WA Liberal MP Simon Ehrenfeld Faces Legal Action Over Unpaid $450,000 Mortgage
WA Upper House MP Simon Ehrenfeld is embroiled in a significant legal dispute, as Sydney-based lender La Trobe Financial Services has initiated a Supreme Court lawsuit against him for allegedly failing to repay a substantial mortgage. The civil action, filed on Thursday, names Mr Ehrenfeld, his wife Samantha Ehrenfeld, and Jeremy Malcolm Cousins, a former colleague from the internet service provider EFTel, as defendants.
Details of the Mortgage and Alleged Default
According to court documents, La Trobe Financial Services, through its custodian Perpetual Corporate Trust Ltd, agreed to loan the trio $450,000 in July 2017. To secure this obligation, they granted a mortgage over a property at 60-62 Goodwood Parade in Burswood the following month. In April 2023, the defendants requested an extension of the loan term and credit amount, which was approved, maintaining the total at $450,000.
The loan expired in September last year, and a default notice was issued in October. The plaintiff claims the defendants now owe $476,507, plus accruing interest, late payment fees, default fees, and legal costs. The writ states, "The defendants have failed, refused or neglected to pay the debt," highlighting the ongoing financial obligations.
Background on Simon Ehrenfeld and EFTel
Simon Ehrenfeld, a Liberal politician, was sworn into the Legislative Council and has been involved in various political activities, including responding to issues like lead found in water at Perth Children's Hospital. His professional history includes a role at EFTel, an ASX-listed company from the dot-com era that was acquired by M2 Telecommunications in 2013, along with Dodo.
Mr Ehrenfeld previously survived an attempt to oust him as chief executive of EFTel in 2008, during a shareholder meeting that turned into a contentious dispute with his older brother Daniel Ehrenfeld, who was the third-largest shareholder. This legal action adds to the scrutiny on his financial and professional conduct.
Implications and Next Steps
The lawsuit underscores potential financial mismanagement concerns for a sitting MP, with the Supreme Court set to adjudicate the matter. As the debt continues to accumulate, the outcome could have repercussions for Mr Ehrenfeld's political career and public perception. The case is ongoing, with further developments expected as legal proceedings advance.
