A former Mount Evelyn building surveyor has pled guilty to multiple charges, including working while suspended, and has been ordered to pay over $50,000 after he was convicted in the Ringwood Magistrate’s Court.
Simon Mattiske has to pay $51,000 having been found to have unlawfully issued building permits for building work in the suburbs of Launching Place, Kilsyth, Glen Waverley, Healesville, Mount Evelyn and Yarra Junction.
The VBA’s Executive Director of Regulatory Operations David Brockman said the court’s verdict reflected the serious nature of Mr Mattiske’s offending and the impact it had on consumers.
“Having already been suspended by the VBA for a range of breaches, Mr Mattiske continued to work, and in doing so, he put the livelihoods of the homeowners involved at risk,” Mr Brockman said.
“This verdict sends a clear message – there is zero tolerance for reckless and illegal activity, and the VBA will not hesitate to take action against any practitioners who do not follow the rules.”
Mr Brockman said that Mr Mattiske’s disregard for his suspension has resulted in significant financial impact for owners.
“In the majority of cases, compliance of the building work will require a new building surveyor to be engaged and existing works will need to be independently certified.
“We know that most practitioners do the right thing, and it is the actions of a small few that damage consumer trust in the wider industry,” Mr Brockman said.
Among other breaches, he also issued occupancy permits and certificates of final inspection in suburbs including Belgrave, Mount Evelyn, Ringwood North and Lilydale.
Mr Mattiske’s building surveyor registration was suspended by the VBA in February 2020.
The VBA secured an injunction against Mr Mattiske in October 2020 when it discovered he was still working.
Anyone who has had dealings with Mr Mattiske since his registration was suspended should contact the VBA at RBSresponse@vba.vic.gov.au to discuss their circumstances.
