New South Wales workplace safety authorities have launched an inquiry into a prominent Newcastle real estate network following a series of disturbing allegations from current and former staff.
Regulator Steps In After Herald Investigation
SafeWork NSW confirmed it is making inquiries into concerns raised by media reports regarding Anthony Di Nardo's Belle Property franchises in the Hunter region. The move comes after an ongoing Newcastle Herald investigation brought forward allegations from more than ten women detailing experiences of sexual assault, harassment, and unsafe work environments.
A spokeswoman for the state regulator stated that psychosocial risks, including sexual harassment, are a designated high-risk focus area and one of its five current regulatory priorities. Under NSW work health and safety laws, businesses are legally required to manage risks from psychosocial hazards and provide safe avenues for staff to report issues.
Serious Allegations from Staff and Former Employees
The allegations reported to the Herald are extensive and severe. Multiple past and present female employees have described incidents of groping, inappropriate sexualised comments, and sexual assault within the workplace.
One particularly serious case involves a 17-year-old girl who lodged a Workers Compensation claim in August 2025. Her claim alleges she was subjected to grooming and harassment by Mr Di Nardo himself.
Other staff members have alleged that Mr Di Nardo shared pornographic videos and images, some of which were reportedly captured from security cameras and featured employees. These claims paint a picture of a profoundly unsafe and toxic workplace culture.
Franchise Termination and Denials
In a significant development last week, Belle Property's head office terminated Anthony Di Nardo as a principal and franchisee. The decision affected his five offices in the Hunter region.
In an email to staff, Belle Property director Peter Hanscomb stated the termination followed information that "raised serious concerns and posed a threat to the safety and security of former and current staff." He emphasised that the well-being of people was the company's highest priority, prompting swift action.
Anthony Di Nardo has vehemently denied all allegations. He described them as "concerning" and "simply untrue," suggesting they may stem from broken employment relationships. When contacted by the Herald about his franchise termination, he initially called the requested response timeline unreasonable but said he would provide a statement. As of the latest update, he has not yet publicly responded to the termination.
The situation remains under active scrutiny by SafeWork NSW as it continues its inquiries into the serious workplace safety concerns raised.
