‘We have the powers to prosecute’: Major ruling in explosive environmental case
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Environmental violations can jeopardise public health and safety, particularly when dangerous substances are mishandled.
A recent investigation in New South Wales uncovered serious misconduct involving hazardous waste, prompting regulatory action.
Authorities have since taken legal steps to hold those responsible accountable.
A construction company in New South Wales faced legal repercussions after authorities discovered it had provided false information regarding asbestos dumping.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) began investigating in February 2023 after asbestos-contaminated waste was found at a property in Canyonleigh, located in the Southern Highlands.
Several companies received statutory notices demanding records and details about how the hazardous material ended up on the site.
Following the investigation, the EPA prosecuted He Co Pty Ltd—formerly known as Hemisphere Construction Pty Ltd—and its director George Khouzame for misleading authorities.
EPA Director Operations, Adam Gilligan, stated that despite repeated attempts to obtain truthful information, Mr Khouzame refused to admit his company’s involvement.
‘While he maintained that information provided to the EPA was accurate and his company was not associated with works undertaken at the property, evidence gathered by our officers, including reports from neighbours and other contractors, indicated Mr Khouzame’s assertions were false,’ he said.
Mr Gilligan emphasised that statutory notices issued under the Protection of the Environment Operations (POEO) Act carried legal obligations.
‘Anyone receiving such a request must provide an honest and factual response and if they don’t, we have the powers to prosecute,’ he said.
The Parramatta Local Court ordered He Co Pty Ltd and Mr Khouzame to each pay a $100,000 fine.
An additional $25,000 was imposed to cover EPA costs, and they were directed to comply with the original statutory notice and publication order.
The company had already faced scrutiny in 2023 when NSW Fair Trading revoked its building licence after a house it constructed collapsed just two months after completion.
‘We have been in contact with the homeowner and family to understand how we can support them during this difficult time, including offering temporary accommodation, hire car, storage facilities, removalist and many more for the family affected,’ the company stated at the time.
‘We have followed all necessary safety protocols and have taken all precautions to ensure the safety of our workers, tenants, and owners of all our properties.’
By July 2023, Hemisphere Constructions Pty Ltd had entered voluntary administration.
Asbestos exposure poses serious health risks, making proper handling and disposal crucial.
Watch the video below to learn more about the dangers of exposure to asbestos dust.
In a previous story, we reported on an Australian builder’s $3.1 million collapse, leaving homeowners in financial turmoil.
The construction industry has faced growing scrutiny as more cases of structural failures and regulatory breaches emerge.
Read more about the impact and what it could mean for homeowners here.
Environmental breaches like this raise serious concerns about accountability in the construction industry—do you think penalties like fines are enough to deter companies from cutting corners?
Should harsher consequences be enforced? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
A recent investigation in New South Wales uncovered serious misconduct involving hazardous waste, prompting regulatory action.
Authorities have since taken legal steps to hold those responsible accountable.
A construction company in New South Wales faced legal repercussions after authorities discovered it had provided false information regarding asbestos dumping.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) began investigating in February 2023 after asbestos-contaminated waste was found at a property in Canyonleigh, located in the Southern Highlands.
Several companies received statutory notices demanding records and details about how the hazardous material ended up on the site.
NSW company caught in asbestos dumping scandal. Image source: NewsWire/Diego Fedele
Following the investigation, the EPA prosecuted He Co Pty Ltd—formerly known as Hemisphere Construction Pty Ltd—and its director George Khouzame for misleading authorities.
EPA Director Operations, Adam Gilligan, stated that despite repeated attempts to obtain truthful information, Mr Khouzame refused to admit his company’s involvement.
‘While he maintained that information provided to the EPA was accurate and his company was not associated with works undertaken at the property, evidence gathered by our officers, including reports from neighbours and other contractors, indicated Mr Khouzame’s assertions were false,’ he said.
Mr Gilligan emphasised that statutory notices issued under the Protection of the Environment Operations (POEO) Act carried legal obligations.
‘Anyone receiving such a request must provide an honest and factual response and if they don’t, we have the powers to prosecute,’ he said.
The Parramatta Local Court ordered He Co Pty Ltd and Mr Khouzame to each pay a $100,000 fine.
An additional $25,000 was imposed to cover EPA costs, and they were directed to comply with the original statutory notice and publication order.
The company had already faced scrutiny in 2023 when NSW Fair Trading revoked its building licence after a house it constructed collapsed just two months after completion.
‘We have been in contact with the homeowner and family to understand how we can support them during this difficult time, including offering temporary accommodation, hire car, storage facilities, removalist and many more for the family affected,’ the company stated at the time.
‘We have followed all necessary safety protocols and have taken all precautions to ensure the safety of our workers, tenants, and owners of all our properties.’
By July 2023, Hemisphere Constructions Pty Ltd had entered voluntary administration.
Asbestos exposure poses serious health risks, making proper handling and disposal crucial.
Watch the video below to learn more about the dangers of exposure to asbestos dust.
In a previous story, we reported on an Australian builder’s $3.1 million collapse, leaving homeowners in financial turmoil.
The construction industry has faced growing scrutiny as more cases of structural failures and regulatory breaches emerge.
Read more about the impact and what it could mean for homeowners here.
Environmental breaches like this raise serious concerns about accountability in the construction industry—do you think penalties like fines are enough to deter companies from cutting corners?
Should harsher consequences be enforced? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
