Criminals and wrongdoers will be somewhat chagrined (polite version of pissed off).
Why? – because they are not the ones getting the money – the Government does.
What’s more, we the public pay without a squeal!
Every third year on 1 July, there is a blanket increase of the value(?) of a penalty point, called indexation, which means of course, that the Government gets more money, so crime pays.
Fines are standardised by the allocation of penalty points e.g. not controlling your dog in a public place costs 5 penalty points.
One penalty point is now A$161, up from A$154 (4.2%); CPI is only 3.8% over the same period.
Dear me, inflation is terrible, yet Government continues to find ways to maintain the flow of money paid by us all. Without lifting a finger or risking public debate in Parliament. Such a cunning trick to ensure its revenues are maintained.
Like Justice, these increases are blind – they do not take into account whether there has been an increase or decrease in offending or whether the penalties deter or eliminate crime.
In fact, it appears that the number of offences detected on camera for every 1,000 vehicles has reduced. “This is a promising sign of changing driver behaviour.”
Yet the penalty amounts increase!
The state government forecast its Camera Detected Offence Program (CDOP) would bring in $465.8 million in revenue in 2023 financial year — up nearly 70 per cent on the $274.5 million collected in 2021-22.
Yet the then minister stated “Research tells us that CDOP was associated with a reduction of 897 casualty crashes in 2020 and 1191 casualty crashes in 2021,”
From next financial year, the government forecasts CDOP revenue of $503.5 million – the equivalent of $1.37 million per day!!
What started me of on this theme was recently the penalty for allowing one’s dog to walk unleashed in a public place increased from $322 to $806!
Why ?
I really don’t want to get started on how governments control its citizens by making them criminals or government ingenuity on extracting money.
To me it’s simple: if you don’t control your dog adequately, you will be warned. If it happens again your dog will be destroyed.
If you drive without a seat belt, in excess of speed limits, using a phone, or go through traffic lights, you will be warned. Next time your licence is cancelled. Third time – you go to gaol.
Offences will dry up quick time. But so will revenue…
Is that likely to happen? Yeah, right!
sillysocksonfriday 