The company that promoted right-wing commentator Candace Owens' ill-fated Australian speaking tour has collapsed into liquidation, leaving ticket-holders out of pocket more than a year after the event was cancelled.
Visa Denial Triggers Financial Collapse
In 2024, Australia's Immigration Minister, Tony Burke, refused a visa for the American conservative figure, weeks before her planned national tour. The government argued her presence could risk inciting discord within the Australian community. Owens challenged the decision, but in October 2024, the High Court of Australia unanimously upheld the minister's ruling.
The promoter, Rocksman, had already invested significant upfront costs into the tour. A spokesperson for the company stated the late cancellation critically impacted its touring division, which only generates revenue if events proceed. Combined with existing tax debts, continuing to trade posed a serious risk of insolvent trading.
Liquidation Leaves Little Hope for Refunds
Rocksman formally entered liquidation in December. Documents reveal the company owed $68,395.54 to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and listed no assets beyond a bank account of unspecified value. The appointed liquidator, David Sampson of BPS Resolved, has indicated it is unlikely any funds will be available for creditors, which include hundreds of ticket-buyers.
An ATO spokesperson confirmed the agency would pursue debt recovery through the liquidation process, stating firmly that not paying tax 'affects everyone'. Consumer agencies in New South Wales, Queensland, and New Zealand have all fielded complaints from frustrated customers awaiting refunds for tickets that started at $95.
Promises and Contradictions
Despite Rocksman's earlier assurances that all refunds would be processed by the end of November, no money has been returned. The company's spokesperson claimed this advice was given in good faith and that refund responsibility had now shifted to a separate, consolidated entity which would still honour them.
Owens' team has previously distanced itself from the refund issue. When contacted, an AI agent representing Owens stated that refunds are generally the promoter's responsibility. Minister Burke this week criticised Owens' handling of the situation, suggesting she could have delayed ticket sales or provided immediate refunds. 'Candace Owens has even treated her own supporters with contempt,' Burke remarked.
A History of Controversial Tours
Rocksman was founded as a marketing agency in 2022 by Sydney-based director George Zacharia. It moved into touring in early 2024 with the help of experienced promoter Damien Costas, though a spokesperson clarified Costas was not involved in the Owens event. The pair had previously collaborated on other speaking tours, including one for right-wing UK politician Nigel Farage in 2022.
Costas, a former publisher of Penthouse Australia, has a notable history in promoting controversial right-wing figures in Australia, including tours for Milo Yiannopoulos. A later Penthouse-backed tour fell apart after Yiannopoulos' visa was cancelled and visas for Tommy Robinson and Gavin McInnes were denied.
For now, affected ticket-holders have been advised by NSW Fair Trading to register as creditors with the liquidator, though the prospects of recovering their money appear increasingly slim.
