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An operation has begun in Far North Queensland to recover almost $50 million owed across the region in unpaid fines and penalties.
Officers from the Queensland Government’s State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) will be visiting residents and businesses from Ingham to Port Douglas and west to the Tablelands over the coming weeks.
SPER Enforcement Manager Kim Easton said there are around 26,000 debtors across the Cairns region.
“Debtors who continually ignore warnings and refuse to pay will be subject to tough consequences,” he said.
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“This will involve SPER officers visiting debtors’ homes or workplaces.
“Debtors who refuse to pay their SPER debts can have money taken from their wages or bank accounts though garnishment powers.
“[They can also] have their cars clamped, seized and towed to encourage them to meet their obligations.”
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Mr Easton said more than 7,000 debtors in Far North Queensland have been given “one final chance” before enforcement action is taken.
A recent operation in Townsville resolved $3.2 million of debt.
During the operation, 23 vehicles were clamped and 26 seized, with many other owners paying their debts on the spot.
Six of the seized vehicles have been sold to reduce their owners’ debts, with more on the line if debts aren’t settled.
Mr Easton encouraged anyone in Cairns and Far North Queensland with an outstanding debt to contact SPER.
Main points
- State government officers are on a blitz across the Far North to recover millions in outstanding debt
- Almost $50m is owed from 26,000 individuals and businesses across the Cairns region
- Enforcement action can result in cars seized and money taken from wages and bank accounts
