Community
30 October, 2023
Debtors owe $44m in fines
STATE Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) enforcement officers are in the Far North collecting debts of up to $44 million owed by 21,000 people and businesses across the region.
The officers have been visiting debtors at their home or workplace, with measures including having money taken from their wages or bank accounts through garnishment powers or having their cars clamped, seized and sold to meet their obligations.
SPER enforcement director Kim Easton said SPER enforcement officers had targeted debtors in Cairns and surrounding areas with thousands owing in unpaid fines.
“Debtors refusing to pay risk having their vehicles clamped and seized by officers,” he said.
“It follows a successful operation in Ipswich where 34 vehicles were seized from debtors avoiding their obligations.
“SPER officers have just completed an operation in Ipswich where they seized 34 vehicles, collected around $700,000 and secured a further $2.5 million in payment plan commitments.”
SPER officers are also conducting a similar operation in Townsville.
Mr Easton said the operation across the Cairns region, included Bungalow, Edmonton, Babinda, Innisfail and Port Douglas.
“Our officers will visit people at their homes and workplaces and those people that refuse to pay their debts will face tough action,” he said.
“SPER has contacted thousands of people in the region to remind them of their outstanding debts and the need to act immediately.
“Through operations like these, SPER has seized a range of vehicles from people refusing to pay their debt.
“This includes luxury SUVs, hi-spec utes and motorbikes, trucks, boats, trailers and jet skis.
“If you have a fine, the best thing to do is pay it on time, because the consequences of not acting are serious.
“SPER debts don’t go away – they will catch up with you.
“Anyone who is having trouble paying for whatever reason should contact SPER on 1300 365 635 to discuss their payment options and avoid enforcement action.”
The top offences in the Cairns area are:
Driving – 22,185, $9m
Speeding – 23,029 $7.7m
Other – 12,189, $4.5m
Public offences – 14,646, $4.2m
Vehicle – 11,222 $3.9m.w
