G.J. Gardner client calls on Tasmanian Government to expand compensation scheme

A victim of the G.J. Gardner homebuilding franchise collapse speaks out on feeling pressured to sign off an occupancy certificate and pleas for the government to broaden its support.

The office of G.J. Gardner on Sandy Bay Road in Battery Point that is now closed. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

A victim of the G.J. Gardner homebuilding franchise collapse has called on the Tasmanian Government to expand its financial assistance scheme to include those homes which the failed builder ticked off as technically complete, but which still required thousands of dollars of remedial work.

The Hobart-area customer, who asked not to be named, said he felt pressured by franchisee LV Built into signing off an occupancy certificate on the promise that any outstanding work to his home would be finished at a later date.

The homeowner, who is now facing a $20,000 bill to pay for work that never happened, said he was disappointed when told by the Consumer Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) that he was ineligible for compensation.

“We were renting, and could not afford to wait too long to move into our house,” the disgruntled G.J. Gardner client said.

“It was costing us $700 each week we did not move in, and that was used against us.

“It’s really disappointing, because I thought the whole point of this financial assistance package was to protect people from these kinds of things until the Home Warranty Insurance Scheme comes into play,” the client said.

“That scheme needs to come in urgently, and if they are going to delay it, they need to use the financial assistance package to bridge the gap.”

The G.J. Gardner Hobart West franchise closed on April 2, and entered liquidation.

Small Business and Consumer Affairs Minister, Madeleine Ogilvie, said she was monitoring the situation carefully, and that the government wanted to ensure that customers were supported in their time of need.

“Any affected Tasmanian who needs assistance can contact CBOS on 1300 654 499,” Ms Ogilvie said.

“The Department of Justice and the Department of Treasury and Finance are currently setting up the procurement process for a scheme operator.

“While the scheme is implemented, the Government has made a significant financial assistance package available for affected consumers through CBOS.”