CAR LOANS
During a review of the 2023-24 financial statements, the NSW Auditor-General highlighted the issue of unauthorized fee surcharges. The revelations were surprising, bringing the matter forcefully to the notice of the current administration.
For years, legal advice from the Crown Solicitor's Office, beginning in February 2016 through December 2022, consistently warned against the unlawful imposition of merchant fees by Service NSW. Despite such advice, over 92 million transactions incurred charges close to a whopping $144 million. The surcharges, conceptualized as cost recovery for transaction fees by payment providers, were initially sanctioned by NSW Treasury in 2012.
The spotlight is on mini transactions such as 30 cents for a driver's licence renewal, 29 cents for a marriage certificate, and a $1.92 fee to renew a small car registration. These seemingly small fees added up, creating a significant financial burden on the public.
With this information now public, the current government, led by the Minns Labor administration, has moved swiftly, creating a dedicated incident management taskforce to stem these unauthorized charges and to mitigate future occurrences.
Notably, customers affected by these charges are urged to register for updates regarding the government's corrective measures through Service NSW channels either online at the official website or via their service hotline.
The Ministers for Customer Service, Digital Government, and Finance, have sought an independent inquiry by requesting the NSW Ombudsman to investigate potential maladministration. The department's Secretary has also escalated the case to the Ombudsman and the Independent Commission Against Corruption, highlighting concerns over ignored legal advice.
A proactive approach by the new taskforce has successfully shut down over 80% of unlawful surcharges in Service NSW transactions and more than 90% of online payments. For now, all other remaining transaction fees, including those from in-person credit card terminals, are being rapidly phased out. To accommodate citizens, Service Centres are offering surcharge-free payment alternatives, such as cash payments.
Amid ongoing remedial undertakings, the NSW government has instructed all departments to audit their merchant fee practices by the end of November to ascertain legal oversight and compliance, echoing Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos’s comments: “Families, households, and businesses expect governments to act within the confines of the law.”
Minister Jihad Dib also emphasized the urgency, stating: “Our priority has been to halt these charges swiftly.” He underscored the ethical need for transparency regarding the past continuation of these fees despite the legal advisories.
Published:Monday, 4th Nov 2024
Source: Paige Estritori
Unprecedented Surge in Australia's ETF Market 14 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori Australian investors are rewriting the record books in the exchange-traded fund (ETF) sector, with data from BetaShares illustrating impressive growth figures that have taken the market by storm. Inflows have surged to $23.7 billion by October, far exceeding the previous yearly high of $23.2 billion established in 2021. - read more |
RBA's Inflation Strategy Shows Signs of Easing Pressures 13 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori In a move that is being closely watched by economists and financial analysts, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has maintained a firm stance on interest rates, reflecting its concerns about underlying inflation dynamics. - read more |
Debate Over Student Debt Cancellation Heats Up 12 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori In a bold move earlier this month, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans for a potential reduction of student debt by 20% if the current government retains power. This proposal seeks to alleviate the financial burden on graduates, signaling a shift towards addressing Australia’s student loan crisis. - read more |
Resilient Aussies Maneuvering Through Financial Pressures 11 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori Amid surging cost-of-living concerns, Australian homeowners are showcasing resilience by staying afloat with mortgage payments, the recent reports from two leading banks reveal. These findings come at an intriguing time, reflecting how individuals adapt despite macroeconomic pressures. - read more |
Australian Unity Divests to Sharpen Focus on Core Services 08 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori In a strategic shift intended to streamline its operations, Australian Unity has announced the divestiture of its $1.6 billion banking business. This move is part of its broader vision to concentrate on its thriving wealth, insurance, and health services sectors. - read more |