The Work and Development Permit (WDP) scheme provides vulnerable and disadvantaged people with a non-financial option to address their infringement fine debt. If eligible, you can reduce your fine debt by participating in certain activities and treatment under the supervision of an accredited sponsor.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for a WDP you will have received an infringement fine or registered collection and enforcement order.

You will have, or be experiencing, one of the following:

• a mental or intellectual disability, disorder or illness
• an addiction to drugs, alcohol or a volatile substance
• homelessness
• family violence
• acute financial hardship.

You will need to provide details to support your eligibility.

What activities are required?

If you undertake a WDP, your sponsor will choose the treatment and/or activities that are best suited to you and keep records of your participation.

These activities may include:

• unpaid work
• treatment given by a doctor, nurse or psychologist
• courses, including educational, vocational or life skills courses
• drug and alcohol counselling
• counselling by a social worker or occupational therapist under a mental health plan
• counselling, including financial or other types of counselling
• mentoring (for a person under 25 years of age).

How can I participate in the WDP Scheme?

To participate in a WDP you must be engaged with an accredited sponsor and participate in activities and/or treatment as required by your sponsor.

If you are already engaged with an organisation or health practitioner, you can ask them if they are an accredited WDP sponsor or are interested in becoming one, they can contact us or visit the WDP Portal to find out more about becoming a sponsor.

If you are not currently engaged with an organisation or health practitioner, you can contact us to discuss your options. You will need to provide us with information to support your eligibility for the scheme.

To find out more about the Work and Development Permit scheme, call 1300 323 483 between 9 am and 4 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) or email [email protected].

What fines are not eligible for a WDP?

There are some circumstances in which a fine cannot be included in a WDP, for example if:

• the fine has been issued to a company
• the fine has been paid in full
• the fine is a court fine
• you have been served a 7 Day Notice in relation to the fine and the 7 day notice period has expired
• you have been arrested by a sheriff's officer in relation to the fine
• a vehicle seizure and sale notice has been issued after a sheriff's officer has wheel clamped and detained your vehicle
• an attachment of earnings direction or an attachment of debts direction has been made in relation to the fine
• a land charge has been recorded in relation to the fine, or
• the fine has been registered with the Children's Court for enforcement.

If your fine is included in a payment arrangement, the fine needs to be removed from the arrangement for it be included in a WDP.

A fine cannot be included in a WDP if you have submitted a nomination request, an application for review or the Family Violence Scheme. The fine can be added to a WDP if your application is rejected or withdrawn.

Becoming a WDP sponsor

If you are an organisation or a health practitioner and would like to find out more about becoming a WDP sponsor, visit the WDP Portal or see Work and Development Permit scheme on the Department of Justice and Community Safety website.