CQ SPER crackdown: Enforcement officers to visit Rockhampton and Gladstone

Central Queenslanders who have racked up hefty SPER debts can expect a knock on the door of their workplace or home this week as enforcement officers continue a crackdown in the region.

Central Queenslanders who have racked up hefty SPER debts can expect a knock on the door of their workplace or home this week as enforcement officers continue a crackdown in the region.

Unpaid fines and penalty debts are referred to State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) by the courts, State Government through police, TMR, Queensland Rail, Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation and other departments, as well as other local government authorities such as local councils, universities, hospitals and port authorities.

Once the fines are collected by SPER, they are transferred back to the owed agency.

According to the latest SPER data, there is $210,121,542 in debts awaiting enforcement across the state.

In a bid to crack down on this huge outstanding debt, SPER has been conducting crackdown operations in various regions, with Central Queensland next on the hit list.

A field enforcement operation will take place through Gladstone, Rockhampton, Yeppoon and the surrounding areas from Mount Morgan to Stanwell, until March 29, urging debtors to pay up their debts.

There are up to 100 debtors being targeted in CQ, however anyone with a SPER debt could receive a visit from enforcement officers at their home or business address and face enforcement action if they refuse to pay.

Officers have the right to seize debtors’ vehicles and other property and sell them.

In the 12 months to February 2022, a total of 21,798 people in Central Queensland accumulated SPER debts totalling $14.117 million.

In the 12 months to February 2021, the debt was noticeably smaller with $9.447 million by 17, 172 CQ debtors.

“Debtors who refuse to pay their SPER debts can have money taken from their wages or bank accounts though garnishment powers or have their cars clamped, seized and towed to encourage them to meet their obligations,” SPER enforcement manager Kim Easton said.

“This will involve SPER officers visiting debtors’ homes or workplaces,” he said.

An operation was held in Townsville and Cairns recently and 59 vehicles were clamped and 81 seized, of which 31 vehicles have now been sold to reduce their owner’s debts.

Other debtors paid their debts on the spot when visited by the enforcement officers.

The FNQ operation recovered more than $8.7 million in collections and payment plans.

“If people don’t pay their SPER debt, the consequences are serious, we can take money from their bank account or even seize and sell their car,” Mr Easton said.

“Our advice is to pay the debt now to avoid enforcement action and the unnecessary cost and inconvenience that comes with that.

“SPER debts don’t go away – they will catch up with you.”

Those who have a SPER debt and are suffering payment difficulties should contact SPER to discuss available payment options.