URGENT UPDATE: Thousands of Victorians are facing potential imprisonment over what are being called “zombie warrants” for old unpaid fines, primarily linked to toll roads. These warrants, issued under a now-repealed law from 2017, are raising alarm as authorities prepare to enforce them once again, threatening jail time if payment plans are not accepted.
Current estimates show that at least 3,117 unexecuted imprisonment warrants remain active in Victoria’s fines system. Legal advocates are sounding the alarm, as many of these warrants affect vulnerable individuals, often those already struggling financially. The resurgence of these warrants has sparked a push from legal groups urging Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny to void them, warning that enforcement could lead to devastating consequences for low-income residents.
Among those affected is Jarrod West, a Bunurong man and traditional owner, who has been burdened with toll road debts accumulating to $119,000 since the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. West’s story underscores the deep human impact of this policy. After experiencing severe trauma from the fires, he became overwhelmed by financial obligations and lost track of his fines, ultimately facing the threat of imprisonment years later. “They said, ‘We have the power to come to your house’,” West reported, expressing his distress over the situation.
The Department of Justice has confirmed that a moratorium on enforcing these warrants began in early 2024 after concerns were raised by community lawyers. However, recent indications suggest that the government may soon lift this moratorium, allowing the sheriff to act on the backlogged warrants. Legal advocates warn that this could lead to serious repercussions, including increased mental distress and even suicides among affected individuals.
Data reveals that the vast majority of these warrants stem from unpaid toll fines rather than other infractions like speeding or red-light violations. In fact, records show that 80% of imprisonment-related fines involve tolls, which raises concerns about the use of severe enforcement measures for private operators. “It’s a cash grab,” argues Shifrah Blustein, a managing lawyer at Inner Melbourne Community Legal, emphasizing that these pre-2017 orders should be voided due to their inherent injustice.
The Victorian fines system has long been criticized for its disproportionate impact on marginalized populations. Legal groups like Justice Connect are calling for immediate legislative reform to protect vulnerable individuals from the threat of imprisonment, which they argue exacerbates existing poverty and disadvantage. “The system punishes the most vulnerable,” Blustein stated, highlighting the need for urgent change.
As the government weighs its options, the emotional toll on those facing these zombie warrants continues to grow. Victorians are urged to stay informed and take action regarding their fines, as the implications of these impending enforcement measures could profoundly affect thousands of lives.
The situation remains fluid, with legal advocates pushing for immediate intervention to prevent the reactivation of these warrants. As discussions continue, the community watches closely, knowing that the outcome could either alleviate or exacerbate the hardships faced by many in Victoria.
