20 August 2026

Guy Barnett, Attorney-General

The Monetary Penalties Enforcement Amendment Bill 2026 has passed the House of Assembly.

The Bill implements changes to the collection and enforcement of court fines, infringement notices, and compensation orders for victims of crime referred to the Monetary Penalties Enforcement Service.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Corrections and Rehabilitation, Guy Barnett, said the reforms are about increasing options, building in safeguards, and continuing to ensure the collection and enforcement of monetary penalties is fair and effective.

“People who owe money under a court order or infringement notice need to meet their obligations, but enforcement must also be fair, reasonable and proportionate,” the Attorney-General said.

“Unpaid fines and penalties cost Tasmanian taxpayers, so it’s critical to ensure the Service can efficiently and effectively chase down unpaid debts on behalf of taxpayers.

“This Bill gives the Service more effective tools to recover outstanding debts, while strengthening safeguards for people who may be experiencing genuine hardship.

“These are sensible reforms that will make the system more effective, while ensuring fairness remains at the heart of how monetary penalties are enforced.

“We have consulted extensively, with the final Bill including extensive safeguards to address feedback raised throughout the process.

“Through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we are continuing to deliver practical reforms that strengthen our justice system and protect Tasmanians.”

Key elements of the Bill include:

  • enabling reciprocal enforcement of monetary penalties between participating jurisdictions;
  • strengthening obligations on banks and employers when a redirection order is issued;
  • ensuring enforcement debtors receive timely notice of redirection orders affecting them;
  • making it easier for debtors to set up a payment plan online;
  • allowing electronic service of documents to improve efficiency;
  • restoring the ability to redirect funds from bank accounts to repay unpaid fines, with appropriate safeguards; and
  • introducing greater discretion to avoid hardship, including in relation to victims of crime compensation.

For more information on the Monetary Penalties Enforcement Amendment Bill 2026, including a copy of the Bill, visit the Department of Justice website.