People experiencing hardship often lack the financial and legal capability to address court fines, which can result in adverse consequences that compound their level of disadvantage.
This includes single parents, people in disadvantaged housing, people on government benefits, people with a disability and unemployed people.
The WA Government’s Work and Development Permit (WDP) Scheme offers an alternative pathway for people experiencing hardship to reduce or eliminate their court fines by participating in activities or treatment provided by approved sponsors, including their GP.
For example, GPs can sponsor patients through recording their participation in mental health, drug, or alcohol treatment.
The Work and Development Permit (WDP) Scheme is a joint initiative involving Department of Justice, Legal Aid WA, and Aboriginal Legal Service WA. Download the Sponsor Application Fact Sheet or visit the Department of Justice website for more information.