Certificate fees waived and fines deferred for disaster victims
Published Wednesday, 18 February, 2009 at 02:42 PM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
The Department of Justice and Attorney-General is offering assistance with certificates, registrations and unpaid fines for people affected by recent natural disasters.
“The lives of many north Queenslanders have been turned upside down as a result of the recent floods,” Mr Shine said.
“While the loss of a birth certificate or registration form is very minor compared to personal injury or the loss of property, the waiving of fees for people who are doing it tough will help to make life easier as they seek to rebuild their lives.
“These arrangements will extend to those Queenslanders affected by the disastrous fires in Victoria.”
Mr Shine said the State Government would offer free replacement birth or marriage certificates to Queenslanders who lost such documents in the floods or fires.
“People who needed replacement certificates should present their damaged certificates or provide advice that they have been destroyed to any Queensland courthouse or Queensland Government Agent Program office,” he said.
“The free replacement certificates will be offered until 30 June 2009.”
Mr Shine said his department would also offer concessions to businesses, incorporated associations, cooperatives and people holding occupational licenses who are affected by the floods.
"Businesses affected by the floods can seek relief from late lodgement fees for business name renewals and can obtain replacement registration certificates if they have been lost or damaged in the flood," he said.
“Incorporated associations may seek time extensions for holding their annual general meetings and the lodgement of their financial paper work.
"Registered cooperatives can apply to have any applicable late lodgement fees waived.
"If you have an occupational license provided through the department, you can seek extensions to renewal dates or have your existing licenses replaced at no cost if they have been damaged.”
Requests for assistance can be made at local government counters or by calling 13 13 04.
Mr Shine said the collection of unpaid fines from those affected by the floods or fires would be deferred by the State Penalties Enforcement Registry.
"Those affected who are seeking to suspend payment should contact the State Penalties Enforcement Registry on 1300 365 635. The deferral period will last until 30 June 2009."
Media contact: Lisa Taylor 3239 6400 or 0488 741689
“The lives of many north Queenslanders have been turned upside down as a result of the recent floods,” Mr Shine said.
“While the loss of a birth certificate or registration form is very minor compared to personal injury or the loss of property, the waiving of fees for people who are doing it tough will help to make life easier as they seek to rebuild their lives.
“These arrangements will extend to those Queenslanders affected by the disastrous fires in Victoria.”
Mr Shine said the State Government would offer free replacement birth or marriage certificates to Queenslanders who lost such documents in the floods or fires.
“People who needed replacement certificates should present their damaged certificates or provide advice that they have been destroyed to any Queensland courthouse or Queensland Government Agent Program office,” he said.
“The free replacement certificates will be offered until 30 June 2009.”
Mr Shine said his department would also offer concessions to businesses, incorporated associations, cooperatives and people holding occupational licenses who are affected by the floods.
"Businesses affected by the floods can seek relief from late lodgement fees for business name renewals and can obtain replacement registration certificates if they have been lost or damaged in the flood," he said.
“Incorporated associations may seek time extensions for holding their annual general meetings and the lodgement of their financial paper work.
"Registered cooperatives can apply to have any applicable late lodgement fees waived.
"If you have an occupational license provided through the department, you can seek extensions to renewal dates or have your existing licenses replaced at no cost if they have been damaged.”
Requests for assistance can be made at local government counters or by calling 13 13 04.
Mr Shine said the collection of unpaid fines from those affected by the floods or fires would be deferred by the State Penalties Enforcement Registry.
"Those affected who are seeking to suspend payment should contact the State Penalties Enforcement Registry on 1300 365 635. The deferral period will last until 30 June 2009."
Media contact: Lisa Taylor 3239 6400 or 0488 741689