What is a work and development order?
A work and development order is a way for people in hardship to reduce their State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) debt by doing relevant courses, attending counselling and treatment programs, or completing unpaid work with an approved Hardship Partner. BUSY Ability is an approved Hardship Partner and can assist our clients to reduce their SPER debts.
Who can apply
You may be eligible for a work and development order if you can’t pay your debt due to financial hardship, mental illness, domestic and family violence, homelessness, intellectual and cognitive disability, and substance use disorder. A BUSY Ability consultant can discuss with you what criteria and evidence you need to be eligible.
Hardship Partners
A Hardship Partner is an approved community organisation or financial or health practitioner that provides services for people in hardship to resolve their SPER debt. Different Hardship Partners can help in different ways. Some may be able to offer counselling and treatment programs, while others could provide life skills courses. Hardship Partners are located across the state, so it depends on their location and the services they offer as to whether they can help you. BUSY Ability can discuss the ways we can help through counselling and treatment programs, as well as life skills courses.
How to apply
If you can’t pay your SPER debt and believe you’re eligible for a work and development order, go to qld.gov.au/sperworkorder to find out more. A team member at BUSY Ability can discuss the eligibility criteria and the services we can offer you. Alternatively, you can call SPER on 1300 365 635 to discuss your options.
Debts that can’t be included
Some debts can’t be included in a work and development order, such as compensation and restitution. You need to pay these debts in full or apply for a payment plan online at qld.gov.au/sper or call us on 1300 365 635. If a plan is approved, SPER will automatically deduct payments fortnightly from your bank account, debit or credit card, or eligible Centrelink benefit.
Activities you can do
Your Hardship Partner will develop an activity or treatment plan for you and supervise the activities you undertake. Rates start at $30 per hour and you can reduce your debt by up to $1000 per month.
More information can be found on the SPER website or by contacting SPER on 1300 365 635.
The BUSY Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to the land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and their Elders past and present.
