This regulation sets detailed rules for enforcing state penalty fines: it lists which offences can be dealt with by infringement notices, fixes infringement and enforcement fees, prescribes who administers and serves notices, and sets processes for registering, collecting, waiving or enforcing unpaid amounts. It also establishes a work-and-development-order system and an approved-sponsor regime that lets approved activities reduce a person’s SPER debt, and prescribes record‑keeping, auditing and disciplinary procedures for sponsors.
This regulation, the State Penalties Enforcement Regulation 2014, sets out detailed operational rules and numerical parameters that implement the State Penalties Enforcement Act (the Act). Mechanically, it does the following.
Commencement and scope. It commenced on 1 September 2014 except for part 8, which commenced on 1 October 2014 (sec 2). The dictionary for defined terms is in schedule 2 (sec 3).
Infringement notice offences and fines. It prescribes which offences count as infringement notice offences and the infringement notice fine for each prescribed offence that applies under the Act, by reference to schedule 1 (sec 4). For certain Heavy Vehicle National Law (Queensland) and national regulation offences the infringement fine is capped at the lesser of 10 per cent of the maximum penalty or 20 penalty units (sec 4). The regulation also designates administering authorities and authorised persons for infringement notice offences for nominated laws, local laws and by-laws (secs 5, 6, 8, 9).
Identifying particulars on infringement notices. It specifies what identifying particulars an infringement notice must carry depending on whether the alleged offence involves a person, a vehicle, an animal, or occurred on a railway journey (secs 11-14). It modifies practical requirements for camera-detected offences where make or colour cannot be worked out from the image (sec 12(3)).
Registration, default and instalments. It sets out the particulars that administering authorities and court registrars must provide to SPER when instalments are approved or amounts are unpaid, and what must appear in default certificates (secs 15-16, 18). It prescribes the threshold amount to apply for instalment eligibility ($200) and the minimum instalment amounts, including a specific first instalment and ongoing fortnightly minimums (secs 28, 25). It prescribes a 1 per cent management fee on each instalment (sec 26) and the registration fee in fee units (sec 27).
Current sections
Direct links to the current provisions in State Penalties Enforcement Regulation 2014.
85
pt.1
Preliminary
Preliminary
sec.1
Short title
sec.1 Short title
This regulation may be cited as the State Penalties Enforcement Regulation 2014 .
sec.2
Commencement
sec.2 Commencement
This regulation, other than part 8 , commences on 1 September 2014.
Part 8 commences on 1 October 2014.
(sec.2-ssec.1) This regulation, other than part 8 , commences on 1 September 2014.
(sec.2-ssec.2) Part 8 commences on 1 October 2014.
sec.3
Dictionary
sec.3 Dictionary
The dictionary in schedule 2 defines words used in this regulation.
sec.3A
Rounding of amounts expressed as numbers of fee units
sec.3A Rounding of amounts expressed as numbers of fee units
This section applies for working out the amount of a fee expressed in this regulation as a number of fee units.
For the purpose of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 48C (3) , the amount is to be rounded down to the nearest multiple of 5 cents.
Section 22 provides for a fee of 123.65 fee units. If the value of a fee unit for this regulation were $1.025, the number of dollars obtained by multiplying $1.025 by 123.65 would be $126.74125. After rounding down, the amount of the fee would be $126.70.
s 3A ins 2022 SL No. 53 s 14
(sec.3A-ssec.1) This section applies for working out the amount of a fee expressed in this regulation as a number of fee units.
(sec.3A-ssec.2) For the purpose of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 48C (3) , the amount is to be rounded down to the nearest multiple of 5 cents. Section 22 provides for a fee of 123.65 fee units. If the value of a fee unit for this regulation were $1.025, the number of dollars obtained by multiplying $1.025 by 123.65 would be $126.74125. After rounding down, the amount of the fee would be $126.70.
pt.2
Infringement notice offences etc. for nominated laws
Infringement notice offences etc. for nominated laws
sec.4
Infringement notice offences and fines for nominated laws
sec.4 Infringement notice offences and fines for nominated laws
Schedule 1 prescribes infringement notice offences and infringement notice fines for the legislation (the nominated laws ) mentioned in it.
For a nominated law mentioned in schedule 1 —
an offence against a provision of the nominated law mentioned in schedule 1 , column 1 as limited by any description in the column, is an offence to which the Act applies; and
a number of penalty units mentioned in schedule 1 , column 2 opposite the offence is the fine payable for the offence under an infringement notice.
However, for an offence against a provision of HVNL(Q) or a national regulation under that Law, the fine payable for the offence is the lesser of the following amounts—
10% of the maximum penalty for the offence;
20 penalty units.
Also, if an entry in schedule 1 for an infringement notice offence under the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 refers to the infringement notice fine for a stated provision of HVNL(Q) (the HVNL(Q) provision ), the fine payable for the offence is the same as the infringement notice fine applying under this regulation for the HVNL(Q) provision.
s 4 amd 2017 SL No. 155 s 83
(sec.4-ssec.1) Schedule 1 prescribes infringement notice offences and infringement notice fines for the legislation (the nominated laws ) mentioned in it.
(sec.4-ssec.2) For a nominated law mentioned in schedule 1 — an offence against a provision of the nominated law mentioned in schedule 1 , column 1 as limited by any description in the column, is an offence to which the Act applies; and a number of penalty units mentioned in schedule 1 , column 2 opposite the offence is the fine payable for the offence under an infringement notice.
(sec.4-ssec.3) However, for an offence against a provision of HVNL(Q) or a national regulation under that Law, the fine payable for the offence is the lesser of the following amounts— 10% of the maximum penalty for the offence; 20 penalty units.
(sec.4-ssec.4) Also, if an entry in schedule 1 for an infringement notice offence under the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 refers to the infringement notice fine for a stated provision of HVNL(Q) (the HVNL(Q) provision ), the fine payable for the offence is the same as the infringement notice fine applying under this regulation for the HVNL(Q) provision.
(a) an offence against a provision of the nominated law mentioned in schedule 1 , column 1 as limited by any description in the column, is an offence to which the Act applies; and
(b) a number of penalty units mentioned in schedule 1 , column 2 opposite the offence is the fine payable for the offence under an infringement notice.
(a) 10% of the maximum penalty for the offence;
(b) 20 penalty units.
sec.5
Administering authority for nominated laws
sec.5 Administering authority for nominated laws
The administering authority for an infringement notice offence that is an offence against a provision of a nominated law mentioned in schedule 1 , or an infringement notice about the offence, is—
the entity specified in schedule 1 as the administering authority for an infringement notice offence against a provision of the nominated law, or an infringement notice about the offence; or
if no entity is specified in schedule 1 —the department or agency in which the provision is administered.
s 5 amd 2022 Act No. 10 ss 44 , 48
(a) the entity specified in schedule 1 as the administering authority for an infringement notice offence against a provision of the nominated law, or an infringement notice about the offence; or
(b) if no entity is specified in schedule 1 —the department or agency in which the provision is administered.
sec.6
Authorised person for infringement notice for offence against nominated law
sec.6 Authorised person for infringement notice for offence against nominated law
The person authorised to serve an infringement notice for an infringement notice offence that is an offence against a provision of a nominated law mentioned in schedule 1 is the person specified for the law in schedule 1 as the authorised person for service of infringement notices.
pt.3
Infringement notice offences etc. for local laws and by-laws
Infringement notice offences etc. for local laws and by-laws
sec.6A
Definitions for part
sec.6A Definitions for part
In this part—
by-law means a by-law that is adopted by a trustee under the Land Act 1994 , section 56 (7) , and is in force.
trustee means either of the following entities appointed under the Land Act 1994 , section 44 , as a trustee of trust land—
the State;
a statutory body that is established under an Act and represents the State.
s 6A ins 2017 SL No. 42 s 5
(a) the State;
(b) a statutory body that is established under an Act and represents the State.
sec.7
Infringement notice offences and fines for local laws or by-laws
sec.7 Infringement notice offences and fines for local laws or by-laws
An offence against a provision of a local law that is not an offence against the person and for which a person may be punished by a maximum penalty of not more than 50 penalty units is an offence to which the Act applies (a local law infringement notice offence ).
The fine payable for a local law infringement notice offence under an infringement notice is—
if the offence is otherwise punishable by a maximum penalty of—
not more than 0.5 penalty units—the maximum penalty; or
more than 0.5, but not more than 5, penalty units—0.5 penalty units; or
more than 5, but not more than 10, penalty units—1 penalty unit; or
more than 10, but not more than 20, penalty units—2 penalty units; or
more than 20, but not more than 30, penalty units—3 penalty units; or
more than 30, but not more than 40, penalty units—4 penalty units; or
more than 40, but not more than 50, penalty units—5 penalty units; or
if a local law provides for an amount for the fine payable for the offence that is less than the amount prescribed for the offence under paragraph (a) —the lesser amount.
An offence against a provision of a by-law that is not an offence against the person and for which a person may be punished by a maximum penalty of not more than 10 penalty units is an offence to which the Act applies (a by-law infringement notice offence ).
The fine payable for a by-law infringement notice offence under an infringement notice is—
if the offence is otherwise punishable by a maximum penalty of not more than 0.5 penalty units—the maximum penalty; or
if the offence is otherwise punishable by a maximum penalty of more than 0.5, but not more than 5, penalty units—0.5 penalty units; or
if the offence is otherwise punishable by a maximum penalty of more than 5, but not more than 10, penalty units—1 penalty unit.
This section applies to a maximum penalty that is expressed as a monetary value as if the maximum penalty had been expressed as a number of penalty units (whether whole or fractional) that corresponds to the value.
s 7 amd 2017 SL No. 42 s 6
(sec.7-ssec.1) An offence against a provision of a local law that is not an offence against the person and for which a person may be punished by a maximum penalty of not more than 50 penalty units is an offence to which the Act applies (a local law infringement notice offence ).
(sec.7-ssec.2) The fine payable for a local law infringement notice offence under an infringement notice is— if the offence is otherwise punishable by a maximum penalty of— not more than 0.5 penalty units—the maximum penalty; or more than 0.5, but not more than 5, penalty units—0.5 penalty units; or more than 5, but not more than 10, penalty units—1 penalty unit; or more than 10, but not more than 20, penalty units—2 penalty units; or more than 20, but not more than 30, penalty units—3 penalty units; or more than 30, but not more than 40, penalty units—4 penalty units; or more than 40, but not more than 50, penalty units—5 penalty units; or if a local law provides for an amount for the fine payable for the offence that is less than the amount prescribed for the offence under paragraph (a) —the lesser amount.
(sec.7-ssec.3) An offence against a provision of a by-law that is not an offence against the person and for which a person may be punished by a maximum penalty of not more than 10 penalty units is an offence to which the Act applies (a by-law infringement notice offence ).
(sec.7-ssec.4) The fine payable for a by-law infringement notice offence under an infringement notice is— if the offence is otherwise punishable by a maximum penalty of not more than 0.5 penalty units—the maximum penalty; or if the offence is otherwise punishable by a maximum penalty of more than 0.5, but not more than 5, penalty units—0.5 penalty units; or if the offence is otherwise punishable by a maximum penalty of more than 5, but not more than 10, penalty units—1 penalty unit.
(sec.7-ssec.5) This section applies to a maximum penalty that is expressed as a monetary value as if the maximum penalty had been expressed as a number of penalty units (whether whole or fractional) that corresponds to the value.
(a) if the offence is otherwise punishable by a maximum penalty of— (i) not more than 0.5 penalty units—the maximum penalty; or (ii) more than 0.5, but not more than 5, penalty units—0.5 penalty units; or (iii) more than 5, but not more than 10, penalty units—1 penalty unit; or (iv) more than 10, but not more than 20, penalty units—2 penalty units; or (v) more than 20, but not more than 30, penalty units—3 penalty units; or (vi) more than 30, but not more than 40, penalty units—4 penalty units; or (vii) more than 40, but not more than 50, penalty units—5 penalty units; or
(i) not more than 0.5 penalty units—the maximum penalty; or
(ii) more than 0.5, but not more than 5, penalty units—0.5 penalty units; or
(iii) more than 5, but not more than 10, penalty units—1 penalty unit; or
(iv) more than 10, but not more than 20, penalty units—2 penalty units; or
(v) more than 20, but not more than 30, penalty units—3 penalty units; or
(vi) more than 30, but not more than 40, penalty units—4 penalty units; or
(vii) more than 40, but not more than 50, penalty units—5 penalty units; or
(b) if a local law provides for an amount for the fine payable for the offence that is less than the amount prescribed for the offence under paragraph (a) —the lesser amount.
(i) not more than 0.5 penalty units—the maximum penalty; or
(ii) more than 0.5, but not more than 5, penalty units—0.5 penalty units; or
(iii) more than 5, but not more than 10, penalty units—1 penalty unit; or
(iv) more than 10, but not more than 20, penalty units—2 penalty units; or
(v) more than 20, but not more than 30, penalty units—3 penalty units; or
(vi) more than 30, but not more than 40, penalty units—4 penalty units; or
(vii) more than 40, but not more than 50, penalty units—5 penalty units; or
(a) if the offence is otherwise punishable by a maximum penalty of not more than 0.5 penalty units—the maximum penalty; or
(b) if the offence is otherwise punishable by a maximum penalty of more than 0.5, but not more than 5, penalty units—0.5 penalty units; or
(c) if the offence is otherwise punishable by a maximum penalty of more than 5, but not more than 10, penalty units—1 penalty unit.
sec.8
Administering authority for local law or by-law
sec.8 Administering authority for local law or by-law
The administering authority for an infringement notice offence that is an offence against a provision of a local law, or an infringement notice about the offence, is the local government that made the local law.
The administering authority for an infringement notice offence that is an offence against a provision of a by-law, or an infringement notice about the offence, is the trustee that adopted the by-law.
s 8 amd 2017 SL No. 42 s 7
(sec.8-ssec.1) The administering authority for an infringement notice offence that is an offence against a provision of a local law, or an infringement notice about the offence, is the local government that made the local law.
(sec.8-ssec.2) The administering authority for an infringement notice offence that is an offence against a provision of a by-law, or an infringement notice about the offence, is the trustee that adopted the by-law.
sec.9
Authorised person for infringement notice for offence against local law, by-law or minor traffic offence
sec.9 Authorised person for infringement notice for offence against local law, by-law or minor traffic offence
An authorised person for a local government is a person authorised to serve an infringement notice for—
an infringement notice offence that is an offence against a provision of a local law made by the local government; or
an infringement notice offence for the local government under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 , section 108 .
An employee of a trustee who is approved by the trustee for the purposes of this subsection is a person authorised to serve an infringement notice for an infringement notice offence that is an offence against a provision of a by-law adopted by the trustee.
In subsection (1) —
authorised person means an authorised person under the City of Brisbane Act 2010 , section 199 or the Local Government Act 2009 , section 202 .
s 9 amd 2017 SL No. 42 s 8
(sec.9-ssec.1) An authorised person for a local government is a person authorised to serve an infringement notice for— an infringement notice offence that is an offence against a provision of a local law made by the local government; or an infringement notice offence for the local government under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 , section 108 .
(sec.9-ssec.2) An employee of a trustee who is approved by the trustee for the purposes of this subsection is a person authorised to serve an infringement notice for an infringement notice offence that is an offence against a provision of a by-law adopted by the trustee.
(sec.9-ssec.3) In subsection (1) — authorised person means an authorised person under the City of Brisbane Act 2010 , section 199 or the Local Government Act 2009 , section 202 .
(a) an infringement notice offence that is an offence against a provision of a local law made by the local government; or
(b) an infringement notice offence for the local government under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 , section 108 .
pt.4
Identifying particulars
Identifying particulars
sec.10
Purpose of pt 4
sec.10 Purpose of pt 4
This part states identifying particulars for infringement notices for infringement notice offences.
sec.11
Identifying particulars for alleged offender
sec.11 Identifying particulars for alleged offender
This section does not apply to an infringement notice for an infringement notice offence involving a vehicle or animal.
For an infringement notice, the identifying particulars for an alleged offender are the following particulars in relation to the alleged offender—
colour of hair and eyes;
complexion;
height;
build;
other noticeable distinguishing marks or features.
(sec.11-ssec.1) This section does not apply to an infringement notice for an infringement notice offence involving a vehicle or animal.
(sec.11-ssec.2) For an infringement notice, the identifying particulars for an alleged offender are the following particulars in relation to the alleged offender— colour of hair and eyes; complexion; height; build; other noticeable distinguishing marks or features.
(a) colour of hair and eyes;
(b) complexion;
(c) height;
(d) build;
(e) other noticeable distinguishing marks or features.
sec.12
Identifying particulars for vehicle
sec.12 Identifying particulars for vehicle
This section applies to an infringement notice for an infringement notice offence involving a vehicle.
For an infringement notice, the identifying particulars for the vehicle are the following particulars in relation to the vehicle—
registration number;
body type;
make;
colour;
if relevant, the number of passengers in the vehicle.
Subsection (2) (c) and (d) does not apply to a camera-detected offence if it is not practicable to work out the particulars mentioned in the provision from the image taken by the camera.
s 12 amd 2022 Act No. 10 s 45
(sec.12-ssec.1) This section applies to an infringement notice for an infringement notice offence involving a vehicle.
(sec.12-ssec.2) For an infringement notice, the identifying particulars for the vehicle are the following particulars in relation to the vehicle— registration number; body type; make; colour; if relevant, the number of passengers in the vehicle.
(sec.12-ssec.3) Subsection (2) (c) and (d) does not apply to a camera-detected offence if it is not practicable to work out the particulars mentioned in the provision from the image taken by the camera.
