Victoria Police have been given new powers to issue on-the-spot fines for people who don’t follow the COVID-19 response rules.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Lisa Neville said the police could issue fines of up to $1,652 for individuals and up to $9,913 for businesses.
“The Victorian Government’s message to all Victorians is clear: if you can stay home, you must stay home,” Ms Neville said.
“However there are still too many people failing to take this seriously, putting lives at risk.”
She said individuals and businesses could be fined if they failed to self-isolate for 14 days after international travel; organised or attended a mass gathering, a wedding with more than five people or a funeral with more than 10 people in attendance; and if they organised a residential property auction.
She said the fines could be issued to anyone who refused or failed to comply with emergency directions from the Chief Health Officer or Deputy Chief Health Officer; public health risk directions; or a direction by the Chief Health Officer to provide information.
She said Victoria Police had established a COVID-19 enforcement squad of 500 officers, coordinated through the Police Operations Centre, to ensure containment measures put in place to combat the virus were followed.
“The officers are out in the community doing spot checks on returning travellers who are in 14-day isolation, 24 hours, seven days a week, as well as enforcing the bans on indoor and outdoor gatherings,” Ms Neville said.
