MP told others to stay home days before he was fined at 'street party'

"We need to remain vigilant and stay at home wherever possible to protect each other."

That was the message from Toowoomba North MP Trevor Watts days before he was fined for attending an alleged street party with off-duty police officers.

Queensland MP Trevor Watts was in charge of the state LNP opposition's corrective services, police and counter-terrorism portfolios. He resigned on Tuesday. Credit: Trevor Watts/ Facebook.

The Liberal National Party MP resigned from his role as Queensland's opposition spokesman for corrective services, police and counter-terrorism on Tuesday night, after being fined for breaching coronavirus restrictions at the weekend.

Mr Watts accepted "full responsibility" for his actions, saying he did not realise he was breaching rules "catching up with neighbours in our respective driveways on Sunday afternoon".

But Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll, and body-worn vision from the scene, suggest it was more serious than that.

"Police will allege the outdoor gathering was, in fact, a street party," she said. "People at the end of a cul-de-sac are sitting together, anywhere up to 15 people."

Police body-cam footage of the gathering.Credit: Queensland Police

"I anticipate as a result of that that further infringement notices will be issued."

The gathering was broken up by patrolling officers who happened to be driving past.

Police body-worn vision of the event, released on Wednesday night, appeared to contradict Mr Watts' explanation. The image showed a table set up at the end of the darkened cul-de-sac, surrounded by at least 10 people.

Fronting media on Wednesday morning, Mr Watts said he and his "immediate neighbours" had arranged to catch up for a drink at the edge of their property boundaries.

"Unfortunately I made a misjudgment and I grabbed a camping chair and set it up in front of my mailbox, which is a clear breach of the [COVID-19] legislation," he said.

Mr Watts said the 15-person figure seemed "a little high" to him, though added that neighbours dropped in and out of the impromptu event throughout the afternoon.

"It's a very small street, but there are a couple of large families."

State Disaster Co-ordinator Steve Gollschewski said it was not illegal to catch up with neighbours from driveways, as long as people remained on their own property.

"If you decide to have a party on the street, well, you are in public then, so you are breaching the directions," Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski said.

"Over the weekend, we did see 114 penalty infringement notices. What is disappointing about these is we are still seeing too many people still having parties, either street parties or in-house parties, against the restrictions.

"That is really not acceptable – now is not the time to undo all the good work that has been done.

"We will continue to police this very strongly, we will be out and about, you will see police in the community."

Speaking to media on the Sunshine Coast on Wednesday, Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington said she expected the highest standards from her team.

"Trevor made a mistake, he has apologised, he has copped the fine and he has resigned from the shadow ministry," she said.

"What Trevor informed me yesterday was that he was a part of a gathering in his neigbourhood.

"I think Trevor's actions have shown he is a man of integrity and accountability."

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said it was "extremely disappointing" but did not think it was necessary for Mr Watts to resign from Parliament.

"I just remind all MPs to make sure they are across the Chief Health Officer's directions.

"We need to be COVID safe and everyone needs to set that example."

An off-duty sergeant and senior constable were the two police officers allegedly at the Toowoomba gathering with Mr Watts.

Ms Carroll said she was "disappointed in those officers" and "they should know better".

In addition to the $1334 fines issued to the off-duty officers, an internal disciplinary investigation has been launched.

Police are still trying to identify the 12 other people at the gathering.

Mr Watts will be replaced in the three portfolios by former police officer and Ninderry MP Dan Purdie.