SPER debtors put on notice as agents seize vehicles across South Burnett

SPER enforcement agents are in the region, and they’ve issued a warning to debtors – make arrangements to pay, or risk losing your licence or even your car.

SPER enforcement team leader Daniel Armstong (centre) with agents David Lyon and Emma Love standing with a vehicle they siezed in Kingaroy for outstanding SPER debts. Picture: Dominic Elsome

Anyone with outstanding SPER debts have been put on notice, if you try and hide – they’ll take your ride.

State Penalty Enforcement Registry enforcement officers have arrived in the South Burnett as part of a statewide blitz, and anyone with an outstanding debt can expect a visit.

Enforcement team leader Daniel Armstrong and his team were in Kingaroy on Wednesday, May 26, showing off their latest catch – a Holden Ute seized under their powers.

Under wide-ranging powers, SPER has the ability to suspend driver's licences, collect fines from wages or bank accounts and even immobilise or seize vehicles if debtors fail to pay off their debts.

SPER enforcement team leader Daniel Armstong (centre) with agents David Lyon and Emma Love standing with a vehicle they seized in Kingaroy for outstanding SPER debts. Picture: Dominic Elsome

Mr Armstrong said it‘s part of a crackdown on individuals and businesses that refused to pay off their debts.

“It‘s a targeted blitz on fine dodgers in the regions,” Mr Armstong said.

“SPER is carrying out operations across the Wide Bay Burnett region to target debtors who refuse to pay.”

Data up to June 30, 2020 revealed 3064 South Burnett residents owed just under $9 million to SPER.

That‘s just a small slice of the $1.3 billion owed to the government across Queensland.

Murgon and Cherbourg‘s postcode of 4605 are at the top of the list, owing $3,000,000, with 895 debtors having a whopping 9,333 debts.

Kingaroy followed close after, with 1,045 debtors owing $2,616,000 from 8,108 debts.

Nanango, Brooklands, and Tarong owe a mammoth $1,706,000 from 5,288 debts by 554 debtors.

A Holden Ute seized by SPER enforcement agents in Kingaroy for outstanding SPER debts.

Mr Armstrong said operations would include clamping or seizing vehicles or other property.

“We may also need to visit debtors at their workplace and issue fine collection notices to their employers to take money directly from their wages to pay their debt,” he said.

Mr Armstong said they had been contacting locals with SPER debts to remind them of the debt and how they can deal with it.

“SPER has actively contacted more than 5000 debtors across the region in the last week to give them the opportunity to deal with their debt before we have to take stronger action,” he said.

In the coming weeks, the agents will also be targeting the Hervey Bay, Maryborough and Gympie regions.