Legal proceedings to ban Nathan and Steven Conn from working in rental car industry
Posted by editor (editor) on Nov 10 2009
2009 >>

The Commissioner for Fair Trading has commenced legal proceedings seeking to ban two Brisbane men from operating rental car businesses in Queensland.

Minister for Fair Trading Peter Lawlor said the Commissioner for Fair Trading had filed an application with the Supreme Court Queensland against Nathan and Steven Conn the owners of Abel Rent a Car.

It is alleged Nathan and Steven Conn, in the course of operating Abel Rent a Car, have breached the Fair Trading Act 1989 and engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct and made false or misleading representations relating to the provision of insurance.

The legal action follows more than 100 complaints about Abel Rent a Car since 2005.

An interim hearing with be held on 27 November. If an interim injunction order is made, a court date will be set for a final hearing.

“The fact that the Commissioner has applied for an injunction rather than simply prosecuting Nathan and Steven Conn for the breaches recognises the seriousness of the allegations raised,” Mr Lawlor said.

“If the injunction is granted, the Commissioner will be seeking a compensation order for the customers who have been charged for vehicle damages they were not responsible for or exceeded the insurance excess amount.”

“As this matter is before the court it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

Mr Lawlor said OFT was attempting to minimise the impact on Abel customers by securing an injunction.

“Further consumer advice about current and future Abel hire agreements will be made available once the Court has considered the Commissioner’s application.

For further consumer advice for Abel Rent a Car customers go to www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call 13 13 04.

Last changed: Nov 10 2009 at 9:55 AM