A public warning has been issued to investors not to deal with an unlicensed landscape contractor operating under the business names of Hands On Group and Malas Property Management.
The warning against Adam Mallass, also known as Michael or Mick Malas, has been issued in the public interest, under Section 86A of the Fair Trading Act 1987.
NSW Fair Trading Minister Mason-Cox said Mr Mallass had a history of accepting payment for work but doing very little work and abandoning the site.
“On 1 November 2013, Adam Mallass and Hands on Group Pty Ltd were convicted by Parramatta Local Court for breaches of the Australian Consumer Law and Home Building Act 1989 and ordered to pay fines, costs and compensation of $52,551,” he said.
“Adam Mallass accepted payment without supplying services, carried out unlicensed structural landscaping work, and falsely represented that he held a contractor licence.
“Despite the conviction, Adam Mallass has made no attempt to cease his unlawful behaviour, pay the fines or compensation orders against him,” he added.
Mr Mason-Cox said since his conviction Mr Mallass had been using the unregistered business names of Hands on Group, Malas Property Management and the company Hands on Group Pty Ltd, of which he is a director, to contract unlicensed landscaping.
“Mr Mallas has been operating in the St George and Sutherland Shire areas but has also done jobs in Lilyfield, Five Dock and Church Point on the peninsula,’’ he said.
“This man has never held a licence to do most of the work he promised to carry out.
“He leaves consumers high and dry after receiving excessive deposits for work he has no intention of completing,’’ he added.
Mr Mason-Cox said this case serves as a timely reminder to consumers to always check a tradesperson licence online with Fair Trading before signing any contract.
“Any consumers who have concerns about work carried out by Adam Mallass or his aliases should contact Fair Trading on 13 32 20,” he said.
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