Payment plans, Work and Development Orders, special circumstances, and toll debt hardship
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Unpaid fines can lead to licence or registration suspension, in some states garnishment of wages or bank accounts, and seizure of property. Every state has ways to deal with that: payment plans, and in most states a way to clear fines through approved activities instead of payment.
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. For help with your specific situation, call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 (free, confidential).
Every state and territory fines body lets you apply for a payment plan, online, by phone or in person. In several states the instalments can come out of a Centrelink payment through Centrepay. Ask before enforcement starts. In some states an accepted arrangement, or an approved Work and Development Order, can pause enforcement and lift a licence sanction; ask your state's fines body what your own arrangement covers.
In NSW and Queensland (Work and Development Order) and Victoria and Western Australia (Work and Development Permit) you can clear fines through approved activities such as unpaid work, courses, treatment, counselling or mentoring. An approved sponsor applies with you. South Australia and Tasmania can convert a debt to community service instead. In NSW an approved order stops enforcement and lifts licence sanctions linked to the fines; ask your state's body what an approved order stops there.
In Victoria, a fine can be reviewed and withdrawn if at the time of the offence you had a mental or intellectual disability or illness, a serious addiction, were homeless, or were experiencing family violence. Evidence from a treating professional is needed. NSW and Queensland consider similar circumstances for a Work and Development Order.
You can ask for a fine to be reviewed if it was issued in error, you were not the driver, or there are special circumstances. Time limits vary by state and are often later than people assume. In NSW you can ask for a review of a fine notice, a reminder notice, or an overdue fine. Check your own state's rule before assuming you are out of time.
For an infringement notice, as opposed to a court fine, you can elect to have the matter heard in court instead of paying the penalty. The court can consider your circumstances. Get free advice from Legal Aid or a community legal centre before choosing this, because it has its own risks.
Linkt Assist (Transurban roads), Transport for NSW E-Toll and EastLink each publish a hardship program offering payment plans, payment-free periods, fee waivers and, in some cases, asking for a toll fine to be recalled. Contact the operator before an unpaid toll notice is referred to the fines body, because it is much harder for the operator to help once that has happened.
In NSW, Revenue NSW may write off some or all of a fine debt for a person in serious hardship, and its decisions can go to the Hardship Review Board. In South Australia the Chief Recovery Officer can reduce or waive an amount in certain circumstances. In the ACT a waiver can be requested when you cannot pay even by instalments. Victoria and Western Australia rely on special circumstances reviews and work-off permits rather than a general write-off.
Select your state above to see local ombudsmen, grants, and contact numbers.
Usually not at first. Most creditors start with questions, not documents, and many ask about your income, spending and debts. Some want documents or a full statement before deciding, especially for longer help or a waiver.
NSW only. Other states have their own fines rules.
The NSW payment plan page says a plan may come with conditions, such as an up-front payment or a review period, and that Revenue NSW may ask for more information.
Its hardship policy says you may be asked to supply documents or other evidence to support your request.
“I can't pay this fine in full and I'd like to apply for time to pay.”
A financial counsellor can negotiate with companies on your behalf — for free.