Consumer Affairs Victoria is taking disciplinary action against an estate agent who allegedly failed to meet her auditing responsibilities with client funds, including home deposits and rent.
Crystal Goni, 37, of Mount Waverley, was the sole director and Officer in Effective Control of the now-deregistered Australian Property Specialist Pty Ltd. Between 2021 and 2024, it is alleged that Goni failed to ensure the company’s trust accounts were audited annually, despite repeated reminders.
It is also alleged that Goni advised she had an auditor, but she failed to give them the information needed to do an audit. She later wound up the agency without advising Consumer Affairs Victoria.
As an Officer in Effective Control, Goni was responsible for ensuring the agency’s compliance with legal and ethical standards, particularly managing trust accounts.
Officers in Effective Control also oversee the operation of the business and manage and provide guidance to staff.
We will allege that Goni’s conduct was unprofessional and detrimental to the reputation and interests of the real estate industry. VCAT will hear the matter at a date to be set.
We also referred the matter to the Business Licensing Authority, which has imposed conditions on Goni’s licence. This prevents her from:
- operating or managing any trust accounts
- handling any trust account money
- accessing trust money and records held by her current employer.
In March this year, Goni started working with another real estate agency as an Officer in Effective Control. The imposed conditions prevent her from continuing in that role.
VCAT can suspend or cancel an estate agent's licence if disciplinary proceedings are proven.
If you hold an executive position in an estate agency, make sure you understand your obligations. Read more about running an estate agent business.