Ex-staff owed money are doing their Block over sale of house
Stephen Drill Herald Sun July 03, 201210:32AM
One of the winning bidders on The Block's season finale used complicated bidding tactics to take the win. His tactics were so good that he ...
Danny Wallis, owner of Energy Watch International, bought one of The Block houses for $1.4m. Picture: David Caird Source: Herald Sun
Life's a beach for Block champs
FERRARI-driving Energy Watch International boss Danny Wallis has infuriated ex-employees by shelling out $1.4 million for a house featured on The Block while they are owed thousands.
They say the entrepreneur should hand over $680,000 of unpaid superannuation before splashing out on the luxury South Melbourne property featured in the reality TV show.
Ex-Energy Watch employee Chris Harris, 29, who is owed $13,000, said he was disgusted.
"I couldn't believe it," Mr Harris said. "The money he paid for the house would have covered what we are owed. He just did it for the publicity.
"He's taken over Energy Watch and kept the same name and the same phone number."
Energy Watch Australia went into liquidation last month, leaving an $8 million debt, after the company collapsed following the Herald Sun's uncovering of former boss Ben Polis's racist Facebook rants.
Mr Wallis created a new company, Energy Watch International, and legally is not required to pay the debts. The only reference to Energy Watch International on the company website is in fine print at the foot of the home page.
Mr Wallis angered viewers with his 1c bids during the live auction, while wearing an Energy Watch company T-shirt.
Danny Wallis, owner of Energy Watch International bought one of the South Melbourne houses for 1.4m from The Block reality TV show. Danny Wallis relaxes inside the house renovated by the Mike and Andrew Jones. Picture: David Caird
Source: Herald Sun
He eventually paid $1,400,001.01 in cash for Mike and Andrew's property in Dorcas St, South Melbourne, to add to his portfolio of dozens of properties across Australia.
Mr Wallis said the former company's administrators were responsible for paying creditors, including staff.
"I can't be held responsible for other people's mess. We've done a lot to help them. But there was some $10 million outstanding and it was just too much," he said.
Mr Wallis said he would let a charity use the home as a respite for families with sick children.
