Geoff Deakin faces losing his Richmond tattoo business

RICHMOND tattooist Geoff Deakin faces losing his business, Feel the Steel, despite operating it for seven years without any complaints or any problems with the law.
 

On August 18, NSW Fair Trading contacted him to state that under new licensing laws, he was not considered a fit person to be operating a tattoo shop.
 

Mr Deakin, 34, said it was because of a non-custodial, criminal conviction recorded when he was 22.
 

He said it was for a non-violent offence and he has never been in jail or in trouble with the law since.
 

‘‘I was young and I was punished for the offence,’’ Mr Deakin said. ‘‘To be punished again doesn’t seem right.’’
 

He said the law, enacted in 2013, was aimed at breaking up criminal bikie gangs.
 

But he said he never had any ties with criminals. ‘‘I’m a businessman and a family man now,’’ Mr Deakin said.
 

‘‘I’ve been tattooing for 12 years and there’s never been an incident.’’
 

His business partner and subcontractor, Paul Surridge, said Feel the Steel’s closure would punish him and his family too.

‘‘I have a mortgage in Kurrajong, where I moved two years ago, and two children in day care,’’ Mr Surridge said.
 

‘‘I’m 41 and tattooing is the only way I can make a living. If the shop closes I will probably lose my house.’’
 

He also said it was ironic Mr Deakin’s past conviction could prevent him continuing his chosen career.
 

‘‘Tattooing is the reason Geoff has turned his life around,’’ Mr Surridge said.
 

‘‘Taking that away from him is just silly.’’
 

Both men said it was unfortunate that tattoo shops had a poor image of being associated with criminal gangs.
 

‘‘I don’t smoke or drink and I’ve never been in trouble with the law,’’ Mr Surridge said.
 

‘‘I like this work and I hate the stigma attached to it.’’
 

Mr Deakin said it was about more than making a living.
 

‘‘This is our life; we work hard and we’re dedicated,’’ he said.
 

‘‘We’ve won awards; we’re passionate about this business.’’
 

Mr Surridge said many customers called Feel the Steel the best tattoo shop in the Sydney basin.
 

‘‘We want people to feel they can walk in here and get the best artwork they want,’’ he said.
 

Mr Deakin and Mr Surridge are working on an appeal against the closure, to be heard in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal on October 30.
 

They said they were touched by so many businesses and customers supporting them.
 

Hawkesbury MP Dominic Perrottet said he referred Mr Deakin’s concerns to Better Regulation Minister Victor Dominello and would inform him once he received a reply.
 

‘‘I understand and appreciate the concerns raised by Geoff Deakin,’’ Mr Perrottet said.
 

‘‘Local businesses make an important contribution to our community.’’
 

The Gazette also contacted Fair Trading, and was referred to the NSW Police who referred us to the Attorney-General’s office.
 

The Attorney-General's office was contacted on September 14, and has yet to respond at 10:14am, September 22, the publication time of this story online.