Wave goodbye to waiver

YARRA Ranges residents have just two weeks to wipe fees off their fines before a fee waiver ends on 19 March.
Under the waiver, people can pay outstanding fines issued by all State Government bodies without the additional late fees placed on top once they reach the court system.
The waiver applies to speeding, parking and other fines and to fines issued by 20 local councils, but not Yarra Ranges Council.
A shire spokesman told the Mail that as the council did not use the Infringements Court for prosecutions it was not participating in the amnesty.
“The State Government amnesty applies to fees and costs normally paid by debtors on matters before the Infringements Court and Sheriff,” he said.
Eastern Community Legal Centre, which covers the Shire of Yarra Ranges, is keen to see residents take advantage of the waiver. It says it is an important opportunity for fine defaulters to save money and resolve their infringement problems.
“In the outer east it is not uncommon for people to amass multiple fines,” said centre manager Denise Budge.
“Many of our clients can’t afford to pay for their car to be registered and because of poor public transport continue driving and are fined. Add to these an occasional speeding fine, or a failure to pay an EastLink toll and the fees and charges all add up,” she said.
The legal centre said people needed to act now to avoid the stick that would follow the fee waiver carrot. It was concerned that people might not know of the current initiative, or the tough new consequences.
The State Government has warned of an enforcement crackdown once the fee waiver ends with Attorney-General Rob Hulls saying that simply hoping fines would go away was not a plan.
“The Sheriff’s Office will be targeting people with outstanding warrants in a series of operations across the state once the fee waiver is finished,” he said.
After the waiver period the Sheriff’s officers will have the power to wheel-clamp vehicles, suspend driving licences and seize property in lieu of outstanding fines.
People who can’t pay their fines before 19 March have the option of entering into a payment plan by phoning 1300 221 249.
The Eastern Community Legal Centre will hold an information session in Boronia on Tuesday 9 March to help people understand their rights under the fee waiver.
To register, or for information, phone 1300 797 088 or email outereast@eclc.org.au
A full list of the State Government agencies and councils taking part in the fee waiver is available at www.fines.vic.gov.au
Residents with difficulties in paying shire fines they should contact the shire to discuss ways to handle their problem.