Coronavirus Australia live updates: NSW minister Don Harwin resigns after breaking rules

The NSW government minister who was fined $1000 by police after breaking the coronavirus rules has quit - but without apologising.

Don Harwin, the NSW government minister who was fined $1000 by police after breaking the coronavirus rules, has quit.

Mr Harwin released an unapologetic statement this evening, merely saying he did not want to become a "distraction" for Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

"Today I've offered my resignation to the Premier as a minister in her government," he said.

"There is nothing more important than the work of the government in fighting the coronavirus crisis. I will not allow my circumstances to be a distraction from that work, and I very much regret that my residential arrangements have become an issue during this time.

"At all times I have sought to act in accordance with public health orders, and I sought advice that my living arrangements complied with those orders.

"I remain confident that I have acted in accordance with those orders. I know however that perception is just as important during these times."

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There are more than 6200 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Australia with 2822 in New South Wales, 1241 in Victoria, 965 in Queensland, 428 in South Australia, 506 in Western Australia, 122 in Tasmania, 103 in the Australian Capital Territory and 28 in the Northern Territory .

The death toll now stands at 54.

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