Victim-survivors of family violence gain a pathway out of unfair speeding fines debt

Women and non-binary people in Victoria who have been left with excessive speeding fines committed by the person using violence against them will soon have a pathway to clearing them.    

The Justice Legislation Amendment (Family Violence, Coercive Control, Good Character, Risk Assessment and Other Matters) Bill 2026 passed by the Victorian Parliament means fines for excessive speeding are now included in the Fines Victoria Family Violence Scheme. This means victim-survivors who have received fines for excessive speeding where they were not driving will soon be able to ask Fines Victoria to withdraw the fine.

Women’s Legal regularly supports people who are unfairly left carrying debt because a person using violence nominated them as the driver responsible for excessive speeding offences. As well facing the financial burden of the fines, victim-survivors face automatic license suspension because of these fines, creating further barriers to escaping unsafe situations.

The Justice Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 means victim-survivors, and other eligible people, will be able to access Work and Development Permits for court fines. This permit lets eligible people work off fines through activities that support their health, wellbeing, education or recovery or have debt waived.

Women’s Legal Service Victoria CEO Claudia Fatone says this shows decision-makers recognise that more needs to be done to help victim-survivors address fines debt while continuing to focus on safety, recovery and rebuilding their lives.

"This change will bring enormous relief to victim-survivors of family violence who have been living with the fear that unpaid fines could one day lead to imprisonment. No one should face the prospect of losing their freedom because of debts linked to coercive or controlling behaviours or financial abuse," she said.

As co-conveners of the Infringements Working Group - made up of members from Federation of Community Legal Centres, Financial Counselling Victoria and Victoria Legal Aid who advocate for a fairer and more accessible fines system - Women’s Legal has called for Victoria to take an even further step now and stop jailing people for fines debt.  

Many people are struggling to afford necessities, let alone dealing with debts not of their own making.  

Ms Fatone said the state’s fines system should not leave women and non-binary people carrying debts caused by family violence or financial abuse.  

"For many women and non-binary people experiencing family violence, fines debt can be another way that financial abuse follows them long after they have left a violent relationship. Closing this loophole removes a source of fear and uncertainty for thousands of Victorians."