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Family First senator Bob Day quits after business collapses Family First senator Bob Day quits after business collapses
(35 minutes later)
Family First senator Bob Day is quitting the Senate – a move that follows financial problems in his multi-million dollar building empire.Family First senator Bob Day is quitting the Senate – a move that follows financial problems in his multi-million dollar building empire.
Day’s spokesman confirmed the senator’s intention to quit the parliament on Monday afternoon. The Family First senator has hardly attended the parliament since the federal election.Day’s spokesman confirmed the senator’s intention to quit the parliament on Monday afternoon. The Family First senator has hardly attended the parliament since the federal election.
Day’s property empire has been in trouble in News South Wales, and recent media reports have suggested his Victorian and South Australian businesses were also experiencing difficulties.Day’s property empire has been in trouble in News South Wales, and recent media reports have suggested his Victorian and South Australian businesses were also experiencing difficulties.
On Monday, Day announced the company would go into liquidation.On Monday, Day announced the company would go into liquidation.
The resignation will create a casual vacancy to be filled by another Family First candidate.The resignation will create a casual vacancy to be filled by another Family First candidate.
Day’s chief of staff Rikki Lambert told The Australian on Monday he intended to put his name forward to fill the vacancy.Day’s chief of staff Rikki Lambert told The Australian on Monday he intended to put his name forward to fill the vacancy.
Day first sought to enter politics as a Liberal in 2007, but quit the party and eventually secured a senate spot for Family First in 2013. Day first sought to enter politics as a Liberal in 2007, but quit the party and eventually secured a Senate spot for Family First in 2013.
The South Australian is also a significant financial backer of Family First. His loans and donations to the political party in recent times are in the order of $2m. The South Australian is also a significant financial backer of Family First. His loans and donations to the political party in recent times are in the order of $1.7m.
In recent times, the Greens have pursued the issue of Day’s loans to Family First, requesting a compliance review from the Australian Electoral Commission in June.
In a statement the Senator gave to the ABC, Day said: “It has been a privilege, but would be untenable to stay in parliament.”In a statement the Senator gave to the ABC, Day said: “It has been a privilege, but would be untenable to stay in parliament.”
“I will start again and repay all debts.”“I will start again and repay all debts.”
McGrathNicol confirmed in a statement on Monday afternoon that it had been appointed liquidator of Home Australia Pty Ltd and each of its wholly owned subsidiaries.
Home Australia operates in five Australian states under the brands: Homestead Homes in South Australia (new homes presently under construction – 48); Collier Homes in Western Australia (new homes presently under construction – 29); Newstart Homes in Queensland (new homes presently under construction – 17); Ashford Homes in Victoria (new homes presently under construction – 57); and Huxley Homes in New South Wales (new homes presently under construction – 56).
McGrathNicol said Home Australia had ceased construction of all homes.
The statement said the liquidator would “work constructively with relevant insurers and customers in an effort to facilitate the orderly recommencement of construction of uncompleted homes by alternative builders.”
“We will communicate with customers in writing in the coming days. In accordance with the liquidators’ duties, the financial affairs of Home Australia will also be investigated so that the liquidators may report to creditors and to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.”