The two states, side by side
Each state runs its own system, so a rule from one doesn’t carry over to the other. This table sets out what each state’s own page says.
| NSW | Victoria | |
|---|---|---|
| How often | An agreed amount weekly or fortnightly until the balance is cleared. | Monthly or fortnightly payments. |
| When to apply | At any time. | When a fine can’t be paid in full by the due date. |
| How | By phone or an online enquiry to Revenue NSW; for an overdue fine, through the myEnforcement portal. | An online form, or a paper application form for individuals or companies. |
| What is weighed | Approval may come with conditions, such as an up-front payment, a review period or a request for more information. | The amount owed, income, financial status, payment history and any hardship. |
| Several fines | Not set out on the page used here. | Eligible outstanding fines can be combined into one plan. A new fine is added by applying again; the old arrangement is replaced by one covering all of them. |
| Centrepay | People receiving Centrelink payments may have fortnightly instalments deducted automatically. | Available, but set up by phone rather than the online form. |
| If refused | An unsuccessful application can be appealed to the Hardship Review Board. | The outcome arrives by post; if unsuccessful, Fines Victoria can explain the other options. |
Contact details for both agencies are on their own pages linked above.
In Victoria: fines that can’t go on a plan
Fines Victoria lists cases where an individual or company is not eligible to pay by instalments. They include:
- an individual whose 7 Day Notice has expired, or who waived the 7 day period
- court fines issued by or registered with the Children’s Court
- a company whose property has been seized under an enforcement warrant, or whose director has become a declared director
- several kinds of warrant, including a warrant to imprison and some arrest, civil and enforcement warrants
The full list is on Fines Victoria’s instalments page.
What a missed instalment can lead to
In NSW, Revenue NSW says that once a plan is approved it won’t take further action while payments are up to date. If an instalment isn’t paid by its due date, it may cancel the plan, so the overdue amount has to be paid in full, and it may add costs and take further action.
Revenue NSW says a driver licence suspension or vehicle registration cancellation is lifted automatically after six payments are made on time under a payment plan, unless a payment plan for the same fine was previously not kept.
In Victoria, Fines Victoria describes what happens to a fine nobody deals with: a Penalty Reminder Notice with a late fee, then a Notice of Final Demand with another fee, and then possibly an Enforcement Warrant, involvement of the Sheriff, and a driver or vehicle sanction.
Other ways to clear a fine
NSW: Work and Development Order
Revenue NSW says some people may be eligible to repay fines through unpaid work, education or treatment under a Work and Development Order, and suggests asking before the due date.
Victoria: Work and Development Permit
Fines Victoria lists a Work and Development Permit among its support options, along with special circumstances and a family violence scheme.
Across the states, Moneysmart lists options to ask a state debt recovery agency about: an extension, instalments, Centrepay deductions, community service to work off the debt, or a caution in some circumstances. It lists each state’s agency on its problems paying bills and fines page.
Why the agencies stress early contact
Moneysmart says that if you don’t make contact with the state debt recovery agency, it may:
- suspend or cancel a driver’s licence or car registration
- start court action against you
- name you publicly on a fines recovery website
- seize and sell your possessions, or take part of your wages
- register a charge over your land
Exactly which of these each state uses, and when, is set by that state’s law and agency.