Glen Waverley conveyancer’s licence suspended over trust accounts

Former conveyancer Pamela Redford’s professional licence has been suspended by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal after she failed to submit audited trust accounts to Consumer Affairs Victoria.

The 59 year old’s company, Ambiance Property Group Pty Ltd, has also had its licence suspended.

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) said that Redford had failed to act in accordance with the Conveyancers Act 2006 and other relevant regulations. Redford and Ambiance were also uncooperative when working with inspectors.

Redford and her company did not submit audited trust accounts in 2010 and 2011, despite warnings to do so from Consumer Affairs Victoria. She and Ambiance held conveyancers’ licences from June 2009.

After Consumer Affairs Victoria investigated the missing accounts in 2012, they found a deficiency of $403, which Redford repaid immediately. However, she then failed to submit the required accounts, despite telling Consumer Affairs Victoria that auditors had been appointed. She also failed to hand over reports for 2012 and 2013.

Inspectors visited her company’s offices several times but could not gain entry. Consumer Affairs Victoria acted after being unable to make suitable arrangements with Redford.

After the suspension period is over, Redford and her company will remain unable to operate a trust account or deal with trust money as a condition of any conveyancing licences, and may only resume doing so at the discretion of the Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria.

To avoid having their conveayancing licences permanently cancelled, Redford and Ambiance must have outstanding trust accounts audited and lodge monthly reconciliations by 30 October 2014.