I'm a bit clueless, and a bit embarrassed to be posting this, but anyway.

I think I might be in a tiny bit of debt. Just a tiny bit. I didn't vote in the federal election - and haven't payed my fine for that. I also owe an amount to a debt collection agency over a lost/late DVD - which I'm trying to fight.

All in all I'd say the original amount i'd collectively owe wouldn't be more than $200. But it has been 6 months to a year for all monies owed, and interest is a bitch. I kind of lost track, moved house a few times, and the reminder notices didn't follow. Out of sight, out of mind. etc.

I don't have a credit card or any loans (other than HECS) to speak of, but I'm starting to shape my finances up a bit and I'm worried that my name is on some list somewhere for these tiny debts that I can afford to pay, I've just been lazy.

I live in a totally different state and things now, so I've lost track of the reminder notices, and I don't remember the name of the collection agencies that were originally sending them to me.

Is there some kind of (free) service I can call that will be able to tell me where I stand? I just want to get it all paid off. Do debt collection agencies eventually refer their cases to state debt recovery? Could I possibly ring them and try and sort my mess out?

I'm sorry, off topic, but there's a fine for not voting? My mind, it is blown.

/unhelpful.

haha, what are you doing lurking these parts?

Yeah. If you're are enrolled with the electoral roll in Australia (which you're meant to do when you turn 18, they send you the rego form on your birthday) then it is 100% compulsory that you vote in all elections, local, state and federal, or you cop a $50 fine.

I can't even remember why I didn't vote that day.

It came up on the hot page ...

That's really interesting! As a person who's voted in one of the like 7 elections that I've been able to vote in, I'm not sure how I feel about that.

its compulsary to rock up and "vote".

Me? I mostly rock up for the free bbq, and do a "donkey vote". iE, you scribble on the paper and put it in the ballot box.

Tig, I'd call the local council from where you moved from, and ask their advice. They'd know the best government sector to put you in contact with.