Parents admit to owing $39k to prestigious Mackay school
‘It’s simply got to be paid’: Magistrate’s stern warning for parents who racked up huge school fee bill.
Police & Courts
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A Mackay couple facing legal trouble over hefty fees owed to a private Mackay school admitted to owing the money as their counterclaim was quashed.
Michael and Nicole Saunders told Mackay Magistrates Court they accepted that they owed money to Whitsunday Anglican School, but were disputing when it needed to be paid by.
The school is suing the Saunders for $39,705.27 over outstanding school fees between 2014 and 2018.
Mr and Mrs Saunders, who had four children enrolled at Whitsunday Anglican School, told the court they were facing financial difficulties in 2014 and as a result entered into a payment plan over school fees.
But the parents, who were self represented, hit back with a counterclaim on Monday, pushing for $34,200 plus a further $33,323.39 for loss of business, stress and defamation.
The counterclaim was struck out on Tuesday because of a lack of evidence.
Magistrate Damien Dwyer asked the couple whether they admitted to owing the money and if they were prepared to pay it.
Mr Saunders responded 'correct' to both questions.
"What am I going to do? You've admitted you owe the money," Mr Dwyer responded.
"You've got a habit of kicking a tin down a road.
"It's simply got to be paid."
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Mr Saunders and Whitsunday Anglican School's Barrister Stephen Byrne both agreed they wanted closure in the situation.
"I would have thought the school doesn't have a real interest in getting judgment against you, all they want is their money," Mr Dwyer said.
The matter was adjourned until February 9, pending a payment arrangement being made between the couple and Whitsunday Anglican School.
Mr Dwyer said a judgment would be handed down if a payment agreement was not reached by February 9.
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