Beware Queensland developer

The QBSA (Queensland Building Services Authority) issued a warning on January 20, 2010 that contractors and homeowners should be cautious in any business dealings with Nerang-based MBW Group Developments Pty Ltd and its director Mathew Bradley Willaims (sic), also known as Edwin Nair and Edwin Mack.

The BSA suspended the company’s building licence for providing false information on its licence application. The company has 21 days in which to make representations as to why the licence should not be cancelled.

Willaims failed to disclose that under the name of Edwin Nair he had previously been the director of DES (ACT) Pty Ltd and All Invogue Constructions Pty Ltd when liquidators were appointed on 12 February 2009 and 30 April 2009 respectively.

Unless he successfully applies to be categorised as a permitted individual, Willaims will be permanently excluded from being the director of a BSA-licensed company in Queensland and personally holding a BSA Contractor Licence.

BSA enquiries have revealed that in April 2006, the Office of Fair Trading in the Australian Capital Territory issued a warning about Willaims (then known as Edwin Mack) and mentioned that Mack had also done business as Edwin Nair.

The warning followed successful legal proceedings that obtained two undefended judgments totalling almost $19,000 for customers of Vibe Kitchens against Mack (Willaims). In one case the work was of very poor standard and in the other case the deposit had been accepted but no work carried out. A refund cheque was subsequently dishonoured.

Willaims also failed to disclose to the BSA that in 2005 he had been convicted of making a false statement regarding an odometer reading in a vehicle he sold, and in 2003 he had been convicted of assault.

The BSA will assist homeowners with contracts with MBW Group Developments Pty Ltd through the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme.

Given his history, the BSA urges homeowners and contractors to be cautious in any dealings with Willaims (or Mack or Nair) and seek advice before participating in any business with which he is involved.

For more information call the QBSA on 1300 272 272.