Justice Minister says no more excuses for fine defaulters

29/5/04
The State Government today launched a campaign to crack down on fine defaulters and recover more than $115million of outstanding fines.
Justice Minister Michelle Roberts said for the first time, fine defaulters could now pay using the Internet or by telephone as part of a new State-wide advertising campaign developed by the Fines Enforcement Registry.
Mrs Roberts said almost 4,000 cases - with an equivalent value of more than $600,000 - had already been resolved, using the new payment options under a pilot scheme operating over the last four months.
"These new payment options erase all the excuses for defaulters as they can now pay 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in about two minutes," she said.
"We have made it easy for the thousands of defaulters to pay up as this Government is serious about recovering money owed to the State.
"There are no additional costs to pay fines and infringements this way, other than that of a phone call or connection to the Internet."
Previously, clients had to pay in person at the Fines Enforcement Registry, their local courthouse or by faxing their credit card details to the FER, making pre-approved direct debits from their bank account or posting a cheque or money order.
Currently, almost 500,000 cases - with an equivalent value of $115.7million - are listed with the FER for collection.
The Fines Enforcement Registry enforces unpaid fines from the Courts of Petty Sessions, the District Court, the Industrial Magistrates Court and the Children's Court.
It also enforces unpaid infringement notices on behalf of more than 82 local government and other statutory authorities across the State.
Minister's Office - 9213 6600