(a) registration number;
(b) body type;
(c) make;
(d) colour;
(e) if relevant, the number of passengers in the vehicle.
sec.13
Identifying particulars for animal
sec.13 Identifying particulars for animal
This section applies to an infringement notice for an infringement notice offence involving an animal.
The identifying particulars for the animal are the following particulars in relation to the animal—
species or breed;
colour;
sex;
identification tag, registration tag, collar, brand or tattoo;
electronically coded implant;
other noticeable distinguishing marks or features.
(sec.13-ssec.1) This section applies to an infringement notice for an infringement notice offence involving an animal.
(sec.13-ssec.2) The identifying particulars for the animal are the following particulars in relation to the animal— species or breed; colour; sex; identification tag, registration tag, collar, brand or tattoo; electronically coded implant; other noticeable distinguishing marks or features.
(a) species or breed;
(b) colour;
(c) sex;
(d) identification tag, registration tag, collar, brand or tattoo;
(e) electronically coded implant;
(f) other noticeable distinguishing marks or features.
sec.14
Identifying particulars for infringement notice for railway law
sec.14 Identifying particulars for infringement notice for railway law
This section applies to an infringement notice offence that is an offence against a railway law if the offence happened during a journey on a railway.
The offence is prescribed for section 15 (2) (d) of the Act .
For section 15 (2) (d) (i) of the Act , the identifying particulars for the offence are the approximate time at which, and the stations between which, the offence was alleged to have happened.
In this section—
railway law means—
the Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Act 1994 ; or
the Transport Infrastructure (Rail) Regulation 2017 .
s 14 amd 2017 SL No. 145 s 41
(sec.14-ssec.1) This section applies to an infringement notice offence that is an offence against a railway law if the offence happened during a journey on a railway.
(sec.14-ssec.2) The offence is prescribed for section 15 (2) (d) of the Act .
(sec.14-ssec.3) For section 15 (2) (d) (i) of the Act , the identifying particulars for the offence are the approximate time at which, and the stations between which, the offence was alleged to have happened.
(sec.14-ssec.4) In this section— railway law means— the Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Act 1994 ; or the Transport Infrastructure (Rail) Regulation 2017 . s 14 amd 2017 SL No. 145 s 41
(a) the Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Act 1994 ; or
(b) the Transport Infrastructure (Rail) Regulation 2017 .
pt.5
Other particulars
Other particulars
sec.15
Registering payment of infringement notice fine by instalments
sec.15 Registering payment of infringement notice fine by instalments
This section applies if an administering authority approves an application to pay an infringement notice fine by instalments.
For section 24 (1) of the Act , the following are the particulars that the administering authority must give to SPER for registration—
the full name, address and telephone number, if known, of the alleged offender;
the offence and the date and place of the offence;
the infringement notice number for the offence;
the amount of the infringement notice fine;
if the infringement notice offence involved a vehicle—the vehicle’s registration number and State of registration or, for an unregistered vehicle, a statement that the vehicle was not registered;
any other known particulars that help identify the alleged offender.
Under section 24 of the Act , the administering authority must also notify SPER of the unpaid amount of the infringement notice fine.
(sec.15-ssec.1) This section applies if an administering authority approves an application to pay an infringement notice fine by instalments.
(sec.15-ssec.2) For section 24 (1) of the Act , the following are the particulars that the administering authority must give to SPER for registration— the full name, address and telephone number, if known, of the alleged offender; the offence and the date and place of the offence; the infringement notice number for the offence; the amount of the infringement notice fine; if the infringement notice offence involved a vehicle—the vehicle’s registration number and State of registration or, for an unregistered vehicle, a statement that the vehicle was not registered; any other known particulars that help identify the alleged offender. Under section 24 of the Act , the administering authority must also notify SPER of the unpaid amount of the infringement notice fine.
(a) the full name, address and telephone number, if known, of the alleged offender;
(b) the offence and the date and place of the offence;
(c) the infringement notice number for the offence;
(d) the amount of the infringement notice fine;
(e) if the infringement notice offence involved a vehicle—the vehicle’s registration number and State of registration or, for an unregistered vehicle, a statement that the vehicle was not registered;
(f) any other known particulars that help identify the alleged offender.
sec.16
Registering particulars of unpaid court ordered amount
sec.16 Registering particulars of unpaid court ordered amount
This section applies in relation to a court order to which section 34 of the Act applies.
For section 34 (2A) of the Act , the following are the particulars of the unpaid amount that the court registrar must give to SPER for registration—
the full name, address and telephone number, if known, of the person ordered to pay the amount (the relevant person );
the relevant offence and the date and place of the offence;
if the amount relates to an offence involving a vehicle—the vehicle’s registration number and State of registration or, for an unregistered vehicle, a statement that the vehicle was not registered;
the name of the court that made the order, when and where the order was made, and the unique identifier used by the court for the proceeding in relation to the relevant person;
particulars of the original court order, including how much of the total amount to be registered is attributable to each part of the court order;
any other known particulars that help identify the relevant person.
When an unpaid amount is to be registered, it may consist of $500 for the fine, $450 for restitution, and $120 for court costs.
(sec.16-ssec.1) This section applies in relation to a court order to which section 34 of the Act applies.
(sec.16-ssec.2) For section 34 (2A) of the Act , the following are the particulars of the unpaid amount that the court registrar must give to SPER for registration— the full name, address and telephone number, if known, of the person ordered to pay the amount (the relevant person ); the relevant offence and the date and place of the offence; if the amount relates to an offence involving a vehicle—the vehicle’s registration number and State of registration or, for an unregistered vehicle, a statement that the vehicle was not registered; the name of the court that made the order, when and where the order was made, and the unique identifier used by the court for the proceeding in relation to the relevant person; particulars of the original court order, including how much of the total amount to be registered is attributable to each part of the court order; any other known particulars that help identify the relevant person. When an unpaid amount is to be registered, it may consist of $500 for the fine, $450 for restitution, and $120 for court costs.
(a) the full name, address and telephone number, if known, of the person ordered to pay the amount (the relevant person );
(b) the relevant offence and the date and place of the offence;
(c) if the amount relates to an offence involving a vehicle—the vehicle’s registration number and State of registration or, for an unregistered vehicle, a statement that the vehicle was not registered;
(d) the name of the court that made the order, when and where the order was made, and the unique identifier used by the court for the proceeding in relation to the relevant person;
(e) particulars of the original court order, including how much of the total amount to be registered is attributable to each part of the court order;
(f) any other known particulars that help identify the relevant person. Example for paragraph (e) — When an unpaid amount is to be registered, it may consist of $500 for the fine, $450 for restitution, and $120 for court costs.
sec.17
Information to be provided if application to cancel enforcement order
sec.17 Information to be provided if application to cancel enforcement order
For the Act , section 57 , the registrar may ask a person who applies under the Act for the cancellation of an enforcement order for an infringement notice offence to give the registrar any of the following information the registrar considers necessary to help the registrar decide the application—
the applicant’s address—
when the infringement notice offence allegedly happened; and
when the relevant infringement notice first came to the applicant’s attention;
if the applicant changed address before or after the infringement notice offence allegedly happened, when the change happened;
if relevant, the address on the applicant’s driver licence;
how and when the relevant infringement notice came to the applicant’s attention;
if the applicant did not receive the infringement notice because of illness, particulars of the illness and a certificate, signed by the applicant’s doctor, relating to the illness;
any other reason the applicant did not receive the relevant infringement notice.
(a) the applicant’s address— (i) when the infringement notice offence allegedly happened; and (ii) when the relevant infringement notice first came to the applicant’s attention;
(i) when the infringement notice offence allegedly happened; and
(ii) when the relevant infringement notice first came to the applicant’s attention;
(b) if the applicant changed address before or after the infringement notice offence allegedly happened, when the change happened;
(c) if relevant, the address on the applicant’s driver licence;
(d) how and when the relevant infringement notice came to the applicant’s attention;
(e) if the applicant did not receive the infringement notice because of illness, particulars of the illness and a certificate, signed by the applicant’s doctor, relating to the illness;
(f) any other reason the applicant did not receive the relevant infringement notice.
(i) when the infringement notice offence allegedly happened; and
(ii) when the relevant infringement notice first came to the applicant’s attention;
sec.18
Additional particulars for default certificate
sec.18 Additional particulars for default certificate
For the Act , section 135 (h) , the following are additional particulars to be stated in a default certificate for an infringement notice offence—
when and where the offence is alleged to have happened;
the infringement notice number for the offence;
the infringement notice fine for the offence;
any other known particulars that help identify the alleged offender.
(a) when and where the offence is alleged to have happened;
(b) the infringement notice number for the offence;
(c) the infringement notice fine for the offence;
(d) any other known particulars that help identify the alleged offender.
sec.19
Section sec.19
s 19 om 2018 SL No. 52 s 4
pt.5A
Work and development orders
Work and development orders
sec.19AA
Remote areas— Act , s 32G
sec.19AA Remote areas— Act , s 32G
For the Act , section 32G (3) , definition remote area , an area of the State identified as remote Australia or very remote Australia under the document called ‘Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS): Volume 5 - Remoteness Structure’ published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics is prescribed.
s 19AA ins 2018 SL No. 52 s 5
sec.19AB
Mental illnesses— Act , s 32H
sec.19AB Mental illnesses— Act , s 32H
For section 32H (b) of the Act , mental illness has the meaning given by the Mental Health Act 2016 , section 10 .
s 19AB ins 2018 SL No. 52 s 5
sec.19AC
Substance use disorders— Act , s 32H
sec.19AC Substance use disorders— Act , s 32H
For section 32H (e) of the Act , a prescribed substance use disorder is a pattern of substance use evaluated as being moderate or severe under the DSM-5.
In this section—
DSM-5 means the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association.
s 19AC ins 2018 SL No. 52 s 5
(sec.19AC-ssec.1) For section 32H (e) of the Act , a prescribed substance use disorder is a pattern of substance use evaluated as being moderate or severe under the DSM-5.
(sec.19AC-ssec.2) In this section— DSM-5 means the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association.
sec.19AD
Supporting evidence for particular eligibility assessments— Act , s 165
sec.19AD Supporting evidence for particular eligibility assessments— Act , s 165
This section applies to an eligibility assessment for an individual who is unable to pay the enforceable amount of the individual’s SPER debt because the individual has a substance use disorder.
For section 165 (12) (c) of the Act , the eligibility assessment must include a document that includes details of—
the nature, severity and effects of the substance use disorder; and
how long the individual has had the substance use disorder.
s 19AD ins 2018 SL No. 52 s 5
(sec.19AD-ssec.1) This section applies to an eligibility assessment for an individual who is unable to pay the enforceable amount of the individual’s SPER debt because the individual has a substance use disorder.
(sec.19AD-ssec.2) For section 165 (12) (c) of the Act , the eligibility assessment must include a document that includes details of— the nature, severity and effects of the substance use disorder; and how long the individual has had the substance use disorder.
(a) the nature, severity and effects of the substance use disorder; and
(b) how long the individual has had the substance use disorder.
sec.19AE
Prescribed activity— Act , sch 2 , definition unpaid work
For the Act , schedule 2 , definition unpaid work , paragraph (b) , a prescribed activity is any activity performed by a person for an approved sponsor that does not result in a personal benefit to—
the sponsor; or
an associate of the sponsor; or
a relative of the sponsor; or
a person who supervises the person for the sponsor.
However, an activity performed by a person for an approved sponsor is not unpaid work if—
the activity is a function of regulated employment under the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 and the person does not hold a working with children clearance under that Act ; or
the sponsor is a funded non-government service provider or an NDIS non-government service provider under the Disability Services Act 2006 and the person does not hold a clearance given under that Act .
In this section—
associate , of a sponsor, means—
a representative of the sponsor; or
a person who conducts a business or undertaking with the sponsor.
relative see the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 , section 19 (2) to (5) .
representative , of a sponsor, means—
if the sponsor is a corporation—an executive officer, employee or agent of the sponsor; or
if the sponsor is an individual—an employee or agent of the sponsor.
s 19AE ins 2018 SL No. 52 s 5
amd 2024 Act No. 50 s 140 sch 1
(sec.19AE-ssec.1) For the Act , schedule 2 , definition unpaid work , paragraph (b) , a prescribed activity is any activity performed by a person for an approved sponsor that does not result in a personal benefit to— the sponsor; or an associate of the sponsor; or a relative of the sponsor; or a person who supervises the person for the sponsor.
(sec.19AE-ssec.2) However, an activity performed by a person for an approved sponsor is not unpaid work if— the activity is a function of regulated employment under the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 and the person does not hold a working with children clearance under that Act ; or the sponsor is a funded non-government service provider or an NDIS non-government service provider under the Disability Services Act 2006 and the person does not hold a clearance given under that Act .
(sec.19AE-ssec.3) In this section— associate , of a sponsor, means— a representative of the sponsor; or a person who conducts a business or undertaking with the sponsor. relative see the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 , section 19 (2) to (5) . representative , of a sponsor, means— if the sponsor is a corporation—an executive officer, employee or agent of the sponsor; or if the sponsor is an individual—an employee or agent of the sponsor.
(a) the sponsor; or
(b) an associate of the sponsor; or
(c) a relative of the sponsor; or
(d) a person who supervises the person for the sponsor.
(a) the activity is a function of regulated employment under the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 and the person does not hold a working with children clearance under that Act ; or
(b) the sponsor is a funded non-government service provider or an NDIS non-government service provider under the Disability Services Act 2006 and the person does not hold a clearance given under that Act .
(a) a representative of the sponsor; or
(b) a person who conducts a business or undertaking with the sponsor.
(a) if the sponsor is a corporation—an executive officer, employee or agent of the sponsor; or
(b) if the sponsor is an individual—an employee or agent of the sponsor.
sec.19AF
Amounts satisfied by work and development order— Act , s 165
sec.19AF Amounts satisfied by work and development order— Act , s 165
For section 165 (11) (c) of the Act , a person who undertakes an activity under a work and development order is taken to have satisfied the person’s SPER debt by the amount stated opposite the activity in schedule 1A .
For schedule 1A , if the person undertakes a medical or mental health treatment, drug or alcohol treatment or mentoring program for a month, the person’s SPER debt is reduced by the amount worked out using the formula—
where—
A means the number of hours the person undertakes for the month in the medical or mental health treatment, drug or alcohol treatment or mentoring program.
B means the number of hours the person was expected to undertake for the month in the medical or mental health treatment, drug or alcohol treatment or mentoring program.
However, a person’s SPER debt may not be satisfied under this section by more than $1,000 in a month.
s 19AF ins 2018 SL No. 52 s 5
(sec.19AF-ssec.1) For section 165 (11) (c) of the Act , a person who undertakes an activity under a work and development order is taken to have satisfied the person’s SPER debt by the amount stated opposite the activity in schedule 1A .
(sec.19AF-ssec.2) For schedule 1A , if the person undertakes a medical or mental health treatment, drug or alcohol treatment or mentoring program for a month, the person’s SPER debt is reduced by the amount worked out using the formula— where— A means the number of hours the person undertakes for the month in the medical or mental health treatment, drug or alcohol treatment or mentoring program. B means the number of hours the person was expected to undertake for the month in the medical or mental health treatment, drug or alcohol treatment or mentoring program.
(sec.19AF-ssec.3) However, a person’s SPER debt may not be satisfied under this section by more than $1,000 in a month.
pt.5B
Approved sponsors
Approved sponsors
pt.5B-div.1
Obtaining approvals
Obtaining approvals
sec.19AG
Application for approval
sec.19AG Application for approval
A person may apply to the registrar for the approval of the person, or a stated entity, as an approved sponsor for 1 or more types of work and development order.
The application must be made using the approved form.
s 19AG ins 2019 SL No. 216 s 3
(sec.19AG-ssec.1) A person may apply to the registrar for the approval of the person, or a stated entity, as an approved sponsor for 1 or more types of work and development order.
(sec.19AG-ssec.2) The application must be made using the approved form.
sec.19AH
Additional information
sec.19AH Additional information
The registrar may ask the applicant for additional information necessary to decide the application.
If the applicant does not comply with the request for additional information within the reasonable time stated in the request, the registrar may give the applicant a notice dismissing the application.
s 19AH ins 2019 SL No. 216 s 3
(sec.19AH-ssec.1) The registrar may ask the applicant for additional information necessary to decide the application.
(sec.19AH-ssec.2) If the applicant does not comply with the request for additional information within the reasonable time stated in the request, the registrar may give the applicant a notice dismissing the application.
sec.19AI
Eligibility to be approved sponsor
sec.19AI Eligibility to be approved sponsor
An individual is eligible to be an approved sponsor for a type of work and development order if—
the individual is able to appropriately carry out the functions of an approved sponsor as provided for under the Act , part 3B ; and
the individual is able to maintain public confidence in the integrity of the work and development order program; and
the individual, or a supervisor for the individual, has appropriate qualifications, training or relevant experience for the proposed activities; and
the individual has suitable insurance cover for the proposed activities; and
if the proposed activities are medical or mental health treatment—the individual is a health practitioner.
An entity, other than an individual, is eligible to be an approved sponsor for a type of work and development order if—
the entity is able to appropriately carry out the functions of an approved sponsor as provided for under the Act , part 3B ; and
the entity is able to maintain public confidence in the integrity of the work and development order program; and
the entity, or a supervisor for the entity, has appropriate qualifications, training or relevant experience for the proposed activities; and
the entity has suitable insurance cover for the proposed activities; and
the entity has—
a funding agreement relevant to the proposed activities; or
appropriate governance and a quality and risk management system that demonstrate the entity’s capacity to comply with a funding agreement relevant to the proposed activities; and
the entity has—
a complaints management and resolution system; and
an incident management system; and
if the entity is a for-profit organisation—the organisation’s objective, governance and funding are consistent with carrying out the functions of an approved sponsor; and
if the entity is a general practice—the persons providing proposed activities are health practitioners.
