Reducing speeding fines for some while increasing them for others could still be an option for an incoming state Labor government.
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The state election is just over three months away and, should Labor win, Treasury spokesman Ryan Park said they would look to review the way fines from speed cameras, public transport and the like are calculated.
This is in line with a motion Mr Park put forward at a Labor state conference in mid-2018.
As part of the motion, Mr Park said Labor should be looking at ways to vary fines “according to people’s capacity to pay”.
This could lead to a ‘pay as you earn’ approach to fines, where those with more money in their pockets get bigger fines than those struggling to make ends meet.
At the time Mr Park said a flat across-the-board fine didn’t take into account the effect it had on lower incomes.
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He said a $109 fine could be just an annoyance for some but it could deal a “devastating financial blow” for others.
According to a study by Canberra think tank the Australia Institute a means-tested system operates in Finland.
A means-tested model would see a $311 fine range between $71 and $623 depending on earnings.
Speaking recently, Mr Park said there would be changes to the way fines were calculated under a Labor government.
However a decision on whether a means-tested approach would be adopted had yet to be made.
“It’s too early to say what changes to the fine structure may be possible without conducting a review,” Mr Park said.
“We intend to review fines, with a focus on minor infringements and see if there is a better and fairer way to implement fines that don’t just target those most vulnerable in the community.
“For example, we don't want to see those without permanent accommodation or with mental health issues racking up massive fines for using trains to seek shelter because of a lack of accommodation and support services.”