Car puts offender back in court

MAKAYLA MUSCAT

Aregistered sex offender who failed to inform police that he was driving a new car has been fined $1500.

John Porter, 38, appeared at Penrith Local Court on Thursday, June 1, after he failed to comply with reporting conditions.

The St Marys local spent 10 years and one month behind bars after he was convicted of charges related to sexual offending in 2012, court documents reveal.

According to court documents, Maroubra Police served Porter a child protection form following his release from custody in 2022.

As a “registrable person” he must give police his personal details – including the make, model, colour and registration number of any motor vehicle he owns or hires – and notify them of any changes.

On April 18, 2023, officers attached to the Nepean Child Protection Unit attended Porter’s home for a routine inspection.

Porter allegedly told them none of his circumstances had changed since he last reported to police, but RTA checks revealed he purchased a black Subaru sedan earlier this year. When questioned in relation to the vehicle, Porter told them he was not driving it because it was defected in April.

Porter was unrepresented in court when he pleaded guilty and said he was “confused”.

“I wasn’t aware that I had to tell them straight away,” he said.

Porter was convicted of the single offence, fined $1500 and given a Community Correction Order.

Cheques no longer in the mail

Cheques will be phased out in Australia by 2030, the Federal Government has announced.

The seven-year transition plan will provide time for banks and financial institutions to assist their customers with the adjustment.

There has been an almost 90 per cent decline in the use of cheques in the last 10 years, with cheques now comprising only 0.2 per cent of non-cash retail payments in Australia.

“As cheque use declines, the cost of supporting the cheque system will continue to increase. At the same time, many merchants are ceasing to accept cheques as a means of payment,” Treasure Jim Chalmers said on Wednesday.

“Other countries have already successfully managed the complete closure of their cheque systems.

“The 2030 end date will be subject to further consultation with industry and stakeholders to determine the feasibility of this timing and an appropriate transition plan.”

The Government will consult further this year with stakeholders on the challenges of retiring the cheque system.

“This change is part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to ensure we have a modern, competitive and efficient financial system that delivers for the Australian economy and the Australian people,” Chalmers said.