Unpaid fines another debt to add to Queenslands' growing pile

In a bid to recover $838 million in outstanding debts, the Queensland government has introduced a team of professional debt collectors.

The fines making up the pricy debt include failing to vote and jaywalking as well as drink driving and speeding offences.

So far an average of $19.8 million a month has been recovered, however another $10 million a month is being accumulated.

If it continues at this rate it is expected the debt will exceed $1 billion in just over a year.

Queensland Council of Social Service CEO Mark Henley said the Government's management of unpaid fines needed to take into account a person's capacity to pay.

"When you consider that an unemployed person on Newstart is already living below the poverty line, they have a very limited capacity to pay fines," Mr Henley said.

"Paying back those debts shouldn't cause further hardship or poverty."

Debt Rescue operations manager Rachael Witton said she is seeing an increase in people experiencing financial trouble.

“There is a large number of families and individuals in Australia who are struggling to cope with the basic costs of living, “ Ms Witton said.

“People calling us for help can’t afford their mortgage, car loan, utility bills or petrol. Some are even going without food to try to cope,” she said.

“An unpaid fine is just another expense to add to the unmanageable pile of debt they are facing".

Ms Witton said options are available for people who want to get out of debt.

“A number of debt relief options are available in Australia to help people get back on track with their debt including debt consolidation, debt agreements and budgeting.”

Debt collectors will continue to chase unpaid fines until June when the government will assess the effectiveness of the trial.

If you want to gain control of your debts call Debt Rescue on 1800 00 3328.