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Published: September 25, 2025

SPER’s Domestic and Family Violence Process

SPER has a Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) process available for victim-survivors.

SPER’s DFV Process can quicky resolve some fines caused by an experience of violence. However, it isn’t a process that is available for every fine.  

What fines will be considered? 

The process applies to camera-detected infringements issued by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Revenue Office and Road Camera Safety Office.

The fines have to have been referred to SPER for collection. If the fine is still with the government department that issued it, you may want to contact the department to discuss the available options.

Who is eligible to apply? 

To qualify, a community member must demonstrate: 

  1. They have experienced domestic and/or family violence. 
  1. They are not responsible for the offending behaviour. For example, they were not driving the vehicle at the time or the offence. 
  1. The perpetrator of violence committed the offence for which the infringement was issued. 
  1. The violence significantly affected their ability to either: 
    a. identify or nominate the driver responsible for the offence in a vehicle registered to the victim-survivor; or 
    b. challenge a nomination for an infringement where the victim-survivor was not the responsible driver. 

If you’re unsure whether a community member is eligible or if the fines they received will be considered, you can call SPER to discuss the person’s options. If you think they may be eligible or have other grounds that justify cancelling the SPER debt, you can submit an application for SPER to consider.

David came to see you when he received a letter from SPER saying they would suspend his licence unless he paid his SPER debt.

You help David to log onto his SPER Portal to check how much SPER says he owes and for what fines. David tells you he has some old fines from court a few years ago but he doesn’t understand why the letter from SPER says he owes almost $10,000.

David’s SPER debt schedule shows a number of fines for speeding, running red lights and not wearing a seatbelt. David explains that his ex-partner has been driving his car and he’s too afraid to ask for it back. He’s continued to pay the registration out of fear. These fines make up a big portion of David’s SPER debt.

You help David to contact SPER to request a deferral while you work out David’s options. Along with some supporting information, you successfully help David apply under SPER’s DFV Process.

David’s debt is now a much smaller size and he tells you he’s responsible for the remaining fines. Going through the debt schedule, you see there’s one fine for not voting. The election was right about when David left the violent relationship. You write to the Electoral Commission of Queensland explaining David’s circumstance and asking them to withdraw the fine, which they do.

David is now able to set up a smaller, more affordable payment plan to resolve his remaining SPER debt. He’s also thinking about completing a Work and Development Order to pay his debt down quicker.

 

How to apply 

The application is made by completing SPER’s Application from to withdraw fines due to DFV, which can then be sent to SPER by email to sper.clientsupport@treasury.qld.gov.au. 

SPER’s Guide to processing applications to withdraw fines clearly outlines how to apply, the information to include to support an application, and what to do if your client does not have support documentation. 

Who can assist someone to apply? 

A third party, such as an authorised professional, friend, or family member, can apply to withdraw fines under DFVP on behalf of a person. Authorised professionals include: 

  • Health practitioners registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law in professions such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practice, medical, midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy, and psychology; 
  • Individuals eligible for membership in the Australian Association of Social Workers; 
  • Refuge or crisis workers; 
  • DFV support workers or case managers; 
  • Accredited financial counsellors; 
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical services; or 
  • Solicitors. 

Establishing an authority to act on behalf of your client can be completed via your client’s SPER portal online or by completing an Authority to Act form.