Michael John WRIGHT

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

Mr Michael Wright, acting for Mr Rayward in matrimonial proceedings, gave an undertaking that transfer documents would be used for stamping purposes only prior to settlement. Following consent orders requiring payment of $84,000 for a property transfer, only $51,000 was paid (with a deduction claimed for property damage), and Mr Wright lodged the transfer without paying the full amount, being released from the undertaking, or obtaining a court order. QCAT found this breach of undertaking constituted professional misconduct. He was publicly reprimanded, fined $5,000, and ordered to pay $2,500 costs. No finding of dishonesty was made.

Duties found breached:

• Honour professional undertakings

Aggravating factors:

• Demonstrated a lack of understanding of his obligations to comply with the undertaking
• Failed to apply to vary the Federal Magistrates Court order or to be released from the undertaking by the Court despite being aware of settlement concerns

Mitigating factors:

• Warned Mrs Rayward of the reduced payment and gave opportunity to object
• Sought an address for service intending to commence court proceedings
• Abandoned an unmeritorious defence and accepted the costs order