NSW minors cop $7 million in fines: see how your postcode compares
Tens of thousands of children clocked up $7 million dollars in fines in the last financial year for offences including riding public transport without a valid ticket. SEE HOW YOUR SUBURB COMPARES
NSW
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EXCLUSIVE
TENS of thousands of children clocked up $7 million dollars in fines in the last financial year, with experts saying the huge figure is due to young people’s declining respect for authority.
A whopping half of the 39,375 fines issued were for riding public transport without a valid ticket, according to data revealed in the NSW Legislative Council documents last week.
NSW Finance Minister Damien Tudehope informed the house there were more than half a billion dollars in unpaid fines, with $479,551 unpaid by minors in the last financial year.
The postcode of 2770 which takes in Mount Druitt, Lethbridge Park and Minchinbury had the highest number of fines, with 1619 infringements totalling more than $161,000 last year.
It was followed by the 2170 postcode which includes Mount Pritchard and Chipping Norton, which racked up $117,000 in fines issued to 815 people.
In NSW, not travelling with a valid ticket or failing to produce a proof of concession entitlement incurs a $200 fine.
Finance and Small Business Minister Damien Tudehope said non-compliance cost NSW taxpayers $83 million last year.
“The receipt of a fine could become a catalyst of behaviour change, which would be a good community outcome,” he said.
Repeat offenders can now “resolve” their outstanding fine amounts through attending a program run by the PCYC’s through the NSW Police Commissioners ‘Rise Up’ Strategy.
They attend sessions as part of the Work and Development Order Scheme, where they learn about positive behaviour change and learn life skills.
Child psychologist Michael Carr Gregg said young people were incurring the fines because they had an increasing lack of respect for authority.
“I definitely think there is less respect for official institutions,” he said.
The data released to parliament also said 9074 young people had their fines reduced by a collective $1.3 million, while 2386 under 18s had $504,152 worth of fines cancelled.
But parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson said children should have to do extra chores to pay the fines.
“A child who receives a fine and has to pay it themselves is going to experience a level of discomfort that is going to help them to ideally not make that same mistake again,” he said.
“It is up to the child to pay the fine and the parent should not be rescuing them from the lesson that they will learn from paying the fine themselves.”
Top 20 postcodes for on the spot fines, 2019:
2770
Mount Druitt, Lethbridge Park, Minchinbury, Tregear,
Total fines: 1619
Total value: $161,934
2170
Mount Pritchard, Chipping Norton, Prestons
Total fines: 815
Total value: $117,758
2148
Marayong, Blacktown, Arndell Park, Huntingwood, Prospect, Kings Park
Total fines: 704
Total value: $95,964
2259
Hamlyn Terrace, Woongarrah, Lake Munmorah
Total fines: 426
Total value: $86,110
2250
Gosford, Glenworth Valley, Mangrove Mountain, Erina
Total fines: 670
Total value: $85,363
2560
Campbelltown, Saint Helens Park, Leumeah,
Total fines: 654
Total value: $84,963
2 747
Werrington, Kingswood, Jordan Springs, Llandilo,
Total fines: 571
Total value: $65,564
2168
Green Valley, Cartwright, Sadleir, Heckenberg, Ashcroft, Miller, Hinchinbrook, Busby
Total fines: 484
Total value: $65,406
2760
Colyton, Saint Marys, Ropes Crossing, Oxley Park, North Saint Marys
Total fines: 710
Total value: $63,431
2161
Guildford, Yennora, Guildford West, Old Guildford
Total fines: 296
Total value: $61,510
2650
Wagga Wagga, Borambola, Ashmont, Glenfield Park
Total fines: 176
Total value: $60,740
2200
Bankstown, Condell Park, Mount Lewis
Total fines: 356
Total value: $60,610
2756
Mcgraths Hill, Pitt Town, Colo Heights, Bligh Park,
Total fines: 304
Total value: $58,795
2190
Greenacre, Chullora
Total fines: 265
Total value: $56,006
2540
Sanctuary Point, Hyams Beach, Huskisson, Sussex Inlet
Total fines: 158
Total value: $53,322
2570
Oran Park, The Oaks, Camden, Oakdale
Total fines: 188
Total value: $52,782
2745
Glenmore Park, Mulgoa, Luddenham, Wallacia, Regentville, Greendale
Total fines: 198
Total value: $52,261
2145
Greystanes, Girraween, Wentworthville, Westmead
Total fines: 338
Total value: $52,139
2340
Tamworth, Nundle, Goonoo Goonoo, Calala
Total fines: 161
Total value: $51,825
2261
Bateau Bay, The Entrance, Toowoon Bay, Long Jetty,
Total fines: 201
Total value: $51,316