and deceived terminally ill cancer sufferers.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Anh Ngoc Nguyen - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 30 Apr 2012 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/anh-ngoc-nguyen-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[St Albans conveyancer Anh Ngoc Nguyen has been fined $2500 and had his provisional conveyancer’s licence suspended for a year over trust account irregularities. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Frank Cassar Sandra Cassar and Betta Housing Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 26 Apr 2012 04:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/frank-cassar-sandra-cassar-and-betta-housing-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The Supreme Court has ordered landlords Frank and Sandra Cassar and their company, Betta Housing Pty Ltd, to pay $6000 compensation to seven former tenants.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[ACE Parking Pty Ltd and others - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/ace-parking-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The Victorian Supreme Court has ordered private car park operators who issued unlawful parking ‘fines’ to stop using misleading tactics.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Mohammed Dennaoui trading as First Stop Car Sales - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 16 Apr 2012 05:30:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/mohammed-dennaoui-trading-as-first-stop-car-sales-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Motor car trader First Stop Car Sales has withdrawn its application for review of a decision of the Motor Car Traders Claims Committee to admit a claim against the Motor Car Trader’s Guarantee Fund.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Rodney Broadbent - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 27 Feb 2012 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/rodney-broadbent-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Real estate agent Rodney Broadbent has been reprimanded and had his licence suspended for 12 months.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Paul Richardson - Court action ]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 28 Nov 2011 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/paul-richardson-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrate’s Court has granted a final injunction to prevent Paul Richardson from operating as a motor car trader without holding a licence. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Toplite Trading Pty Ltd and Mr Chenglin Gao - Court action ]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 21 Nov 2011 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/toplite-trading-pty-ltd-and-mr-chenglin-gao-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Novelty lighters seized from Toplite Trading Pty Ltd were subject to a permanent ban order. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Helen Kevin - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/helen-kevin-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Footscray conveyancer Helen Kevin has had her business shut down and risks jail if she breaches a Supreme Court order banning her from doing conveyancing work, after failing to pay or deliver up $2.2 million in client funds.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Carrum Business Centre Pty Ltd and Judith Ann-Helena Smith - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 24 Oct 2011 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/carrum-business-centre-pty-ltd-and-judith-ann-helena-smith-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Carrum Business Centre Pty Ltd and its sole director Judith Ann-Helena Smith were found to carry on a conveyancing business whilst unlicensed. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[JW Real Estate Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 24 Oct 2011 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/jw-real-estate-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrate’s Court has ordered that the Box Hill business be restrained from operating as an estate agent until licensed to do so.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Engine Galore Pty Ltd and Jean Georges Chbib - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 07 Sep 2011 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/engine-galore-pty-ltd-and-jean-georges-chbib-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has restrained the director of wholesale motor car trader Engine Galore Pty Ltd from buying, selling or exchanging vehicles with the public until licensed to do so.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Francis Michael ‘Frank’ Cassar - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 07 Sep 2011 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/francis-michael-frank-cassar-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria has succeeded in Supreme Court action against landlord Frank Cassar, over multiple breaches of residential tenancy laws and to protect residents who allege they have been subjected to threatening and intimidating behaviour. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Glenn Ryan Real Estate Pty Ltd and Mr Glenn Ryan – Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 31 Aug 2011 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/glenn-ryan-real-estate-pty-ltd-and-mr-glenn-ryan-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has ordered real estate agent Glenn Ryan and his company, Glenn Ryan Real Estate Pty Ltd, to establish better trust account procedures.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Nigel Henry James Pavilach - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 31 Aug 2011 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/nigel-henry-james-pavilach-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[An estate agent’s representative has been reprimanded and fined $1000 for breaching the Estate Agents Act 1980 by having a beneficial interest in a property that he was commissioned to sell in 2008.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Russell Andrew Shannon - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 31 Aug 2011 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/russell-andrew-shannon-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A former estate agent has been fined $3000 and reprimanded by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for failing to arrange trust account audits.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Samer and Najy Rayes - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 31 Aug 2011 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/samer-and-najy-rayes-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has imposed injunctions on two men who accepted $21,190 in payments for fencing and building work that was never carried out.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Dandy Performance Tyre &amp; Auto Pty Ltd and Kirsty and Chris Naismith – Court action ]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 31 Jul 2011 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/dandy-performance-tyre-and-auto-pty-ltd-and-kirsty-and-chris-naismith-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrate’s Court has imposed final injunctions against Dandy Performance Tyre &amp; Auto Pty Ltd and its owners, restraining them from carrying on the business of trading in motor cars until licensed to do so under the Motor Car Traders Act 1986. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Kerrigan Fellows - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 31 Jul 2011 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/kerrigan-fellows-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrate’s Court has imposed an injunction restraining unlicensed car dealer Kerrigan Fellows from advertising dozens of cars on the websites carsales.com.au and usacars.com.au. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Simons Car Sales Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 31 Jul 2011 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/simons-car-sales-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A former licensed motor car dealer has been convicted and fined $50,000 for selling cars with tampered odometers. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Benjamin James Pty Ltd – Court action  ]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 28 Jul 2011 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/benjamin-james-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Victorian tribunal has affirmed a decision against Fawkner car dealer Benjamin James Pty Ltd by the Motor Car Traders Claims Committee. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[David Mao Real Estate Pty Ltd and David Viscot Mao - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 01 Jun 2011 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/david-mao-real-estate-pty-ltd-and-david-viscot-mao-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Noble Park real estate agent David Mao has had his licence suspended for three months over a deficiency of between $5000 and $26,000 of clients’ money paid into his estate agents trust account. ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Benjamin James Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 09 Mar 2011 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/benjamin-james-pty-ltd-1-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Fawkner used car trader has been given a 12-month good behaviour bond for selling a car that still had more than $28,000 owing on it to a finance company.]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Australian Tourism Centre Pty Ltd (trading as Victorian Tourism Centre) and Stephen Ian Glenister - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 10 Jan 2011 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/australian-tourism-centre-pty-ltd-ta-victorian-tourism-centre-and-stephen-ian-glenister-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The Supreme Court of Victoria has handed down final orders against the travel company Australian Tourism Centre Pty Ltd, trading as Victorian Tourism Centre, and has ruled that it misled and deceived customers in its telephone sales of travel and accommodation vouchers]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Below the Belt Group Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 09 Jan 2011 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/below-the-belt-group-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[An internet business has been hit with restrictions to how it can trade after failing to supply orders of men’s underwear to 10 paying customers.  ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[H &amp; C Trading Pty Ltd and Damon Hong Chiang Tan - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 09 Jan 2011 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/h-c-trading-pty-ltd-and-damon-hong-chiang-tan-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Moorabbin importer and wholesaler H &amp; C Trading Pty Ltd and its director, Damon Hong Chiang Tan, have been ordered to stop selling dangerous children’s toys and to pay for the publication of public warning notices in several major newspapers.  ]]></description>
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                    <title><![CDATA[Anthony (Anton) Ray Stevens - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 06 Jan 2011 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/anthony-anton-ray-stevens-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A final injunction has been issued against Anthony (Anton) Ray Stevens to restrain him from fundraising without a licence.  ]]></description>
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                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Westgate Metal Recycling Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 06 Jan 2011 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/westgate-metal-recycling-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Hoppers Crossing scrap metal business Westgate Metal Recycling Pty Ltd has been restrained from operating as an unlicensed motor car trader. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[DW International Pty Ltd and Bo Hui Dong - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 09 Dec 2010 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/dw-international-pty-ltd-and-bo-hui-dong-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Moorabbin wholesaler has been ordered to recall and destroy 12 types of dangerous toys, after a Consumer Affairs Victoria inspection uncovered more than 1300 items which failed to comply with safety standards.   ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Bell Real Estate (Emerald) Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 05 Dec 2010 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/bell-real-estate-emerald-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has reprimanded Bell Real Estate (Emerald) Pty Ltd after the agency failed to comply with the dispute resolution process under the Estate Agents (Professional Conduct) Regulations 2008. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Mary-Anne Costales - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 02 Dec 2010 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/mary-anne-costales-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The former co-director of a roof repair company, Master Roof Pty Ltd, has lost an appeal against a $25,000 fine for breaches of the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 and the Fair Trading Act 1999.]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Wayne Sweeney and Associates (Footscray) Pty Ltd and Dean Johnson - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 20 Oct 2010 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/wayne-sweeney-and-associates-footscray-pty-ltd-and-dean-johnson-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria has succeeded in having final injunctions made against a Footscray real estate office branch and an agent, to restrain them from breaching the Estate Agents Act 1980 and the Fair Trading Act 1999.  ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[PR Truck Sales Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 03 Oct 2010 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/pr-truck-sales-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Swan Hill truck dealer has been ordered to pay nearly $50,000 in penalties for selling a Kenworth truck that had a loan of more than $100,000 owing on it.  ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Kelly Falls Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 22 Sep 2010 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/kelly-falls-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Mornington car dealer has been convicted and fined $3000 for misleading advertising of cars online and failing to identify a business as a licensed motor car trader in advertisements. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Infolio Corp Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 21 Sep 2010 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/infolio-corp-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Melbourne Magistrate’s Court has granted final orders against South Melbourne real estate agency Infolio Corp Pty Ltd and its former director Cameron Deal to restrain them from operating as a real estate business without a licence.  ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Geeveekay Pty Ltd Geoffrey Vincent Keogh and Veronica Keogh - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 23 Aug 2010 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/geeveekay-pty-ltd-geoffrey-vincent-keogh-and-veronica-keogh-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A company and its owners have been ordered to pay a civil penalty of $124,417 for breaches of the Consumer Credit (Victoria) Code, relating to 46 vendor terms contracts for home finance.   ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[RNSS Enterprises Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 23 Aug 2010 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/rnss-enterprises-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Rooming house operator RNSS Enterprises has been fined $24,750 after being convicted of 99 breaches of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.  ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Bora Homes - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 12 Jul 2010 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/bora-homes-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria has secured a final injunction against building partnership Bora Homes Australia, after the company left several Victorian Sudanese families homeless due to defective and incomplete building work. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Denis Sholl - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 12 Jul 2010 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/denis-sholl-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Real estate agent Denis Sholl has been permanently disqualified from holding a real estate agent’s licence, after a deficiency was discovered in his estate agent’s trust account.  ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Johann Heinrich Preller - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 12 Jul 2010 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/johann-heinrich-preller-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[An unlicensed motor car trader has been placed on a court diversion program in relation to three charges under the Motor Car Traders Act 1986. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[John Michael Talia - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 12 Jul 2010 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/john-michael-talia-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Frankston roof repairers The Roof Guys must pay a $500 fine for failing to allow for delays when calculating the time needed to complete work on a home in Ringwood East.  ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[The Roof Guys (Vic) Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 12 Jul 2010 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/the-roof-guys-vic-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Frankston roof repairers The Roof Guys must pay a $500 fine for failing to allow for delays when calculating the time needed to complete work on a home in Ringwood East.  ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[RN &amp; JR Beer Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 09 Jun 2010 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/rn-jr-beer-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A Seymour car trader has been placed on a good behaviour bond after being found guilty of breaches of the Motor Car Traders and Business Names acts. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Stockdale and Leggo (Craigieburn/Roxburgh Park) - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 31 May 2010 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/stockdale-and-leggo-craigieburn-roxburgh-park-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria has successfully prosecuted real estate agent Stockdale and Leggo (Craigieburn/Roxburgh Park) for underquoting in its advertisements for three Craigieburn properties last year. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Comande Auto Gallery Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 11 May 2010 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/comande-auto-gallery-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Car trader Comande Auto Gallery Pty Ltd has been fined $1200 after Consumer Affairs Victoria prosecuted the company for breaching the Motor Car Traders Act.  ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Just Property Management - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Tue, 11 May 2010 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/just-property-management-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Action by Consumer Affairs Victoria has resulted in real estate agents Elma Veglia Bird and Just Property Management Vic Pty Ltd being declared permanently ineligible to hold a licence.  ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Abesta International Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 15 Apr 2010 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/abesta-international-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria has successfully taken action against a Victorian discount retailer after its safety inspectors seized more than 10,000 unsafe toys and dummies from the company's stores.  ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Melbourne Auto Group Pty Ltd - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 14 Apr 2010 02:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/melbourne-auto-group-pty-ltd-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs Victoria has successfully prosecuted a Dandenong motor car trader that engaged in odometer tampering and other unlawful practices.]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Michael Anthony Prichard - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/michael-anthony-prichard-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[The Melbourne Magistrate’s Court has made final injunctions against a Mentone man on 15 March, restraining him from carrying out conveyancing work while unlicensed. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[Richard Simmons - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Mon, 01 Mar 2010 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/richard-simmons-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[An unlicensed car dealer has been restrained from selling cars after he was found advertising them for sale on eBay.  ]]></description>
                </item>
            
                <item>
                    <title><![CDATA[David Wigney - Court action]]></title>                   
                    <pubDate><![CDATA[Sun, 17 Jan 2010 01:00:00]]></pubDate>
                    <link><![CDATA[https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/david-wigney-court-action]]></link>
                    <description><![CDATA[A real estate agent’s representative has been reprimanded and ordered to pay a penalty for failing to lodge deposit money in the appropriate trust account after the sale of a business. ]]></description>
                </item>
            
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