Debts in the Wimmera: 4200 people owe a total of $7.7 million in unpaid fines, bills and court judgements

Figures from the Sheriff of Victoria’s office show 4215 defendants owe a total of $7,699,501 from 16,321 outstanding warrants from civil, criminal and corporate matters.

Horsham Rural City Council had the highest total money owed out of the seven municipalities in the Wimmera, clocking in at more than $2 million.

Horsham council also had the most defendants, at 1267, but the lowest average debt at $1598 per person.

Hindmarsh Shire had the worst per-person number, with 250 people owing an average of more than $3000 each.

The total money owed in the Wimmera is up from $6 million in 2013.

Sheriff Brendan Facey said his officers had taken action on million warrants in 2015–16, using sanctions such as licence, suspension, wheel clamping and asset seizures.

“Unfortunately, some people are still not getting the message that you cannot ignore your unpaid fines,” Mr Facey said.

“We don’t want to see people’s matters escalating through the system. We want people to speak to us about their options before they are caught by sheriff’s officers.

“Fines can quickly escalate after infringements are issued. For example, you may be issued with a red-light infringement in January with a penalty of $389. By June, if you ignored your fine, the total penalty could be $576.60,” he said.

The Department of Justice and Regulation launched a new state-wide call centre initiative in July

aimed at helping people manage and pay their fines early to avoid added fees and penalties.

Since opening, the call centre has contacted more than 31,500 people and recovered $16.2 million in unpaid fines.

The call centre has also helped to arrange payment plans for almost 18,571 matters valued at more than $3.6 million.

Mr Facey said he was delighted that so many of the people contacted were electing to pay their fines.

“The positive reaction from the public has truly surpassed our expectations. This initiative

demonstrates that people are willing to respond if we help to make it easier for them.”.

People can call 1300 SHERIFF (1300 7437 433) during office hours to speak to someone about their outstanding fines.

Fines can also be tracked and paid online at www.fines.vic.gov.au