Calls for virus spreaders to face jail time
Despite a number of cases of people trying to spit on police and emergency workers, Victoria — unlike some other states — is yet to introduce laws that jail or fine those who expose others to coronavirus
HS Coronavirus News
Don't miss out on the headlines from HS Coronavirus News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Victorians who expose others to coronavirus should be jailed or fined, the state Opposition says.
As Melbourne suffers through its second lockdown, Premier Daniel Andrews has been criticised for not adequately protecting the state from dangerous and wilful spreaders.
Shadow Attorney-General Edward O’Donohue said the state government must introduce severe penalties to deter and punish those who threaten to spread COVID-19.
“At a time when Victoria is again in lockdown because of Daniel Andrews’ incompetent mismanagement of the COVID-19 crisis, every step needs to be taken to protect the community,” Mr O’Donohue said.
“Daniel Andrews must now urgently act to introduce tough new penalties, including significant jail time and substantial fines. The risk flowing from this shocking behaviour demands nothing less.”
Other states, including NSW, Queensland and Western Australia have legislated new orders to ban the deliberate spread of COVID-19.
These measures include a maximum 10 years’ jail for assaulting a frontline worker when they have COVID-19 or create fear or suspicion that they have the virus.
Spitting or coughing on emergency workers amounts to assault in these circumstances. There have been cases in Victoria of people trying to spit on police and emergency workers.
People have also not self-isolated while awaiting test results.
Deliberately spreading COVID-19 is an offence under general criminal laws in every state or territory and is enforced by Victoria Police.
But the Opposition believes COVID-19-specific measures need to be introduced to send the strongest possible message that breaking isolation or acting to deliberately spread the virus will not be tolerated.
“Daniel Andrews negligently failed to introduce tough new penalties as part of the COVID-19 legislation, which was rushed through the parliament in April this year,” Mr O’Donohue said.
“He needs to put the protection of those who protect us, as well as the wider community first and send a very strong message that this dangerous and reckless behaviour is unacceptable and won’t be tolerated.”
The state government did not respond when asked if it would consider introducing COVID-19-specific penalties. Instead it reiterated the need to comply with lockdown restrictions.
“We thank all Victorians who are following the rules to help slow the spread of this highly infectious and deadly virus,” a state government spokesperson said.
“All Victorians have a part to play – if you live in the metropolitan Melbourne or the Mitchell Shire you need to follow the stage 3 stay at home directions and maintain physical distancing and good hand hygiene.”