Residents in Wagga Wagga who are struggling with unpaid fines are being encouraged to seek legal and financial assistance before their debt becomes more difficult to manage.

A report published on 15 September 2026 says the amount of overdue fines in the Wagga Wagga region has reached almost $9.5 million, while the number of residents using Work and Development Orders (WDOs) to address fine debt has increased.

Legal Aid NSW reported that 255 Work and Development Orders were approved during the 2025–26 financial year, representing a 22 per cent increase compared with the previous year. The figures highlight the financial pressure experienced by some residents who are unable to clear outstanding fines through conventional payment arrangements.

Legal Aid NSW is encouraging people experiencing difficulties with fines to seek assistance as early as possible. Acting Associate Director for Civil Law Sharlene Naismith said early intervention can provide people with more options for managing their debts.

Available options can include payment arrangements, having eligible debts waived, or entering a Work and Development Order. These arrangements are designed to help people experiencing financial hardship deal with outstanding fines while also accessing practical support.

Work and Development Orders provide eligible participants with ways to work towards reducing their fine debt through approved activities. These can include treatment and support services, vocational or life-skills programs and financial counselling. The scheme is intended to provide an alternative pathway for people whose circumstances make it difficult to pay fines directly.

Revenue NSW Executive Director for Fines and Debt David Ranasinghe also highlighted the role of WDOs and interest-free payment plans in helping people manage financial pressure. He said people can fall behind on fines because their personal circumstances become overwhelming, rather than because they are unwilling to pay.

For residents already dealing with significant debt, getting advice early can help prevent additional financial stress. Legal Aid NSW says professional advice can help people understand which options may be available according to their individual circumstances.

The Wagga Wagga figures form part of a broader discussion about how governments and support organisations can assist people experiencing financial hardship while ensuring outstanding fines are addressed.

Residents who are having difficulty managing unpaid fines are encouraged to contact Legal Aid NSW for advice and information about available assistance. The organisation has provided a dedicated contact number, 1300 888 529, for people seeking help.

The latest figures provide a timely reminder for people with outstanding fines not to ignore the problem. Seeking assistance early may provide more opportunities to establish a manageable pathway and avoid the debt becoming increasingly difficult to resolve.