THE LAW SOCIETY OF NEW SOUTH WALES
170 Phillip Street, Sydney NSW 2000, DX 362 Sydney T +61 2 9926 0333
F
+61 2 9231 5809
ACN 000 000 699
ABN 98 696 304 966
September 16, 2009
A welcome second chance for the Homeless and vulnerable.
The Law Society of NSW welcomes the decision by the NSW Attorney General to
allow homeless and disadvantaged members of the community to pay off fines by
conducting charity work or by entering treatment and education programs.
The two year trial will ensure that the most vulnerable members of society are
given a real chance to get their lives back on track and avoid spiralling further into
debt and a possible prison term.
“This is a very positive initiative and a genuine step in the right direction. Fines
can become a significant hurdle to someone who is behind the eight ball in the
first place”, said Joe Catanzariti, President of the Law Society of NSW.
The large number of charitable organisations and youth groups who have
expressed an interest in taking part in the trial indicates the size of this problem.
The accumulation of debt can have a very negative impact on people including
the mandatory loss of a driver’s licence which, in turn, can lead someone to drive
while disqualified with potentially serious consequences.
“We would like to see the trial succeed and hope that it’s monitored closely to
ensure that those taking part are getting what they need from it. This problem
affects a lot of people all with different needs so we would also hope that it’s
flexible enough to reflect those differences”, Mr Catanzariti said.
“Any initiative that is designed to give disadvantaged people a second chance in
life and help them steer clear of the criminal justice system is to be openly
encouraged. The Government is to be applauded for getting this trial under way
because it’s a win - win for everybody”, Mr Catanzariti said.
If the trial is successful the Law Society would encourage the government to
expand the program so that a greater cross section of the community can benefit.
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Media Contact: Sean Brogan 9926 0250 or 0407 436 709.
NEWS 
