The administrator, DVT McLeods, told creditors on Tuesday that AOR's assets are worth approximately $755,000 — far short of the debt. The Australian Tax Office is owed at least $2.72 million, and suppliers are $1.6 million in the red.
Of the 47 customers who paid deposits of up to $120,000 for caravans that were never delivered or built, only 13 caravan chassis have been physically located.
Sandra Muller flew from regional NSW to Brisbane for the creditors meeting. She paid $101,000 towards her dream van and expressed disbelief and anger. "You just feel like you've been had, basically," she said. Ms Muller said her caravan was originally due in July before delivery was delayed multiple times, and she believed the company was trying to "get as much money in quickly".
Another customer, who asked not to be named, said they were asked to bring forward a $61,000 payment by one week — from mid-August to early August.
The ABC has seen an email from a customer in April asking whether their deposit was safe. A sales manager replied that AOR's order book was full for the next six months and said "whilst there is uncertainty in all markets with the war in Iran, this isn't stopping our operations".
The referral to ASIC relates to the company's conduct before it shut down. The administrator has not provided further details on the nature of the conduct being examined.