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Fine Internal Review Request (Australia)
If you have been given a fine in Australia — a parking, traffic, public-transport or council infringement — you can ask the authority to review it and withdraw it or replace it with an official caution. Our Australian template applies the correct State or Territory framework automatically: Revenue NSW under the Fines Act 1996, Fines Victoria under the Infringements Act 2006, the administering authority and SPER in Queensland, and the equivalents in WA, SA, Tasmania, the ACT and the NT. It frames your ground — an official caution, special or exceptional circumstances, or mistaken identity — supports it with evidence, and keeps the court-election option open.
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Request for Internal Review of an Infringement Notice
Review Of A Fine Under The Infringements Act 2006 (Vic) · 11 June 2026
Jordan T. Mabunda
12 Hoddle Street, Collingwood VIC 3066
0413 770 285
jordan.mabunda@email.com.au
11 June 2026
the enforcement agency that issued the notice
Fines Victoria
GPO Box 1916
Melbourne VIC 3001
GPO Box 1916
Melbourne VIC 3001
REQUEST FOR INTERNAL REVIEW — INFRINGEMENT NOTICE
Notice: INF-VIC-2026-7741920 · Victoria
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to request a review of the infringement notice INF-VIC-2026-7741920. I ask that you review and withdraw the fine, on the basis of special circumstances. The review is available under the Infringements Act 2006 (Vic).
I am writing to request a review of the infringement notice INF-VIC-2026-7741920. I ask that you review and withdraw the fine, on the basis of special circumstances. The review is available under the Infringements Act 2006 (Vic).
1.
THE INFRINGEMENT NOTICE
Notice / reference number: INF-VIC-2026-7741920
Date of offence: 3 May 2026
What the fine is for: Stopping in a no-stopping zone (parking infringement)
Amount: $198.00
Jurisdiction: Victoria
Date of offence: 3 May 2026
What the fine is for: Stopping in a no-stopping zone (parking infringement)
Amount: $198.00
Jurisdiction: Victoria
2.
THE GROUND AND MY REQUEST
I seek a review on the ground of special circumstances.
Briefly: At the time I was experiencing an acute mental health episode and was not able to properly understand or control my conduct. I am supported by my treating psychologist and ask that the fine be withdrawn on the ground of special circumstances.
I make this request to the enforcement agency that issued the notice: I apply to the enforcement agency that issued the notice for an internal review under the Infringements Act 2006 (Vic), before the fine is registered with the Director, Fines Victoria.
Briefly: At the time I was experiencing an acute mental health episode and was not able to properly understand or control my conduct. I am supported by my treating psychologist and ask that the fine be withdrawn on the ground of special circumstances.
I make this request to the enforcement agency that issued the notice: I apply to the enforcement agency that issued the notice for an internal review under the Infringements Act 2006 (Vic), before the fine is registered with the Director, Fines Victoria.
3.
THE GROUNDS FOR REVIEW
I rely on special circumstances. A mental illness, an intellectual disability or cognitive impairment, a serious addiction, homelessness, or family violence affected my ability to understand that my conduct was an offence, or to control that conduct, at the time. Where special circumstances are made out, the fine should be withdrawn rather than enforced.
Under the Infringements Act 2006 (Vic), a review may be sought where the decision to issue the notice was contrary to law, there was a mistake of identity, special circumstances applied, exceptional circumstances explain the conduct, or you were unaware of the notice.
The grounds in detail: I have a diagnosed major depressive disorder and generalised anxiety disorder, treated since 2023. On 3 May 2026 I was in the middle of an acute episode, had stopped my car because I was unable to continue driving safely, and was not able to appreciate that I had stopped in a no-stopping zone. My treating psychologist confirms the episode and its effect on my judgement and behaviour at that time.
Under the Infringements Act 2006 (Vic), a review may be sought where the decision to issue the notice was contrary to law, there was a mistake of identity, special circumstances applied, exceptional circumstances explain the conduct, or you were unaware of the notice.
The grounds in detail: I have a diagnosed major depressive disorder and generalised anxiety disorder, treated since 2023. On 3 May 2026 I was in the middle of an acute episode, had stopped my car because I was unable to continue driving safely, and was not able to appreciate that I had stopped in a no-stopping zone. My treating psychologist confirms the episode and its effect on my judgement and behaviour at that time.
4.
SPECIAL AND EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES
At the time of the offence I was affected by a mental illness. This directly affected my ability to understand that my conduct was an offence, or to control that conduct, at the relevant time — which is the link the law looks for between the circumstance and the offence.
The circumstances: My major depressive disorder and anxiety were acutely unwell in early May 2026. My psychologist's letter of 6 June 2026 describes the episode, my treatment, and the direct effect on my ability to understand and control my conduct on the day.
