ACCC institutes proceedings against Refund Home Loans and Wayne Ormond

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has commenced proceedings against Refund Home Loans Pty Ltd and its Managing Director and founder, Wayne Rodney Ormond, alleging they made false and misleading representations in breach of the Trade Practices Act 1974 about having a special relationship with the ACCC.

It is alleged that Mr Ormond made statements over a number of years to current and former franchisees to the effect that the ACCC:

• advised Refund Home Loans and Mr Ormond about their conduct towards franchisees, and
• approved action taken by Refund Home Loans in respect of franchisees and former franchisees with whom it was in dispute.

Proceedings were commenced in the Federal Court’s fast track list in Brisbane on 12 October 2009. A scheduling conference has been listed for 4 December 2009.

The ACCC is seeking declarations that the alleged statements breached the Act, injunctive relief, publication orders, the institution of a compliance program by Refund Home Loans, personal training in the Trade Practices Act 1974 for Mr Ormond and costs.