NT builder George Milatos faces $2.7 million compensation bill after losing court appeal

·

Northern Territory builder George Milatos has lost his appeal in the NT Supreme Court, leaving him liable for more than $2.7 million in compensation to homeowners of defective Bellamack properties.

According to ABC News, the NT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT) previously found that homes built by Milatos were structurally unsafe during cyclones and posed significant safety risks.

His appeal, which challenged the validity of NTCAT’s ruling and its authority to impose such a large compensation order, was dismissed on Thursday, December 5 by Justice Jenny Blokland.

The case involves five homeowners who purchased properties in 2013 under an NT government-backed affordable housing scheme in Bellamack, a suburb of Palmerston. Soon after moving in, they reported severe defects, with engineering reports confirming the homes were unsafe.

george milatos
The housing assessment found that the defective homes may not withstand cyclonic conditions. Photo: ABC News.

One homeowner told the ABC he doubted any compensation would ever be received, noting Milatos’ claims of financial hardship and the possibility of bankruptcy.

The NT government has distanced itself from the issue, citing a 2013 regulatory change that switched from an insurance-based scheme to a fidelity fund, leaving homeowners unable to seek recourse from the government for demolishing or rectifying the homes.

Milatos, whose building licence expired in 2021, still has the option to challenge the decision in the NT Court of Appeal.

Source: ABC News.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Two detained over Corinth wildfire as blaze forces mass evacuations

Two individuals have been detained in connection with a large wildfire that broke out Tuesday afternoon, July 22, near Kastania in Corinthia.

Greece fall to Spain in penalty shootout at water polo World Championships

Spain narrowly defeated Greece in a dramatic penalty shootout on Tuesday to advance to the men’s water polo final.

Plans in motion for Greece to face Australia in Melbourne friendly

Hellenic Football Association President Makis Gagatsis met with Greek Sports Minister George Mavrotas and Steve Dimopoulos.

Is chaos a strategy? My unplanned plan to moving overseas – Part 2

This might shock some. For me, though, the phrase that plays on repeat in my head is: “That was so random of me.” 

Migrant voices resonate in Athens performance of ‘Opou Gis Kai Patris’

On a warm evening in Athens, Greece, the play 'Opou Gis Kai Patris' brought the migrant experience to centre stage.

You May Also Like

Andreas Andrianopoulos formally receives royal distinction in Victoria

On Monday, the Governor of Victoria awarded a royal distinction and decorated the benefactor of Hellenism, Andreas Georgiou Andrianopoulos.

‘It represents family and honour’: Artist Ox King explains his ‘Hestia’ mural

"I got a comment from a lady that said her entire family came over on the Patris and she showed a picture of the mural to her mother, and it made her cry, which I thought was really touching," Ox King tells the Greek Herald.

Greek Foreign Ministry condemns Russia’s missile attacks on multiple Ukrainian cities

Greece's Foreign Ministry has denounced the attacks, writing "We condemn today's missile attacks against civilians in Ukrainian cities."