Government considers commission to clean up debt collection industry

The state government is considering setting up a dedicated commission to oversee the debt collection industry in Victoria.

As reported in the Herald Sun, bikies and other organised crime figures are to be banished from the industry, a move which could affect include former Bandidos enforcer Toby Mitchell, leading Comancheros Mick Murray and Hasan Topal and underworld figure Mick Gatto.

Unlicensed debt collecting is known to be a long-time tactic for criminals to make money in Victoria.

But Alan Harries, CEO of the Australian Collectors & Debt Buyers Association, told 3AW Breakfast the legitimate industry doesn’t include these sorts of figures.

“Other than in the Herald Sun, I don’t hear about bikies in the association,” Alan said.

“And I’ve been in the industry 34 years.

“There are many, who are very compliant, they’re licensed and meet all the obligations.

“If they were actual proper debt buyers they would hold an Australian credit licence which is issued by ASIC.”

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Photo: AAP