Enforcement officers in NQ for SPER debt collection

SPER enforcement officers are on their way to North Queensland to crack down on unpaid fees and fines.

THE State Penalties Enforcement Registry has warned it will be in North Queensland to crack down on unpaid fees and fines, with almost $55 million in debts owed across the region.

SPER enforcement officers will be in Townsville in the coming weeks in a bid to secure the payments from people who refuse to pay their debts.

In North Queensland, about 20,000 individuals and businesses collectively owe almost $55 million.

SPER debts can be generated in multiple ways, including unpaid traffic and parking fines, and court orders.

Enforcement Director Kim Easton said officers would be conducting a field enforcement operation across the region, including in Townsville, Ayr, Home Hill, Ingham and Forrest Beach, to encourage debtors to pay the money they owe.

“Debtors who refuse to pay their SPER debts can have money taken from their wages or bank accounts through garnishment powers or have their cars clamped, seized and sold to meet their obligations,” Mr Easton said.

“This will involve SPER officers visiting debtors’ homes or workplaces.

“Anyone with a SPER debt could receive a visit from our officers and face tough action if they refuse to pay their debts.”

An operation last year recovered more than $4m in collections and payment plan commitments.

During the operation, 23 vehicles were clamped and 25 seized, with many other owners paying their debts on the spot to retain their vehicles.

Nine vehicles seized were sold to reduce their owners’ debts.

In the 12 months to July 2021, SPER had collected more than $11m from debtors in the Townsville region.

Mr Easton said anyone with an outstanding debt should contact SPER before it was necessary for officers to take enforcement action.

“SPER has contacted more than 5000 people to remind them of their outstanding debts and the need to deal with it – one final chance to do the right thing before strong action is taken,” he said.

The North Queensland enforcement activities were part of ongoing statewide operations.

“Through operations like these, SPER has seized a range of property from people refusing to pay their debt,” Mr Easton said.

“This includes luxury SUVs and motorbikes, trucks, boats and jet skis.

“If you have a SPER debt, you need to pay it now because the consequences are serious.

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

Originally published as Enforcement officers in NQ for SPER debt collection