A Geelong conveyancer is facing disciplinary action for allegedly failing to comply with trust account audit obligations over a 5-year period.
Murray Grills, 71, of Lara, is the lead conveyancer at Murrsan Pty Ltd (ACN 162 274 526), which trades as Regional Conveyancing in Manifold Heights.
Consumer Affairs Victoria alleges Mr Grills failed to have his trust accounts audited between 2020 and 2024, as required under the Conveyancers Act 2006.
Licensed conveyancers must have their trust accounts audited annually by an approved auditor. The report must be lodged with Consumer Affairs Victoria via myCAV.
Mr Grills faces penalties and suspension or conditions imposed on his conveyancer’s licence.
Consumer Affairs Victoria Director, Nicole Rich reminded conveyancers to ensure their annual trust account audits are up to date and lodged.
'Trust account auditing ensures that client money is being handled safely and securely.
'We are continuing to monitor and make sure conveyancers and estate agents are lodging their trust account audit reports each year. We won’t hesitate to take further action where needed.'
An initial hearing was held on 28 January at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.