In this section—
funding agreement means a written agreement between an entity and a department or the Commonwealth government under which the department or Commonwealth government provides funding to the entity for the provision of a product or service to the community.
general practice means a business providing health services provided by health practitioners.
health practitioner see the Act , section 32G (3) .
proposed activities , for an entity as an approved sponsor, means the proposed activities for the types of work and development order for which the entity would be an approved sponsor.
supervisor , for an entity, means another entity who, on behalf of the entity, supervises an individual for the individual’s work and development order.
s 19AI ins 2019 SL No. 216 s 3
(sec.19AI-ssec.1) An individual is eligible to be an approved sponsor for a type of work and development order if— the individual is able to appropriately carry out the functions of an approved sponsor as provided for under the Act , part 3B ; and the individual is able to maintain public confidence in the integrity of the work and development order program; and the individual, or a supervisor for the individual, has appropriate qualifications, training or relevant experience for the proposed activities; and the individual has suitable insurance cover for the proposed activities; and if the proposed activities are medical or mental health treatment—the individual is a health practitioner.
(sec.19AI-ssec.2) An entity, other than an individual, is eligible to be an approved sponsor for a type of work and development order if— the entity is able to appropriately carry out the functions of an approved sponsor as provided for under the Act , part 3B ; and the entity is able to maintain public confidence in the integrity of the work and development order program; and the entity, or a supervisor for the entity, has appropriate qualifications, training or relevant experience for the proposed activities; and the entity has suitable insurance cover for the proposed activities; and the entity has— a funding agreement relevant to the proposed activities; or appropriate governance and a quality and risk management system that demonstrate the entity’s capacity to comply with a funding agreement relevant to the proposed activities; and the entity has— a complaints management and resolution system; and an incident management system; and if the entity is a for-profit organisation—the organisation’s objective, governance and funding are consistent with carrying out the functions of an approved sponsor; and if the entity is a general practice—the persons providing proposed activities are health practitioners.
(sec.19AI-ssec.3) In this section— funding agreement means a written agreement between an entity and a department or the Commonwealth government under which the department or Commonwealth government provides funding to the entity for the provision of a product or service to the community. general practice means a business providing health services provided by health practitioners. health practitioner see the Act , section 32G (3) . proposed activities , for an entity as an approved sponsor, means the proposed activities for the types of work and development order for which the entity would be an approved sponsor. supervisor , for an entity, means another entity who, on behalf of the entity, supervises an individual for the individual’s work and development order.
(a) the individual is able to appropriately carry out the functions of an approved sponsor as provided for under the Act , part 3B ; and
(b) the individual is able to maintain public confidence in the integrity of the work and development order program; and
(c) the individual, or a supervisor for the individual, has appropriate qualifications, training or relevant experience for the proposed activities; and
(d) the individual has suitable insurance cover for the proposed activities; and
(e) if the proposed activities are medical or mental health treatment—the individual is a health practitioner.
(a) the entity is able to appropriately carry out the functions of an approved sponsor as provided for under the Act , part 3B ; and
(b) the entity is able to maintain public confidence in the integrity of the work and development order program; and
(c) the entity, or a supervisor for the entity, has appropriate qualifications, training or relevant experience for the proposed activities; and
(d) the entity has suitable insurance cover for the proposed activities; and
(e) the entity has— (i) a funding agreement relevant to the proposed activities; or (ii) appropriate governance and a quality and risk management system that demonstrate the entity’s capacity to comply with a funding agreement relevant to the proposed activities; and
(i) a funding agreement relevant to the proposed activities; or
(ii) appropriate governance and a quality and risk management system that demonstrate the entity’s capacity to comply with a funding agreement relevant to the proposed activities; and
(f) the entity has— (i) a complaints management and resolution system; and (ii) an incident management system; and
(i) a complaints management and resolution system; and
(ii) an incident management system; and
(g) if the entity is a for-profit organisation—the organisation’s objective, governance and funding are consistent with carrying out the functions of an approved sponsor; and
(h) if the entity is a general practice—the persons providing proposed activities are health practitioners.
(i) a funding agreement relevant to the proposed activities; or
(ii) appropriate governance and a quality and risk management system that demonstrate the entity’s capacity to comply with a funding agreement relevant to the proposed activities; and
(i) a complaints management and resolution system; and
(ii) an incident management system; and
sec.19AJ
Decision on application
sec.19AJ Decision on application
The registrar must consider the application and decide to grant or refuse the application.
The registrar may grant the application only if satisfied the applicant is eligible to be an approved sponsor under section 19AI .
The registrar may refuse to grant the application if satisfied—
the applicant has not provided all the relevant information for the application; or
the application contains false or misleading information.
If the registrar grants the application, the registrar may also impose the additional conditions the registrar considers reasonable and relevant.
In this section—
additional conditions means conditions other than the statutory conditions imposed under section 19AL .
s 19AJ ins 2019 SL No. 216 s 3
(sec.19AJ-ssec.1) The registrar must consider the application and decide to grant or refuse the application.
(sec.19AJ-ssec.2) The registrar may grant the application only if satisfied the applicant is eligible to be an approved sponsor under section 19AI .
(sec.19AJ-ssec.3) The registrar may refuse to grant the application if satisfied— the applicant has not provided all the relevant information for the application; or the application contains false or misleading information.
(sec.19AJ-ssec.4) If the registrar grants the application, the registrar may also impose the additional conditions the registrar considers reasonable and relevant.
(sec.19AJ-ssec.5) In this section— additional conditions means conditions other than the statutory conditions imposed under section 19AL .
(a) the applicant has not provided all the relevant information for the application; or
(b) the application contains false or misleading information.
sec.19AK
Notice of decision
sec.19AK Notice of decision
As soon as practicable after the registrar decides to grant or refuse the application, the registrar must give the applicant written notice of the decision, including information about any additional conditions imposed on the approval.
The notice of the decision must comply with the QCAT Act , section 157 if the registrar decides to—
grant the application and impose additional conditions on the approval; or
refuse the application.
s 19AK ins 2019 SL No. 216 s 3
(sec.19AK-ssec.1) As soon as practicable after the registrar decides to grant or refuse the application, the registrar must give the applicant written notice of the decision, including information about any additional conditions imposed on the approval.
(sec.19AK-ssec.2) The notice of the decision must comply with the QCAT Act , section 157 if the registrar decides to— grant the application and impose additional conditions on the approval; or refuse the application.
(a) grant the application and impose additional conditions on the approval; or
(b) refuse the application.
pt.5B-div.2
Administration
Administration
sec.19AL
Statutory conditions for approval
sec.19AL Statutory conditions for approval
An approval as an approved sponsor is subject to the conditions that the approved sponsor must—
comply with the reporting requirements, relating to work and development orders, as notified by the registrar; and
comply with the record keeping requirements under section 19AN ; and
comply with all funding agreements applying to the sponsor and relevant to the proposed activities; and
maintain appropriate risk management arrangements for the relevant activities, including workplace health and safety policies and financial management accountability policies; and
maintain a complaints management and resolution system; and
comply with the Queensland privacy principles set out in the Information Privacy Act 2009 , schedule 3 ; and
report all reportable incidents to the registrar; and
report all real or perceived conflicts of interest for the sponsor to the registrar.
In this section—
conflicts of interest means a conflict of interest under section 19AP .
funding agreement means a written agreement between an entity and a department or the Commonwealth government under which the department or Commonwealth government provides funding to the entity for the provision of a product or service to the community.
relevant activities , for an entity as an approved sponsor, means the activities for the types of work and development order for which the entity is to be an approved sponsor.
reportable incident means an incident involving the death or serious injury of an individual while undertaking an activity or program for a work and development order.
s 19AL ins 2019 SL No. 216 s 3
amd 2025 SL No. 75 s 13 sch 2
(sec.19AL-ssec.1) An approval as an approved sponsor is subject to the conditions that the approved sponsor must— comply with the reporting requirements, relating to work and development orders, as notified by the registrar; and comply with the record keeping requirements under section 19AN ; and comply with all funding agreements applying to the sponsor and relevant to the proposed activities; and maintain appropriate risk management arrangements for the relevant activities, including workplace health and safety policies and financial management accountability policies; and maintain a complaints management and resolution system; and comply with the Queensland privacy principles set out in the Information Privacy Act 2009 , schedule 3 ; and report all reportable incidents to the registrar; and report all real or perceived conflicts of interest for the sponsor to the registrar.
(sec.19AL-ssec.2) In this section— conflicts of interest means a conflict of interest under section 19AP . funding agreement means a written agreement between an entity and a department or the Commonwealth government under which the department or Commonwealth government provides funding to the entity for the provision of a product or service to the community. relevant activities , for an entity as an approved sponsor, means the activities for the types of work and development order for which the entity is to be an approved sponsor. reportable incident means an incident involving the death or serious injury of an individual while undertaking an activity or program for a work and development order.
(a) comply with the reporting requirements, relating to work and development orders, as notified by the registrar; and
(b) comply with the record keeping requirements under section 19AN ; and
(c) comply with all funding agreements applying to the sponsor and relevant to the proposed activities; and
(d) maintain appropriate risk management arrangements for the relevant activities, including workplace health and safety policies and financial management accountability policies; and
(e) maintain a complaints management and resolution system; and
(f) comply with the Queensland privacy principles set out in the Information Privacy Act 2009 , schedule 3 ; and
(g) report all reportable incidents to the registrar; and
(h) report all real or perceived conflicts of interest for the sponsor to the registrar.
sec.19AM
Amending approvals
sec.19AM Amending approvals
The registrar may amend an approval of an approved sponsor with the agreement of the sponsor.
However, the registrar must not agree to an amendment if, because of the amended approval, the sponsor would not be eligible to be an approved sponsor under section 19AI .
s 19AM ins 2019 SL No. 216 s 3
(sec.19AM-ssec.1) The registrar may amend an approval of an approved sponsor with the agreement of the sponsor.
(sec.19AM-ssec.2) However, the registrar must not agree to an amendment if, because of the amended approval, the sponsor would not be eligible to be an approved sponsor under section 19AI .
sec.19AN
Record keeping by approved sponsors
sec.19AN Record keeping by approved sponsors
An approved sponsor must keep the following records—
proof of the identity of an individual on whose behalf the sponsor has applied for a work and development order;
the sponsor’s assessment of an individual’s eligibility to participate in a work and development order;
a record of the working with children clearances held by the sponsor and any supervisor for the approved sponsor.
Subsection (1) (a) does not apply to an individual who is a resident of remote and discrete Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community.
An approved sponsor must keep a record mentioned in subsection (1) for a period of 7 years after the completion, withdrawal or revocation of the work and development order to which the record relates.
In this section—
remote and discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community means—
the town of Coen; or
the local government area of Aurukun, Cherbourg, Doomadgee, Hope Vale, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Mapoon, Mornington, Mossman Gorge, Napranum, Northern Peninsula Area, Palm Island, Pormpuraaw, Torres, Torres Strait Island, Woorabinda, Wujal Wujal or Yarrabah.
supervisor , for an approved sponsor, means a person who, on behalf of the sponsor, supervises an individual for that individual’s work and development order.
working with children clearance see the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 , section 18A .
s 19AN ins 2019 SL No. 216 s 3
amd 2024 Act No. 50 s 140 sch 1
(sec.19AN-ssec.1) An approved sponsor must keep the following records— proof of the identity of an individual on whose behalf the sponsor has applied for a work and development order; the sponsor’s assessment of an individual’s eligibility to participate in a work and development order; a record of the working with children clearances held by the sponsor and any supervisor for the approved sponsor.
(sec.19AN-ssec.2) Subsection (1) (a) does not apply to an individual who is a resident of remote and discrete Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community.
(sec.19AN-ssec.3) An approved sponsor must keep a record mentioned in subsection (1) for a period of 7 years after the completion, withdrawal or revocation of the work and development order to which the record relates.
(sec.19AN-ssec.4) In this section— remote and discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community means— the town of Coen; or the local government area of Aurukun, Cherbourg, Doomadgee, Hope Vale, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Mapoon, Mornington, Mossman Gorge, Napranum, Northern Peninsula Area, Palm Island, Pormpuraaw, Torres, Torres Strait Island, Woorabinda, Wujal Wujal or Yarrabah. supervisor , for an approved sponsor, means a person who, on behalf of the sponsor, supervises an individual for that individual’s work and development order. working with children clearance see the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 , section 18A .
(a) proof of the identity of an individual on whose behalf the sponsor has applied for a work and development order;
(b) the sponsor’s assessment of an individual’s eligibility to participate in a work and development order;
(c) a record of the working with children clearances held by the sponsor and any supervisor for the approved sponsor.
(a) the town of Coen; or
(b) the local government area of Aurukun, Cherbourg, Doomadgee, Hope Vale, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Mapoon, Mornington, Mossman Gorge, Napranum, Northern Peninsula Area, Palm Island, Pormpuraaw, Torres, Torres Strait Island, Woorabinda, Wujal Wujal or Yarrabah.
sec.19AO
Auditing of records
sec.19AO Auditing of records
If requested by the registrar, an approved sponsor must give the registrar copies of all documents relevant to the work and development orders for which the sponsor is an approved sponsor.
An approved sponsor must give the registrar, or another person nominated by the registrar, access to all documents relevant to work and development orders for which the sponsor is the approved sponsor.
s 19AO ins 2019 SL No. 216 s 3
(sec.19AO-ssec.1) If requested by the registrar, an approved sponsor must give the registrar copies of all documents relevant to the work and development orders for which the sponsor is an approved sponsor.
(sec.19AO-ssec.2) An approved sponsor must give the registrar, or another person nominated by the registrar, access to all documents relevant to work and development orders for which the sponsor is the approved sponsor.
sec.19AP
Conflicts of interest
sec.19AP Conflicts of interest
A conflict of interest exists for an approved sponsor if—
any activity performed by a person for an approved sponsor, under a work and development order, results in a personal benefit to—
the sponsor; or
an associate of the sponsor; or
a relative of the sponsor; or
a person who supervises the person for the sponsor; or
the approved sponsor sponsors a work and development order for a person who is an associate, relative or employee of the sponsor.
s 19AP ins 2019 SL No. 216 s 3
(a) any activity performed by a person for an approved sponsor, under a work and development order, results in a personal benefit to— (i) the sponsor; or (ii) an associate of the sponsor; or (iii) a relative of the sponsor; or (iv) a person who supervises the person for the sponsor; or
(i) the sponsor; or
(ii) an associate of the sponsor; or
(iii) a relative of the sponsor; or
(iv) a person who supervises the person for the sponsor; or
(b) the approved sponsor sponsors a work and development order for a person who is an associate, relative or employee of the sponsor.
(i) the sponsor; or
(ii) an associate of the sponsor; or
(iii) a relative of the sponsor; or
(iv) a person who supervises the person for the sponsor; or
sec.19AQ
Voluntary surrender of approval
sec.19AQ Voluntary surrender of approval
The holder of an approval as an approved sponsor may surrender the approval by written notice given to the registrar.
The surrender takes effect—
on the day the notice is given; or
if a later day is stated in the notice, on the later day.
s 19AQ ins 2019 SL No. 216 s 3
(sec.19AQ-ssec.1) The holder of an approval as an approved sponsor may surrender the approval by written notice given to the registrar.
(sec.19AQ-ssec.2) The surrender takes effect— on the day the notice is given; or if a later day is stated in the notice, on the later day.
(a) on the day the notice is given; or
(b) if a later day is stated in the notice, on the later day.
sec.19AR
Approval not transferable
sec.19AR Approval not transferable
An approval as an approved sponsor can not be assigned or transferred.
s 19AR ins 2019 SL No. 216 s 3
pt.5B-div.3
Disciplinary action
Disciplinary action
sec.19AS
Definitions for division
sec.19AS Definitions for division
In this division—
show cause notice see section 19AU (2) .
show cause period see section 19AU (2) (d) .
written representation means a written representation made in response to a show cause notice.
s 19AS ins 2019 SL No. 216 s 3
sec.19AT
Grounds for suspension or cancellation
sec.19AT Grounds for suspension or cancellation
Each of the following is a ground for suspending or cancelling the approval of an approved sponsor—
the sponsor has failed to, or is no longer able to, comply with a condition of the approval;
the approved sponsor, or an agent of the sponsor, has contravened the Act or this regulation;
if the approved sponsor is an individual—the individual is an insolvent under administration;
if the approved sponsor is a company—the company is a Chapter 5 body corporate under Corporations Act , section 9 ;
the approval was granted because of false or misleading information;
the approved sponsor has ceased to provide the activities relevant to the approval;
having regard to the conduct of the approved sponsor, or an agent of the approved sponsor, the continuation of the sponsor’s approval is likely to undermine the public’s confidence in the integrity of the work and development order program;
a conflict of interest exists for the approved sponsor under section 19AP .
s 19AT ins 2019 SL No. 216 s 3
amd 2023 Act No. 23 s 247 sch 1 s 2 (3)
(a) the sponsor has failed to, or is no longer able to, comply with a condition of the approval;
(b) the approved sponsor, or an agent of the sponsor, has contravened the Act or this regulation;
(c) if the approved sponsor is an individual—the individual is an insolvent under administration;
(d) if the approved sponsor is a company—the company is a Chapter 5 body corporate under Corporations Act , section 9 ;
(e) the approval was granted because of false or misleading information;
(f) the approved sponsor has ceased to provide the activities relevant to the approval;
(g) having regard to the conduct of the approved sponsor, or an agent of the approved sponsor, the continuation of the sponsor’s approval is likely to undermine the public’s confidence in the integrity of the work and development order program;
(h) a conflict of interest exists for the approved sponsor under section 19AP .
sec.19AU
Show cause notice
sec.19AU Show cause notice
This section applies if the registrar reasonably believes a ground exists to suspend or cancel the approval of an approved sponsor.
