Western Australia's Nationals leader has asked the state government why a Perth house relocation company, alleged to have left around 40 people $6 million out of pocket collectively, is still operating three months after a consumer warning was issued. Shane Love raised the matter in parliament on Thursday, pressing Commerce Minister Tony Buti on what enforcement action has been taken against James Sinclair Thomson, who runs Perth House Relocators under several business names.
Consumer Protection WA issued a warning against Mr Thomson in July after receiving nine separate complaints. Since then, three more complaints have been lodged, Mr Love told parliament. He said his office had received significant additional complaints far exceeding those reported by Consumer Protection.
"These cases expose a serious gap in consumer protection for businesses operating around the building industry, including modular home suppliers and house relocators," Mr Love said. "Relocatable houses and modular homes are still homes. Consumers should not be left carrying the risk simply because a building business operates under a different model."
In response, Minister Buti said the penalty for an offence under the Australian Consumer Law could be up to $100 million for a company or $2.5 million for an individual. He said he had asked the Building Commissioner for advice on how the regulatory framework should respond to the growing use of modern methods of construction.
Mr Thomson has denied the allegations. In a Facebook post on Thursday evening, he described the parliamentary questions as "pretty disgraceful" and accused Mr Love of spreading fake news while tagging the reporter and the words "definition of defamation".
Mr Thomson also faces criminal charges after a complainant alleged he tailgated his car for 40 kilometres, T-boned it and pepper-sprayed him during a confrontation in Bridgetown. Mr Thomson was arrested and charged with dangerous driving, possessing a controlled weapon, and endangering life, among other offences. He has pleaded not guilty and his trial is set for March.
Mr Love also raised concerns about Bella Modular, a modular home supplier that reportedly owed about 60 Western Australian families and contractors more than $4 million before entering administration.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- Consumers in Western Australia who engage with house relocation or modular home businesses may face significant financial risk if these operators fall outside existing registration and insurance frameworks.
- The case highlights a potential gap in consumer protection for modern construction methods, which are increasingly popular as housing demand rises.
- If no enforcement action follows the complaints and criminal charges, it could erode trust in the state's consumer safeguards.
Background
Perth House Relocators, also trading as JT Projects and JST Projects Australasia, buys old homes, removes them and sells them on, charging clients for transport, approvals, renovations and earthworks. Over the past year, a growing number of clients have alleged that Mr Thomson took deposits without delivering homes, failed to honour contracts and owed contractors and hotels money. Consumer Protection WA issued a public warning in July 2026. The allegations now involve around 40 complainants and a combined $6 million.
Key Perspectives
WA Nationals leader Shane Love: Argues that regulators have not taken sufficient action to stop Mr Thomson from continuing to operate, despite the public warning and rising complaints. He calls for consistent consumer protections across all housing delivery models.
Commerce Minister Tony Buti: Acknowledged three further complaints since the warning and noted that heavy penalties exist under consumer law. He has asked the Building Commissioner to review the regulatory framework for modular and prefabricated housing.
James Sinclair Thomson: Has consistently denied the allegations, calling them fake news. He is contesting criminal charges arising from a confrontation with a complainant and has not ceased trading.
What to Watch
- Whether Consumer Protection WA takes further enforcement action, such as fines or court proceedings, in response to the additional complaints.
- The outcome of Mr Thomson's criminal trial in March 2027, which could influence civil claims and regulatory decisions.
- Minister Buti's advice from the Building Commissioner on potential regulatory reforms for non-traditional housing suppliers.