Police hand out more than $31,000 in COVID-19 breach fines across Easter
Australian soldiers in Townsville were among more than two dozen people caught at house parties over Easter. POLICE REPORT >>
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Australian soldiers in Townsville were among more than two dozen people caught at house parties over Easter.
The belligerent partygoers that ignored police directions to obey COVID-19 regulations were slapped with more than $32,000 in fines.
A group of 24 people, most from three parties across the Townsville region, were each given a hefty $1364 fine for breaching public health directions despite warnings from police and all levels of government.
A Defence spokeswoman said it would “co-operate fully” with police over the matter.
“Defence personnel involved will be subject to disciplinary investigation under the Defence Force Discipline Act, which may include administrative or disciplinary action,” she said.
Townsville Tactical Services Inspector Sean Dugger said police first warned groups of about 20 people at Cranbrook, Pimlico and Hyde Park parties to split up, but some did not listen.
Townsville Tactical Services Inspector Sean Dugger said police first warned groups of about 20 people at Cranbrook, Pimlico and Hyde Park parties to split up, but some did not listen.
“We are talking about a blatant disregard for the directive of public health,” he said.
“It beggars belief … I think the messaging out there has been quite clear on what is expected.”
Strict coronavirus regulations prohibit people from gathering in groups of more than two people outside their household, and allow just two visitors to enter their home to socialise.
Social distancing of at least 1.5m is essential at all times but Insp Dugger said some people were “belligerent” and police were left no choice but to issue a fine.
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He said police were treated “poorly” by young and middle-aged people who “should know better”.
“Majority of the cases where police attend … police have been going there and actually being able to speak and advise the people, and this has been generally compliant,” he said.
Since April 2, 44 public health infringements had been enforced by Townsville Police.
Insp Dugger was not aware of anyone being fined for trying to venture to Magnetic Island after they ramped up patrols of ferries, boat ramps and roads across the long weekend.
Uniformed police were seen regularly patrolling The Strand on foot and in vehicles.
Insp Dugger said police will continue to patrol beaches and national parks while the restrictions are in place.
Originally published as Police hand out more than $31,000 in COVID-19 breach fines across Easter