The registrar may give the approved sponsor a notice (a show cause notice ) stating the following—
the registrar proposes to suspend or cancel the approval (the proposed action );
the grounds for the proposed action;
an outline of the facts and circumstances forming the basis for the grounds;
an invitation to the approved sponsor to make a written representation to the registrar, within 28 days after being given the notice (the show cause period ), to show why the proposed action should not be taken.
s 19AU ins 2019 SL No. 216 s 3
(sec.19AU-ssec.1) This section applies if the registrar reasonably believes a ground exists to suspend or cancel the approval of an approved sponsor.
(sec.19AU-ssec.2) The registrar may give the approved sponsor a notice (a show cause notice ) stating the following— the registrar proposes to suspend or cancel the approval (the proposed action ); the grounds for the proposed action; an outline of the facts and circumstances forming the basis for the grounds; an invitation to the approved sponsor to make a written representation to the registrar, within 28 days after being given the notice (the show cause period ), to show why the proposed action should not be taken.
(a) the registrar proposes to suspend or cancel the approval (the proposed action );
(b) the grounds for the proposed action;
(c) an outline of the facts and circumstances forming the basis for the grounds;
(d) an invitation to the approved sponsor to make a written representation to the registrar, within 28 days after being given the notice (the show cause period ), to show why the proposed action should not be taken.
sec.19AV
Representations responding to show cause notice
sec.19AV Representations responding to show cause notice
The registrar must consider all written representations made to the registrar within the show cause period.
s 19AV ins 2019 SL No. 216 s 3
sec.19AW
Ending show cause process without further action
sec.19AW Ending show cause process without further action
This section applies if, after considering the written representations made to the registrar within the show cause period, the registrar no longer believes a ground exists to suspend or cancel the approval.
The registrar must not take further action in relation to the show cause notice.
The registrar must give the approved sponsor written notice that no further action is to be taken in relation to the show cause notice as soon as practicable after the registrar forms the belief.
s 19AW ins 2019 SL No. 216 s 3
(sec.19AW-ssec.1) This section applies if, after considering the written representations made to the registrar within the show cause period, the registrar no longer believes a ground exists to suspend or cancel the approval.
(sec.19AW-ssec.2) The registrar must not take further action in relation to the show cause notice.
(sec.19AW-ssec.3) The registrar must give the approved sponsor written notice that no further action is to be taken in relation to the show cause notice as soon as practicable after the registrar forms the belief.
sec.19AX
Suspension or cancellation of approval
sec.19AX Suspension or cancellation of approval
If, after considering the written representations made to the registrar within the show cause period, the registrar believes a ground exists to suspend or cancel the approval, the registrar may decide to—
require the approved sponsor take remedial action to address the grounds for suspension or cancellation within a stated period; or
suspend the approval for a stated period of time of not more than 3 months; or
cancel the approval.
The registrar must, as soon as practicable after making the decision, give written notice of the decision to the approved sponsor.
The notice of the decision must comply with the QCAT Act , section 157 if the registrar decides to take any action mentioned in subsection (1) .
If the approved sponsor does not take the remedial action, to the satisfaction of the registrar, within the stated period, the approval is cancelled from the day after the period ends.
s 19AX ins 2019 SL No. 216 s 3
(sec.19AX-ssec.1) If, after considering the written representations made to the registrar within the show cause period, the registrar believes a ground exists to suspend or cancel the approval, the registrar may decide to— require the approved sponsor take remedial action to address the grounds for suspension or cancellation within a stated period; or suspend the approval for a stated period of time of not more than 3 months; or cancel the approval.
(sec.19AX-ssec.2) The registrar must, as soon as practicable after making the decision, give written notice of the decision to the approved sponsor.
(sec.19AX-ssec.3) The notice of the decision must comply with the QCAT Act , section 157 if the registrar decides to take any action mentioned in subsection (1) .
(sec.19AX-ssec.4) If the approved sponsor does not take the remedial action, to the satisfaction of the registrar, within the stated period, the approval is cancelled from the day after the period ends.
(a) require the approved sponsor take remedial action to address the grounds for suspension or cancellation within a stated period; or
(b) suspend the approval for a stated period of time of not more than 3 months; or
(c) cancel the approval.
sec.19AY
Immediate suspension
sec.19AY Immediate suspension
This section applies if the registrar reasonably believes—
a ground exists for suspending or cancelling an approved sponsor’s approval under section 19AT ; and
the approved sponsor’s approval must be suspended immediately to—
ensure the integrity of the work and development order program is not jeopardised; or
remove an immediate and unacceptable risk that the approved sponsor will not comply with an obligation under the Act or this regulation.
The registrar may decide to immediately suspend the approved sponsor’s approval.
If the registrar decides to immediately suspend the approved sponsor’s approval, the registrar must give the approved sponsor written notice of the suspension and the grounds of the suspension.
A suspension under this section—
starts immediately after the approved sponsor is given the notice of the suspension; and
ends on the earliest of the following—
the day that is 3 months after the day on which the suspension started;
the day a notice is given to the approved sponsor ending the suspension under subsection (5) .
If, during the suspension, the registrar no longer believes the approved sponsor’s approval should be suspended, the registrar must end the suspension by giving notice to the approved sponsor.
s 19AY ins 2019 SL No. 216 s 3
(sec.19AY-ssec.1) This section applies if the registrar reasonably believes— a ground exists for suspending or cancelling an approved sponsor’s approval under section 19AT ; and the approved sponsor’s approval must be suspended immediately to— ensure the integrity of the work and development order program is not jeopardised; or remove an immediate and unacceptable risk that the approved sponsor will not comply with an obligation under the Act or this regulation.
(sec.19AY-ssec.2) The registrar may decide to immediately suspend the approved sponsor’s approval.
(sec.19AY-ssec.3) If the registrar decides to immediately suspend the approved sponsor’s approval, the registrar must give the approved sponsor written notice of the suspension and the grounds of the suspension.
(sec.19AY-ssec.4) A suspension under this section— starts immediately after the approved sponsor is given the notice of the suspension; and ends on the earliest of the following— the day that is 3 months after the day on which the suspension started; the day a notice is given to the approved sponsor ending the suspension under subsection (5) .
(sec.19AY-ssec.5) If, during the suspension, the registrar no longer believes the approved sponsor’s approval should be suspended, the registrar must end the suspension by giving notice to the approved sponsor.
(a) a ground exists for suspending or cancelling an approved sponsor’s approval under section 19AT ; and
(b) the approved sponsor’s approval must be suspended immediately to— (i) ensure the integrity of the work and development order program is not jeopardised; or (ii) remove an immediate and unacceptable risk that the approved sponsor will not comply with an obligation under the Act or this regulation.
(i) ensure the integrity of the work and development order program is not jeopardised; or
(ii) remove an immediate and unacceptable risk that the approved sponsor will not comply with an obligation under the Act or this regulation.
(i) ensure the integrity of the work and development order program is not jeopardised; or
(ii) remove an immediate and unacceptable risk that the approved sponsor will not comply with an obligation under the Act or this regulation.
(a) starts immediately after the approved sponsor is given the notice of the suspension; and
(b) ends on the earliest of the following— (i) the day that is 3 months after the day on which the suspension started; (ii) the day a notice is given to the approved sponsor ending the suspension under subsection (5) .
(i) the day that is 3 months after the day on which the suspension started;
(ii) the day a notice is given to the approved sponsor ending the suspension under subsection (5) .
(i) the day that is 3 months after the day on which the suspension started;
(ii) the day a notice is given to the approved sponsor ending the suspension under subsection (5) .
pt.5B-div.4
External review
External review
sec.19AZ
External review of decisions under this part
sec.19AZ External review of decisions under this part
This section applies to a person entitled to be given notice of any of the following decisions—
a decision, to grant an application for an approval as an approved sponsor, imposing an additional condition on the approval under section 19AJ ;
a decision to refuse to grant an application for an approval as an approved sponsor under section 19AJ ;
a decision to require the approved sponsor take remedial action under section 19AX ;
a decision to suspend or cancel an approval under section 19AX .
The person may apply, as provided under the QCAT Act , to QCAT for a review of the decision.
s 19AZ ins 2019 SL No. 216 s 3
(sec.19AZ-ssec.1) This section applies to a person entitled to be given notice of any of the following decisions— a decision, to grant an application for an approval as an approved sponsor, imposing an additional condition on the approval under section 19AJ ; a decision to refuse to grant an application for an approval as an approved sponsor under section 19AJ ; a decision to require the approved sponsor take remedial action under section 19AX ; a decision to suspend or cancel an approval under section 19AX .
(sec.19AZ-ssec.2) The person may apply, as provided under the QCAT Act , to QCAT for a review of the decision.
(a) a decision, to grant an application for an approval as an approved sponsor, imposing an additional condition on the approval under section 19AJ ;
(b) a decision to refuse to grant an application for an approval as an approved sponsor under section 19AJ ;
(c) a decision to require the approved sponsor take remedial action under section 19AX ;
(d) a decision to suspend or cancel an approval under section 19AX .
pt.6
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous
sec.19A
Serving infringement notices by electronic communication— Act , s 158
sec.19A Serving infringement notices by electronic communication— Act , s 158
This section applies if—
an authorised person may serve an infringement notice for an offence on a person (the relevant person ) under section 13 or 14 of the Act ; and
the relevant person consents to being served with the infringement notice by way of the authorised person using electronic communication to send the notice to a unique electronic address nominated by the relevant person.
A consent that in substance satisfies subsection (1) (b) is sufficient for the subsection.
For section 158 (1) (d) of the Act , the infringement notice may be served on the relevant person by the authorised person sending the notice by electronic communication to the unique electronic address nominated by the relevant person.
For section 158 (3) (b) of the Act , the day prescribed for the method of service stated in subsection (3) is the day the authorised person sends the infringement notice to the unique electronic address.
In this section—
unique electronic address , for a person, means a fixed designation on a communication network assigned to the person for the purpose of the person receiving information.
an email address, mobile phone number or user account
s 19A ins 2016 SL No. 55 s 3
amd 2018 SL No. 52 s 6
(sec.19A-ssec.1) This section applies if— an authorised person may serve an infringement notice for an offence on a person (the relevant person ) under section 13 or 14 of the Act ; and the relevant person consents to being served with the infringement notice by way of the authorised person using electronic communication to send the notice to a unique electronic address nominated by the relevant person.
(sec.19A-ssec.2) A consent that in substance satisfies subsection (1) (b) is sufficient for the subsection.
(sec.19A-ssec.3) For section 158 (1) (d) of the Act , the infringement notice may be served on the relevant person by the authorised person sending the notice by electronic communication to the unique electronic address nominated by the relevant person.
(sec.19A-ssec.4) For section 158 (3) (b) of the Act , the day prescribed for the method of service stated in subsection (3) is the day the authorised person sends the infringement notice to the unique electronic address.
(sec.19A-ssec.5) In this section— unique electronic address , for a person, means a fixed designation on a communication network assigned to the person for the purpose of the person receiving information. an email address, mobile phone number or user account
(a) an authorised person may serve an infringement notice for an offence on a person (the relevant person ) under section 13 or 14 of the Act ; and
(b) the relevant person consents to being served with the infringement notice by way of the authorised person using electronic communication to send the notice to a unique electronic address nominated by the relevant person.
sec.19B
Serving infringement notices by post— Act , s 158
sec.19B Serving infringement notices by post— Act , s 158
This section applies if—
an authorised person may serve an infringement notice for an infringement notice offence on a person under section 13 of the Act ; and
the offence does not involve a vehicle.
For section 158 (1) (d) of the Act , the infringement notice may be served on the person by the authorised person sending the notice by post to the postal address of the person.
For section 158 (3) (b) of the Act , the day prescribed for the method of service stated in subsection (2) is the day the infringement notice would be delivered in the ordinary course of post.
s 19B ins 2018 SL No. 52 s 7
(sec.19B-ssec.1) This section applies if— an authorised person may serve an infringement notice for an infringement notice offence on a person under section 13 of the Act ; and the offence does not involve a vehicle.
(sec.19B-ssec.2) For section 158 (1) (d) of the Act , the infringement notice may be served on the person by the authorised person sending the notice by post to the postal address of the person.
(sec.19B-ssec.3) For section 158 (3) (b) of the Act , the day prescribed for the method of service stated in subsection (2) is the day the infringement notice would be delivered in the ordinary course of post.
(a) an authorised person may serve an infringement notice for an infringement notice offence on a person under section 13 of the Act ; and
(b) the offence does not involve a vehicle.
sec.20
Delegation of prescribed functions
sec.20 Delegation of prescribed functions
For section 10C (3) of the Act , the registrar may delegate the following functions and powers to a service contractor—
the powers and functions of the registrar under section 24 of the Act ;
the powers and functions of the registrar under section 42 of the Act .
(a) the powers and functions of the registrar under section 24 of the Act ;
(b) the powers and functions of the registrar under section 42 of the Act .
sec.20AA
Entities for information-sharing arrangements— Act , s 134K
sec.20AA Entities for information-sharing arrangements— Act , s 134K
For section 134K (1) of the Act , each of the following entities is prescribed—
the department administering the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 ;
the Residential Tenancies Authority established under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 , section 465 .
s 20AA ins 2021 SL No. 79 s 3
(a) the department administering the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 ;
(b) the Residential Tenancies Authority established under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 , section 465 .
sec.20AB
Decisions not to be generated by information system— Act , s 151
sec.20AB Decisions not to be generated by information system— Act , s 151
For section 151 (1) (c) of the Act , the following decisions of the registrar are prescribed—
a decision under section 32Q (3) of the Act about the revocation of a work and development order;
a decision under section 52 (2) , 107 (3) or 119 (3) of the Act to issue an arrest and imprisonment warrant;
a decision under section 57 (1) of the Act to cancel an enforcement order;
a decision to issue an enforcement warrant mentioned in section 63 (2) (a) of the Act ;
a decision under section 64 (3) of the Act to cancel, suspend or vary an enforcement warrant;
a decision under section 108D of the Act to issue an immobilisation warrant;
a decision under section 108E (3) of the Act to cancel, suspend or vary an immobilisation warrant.
s 20AB ins 2021 SL No. 79 s 3
(a) a decision under section 32Q (3) of the Act about the revocation of a work and development order;
(b) a decision under section 52 (2) , 107 (3) or 119 (3) of the Act to issue an arrest and imprisonment warrant;
(c) a decision under section 57 (1) of the Act to cancel an enforcement order;
(d) a decision to issue an enforcement warrant mentioned in section 63 (2) (a) of the Act ;
(e) a decision under section 64 (3) of the Act to cancel, suspend or vary an enforcement warrant;
(f) a decision under section 108D of the Act to issue an immobilisation warrant;
(g) a decision under section 108E (3) of the Act to cancel, suspend or vary an immobilisation warrant.
sec.20A
Administrative charge— Act , s 102
sec.20A Administrative charge— Act , s 102
For section 102 (1) (b) of the Act , the amount prescribed for an administrative cost of complying with a fine collection notice is $13.
The amount prescribed may be charged for each amount deducted from an enforcement debtor’s account.
s 20A ins 2018 SL No. 52 s 7
(sec.20A-ssec.1) For section 102 (1) (b) of the Act , the amount prescribed for an administrative cost of complying with a fine collection notice is $13.
(sec.20A-ssec.2) The amount prescribed may be charged for each amount deducted from an enforcement debtor’s account.
sec.20B
Protected amount— Act , ss 102 and 103C
sec.20B Protected amount— Act , ss 102 and 103C
For sections 102 (2) (b) and 103C (3) (b) of the Act , the amount prescribed as the protected amount is the protected earnings rate for a 1-week period.
s 20B ins 2018 SL No. 52 s 7
sec.20C
Administrative cost— Act , s 103C
sec.20C Administrative cost— Act , s 103C
For section 103C (5) of the Act , the amount prescribed for an administrative cost of complying with a fine collection notice is $13.
However, if a financial institution deducts amounts from 2 or more accounts of the enforcement debtor—
the amount prescribed under subsection (1) applies only to 1 account of the enforcement debtor; and
the amount prescribed for the other accounts of the enforcement debtor is $0.
s 20C ins 2018 SL No. 52 s 7
(sec.20C-ssec.1) For section 103C (5) of the Act , the amount prescribed for an administrative cost of complying with a fine collection notice is $13.
(sec.20C-ssec.2) However, if a financial institution deducts amounts from 2 or more accounts of the enforcement debtor— the amount prescribed under subsection (1) applies only to 1 account of the enforcement debtor; and the amount prescribed for the other accounts of the enforcement debtor is $0.
