DATE: 28TH JAN 2009

2988 Goldcoast Highway
Surfers Paradise
Qld-4217

TO WHOMSOEVER IT MAY CONCERN

COMPLAINT AGAIST MANAGEMENT OF Palazzo Colonnades. Names: Joy & Sue

Hi,
I’m renting at Palazzo since last year, July 2008 and my sister has been since April 2008. We have been experiencing the worst treatment you can imagine by the building management which comprises of two ladies names Sue & Joy. At this stage I would like to put emphasis that this case is mainly about Joy. However, Sue is a participant as well. I’m unaware of their last names.

When we moved in first they seemed quite irate about the fact that we needed a few things fixed around the house. My understanding is that we bring it up with our building management. Several times when we have requested them to check a few things, for example, a crack in the wall or queried another pair of keys, they have used the worse tone and stated we get in touch with our owner. Our owner/landlord did direct us back to them and they have blatantly ignored the problem.

This is just one example. My sister, who I reside with within this unit whose name this rental agreement is under, was mistreated when she entered the elevator a couple of months ago. Joy had already walked in before her and she deliberately exited the elevator the moment she entered which is extreme discrimination.

I have waited at reception right in front of them to attend to me but don’t receive so much as an acknowledgement that I’m even present there leading me to say “Excuse Me” in a louder tone and her shaking her head at me and looking at me in a disgusted manner. And this happens when no one is around.

On the 28th of January, 2009, I requested her not to fold my large mail and shove it in the little letter boxes they have inside their office for everyone’s mail to which I was asked to get out of their presence. What happened was I received official documents of very sensitive nature in a rather large envelope and a padding to go with it which clearly indicated it needs to lie flat. I came up to my unit and found these documents torn due to how they were folded and treated. I went downstairs to management to politely request that if in future I receive such mail (which is very rare), if I may have them lie flat on their desk for me to collect. They had a Gentlemen in their presence and the three of them (Sue, Joy and the Gentlemen) were having a laugh and Joy clearly stated to my face “We are not a postal service, and I need to get door to door delivery” I explained to them I work all the time and I don’t receive such mail normally and If I may put in a request to which I was replied with a “Get out, get a move on”, not once but several times. I was also interrupted constantly when I initially came down with my request. I was in shock and advised her not to use such tone to which Sue, the other lady whose part of management, jumped in her defence and advised me she does not think it’s inappropriate as all. I would like to point out that this humiliation experience is front of holiday makers standing behind me, the other Gentlemen, who laughed with them. I was victimised and ridiculed to the point where I was starting to feel numb and was shaking with tears.

These apartments are mostly rented by people on holiday makers. There are very few of us who are permanent rentals. I have met another such Gentlemen on the 10th level who keeps requesting us (my sister and I) to complain to Sue and Joy about any issues (he has on several occasions asked me to complain about the sauna) for the fear of being mistreated. He is originally from overseas as well, just like us. What does that tell you? To me, it’s a clear cut case of racism which is unacceptable in today’s day and age. Why do I see it as discrimination? This is why. Every single time, when I have passed management, to exit or to gain entry into the building, I have noticed a drastic change in their tone of voice and body language to other people, to which they speak with respect and with a great sense of good customer service, which comprises of mainly holiday makers and others renting or there for any query. I questioned the Gentlemen residing on the 10th level as to why he didn’t complain and he advised that there is no point as she has a very senior position at Body Corporate /council which I didn’t clearly understand.
I’d like to point out now that my sister or I have given her or them no reason for such discrimination/unfair treatment.
Other instances are when I had my work colleagues (seven to be exact ) over for a barbeque (and no drinks), I was humiliated by Sue stating they need to leave the premises immediately without giving me much time which was a very humiliating experience.

We mostly don’t receive our Austar (TV bill) in a timely fashion but we do receive notices that we are late.
I do fear and suspect they will now tamper with my mail after I finally spoke up and requested her not to use that tone.
I hope I will receive help. My direct work number is 07 5512 8476 and mobile is 0432 039 123.
Regards
Priyanka