Key improvements to fines system passes the Parliament

Among the changes in the Fines Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 is a 21-day ‘cooling off period’ where fine recipients can withdraw their decision to contest an offence in court.

Currently, once a person elects to dispute a fine in court, there is no process for the fine recipient to withdraw from the court election to explore other options to have the fine reviewed or otherwise resolve the fine. This ‘court election’ means the individual could risk a criminal conviction, a higher fine and extra costs.

This Australian first initiative will give individuals more time to seek legal advice and information and could result in a better outcome for the individual, as well as reduced burden on the court system.

These changes will come into effect by the end of the year.

Reforms will also see the Hardship Review Board expand its membership, as well as providing greater access to families and households struggling with financial pressures.

The Hardship Review Board reviews decisions made by Revenue NSW where individuals are unable to pay fines, fees or taxes.  It can direct Revenue NSW to make alternative arrangements including reducing the amount payable or giving people more time to pay.

This is an important avenue of support for individuals experiencing sudden and long-term financial hardship.

The Board’s membership will now consist of five members, up from three, with new members appointed from outside Government, bringing a broader range of views to decision‑making.

In addition to expanded membership, Revenue NSW will now actively engage with people experiencing hardship, so they are notified of their rights to apply to the newly expanded Board.

These reforms build on the Minns Labor Government’s re-introduction of physical notifications for parking fines, which was the first phase of a strategic agenda to improve the fairness and transparency of the NSW fines and debt systems. The former Liberal-National Government removed immediate notification of parking fines in 2020, despite community advocates warning it was unfair and lacked transparency.

People who would like help with fines or state debts can contact Revenue NSW on 1300 655 805.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos:

“These reforms are designed to ensure that when someone is doing it tough, the system meets them with support rather than unnecessary hurdles.

“Introducing a cooling off window after they elect to challenge their fine in court gives people breathing space to properly understand their options, get legal guidance, and avoid being locked into a path that may not be in their best interests.

“For families facing financial hardship the fines and debt process can be overwhelming. These reforms strengthen the NSW Government’s safety net, making sure people are told about their rights and have genuine avenues for help when they need it most.

“This work builds on the steps we’ve already taken to make the fines system clearer and easier to deal with, including bringing back physical notices for parking fines. Together, these reforms are about putting fairness and transparency at the centre of how the system operates.”

Quotes attributable to Legal Aid NSW Managing Solicitor, Work and Development Order Service, Laura Bueti:

“Many of our clients who have unpaid fines are financially vulnerable. Sometimes they choose to dispute their fine in court because they can’t pay the fine, or don’t know that there are other ways to contest it, like asking for a review.

“Many are unaware that there can be risks involved in taking the fine to court. For example, you may have an automatic conviction recorded, which can have significant consequences on your future employment or visa status.

“We know from our experience that there are alternative ways to deal with fines that don’t involve going to court such as a review, payment plan or Work and Development Order.

“The reforms will allow time for people who aren’t sure what to do about their fines to seek advice and make an informed choice about whether choosing to dispute their fine in court is in their best interest.”