The Minns Labor Government has appointed two new members to the Hardship Review Board, a further step in our commitment to improve fairness in the fines system and provide support for people experiencing financial hardship.
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. It can direct a range of alternatives, including reducing the amount owed, allowing more time to pay, or the write-off of fines debts due to hardship. It is an essential avenue of support for individuals experiencing sudden and long-term financial strain.
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 significant expertise in working with people experiencing financial hardship and disadvantage, and in achieving systemic, positive change.
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 brings extensive experience in representing the rights of financial services consumers, particularly disadvantaged or vulnerable people, and in undertaking advocacy to improve outcomes for consumers.
Pandolfini and Cox have been appointed to serve two-year terms by NSW Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos.
The expansion of the Board's membership from three members to five was part of a reform package introduced by the Minns Labor Government under the Fines Legislation Amendment Bill 2026, including:
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.
The Board being required to publish an annual report which includes data on applications received.
The reforms are part of the Minns Labor Government's commitment to improve fairness and transparency in the fine system.
These new initiatives complement Revenue NSW's existing support options available for vulnerable members of the community to manage and resolve their fines. This includes diversion pathways away from the fines system and specialised support for those affected by financial abuse.
Further information on the Board is available via Revenue NSW's website: https://www.nsw.gov.au/money-and-taxes/hardship-review-board
Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos:
"These new appointments will strengthen the Hardship Review Board by bringing fresh perspectives and experiences to decisions that impact vulnerable members of our community.
"The Board plays a key role in ensuring those experiencing financial hardship are treated fairly and have a genuine avenue for help.
"This work builds on the steps we've already taken to put fairness and transparency at the centre of how the fines system operates, including bringing back physical notices for parking fines."
