A Boulder mechanic has been banned from holding a certificate to work in the motor vehicle repair industry in WA for two years by the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) after failing to inform Consumer Protection about his criminal charges and convictions.

Matthew Lawrence Elmer, who was also reprimanded by the SAT, failed to disclose criminal charges in his application for a repairer’s certificate in October 2014 and did not supply an updated National Police Certificate in October 2016 which was a condition attached to his certificate, in breach of the Motor Vehicle Repairers Act.

Mr Elmer failed to disclose a conviction on those criminal charges in December 2014 and a subsequent conviction on separate charges in July 2015.

It is a requirement of the Act that certificate holders inform the Commissioner for Consumer Protection within 7 days of being convicted of a relevant offence which attracts a maximum fine of $8,000 or more, or a prison term of two years or more.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard said the actions of Mr Elmer were dishonest and undermined the purpose of the licensing system regulating the motor vehicle repair industry.

“Not fully informing the Department of criminal charges that were pending during the application process has resulted in a decision being made about that application without the benefit of knowing the full facts,” Mr Hillyard said.

“Then, after being granted that certificate, not revealing subsequent criminal convictions and also failing to supply a police clearance as required by the condition imposed on the approval was an act of deceit by Mr Elmer.

“He has proven not to be a fit and proper person to hold a certificate and his disqualification is more than justified.

“It’s a reminder to all licence and certificate holders in the industry to reveal any relevant criminal charges and convictions and comply with any conditions that were imposed in the granting of their applications.”

More information relating to the licensing of the motor vehicle industry is available on the Consumer Protection website www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au or enquiries can be made by email consumer@dmirs.wa.gov.au or by calling 1300 30 40 54.

<ENDS>

Media Contact: Alan Hynd, (08) 6552 9248 / 0429 078 791 / alan.hynd@dmirs.wa.gov.au