Schoolies’ cry foul over lost deposits
‘Early birds punished’
MORE than 700 disgruntled school leavers who believe they have been ripped off by booking provider Schoolies.com have signed a petition to get their deposit fees back.
Earlier this week it was revealed that the provider would not be returning deposits of $150 to students who were still able to get to their accommodation, despite the celebrations being called off by the Premier.
To add insult to injury Schoolies.com has been offering deposit-free bookings, meaning those who booked early on are the only ones to have missed out.
The news comes as the Queensland Office of Fair Trade warns Queensland Schoolies were unlikely to be automatically entitled to a refund.
Founder of the petition, Year 12 student Joel Burgess from the Sunshine Coast said he couldn’t believe they were being forced to lose out for something they can’t control.
“My friends and I booked Schoolies back in November -December of 2019 and we paid a $150 deposit to secure our place,” he said. “Schoolies was meant to be a fun place to party so we added the $100 party pass. Now that the events have been cancelled we got the party pass removed, but can’t get our $150 deposit back as we can still check into the accommodation.
“Yet, from May 25th people were able to book rooms for $0 and we think it’s unfair for the people that got in early to be forced to lose their deposit while the late comers lose nothing.”
Schoolies.com has previously told the Bulletin those wanting to avoid the Gold Coast over the traditional celebration period can do so, and will have their $150 deposit as a voucher.
Mr Burgess said he didn’t intend to go to next year’s Schoolies. “The refusal of a refund for the initial deposit is totally unethical and unmoral (sic) for Schoolies to do as they have not met the promised standards and expectations that have been set for the annual providers,” he said.
“Why should the early bird be punished for getting in quick and booking a spot for $150 while people months later are able to book for nothing, meaning they don’t lose their deposit.
“By offering a refund school leavers will be able to create more individualised holidays across Queensland supporting the local economy instead of the one location of Gold Coast which already will make revenue in 2021 and 2022 due to Schoolies already being able to be booked.”