NSW Government Admits $144 Million Fee Overcharge

The NSW government has admitted to unlawfully charging an estimated $144 million in merchant fees over eight years on 92 million transactions, despite repeated legal advice indicating such surcharges were illegal. The issue was uncovered by the state's auditor-general during a review of departmental financial statements. While most individual charges were small, averaging about $30 in overcharges per customer, the government has since disabled around 80% of these fees. An investigation into potential 'serious maladministration' has been called for by several ministers, and the matter has been referred to the Independent Commission Against Corruption. The NSW Labor government has established a task force to address the situation, but no timeline has been set for refunds to affected customers. Members of the public who were charged are encouraged to register for updates regarding the resolution of this issue.