(a) the amount prescribed under subsection (1) applies only to 1 account of the enforcement debtor; and
(b) the amount prescribed for the other accounts of the enforcement debtor is $0.
sec.21
Minimum amount owing prescribed for vehicle immobilisation
sec.21 Minimum amount owing prescribed for vehicle immobilisation
For section 108A (c) of the Act , the prescribed amount is $5,000.
sec.22
Warrant issue fee
sec.22 Warrant issue fee
For section 119 (5) of the Act , the warrant issue fee is 123.65 fee units.
s 22 amd 2015 SL No. 45 s 14 ; 2016 SL No. 88 s 13 ; 2017 SL No. 106 s 14 ; 2018 SL No. 65 s 13 ; 2019 SL No. 112 s 22 ; 2020 SL No. 116 s 12 ; 2021 SL No. 60 s 13 ; 2022 SL No. 53 s 15
sec.23
Civil enforcement fee
sec.23 Civil enforcement fee
For the Act , schedule 2 , definition civil enforcement fee , the fee prescribed for part 5 of the Act is 123.65 fee units.
s 23 amd 2015 SL No. 45 s 15 ; 2016 SL No. 88 s 14 ; 2017 SL No. 106 s 15 ; 2018 SL No. 65 s 14 ; 2019 SL No. 112 s 23 ; 2020 SL No. 116 s 12 ; 2021 SL No. 60 s 13 ; 2022 SL No. 53 s 15
sec.24
Cut-out rate
sec.24 Cut-out rate
For the Act , schedule 2 , definition cut-out rate , paragraphs (b) , (d) and (e) , the cut-out rate is the amount equal to the prescribed penalty unit value.
In this section—
prescribed penalty unit value means the value of 1 penalty unit under the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 , section 5 (1) (a) (i) .
s 24 amd 2018 SL No. 52 s 8
(sec.24-ssec.1) For the Act , schedule 2 , definition cut-out rate , paragraphs (b) , (d) and (e) , the cut-out rate is the amount equal to the prescribed penalty unit value.
(sec.24-ssec.2) In this section— prescribed penalty unit value means the value of 1 penalty unit under the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 , section 5 (1) (a) (i) .
sec.25
Minimum instalment
sec.25 Minimum instalment
For the Act , schedule 2 , definition minimum instalment , the minimum amount a person who may pay an amount by instalments must pay is—
for the first instalment—$60; and
for each subsequent instalment—
$30 for each fortnight, regardless of the frequency at which instalments must be paid; or
the amount remaining to be paid, if it is less than $30.
If the instalment payment notice requires instalments to be paid every 4 weeks, the minimum instalment for each 4 weeks is $60.
(a) for the first instalment—$60; and
(b) for each subsequent instalment— (i) $30 for each fortnight, regardless of the frequency at which instalments must be paid; or (ii) the amount remaining to be paid, if it is less than $30. Example for paragraph (b) (i) — If the instalment payment notice requires instalments to be paid every 4 weeks, the minimum instalment for each 4 weeks is $60.
(i) $30 for each fortnight, regardless of the frequency at which instalments must be paid; or
(ii) the amount remaining to be paid, if it is less than $30.
(i) $30 for each fortnight, regardless of the frequency at which instalments must be paid; or
(ii) the amount remaining to be paid, if it is less than $30.
sec.26
Prescribed management fee— Act , s 24
sec.26 Prescribed management fee— Act , s 24
For the Act , section 24 (5) , the management fee is 1% of each instalment paid to SPER.
sec.27
Registration fee
sec.27 Registration fee
For the Act , schedule 2 , definition registration fee , the fee for registering an unpaid amount under the Act is 73.80 fee units.
s 27 amd 2015 SL No. 45 s 16 ; 2016 SL No. 88 s 15 ; 2017 SL No. 106 s 16 ; 2018 SL No. 65 s 15 ; 2019 SL No. 112 s 24 ; 2020 SL No. 116 s 13 ; 2021 SL No. 60 s 14 ; 2022 SL No. 53 s 16
sec.28
Threshold amount
sec.28 Threshold amount
For the Act , schedule 2 , definition threshold amount , the amount at or above which a person may apply to an administering authority for approval to pay an infringement notice fine by instalments is $200.
sec.28A
Waiver or return of fees for enforcement orders— Act , s 150AA
sec.28A Waiver or return of fees for enforcement orders— Act , s 150AA
This section applies if an enforcement order is issued against a person in relation to an infringement notice offence.
The registrar may waive or return all or part of a fee payable by the person for the enforcement order if—
within 28 days of the date of the enforcement order, the person applies to SPER under section 42 of the Act ; and
the registrar approves the application; and
the registrar is satisfied—
the fine for the relevant infringement notice offence is less than the threshold amount; and
the person is unable to pay the amount stated in the infringement notice because the person is experiencing financial hardship.
Without limiting subsection (2) , the registrar may waive or return all or part of a fee payable by the person for the enforcement order if—
the person and an approved sponsor enter an agreement mentioned in section 32J (1) or 32O (1) of the Act within 28 days of the date of the infringement notice; and
an application is made on behalf of the person under section 32J (1) or 32O (1) of the Act .
s 28A ins 2018 SL No. 52 s 9
(sec.28A-ssec.1) This section applies if an enforcement order is issued against a person in relation to an infringement notice offence.
(sec.28A-ssec.2) The registrar may waive or return all or part of a fee payable by the person for the enforcement order if— within 28 days of the date of the enforcement order, the person applies to SPER under section 42 of the Act ; and the registrar approves the application; and the registrar is satisfied— the fine for the relevant infringement notice offence is less than the threshold amount; and the person is unable to pay the amount stated in the infringement notice because the person is experiencing financial hardship.
(sec.28A-ssec.3) Without limiting subsection (2) , the registrar may waive or return all or part of a fee payable by the person for the enforcement order if— the person and an approved sponsor enter an agreement mentioned in section 32J (1) or 32O (1) of the Act within 28 days of the date of the infringement notice; and an application is made on behalf of the person under section 32J (1) or 32O (1) of the Act .
(a) within 28 days of the date of the enforcement order, the person applies to SPER under section 42 of the Act ; and
(b) the registrar approves the application; and
(c) the registrar is satisfied— (i) the fine for the relevant infringement notice offence is less than the threshold amount; and (ii) the person is unable to pay the amount stated in the infringement notice because the person is experiencing financial hardship.
(i) the fine for the relevant infringement notice offence is less than the threshold amount; and
(ii) the person is unable to pay the amount stated in the infringement notice because the person is experiencing financial hardship.
(i) the fine for the relevant infringement notice offence is less than the threshold amount; and
(ii) the person is unable to pay the amount stated in the infringement notice because the person is experiencing financial hardship.
(a) the person and an approved sponsor enter an agreement mentioned in section 32J (1) or 32O (1) of the Act within 28 days of the date of the infringement notice; and
(b) an application is made on behalf of the person under section 32J (1) or 32O (1) of the Act .
sec.29
Expenses for attendance— Act , s 134D
sec.29 Expenses for attendance— Act , s 134D
The following expenses are prescribed for section 134D (7) of the Act —
the expenses incurred by a person for—
travelling to and from the place the person is required to attend; or
accommodation and meals if the person is necessarily absent from the person’s place of residence to attend the place the person is required to attend;
any loss of earnings or additional expenses incurred by a person during the person’s absence from the person’s place of residence to attend the place the person is required to attend.
The amount of the expenses to be paid to the person is the amount payable under the Uniform Civil Procedure (Fees) Regulation 2019 , part 3 , as—
for expenses mentioned in subsection (1) (a) (i) —a travelling allowance; or
for expenses mentioned in subsection (1) (a) (ii) —an accommodation allowance; or
for expenses mentioned in subsection (1) (b) —an attendance allowance.
For subsection (2) (a) , a reference in the Uniform Civil Procedure (Fees) Regulation 2019 , part 3 , to the court is taken to be a reference to the place the person is required to attend.
s 29 amd 2018 SL No. 52 s 10 ; 2019 SL No. 168 s 37 sch 5
(sec.29-ssec.1) The following expenses are prescribed for section 134D (7) of the Act — the expenses incurred by a person for— travelling to and from the place the person is required to attend; or accommodation and meals if the person is necessarily absent from the person’s place of residence to attend the place the person is required to attend; any loss of earnings or additional expenses incurred by a person during the person’s absence from the person’s place of residence to attend the place the person is required to attend.
(sec.29-ssec.2) The amount of the expenses to be paid to the person is the amount payable under the Uniform Civil Procedure (Fees) Regulation 2019 , part 3 , as— for expenses mentioned in subsection (1) (a) (i) —a travelling allowance; or for expenses mentioned in subsection (1) (a) (ii) —an accommodation allowance; or for expenses mentioned in subsection (1) (b) —an attendance allowance.
(sec.29-ssec.3) For subsection (2) (a) , a reference in the Uniform Civil Procedure (Fees) Regulation 2019 , part 3 , to the court is taken to be a reference to the place the person is required to attend.
(a) the expenses incurred by a person for— (i) travelling to and from the place the person is required to attend; or (ii) accommodation and meals if the person is necessarily absent from the person’s place of residence to attend the place the person is required to attend;
(i) travelling to and from the place the person is required to attend; or
(ii) accommodation and meals if the person is necessarily absent from the person’s place of residence to attend the place the person is required to attend;
(b) any loss of earnings or additional expenses incurred by a person during the person’s absence from the person’s place of residence to attend the place the person is required to attend.
(i) travelling to and from the place the person is required to attend; or
(ii) accommodation and meals if the person is necessarily absent from the person’s place of residence to attend the place the person is required to attend;
(a) for expenses mentioned in subsection (1) (a) (i) —a travelling allowance; or
(b) for expenses mentioned in subsection (1) (a) (ii) —an accommodation allowance; or
(c) for expenses mentioned in subsection (1) (b) —an attendance allowance.
sec.29A
Enforcement costs— Act , s 149
sec.29A Enforcement costs— Act , s 149
For section 149 of the Act , the following types of cost are prescribed—
work of the type usually performed by a locksmith;
towing or otherwise transporting a vehicle;
impounding a vehicle;
storing or securing property;
insurance;
selling property, including any of the following—
engaging an agent;
advertising;
preparation for sale;
commission.
s 29A ins 2022 Act No. 10 s 46
(a) work of the type usually performed by a locksmith;
(b) towing or otherwise transporting a vehicle;
(c) impounding a vehicle;
(d) storing or securing property;
(e) insurance;
(f) selling property, including any of the following— (i) engaging an agent; (ii) advertising; (iii) preparation for sale; (iv) commission.
(i) engaging an agent;
(ii) advertising;
(iii) preparation for sale;
(iv) commission.
(i) engaging an agent;
(ii) advertising;
(iii) preparation for sale;
(iv) commission.
pt.7
Transitional provisions
Transitional provisions
pt.7-div.1
Transitional provision for SL No. 177 of 2014
Transitional provision for SL No. 177 of 2014
sec.30
Particular expired infringement notice offences committed before commencement
sec.30 Particular expired infringement notice offences committed before commencement
This section applies in relation to the commission by a person of an offence if—
at the time of the commission, the offence was prescribed under the expired regulation as an infringement notice offence for an Act (the relevant Act ); and
the offence is not prescribed under this regulation as an infringement notice offence.
The offence is prescribed as an infringement notice offence for the relevant Act and, for that purpose—
the fine payable for the offence is the fine payable for the offence under the expired regulation at the time of the commission of the offence; and
the previous administering authority for the offence is the administering authority for the offence; and
a previous authorised person for the offence is an authorised person for the offence.
Subsection (2) does not limit the application of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 20.
In this section—
expired regulation means the State Penalties Enforcement Regulation 2000 as in force before its expiry.
previous administering authority , for an offence, means the administering authority for the offence under the expired regulation immediately before its expiry.
previous authorised person , for an offence, means an authorised person for the offence under the expired regulation immediately before its expiry.
(sec.30-ssec.1) This section applies in relation to the commission by a person of an offence if— at the time of the commission, the offence was prescribed under the expired regulation as an infringement notice offence for an Act (the relevant Act ); and the offence is not prescribed under this regulation as an infringement notice offence.
(sec.30-ssec.2) The offence is prescribed as an infringement notice offence for the relevant Act and, for that purpose— the fine payable for the offence is the fine payable for the offence under the expired regulation at the time of the commission of the offence; and the previous administering authority for the offence is the administering authority for the offence; and a previous authorised person for the offence is an authorised person for the offence.
(sec.30-ssec.3) Subsection (2) does not limit the application of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 20.
(sec.30-ssec.4) In this section— expired regulation means the State Penalties Enforcement Regulation 2000 as in force before its expiry. previous administering authority , for an offence, means the administering authority for the offence under the expired regulation immediately before its expiry. previous authorised person , for an offence, means an authorised person for the offence under the expired regulation immediately before its expiry.
(a) at the time of the commission, the offence was prescribed under the expired regulation as an infringement notice offence for an Act (the relevant Act ); and
(b) the offence is not prescribed under this regulation as an infringement notice offence.
(a) the fine payable for the offence is the fine payable for the offence under the expired regulation at the time of the commission of the offence; and
(b) the previous administering authority for the offence is the administering authority for the offence; and
(c) a previous authorised person for the offence is an authorised person for the offence.
pt.7-div.2
Transitional provision for State Penalties Enforcement (Modernisation) Amendment Act 2022
Transitional provision for State Penalties Enforcement (Modernisation) Amendment Act 2022
sec.31
Infringement notices served before change of administering authority
sec.31 Infringement notices served before change of administering authority
This section applies in relation to an infringement notice for an offence served on a person if—
when the notice was served, an entity (the first entity ) was prescribed by this regulation to be the administering authority for the infringement notice or offence; and
the notice stated that the person must or may—
pay a fine to the first entity; or
make an election or application to the first entity; or
give a declaration or other document to the first entity; and
after the notice was served, a 2022 Act amendment commenced and another entity (the second entity ) became the administering authority for the infringement notice or offence.
From the commencement of the 2022 Act amendment, for the purpose of a relevant provision of the Act , the first entity and the second entity are each prescribed to be an administering authority for the infringement notice or offence.
To remove any doubt, it is declared that subsection (2) does not require a person to do a thing under a relevant provision in relation to both the first entity and the second entity.
If, under a relevant provision, a person served with an infringement notice may pay a fine to the administering authority, the person may pay the fine to either the first entity or the second entity.
In this section—
2022 Act amendment means an amendment of this regulation by the State Penalties Enforcement (Modernisation) Amendment Act 2022 .
relevant provision means a provision under which a thing mentioned in subsection (1)(b)(i) to (iii) must or may be done.
s 31 ins 2022 Act No. 10 s 50
(sec.31-ssec.1) This section applies in relation to an infringement notice for an offence served on a person if— when the notice was served, an entity (the first entity ) was prescribed by this regulation to be the administering authority for the infringement notice or offence; and the notice stated that the person must or may— pay a fine to the first entity; or make an election or application to the first entity; or give a declaration or other document to the first entity; and after the notice was served, a 2022 Act amendment commenced and another entity (the second entity ) became the administering authority for the infringement notice or offence.
(sec.31-ssec.2) From the commencement of the 2022 Act amendment, for the purpose of a relevant provision of the Act , the first entity and the second entity are each prescribed to be an administering authority for the infringement notice or offence.
(sec.31-ssec.3) To remove any doubt, it is declared that subsection (2) does not require a person to do a thing under a relevant provision in relation to both the first entity and the second entity. If, under a relevant provision, a person served with an infringement notice may pay a fine to the administering authority, the person may pay the fine to either the first entity or the second entity.
(sec.31-ssec.4) In this section— 2022 Act amendment means an amendment of this regulation by the State Penalties Enforcement (Modernisation) Amendment Act 2022 . relevant provision means a provision under which a thing mentioned in subsection (1)(b)(i) to (iii) must or may be done.
(a) when the notice was served, an entity (the first entity ) was prescribed by this regulation to be the administering authority for the infringement notice or offence; and
(b) the notice stated that the person must or may— (i) pay a fine to the first entity; or (ii) make an election or application to the first entity; or (iii) give a declaration or other document to the first entity; and
(i) pay a fine to the first entity; or
(ii) make an election or application to the first entity; or
(iii) give a declaration or other document to the first entity; and
(c) after the notice was served, a 2022 Act amendment commenced and another entity (the second entity ) became the administering authority for the infringement notice or offence.
(i) pay a fine to the first entity; or
(ii) make an election or application to the first entity; or
(iii) give a declaration or other document to the first entity; and
pt.7-div.3
Transitional provision for Water and Other Legislation Amendment Regulation 2024
Transitional provision for Water and Other Legislation Amendment Regulation 2024
sec.32
Repealed infringement notice offences under Water Regulation 2016
sec.32 Repealed infringement notice offences under Water Regulation 2016
This section applies in relation to—
the commission of an offence before the commencement against the Water Regulation 2016 , former section 110A(4) or (5) or 113(3); or
the commission of an offence after the commencement against the Water Regulation 2016 , former section 113(3) as applying under section 165 of that regulation.
Schedule 1, entry for the Water Regulation 2016 , as in force before the commencement continues to apply in relation to the offence as if the Water and Other Legislation Amendment Regulation 2024 had not been made.
Subsection (2) does not limit the application of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 20.
In this section—
former , in relation to a provision of the Water Regulation 2016 , means the provision as in force from time to time before the commencement.
s 32 ins 2024 SL No. 121 s 12
(sec.32-ssec.1) This section applies in relation to— the commission of an offence before the commencement against the Water Regulation 2016 , former section 110A(4) or (5) or 113(3); or the commission of an offence after the commencement against the Water Regulation 2016 , former section 113(3) as applying under section 165 of that regulation.
(sec.32-ssec.2) Schedule 1, entry for the Water Regulation 2016 , as in force before the commencement continues to apply in relation to the offence as if the Water and Other Legislation Amendment Regulation 2024 had not been made.
(sec.32-ssec.3) Subsection (2) does not limit the application of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 20.
