Coronavirus: All the fines you can cop for ignoring new virus rules

People who leave their home without “reasonable excuse” could be fined up to $11,000, while NSW’s top cop has warned tradies about smoko breaks.

People who leave their home in NSW without “reasonable excuse” could be fined up to $11,000 and face six months jail – but NSW’s top cop insists “we’re not a police state”.

Each state and territory has laid out varying fines for breaking the coronavirus rules.

There are two main sets of fines. The first set applies to those who disobey social distancing measures that have been put in place, and covers things like not gathering in groups of more than two people.

The second set is for people who are meant to be in self-quarantine for two weeks – namely travellers who have recently returned from overseas. If caught breaching quarantine, these fines are more severe.

Police patrol Sydney after new mass gathering bans kicked in. Picture: Simon Bullard/AAP ARCHIVING

Here’s a state-by-state breakdown:

NEW SOUTH WALES

Health Minister Brad Hazzard has announced a new on the spot fine of $5000 for anyone who spits or coughs on health care workers or police.

There have been a series of incidents where frontline workers have had people spitting and coughing on them, with some people even falsely claiming to have COVID-19.

“How incredibly ridiculous is that, that anybody could think it is acceptable to spit or cough on frontline health care workers, health officials, police,” Mr Hazzard said.

“These frontline workers are caring for us and the simple fact is, we need to care for them, so this on the spot $5000 fine will send a clear message that we are all as one.”

Under an emergency ministerial directive signed by Mr Hazzard, people who leave their home without “reasonable excuse” could be fined up to $11,000 and face six months in jail.

Examples of a “reasonable excuse” include “obtaining food or other goods and services, travelling for the purposes of work or education if the person cannot do it at home, exercise or medical or caring reasons”.

10.20pm I just signed new restrictions on leaving residences. Public Health(Covid19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order 2020. Message- STAY HOME unless you need to go out for essential reasons such as work, study, obtaining food,medical supplies etc ⁦@NSWHealth⁩ pic.twitter.com/dsVP1IrWAo

— Brad Hazzard (@BradHazzard) March 30, 2020

Individuals can be issued with on-the-spot fines of $1000 for flouting social distancing rules, with that bumped up to $5000 for businesses.

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller told 2GB this morning police would use their discretion handing out fines.

“Every time a police officer stops someone to ask a question you get this very innate skill of working out whether people are telling you the truth or not,” Mr Fuller said.

“If someone says, ‘look I’m going to the chemist’ and if the chemist is over there and visible then that’s fine, we’re not a police state. Just to be clear, we’re not. But if there’s a group of people in a car, a group of young people and they say they’re going somewhere that doesn’t match up, well then they’ll get a ticket. We’ll be reasonable about this, we won’t give everyone a ticket.”

He also issued a warning to tradies on construction sites about their smoko breaks.

“The advice for people on worksites is this – when you arrive at work on the morning don't congregate in big groups,” he said.

“When you have your safety briefing, don't stand together.”

Speaking to reporters, Mr Fuller said police had written 13 tickets since the health orders came into place.

“I hope we don't have to write anymore but I fear that there will be individuals that won't get the message,” he said.

VICTORIA

Individuals who don’t follow social distancing rules can be hit with on-the-spot fines of $1652 and businesses can cop fines of $9913.

The penalty for breaching quarantine is almost $19,826 for individuals and $100,000 for companies.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews urged people to stay home, saying “this is life and death”.

“Unless you want to be burying an elderly relative or your best mate, or your parents, if they’re younger, do the right thing,” he said in a press conference.

QUEENSLAND

Surf Life Saving Queensland have taken the flags down at Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas to encourage social distancing to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Picture: Gizelle Ghidella

Police can issue on-the-spot fines of $1334 for individuals and $6672 for businesses flouting social distancing rules.

Penalties of up to $13,345 apply for individuals who do not comply with quarantine directions, with this jump to $66,672 for corporations.

Regular compliance checks are being carried out to ensure members or the community are abiding by the new rules.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

People who disobey social distancing rules will receive on-the-spot fines of $1000, with businesses copping fines of $5000.

Breaching quarantine will result in a fine of up to $50,000 or a year in jail.

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Those who enter the NT and ignore quarantine rules will be risking a fine of up to $62,000.

Commissioner Jamie Chalker said there is “no time for ignorance” surrounding the virus outbreak.

“Mass gatherings go completely against the national messaging and the high importance that everyone is placing around self-quarantine at the moment, ensuring appropriate social distancing,” he said.

“The sad reality is, the many moves we are making are based on the fact we know there is a vulnerable cohort living in the Northern Territory. We are taking many steps to ensure that those people have a significant likelihood of surviving COVID-19.”

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Individuals will receive on-the-spot fines of $1000 for flouting social distancing rules and business will cop $5000 fines.

Breaching quarantine will result in fines of up to $25,000.

TASMANIA

Ignoring social distancing rules will result in on-the-spot fines of up to $1000 and possible arrest.

Not following quarantine directives can result in fines of $16,800 and up to six months’ jail.

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

Fines for individuals flouting social distancing rules if they ignore previous warnings.

For people who breach quarantine they will face fines of $8000 and for corporations it bumps up to $40,500.