Work and Development Permit Scheme Infringement Management and Enforcement Services Work and Development Permit Scheme WDP Overview This is a significant new initiative for Victoria and one that is expected to support our most vulnerable members of the community to address the circumstances that lead to offending.

Work and Development Permits Infringement Management and Enforcement Services Work and Development Permits WDP will provide vulnerable people with a non-financial option to ‘work off’ infringement fine debt Eligible people can participate in activities and treatment The scheme is voluntary Supervised by an accredited agency or health practitioner Administered by the Secretary and Director, Fines Victoria

How the WDP scheme will work Infringement Management and Enforcement Services How the WDP scheme will work 1 2 3 ...to an eligible person... ...who participates in activities... Director, Fines Victoria issues a WDP… 4 5 ...to ‘work-off’ their infringement fines... ...under the supervision of an accredited sponsor Supported in full by the WDP Operations Team $ $ $ $

From the time an infringement is issued Infringement Management and Enforcement Services When WDP is available From the time an infringement is issued Until sanctions are applied or a person is arrested by a sheriff’s officer

Eligibility criteria for a WDP Infringement Management and Enforcement Services Eligibility criteria for a WDP mental or intellectual disability, disorder or illness addiction to drugs, alcohol or a volatile substance homelessness victim of family violence acute financial hardship A person needs a sponsor to support their application. The sponsor needs to collect evidence of the person’s eligibility. WDP eligibility is different to special circumstances: includes acute financial hardship no nexus requirements

No nexus requirement for WDP Infringement Management and Enforcement Services No nexus requirement for WDP There is no requirement that the person’s condition or circumstances caused the offending conduct offending conduct condition or circumstances Different to internal review and revocation Might be suitable for someone who is unable to establish nexus for internal review / revo

WDP sponsors Not-for-profit, government and other agencies Infringement Management and Enforcement Services WDP sponsors Not-for-profit, government and other agencies Health practitioners Sponsors underpin the scheme Apply for WDP, provide activities, record participation Organisations with which potential WDP participants are already engaged Start with foundation sponsors - open up to more sponsor – later in process when fully integrated IT system in place. Sponsors are accredited by the Secretary / Director, Fines Victoria

Activities that a person can perform under a WDP Infringement Management and Enforcement Services Activities that a person can perform under a WDP Unpaid work Courses – educational, vocational or life-skills Treatment from a health practitioner Counselling – incl. financial, drug and alcohol Mentoring programs (for under 25s)

How fine debt is reduced Infringement Management and Enforcement Services How fine debt is reduced Apply for a WDP Participate in activities to work off fines Fines satisfied Fine debt (balance): $5,000 Fine debt (balance): $2,500 Fine debt (balance): $0 $5,000 Fine debt (balance) decreases as activities are performed As the person participates in activities or treatment, the sponsor reports the person’s participation and the fine balance is reduced Can opt out and choose to pay If stops participating, WDP can be cancelled and enforcement action can resume $2,500 $0 Jun July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Benefits of WDP Infringement Management and Enforcement Services WDP A practical way to manage debt Relief from debt stress Engagement with services Reduced enforcement activity

Commencement of WDP Scheme Infringement Management and Enforcement Services Commencement of WDP Scheme 1 July 2017 WDP Operations Team working in partnership with foundation sponsors Case by case approach to WDP applications Incorporate learnings and refine processes for further roll out in early 2018

wdp@justice.vic.gov.au Phone: 1300 323 483 Infringement Management and Enforcement Services Contact WDP: wdp@justice.vic.gov.au Phone: 1300 323 483