(sec.32-ssec.4) In this section— former , in relation to a provision of the Water Regulation 2016 , means the provision as in force from time to time before the commencement.
(a) the commission of an offence before the commencement against the Water Regulation 2016 , former section 110A(4) or (5) or 113(3); or
(b) the commission of an offence after the commencement against the Water Regulation 2016 , former section 113(3) as applying under section 165 of that regulation.
Source text: opening excerpt
Sourced from Queensland Legislation (legislation.qld.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
pt.1 Preliminary
Preliminary
sec.1 Short title
sec.1 Short title
This regulation may be cited as the State Penalties Enforcement Regulation 2014 .
sec.2 Commencement
sec.2 Commencement
This regulation, other than part 8 , commences on 1 September 2014.
Part 8 commences on 1 October 2014.
(sec.2-ssec.1) This regulation, other than part 8 , commences on 1 September 2014.
(sec.2-ssec.2) Part 8 commences on 1 October 2014.
sec.3 Dictionary
sec.3 Dictionary
The dictionary in schedule 2 defines words used in this regulation.
sec.3A Rounding of amounts expressed as numbers of fee units
sec.3A Rounding of amounts expressed as numbers of fee units
This section applies for working out the amount of a fee expressed in this regulation as a number of fee units.
For the purpose of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 48C (3) , the amount is to be rounded down to the nearest multiple of 5 cents.
Section 22 provides for a fee of 123.65 fee units. If the value of a fee unit for this regulation were $1.025, the number of dollars obtained by multiplying $1.025 by 123.65 would be $126.74125. After rounding down, the amount of the fee would be $126.70.
s 3A ins 2022 SL No. 53 s 14
(sec.3A-ssec.1) This section applies for working out the amount of a fee expressed in this regulation as a number of fee units.
(sec.3A-ssec.2) For the purpose of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 48C (3) , the amount is to be rounded down to the nearest multiple of 5 cents. Section 22 provides for a fee of 123.65 fee units. If the value of a fee unit for this regulation were $1.025, the number of dollars obtained by multiplying $1.025 by 123.65 would be $126.74125. After rounding down, the amount of the fee would be $126.70.
pt.2 Infringement notice offences etc. for nominated laws
Infringement notice offences etc. for nominated laws
sec.4 Infringement notice offences and fines for nominated laws
sec.4 Infringement notice offences and fines for nominated laws
Schedule 1 prescribes infringement notice offences and infringement notice fines for the legislation (the nominated laws ) mentioned in it.
For a nominated law mentioned in schedule 1 —
an offence against a provision of the nominated law mentioned in schedule 1 , column 1 as limited by any description in the column, is an offence to which the Act applies; and
a number of penalty units mentioned in schedule 1 , column 2 opposite the offence is the fine payable for the offence under an infringement notice.
However, for an offence against a provision of HVNL(Q) or a national regulation under that Law, the fine payable for the offence is the lesser of the following amounts—
10% of the maximum penalty for the offence;
20 penalty units.
Also, if an entry in schedule 1 for an infringement notice offence under the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 refers to the infringement notice fine for a stated provision of HVNL(Q) (the HVNL(Q) provision ), the fine payable for the offence is the same as the infringement notice fine applying under this regulation for the HVNL(Q) provision.
s 4 amd 2017 SL No. 155 s 83
(sec.4-ssec.1) Schedule 1 prescribes infringement notice offences and infringement notice fines for the legislation (the nominated laws ) mentioned in it.
(sec.4-ssec.2) For a nominated law mentioned in schedule 1 — an offence against a provision of the nominated law mentioned in schedule 1 , column 1 as limited by any description in the column, is an offence to which the Act applies; and a number of penalty units mentioned in schedule 1 , column 2 opposite the offence is the fine payable for the offence under an infringement notice.
(sec.4-ssec.3) However, for an offence against a provision of HVNL(Q) or a national regulation under that Law, the fine payable for the offence is the lesser of the following amounts— 10% of the maximum penalty for the offence; 20 penalty units.
(sec.4-ssec.4) Also, if an entry in schedule 1 for an infringement notice offence under the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 refers to the infringement notice fine for a stated provision of HVNL(Q) (the HVNL(Q) provision ), the fine payable for the offence is the same as the infringement notice fine applying under this regulation for the HVNL(Q) provision.
Work and development orders (WDOs) and approved sponsors. It codifies definitions relevant to WDOs, prescribes remote area and mental illness definitions linked to other instruments (secs 19AA-19AB), prescribes how a substance use disorder is assessed (DSM-5 moderate or severe) (sec 19AC), and gives detail on evidentiary material for eligibility assessments (sec 19AD). Critically, it establishes an approval regime for “approved sponsors” who deliver WDO activities, including application, eligibility criteria, statutory conditions attached to approvals, record keeping, auditing, conflicts of interest, disciplinary processes, suspension/cancellation and external review rights through QCAT (secs 19AG-19AZ; particularly 19AI, 19AL, 19AN-19AP, 19AU-19AX, 19AZ).
Fees, amounts and administrative mechanics. The regulation prescribes a range of fees and monetary parameters: administrative charges for fine collection deductions ($13 per deduction) (secs 20A, 20C); the protected amount tied to the protected earnings rate (sec 20B); warrant issue fee and civil enforcement fee expressed in fee units (secs 22, 23); cut-out rate equated to the prescribed penalty unit (sec 24); minimum amount for vehicle immobilisation ($5,000) (sec 21); penalties and enforcement costs types (sec 29A); and expenses for attendance determined by reference to Uniform Civil Procedure (Fees) Regulation amounts (sec 29). It also prescribes rounding rules for amounts expressed in fee units, rounded down to the nearest multiple of 5 cents (sec 3A).
Delegation, information sharing and automation limitations. It permits delegation of specified registrar functions to service contractors (powers under ss 24 and 42 of the Act) (sec 20), prescribes entities for information-sharing arrangements (sec 20AA), and identifies certain registrar decisions that must not be generated solely by an information system, such as issuing arrest and imprisonment warrants and immobilisation warrants (sec 20AB).
Transitional arrangements. It contains transitional provisions preserving the status of offences and administering authorities across regulatory amendments, including carry-over treatment for expired regulation entries, administering authority changes that occurred under the 2022 modernisation amendments, and specified preservation of Water Regulation entries for certain offences (secs 30-32).
Official purpose claims are expressed implicitly by the cross-references to the Act and the detailed operational measures. For example, provisions on WDO eligibility, approved sponsors and debt reduction set out how WDOs will be implemented (secs 19AF, 19AE, 19AI). The regulation converts policy parameters into operational obligations, monetary values and procedural steps that drive SPER administration, local government enforcement, and the WDO program.
The regulation therefore shifts high-level Act powers into concrete rules, numerics and administrative processes, defining who decides, what documentation is required, what financial amounts apply, and how compliance and disciplinary oversight for approved sponsors operate.
Main concepts
The regulation organises implementation around several recurring legal and administrative concepts. Below are the principal concepts, stated in terms the regulation uses and linked to the relevant provisions.
Infringement notice offence and fine. The regulation prescribes which offences under nominated laws, local laws and by-laws are infringement notice offences, and sets the infringement notice fine for each prescribed offence via schedule 1 (sec 4). For local laws, the regulation converts maximum penalties into fixed infringement notice fines in a stepped table depending on the maximum (sec 7). For some HVNL(Q) or national regulation offences a special cap applies (sec 4(3)).
Administering authority and authorised person. The administering authority is the entity responsible for administering an infringement notice offence or the infringement regime for a particular law. The regulation either specifies the administering authority in schedule 1 or defaults to the department or agency that administers the relevant provision (sec 5). Authorised persons who may serve infringement notices are likewise specified in schedule 1 or, for local governments and trustees, defined by reference to local government statutes or trustee approvals (secs 6, 8, 9).
Identifying particulars. The regulation defines the identifying particulars that must appear on an infringement notice for an alleged offender, a vehicle, an animal, or for offences that occur during a railway journey (secs 11-14). The specifics vary with the subject matter, for instance vehicle particulars include registration number, body type and make (sec 12). Camera-detected offences can relax some particulars where not practicable from images (sec 12(3)).
SPER registration, instalments and default. SPER registration obligations are set for the registrar and administering authorities: what particulars to lodge when an instalment plan is approved (sec 15), the particulars a court registrar must provide when registering unpaid court-ordered amounts (sec 16), and the particulars required in default certificates (sec 18). The regulation prescribes the threshold for instalment applications ($200) and minimum instalments, including the first instalment amount (secs 28, 25). It also prescribes a management fee (1 per cent) for instalment payments (sec 26).
Work and development orders (WDOs). The regulation operationalises WDOs by prescribing definitions (remote areas, mental illness, substance use disorder criteria) and what constitutes a prescribed activity for unpaid work (secs 19AA-19AE). It specifies the conversion of WDO activities into dollar amounts that reduce SPER debt, including a formula for treatment and mentoring programs and a monthly cap of $1,000 (sec 19AF). Schedule 1A (referred to in sec 19AF) maps activities to amounts.
Approved sponsors. The scheme requires approval of organisations or individuals who will supervise and receive labour or provide treatment under WDOs. It provides an application and decision process (secs 19AG-19AJ), sets eligibility criteria (sec 19AI), attaches statutory conditions to approvals (sec 19AL), creates record-keeping and auditing obligations (secs 19AN-19AO), defines conflicts of interest (sec 19AP), and establishes a disciplinary and show cause process for suspension or cancellation (secs 19AS-19AX). Approvals are not transferable (sec 19AR) and there is an external review right to QCAT (sec 19AZ).
Fees and fiscal mechanics. Monetary figures and fees are a standing feature: warrant issue fee and civil enforcement fee in fee units (secs 22-23), administrative charges for enforcement deductions ($13) and limits applying when multiple accounts are involved (secs 20A, 20C), protected amount tied to the protected earnings rate (sec 20B), minimum amount for vehicle immobilisation ($5,000) (sec 21), registration fee in fee units (sec 27), and enforcement costs classes (sec 29A). The regulation also prescribes rounding for amounts expressed in fee units (sec 3A), which affects conversion into dollar amounts.
Delegation, information-sharing and automation limits. The registrar may delegate certain functions to service contractors (sec 20). A short list of entities are prescribed for information-sharing arrangements under the Act (sec 20AA). Certain key registrar decisions are declared unsuitable to be generated solely by an information system (sec 20AB), preserving an element of human decision-making for serious enforcement actions.
Transitional continuity. The regulation protects the continuity of enforcement and administering authority arrangements across amendments and replacement instruments, for example by preserving expired regulation entries for offences committed before commencement, and by allowing persons served with notices before administering authority changes to interact with either the old or new administering authority in specified circumstances (secs 30-31, 32).
These concepts link the Act’s general enforcement apparatus to legally binding operational requirements, numerics and administrative processes that determine how enforcement, dispute resolution and WDOs are to be exercised and monitored.
Who it affects
The regulation creates obligations and choices for a defined set of private and public actors. The principal affected parties and how they are affected are listed below, with section references.
Alleged offenders and enforcement debtors. Persons who are the subject of infringement notices, enforcement orders, court-ordered fines, or SPER debts are directly affected. The regulation prescribes what identifying particulars appear on notices for people, vehicles and animals (secs 11-13), which individuals may apply to pay by instalments (threshold and minimum instalments, secs 28, 25), the process for registering unpaid amounts (secs 15-16), and protections such as the protected amount tied to protected earnings (sec 20B). It also provides pathways to apply for waiver or return of fees in some enforcement order circumstances (sec 28A).
Administering authorities and authorised persons. Entities that administer infringement notice regimes under nominated laws, local laws or by-laws are designated in schedule 1 or default to the department/agency administering the provision (sec 5). Administering authorities must register instalment particulars with SPER when they approve instalments (sec 15). Authorised persons serve infringement notices, with local government authorised persons defined by local government acts, and trustees able to approve employees to serve notices for by-laws (secs 6, 9).
SPER registrar and SPER staff. The registrar gains many operational responsibilities: receiving registrations (secs 15-16), assessing and deciding applications to approve sponsors (secs 19AG-19AJ), imposing statutory conditions (s 19AL), auditing sponsor records (sec 19AO), disciplining sponsors including suspension and cancellation (secs 19AU-19AX), and administering fee waivers for enforcement orders (sec 28A). The registrar may delegate certain functions to service contractors under sec 20, which shifts decision-making and operational workloads to contractors within prescribed limits.
Local governments and trustees. Local governments that make local laws are administering authorities for infringement notice offences under those local laws (sec 8). Trustees that adopt by-laws under the Land Act are administering authorities for by-law infringement notice offences (sec 8). Local governments must consider the scaling of infringement notice fines for local law offences (sec 7).
Approved sponsors and their supervisors. Individuals and entities seeking to act as approved sponsors for WDOs must apply to the registrar using an approved form, meet eligibility criteria (including insurance, qualifications, training and governance), comply with statutory conditions and record-keeping, and be subject to auditing and discipline (secs 19AG-19AN, 19AL, 19AO, 19AT-19AX). If the sponsor provides medical or mental health treatment, it must be delivered by a health practitioner where the approval covers those activities (sec 19AI).
Health practitioners, general practices and service providers. Medical and mental health treatment activities under WDOs are limited to health practitioners (sec 19AI). For entities that are general practices, persons providing proposed activities must be health practitioners (sec 19AI). Approved sponsors that are funded non-government providers or NDIS providers have screening requirements under the Disability Services Act and working with children clearance may apply (sec 19AE).
Courts and court registrars. Court registrars are required to provide particulars of unpaid court-ordered amounts to SPER when section 34 of the Act applies, including court identifiers and how the total amount is attributable to parts of the order (sec 16).
Financial institutions. Financial institutions that comply with fine collection notices may deduct an administrative cost of $13 per deduction (secs 20A, 20C). The regulation also restricts that only one account attracts the $13 fee if a financial institution deducts from multiple accounts for the same enforcement debtor (sec 20C(2)).
Entities prescribed for information sharing. The department administering the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 and the Residential Tenancies Authority are prescribed entities for information-sharing arrangements under s134K of the Act (sec 20AA).
Residents of remote and discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The regulation exempts a specified category of remote and discrete communities from proof of identity obligations for approved sponsor record keeping (sec 19AN(2)). The list of communities is set out in sec 19AN.
Registrants of vehicles and owners of animals. Vehicle owners and operators and animal owners are affected by identification particulars required on notices (secs 12-13), and vehicle immobilisation and impoundment mechanics are triggered by thresholds set out in the regulation (sec 21, sec 29A).
The statute therefore places duties on administrative actors and compliance requirements on both public and private service providers, while specifying procedures and numeric parameters that shape the choices available to alleged offenders and enforcement debtors.
Key duties and rights
This section summarises principal operational duties imposed by the regulation and the rights created or preserved for affected parties, with direct references to the regulation.
Duties imposed on public bodies and sponsors
Administering authorities. If an administering authority approves an application for payment by instalments, it must provide specified particulars to SPER for registration, including the alleged offender’s full name, address and telephone number, offence particulars, infringement notice number and unpaid amount particulars (sec 15). The administering authority must also notify SPER of the unpaid amount under the Act (sec 15).
Court registrars. When a court order is to be registered under section 34 of the Act, the court registrar must give SPER the full name, address and telephone number of the person ordered to pay, details of the offence, vehicle particulars when relevant, the court identifier and particulars of the original court order including how the total is apportioned (sec 16).
Registrar obligations. The registrar must process and decide applications for approved sponsor status and may grant only on satisfaction of eligibility criteria (secs 19AJ, 19AI). If granting, the registrar may impose additional conditions and must notify the applicant in writing as soon as practicable (sec 19AK). The registrar must follow prescribed show cause, representation and decision processes for suspension or cancellation of approvals and must provide notice when taking action (secs 19AU-19AX). For immediate risk, the registrar may immediately suspend an approval but a suspension automatically ends at 3 months unless earlier lifted (sec 19AY).
Approved sponsors. Approvals are subject to statutory conditions requiring compliance with reporting requirements, record keeping under sec 19AN, compliance with funding agreements, maintenance of risk management (including WHS and financial management policies), complaints and incident management systems, compliance with Queensland privacy principles, reporting of reportable incidents and disclosure of real or perceived conflicts of interest (sec 19AL). Approved sponsors must keep specified records for 7 years after completion, withdrawal or revocation of a WDO (sec 19AN(3)) and provide documents for auditing on request (sec 19AO).
Delegation and contractors. The registrar may delegate specific functions and powers under sections 24 and 42 of the Act to a service contractor, meaning some SPER functions can be contractually outsourced (sec 20).
Duties and constraints affecting private persons and entities
Applicants for approved sponsor status. Applications must use the approved form, and the registrar may request additional information; failure to comply within a reasonable time allows the registrar to dismiss the application (secs 19AG, 19AH). Applicants must satisfy eligibility criteria including appropriate qualifications, training, insurance and governance depending on whether they are individuals or entities (sec 19AI).
Financial and fee obligations. The regulation prescribes specific fees and administrative charges. For example, the administrative cost for complying with a fine collection notice is $13 and the management fee for instalments is 1 per cent of each instalment (secs 20A, 26). Warrant issue and civil enforcement fees are expressed in fee units and must be converted and rounded under the regulation’s rounding rules (secs 22, 23, 3A).
Record-keeping and screening. Approved sponsors must maintain proof of identity, eligibility assessments and working with children clearance records where applicable, with seven-year retention obligations (sec 19AN). Working with children clearance rules and Disability Services Act screening provisions factor into what activities can lawfully be treated as unpaid work (sec 19AE).
