Law Current to: September 1, 2025

SPER’s Domestic and Family Violence Process

SPER has implemented a Domestic and Family Violence process that offers an alternative way for victim-survivors to resolve specific vehicle-related Infringement Notices being collected by SPER.

The purpose of SPER’s DFV process is to ensure victim-survivors of domestic violence are not held viable for eligible SPER debts they did not incur. If an application to SPER’s DFV process is successful, the eligible fines are withdrawn and not pursued for further enforcement action.

What fines will be considered?

Camera-detected infringements issued by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Revenue Office, and RSCO are eligible once they have been referred to SPER for collection.

Other types of fines (such as court-imposed fines, fines issued to corporations, fines from administrative authorities other than those listed above (such as councils or universities), or fines issued in-person by Queensland police officers) are not eligible under SPER’s DFV process. However, SPER may consider these fines under its general write off prevision (s 150A of SPEA). You can read more about this option here.

Who is eligible to apply?

To qualify, your client must demonstrate:

1. They have experienced domestic and/or family violence.
2. They are not responsible for the offending behaviour. For example, they were not driving the vehicle at the time or the offence.
3. The perpetrator of violence committed the offence for which the infringement was issued.
4. The violence significantly affected their ability to either:
   a. identify or nominate the driver responsible for the offence in a vehicle registered to the victim-survivor; or
   b. challenge a nomination for an infringement where the victim-survivor was not the responsible driver.

How to apply

You can apply on behalf of a client by using SPER’s Application from to withdraw fines due to DFV. The application can be sent to SPER by email to [email protected].

SPER’s Guide to processing applications to withdraw fines clearly outlines how to apply, the information to include to support an application, and what to do if your client does not have support documentation.

Who can assist someone to apply?

A third party, such as an authorised professional, friend, or family member, can apply to withdraw fines under DFVP on behalf of a person. Authorised professionals include:

• Health practitioners registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law in professions such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practice, medical, midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy, and psychology;
• Individuals eligible for membership in the Australian Association of Social Workers;
• Refuge or crisis workers;
• DFV support workers or case managers;
• Accredited financial counsellors;
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical services; or
• Solicitors.

Establishing an authority to act on behalf of your client can be completed via your client’s SPER portal online or by completing an Authority to Act form.