By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A staggering $144 million in unpaid warrants was owed in the City of Casey last year, according to the Victorian Sheriff’s Office.
It’s a figure that put Casey on top of the list of the state’s local government areas in 2016-17.
The state’s most populous LGA also had the most outstanding warrants (381,143). The average value of each debt was $4,723.
Across the state, about $2 billion was owed in outstanding warrants in the same period.
Victorian Sheriff Warwick Knight urged people to deal with their infringements early to avoid extra penalties and a possible warrant.
“People who receive a fine can request an internal review, nominate a driver, apply for a payment plan or elect to have the matter heard by the court, and we encourage them to come and speak to us about their options.”
Since the period, Fines Victoria has introduced payment options such as instalment plans, debt consolidations and time extensions.
The State Government introduced a scheme for vulnerable people to undertake volunteer work, courses or mental health treatment to reduce their debt.
A scheme was also developed for survivors of family violence.
