Qld: Record fine tally in Qld as govt clamps down on dodgers

AAP General News (Australia)
04-14-2010
Qld: Record fine tally in Qld as govt clamps down on dodgers

BRISBANE, April 14 AAP - Queenslanders are forking out for fines in record numbers,
handing over a record $15.6 million to state coffers in March alone.

Attorney-General Cameron Dick says it's proof the government's tough new fine collection
laws are working.

He said that in March, the State Penalties Enforcement Registry had the highest recorded
collection month in its history.

"Last month SPER collected a record $15.6 million - the first time SPER has cracked
the $15 million mark, beating the previous monthly record set in July 2009 by $1 million,"

he said.

"This is no coincidence - this increase is directly related to the impact of the Bligh
government's tough new laws.

"Fine dodgers are getting the message. Queenslanders expect people who break the law
and receive a fine to pay their debt in full."

The new laws, which came into effect on 1 January, target chronic fine dodgers by increasing
SPER's enforcement powers.

SPER can now clamp wheels, seize property and suspend licences for fines relating to
all offences, not just motor-vehicle-related offences.

"Since I announced these tough new measures in July, the average monthly collection
has been $13.5 million, an increase of $1.6 million over last year's monthly average,"

Mr Dick said.

"It's unfortunate that it takes the threat of having a licence suspended or wheels
clamped for people to do the right thing and pay their fines."

AAP tnf/maur/

KEYWORD: FINES

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