As a prelude to tonight’s “Current Affair” on the CTS collapse, lets look at how you are hearing about it.
Is the “Current Affair” episode the final chapter to be played out of the CTS travel collapse? I doubt it. This is more than crappy tabloid headlines and a hoon driver.
Genuine people are genuinely hurt and are demonstrating exactly what can be achieved when they come together and demand action. These passengers are scorned and the notion of “justice” and “revenge” are strong motivators.
I reiterate those who have lost HAVE NEVER suggested that all travel agents are evil. Agents should note the irony on speaking out.
When the TCF was abolished there was outcry. Annoyingly, of the agents who were outspoken after ATAS was confirmed, very few had taken the time to yell during the consultation phase.
There have been few in the industry who from the outset have maintained a clear and loud voice on the shape of the changes. Note to travel agents; next time be involved, your voice counts.
Immense credit is due to the action group led by Julie Walsh.
On 11 May she created a Facebook page “to provide somewhere for those affected to come together and gather and exchange information and ideas so we can work out what we need to do to get our money back”.
The group quickly gained members, people shared how they got ripped off. Reading through the creditors list was a tale of heart break and dreams broken. The Herald Sun and the Leader newspaper ran stories across a number of community outlets.
Channel 9’s a “Current Affair” got wind and interviewed Jodie Twigg and her daughter, Paige Toner. Paige, a university student, along with her boyfriend, lost over $9000. The only luck she has had was a family who rallied around her to pitch in and pay for the trip of a lifetime.
She just got back and I hope the memories outweigh the bullshit that she has dealt with. I think there were some nice surprises along the way for her.
At the creditors meeting we saw a bold masterstroke orchestrated by Reg Eustace and Jennie Noordenne who wrestled control away from the Collins Street office, appointed Reg as chairman and took the meeting back onto the homeland in Altona.
This may not lead to anyone getting any more money back, but it is keeping the pressure on. Right or wrong, people are asking what is happening with the left over TCF dollar.
Industry heads have spoken out for and against, drawing on arguments from 2011/12 about the risk of moving away from a TCF type structure.
AFTA have announced that they will be tightening the controls around ATAS accreditation, suggesting there will be greater transparency on those operating in the industry who are directors of travel entities who have managed or owned companies that have gone bust or liquidated.
There are at least two wholesale companies selling to Australian travel agents that have directors who had other companies that are in liquidation. Maybe there will be some greater transparency on the companies behind the companies travel agents deal with. That has to be good for travel.
Meanwhile the investigative journalism on Facebook has yielded fascinating results. Real estate agents were seen quietly showing people through the Stoodley’s house, which appears to have been graffitied. A new travel agency was registered under the same address as CTS travel. The ownership of the dog wash business was apparently transferred into the name of the boyfriend of the daughter.
It appears one of the directors already has a 12 month suspended sentence for fraudulent activities. It seems like they have done this all before. Consumer Affairs Victoria, ASIC and the police are now all involved.
Every day it looks increasingly likely that justice will be served. Worse case, these people won’t do it again. I still feel stupid as I allowed them to pay back debts month by month. Lesson learned.
So how are we hearing about all this?
One lady took a stand, rallied the troops, built some momentum and did what was right.
My hat goes off to you Julie Walsh. I hope you get what you deserve.
