Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6 NIV
What is a Work and Development Order (WDO)?
Work and Development Orders (WDOs) are a way to help people who can’t pay their fines.
People who are eligible for a WDO can clear their fines with approved activities instead of money.
You may be unable to pay a Revenue NSW fine or overdue fine/s due to:
- mental illness, intellectual disability or cognitive impairment
- addiction to drugs, alcohol or other substances
- homelessness
- extreme financial hardship.
In these cases you may be eligible for a WDO instead of a payment plan.
https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/fines-and-fees/cant-pay-your-debt
Revenue NSW – WDO Hotline 1300 478 879
How a WDO works
If you’re eligible for a WDO, you can pay off or reduce a fine through:
- Attending a educational activity / course such as ‘Sorted‘, ‘Empower‘, bible study, Explaining Christianity or English classes
- Doing Unpaid Voluntary work such as Cleaning, or Yard Maintenance
- Receiving treatment for addiction and/or mental health issues. (only available through AOD professionally trained WDO sponsors)
If your application for a Work and Development Order (WDO) is approved, you will:
- be supported by an approved WDO sponsor like the churches listed below.
- and agree with your WDO Sponsor about the activities you will complete to pay off all or part of the fines balance
Under a WDO, both you and your WDO Sponsor must agree to Revenue NSW terms and conditions.
Court fines & WDOs
If you have been issued a fine from a NSW Court and wish to deal with it on a WDO, then choose from the below options:
The Slow way – do nothing and after about 2 months the court fine/s will be transferred over to Revenue NSW, you will then be sent an Overdue Fines notice (this also attracts an extra $65 once off fee, per fine)
Or the Faster way – Visit the court office cashier and say to them you request…
“Voluntary Early Enforcement of your Court fine/s, for the purpose of dealing with them on a Revenue NSW – Work and Development Order (WDO).” The court should then transfer the fine/s to Revenue NSW who deal with payment plans. You will eventually be issued by Revenue NSW a fine/s notice.
Contact your WDO Sponsor to help you from that point. (Last updated 22/12/2023)
Getting a fine really sucks, try the new ‘Fine Fixer’ a better way to understand what to do.
Find a WDO Sponsor
Find a WDO Sponsor Here are some churches who are, or seeking to be WDO Sponsors…
St Luke’s LIVERPOOL WDO sponsor since 2019
Total WDO credits applied: $189,896
across 273 WDOs as at 16/9/2024
Chaplain Stu has opened over 759 WDOs including 486 from his time at Break the Cycle Glenquarie Inc (no longer operating)
Campbelltown Anglican WDO Sponsor since August 2024
Total WDO credits applied: $TBA
EAGLE VALE Anglican WDO Sponsor since 2018
Total WDO credits applied: $120,641 as at 23/4/2023
St Clement’s LALOR PARK WDO Sponsor since 2023
Total WDO credits applied: $670 as at June 2024
MINCHINBURY Anglican WDO Sponsor since 2023
Total WDO credits applied: $2,986 as at June 2024
St Mark’s SADLEIR WDO Sponsor since 2021
Total WDO credits applied: $44,000
St Michael’s WOLLONGONG WDO Sponsor since early 2024
Total WDO credits applied: TBA
All Saints NOWRA WDO sponsor August 2023
Total WDO credits applied: TBA
TAMWORTH AREA
St Peter’s TAMWORTH has been a WDO Sponsor since 2023
Total WDO credits applied: TBA
How to setup your church / organisation as a WDO Sponsor
Click on button to watch YouTube videos for how to setup as a WDO Sponsor…
Legal Aid NSW – Look up Fines statistics in your area
The benefits of WDOs
A WDO can help people who are finding it hard to clear a government debt to make a fresh start.
Watch these videos below to learn about how WDOs have helped people pay their fines and move on with their lives.
