Fines as a sentencing option

In 2006-07, the Sentencing Council conducted an evaluation of fines as a sentencing option.

The Council's review consisted of a judicial survey and a research report.

The Council's publications in relation to this review, and the Government's response, are found below.

Judicial Perceptions of Fines as a Sentencing Option

A judicial survey examined how court-imposed fines are being imposed. Published in August 2007.

Download: Judicial Perceptions of Fines as a Sentencing Option: A Survey of NSW Magistrates (PDF, 443.3 KB)

The Effectiveness of Fines as a Sentencing Option: Court-imposed fines and penalty notices

The Council was asked to consider the effectiveness of fines as a sanction, and the consequences for those who do not pay them. The Council was specifically directed to examine the use of driver license sanctions to enforce fine default, and to explore any possible connection to increased imprisonment rates arising out of s 25 and s 25A of the Road Transport (Driver Licencing) Act 1998. Interim Report, published in October 2006.

Download: The Effectiveness of Fines as a Sentencing Option: Court-imposed fines and penalty notices (PDF, 818.3 KB)

Government response

• Disadvantaged People to Work Off Their Fines (PDF, 30.0 KB)
  
• Attorney General's Media Release: 26 November 2008
  
• Homeless and Disadvantaged People Fines Debt (DOC, 36.0 KB)
  
• Question without notice: 26 November 2008
  
• Improving the Effectiveness of Fines in NSW (PDF, 29.7 KB) Attorney General's Media Release: 25 August 2007