The Children’s Court can impose a fine (monetary penalty) on a child who has been found guilty of an offence.
Around 1% of cases in the Children’s Court receive a fine (2023–24).
Maximum Fines for Young People
The maximum amount of a fine for children is described in penalty units (as with the maximum amount of a fine for adults). A penalty unit is an amount of money set by parliament each year. From 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, the value of a penalty unit is set at $203.51 (up from $197.59 in 2024–25). From 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, the value of a penalty unit is $209.10.
If the offender is aged under 15, the maximum fine is:
- one penalty unit for one offence ($203.51 in 2025–26 and $209.10 in 2026–27) and
- two penalty units for multiple offences ($407.02 in 2025–26 and $418.20 in 2026–27).
If the offender is aged 15 years or over, the maximum fine is:
- five penalty units for one offence ($1,017.55 in 2025–26 and $1,045.50 in 2026–27) and
- up to 10 penalty units for multiple offences ($2,035.10 in 2025–26 and $2,091.00 in 2026–27).
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