The company behind Richtek has been fined a total of $30,000 and ordered to pay $29,000 in compensation for building offences, six months after convictions for electrical matters.
Building and Energy’s prosecution of Per Melbourne Pty Ltd, now in liquidation, and former directors Phillip Edward Richardson and Wendy Panossian concluded at Perth Magistrates Court on 22 August 2025. The business traded as Richtek Melbourne, Richtek Perth, Ricktek Roofing and Richtek Grouting Business.
Mr Richardson and Ms Panossian were fined $6,250 and $5,000 respectively after pleading guilty to their roles in the company’s building offences, which relate to deposits and registration. The former directors were also ordered to pay costs of $300.50 each, while Per Melbourne must pay costs of $1,353.
In February 2025, Per Melbourne was convicted of 15 offences under WA’s electricity licensing regulations and fined $50,000 following a separate prosecution by Building and Energy.
In relation to the building matters, the court heard the company entered contracts in 2024 to provide gutter and downpipe work valued at $23,263 at a Fremantle property and bathroom renovation work valued at $18,520 at a Baldivis home.
Per Melbourne requested and received a 50 per cent deposit from both homeowners, exceeding the 6.5 per cent maximum allowed under the Home Building Contracts Act 1991 before home building work valued at more than $7,500 begins.
In addition to the fines, the court ordered the company to pay $13,000 in compensation to the owner of the Fremantle property, where no work was carried out, and $16,000 to the owner of the Baldivis home, where the work was incomplete and allegedly defective.
Also in 2024, online advertisements for Per Melbourne listed painting services that would exceed $1,000 in value and must legally be carried out by a registered painter. The company has never held any building service registrations, meaning it was an offence to advertise or imply this.
Magistrate Andrew Matthews noted the need for deterrence “looms large” to protect consumers and the offences were “not trivial”. His Honour acknowledged Ms Panossian was of prior good character and unlikely to reoffend.
Building and Energy Executive Director Daniel Kearney said the affected homeowners had experienced hazards, disruption, stress and financial impacts from their dealings with Per Melbourne.
“Because of the company’s widespread public recognition through its trading name and prominent advertising, consumers would expect to be dealing with a reputable and properly registered service provider,” Mr Kearney said.
“The unacceptable conduct of the business and its directors left the homeowners out of pocket and waiting for their building projects to be completed – or even started.
“I encourage consumers to note the 6.5 per cent deposit limit for most home building work, which can minimise potential financial losses if issues arise, as in these cases.”
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Related media statement: $50,000 fine puts electrical firm on notice – Per Melbourne Pty Ltd trading as Richtek Perth and Richtek Melbourne
Media contact: BEmedia@lgirs.wa.gov.au
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