More than $12m in unpaid DV fines at SPER highlight systemic risks

Domestic violence offenders are racking up millions in unpaid fines referred to the state penalties enforcement register, leading to major risks to victims.

Parked car with a SPER sticker stuck on the window, Harcourt St, Teneriffe. Picture: Liam Kidston

Millions of dollars in fines ­related to domestic violence offences that have been ­referred to the State Penalties Enforcement Registry are going unpaid.

Exclusive data obtained by The Sunday Mail reveals the state penalties enforcer has ­accumulated more $12m in unpaid DVO related offences, with 23 per cent outstanding as of June 2025.

The number of debts referred to SPER increased from 17,519 in 2021-22 to a peak of 20,677 in 2022-23, but slightly decreased in 2023-24 to 20,396. The total value of debts referred increased from $4,648,537 in 2021-22 to $5,458,186 in 2022-23.

Former Red Rose CEO and domestic violence advocate Brian Sullivan said the unpaid fines indicate a level of risk and danger for victims.

“We need to take note and we need to act on,” he said.

“If the system isn’t following through and following up on fines, penalties and any other consequences that ensue, it ­actually sends a message that the system is not going to hold them to account, and they can carry on with the status quo.”

Domestic violence-related fines are referred to SPER by Queensland courts. While these are fines imposed by a court for domestic violence offences they are not compensation or restitution to be paid to a victim-survivor.

SPER data can reveal that 34,865 debts remain overdue with 13,424 debtors, and one debtor can have multiple DVO related debts.

Mr Sullivan said his concern is for the fines going unpaid will make victims feel “dismissed” and “discounted.”

“Not prioritised by the system … here is a system that’s not holding the perpetrator to account,” he said.

While a significant number of DVO breach fines are referred to SPER each year, only 1.77 per cent of fines have been withdrawn since 2021.

Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Minister Amanda Camm said the Crisafulli government was committed to holding perpetrators to account.

“If a perpetrator has a penalty imposed on them for breaching a DVO, whether it be a fine, community service or further expanded good behaviour orders, it is expected that the person is held accountable, and orders are followed,” she said.

“This is what the community expects.”

A spokesman for SPER said, in some cases, perpetrators could be in custody and have no accessible income or assets which could limit recovery options. “However, SPER continues to monitor these debts and pursues recovery where possible,” he said. “SPER also provides dedicated support to victim-survivors of domestic and family violence who may have incurred fines for certain camera-detected offences they did not commit.”

In the 24-25 financial year, 23,213 DVO related offences are under active enforcement.

Originally published as More than $12m in unpaid DV fines at SPER highlight systemic risks