Figures provided to InQueensland reveal only 282 of the 2,519 COVID-19 infringement notices issued in 2020 were paid. Another 95 are subject to an ongoing police prosecution.

Of the $4,403,925 in fines issued during the period, $3,643,450 is considered a debt owed to the state and listed with the State Penalties Enforcement Registry – which now has more than $1.32 billion on the books. The public servants at SPER have been given tougher powers to chase down those who haven’t paid their bills, as the State itself struggles with falling revenue and increased expenditure that has required more borrowing.

The outstanding COVID-19 fines are separate to the $11,961,593.92 in unpaid invoices for hotel quarantine. Figures released by the government earlier this month showed 21 per cent of invoices were paid, suggesting returned travellers were more likely or able to pay their bills than those fined for breaching regulations. Returned travellers were also more likely to have their debts waived.

The level of debt on SPER is increasing but so too are efforts to recoup the money. Between February and March, the amount under active compliance ($457,884,207 at last count) increased by nine per cent, as did the amount under enforcement ($415,620,326), while the amount under deferral or awaiting enforcement declined.