Issue Date:  -  Thursday, 15 September 2005

Supreme Court acts to stop discredited model promoter

Discredited self-proclaimed “model promoters” Renee Peter Holz and Katharina Isobell Holz will no longer be able to exploit vulnerable would-be models following a Supreme Court interlocutory injunction.

It is a major victory for the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection in its long-running battle to stop Mr and Mrs Holz from preying on starry-eyed youngsters, by exaggerating their chances of gaining paid modelling work through the couple’s business.

The husband and wife team operate IFMO-Profoto from Hemingway Drive, Westfield, which is also known as International Freelance Models Organisation (IFMO).

Today, the Supreme Court ordered Mr and Mrs Holz to stop calling themselves “model consultants” or “talent scouts”; or claiming affiliation with the “International Freelance Model Organisation” or any other international organisation.

They will not be able to solicit payment without first giving potential customers a letter stating Katharina Holz and Renee Peter Holz:

• Are not aware that anyone has ever been paid for modelling work as a result of promotion on the Internet by them or IFMO since 1996;
• Are not aware that anyone has ever been paid for modelling work overseas as a result of promotion by them or IFMO since 1991;
• Are not aware of anyone who has travelled overseas or interstate for modelling work as a result of promotion by them or IFMO since 1991.

In handing down his decision, Justice Renee Le Miere said there was strong evidence that a significant number of people had been induced to part with sums of money in excess of $1000 as a result of the Holzs’ misrepresentations about future modelling work.

Justice Le Miere said the Holzs conceded they were not aware of anyone having been paid for modelling work since 1996 nor travelled overseas since 1991 as a result of their promotions.

He said the department had a strong case for the granting of a permanent injunction against the couple. There was significant public interest in restraining them from engaging in misleading representations which will be determined in the pending trial.

“We are extremely pleased that our battle to stop the Holzs from preying on young people has been recognised by the Supreme Court,” said Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker.

“If the Holzs breach this order, it is contempt of court and they could face jail.”

Mr Walker said Consumer Protection first took action against Mr Holz five years ago.

It resulted in Mr Holz being fined $6,000 plus costs of $4,000 in January 2001, and ordered to pay restitution of $1,825 to three of his victims. In March 2005, the Court of Appeal threw out his final appeal.

Two weeks ago, the Perth Magistrates Court convicted Mr and Mrs Holz of 10 charges of making false representations about the availability of future modelling work. Submissions for penalty will be heard on 11 October 2005.

“The community rightly expects us to pursue and punish those who repeatedly target the vulnerable,” Mr Walker said.

“I urge young people and their parents to stay alert for these and similar “fame promoters” and not hesitate to report any approaches to Consumer Protection.”

Telephone 1300 30 40 54 or email consumer@docep.wa.gov.au