Matthew Scafidi: Mitcham real estate director stood down over alleged racist post

The sacking of a prominent Mitcham real estate agency director over an alleged racist online post has divided the public.

Jellis Craig Mitcham franchisee director Matthew Scafidi has been stood down.

The decision to stand down a prominent eastern suburbs real estate agent over an alleged racist online post has divided the public.

Jellis Craig Mitcham franchisee director Matthew Scafidi was stood down this week after a comment made on his personal Facebook page on Monday was deemed “racially offensive”.

Melburnians have questioned whether the punishment was an over-reaction, with some calling it “political correctness gone mad” and others outraged and offended by the post.

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In screenshots seen by the Herald Sun, the post asks whether a piece of gym equipment is a “Chinese import” given its apparent lack of an Australian made logo.

It then states: “Wanting to avoid Chinese made product if I can”.

One comment left on the Herald Sun’s Facebook page states: “What a load of PC garbage”.

While another simply questions: “Maybe he just wanted to buy Australian made?”

But the agency’s online reviews section has also been flooded with comments from upset and angry users.

One review read: “Australia is a multicultural migrant country … this is pure racism’.

Another user shared a screenshot of the alleged post and said supporting local was “not only about buying local-made product, but also caring about people in the local community who run local business and who live in the neighbourhood”.

They added: “There is no excuse for racism. #RacismStillExists”.

The ‘meet the team’ section of the agency’s website has since been taken down, while Mr Scafidi’s profile no longer appears on realestate.com.au.

Jellis Craig chief executive Nick Dowling confirmed he was aware of the comment, which he said was “completely unacceptable”.

“I think the comment is appalling, it’s unacceptable and it goes completely against the grain of what Jellis Craig is,” Mr Dowling said.

Jellis Craig chief executive Nick Dowling said the comments were “appalling”.

“The person has been stood down.

“It couldn’t be more against what we stand for and to those people (who have been impacted) I’m sorry for his comment.”

Mr Dowling added that he had addressed staff and had communication with both clients and community members on Tuesday to relay his disappointment and offer support to anyone who had been impacted by the post.

“We’re very upset about it … we unreservedly apologise,” he said.

Mr Dowling said the company was a “ethical, tolerant and principled organisation” that proudly operates across Melbourne.

An investigation into the post is ongoing.

Mr Scafidi was contacted for comment.

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