Infringement Refund Scheme (2006 - 2016)

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Following on from the Victorian Ombudsman’s report, Investigation into Three Council’s Outsourcing of Parking Fine Internal Reviews, Hume City Council (the Council), along with other Victorian councils, have committed to providing a refund to motorists who unsuccessfully appealed a parking infringement between 2006 and 2016 where it is established that a Council officer did not make a decision on the appeal.

All eligible motorists were sent notification from Hume City Council in the mail from late April 2022 onwards, with refunds redeemable at Australia Post for 12 months from the time of issue.

If you didn't receive a letter but believe you are eligible, simply complete our Infringement Refund Scheme (2006 – 2016) online form with as much detail as possible.

If you require more information, please refer to the FAQs below or contact the Infringement Refund Scheme Team at (03) 9256 2200 or infringementmanagement@hume.vic.gov.au.

Why has Hume City Council commenced an Infringement Refund Scheme?

Following release of the Victorian Ombudsman’s report, ‘Investigation into three councils outsourcing of parking fine internal reviews, Hume City Council (the Council) has committed to providing a refund to motorists who unsuccessfully appealed a parking infringement between 1 July 2006 to 31 December 2016 where it is established that a Council officer did not make a decision on the appeal.

Who is eligible for a refund?

Motorists who unsuccessfully appealed a parking infringement between 1 July 2006 and 31 December 2016 where a Council officer did not make a decision on the appeal.

Who is not eligible for a refund?

Any infringements appealed outside of the period 1 July 2006 to 31 December 2016 are not eligible for a refund. Procedures were amended following this date to ensure that a Council officer made a decision on all appeals.

Additionally, the following circumstances make fines appealed between 1 July 2006 to 31 December 2016 ineligible for a refund:

  • The fine has not been finalised (paid)
  • The fine was withdrawn
  • An official warning was issued
  • An outcome was provided by the Magistrates’ Court; or
  • Council officers made a decision on the appeal during the eligibility period. 

 

The Infringements Act 2006 states an application for review of an infringement may be made “at any time before the expiry of the period for bringing a proceeding in relation to the offence to which the infringement notice relates”.

How will I know if I am eligible?

All eligible motorists were sent notification from Council in the mail from late April 2022 onwards, with refunds redeemable at Australia Post for 12 months from the time of issue.

If eligible, you should have received a letter in the mail from Council that includes a refund that is redeemable at Australia Post.

 

I didn’t receive a letter but believe I am eligible for a refund

Simply complete our Infringement Refund Scheme (2006 – 2016) online form with as much detail as possible.

Our Infringement Refund Scheme team will review your application and advise of an outcome.

Infringement Refund Scheme (2006 - 2016) Online Form

How long do I have to redeem the refund once I've received my letter?

You will have 12 months to redeem your refund from time of issue.

Am I eligible for a refund if a decision to pay was made in Court?

If your matter was heard in the Magistrates’ Court, you are not eligible for a refund under Council’s Infringement Refund Scheme.

If eligible, will I be refunded the full amount?

Yes. The full amount paid will be refunded.

What if I paid late fees – will that be refunded?

Yes. If late fees were incurred and paid, they will also be refunded. 

How can I get my refund?

Refunds can be redeemed at any Australia Post office Australia wide. Take your eligibility letter along with photo identification into your nearest Australia Post office and you will be able to redeem your refund in cash.

Eligibility letters will remain valid for use at Australia Post for 12 months.

Where can I get more information about the Victorian Ombudsman’s ‘Investigation into three councils outsourcing of parking fine internal reviews’ report?

A copy of the Victorian Ombudsman’s report can be viewed on the Victorian Ombudsman website.

You can also view more information about Council’s decision to commence an Infringement Refund Scheme in response to the Victorian Ombudsman’s report in Council's Ordinary Meeting Agenda of 26 July 2021 (pg 277).

Contact us for more information

If you require more information, please contact the Infringement Refund Scheme team at (03) 9205 2200 or infringementmanagement@hume.vic.gov.au.