Crackdown on South West's $13.2m fine debt

By Andrew Elstermann
April 23 2014 - 10:40am

FINE defaulters in the South West who owe $13.2 million in unpaid infringements are the target of new tough laws aimed at recovering the money. 

Under the new laws the Sherriff’s Office has the power to wheel clamp vehicles or seize licence plates belonging to serious fine defaulters who owe more than $2000 in unpaid fines and infringements. 

WA Attorney General Michael Mischin visited the Bunbury courthouse yesterday to launch the initiative. 

“A group of about 1400 repeat offenders in the South West region owe $3.7 million in fines which can be targeted with these new measures,” Mr Mischin said. 

“That is a lot of money which could be used to benefit the community and there is no excuse for not making some effort to repay the debts.” 

The same laws were launched in metropolitan Perth in August 2013 and have recouped $62.5 million in fines since that time. 

“The program has proved successful in Perth and I think it will work now here in the South West,” Mr Mischin said. 

The laws come after the launch of the PayMyFines website in 2013 which shows the state’s worst 100 defaulters, along with the suburb or town they live in and the amount of money owed.

The Coastline Plastering and Painting Services from Bunbury are currently third on the list with fines totalling $167,049.70 while Richard Rayner from Carey Park owes fines totalling $23,984.56.  

Once the fines are repaid or a payment plan is arranged defaulter’s details are removed from the list and replaced with new names. 

“I strongly suggest those who owe money contact us to pay off their debt to society,” Mr Mischin said. 

Defaulters can arrange a payment plan by calling 1300 650 235 or by visiting paymyfines.wa.gov.au 

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