ASIC bans construction director for five years

Investigation finds misconduct and dishonesty

ASIC bans construction director for five years

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has disqualified Miroslav Jack Samardzija from managing corporations for a five-year period due to his misconduct as a director and the failure of three companies under his management.

Samardzija held directorial roles in three Brisbane-based construction companies which entered liquidation between September 2019 and May 2021. These companies were Caboolture Developments, Sinopacific Constructions, and Land Invest.

Samardzija’s disqualification, effective until April 15, 2029, was based on evidence provided in a supplementary report by Vincent’s Chartered Accountants, prepared with the support of ASIC’s Assetless Administration Fund.

ASIC’s investigation revealed that Samardzija engaged in several breaches of corporate governance, including the failure to lodge tax returns and to provide necessary books and records for liquidation purposes.

He was also found to have dishonestly manipulated company finances by claiming false GST refunds and transferring funds for the benefit of other companies or related parties.

At the time of liquidation, the three companies collectively owed unsecured creditors over $2.34 million, with over $1 million owed to the Australian Taxation Office.

Samardzija was previously fined a total of $4,000 plus costs for failing to assist the liquidator of Sinopacific Constructions and Caboolture Developments.

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