Premier Daniel Andrews probed by police over possible mask breach

Premier Daniel Andrews has been slapped with two fines after he was caught breaching mandatory mask rules outside parliament this week.

Daniel Andrews has been slapped with two fines for failing to wear a mask.

Victoria Police confirmed the Premier had been issued the two infringement notices for breaching the chief health officer’s directions.

The incidents occurred outside Parliament House on Wednesday, October 6, and Thursday, October 7.

Mr Andrews paid the fines on Friday.

Earlier the Premier promised to make a donation to charity if police didn’t fine him over failing to wear a mask.

It comes after footage emerged of the Premier walking through a carpark maskless on his way to a press conference on Thursday.

Daniel Andrews walking from his car to Parliament without a mask.

Mr Andrews has been issued with two fines.

“Victoria Police are currently assessing a video circulating on social media of Premier Daniel Andrews walking across a carpark in Melbourne without a mask on October 7,” a police spokeswoman said earlier today.

People who flout the mask rules face a $200 fine under the chief health officer’s directions.

At a press conference on Friday, Treasurer Tim Pallas defended the Premier, saying he “has been pretty diligent in terms of his behaviour”.

“I had a brief look at the footage and it looks like he is approaching a camera for purpose of doing a piece to camera,” Mr Pallas said.

“You are allowed to not wear a mask for that and we will leave it to that.”

Mr Andrews admitted he had prematurely removed his mask twice.

“I am aware that as I approached two press conferences at the back of parliament house this week I removed my mask after leaving the car, before I walked to the back doors,” he said.

“I expect Victoria Police to assess this and if they choose to issue a fine, of course I will pay it.

“If they do not issue a fine I will donate the same value to a charity working to support people in this pandemic because whilst this was an oversight, oversights matter — everyone needs to follow the rules and I am sorry it occurred.”

Mr Andrews has repeatedly urged Victorians to do their bit and follow the mask rules.

When thousand of people flocked to beaches during good weather in November, Mr Andrews scolded Victorians and urged people to “make good choices”.

“The bigger issue was people not wearing their mask,” he said at the time.

“It’s a tiny thing you’re being asked to do so that all of us can benefit.”