Cairns SPER fines: Luxury cars, boats confiscated by officers in $45m debt blitz

Luxury cars and boats have been seized across the region as SPER officers pounce on property owned by residents who refuse to pay their debts. Which high-end vehicles have been confiscated.

LUXURY cars, boats and even a Mack truck have been repossessed as SPER officers pounce on property owned by Far North residents who refuse to pay their debts.

Enforcement director Kim Easton provided an updated on the operation playing out across the Cairns region and said officers on the ground had seized property from a number of homes and businesses.

“We’ve seized more than 20 vehicles, including a BMW, high-end SUVs, a boat and even a Mack truck,” Mr Easton said.

“These vehicles will be sold at auction if the owners refuse to pay.”

On Wednesday, enforcement officers began clamping tyres at homes and offices in Atherton, Mareeba, Innisfail, Gordonvale and Tully.

SPER is enforcing harsh action on Far Northerners who refuse to pay their debts including seizing property. Picture: Supplied.

Enforcement director Kim Easton said heavy penalties would be imposed on people who refused to pay outstanding, including seizure of property.

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

“This includes having money taken from their wages or bank accounts through garnishment powers or having their cars clamped, seized and sold to meet their obligations including luxury SUVs, hi-spec utes and motorbikes, trucks, boats, trailers and jet skis.”

Far Northerners are being warned they may face consequences if they refuse to pay their SPER debts including seizing property. Picture: Supplied.

According to SPER records more than 23,000 people and businesses in the Cairns region currently owe money to SPER with the debts totalling a whopping $45m.

Mr Easton said the department had given people multiple opportunities to pay fines and penalties before harsh action is taken against them and their property.

“SPER has contacted thousands of people in the region to remind them of their outstanding debts and the need to deal with it – one final chance to do the right thing before we’re forced to take strong action,” he said.

A total of 23,000 people and businesses in the Cairns region owe money to SPER. Picture: Supplied.

“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.”

Mr Easton said anyone who could not pay their debts should contact the department immediately.

“Anyone who is having trouble paying for whatever reason should contact SPER on 1300 365 635 to discuss their payment options and avoid enforcement action,” he said.

Originally published as Cairns SPER fines: Luxury cars, boats confiscated by officers in $45m debt blitz