‘They will catch up with you’: 19,000 locals on SPER debt watch list

Those who owe money to the state government can expect to have their cars clamped and seized soon. See the eye-watering amount of debt Townsvillites owe.

This vehicle was recently seized by the SPER

Enforcement officers will begin targeting debtors across Townsville, Ayr and Taylors Beach, with thousands owing unpaid fines.

Around 19,000 individuals and businesses across the Townsville region collectively owe more than $54m in unpaid fines and penalties according to the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER).

In comparison, the SPER are gearing up to doorknock 21,000 debtors in the Cairns region who collectively owe $44m.

SPER enforcement director Kim Easton said her officers will be carrying out a “field enforcement operation”.

“Our officers will visit people at their homes and workplaces and those people that refuse to pay their debts will face tough action,” Ms Easton said.

This vehicle was recently seized by the SPER

“This includes having money taken from their bank accounts through garnishment powers or having their cars clamped, seized and sold to meet their obligations.”

SPER has contacted the 19,000 local debtors to remind them of their outstanding debts and the need to “act immediately”.

This vehicle was recently seized by the SPER on the Gold Coast.

“Through operations like these, SPER has seized a range of vehicles from people

refusing to pay their debt,” Ms Easton said.

“This includes luxury SUVs, hi-spec utes and motorbikes, trucks, boats, trailers and

jet skis.”

Vehicles seized by SPER in Rockhampton and Gladstone.

These northern crackdowns come after a highly successful debt recovery options in Ipswich where 34 vehicles were seized.

The Gold Coast is the worst region for repaying fines, with 64,056 debtors owing $150m.

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

Anyone who is having trouble paying their debts should contact SPER on 1300 365 635 to discuss payment options (such as split payments) and avoid enforcement action.

Originally published as ‘They will catch up with you’: 19,000 locals on SPER debt watch list