Residents in Moree can access free legal help with their fines at an upcoming community day as data shows the total outstanding fine debt for the region has hit almost $3.7 million.
The data from Revenue NSW shows 3,103 fines have been issued in the past 12 months in Moree. The average fine is about $350. Fines often relate to speeding, parking offences, failing to vote, or driving an unregistered vehicle.
To help with the high volume of fines, Legal Aid NSW will provide free legal advice at a Community Fines Day at the Moree Sports Health Arts and Education Academy on Wednesday 23 October from 10am to 4pm.
We will be joined by staff from Revenue NSW, the Aboriginal Legal Service and Services Australia.
Legal Aid lawyer Lucinda Walder specialises in helping people to manage fines and Work and Development Orders. She says lawyers can help people to have their fines reviewed or sometimes waived, to negotiate payment plans, or to arrange a Work and Development Order (WDO).
Cost of living pressures
“With the heightened cost of living at present, it is more important than ever that people are getting help and advice about their fines if they want to dispute them or are struggling to pay,” she said.
“The WDO scheme allows eligible people to reduce or clear their fines by engaging in approved activities such as volunteer work, counselling, or drug and alcohol treatment.
“Debts relating to fines can compound and quickly escalate if overdue fees start to apply, so we really encourage people to reach out for advice early on.”
Ms Walder says unmanaged fines can sometimes contribute to further offending – for example, driving while unlicensed – which can further entrench disadvantage and compound legal problems.
“If fines are not managed, enforcement orders can be made resulting in licence suspensions, car registration cancellation, or money being taken from their bank account,” she said.
“These enforcement orders can have huge consequences for people who are already facing financial hardship or disadvantage.”
Free legal help
If you cannot attend the Moree event, you can contact us for help by calling (02) 9219 5000 or emailing WDO@legalaid.nsw.gov.au
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