In Queensland, a monetary order may be issued by the court in you are convicted of a crime.
If you don’t pay on time, a state government agency will collect the debt from you.
If the debt remains unpaid, the agency can take enforcement action against you.
Court fines
A court fine is a penalty imposed by the Supreme, District, or Magistrates Court when the defendant has been convicted of the offence.
If you’re fined, you’ll receive a notice in the mail showing the amount and how to pay it.
Offender levy
The offender levy is a fee to help cover the costs of law enforcement and court administration.
The offender levy is separate from fines or penalties imposed by the court.
The court does not consider the levy when deciding your penalty or sentence.
If your sentence includes a fine, you must still pay the offender levy.
The levy cannot be converted into community service or a fine option order.
The levy amount is currently:
- $428.00—if the sentence is imposed by the Supreme Court or District Court
- $142.80—if the sentence is imposed by a Magistrates Court.
You can pay the levy on the day it’s applied in court.
If you don’t, you’ll receive an enforcement order from the State Penalties Enforcement Registry.
Read more about the offender levy.
Offender debt recovery notices
If you’ve been convicted of an act of violence against a person in Queensland, the Queensland Government may recover from you a portion of:
- a criminal injury compensation order
- the financial assistance the government paid to the victim
If this applies to you, you’ll receive an offender debt recovery notice.
The decision to recover the money is separate from the sentence you were given by the court. The money can be recovered from you no matter how old you were when you were convicted.
If you don’t pay on time
If you don’t pay your fine, levy, or victim compensation on time, the debt will be registered with the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) for collection and enforcement.
Enforcement orders
SPER will send you an enforcement order with payment instructions and a due date.
You must pay the debt or take action by this date.
Enforcement actions
If you don’t pay or act, SPER may, for example:
- redirect funds from your employer or bank
- seize and sell your property.
For more details, visit the SPER website.
Can’t afford to pay?
If you’re unable to pay the full amount, contact SPER immediately to discuss instalment options or other arrangements.
