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The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has taken legal action against a Cairns-based lender and broker who offered high-interest credit contracts to consumers.
Proceedings have been filed in the Federal Court in Brisbane against Channic Pty Ltd, Cash Brokers Pty Ltd and the sole director of both companies, Colin William Hulbert.
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ASIC has alleged that Channic and Cash Brokers breached the responsible lending laws that apply to lenders and brokers licensed under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act.
The regulator alleges that breaches of the responsible lending obligations and instances of unconscionable conduct occurred in relation to a series of loans given to consumers for the purchase of motor vehicles from a Cairns-based motor dealer.
Cash Brokers assisted consumers obtain loans from Channic at 48 per cent interest per annum to enable them to purchase vehicles from Ang Hulbert & Associates Pty Ltd, trading as SuperCheap Car Sales.
Mr Hulbert is also the sole director of SuperCheap.
ASIC also alleges SuperCheap’s advertising targeted consumers on low incomes or in receipt of Centrelink benefits and those with bad credit histories.
Advertising included a flyer noting, ‘Centrelink Income OK, Single Parents OK, Bad Credit OK, Ex-Bankrupts OK, Defaults OK’.
ASIC’s claim identifies 10 consumers, whom it alleges were given loans that were unaffordable and not suited to their requirements. ASIC has sought civil penalty orders against Cash Brokers, Channic and Mr Hulbert, as well as compensation for the consumers.
“The responsible lending obligations are some of the most important features of the National Credit Act and are designed to protect consumers from being given loans that they can’t afford,” ASIC deputy chairman Peter Kell said.