In Victoria "special circumstances" under the Infringements Act 2006 (Vic) include a mental or intellectual disability, a serious addiction to drugs or alcohol, homelessness, or family violence that affected your ability to understand or control the conduct.
The circumstances: My major depressive disorder and anxiety were acutely unwell in early May 2026. My psychologist's letter of 6 June 2026 describes the episode, my treatment, and the direct effect on my ability to understand and control my conduct on the day.
In Victoria "special circumstances" under the Infringements Act 2006 (Vic) include a mental or intellectual disability, a serious addiction to drugs or alcohol, homelessness, or family violence that affected your ability to understand or control the conduct.
5.
EVIDENCE IN SUPPORT
I enclose the following in support of this request:
1. Letter from Dr Helen Park, clinical psychologist — dated 6 June 2026 — confirms diagnosis, acute episode in early May, and effect on conduct
2. GP mental health treatment plan — shows ongoing treatment since 2023
3. Statutory declaration — my account of the day and the circumstances
I also enclose a statutory declaration setting out the facts on which I rely.
Notes: My psychologist's letter directly addresses the link the special-circumstances ground requires between my condition and the conduct.
1. Letter from Dr Helen Park, clinical psychologist — dated 6 June 2026 — confirms diagnosis, acute episode in early May, and effect on conduct
2. GP mental health treatment plan — shows ongoing treatment since 2023
3. Statutory declaration — my account of the day and the circumstances
I also enclose a statutory declaration setting out the facts on which I rely.
Notes: My psychologist's letter directly addresses the link the special-circumstances ground requires between my condition and the conduct.
6.
OUTCOME AND NEXT STEPS
I ask you to withdraw the infringement notice.
If the review does not resolve the matter, I understand that you may instead elect to have the matter heard in the Magistrates' Court of Victoria.
I have made this request in time — I apply within the time stated on the notice — generally before the fine is registered with the Director, Fines Victoria.
I would prefer this to be resolved on review. If it is not, please tell me how to have the matter heard in the Magistrates' Court so I can consider my options in time.
If the review does not resolve the matter, I understand that you may instead elect to have the matter heard in the Magistrates' Court of Victoria.
I have made this request in time — I apply within the time stated on the notice — generally before the fine is registered with the Director, Fines Victoria.
I would prefer this to be resolved on review. If it is not, please tell me how to have the matter heard in the Magistrates' Court so I can consider my options in time.
7.
RESPONSE REQUESTED
Please confirm in writing that this request has been received and is being reviewed, and let me know the outcome and any further steps. I have made this request in time and ask that enforcement be paused while the enforcement agency that issued the notice reviews it.
YOURS FAITHFULLY,
Jordan T. Mabunda
Applicant
Date: ____________________
APPLICANT
Jordan T. Mabunda
Date: ____________________
Available as a print-ready PDF or an editable Microsoft Word (.docx) file.
What Is a Fine Internal Review Request?
A fine internal review request is a letter asking the authority that issued an infringement notice to review it — and to withdraw it, or give an official caution instead. In Australia, fines are governed by <strong>State and Territory law</strong>, so the authority you write to, the governing Act, the grounds you can rely on and the time limit all depend on where the fine was issued. The template resolves the correct framework from the State or Territory you select, so you are not guessing which body and which law apply.
The grounds are broadly consistent across Australia, even though the legislation differs. You can ask for an <strong>official caution</strong> where the offence was minor and out of character; rely on <strong>special circumstances</strong> such as a mental illness, intellectual disability, serious addiction, homelessness or family violence that affected your conduct; rely on <strong>exceptional circumstances</strong> beyond your control (a medical emergency, a breakdown, avoiding an accident); or show <strong>mistaken identity</strong> or that the notice was issued in error. The template frames the ground you choose against your jurisdiction's Act.
Each jurisdiction routes the review differently. In New South Wales, <strong>Revenue NSW</strong> reviews a penalty notice under section 24A of the <strong>Fines Act 1996</strong> and may give an official caution under section 19A. In Victoria, the issuing agency conducts an internal review under the <strong>Infringements Act 2006</strong> before the fine reaches Fines Victoria. In Queensland, the administering authority reviews the notice under the <strong>State Penalties Enforcement Act 1999</strong>, and SPER only enforces once a fine is registered. The template applies the right pathway and timing for your State.
What's Covered in This Template
The letter follows the structure that gets fines reviewed in Australia — the right authority, the statutory ground, the circumstances, the evidence and the outcome.
State-Driven Framework
Select your State or Territory and the letter applies the correct authority, Act, grounds, timing and court-election route — Revenue NSW, Fines Victoria, SPER, and the WA, SA, Tasmanian, ACT and NT equivalents.
Four Review Grounds
Choose an official caution, special circumstances, exceptional circumstances, or mistaken identity — the letter writes the matching framework for your jurisdiction.
