In a bid to recoup debts from fine dodgers, the Queensland government has implemented new laws which allow them to take charge of the fine dodger’s home and sell the property. In one example a home was taken possession of over a $6,000 fine debt.
Letters warning of property seizure have been sent to 11 individuals and four businesses in a bid to recoup $257,000 in outstanding fines since a trial of the strategy began on January 1.
The Queensland Government has introduced these new measures to try and recoup some of the unpaid fines owing, with more than $160 million outstanding,
Attorney-General Cameron Dick said a warrant had been issued to sell the woman’s home at public auction after she continually refused to pay the five-year-old debt. The woman paid the fine in full and avoided the auction.
Mr Dick said fine-dodgers needed to accept responsibility for their fine debts and not just ignore the debts.
Government would like to be abler to use the monies owed on schools, hospitals, roads and the like.
Under the measures, asset checks are undertaken on fine-defaulters, allowing the Government to seize property including homes and cars to pay back debts.
Driver’s licences can be suspended for non-motor vehicle offences and people who owe more than $5000 can have their cars clamped.In the first four months, 64 vehicle clamping notices were issued to defaulters.