BY SHY-ANN ARKINSTALL
According to data from Revenue NSW, Hunter residents under the age of 18 owe more than $200,000 in unpaid fines.
Researchers out of the University of Newcastle have been studying the trend, and say many young people are showing signs of financial stress including skipping meals and making late payments on bills.
Research has also found, many are turning to credit options to pay fines and bills leading to interest costs and further financial stress.
Senior Sociology Lecturer at the University of Newcastle, Dr. Julia Cook says most fines owed by those under 18 are transport fines for travelling without a valid ticket and believes most are likely not paying because they can't afford it.
"They may get a fine but also through that process they may become known to the transport officers and that means they may be likely to get picked up on that again and that can be a bit of a cycle," Dr. Cook said.
Dr. Cook also pointed out there is an assumption, parents will be able to pay fines if children cannot afford it, but said this is not always a case, especially amid the current cost of living crisis.
"Young people can have issues getting their L plates and their P plates; if they have outstanding fines that can be a roadblock to getting those sorts of things that young people are not always aware of. Particularly for young people who live in areas that may not have great public transport or if they have started a trade and they really need to be able to drive or just to have employment, it can be a real roadblock to their goals," Dr. Cook said.
Dr. Cook also said there are alternative methods of payments for fines which should utilised by young people struggling to pay fines, such as requesting a Work and Development Order where, through work, study, or financial counselling, you can get your fines reduced.
Work and Development Orders can be carried out at places such as PCYC and the University of Newcastle, among others.
"I think we need to look at why these people are accruing fines. If people are taking public transport and aren't paying their fare I don't think they should necessarily be receiving a fine for that. I think there needs to be some kind of further examination because even when people are on a low income they still need to be able to access essential services," Dr. Cook said.