Special Circumstances
Frames a mental illness, intellectual disability, serious addiction, homelessness or family violence as a special circumstance, and links it to your conduct as the law requires.
Official Caution Request
Asks for an official caution or warning instead of the fine where the offence was minor and out of character, supported by a good prior record.
Defective Notice Argument
Lets you argue the notice was issued in error or contrary to law — wrong person or vehicle, a missing sign, or the offence not made out — as an independent ground for withdrawal.
Evidence & Statutory Declaration
Lists your supporting documents as a numbered schedule — a practitioner's letter, records, photographs — and notes a statutory declaration where you rely on one.
Outcome and Court Election
States the outcome you seek and reserves the right to elect a court hearing instead of paying — available in every Australian jurisdiction, with the process noted for yours.
Correct Authority Address
Addresses the letter to the reviewing authority for your State or Territory, with space for the review address printed on your infringement notice.
Formal Australian Format
Letterhead, the authority as recipient, the notice number in the subject line and a single applicant signature — ready to email or post.
How to Create Your Review Request
Five steps from an infringement notice to a review request the right Australian authority must consider.
- 1
Select Your State or Territory
Pick where the fine was issued and the letter applies the correct authority, Act and grounds for that jurisdiction.
- 2
Enter the Notice and the Ground
Record the infringement number, the offence and the amount, then choose the ground you are reviewing on.
- 3
Set Out the Grounds (Expert)
The letter frames your ground against your State's Act, adds a defective-notice argument where it applies, and notes a good prior record for a caution.
- 4
Add Circumstances and Evidence (Expert)
Describe any special or exceptional circumstance and its link to your conduct, then list your evidence and any statutory declaration.
- 5
Send and Keep Proof
Send the request to the authority within time, keep a dated copy, and ask that enforcement be paused while it is reviewed.
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Legal Considerations
Fines in Australia are State and Territory law, so the reviewing authority, the grounds, the time limit and the court-election route differ by jurisdiction.
This template provides general information about requesting a review of an infringement notice in Australia and is not legal advice. Review rights and grounds differ between States and Territories, and a review does not guarantee withdrawal. Time limits are strict — generally before the due date or before the fine is enforced — so do not delay. For a serious matter, or to weigh up electing a court hearing, get advice from a community legal centre, Legal Aid or a lawyer.
Reviewed for Australian fines law
New South Wales — Revenue NSW (Fines Act 1996)
In New South Wales, you apply to <strong>Revenue NSW</strong> for a review of a penalty notice under section 24A of the <strong>Fines Act 1996 (NSW)</strong>. The reviewing agency must withdraw the notice if a ground is made out — issued contrary to law, mistaken identity, exceptional circumstances, or an inability to understand the offence because of an intellectual disability, mental illness, cognitive impairment or homelessness — and may give an official caution under section 19A instead of a fine. You can also elect to have the matter heard by a court.
Victoria — Fines Victoria (Infringements Act 2006)
In Victoria, the enforcement agency that issued the notice conducts an internal review under the <strong>Infringements Act 2006 (Vic)</strong> before the fine is registered with the Director, <strong>Fines Victoria</strong>. Grounds include that the decision was contrary to law, mistaken identity, special circumstances, exceptional circumstances, or that you were unaware of the notice. "Special circumstances" in Victoria include a mental or intellectual disability, a serious addiction, homelessness or family violence that affected your ability to understand or control the conduct.
Queensland and Other States
In Queensland, the administering authority that issued the notice reviews or withdraws it under the <strong>State Penalties Enforcement Act 1999 (Qld)</strong>; the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) only enforces once an unpaid fine is registered. South Australia uses "expiation notices" under the Expiation of Offences Act 1996, reviewable where the offence is trifling; Western Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory each have their own Act, authority and process, which the template applies from the State or Territory you select.
Electing a Court Hearing
In every Australian jurisdiction you can elect to have the matter heard by a court instead of paying the fine, where you can defend the offence or ask the magistrate for leniency. It is a real alternative but carries risk — if found guilty you may be convicted and ordered to pay the fine plus costs. In the ACT, a withdrawal application that disputes liability is itself referred to the ACT Magistrates Court. The template reserves the right to elect court rather than committing you to it.
Related Australian Templates
A fine is one kind of money matter. For a faulty product or service, use our consumer refund demand letter; for a not-at-fault car accident, our car accident demand letter; for a declined insurance claim, our insurance claim dispute letter. For a general unpaid debt, see our Australian letter of demand, and for a Centrelink debt our centrelink debt dispute letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ask the Right Authority to Review Your Fine
Create your fine internal review request in minutes, with the correct State or Territory authority, Act and grounds applied automatically — official caution, special or exceptional circumstances, or mistaken identity. Download the PDF free, or unlock Expert for the full grounds, circumstances, evidence and court-election sections.
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