‘No change’ on coronavirus fine policy after police messaging confusion

Geelong residents hoping to escape paying hefty fines for flouting coronavirus restrictions have had their hopes dashed after Victoria Police confirmed it was not planning on downgrading fines to cautions.

Geelong residents hoping to escape paying hefty fines for flouting coronavirus restrictions have had their hopes dashed after Victoria Police confirmed it was not planning on downgrading fines to cautions.

According to Crime Statistics Agency data more 680 fines were issued to people breaching coronavirus restrictions in Greater Geelong until September 30.

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent blamed “poorly worded” documents issued to police prosecutors for confusion that led officers and the police union to believe fines would be downgraded.

He said the document issued to prosecutors would be updated this week.

Police will pursue fine penalties as first thought. (Photo by William WEST / AFP)

The clarification came after it was reported that police had been directed to stop chasing outstanding fines and instead issue a caution.

Victorian Police Association secretary Wayne Gatt told 3AW the change was “a wee bit frustrating” for police.

“None of this was fun for our members. It was a bit of a thankless job,” he said.

Mr Gatt said he was concerned the change in direction may make it harder for police to do their jobs in future.

“You need to be careful that if you say you’re going to do something, you actually do it, because the people that are harmed are the people on the frontline that are then asked to enforce and hold it all together in a time of crisis.”

But, on Monday have afternoon Mr Nugent said police had not changed their stance on fines.

He also denied the force had backflipped on a decision due to public backlash.

“Victoria Police has not changed its policy on the issue of fines,” Mr Nugent said.

“Fines are issued to people who blatantly and deliberately breach the chief health officer restrictions and put fellow Victorians at risk.

“So that hasn’t changed.”

Mr Nugent said statewide, police had issued around 40,000 fines of which around 3000 had been paid.

He said around 5700 people fined had accepted guilty and were on a payment plan, while a further 2400 would proceed to court.

Mr Nugent said there would be not change in police as to how the remaining more than 31,000 fines were dealt with.

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Originally published as ‘No change’ on coronavirus fine policy after police messaging confusion