Victoria Police deny COVID-19 fines will be rescinded 18/01/2021|2min
Victoria Police has denied suggestions tens of thousands of COVID-related fines will be rescinded amid reports only 3000 have so far been paid in the state.
Around 40,000 infringement notices were issued by Victoria Police for COVID-19 breaches, but just 3000 have been paid.
Victoria Police has said nearly 6000 are on payment plans while over 2000 have proceeded to court.
Victorian Deputy Police Commissioner Rick Nugent insisted there was “no policy shift” in terms of Victoria Police’s approach to those fines, while Premier Daniel Andrews has previously warned fine dodgers, “we will come after you”.
A poorly-worded email has been blamed for giving thousands of Victorians the impression that fines for breaching Covid restrictions will be dropped.
On Sunday it was understood that police had been told to give cautions for unpaid fines rather than enforcing them, allowing rule-breakers to escape penalty.
But Assistant Commissioner Rick Nugent has now explained a guidance note incorrectly sparked mass confusion and concern among police.
Pictured: Secretary of the Police Association Wayne Gatt addresses the media during a press conference
Pictured: Victoria Police Protective Services Officers patrol St Kilda beach in Melbourne on April 13 A guide was prepared for prosecutors and police with respect to prosecuting (Covid) fines - in hindsight, that document was poorly worded and doesn t appropriately articulate the process for fines and warnings, he said.
Anyone arriving from NSW to Victoria on Friday will need a border pass and will then have to self-isolate for 14 days. Victorians who miss that deadline will be turned back at the border or forced into hotel quarantine.
Victorians are being told if they try to cross the border after midnight tonight, police will turn them back.
The message from the health dept is there is no capacity to put hundreds of people in hotel quarantine because they elected to come home late. Emma O Sullivan (@emma os) January 1, 2021
At Cann River, about 40km over the border in East Gippsland, Hop Inn Motel owner Barry Barker took 300 calls on New Year’s Eve from people looking for a place to stay. Calls were still coming in at 2am on Friday.
NYE: Fireworks injuries as Victorians celebrate amid COVID-19 heraldsun.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from heraldsun.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.