The CLP Government's legislative amendments to address issues relating to enforcement orders for unpaid fines and penalties have been passed in Parliament.
The Fines and Penalties (Recovery) Act 2001, which was tabled in the October sittings, has been passed.
Minister for Corporate and Digital Development Joshua Burgoyne said the issues were identified by the Fines Recovery Unit in June this year, followed by the former Labor government advising the public in August.
There are currently around 206,000 outstanding fines and infringements, worth a total of $121.5 million. Of this amount, over $104 million is owed to the Territory Government.
"This is a massive blunder that has gone on for years under the former government," said Mr Burgoyne.
"Rather than find a solution to a significant and expensive problem, former Labor minister Brent Potter promised an independent review.
"This was a review that would have delayed finding any real answers and wasted more taxpayer money.
"Today's amendments validate past enforcement actions, and ensure the processes used by the Fines Recovery Unit and the Act are consistent with each other and enforcement can recommence.
"The amendments also streamline what was previously an arduous application process from agencies like NT Police and Councils to request the Fines Recovery Unit to enforce penalties."
Previously, enforcement agencies needed to make individual applications for enforcement orders.
The amendments permit enforcement orders to be made on an unpaid fine or penalty meeting certain criteria and allow the Director of the Fines and Recovery Unit to use computer programs for decision making which will increase efficiency.
"A strengthened Fines Recovery Unit can enforce unpaid fines in a manner that is transparent, effective and efficient," said Mr Burgoyne.
"The reduced administrative work will enable quicker and more consistent enforcement of unpaid infringement notices.
"Although most people do the right thing and pay on time, these amendments send a clear message that if you do the wrong thing, you will pay the fine."
