QLD - Fine defaulters to have cars clamped

[AWD Chaser]

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574...02-421,00.html

CARS could be clamped by the Queensland Government in their owners' garages and driveways under a tough new trial targeting fine dodgers.
Attorney-General Cameron Dick announced today a 12-month trial aimed at cracking down on the state's worst fine defaulters, who collectively owe more than $12 million.
He said the government would introduce new legislation allowing authorities to clamp the wheels of vehicles belonging to debtors who owe more than $5000.
The vehicles could then be sold if the offender still refused to pay up after six days.
Authorities will also be given the power to suspend drivers' licences for all fine defaults, irrespective of the amount.
Suspension is currently only allowed in fines relating to driving offences.
"These tough new measures will send a strong message to people who thumb their nose at fines," Mr Dick said. "If you don't pay up, you will lose your wheels."
He said the finer details of the Brisbane trial were still being worked out, including whether authorities would be able to enter private property to apply the clamps.
"There are of course issues involved with going on people's private property to clamp their vehicles," Mr Dick said.
"... But we are going to look at that, I'm not ruling it out, I must say that.
"That may be something that we need to do."
Mr Dick said people would be given ample warning and the option of working out a payment plan with the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) before the measures were taken.
Those who forgot to pay, or could not afford to, need not be worried, Mr Dick said.
But Civil Liberties Council vice president Terry O'Gorman criticised the "draconian" program, saying it would not distinguish properly between those who would not pay their fines, and those who couldn't afford to.
Mr O'Gorman said the clamping and seizure of vehicles and licence suspension would force struggling families further into poverty.
He said taking away a person's means of getting to work could even force people towards crime.
"This is a strange and indeed heartless approach for the Government to take," Mr O'Gorman said.
Allowing for a community service program through which people could pay off their fines through hard work should be adopted instead, he said.
Opposition justice spokesman Lawrence Springborg said the changes were unnecessary as the Government already had the power to confiscate property to pay overdue fines.
"All we need is the enforcement of the existing legislation," he said.
The trial will begin on January 1.

[Wally]

I hear the Bligh Govt is looking at expelling residents who don't have a QLD passport in December. Missile tesing into the Sea of Japan will commence in February. Rio Tinto executives will be detained and charged with spying.