Western Australian police have new powers to issue on-the-spot fines for people breaking COVID-19 rules.
The powers are contained in new laws passed through both Houses of State Parliament last week.
Authorised officers will now be able to issue directions necessary to impose self-isolation and social distancing requirements.
On-the-spot fines of $1,000 for individuals and $5,000 for businesses have been introduced.
Premier, Mark McGowan said the new laws would also allow for a person to be subject to electronic monitoring while in self-isolation.
“Enforcement has been further strengthened with the introduction of a penalty of 12 months imprisonment or a fine of $12,000 for people who do not comply with electronic monitoring requirements,” Mr McGowan said.
“Additional general changes include powers to compel people to provide information about any recent travel undertaken by them and information about people they have been in close contact with in light of COVID-19.”
The Premier said bolstering the laws was integral to ensuring the health and safety of the community.
Minister for Police, Michelle Roberts said the powers had been introduced “to make it absolutely clear that our community cannot afford to tolerate breaches of measures put in place to protect us”.
“It’s about the health of all of us, so please do the right thing,” Ms Roberts said.
He said the powers under the current State of Emergency would cease 12 months after their introduction.
