2022-03-24
Today Andrew Braddock MLA has moved a motion calling on the ACT Government to examine our fine system with the goal of making it fairer for vulnerable Canberrans.
“Canberra is in many ways a small town. We know and care for our neighbours and when people in our community are struggling, we pitch in to help them out. The ACT Greens think this compassion should be extended to how to issue fines”, said Mr Braddock.
“The purpose of fines is to encourage Canberrans to comply with the law. But as it currently stands, our fine system doesn’t recognize the unequal capacity of people to pay. People on higher incomes are able to pay fines without much impact on their lives, while for others, one fine could be their cost of living for a week.
“For example, a $125 parking fine may be pocket money for one person, but a significant chunk of someone else’s weekly food budget. The offence is the same but the impact of the fine is very different.
“The ACT Greens don’t think it's appropriate for vulnerable Canberrans to end up in court for an unpaid fine, particularly for minor offences. It means they would then have a criminal record, and could accrue further court fees which exacerbate their difficult circumstances. We know this particularly applies to our neighbours who are single parents or low income earners.
“The system of unpaid fines ending up in court is also costly for the ACT Government and doesn’t help change behaviour. I am asking the ACT Government to examine whether there is another way to encourage better behaviour while extending compassion to those who struggle the most in our community.”