A significant development in Canberra’s real estate sector has occurred as prominent agent Frank Morella voluntarily wound up two of his major companies following extensive legal challenges. This decision comes after a ruling from the Federal Court of Australia, which ordered Morella to pay over $3 million earlier this year.
On September 12, 2025, documents filed with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) confirmed that both Canberra Commercial (ACT) Pty Ltd and Canberra Commercial HR Pty Ltd are now in liquidation. The companies are reported to have a combined deficit of approximately $6.3 million.
In an inquiry by The Canberra Times on September 26, 2025, Morella was asked whether both companies were indeed in liquidation. He acknowledged some inaccuracies in the questions posed but chose not to provide further details at that time.
The liquidation process has seen Mohammad Mirzan Bin Mansoor from the Sydney-based Circuit Restructuring appointed as liquidator for both firms. The companies operated under various trading names, including Canberra Commercial Property, Canberra Commercial Sales, and Sydney Commercial Property.
Financial documents reveal substantial debts owed by Canberra Commercial HR, including $428,500 in superannuation payments and an additional $2.1 million in taxation owed to the Australian Tax Office. The tax office is also listed as a creditor for Canberra Commercial (ACT), although the exact amount remains unspecified.
Other creditors include law firm Meyer Vandeberg, owed $40,000, and Telomend Nominees Pty Ltd, which is owed $161,000. Meanwhile, ANZ Bank is listed as a creditor of Canberra Commercial HR, with outstanding amounts reaching $361,200.
In addition to external debts, there are significant amounts owed to companies closely associated with Morella. Notably, Canberra Commercial (ACT) owes more than $1.4 million to Canberra Commercial HR and nearly $542,900 to Actgall Pty Ltd, a company Morella acquired shortly before its liquidation.
Employees have also been affected; Canberra Commercial HR reportedly owes $45,000 in wages to Ella Morella, who is presumably affiliated with Frank Morella, and a further $3,500 to Morella himself. Additionally, the company lists an unsecured debt of $90,000 to Morella and $84,200 owed to Canberra Commercial (ACT).
This situation highlights the challenging landscape within the Canberra commercial real estate market and raises questions about the future of Morella’s business endeavors. As the liquidation process unfolds, the implications for employees, creditors, and the broader community remain to be seen.
