Anita Aarons, an accountant turned lawyer, assisted in her client’s appointment as “dummy director” of two companies that collectively owed the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) just shy of $450,000.
The companies – Snowy Country Property Holdings and RAC Business Solutions – were placed into liquidation shortly afterwards, and the previous directors were free to engage in further business ventures.
The Bancroft Lawyers principal agreed to findings of professional misconduct and unsatisfactory professional conduct and accepted a reprimand, $7,500 fine, a 12-month suspension, and a direction to complete three continuing professional development points.
In making the orders, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)…