West Australians will no longer be locked up for unsettled fines, after long-awaited law reforms triggered by the “inhumane” death of an Aboriginal female passed State Parliament.
Bottom line:
- Ms Dhu passed away from septicaemia and pneumonia while in custody
- 306 people have been locked up for overdue fines this financial year
- Many great defaulters will now complete community service
The 2014 death of Yamatji woman Ms Dhu, who passed away in custody after being secured for three days for overdue fines totalling $3,622, was the driver for modification.
She was taken to medical facility 3 times during her incarceration, and on the third visit passed away from septicaemia and pneumonia.
An inquest was informed nurse Caroline Jones remembered policeman told medical staff Ms Dhu “was faking it” shortly prior to she entered into heart attack and died.
In 2016 the West Australian coroner who investigated her death discovered police behaviour had been “inhumane” and recommended the law be changed so people might no longer be put behind bars for the non-payment of fines.
The WA Labor Celebration promised before the March 2017 state election to alter the laws, however only presented legislation to Parliament in September last year.
So far this financial year 306 people have been imprisoned for overdue fines, while 430 hung out in custody in 2018-19
Under the brand-new laws, the majority of fine defaulters will need to do community service if they do not pay, and imprisonment will be a last resort that can onl