Further action on failed building firm rejected

The liquidation committee of the failed Hartner Construction building firm wants more action from the Companies Office.

The office has rejected the request, but has told the committee it can take legal action if it is unhappy with the situation. Hartner collapsed in January 2001 with estimated debts of about $50 million.

Brian Nunweek, Darryl McLeod, Gary Key, Dirk Kapma and Geoff Bayley represent creditors and members of the liquidation committee.

Companies Office investigator John McPherson said the matter had been dealt with some years ago and would be costly to continue.

"Even if there was further action, they would have to put up money and fund it," McPherson said. "No one was putting their hand in their pocket."

The committee wants company founder Wayne Hartner banned as a director but Companies Office national enforcement unit manager Shane Keohane said there were no such plans because there was no evidence of mismanagement.