Call My Painter, Sami Painting & Plastering Tony Gusman, Antonio Gusmano, Seyed Abudi. ABN 59725081337 and ABN 62637861776 Stole $14,800 from an 89 year old woman and did defective/incomplete work Sunshine West Victoria

My 89 year old mother and I retained "My Painter" (owned and operated by Tony Gusman aka Antonio Gusmano) to paint my mother's property. My wife paid, on demand from Mr Gusman $7300 cash (of my mother's money), direct to Mr Gusman. We have made the Australia Taxation Office (ATO) aware of his attempt to avoid taxation obligations.

Mr Gusman then had his nominated agent - Sami - Painting and Plastering (ABN 59725081337)  commence work on my mother's property. The Scope of Works was contracted to and agreed to in writing. "Sami" commenced work and made a complete and utter mess of the property, including but not limited to:

1. Incomplete works.

2. Poor workmanship.

3. Paint spills and staining all over newly rendered walls and brand-new porcelain tiles.

4. Extensively scratching brand new glass shower screens - which Sami subsequently replaced admitting his liability for the defective works.

Mr Gusman and Sami had agreed to return and (a) rectify the works and damage once (b) various other building works were completed.

When Sami returned to complete the rectification works and complete the outstanding works - he said it would take 3 days.

On the first day, Sami spent more time outside the house smoking cigarettes and drinking coffee than he did painting or rectifying. In fact, he did more damage to the tiles after he returned. Additionally, he tried to intimidate my 42kg wife by staring at her as she worked in her home office.

We allowed Sami to return on the second day. Sami arrived 2.5 hours after the agreed upon commencement time. At which time he harassed and was rude to other tradespeople onsite and then refused to complete rectification works (cleaning tiles) he had split paint all over. He then stormed out. 

I have subsequently tried calling both Mr Gusman and Sami – Mr Gusman, the spineless worm, refuses to take my calls and his agent Sami initially told me to "f_ck off" and he too now refuses to take my call as well.

We have repeatedly made Mr Gusman aware that his agent had (a) done defective works, effectively destroying our property, (b) caused extensive damage and (c) was rude and non-cooperative. Upon reviewing the property, Mr. Gusman agreed that the work needed extensive rectification.

We told Mr. Gusman we no longer wanted Sami at our property as (a) he was incapable of doing the work to an appropriate level and (b) my wife felt unsafe with him in the house.

Mr Gusman refuses to take any responsibility for his or the actions of his agent.

Our intent was to have the downstairs section of my mother's home completed so she could safely move back into the house to be cared for during the current COVID19 pandemic. Understandably my mother is fearful and worried and needs to be around family, particularly during this current climate the world finds itself in.

Tony Gusman's behaviour to date, and refusal to refund monies paid to him (in advance) for now incomplete and defective works, is causing an 89 year old woman (living on a pension), her two grandchildren (9 and 12), my wife and I ongoing stress and anxiety during these most taxing times. I have also lost my job due to the nationwide shut down of industry.

These "men" (for lack of a better term) are liars and thieves.

If you have any doubts as to Mr Gusman's behaviour in this matter, please call our builder (Joe Angelucci of Joe Mark builders on 0412383587) to verify my claims.

I will also be pursuing Mr. Gusman/Gusmano through various legal channels going forward.