The NSW Government has appointed two new members to the Hardship Review Board, strengthening support for people experiencing financial hardship and expanding the Board’s role in the fines system.
Camilla Pandolfini and Karen Cox bring extensive experience and diverse expertise to the newly expanded Board, which will now be able to provide recommendations to the Minister for Finance on opportunities for policy reform in relation to hardship.
The Board reviews decisions made by Revenue NSW where individuals are unable to pay fines, fees or taxes. Depending on the circumstances, it can direct Revenue NSW to change, overturn or uphold a decision, including decisions relating to payment arrangements and the write-off of debts due to hardship.
Camilla Pandolfini is the CEO of Redfern Legal Centre and has worked in the social justice legal sector for more than 20 years. She brings extensive experience working with people experiencing financial hardship and disadvantage.
Karen Cox has more than 30 years’ experience in the community law sector, including as the former CEO of the Financial Rights Legal Centre. She has extensive experience representing financial services consumers, particularly vulnerable and disadvantaged people, and advocating for improved consumer outcomes.
Pandolfini and Cox have been appointed by NSW Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos to serve two-year terms.
The appointments expand the Hardship Review Board from three members to five as part of reforms to the NSW fines system.
The reforms include:
- The Board taking on a new advisory role, with the ability to provide recommendations to the Minister for Finance on opportunities for hardship policy reform;
- People being notified of their rights to apply to the Board; and
- The Board being required to publish an annual report including data on applications received.
The changes complement Revenue NSW’s existing support options for vulnerable members of the community, including pathways away from the fines system and specialised assistance for people affected by financial abuse.
Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos said the appointments would bring additional perspectives and experience to decisions affecting people experiencing financial hardship.
The Hardship Review Board currently considers applications relating to fines, fees, state debts, taxes and duties administered by Revenue NSW.
Further information on the Board is available via Revenue NSW’s website: https://www.nsw.gov.au/money-and-taxes/hardship-review-board