Rights and procedural protections
Right to apply and review. Applicants may apply to be approved sponsors, and if an application is refused or granted with additional conditions, the regulation requires written notice to the applicant and preserves external review rights to QCAT under the QCAT Act (secs 19AK, 19AZ).
Show cause and representation. Before suspension or cancellation, the registrar must give the sponsor a show cause notice outlining grounds and factual basis and allow 28 days for written representation, and the registrar must consider representations (secs 19AU-19AV). If no grounds remain after consideration the registrar must not take further action and must notify the sponsor (sec 19AW).
Protections for enforcement debtors. The regulation prescribes a protected amount for deductions tied to the protected earnings rate (sec 20B), sets minimum instalment amounts and a first instalment, provides for waiver or return of certain fees for enforcement orders in hardship circumstances if an application is made to SPER within 28 days (sec 28A), and allows WDOs to reduce SPER debt depending on hours performed with a monthly cap on debt satisfaction for treatment and mentoring programs (sec 19AF). The regulation also limits the administrative charge that can be taken per deduction and ensures only one $13 charge applies where multiple accounts are debited by the same financial institution (sec 20C(2)).
Limit on automation for serious decisions. The regulation defines certain registrar decisions that must not be generated by an information system, preserving human oversight for issuing arrest and imprisonment warrants, immobilisation warrants and cancellation of enforcement orders (sec 20AB).
These duties and rights form an administrative framework that allocates information obligations, operational responsibilities and procedural safeguards across administering authorities, the SPER registrar, approved sponsors and enforcement debtors.
Penalties and enforcement
The regulation primarily operationalises civil enforcement through infringement notices and SPER processes rather than criminal penalties, but it sets concrete monetary, administrative and procedural tools for enforcing unpaid fines and managing infringement regimes. The principal enforcement mechanisms and penalty-related rules are described below with references.
Infringement notice fines and prescriptions. Schedule 1 prescribes which offences are infringement notice offences and the fine payable for each such offence under the Act (sec 4). For HVNL(Q) and certain national regulation offences the regulation specifies a cap on the infringement notice fine: the lesser of 10 per cent of the maximum penalty for the offence or 20 penalty units (sec 4(3)). For local laws and by-laws the regulation creates a stepped mapping from maximum penalty to the infringement notice fine, with different caps for local laws (up to 50 penalty units) and by-laws (up to 10 penalty units) (sec 7).
Administering authority enforcement role. The administering authority is responsible for issuing infringement notices and related administration (sec 5). For local law offences the administering authority is the local government that made the local law; for by-laws adopted by trustees the trustee is the administering authority (sec 8). Schedule 1 may list specifically designated administering authorities for nominated laws; otherwise the department or agency administering the provision is the administering authority (sec 5).
Authorised persons and service of notices. The regulation identifies who may serve infringement notices: persons specified in schedule 1, authorised persons under local government Acts for local governments, or employees approved by trustees for by-laws (secs 6, 9). It also prescribes service methods including electronic service where the recipient consents (sec 19A) and service by post for non-vehicle offences where section 13 of the Act permits (sec 19B).
Enforcement actions and enforcement costs. The Act and this regulation together enable the issue of enforcement orders, immobilisation and seizure. The regulation prescribes a minimum amount owing for vehicle immobilisation of $5,000 (sec 21). It lists types of enforcement costs that are recoverable including locksmith work, towing, impounding, storage, insurance and costs associated with selling property such as advertising and agent commission (sec 29A). These costs may be added on top of unpaid fines consistent with the Act’s enforcement framework.
Warrants and civil enforcement fees. The regulation prescribes the warrant issue fee and the civil enforcement fee for part 5 of the Act in fee units (secs 22-23). Warrant issuance and other serious enforcement decisions are subject to the rule that certain registrar decisions must not be generated by an information system (sec 20AB), which preserves human decision-making for warrants, cancellation of enforcement orders, and immobilisation warrant decisions.
SPER operational fees and administrative charges. SPER can charge an administrative cost of $13 for each fine collection deduction (secs 20A, 20C), though where a financial institution deducts amounts from multiple accounts only one $13 cost may be charged for the enforcement debtor (sec 20C(2)). A 1 per cent management fee applies to each instalment paid to SPER when a person elects to pay by instalments (sec 26). The registration fee for registering an unpaid amount is set in fee units (sec 27). Amounts expressed in fee units are subject to rounding rules (sec 3A).
Debt reduction through WDOs. The regulation allows WDOs to reduce SPER debt by amounts stated in schedule 1A when a person undertakes prescribed activities under a WDO (sec 19AF). For medical or treatment programs a formula converts hours undertaken into the amount by which the debt is reduced for the month, but reductions under s19AF cannot exceed $1,000 per month (sec 19AF(3)).
Waivers and relief. The registrar may waive or return all or part of a fee payable for an enforcement order if certain conditions are satisfied: an application to SPER within 28 days, approval of that application, fine less than the threshold amount, and that the person is unable to pay due to financial hardship (sec 28A). The registrar may also waive fees where the person and an approved sponsor enter relevant agreements within 28 days and appropriate applications are lodged (sec 28A(3)).
Disciplinary enforcement of approved sponsors. The regulation provides a graduated enforcement process against approved sponsors: show cause notices must be provided where a ground for suspension or cancellation exists, sponsors have 28 days to make written representations, and the registrar must consider those representations before deciding on remedial action, suspension up to 3 months or cancellation (secs 19AT-19AX). Immediate suspension is available where the registrar reasonably believes immediate suspension is necessary to ensure integrity or remove an immediate and unacceptable compliance risk, with that suspension limited to 3 months unless earlier ended (sec 19AY). Decisions imposing additional conditions, refusal to grant approvals, requiring remedial action, suspension and cancellation are reviewable to QCAT (sec 19AZ).
For enforcement practitioners and compliance officers, the regulation therefore establishes direct pathways from non-payment to administrative charges, immobilisation, seizure and sale, while also providing structured relief mechanisms such as instalments, WDO debt reduction and fee waivers in specified circumstances. The monetary amounts and conversion into dollars are operationally important and governed by the rounding rule in sec 3A.
How it interacts with other laws
This regulation is extensively cross-referenced to other Queensland and Commonwealth instruments. Below are the principal interactions the text establishes, with the effect stated in operational terms and references.
The State Penalties Enforcement Act (the Act). The regulation implements numerous provisions of the Act by prescribing details required by the Act, for example particulars for registration, what decisions may not be automated, fees and amounts, definitions for WDOs, the approved sponsor scheme, and enforcement cost categories (multiple provisions throughout, see e.g. secs 15-16, 19AF, 19AL, 20AB). The regulation repeatedly operates by saying “For the Act, s X” and then prescribing the required operational detail.
Acts Interpretation Act 1954, section 48C(3). The regulation prescribes that where fees are expressed in fee units they are to be converted to dollars and rounded down to the nearest multiple of 5 cents for the purposes of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 s 48C(3) (sec 3A). The rounding example in sec 3A demonstrates how a fee of 123.65 fee units is converted.
Penalties and Sentences Act 1992. The regulation ties the “cut-out rate” to the prescribed penalty unit value under the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 s 5(1)(a)(i) (sec 24), thereby linking enforcement numerics to the statewide penalty unit value.
Local Government Act 2009 and City of Brisbane Act 2010. The regulation treats “authorised person” in the context of local governments by reference to the definitions in these local government Acts, making authorised person status for local governments a function of those Acts (sec 9(3)). The regulation makes the local government that made a local law the administering authority for local law infringement notice offences (sec 8).
Land Act 1994. The regulation treats by-laws adopted by trustees under the Land Act 1994 s 56(7) as by-laws for the purposes of the infringement scheme and defines “trustee” by reference to the Land Act (sec 6A; sec 8).
Transport-related legislation. The regulation interacts with the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995, the Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Act 1994, and the Transport Infrastructure (Rail) Regulation 2017 in several ways: it prescribes entities for information-sharing arrangements under s134K of the Act including the department administering the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (sec 20AA), it references rail-related offences and prescribes the identifying particulars for offences that occur during a railway journey (sec 14), and it addresses minor traffic offences under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 in the authorised person provisions for local governments (sec 9).
Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 and Disability Services Act 2006. The regulation excludes activities that form part of regulated employment under the Working with Children legislation from being treated as unpaid work if the person does not hold the required clearance, and likewise excludes activities where the sponsor is a funded non-government service provider or NDIS service provider and the person does not hold required clearances under the Disability Services Act (sec 19AE). Sponsors must record working with children clearances (sec 19AN).
Information Privacy Act 2009. Approved sponsors must comply with the Queensland privacy principles in schedule 3 of the Information Privacy Act 2009 as a statutory condition of approval (sec 19AL).
Mental Health Act 2016 and DSM-5. The regulation prescribes that “mental illness” for WDO eligibility is the meaning given by the Mental Health Act 2016 s 10 (sec 19AB). It prescribes that a “prescribed substance use disorder” is a pattern of substance use evaluated as moderate or severe under DSM-5 (sec 19AC).
QCAT Act. Notices of decisions relating to approved sponsor applications, imposition of additional conditions, refusals, and disciplinary decisions must comply with the QCAT Act s 157 procedural requirements where applicable, and decisions of the registrar covered by sec 19AZ are reviewable to QCAT (secs 19AK, 19AZ).
Uniform Civil Procedure (Fees) Regulation 2019. The regulation prescribes that attendance expenses payable under sec 134D(7) of the Act are the amounts payable under the Uniform Civil Procedure (Fees) Regulation 2019 part 3, mapping attendance to travelling, accommodation and attendance allowances (sec 29).
Corporations Act and insolvency provisions. The regulation uses external insolvency definitions to trigger grounds for sponsor suspension or cancellation: for a company approved sponsor, being a Chapter 5 body corporate under the Corporations Act s 9 is a grounds for suspension or cancellation; for individuals being insolvent under administration is a ground (sec 19AT).
These interactions mean the regulation is not a standalone instrument; it is integrated into a network of statutes and regulations, relying on external definitions, fee schedules and procedural frameworks. Practitioners must therefore consult the Act and the referenced instruments (e.g. Mental Health Act, local government Acts, QCAT Act, Uniform Civil Procedure fees) when operationalising any aspect of the regulation.
Amendment history
The regulation text includes express legislative annotations showing insertions and amendments across a sequence of subordinate legislation, creating a traceable, if partial, legislative history in the margin notes. Notable items in the amendment annotations contained in the text are as follows, presented chronologically where the annotations indicate year.
2014: The regulation commenced (sec 2). It is cited as the State Penalties Enforcement Regulation 2014 (sec 1).
2015-2017: The warrant issue fee, civil enforcement fee, registration fee and related fee unit entries have been amended repeatedly across 2015-2017 (see amending notes at secs 22-23, 27 showing amendments in 2015 SL No. 45, 2016 SL No. 88, 2017 SL No. 106). Section 4 was amended in 2017 (2017 SL No. 155 s 83) to adjust prescribed infringement notice arrangements, including the HVNL(Q) related cap (sec 4 note).
2016: The electronic service provision (sec 19A) was inserted in 2016 (s 19A ins 2016 SL No. 55 s 3), enabling service by electronic communication under the Act where consent is given.
2017: Several amendments in 2017 added or adjusted local law and by-law provisions (secs 6A, 7-9 show 2017 amendment notes), including defining trustee and extending authorisation approaches for local governments and trustees.
2018: Substantial additions relating to Work and Development Orders and related definitions were inserted in 2018 SL No. 52 (secs 19AA-19AD, 19AF; sec 19A amended 2018 SL No. 52 s 6; cut-out rate and minimum instalment amendments noted in 2018). The administrative charge and other fee adjustments were implemented in 2018 SL No. 52 (secs 20A, 20C).
2019: A structured approved sponsor regime was inserted in 2019 SL No. 216 (secs 19AG-19AZ), establishing the application, eligibility, statutory conditions, record-keeping, auditing and disciplinary framework for approved sponsors.
2021: The regulation was amended to prescribe entities for information-sharing arrangements and decisions excluded from system generation, via 2021 SL No. 79 (secs 20AA, 20AB).
2022: The regulation was amended by the State Penalties Enforcement (Modernisation) Amendment Act 2022, which is specifically referenced in transitional sec 31 and noted in other sections; sec 3A (rounding) was inserted in 2022 SL No. 53 s 14; sec 5 amendments in 2022 Act No. 10 ss 44, 48 were recorded. The amendments addressed administering authority changes and introduced transitional protections for infringement notices served before administering authority changes (sec 31).
2022 (continued): Additional fee and schedule updates continued through 2022, as reflected in the amendment notes to fees and the registration fee (secs 22-23, 27 annotated up to 2022 SL No. 53 s 15-16).
2023: Section 19AT was amended by the 2023 Act No. 23 (s 247 sch 1 s 2(3)), updating grounds for suspension or cancellation to include insolvency and corporate status references among other changes.
2024: The regulation includes an insertion made by the Water and Other Legislation Amendment Regulation 2024, preserving certain Water Regulation 2016 infringement offence entries for transitional purposes (sec 32 ins 2024 SL No. 121 s 12). Section 19AE also shows an amendment to its text in 2024 Act No. 50 s 140 sch 1, and sec 19AN has an amendment note 2024 Act No. 50 s 140 sch 1 relating to record-keeping.
2025: Section 19AL has a note of amendment by 2025 SL No. 75 s 13 sch 2, indicating further adjustments to statutory conditions for approvals.
These annotations indicate iterative changes reflecting policy additions: insertion of an approved sponsor regime (2019), WDO operational detail (2018), electronic service (2016), modernisation measures (2022), and fee and procedural alterations across multiple years. The regulation therefore embodies a multi-year implementation and modernisation process, where numeric parameters, administrative roles and WDO rules were layered onto the base 2014 instrument.
Users must consult the consolidated instrument and the amending instruments (not reproduced here) for precise amendment text and operative dates, because the marginal notes in the regulation record insertion and amendment sources but do not fully reproduce the prior language or the legislative history beyond those annotations.
Litigation history
The regulation text itself contains no reported litigation history, no cases cited, and no adjudicative interpretations recorded in the material supplied. It does, however, create procedural routes for review and appeal which frame how litigation or administrative review would be pursued.
External review rights. Decisions specified in sec 19AZ are reviewable to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) under the QCAT Act. These include decisions to grant an application imposing additional conditions, refusals to grant approvals, decisions requiring remedial action, and suspension or cancellation decisions (sec 19AZ). Notices of decisions to grant with conditions or to refuse must comply with the QCAT Act s 157 procedural requirements (sec 19AK).
Administrative decision-making protections. The regulation prescribes show cause procedures, decision notices and timelines for representations from approved sponsors prior to disciplinary action (secs 19AU-19AV). If the registrar decides no grounds exist after representations, the registrar must terminate the process and notify the sponsor (sec 19AW).
Human decision requirement for serious enforcement. The regulation explicitly prescribes certain registrar decisions that must not be generated solely by an information system (sec 20AB). That procedural safeguard may affect the judicial review or administrative law grounds available where automated decision-making would otherwise be challenged.
Because the instrument does not list judicial authorities or reported cases, practitioners seeking litigation guidance should look to decisions under the State Penalties Enforcement Act and related statutes, QCAT rulings concerning administrative review of registrar decisions, and any authorities that have considered the Act’s administrative processes. The regulation itself preserves the administrative pathways and review forums where litigation or review is likely to be pursued.
At present, the supplied regulation text contains no case names or litigation summaries to cite.
Gotchas
This regulation contains numerous technical features and numerical parameters that can produce practical pitfalls if overlooked. The items below are concrete operational “gotchas” drawn directly from the text, with references.
Fee-unit conversion and rounding. Many fees are expressed in fee units, for example the warrant issue fee is 123.65 fee units (sec 22) and the registration fee is 73.80 fee units (sec 27). Section 3A prescribes that when converting fee units to dollars the result must be rounded down to the nearest multiple of 5 cents, with a worked example. That rounding down can reduce the dollar amount below a naive conversion using the current fee unit value; administrators and payers should not assume standard rounding rules.
Single $13 charge per financial institution per enforcement event. An administrative charge for complying with a fine collection notice is $13 per deduction, but if a financial institution deducts amounts from multiple accounts, the regulation allows only one $13 charge to apply to one account and $0 for the others (sec 20C(2)). Practitioners must confirm which account attracts the $13, otherwise the debtor may be overcharged.
Camera-detected vehicle particulars. For camera-detected offences, the regulation suspends the requirement to state vehicle make and colour on an infringement notice if it is not practicable to work out those particulars from the image (sec 12(3)). This can affect evidentiary or identification strategies in disputes over vehicle-based notices.
Local law and by-law fine scaling. For local laws the regulation maps maximum penalties up to 50 penalty units to a stepped set of infringement notice fines, and for by-laws up to 10 penalty units another stepped mapping applies; local laws also permit a lower amount if the local law itself provides a smaller fine (sec 7). Local governments must match the local law drafting to these mappings if they intend particular infringement notice fine amounts to apply.
Non-transferability of approvals. Approvals as approved sponsors cannot be assigned or transferred (sec 19AR). Organisations planning mergers or restructures that involve sponsor approvals must re-apply or otherwise manage approvals rather than rely on transfer.
Record-keeping exceptions. Proof of identity record-keeping under sec 19AN(1)(a) does not apply to individuals who are residents of specified remote and discrete Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities (sec 19AN(2)). Approved sponsors operating in these communities must note this exception but adhere to other record-keeping obligations.
Conflicts of interest definition. A conflict of interest exists where activities under a WDO result in a personal benefit to the sponsor, an associate, a relative, or a supervisor, or where the sponsor sponsors a WDO for an associate, relative or employee (sec 19AP). Sponsors that use family members or associates in WDO placements must identify and report such conflicts under the statutory conditions (sec 19AL).
