Angry Customers Demand ASIC Investigation into Zone RV Collapse

By Josh Dye

ABC Sunshine Coast

Topic: Consumer Protection

Zone RV customers are pushing for an ASIC investigation after the company's collapse.

In short: Customers who lost millions are demanding an ASIC investigation.

Customers who lost millions when luxury caravan company Zone RV collapsed are demanding an ASIC investigation.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has expressed sympathy for customers amid insolvent trading allegations.

What's next?

The regulator will not say if it is investigating, but liquidators are considering launching civil litigation.

Angry customers who lost millions have launched a national campaign demanding ASIC hold the former director accountable.

Sunshine Coast-based Zone RV plunged into administration in December, owing $42 million to creditors.

The company was voted into liquidation in January, and a Melbourne-based rival purchased Zone RV's assets.

About 140 customers are still owed over $10 million after paying up to $160,000 for caravans that were not built.

As unsecured creditors, customers face walking away empty-handed and waving goodbye to retirement dreams.

Liquidators have accused former director David Biggar of multiple breaches of the federal Corporations Act.

Customers demand action

Gold Coast resident Natasha Daley lost $160,000 and represents about 70 customers owed nearly $7 million.

She wrote a joint submission to ASIC on behalf of customers, pushing for action.

I'm feeling disgusted and angry, there's been significant consumer harm, Ms Daley said.

Natasha Daley is leading a campaign demanding ASIC investigates allegations against Zone RV former director David Biggar.

My husband and I had retired and were planning a trip around Australia, but that dream has now evaporated.

That dream has now evaporated.

Retirement plans are on hold, and we are now back to work to try and recover some funds.

Ms Daley said customers wanted ASIC to investigate Mr Biggar after the liquidator's allegations of insolvent trading.

There's been so many mums and dads, retirees that will never get these funds back, that need ASIC to do the right thing.

Mr Biggar did not respond to requests for comment.

Zone RV founder and former director David Biggar has not spoken publicly since the company collapsed.

The liquidator Cor Cordis attributed the company's failure to poor financial management and a reliance on customer instalment payments.

Mr Biggar signed a loan agreement in December 2024 to personally provide Zone RV with up to $10 million.

Despite the company's struggles, Mr Biggar only loaned $2 million to Zone RV in June 2025.

Perth-based customer Eduard Planken, who lost $154,000, is supporting the campaign for ASIC to investigate Mr Biggar.

Zone RV customers have been left angry and shocked.

We want this exposed because these cases can slide through the cracks, he said.

Everyday mum and dads get left behind, and it's shameful.

It's blatant misuse of our funds.

We've all been affected very severely.

Mr Planken is one of many customers lobbying their federal MPs to raise the matter in parliament.

He joined other WA-based customers outside the office of Member for Perth Patrick Gorman.

Federal treasurer weighs in

The Zone RV case has caught the attention of federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers, who signalled his expectation for the watchdog to step up its enforcement action.

My heart goes out to those caught up in this, especially the older Australians who had been looking forward to their retirement.

Cor Cordis delivered about 40 caravans to customers who had paid money, but about 140 customers were not so lucky.

The treasurer said the government was arming the regulator with the resources to protect consumers.

The Albanese government is ensuring ASIC has the resources and leadership it needs to protect consumers.

I appointed Sarah Court as the new chair of ASIC, who brings a strong track record of enforcement.

Media reports highlighted Ms Court's appointment as a positive sign that ASIC would step up its prosecution.

ASIC secured $350 million in civil penalties in the second half of last year alone.

تدريب الاستماع