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Work and Development Program
Do you have ACT or NSW fines? Are you interested in reducing your fines by attending Care's Budgeting For Life workshop for approved Work or Development Program (WDP) / Work and Development Order (WDO) participants?
About the Work and Development Program
If you are struggling to pay ACT or NSW traffic, parking and traffic camera infringements, you may be eligible to complete a community work or social development program, which can result in the amount of infringement debt owed being reduced.
Participants, approved for a WDP/WDO with Access Canberra / Service NSW, can register to attend Care's Budgeting for Life workshop. Each workshop session runs 2 hours in duration which contributes to reducing your infringement fine by $100.
Workshop sessions are held throughout the year, see below for upcoming dates. To attend you must first be approved by Access Canberra / Service NSW before undertaking any of the workshop sessions for credit to be applied to your fines.
Fines that are eligible include:
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Traffic fines
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Parking fines
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Traffic camera infringement notices
Fines NOT eligible include:
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Parking fines issued by Australian National University or the National Capital Authority
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Court fees (not eligible for a Work or Development Program WDP)
To read more about eligibility criteria including the approval process, please click on the following links:
How to register for the workshop sessions
Before we can register you to attend our workshop sessions, you must be approved by Access Canberra. To learn more about their eligibility criteria or to download their application form visit Access Canberra or Service NSW.
Once you have been approved by Access Canberra / Service NSW we can assist you to register for the workshop sessions.
Please note you can attend the workshop sessions either online or in person. Please let the Care team know if you would like to attend online or in person.
Want help to fill in your paper work?
If you would like assistance to complete the application for a WDP/WDO please call our helpline on 1800 007 007. We can help you to fill in the forms either through a face to face appointment or via the phone.
If you would like help to fill in the paperwork we will require the following documentation:
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Your fine(s)/infringement/penalty notice
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Drivers license
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Centrelink concession card (if you have one)
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Information about your financial situation or circumstances and eligibility (pay slips, budget, Centrelink income statement, bank statements, visa status)
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Other documentation to support your eligibility claim
Upcoming Budgeting for Life workshop sessions 2025
Each workshop session has a different topic and guest speaker. Depending on the amount of fines you have, you can attend as many sessions as needed. Participants can attend sessions either in person or online.
27/2
Thursday
10am-12pm
Scam Awareness
This session will provide an overview of different types of scams and aims to raise awareness on how scams can be detected and prevented. It also outlines what you can do in the aftermath of a scam, and what organisations you can reach out to, to provide support and assistance.
6/3
Thursday
2pm-4pm
Making your Health Dollar Stretch - Health Care Consumers Association
This session will focus on the function of the HCCA in the world of healthcare advocacy and provide vital information on our healthcare system
11/3
Tuesday
10am - 12pm
Wills and Power of Attorney (guest speaker from PTG (Public Trustee and Guardian)
This session will provide information on Wills and Power of Attorney.
18/3
Tuesday
10am - 12pm
Consumer Law - with guest speaker from Care's Consumer Law team
The session will provide information about Consumer Law without technical jargon. Understand your rights as a consumer and know the responsibilities of commercial entities.
27/3
Thursday
2pm-4pm
ANU Tax Clinic - Tax for Beginners
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how to apply for a Tax File Number (relevant for people without a TFN)
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using MyGov and linking to the ATO
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Filing non-lodgment advice (for those under the threshold)
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lodging simple tax returns (useful for those who have never done a tax return or have overdue tax returns)
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scams & superannuation (briefly)
10/4
Thursday
10am - 12pm
Your Rights at Work - Women's Legal Centre
Description TBA
15/4
Tuesday
10am - 12pm
Consumer Law - Topic TBA
Description TBA
24/4
Thursday
10am-12pm
Eating Healthy on a Budget
This session will provide tips on how to maintain a healthy diet without blowing the budget. This is general information and does not include specific dietary needs.