Immediate suspension duration cap. If the registrar immediately suspends an approved sponsor’s approval, the suspension starts immediately and ends at the earliest of three months after it starts or an earlier notice ending it (sec 19AY). Immediate suspension therefore imposes a strict three-month maximum absent earlier action; stakeholders must plan for continuity of services during that likely disruption period.
WDO debt satisfaction cap. Debt satisfaction for medical or mental health treatment, drug or alcohol treatment or mentoring programs is computed by a formula tied to hours undertaken versus hours expected, and in any case the debt reduction may not exceed $1,000 in a month (sec 19AF(2)-(3)). This cap constrains the debt relief effect of such programs and is operationally significant for sponsors and debtors.
Timing for waiver or return of enforcement order fees. A person must apply to SPER within 28 days of the enforcement order date to be considered for waiver or return of enforcement order fees under sec 28A, and the registrar must be satisfied that the fine is less than the threshold amount and that the person is experiencing financial hardship (sec 28A(2)). Late applications may foreclose relief.
Transitional dual administering authority option. Where an infringement notice was served before an administering authority change effected by the 2022 modernisation amendments, both the prior and new administering authorities are prescribed as administering authorities for relevant Act purposes from the commencement of the amendment, and a person may pay fines to either (sec 31). This preserves payment options but requires clarity in administrative systems to accept payments to either entity.
Minimum instalment structure may mismatch payment frequency. The minimum subsequent instalment is $30 per fortnight regardless of the instalment frequency required; if instalments are required every 4 weeks the minimum instalment is $60 per 4 weeks (sec 25). Practitioners must ensure instalment schedules conform to these numeric minima.
Protected amount is the protected earnings rate. The prescribed “protected amount” for deductions is the protected earnings rate for a 1-week period, not an absolute fixed dollar figure (sec 20B). Parties need to calculate the protected amount based on the protected earnings rate standard.
These concrete points capture operational traps that are likely to have immediate practical consequences for payments, sponsor approvals, enforcement actions and record-keeping.
How to comply
This section provides a practical compliance checklist for the regulation’s principal stakeholders: administering authorities, authorised persons, approved sponsors, SPER registrars and enforcement debtors. Each action is tied to the regulating provision.
For administering authorities (public agencies, local governments, trustees)
Identify applicable infringement notice offences and fines in schedule 1. Ensure your entity is correctly specified as the administering authority in schedule 1; if not, confirm the department or agency in which the relevant provision is administered will act as administrator (sec 4, sec 5).
Use the correct authorised person framework. For issuing infringement notices, ensure authorised persons are designated either by schedule 1, as local government authorised persons under the Local Government Act or City of Brisbane Act, or as trustee-approved employees for by-laws (secs 6, 9).
Provide SPER with required particulars when approving instalment plans. When approving instalments you must register the full name, address and telephone, offence particulars, infringement notice number, amount, vehicle registration if relevant, and any other identifying particulars that help identify the alleged offender (sec 15).
Apply post and electronic service rules. For non-vehicle offences consider service by post (sec 19B) and obtain consent for electronic service if appropriate, ensuring the person nominates a unique electronic address (sec 19A). Record consents.
Apply the local law/by-law fine mapping consistently. If your local law provides a smaller fine than the table in sec 7, the lesser amount applies; ensure local law drafting and infringement notice amounts are reconciled (sec 7).
For authorised persons serving notices
Ensure identifying particulars meet the regulation’s specification. For persons, include hair colour, eye colour, complexion, height, build and distinguishing marks (sec 11). For vehicles, include registration number, body type, make and colour, or omit make/colour for camera-detected offences where impracticable (sec 12). For animals include species/breed, colour, sex and identification (sec 13). For railway incidents include time and stations between which the offence occurred (sec 14).
Use the approved form where the regulation requires it. For approved sponsor applications and likely other prescribed forms use the approved forms referenced in the regulation (sec 19AG).
For approved sponsor applicants and holders
Follow the application and evidence process. Apply using the approved form and respond to any requests for additional information within the reasonable time stated or risk dismissal (secs 19AG-19AH). Ensure the application contains accurate information; false or misleading information is ground for refusal or later cancellation (sec 19AJ).
Meet and maintain eligibility criteria. For individuals, ensure appropriate qualifications, training, insurance and that the individual or supervisor is a health practitioner where activities are medical or mental health treatment (sec 19AI). For entities, ensure appropriate governance, funding agreements or demonstrable governance and quality and risk management systems, complaints and incident management systems, and, where for-profit, consistency between objectives and the approved sponsor role (sec 19AI).
Comply with statutory conditions continuously. Honour statutory conditions including reporting requirements as notified by the registrar, record keeping under sec 19AN, compliance with funding agreements, risk management policies, complaints management, privacy principles, reporting of reportable incidents and disclosure of conflicts of interest (sec 19AL).
Keep required records and permit audits. Maintain proof of identity, eligibility assessments and working with children clearance records for seven years after completion, withdrawal or revocation of the WDO, unless the individual is a resident of a specified remote community where proof of identity is excepted (sec 19AN). Provide copies of relevant documents to the registrar on request and provide access for audit (sec 19AO).
Establish and operate conflicts of interest safeguards. Identify and report conflicts as defined in sec 19AP, including where WDO activities result in personal benefit to sponsors or associates, and do not sponsor WDOs for associates, relatives or employees without disclosure and managing those conflicts (secs 19AP, 19AL).
Prepare for disciplinary processes. If a show cause notice is issued, prepare written representations within 28 days; keep documentary evidence of remedial action if offered and be ready to meet remedial requirements within stated periods to avoid cancellation (secs 19AU-19AX).
For SPER staff and registrars
Process registrations and default certificates accurately. When registering instalment approvals provide the particulars listed in sec 15; when registering unpaid court-ordered amounts ensure court identifiers and apportionment details are included (sec 16). Default certificates must include when and where the offence is alleged to have happened, infringement notice number and fine and any other identifying particulars (sec 18).
Manage electronic and postal service days. For electronic service the day prescribed for service is the day the authorised person sends the notice to the unique electronic address; for postal service the day prescribed is the day it would be delivered in the ordinary course of post (secs 19A(4), 19B(3)).
Apply monetary rules precisely. Apply the $13 administrative charge for each deduction subject to the single-charge rule for multiple accounts deducted by the same financial institution (secs 20A, 20C). Apply the management fee of 1 per cent to instalments (sec 26). Convert fee unit amounts to dollars using the current fee unit value and round down to the nearest 5 cents (sec 3A).
Administer WDO debt reductions within the cap. Compute debt reductions for WDO activities using schedule 1A amounts and the formula for treatment programs, ensuring reductions do not exceed $1,000 per month (sec 19AF).
Use delegated contracting with limits. Where delegating SPER powers and functions under sections 24 and 42 of the Act to service contractors, ensure the delegation is limited to the functions prescribed in sec 20 and that oversight mechanisms comply with the Act and regulation.
For enforcement debtors and practitioners advising them
Understand instalment eligibility and minima. If a person seeks to pay by instalments the threshold for applying is $200 or more (sec 28). The first instalment must be at least $60 with subsequent instalments at least $30 per fortnight or the remaining balance if less than $30; if the instalment schedule is every four weeks the minimum is $60 per four weeks (sec 25).
Consider WDOs and their limits. WDOs can reduce SPER debt by amounts set in schedule 1A and by the treatment-hours formula, but reductions on treatment and mentoring programs are capped at $1,000 per month (sec 19AF). WDOs require an approved sponsor and compliance with other statutory requirements.
Act promptly on waiver or return of fees. Applications for waiver or return of enforcement order fees under sec 28A must be made to SPER within 28 days of the enforcement order and require the registrar to be satisfied about threshold and hardship criteria (sec 28A).
Use electronic service consent carefully. If consenting to electronic service under sec 19A, nominate a secure unique electronic address and record the consent, because service is effective on the day the notice is sent to that address (sec 19A(4)).
Compliance therefore requires accurate data flow between administering authorities, SPER and registrars; careful fee conversion and rounding; robust record-keeping and governance for approved sponsors; and prompt action by debtors on relief pathways. The regulation contains prescriptive numerical values and procedural steps that must be followed exactly to avoid administrative or enforcement consequences.
Part pt.2Infringement notice offences etc. for nominated laws
(a) an offence against a provision of the nominated law mentioned in schedule 1 , column 1 as limited by any description in the column, is an offence to which the Act applies; and
(b) a number of penalty units mentioned in schedule 1 , column 2 opposite the offence is the fine payable for the offence under an infringement notice.
(a) 10% of the maximum penalty for the offence;
(b) 20 penalty units.
sec.5 Administering authority for nominated laws
sec.5 Administering authority for nominated laws
The administering authority for an infringement notice offence that is an offence against a provision of a nominated law mentioned in schedule 1 , or an infringement notice about the offence, is—
the entity specified in schedule 1 as the administering authority for an infringement notice offence against a provision of the nominated law, or an infringement notice about the offence; or
if no entity is specified in schedule 1 —the department or agency in which the provision is administered.
s 5 amd 2022 Act No. 10 ss 44 , 48
(a) the entity specified in schedule 1 as the administering authority for an infringement notice offence against a provision of the nominated law, or an infringement notice about the offence; or
(b) if no entity is specified in schedule 1 —the department or agency in which the provision is administered.
sec.6 Authorised person for infringement notice for offence against nominated law
sec.6 Authorised person for infringement notice for offence against nominated law
The person authorised to serve an infringement notice for an infringement notice offence that is an offence against a provision of a nominated law mentioned in schedule 1 is the person specified for the law in schedule 1 as the authorised person for service of infringement notices.
pt.3 Infringement notice offences etc. for local laws and by-laws
Infringement notice offences etc. for local laws and by-laws
sec.6A Definitions for part
sec.6A Definitions for part
In this part—
by-law means a by-law that is adopted by a trustee under the Land Act 1994 , section 56 (7) , and is in force.
trustee means either of the following entities appointed under the Land Act 1994 , section 44 , as a trustee of trust land—
the State;
a statutory body that is established under an Act and represents the State.
s 6A ins 2017 SL No. 42 s 5
(a) the State;
(b) a statutory body that is established under an Act and represents the State.
sec.7 Infringement notice offences and fines for local laws or by-laws
sec.7 Infringement notice offences and fines for local laws or by-laws
An offence against a provision of a local law that is not an offence against the person and for which a person may be punished by a maximum penalty of not more than 50 penalty units is an offence to which the Act applies (a local law infringement notice offence ).
The fine payable for a local law infringement notice offence under an infringement notice is—
if the offence is otherwise punishable by a maximum penalty of—
not more than 0.5 penalty units—the maximum penalty; or
more than 0.5, but not more than 5, penalty units—0.5 penalty units; or
more than 5, but not more than 10, penalty units—1 penalty unit; or
more than 10, but not more than 20, penalty units—2 penalty units; or
more than 20, but not more than 30, penalty units—3 penalty units; or
more than 30, but not more than 40, penalty units—4 penalty units; or
more than 40, but not more than 50, penalty units—5 penalty units; or
if a local law provides for an amount for the fine payable for the offence that is less than the amount prescribed for the offence under paragraph (a) —the lesser amount.
An offence against a provision of a by-law that is not an offence against the person and for which a person may be punished by a maximum penalty of not more than 10 penalty units is an offence to which the Act applies (a by-law infringement notice offence ).
The fine payable for a by-law infringement notice offence under an infringement notice is—
if the offence is otherwise punishable by a maximum penalty of not more than 0.5 penalty units—the maximum penalty; or
if the offence is otherwise punishable by a maximum penalty of more than 0.5, but not more than 5, penalty units—0.5 penalty units; or
if the offence is otherwise punishable by a maximum penalty of more than 5, but not more than 10, penalty units—1 penalty unit.
This section applies to a maximum penalty that is expressed as a monetary value as if the maximum penalty had been expressed as a number of penalty units (whether whole or fractional) that corresponds to the value.
s 7 amd 2017 SL No. 42 s 6
(sec.7-ssec.1) An offence against a provision of a local law that is not an offence against the person and for which a person may be punished by a maximum penalty of not more than 50 penalty units is an offence to which the Act applies (a local law infringement notice offence ).
(sec.7-ssec.2) The fine payable for a local law infringement notice offence under an infringement notice is— if the offence is otherwise punishable by a maximum penalty of— not more than 0.5 penalty units—the maximum penalty; or more than 0.5, but not more than 5, penalty units—0.5 penalty units; or more than 5, but not more than 10, penalty units—1 penalty unit; or more than 10, but not more than 20, penalty units—2 penalty units; or more than 20, but not more than 30, penalty units—3 penalty units; or more than 30, but not more than 40, penalty units—4 penalty units; or more than 40, but not more than 50, penalty units—5 penalty units; or if a local law provides for an amount for the fine payable for the offence that is less than the amount prescribed for the offence under paragraph (a) —the lesser amount.
(sec.7-ssec.3) An offence against a provision of a by-law that is not an offence against the person and for which a person may be punished by a maximum penalty of not more than 10 penalty units is an offence to which the Act applies (a by-law infringement notice offence ).
(sec.7-ssec.4) The fine payable for a by-law infringement notice offence under an infringement notice is— if the offence is otherwise punishable by a maximum penalty of not more than 0.5 penalty units—the maximum penalty; or if the offence is otherwise punishable by a maximum penalty of more than 0.5, but not more than 5, penalty units—0.5 penalty units; or if the offence is otherwise punishable by a maximum penalty of more than 5, but not more than 10, penalty units—1 penalty unit.
(sec.7-ssec.5) This section applies to a maximum penalty that is expressed as a monetary value as if the maximum penalty had been expressed as a number of penalty units (whether whole or fractional) that corresponds to the value.
(a) if the offence is otherwise punishable by a maximum penalty of— (i) not more than 0.5 penalty units—the maximum penalty; or (ii) more than 0.5, but not more than 5, penalty units—0.5 penalty units; or (iii) more than 5, but not more than 10, penalty units—1 penalty unit; or (iv) more than 10, but not more than 20, penalty units—2 penalty units; or (v) more than 20, but not more than 30, penalty units—3 penalty units; or (vi) more than 30, but not more than 40, penalty units—4 penalty units; or (vii) more than 40, but not more than 50, penalty units—5 penalty units; or
(i) not more than 0.5 penalty units—the maximum penalty; or
(ii) more than 0.5, but not more than 5, penalty units—0.5 penalty units; or
(iii) more than 5, but not more than 10, penalty units—1 penalty unit; or
(iv) more than 10, but not more than 20, penalty units—2 penalty units; or
(v) more than 20, but not more than 30, penalty units—3 penalty units; or
(vi) more than 30, but not more than 40, penalty units—4 penalty units; or
(vii) more than 40, but not more than 50, penalty units—5 penalty units; or
(b) if a local law provides for an amount for the fine payable for the offence that is less than the amount prescribed for the offence under paragraph (a) —the lesser amount.
(i) not more than 0.5 penalty units—the maximum penalty; or
(ii) more than 0.5, but not more than 5, penalty units—0.5 penalty units; or
(iii) more than 5, but not more than 10, penalty units—1 penalty unit; or
(iv) more than 10, but not more than 20, penalty units—2 penalty units; or
(v) more than 20, but not more than 30, penalty units—3 penalty units; or
(vi) more than 30, but not more than 40, penalty units—4 penalty units; or
(vii) more than 40, but not more than 50, penalty units—5 penalty units; or
(a) if the offence is otherwise punishable by a maximum penalty of not more than 0.5 penalty units—the maximum penalty; or
(b) if the offence is otherwise punishable by a maximum penalty of more than 0.5, but not more than 5, penalty units—0.5 penalty units; or
(c) if the offence is otherwise punishable by a maximum penalty of more than 5, but not more than 10, penalty units—1 penalty unit.
sec.8 Administering authority for local law or by-law
sec.8 Administering authority for local law or by-law
The administering authority for an infringement notice offence that is an offence against a provision of a local law, or an infringement notice about the offence, is the local government that made the local law.
The administering authority for an infringement notice offence that is an offence against a provision of a by-law, or an infringement notice about the offence, is the trustee that adopted the by-law.
s 8 amd 2017 SL No. 42 s 7
(sec.8-ssec.1) The administering authority for an infringement notice offence that is an offence against a provision of a local law, or an infringement notice about the offence, is the local government that made the local law.
(sec.8-ssec.2) The administering authority for an infringement notice offence that is an offence against a provision of a by-law, or an infringement notice about the offence, is the trustee that adopted the by-law.
sec.9 Authorised person for infringement notice for offence against local law, by-law or minor traffic offence
sec.9 Authorised person for infringement notice for offence against local law, by-law or minor traffic offence
An authorised person for a local government is a person authorised to serve an infringement notice for—
an infringement notice offence that is an offence against a provision of a local law made by the local government; or
an infringement notice offence for the local government under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 , section 108 .
An employee of a trustee who is approved by the trustee for the purposes of this subsection is a person authorised to serve an infringement notice for an infringement notice offence that is an offence against a provision of a by-law adopted by the trustee.
In subsection (1) —
authorised person means an authorised person under the City of Brisbane Act 2010 , section 199 or the Local Government Act 2009 , section 202 .
s 9 amd 2017 SL No. 42 s 8
(sec.9-ssec.1) An authorised person for a local government is a person authorised to serve an infringement notice for— an infringement notice offence that is an offence against a provision of a local law made by the local government; or an infringement notice offence for the local government under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 , sec
This is an opening excerpt, not the complete document.